Interim Results

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Gaming Realms plc reported interim results for the six months to June 30, 2026, showing a 12% increase in content licensing revenue to £13.0m, contributing to total revenue of £15.5m, a slight decrease from £16.0m in the prior period, largely due to a significant drop in brand licensing revenue. Adjusted EBITDA, excluding brand licensing, grew 16% to £5.9m, with margins expanding to 40%, indicating strong operational leverage in the core business. The company launched content in four new regulated markets and saw UK revenues return to growth, up 3%, despite increased gaming duty. Net cash stood at £13.5m after returning £6.0m to shareholders via share buybacks.

Disclaimer*

Gaming Realms PLC
08 September 2026
 

8 September 2026

 

 

Gaming Realms plc

 

("Gaming Realms", the "Company" or the "Group")

 

Interim Results

 

Strong growth in core content licensing business; revenue up 12% and Adjusted EBITDA1 margins expanding

 

UK revenues return to growth despite near doubling of Remote Gaming Duty

 

Core content licensing revenue increased 23% in the two months post-period compared to the same period in 2025

 

 

Gaming Realms plc (AIM: GMR), the developer and licensor of mobile focused gaming content, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2026 (the "Period" or "H1'26").

 

 

Financial highlights:

 

 

H1'26

H1'25

  Change

 £m

 £m

 %

Content licensing revenue

13.0

11.7

+12%

Brand licensing revenue

0.7

2.4

-71%

Social publishing revenue

1.7

1.9

-9%

Total revenue

15.5

16.0

-3%

Adjusted EBITDA (excl. brand licensing)

5.9

5.1

+16%

Adjusted EBITDA (total)

6.6

7.5

-12%

Profit before tax (excl. brand licensing)

2.7

1.8

+47%

Profit before tax (total)

3.4

4.2

-21%





·      Total revenue of £15.5m (H1'25: £16.0m), with the period-on-period movement driven by a reduction in non-core brand licensing revenue following a significant multi-year brand renewal recognised in full in the prior period

·      Total licensing revenues reduced 2% to £13.8m (H1'25: £14.1m), consisting of:

•   Content licensing revenue increased 12% to £13.0m (H1'25: £11.7m)

•   Brand licensing revenue reduced 71% to £0.7m (H1'25: £2.4m), as a result of the impact of the significant non-core brand deal in the prior period as noted above

·      Adjusted EBITDA excluding brand licensing grew 16% to £5.9m (H1'25: £5.1m), representing a 40% Adjusted EBITDA margin (H1'25: 37%), demonstrating continued operating leverage in the core content licensing business

·      Profit before tax excluding brand licensing increased 47% to £2.7m (H1'25: £1.8m)

·      Net cash at period end of £13.5m (Dec'25: £17.8m) after £6.0m returned to shareholders through the Group's ongoing share buyback programme

 

Operational highlights:  

·      Launched content in four new regulated markets during the period: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Peru

·      Released 11 new games into the market (H1'25: 6 games); eight unique Slingo titles along with three games from the Company's newly established Lucky Lunar studio

·      UK revenues up 3% versus the comparative period, with gross gaming revenue now above levels seen prior to the staking limit changes introduced in 2025

·      North America content licensing revenue up 16% over H1'25, reflecting continued market expansion across the region

·      Launched with 22 new partners globally (H1'25: 19 partners):

•   In North America with Fanduel in West Virginia and Resorts in Pennsylvania

•   In South America with Kaizen in Peru

•   In Europe with William Hill in Spain and Entain in Portugal

•   In Africa with Betway in South Africa and Sportybet in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya

·      Increased unique players in the content licensing business by 88%

·      Launched a further five third-party slot games, bringing the total number of third-party games distributed to 28 (Dec'25: 23)

 

Post period-end:

 

·      Core content licensing revenue increased 23% in the two months post period-end compared to the same period in 2025

·      Launched in two further regulated markets; Alberta, Canada, and Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

·      Launched content with 13 partners including Hard Rock in Ontario and LiveScore in South Africa

·      Released a further five unique games across our Slingo and Lucky Lunar studios

 

 

1 EBITDA is profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expenses and is a non-GAAP measure.  The Group uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to comment on its financial performance.  Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA excluding share option and related charges and adjusting items, which are significant, non-recurring items outside the scope of the Group's ordinary activities. See Note 4 for further details.

Summary:

Gaming Realms has delivered continued growth in its core content licensing business through the first half of 2026, executing on its strategy of developing and licensing innovative games globally to market-leading partners.

Total Group revenue of £15.5m (H1'25: £16.0m) reflects a reduction in brand licensing revenue following the prior-period recognition of a significant multi-year brand licensing renewal, the consideration for which was recognised in full at inception. Excluding brand licensing, revenue grew 9% period-on-period, underpinned by the ongoing international expansion of the content licensing business.

Adjusted EBITDA of £6.6m (H1'25: £7.5m) reflects the same brand licensing dynamic. On a comparable basis, excluding brand licensing, Adjusted EBITDA grew 16% period-on-period, with the Adjusted EBITDA margin on core business improving further, demonstrating the operating leverage inherent in the Group's licensing model.

