Gamesys PLC (LON:GYS) , the online gaming group, said growth in Asia and lockdowns sent business through the roof in the year to end-December 2020.
Revenue grew by 75% and 29% year-on-year on a reported and pro-forma basis, respectively, primarily due to growth in Asia though there was a strong performance in the UK as lockdown boredom offset tighter gambling controls that meant an end to untargeted marketing, TV and radio advertising.
Player numbers rose to 712,000 per month on average from 587,000 with monthly revenues rising to £58.2mln.
Asia was the standout performer, with revenues increasing 78% as the launch of InterCasino supported established market leader Vera&John.
In Europe, Spain, its largest territory, did well despite a shifting regulatory landscape, which has now stabilised, said Gamesys, though revenue in total from European operations fell marginally year-on-year, reflecting ongoing challenges in the Nordics.
In the UK, revenues increased 19% driven by Virgin Games, Monopoly Casino and a new Rainbow Riches Casino.
“We continue to go from strength to strength in Asia, while the UK delivered strong double-digit revenue growth - all set against the backdrop of ongoing enhancements to our responsible gambling approach,” said Lee Fenton, chief executive.
Gamesys added it welcomed the ongoing UK review of the 2005 Gambling Act and would provide evidence for how to enhance the environment for responsible gambling.
Revenues for the year were £728mln (£415mln in 2019), while pre-tax profits from the ongoing businesses jumped to £68.7mln from £12mln.
A final dividend of 28.0p makes a payment of 40.0p for the year.