New UK Gambling Rules Impact Evoke’s Q1 Performance

Slight Dip in Performance in the UK and Ireland

Online operations in the UK and Ireland shrank by 1%, driven primarily by a decline in sports betting revenue. Evoke attributes the downturn to tighter gambling regulations introduced in the UK, aimed at strengthening player safety. These changes, while applauded for their responsible gaming focus, have created short-term disruption for operators.

Several new government-imposed safeguards are reshaping how gambling businesses operate online. Among them are more robust age and identity verification processes, along with tighter controls around marketing and promotions:

• Age Verification: Stricter protocols to confirm player age before they can place bets.
• Identity Checks: Enhanced ID requirements to block underage and fraudulent activity.
• Promo Restrictions: Curbs on marketing practices have limited outreach to new players.

While designed to enhance consumer protection, the rules have made it harder for operators to attract and retain players. These changes have coincided with a steep 21% drop in active user numbers for Evoke, underscoring the immediate commercial impact of increased regulatory oversight.

Evoke says it’s actively responding to these shifting conditions. The company is working to improve how it engages with users over time, and reports to be investing in tools to boost customer retention and crafting more targeted, value-driven offers.

Outside the UK, Evoke reported healthier momentum. International revenue climbed 11% during the quarter, with Romania emerging as a standout market. The company’s push to diversify its footprint beyond its domestic base appears to be paying off, providing a buffer against local challenges.

Chief Executive Per Widerström remains optimistic despite the mixed results, pointing to encouraging developments in key areas.

“We are building momentum in the right areas of the business, with particularly strong growth across our international core markets,” Widerström said.

“While our UK and Ireland online and retail performance was below expectations in Q1, we acted quickly to improve key performance drivers and have seen more positive trends in April.

“With better customer engagement, clearer value propositions, new gaming products, and a robust innovation pipeline, we’re confident in both our current market position and our long-term growth trajectory.”