In the UK, the increase in Remote Gaming Duty to 40% from 1 April 2026 represented a further headwind for the sector following the staking limit changes in 2025. Notwithstanding this, UK revenues grew 3% compared with the comparative period, and gross gaming revenue is now above the levels seen prior to the staking limit changes, reflecting both the resilience of the Slingo brand and the effectiveness of the Group's recent product innovations.

The Group continued to expand its international footprint during the period, launching in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Peru, and taking the total number of regulated markets to 32 as at 30 June 2026. Post period-end, the Group also became one of the first content providers live in Alberta, Canada, on the opening day of the province's newly regulated iGaming market and also launched in the regulated market of Argentina.

During the period, the Group released 11 unique new games, including three titles from its newly established Lucky Lunar slot studio.  The Lucky Lunar studio marks an important step in broadening the Group's content portfolio beyond the Slingo mechanic and into traditional slot formats, expanding the addressable opportunity with existing and new operator partners.

Outlook for FY26:

Trading in the first half of 2026 was in line with the Board's expectations, and the Board remains confident that the Group will deliver full year results in line with market expectations.

Looking ahead, the Group is well positioned to build on its momentum and deliver further growth across both new and existing markets. The Alberta launch post period-end strengthens the Group's North American position, adding to an established base across six U.S. regulated iGaming states and three Canadian provinces.

Our strategic focus for the remainder of the year is to continue broadening our international footprint by entering additional regulated markets, while deepening our presence with existing partners to capture further growth opportunities.

These market expansions will be underpinned by:

·      The continued release of new Slingo titles and the expansion of the Lucky Lunar slot portfolio in H2 2026;

·      The deepening of third-party content distribution through our aggregation platform; and

·      Continued investment in platform technology and data analytics to support scalable, efficient growth.

 

Commenting on the first half performance, Mark Segal, Chief Executive Officer, said:

 

"The first half results reflect the continued execution of our strategy and the early benefits of the increased investment we made in content and platform capability in the second half of 2025. Core content licensing grew 12% driven by new market launches, 22 new operator partners and an expanding portfolio of Slingo and Lucky Lunar titles.

 

"Our UK business demonstrated real resilience, growing revenues despite the near-doubling of Remote Gaming Duty. We are now live in 34 regulated markets following our post-period launches in Alberta, Canada and Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and we expect that investment to convert into an increased games release volume in the second half.

 

"The Board is confident in the Group's outlook for the future, and for the remainder of the year."

 

 

An analyst briefing will be held virtually at 9.30am today. To attend, please contact Yellow Jersey at gamingrealms@yellowjerseypr.com.

 

Enquiries

 

Gaming Realms plc 

Michael Buckley, Executive Chairman

Mark Segal, CEO

Geoff Green, CFO

 

 

0845 123 3773

Peel Hunt LLP - NOMAD and Joint Broker 

George Sellar

Andrew Clark

 

 

020 7418 8900

 

Investec Bank plc - Joint Broker

James Hopton

Lydia Zychowska

 

 

020 7597 4000

Yellow Jersey 

Charles Goodwin

Annabelle Wills

 

07747 788 221

 

 

About Gaming Realms

 

Gaming Realms creates and licenses innovative games for mobile, with operations in the U.K., U.S., Canada and Malta. Through its unique IP and brands, Gaming Realms is bringing together media, entertainment and gaming assets in new game formats. As the creator of a variety of SlingoTM, bingo, slots and other games, we use our proprietary data platform to build and engage global audiences. In 2026, Gaming Realms launched Lucky Lunar, a new studio focused on creating innovative slot titles that combine familiar casino mechanics with unique SlingoTM features. The Gaming Realms management team includes accomplished entrepreneurs and experienced executives from a wide range of leading gaming and media companies.

 

Business review

 

Gaming Realms delivered continued growth in its core content licensing business in the first half of 2026, building on the strong foundation established in prior periods and executing on its strategy of expanding internationally across an increasing number of regulated markets.

 

Total Group revenue was £15.5m (H1'25: £16.0m). The period-on-period reduction at headline level reflects a reduction in non-core brand licensing revenue to £0.7m (H1'25: £2.4m), following the prior-period recognition of a significant multi-year brand licensing renewal in full. Excluding brand licensing, Group revenue grew 9% period-on-period, driven by the continued expansion of the content licensing business.

 

EBITDA was £6.1m (H1'25: £6.3m), and £6.6m on an adjusted basis before share option and related charges and other adjusting items (H1'25: £7.5m). The Adjusted EBITDA margin was 43% (H1'25: 47%), with the movement driven by the lower brand licensing contribution. On a comparable basis excluding brand licensing, the Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 40% (H1'25: 37%), demonstrating the continued operating leverage in the core content licensing business.

