Flutter Entertainment anticipates a substantial surge in sales during the final quarter of 2022. They project their income to be 31% greater than the corresponding period in the previous year. This positive trend is primarily attributed to the robust performance of their operations in the United States and other international markets.

Flutter projects their revenue for the three-month period to be approximately £1.89 billion, a significant increase compared to the £1.44 billion generated in the same period last year.

Excluding currency fluctuations, their revenue is projected to be 82% higher.

Flutter attributes this growth to their successful ventures in the US. They anticipate their sales in the US to be 114% higher than the previous year, reaching $598 million. This positions the US as their most significant market.

They attribute this growth to the thriving sports betting sector. They have witnessed a substantial increase in US customers coinciding with the commencement of the new NFL season.

They also anticipate a 36% growth in their online gambling revenue in the US. This is driven by increased monthly player engagement and the introduction of new games, such as the FanDuel Casino daily reward machines.

Across other territories, the United Kingdom and the Emerald Isle were Flutter’s top markets previously, with income projected to hit £509 million in the third quarter, a 4% jump year-over-year and a 3% increase on a constant currency basis.

Digital income is anticipated to climb 4% to £443 million, primarily fueled by a 29% surge in gaming income, boosted by ongoing robust player momentum. However, sports income is expected to dip 11% year-on-year as last year’s period included the benefits of the European Football Championship.

In terms of retail income in the UK and Ireland, it is projected to decline 3% to £66 million, driven by lower foot traffic due to the warm summer weather. Retail sports income is anticipated to decrease 3% and gaming income 2%.

Sisal Acquisition
Moving to Flutter’s global operations – led by the PokerStars brand – is expected to expand 43% on a constant currency basis to £466 million, driven by the acquisition of Italy’s Sisal in early August. The total international income includes two months of Sisal income.

Moreover, Flutter stated Australian income is projected to decrease 14% year-on-year and 21% on a constant currency basis to £319 million. Despite facing challenging COVID-19 comparative data, Sportsbet maintained good player retention, but lower player engagement, coupled with a high level of weather-related racing disruptions, resulted in a decline in income.

Taking into account recent trading updates, Flutter has boosted its full-year projections for its American operations, now anticipating income to be between £2.45 billion and £2.65 billion this year, up from the prior prediction of £2.3 billion to £2.5 billion. Adjusted EBITDA loss is anticipated to remain in line with the previous estimate of £235 million to £285 million.

Outside of the United States, the group’s adjusted EBITDA is expected to remain within the previously established range of £1.29 billion to £1.39 billion.

Chief Executive Peter Jackson stated: “Flutter had a robust third quarter with income and average monthly players both increasing 11% year-over-year.” “Our American division is now the largest, with revenue of $700 million, up 82%. We observed strong growth in our ‘consolidation and investment’ international markets, and the acquisition of Sisal in August helped drive income outside the United States.

“We are very satisfied with the performance of our American division since the NFL season commenced in September, and we now have an average of over 1 million players on a typical NFL Sunday. Additionally, we are witnessing improved customer retention as our parlay products gain popularity, following the start of the NBA season.

“Outside the United States, we welcomed leading Italian gaming operator Sisal to our international division this quarter, and we look forward to collaborating with the team to expand the business in Italy and other international markets.”

Flutter-Fox Court Decision

Jackson also brought up this week’s headlines, where a New York arbitrator decided that media giant Fox Corporation can utilize an option to purchase a considerable share in Flutter’s FanDuel from a $22 billion evaluation.

Fox currently has 10 years from December 2020 to exercise the option, acquiring 18.5% of the shares, but adjusted at a 5% annual compound interest rate. This can only be settled entirely with cash, and if Fox doesn’t act within the time period, the option will expire.

As of November 4th, the option price was set at $4.1 billion. This includes an $18.6% stake in FanDuel’s $3.7 billion exercise price, plus a 5% annual book value adjustment, bringing FanDuel’s total value to $22 billion.

The court also stated it will determine in 2023 the terms of Fox’s involvement in a potential FanDuel initial public offering.

“We are delighted to have successfully completed the mediation process with Fox regarding the option price for its acquisition of an 18.6% stake in FanDuel,” Jackson said. “This validates our stance on this matter, that FanDuel is valued at $20 billion, based on its fair market value on December 3, 2020, and provides important clarity on the significant capital needed to purchase the top betting business in the United States.

“Looking ahead, our product and geographic diversification, as well as our leisure customer base, position us for growth in the future.”

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