 

Profit before tax was £3.4m (H1'25: £4.2m), reflecting the reduction in brand licensing revenue described above. Excluding brand licensing, profit before tax increased 47% to £2.7m (H1'25: £1.8m), with the Adjusted EBITDA improvement in the core business flowing through to profit before tax, as the increase in amortisation arising from the Group's expanded development programme was broadly offset by a reduction in share option and related charges, and other below-EBITDA items remained stable.

 

Licensing

 

Licensing segment revenues were £13.8m (H1'25: £14.1m), comprising:

 

·      Content licensing revenue up 12% to £13.0m (H1'25: £11.7m), or 13% at constant currency; and

·      Brand licensing revenue of £0.7m (H1'25: £2.4m), reflecting the prior-period recognition of a significant multi-year brand licensing renewal, the consideration for which was recognised in full at inception.

 

The segment delivered Adjusted EBITDA of £7.5m (H1'25: £8.2m).

 

Content licensing

The Group's core focus remains the expansion of its content licensing business, driven by entry into new regulated markets, enhancement of the games portfolio, and the deepening of relationships with both new and existing partners to grow in existing markets.

 

During the period, the Group launched in four new regulated markets - Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Peru - taking the total number of regulated markets to 32 at 30 June 2026. Post period-end, the Group also launched in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina and Alberta, Canada, on the first day of the province's newly regulated iGaming market, taking the total to 34.

 

The Group launched with 22 new operator partners during the period across North America, South America, Europe and Africa. Post period-end, 13 further partners have gone live, with a strong pipeline for the remainder of the year.

 

Eleven new games were released during the period; eight unique new Slingo titles and three games from the Group's newly established Lucky Lunar slot studio. These releases bring the total first-party games portfolio distributed to 95 titles at 30 June 2026 (Dec'25: 84). The Lucky Lunar studio, which launched its first titles in Q1 2026, represents an important step in diversifying the Group's content beyond the Slingo mechanic and into traditional slot formats, broadening the Group's addressable opportunity with existing and prospective operator partners.

 

The increase in game output during the period reflects the investment in content development commencing in the second half of 2025, including the establishment of the Lucky Lunar slot studio and an expansion of the Group's development teams. The accelerated investment programme was designed to materially increase the Group's proprietary content output and diversify the portfolio beyond Slingo into traditional slot formats.

 

In the UK, the increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% from 1 April 2026 provided a further headwind for the sector, following the staking limit changes introduced in April 2025. Notwithstanding this, UK revenues grew 3% compared with the comparative period, and gross gaming revenue in the UK is now above levels seen prior to the 2025 staking limit changes. This performance reflects both the resilience of the Slingo brand and the effectiveness of the product innovations developed in response to regulatory changes.

 

Content licensing revenues were £13.0m (H1'25: £11.7m), up 12% or 13% at constant currency. Segmental expenses (excluding share option and related charges) increased 9% to £6.4m (H1'25: £5.8m), reflecting the continued investment across the Group's different teams and its platform to support the expanded product roadmap and growing number of regulated markets.

 

Brand licensing

Brand licensing revenues were £0.7m (H1'25: £2.4m). The prior period included the recognition of a significant multi-year brand licensing renewal, the full consideration for which was recognised in the prior period. Excluding this renewal, underlying brand licensing revenue more than doubled to £0.7m (H1'25: £0.3m).

 

The Group continues to explore brand licensing opportunities that complement its portfolio and enhance long-term value.

 

Social

 

Revenue in the Group's social publishing business was £1.7m (H1'25: £1.9m), a 9% decrease on a reported basis and 6% on a constant currency basis.

 

Marketing expenses of £0.1m (H1'25: £0.1m) were invested in the period to drive player growth, engagement and revenues.

 

Segmental expenses, excluding marketing, were £1.2m (H1'25: £1.3m). Adjusted EBITDA contribution from the segment was £0.5m (H1'25: £0.6m).

 

Cashflow and Balance Sheet

 

The Group's cash balance as at 30 June 2026 was £13.5m, compared with £17.8m at 31 December 2025. The reduction reflects £6.0m returned to shareholders through the Group's share buyback programme during the period.

 

Cash inflow from operations was £6.1m (H1'25: £9.1m). Capitalised development costs in the period were £4.4m (H1'25: £3.4m), reflecting the continued investment in the Group's expanded content development programme. This investment, which commenced in earnest in H2'25 with the build-out of the Lucky Lunar studio and additional development capacity, is beginning to translate into increased game output and is expected to support a higher rate of new title releases in H2'26 and beyond.

 

The Group remains debt free, and the Board continues to review the optimal use of the cash balance.

 

The Group's net asset position at the period end was £35.7m (31 December 2025: £39.3m). The reduction of £3.6m reflects the accounting treatment of the share buyback programme. Shares repurchased under the programme are held in treasury and recorded as a deduction from equity, with the £6.0m cost of shares repurchased in H1'26 reducing net assets accordingly. Excluding this, net assets would have increased period-on-period, reflecting the profitability of the Group during the period.

 

 

Dividend and Capital Allocation

 

The Board of Directors is not proposing an interim dividend for the period as it continues to execute on its strategy and invest in the growth of the business.

 

During the first half of 2026, the Group repurchased 17,345,561 of its own shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme, at a total cost of £6.0m, reflecting the Board's confidence in the long-term prospects of the business and its commitment to delivering shareholder value.

     

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

for the 6 months ended 30 June 2026

 


 

6M

6M



30 June 2026

30 June 2025



Unaudited

Unaudited

 

Note

 £

 £

 Revenue

2

                 15,491,294

                 15,991,118

 Other income


                      230,719

                      103,870

 Marketing expenses


                     (189,380)

                     (196,935)

 Operating expenses


                 (3,545,496)

                 (3,069,300)

 Administrative expenses


                 (5,393,283)

                 (5,328,439)

 Share option and related charges

12

                     (485,741)

                 (1,005,329)





 EBITDA before adjusting items


                   6,108,113

                   6,494,985

 Adjusting items

4

                                 -  

                     (146,732)

 EBITDA

2

                   6,108,113

                   6,348,253

 Amortisation of intangible assets

7

                 (2,744,789)

                 (2,167,739)

 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

6

                     (182,825)

                     (189,748)

 Finance expense

3

                       (53,536)

                       (60,757)

 Finance income

3

                      231,039

                      298,749

 Profit before tax

 

                   3,358,002

                   4,228,758

 Taxation expense

8

                     (914,405)

                 (1,572,406)

 Profit for the period


                   2,443,597

                   2,656,352

 Other comprehensive income

 



 Items that will or may be reclassified to profit or loss:

 


  

 Exchange loss arising on translation of foreign operations


                         (4,232)

                     (143,315)

 Loss on cash flow hedges (net)


                       (53,634)

                                 -  

 Total other comprehensive loss


                       (57,866)

                     (143,315)

 Total comprehensive income


                   2,385,731

                   2,513,037

 




 Profit attributable to:

 



 Owners of the parent


                   2,443,597

                   2,656,352





 Total comprehensive income attributable to:

 



 Owners of the parent


                   2,385,731

                   2,513,037





 Earnings per share

 

Pence

Pence

 Basic

5

0.87

0.90

 Diluted

5

0.83

0.86

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 30 June 2026

 

 

 

 

30 June
2026

31 December
2025



Unaudited

Audited

 

Note

 £

 £

 Non-current assets

 



 Intangible assets

7

19,918,536

18,195,840

 Property, plant and equipment

6

853,018

1,014,692

 Deferred tax asset

8

1,098,834

1,617,564



21,870,388

20,828,096

 Current assets

 



 Trade and other receivables

9

5,650,322

6,536,893

 Cash and cash equivalents


13,475,873

17,764,518



19,126,195

24,301,411

 Total assets


40,996,583

45,129,507

 Current liabilities

 



 Trade and other payables

10

4,274,052

4,745,157

 Lease liabilities


244,476

239,568



4,518,528

4,984,725

 Non-current liabilities

 



 Deferred tax liability

8

341,585

313,281

 Lease liabilities


389,844

512,634



731,429

825,915

 Total liabilities


5,249,957

5,810,640

 Net assets


35,746,626

39,318,867

 Equity

 



 Share capital

11

296,266

296,266

 Share premium


283,267

283,267

 Treasury share reserve


(8,666,048)

(2,775,895)

 Merger reserve


(68,393,657)

(68,393,657)

 Deferred tax reserve


104,722

788,806

 Cash flow hedge reserve


13,668

67,302

 Foreign exchange reserve


1,210,550

1,214,782

 Retained earnings


110,897,858

107,837,996

 Total equity


35,746,626

39,318,867

 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the 6 months ended 30 June 2026

 

 





 

30 June
2026

30 June
2025



Unaudited

Unaudited


 Note

£

 £

 Cash flows from operating activities

 



 Profit for the period


2,443,597

2,656,352

 Adjustments for:

 



 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

6

182,825

189,748

 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets

7

2,744,789

2,167,739

 Finance income

3

(231,039)

(298,749)

 Finance expense

3

53,536

60,757

 Income tax charge

8

914,405

1,572,406

 Exchange differences


3,880

(227)

 Equity settled share based payment expense

12

681,160

472,627

 Decrease in trade and other receivables


190,097

2,939,583

 Decrease in trade and other payables


(471,105)

(652,535)

 Net cash flows from operating activities before taxation


6,512,145

9,107,701

 Net tax paid in the period


(418,266)

(17,419)

 Net cash flows from operating activities


6,093,879

9,090,282





 Investing activities

 



 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

6

(24,197)

(55,670)

 Acquisition of intangible assets

7

(65,340)

(92,963)

 Capitalised development costs

7

(4,407,151)

(3,386,500)

 Bank interest received

3

231,039

294,449

 Net cash used in investing activities


(4,265,649)

(3,240,684)





 Financing activities

 



 IFRS 16 lease payments


(146,109)

(141,196)

 Cash received on exercise of share options


20,100

185,460

 Share buyback

13

(5,975,148)

(410,520)

 Interest paid

3

(23,603)

(20,851)

 Net cash used in financing activities


(6,124,760)

(387,107)

 Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(4,296,530)

5,462,491

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

17,764,518

13,512,235

 Exchange gain / (loss) on cash and cash equivalents


7,885

(12,388)

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


13,475,873

18,962,338

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the 6 months ended 30 June 2026

 












 Share capital

 Share premium

 Treasury share reserve

 Merger reserve

 Deferred tax reserve

 Cash flow hedge reserve

 Foreign Exchange Reserve

 Retained earnings

 Total equity


 £

 £

 £

 £

 

 

 £

 £

 £

 1 January 2025

294,826

-

-

(68,393,657)

-

-

1,322,306

100,732,829

33,956,304

 Profit for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,656,352

2,656,352

 Other comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

-

-

(143,315)

-

(143,315)

 Total comprehensive income for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(143,315)

2,656,352

2,513,037

 Contributions by and distributions to owners

 









 Share-based payment on equity settled share options

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

472,627

472,627

 Deferred tax on unexercised options

-

-

-

-

1,356,515

-

-

-

1,356,515

 Exercise of options

993

184,467

-

-

-

-

-

-

185,460

 Repurchase of own shares (Note 13)

-

-

(410,520)

-

-

-

-

-

(410,520)

 30 June 2025 (unaudited)

295,819

184,467

(410,520)

(68,393,657)

1,356,515

-

1,178,991

103,861,808

38,073,423

 




















 1 January 2026

296,266

283,267

(2,775,895)

(68,393,657)

788,806

67,302

1,214,782

107,837,996

39,318,867

 Profit for the period

-

-


-

-

-

-

2,443,597

2,443,597

 Other comprehensive loss

-

-


-

-

(53,634)

(4,232)

-

(57,866)

 Total comprehensive income for the period

-

-


-

-

(53,634)

(4,232)

2,443,597

2,385,731

 Contributions by and distributions to owners

 









 Share-based payment on equity settled share options (Note 12)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

681,160

681,160

 Deferred tax on unexercised share options (Note 8)

-

-

-

-

(684,084)

-

-

-

(684,084)

 Exercise of options

-

-

84,995

-

-

-

-

(64,895)

20,100

 Repurchase of own shares (Note 13)

-

-

(5,975,148)

-

-

-

-

-

(5,975,148)

 30 June 2026 (unaudited)

296,266

283,267

(8,666,048)

(68,393,657)

104,722

13,668

1,210,550

110,897,858

35,746,626

 
Notes forming part of the consolidated financial statements

For the 6 months ended 30 June 2026

 

1. Accounting policies

 

General Information

 

Gaming Realms plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group").

 

The Company is admitted to trading on AIM of the London Stock Exchange. It is incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is Two Valentine Place, London, SE1 8QH.

 

The results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2025 are unaudited.

 

Basis of preparation

 

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2025 included in these financial statements does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that year. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2025 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2025 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

This interim report, which has neither been audited nor reviewed by independent auditors, was approved by the board of directors on 7 September 2026. The financial information in this interim report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The accounting policies applied by the Group in this financial information are the same as those applied by the Group in its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 and which will form the basis of the 2026 financial statements.

 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Sterling.

 

Going concern

 

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements from the cash flows generated by its trading activities and its available cash resources. 

 

The Group prepares cash flow forecasts and re-forecasts at least bi-annually as part of the business planning process. 

 

The Directors have reviewed forecast cash flows for the period to December 2028, and consider that the Group will have sufficient cash resources available to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

 

Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Group will realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

The Board of Directors believes that in order to best represent the trading performance and results of the Group, the reported numbers should exclude certain one-off items.  The Group therefore presents adjusted results, which differ from statutory results due to the exclusion of these items.

 

Management regularly uses the adjusted financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate the business and make operating decisions.  These adjusted measures are among the primary factors management uses in planning for and forecasting future periods.

 

EBITDA is a non-GAAP company specific measure defined as profit or loss before tax adjusted for finance income and expense, depreciation and amortisation.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA excluding share option and related charges and adjusting items, which are significant, non-recurring items outside the scope of the Group's ordinary activities.

 

2. Segment information

 

The executive management team is the Group's chief operating decision-maker. Management has determined the operating segments based on the information reviewed by the Board for the purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance.

 

The Group has two reportable segments.

·      Licensing - B2B brand and content licensing for a global network of partners; and

·      Social publishing - provides B2C freemium games to the US.

 

Revenue

 

The Group has disaggregated revenue into various categories in the following table which is intended to:

·   Depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors; and

·   Enable users to understand the relationship with revenue segment information provided below.

 


 Licensing

 Social
publishing

 Total

 H1 2026 revenue

 £

 £

 £

 Primary geographical markets

 



 UK, including Channel Islands

7,913

-

7,913

 USA

7,205,871

1,740,646

8,946,517

 Isle of Man

524,377

-

524,377

 Malta

3,485,805

-

3,485,805

 Gibraltar

1,632,919

-

1,632,919

 Rest of the World

893,763

-

893,763


13,750,648

1,740,646

15,491,294

 




 Contract counterparties

 



 Direct to consumers (B2C)

-

1,740,646

1,740,646

 B2B

13,750,648

-

13,750,648


13,750,648

1,740,646

15,491,294

 

 


 Licensing

 Social
publishing

 Total

 H1 2025 revenue

 £

 £

 £

 Primary geographical markets

 



 UK, including Channel Islands

309,298

-

309,298

 USA

8,682,271

1,922,195

10,604,466

 Isle of Man

729,832

-

729,832

 Malta

2,190,227

-

2,190,227

 Gibraltar

1,344,400

-

1,344,400

 Rest of the World

812,895

-

812,895


14,068,923

1,922,195

15,991,118

 




 Contract counterparties

 



 Direct to consumers (B2C)

-

1,922,195

1,922,195

 B2B

14,068,923

-

14,068,923


14,068,923

1,922,195

15,991,118

 

 

EBITDA

 


 Licensing

 Social publishing

 Head Office

 Total

H1 2026

 £

 £

 £

 £

 Revenue

                  13,750,648

                    1,740,646

                                -  

                  15,491,294

 Other income

                         75,000

                       155,719

                                -  

                       230,719

 Marketing expense

                       (27,936)

                     (149,302)

                       (12,142)

                     (189,380)

 Operating expense

                  (2,863,522)

                     (681,974)

                                -  

                  (3,545,496)

 Administrative expense

                  (3,461,067)

                     (548,396)

                  (1,383,820)

                  (5,393,283)

 Adjusted EBITDA

                    7,473,123

                       516,693

                  (1,395,962)

                    6,593,854

 Share option and related charges

                     (268,505)

                           9,146

                     (226,382)

                     (485,741)

 Adjusting items

                                -  

                                -  

                                -  

                                -  

 EBITDA

                    7,204,618

                       525,839

                  (1,622,344)

                    6,108,113

 


 Licensing

 Social publishing

 Head Office

 Total

H1 2025

 £

 £

 £

 £

 Revenue

                  14,068,923

                    1,922,195

                                -  

                  15,991,118

 Other income

                                -  

                       103,870

                                -  

                       103,870

 Marketing expense

                       (36,005)

                     (111,747)

                       (49,183)

                     (196,935)

 Operating expense

                  (2,361,453)

                     (707,847)

                                -  

                  (3,069,300)

 Administrative expense

                  (3,433,208)

                     (585,396)

                  (1,309,835)

                  (5,328,439)

 Adjusted EBITDA

                    8,238,257

                       621,075

                  (1,359,018)

                    7,500,314

 Share option and related charges

                     (262,168)

                              145

                     (743,306)

                  (1,005,329)

 Adjusting items

                     (146,732)

                                -  

                                -  

                     (146,732)

 EBITDA

                    7,829,357

                       621,220

                  (2,102,324)

                    6,348,253

 

 

3. Finance income and expense

 


 

6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025



 £

 £

 Finance income

 



 Bank interest received


                  231,039

                  294,449

 Interest income on unwind of deferred income


                            -  

                      4,300

 Total finance income

 

                  231,039

                  298,749





 Finance expense

 



 Bank interest paid


                    23,603

                    20,851

 Interest expense on lease liability


                    29,933

                    39,906

 Total finance expense

 

                    53,536

                    60,757

 

4. Adjusting items

 

EBITDA is profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation and is a non-GAAP measure. EBITDA before adjusting items excludes certain items that Management considers to be significant, non-recurring and outside the Group's ordinary activities that may distort an understanding of financial performance or impair comparability.

 

EBITDA before adjusting items is stated before adjusting items as follows:

 



6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025



 £

 £





 Other income


-

(225,000)

 Legal expenses


-

371,732

 Adjusting items

 

-

146,732

 

The adjusted other income and legal expenses in H1'25 relate to a legal case that settled during the prior period. The other income represents costs reimbursed in relation to the matter.

 

5. Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the result attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.  The calculation of diluted EPS is based on the result attributable to ordinary shareholders and weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.  The Group's potentially dilutive securities consist of share options.  

 


6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025


 £

 £




2,443,597

2,656,352




 Number

 Number

 Denominator - basic

 


279,525,437

294,511,837




 Denominator - diluted

 


 Weighted average number of ordinary shares

279,525,437

294,511,837

 Weighted average number of option shares

16,027,616

14,621,095

 Weighted average number of shares

295,553,052

309,132,932





 Pence

 Pence

 Basic earnings per share

0.87

0.90

 Diluted earnings per share

0.83

0.86

 

  

6. Property, plant and equipment

 


 ROU lease assets

 Leasehold improvements

 Computers and related equipment

 Office furniture and equipment

 Total


 £

 £

 £

 £

 £

 Cost

 





 At 1 January 2026

1,267,646

16,403

657,993

148,501

2,090,543

 Additions

-

4,998

13,135

6,064

24,197

 Exchange differences

(4,142)

(217)

(4,826)

(1,443)

(10,628)

 At 30 June 2026

1,263,504

21,184

666,302

153,122

2,104,112

 






 Accumulated depreciation and impairment

 




 At 1 January 2026

433,731

8,619

538,214

95,287

1,075,851

 Depreciation charge

130,809

1,168

38,801

12,047

182,825

 Exchange differences

(2,676)

(142)

(3,826)

(938)

(7,582)

 At 30 June 2026

561,864

9,645

573,189

106,396

1,251,094

 






 Net book value

 





 At 1 January 2026

833,915

7,784

119,779

53,214

1,014,692

 At 30 June 2026

701,640

11,539

93,113

46,726

853,018

 

 

7. Intangible assets

 


 Goodwill

 Customer database

 Software

 Development costs

 Licenses

 Domain names

 Intellectual Property

 Total

 

 £

 £

 £

 £

 £

 £

 £

 £

 Cost

 








 At 1 January 2026

6,609,178

1,485,413

1,278,316

38,258,468

394,127

8,874

5,887,084

53,921,460

 Additions

-

-

-

4,407,151

41,995

-

23,345

4,472,491

 Exchange differences

16,986

-

-

(60,756)

-

-

-

(43,770)

 At 30 June 2026

6,626,164

1,485,413

1,278,316

42,604,863

436,122

8,874

5,910,429

58,350,181

 









 Accumulated amortisation and impairment

 






 At 1 January 2026

1,650,000

1,485,413

1,278,316

25,254,963

183,596

8,874

5,864,458

35,725,620

 Amortisation charge

-

-

-

2,643,636

96,904

-

4,249

2,744,789

 Exchange differences

-

-

-

(38,764)

-

-

-

(38,764)

 At 30 June 2026

1,650,000

1,485,413

1,278,316

27,859,835

280,500

8,874

5,868,707

38,431,645

 









 Net book value

 








 At 1 January 2026

4,959,178

-

-

13,003,505

210,531

-

22,626

18,195,840

 At 30 June 2026

4,976,164

-

-

14,745,028

155,622

-

41,722

19,918,536

 

 

8. Taxation

 


6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025


 £

 £

 Current tax

 


 Current tax charge

(1,014,904)

(33,387)

 Adjustment for current tax of prior periods

(30,978)

-

 Total current tax expense

(1,045,882)

(33,387)

 Deferred tax

 


 Movement on deferred tax asset through profit and loss

165,354

(1,501,459)

 Overseas temporary differences

(33,877)

(37,560)

 Total deferred tax credit / (expense)

131,477

(1,539,019)

Total tax expense

(914,405)

(1,572,406)

 

 

The reason for the difference between the actual tax charge for the period and the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK applied to profits for the year are as follows:

 


6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025


 £

 £

 Profit before tax for the period

3,358,002

4,228,758

 Expected tax at effective rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2025: 25%)

839,501

1,057,190

 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

81,989

138,726

 Income not chargeable for tax purposes

(38,930)

(25,968)

 Share scheme deductions under Part 12 CTA 09

(13,337)

(57,059)

 Effects of overseas taxation

61,234

17,721

 Adjustments in relation to prior periods

(30,978)

-

 Difference between IFRS 2 expense and deferred tax charge on share options

14,926

500,921

 Research and development tax credit

-

(59,125)


914,405

1,572,406

 

 

Deferred Tax

 

The analysis included in the financial statements at the period end is as follows:

 


30 June
2026

31 December
2025


£

£

 Deferred tax assets

 


 Unexercised share options

1,098,834

1,617,564

 Deferred tax assets

1,098,834

1,617,564




 Deferred tax liabilities

 


 Overseas temporary differences

(341,585)

(313,281)

Deferred tax liabilities

(341,585)

(313,281)




 Net deferred tax asset

757,249

1,304,283

 

 

The deferred tax included in the Group income statement is as follows:

 


6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025


 £

 £

 Deferred tax assets on losses movement

-

(1,000,538)

 Deferred tax asset for tax deduction on unexercised share options

165,354

(500,921)

 Overseas temporary differences

(33,877)

(37,560)

 Total deferred tax credit / (expense)

131,477

(1,539,019)

 

The deferred tax asset movement is as follows:

 


 Share options

 Total


 £

 £

 At 31 December 2025

1,617,564

1,617,564

 Deferred tax asset for deduction on unexercised share options through profit and loss

165,354

165,354

 Deferred tax asset for deduction on unexercised share options through equity

(684,084)

(684,084)

 At 30 June 2026

1,098,834

1,098,834

 

The deferred tax liability movement is as follows:

 


 Overseas temporary differences

 Total


 £

 £

 At 31 December 2025

313,281

313,281

 Overseas timing difference on intangible assets

33,877

33,877

 Exchange differences

(5,573)

(5,573)

 At 30 June 2026

341,585

341,585

 

 

 

9. Trade and other receivables

 

 

30 June
2026

31 December
2025

 

 £

 £

 Trade receivables

2,931,764

3,523,619

 Other receivables

469,462

336,846

 Corporation tax receivable

339,005

891,621

 Tax and social security

392,886

404,184

 Prepayments and accrued income

1,517,205

1,380,623


5,650,322

6,536,893

 

All amounts shown fall due for payment within one year.

 

10. Trade and other payables

 

 

30 June
2026

31 December
2025

 

 £

 £

 Trade payables

1,434,987

1,339,777

 Other payables

177,080

357,550

 Tax and social security

283,228

231,622

 Accruals

2,378,757

2,816,208


4,274,052

4,745,157

 

The carrying value of trade and other payables classified as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost approximates fair value.

 

 

11. Share capital

 


30 June
2026

30 June
2026

30 June
2025

30 June
2025

 Ordinary shares

 Number

 £

 Number

 £

 Ordinary shares of

296,266,014

296,266

295,819,814

295,819

 0.1 pence each

 

The Company's issued share capital on 30 June 2026 was 296,266,014 ordinary shares, of which 23,722,318 shares are held in treasury (see Note 13).  Therefore the number of ordinary shares with voting rights in the Company was 272,543,696.

 

 

12. Share based payments

The share option and related charges income statement expense comprises:

 


6M
30 June 2026

6M
30 June 2025


 £

 £

 IFRS 2 share-based payment charge

685,368

487,848

 Direct taxes related to share options

(199,627)

517,481


485,741

1,005,329

 

IFRS 2 (Share-based payments) requires that the fair value of equity settled transactions are calculated and systematically charged to the statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period.  The total expense that was charged to the income statement in the period in relation to share-based payments was £685,368, being £681,160 equity settled and £4,208 cash settled (H1'25: £472,627 equity settled and £15,221 cash settled).

 

Where individual EMI thresholds are exceeded, or when unapproved share options are exercised by employees, the Group is subject to employer taxes payable on the taxable gain on exercise.  Since these taxes are directly related to outstanding share options, the income statement charge has been included within share option and related charges.  The Group uses its closing share price at the reporting date to calculate such taxes to accrue.  The tax related income statement credit for the period was £199,627 (H1'25 charge of £517,481). The credit in the period is primarily due to the reduction in the share price.

 

During the period 3,155,600 share options were granted to certain directors and employees. The share options vest providing an associated service condition is satisfied. The June 2026 option grant vests in equal annual tranches, meaning one third of the granted options vest on 7 June 2027, the second third on 7 June 2028 and the final third on 7 June 2029.

 

 

 Grant date

 8 June 2026

 No. of options

3,155,600

 Vesting date

 7 June 2027- 7 June 2029

 Model used

 Black Scholes

 Share price at date of grant (pence)

31.3

 Expected option life

 3 years

 Dividend yield

 n/a

 Fair value per option at grant date (pence)

31.3

 Exercise price (pence)

-

 Exercisable to

 7 June 2036

 

In addition during the period 110,000 share options were granted to overseas contractors. These options vest on 7 June 2029 providing an associated service condition is satisfied. The options will be settled via a cash payment based on the prevailing share price at the time of exercise and there is no potential for the liability to be settled via equity. The options have therefore been accounted for as a cash settled option. The key terms of the options are:

 

 Grant date

 8 June 2026

 No. of options

110,000

 Vesting date

 7 June 2029

 Expected option life

 3 years

 Exercise price (pence)

-

 Exercisable to

 7 June 2032

 

The liability relating to cash settled share options at 30 June 2026 was £35,750 (30 June 2025: £21,731).

 

13. Share buyback

 

During the period the Group repurchased 17,345,561 ordinary shares with a nominal value of 0.1 pence at a weighted average price of 34.45 pence per share. The total cost was £5,975,148 inclusive of associated trading fees and the shares are currently held at cost in the treasury share reserve within equity. During the period 227,499 treasury shares were transferred to employees on the exercise of share options. At 30 June 2026 23,722,318 (30 June 2025: 1,108,779) shares were held in treasury.

 

14. Related party transactions

 

Jim Ryan is a Non-Executive Director of the Company and the CEO of Boyd Interactive U.S. LLC, which has a real-money online casino and bingo site in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ontario. During the period, total license fees earned by the Group were $131,665 (H1 2025: $97,894) with $15,537 due at 30 June 2026 (30 June 2025: $27,024). 

 

During the period the Group distributed its content to certain North American partners via Boyd's B2B platform distribution network.  Platform fees of $7,852 were incurred (H1 2025: $10,936) of which $903 were owed at the period end (30 June 2025: $2,604).

 

During the period £40,000 (H1 2025: £80,000) of consulting fees were paid to Dawnglen Finance Limited, a company controlled by Michael Buckley. At 30 June 2026 the amount due was £Nil (30 June 2025: £5,000).

 

 

 

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