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Accounting policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Going concern
2.1Going concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared assuming the Group will continue as a going concern. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Group will continue in operation for at least a period of one year after the date these consolidated financial statements are issued, and contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
Management continues to monitor the impact of various geopolitical, regulatory and macroeconomic events, including uncertainty and volatility caused by any disruption to global trade and economic policy resulting from major shifts in long-standing trade positions of major economies and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. 
Despite these challenges, management is satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources available to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future after having reviewed in detail the current trading position, forecasts, and prospects of the Group, and the terms of the trade in operation with customers and suppliers. Management have prepared cash flow forecasts that model the impact of the aforementioned events and concluded that the Group has the ability to manage its committed expenditure to ensure that it has sufficient working capital to continue to meet its obligations as they fall due.
The Group has recognized net profit of €113.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2023: net loss of €8.6 million), (2022: net profit of €182.3 million) and generated cash flows from operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 of €283.6 million (2023: €132.8 million) (2022: €166.8 million). As of December 31, 2024 current assets exceeded current liabilities by €109.3 million (2023: €101.3 million). The Group has retained profit of €260.1 million as at December 31, 2024.
Based on these factors, management has a reasonable expectation that the Group has and will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least one year from the date of issuance of these financial statements, April 3, 2025, and therefore have prepared the consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.
Recent accounting pronouncements
2.2Recent accounting pronouncements
The following amendments became effective in 2024, but did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group:
Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (effective date January 1, 2024);
Amendments to IFRS 16: Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (effective date January 1, 2024); and
Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7: Disclosures: Supplier Finance Arrangements (effective date January 1, 2024).
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.2Recent accounting pronouncements (continued)
Standards issued not yet applied
The following IFRSs have been issued but have not been applied in these consolidated financial statements:
Amendments to IAS 21: Lack of exchangeability (effective date January 1, 2025).
IFRS 9 and IFRS 7: Power Purchase Agreements (effective date January 1, 2026)
IFRS 19: Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures (effective date January 1, 2027 - with early adoption permitted)
The adoption of the above is not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
The Group is currently assessing the effect of the following new accounting standards and amendments:
IFRS 9 and IFRS 7: Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (effective date January 1, 2026)
IFRS 18: Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (effective date January 1, 2027 - with early adoption permitted)
IFRS 9 and IFRS 7: Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments had amendments that were issued by the Board in May 2024. The amendments are expected to have a material impact on the classification of cash-in-transit balances where the cash-in-transit is linked to the derecognition of financial instruments.
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements, which was issued by the IASB in April 2024 supersedes IAS 1 and will result in major consequential amendments to IFRS Accounting Standards including IAS 8 Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements (renamed from Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors). Even though IFRS 18 will not have any effect on the recognition and measurement of items in the consolidated financial statements, it is expected to have a significant effect on the presentation and disclosure of certain items. These changes include categorization and sub-totals in the statement of profit or loss, aggregation/disaggregation and labelling of information, and disclosure of management-defined performance measures.
Basis of Consolidation
2.3Basis of Consolidation
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it has power over the entity, it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Group’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings.
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group obtains control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.
When necessary, adjustments are made to the consolidated financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with the Group’s accounting policies. A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.
If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-controlling interest and other components of equity, while any residual gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss. Any investment retained, if not assessed as an investment in associate or joint venture, is recognized at fair value.
Revenue recognition
2.4Revenue recognition
The Group generates revenue through income earned from online gaming activities, comprising online casino games and sports betting, as well as brand licensing agreements. All revenue is recognized net of the fair value of customer incentives and value-added tax ("VAT") and goods and services tax ("GST") in countries where they are applicable.
Online casino and sports betting
Revenues generated from online casino games and sports betting are classified as derivative financial instruments accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9, ‘Financial Instruments’. These derivatives are initially recognized at fair value, representing the amount staked by the customer adjusted for any customer incentives. They are subsequently remeasured when the outcome and the transaction price is known and the amount payable is confirmed, at which point the movement is recorded as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. As such gains and losses arise from similar transactions, they are offset within revenue.
The Group recognizes revenue transactions at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable at the point the transactions are settled. Any open positions at year end are fair valued with the resulting gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Customer liabilities related to these timing differences are accounted for as derivative financial instruments, further discussed in note 20 and 26.
Sports betting and online casino revenue represents the net house win adjusted for the fair market value of gains and losses on open betting positions and certain customer incentives.
Brand licensing agreements
Revenue also includes brand licensing revenues generated by the provision of the Betway brand to other online gambling companies, which is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers,’ by applying the five step model.
The transaction price for brand licensing contracts are composed of monthly licensing fees, monthly brand exploitation fees, and sports and e-sports contributions. Sports and e-sports contributions are variable elements which are calculated as a percentage of Group’s yearly global expenditure on sponsorship agreements. While the amount of these expenditures will fluctuate from year-to-year it is within the Group’s control and is considered to be predictable. The variable portion of consideration is only included in the transaction price to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.
Brand licensing agreements allow the contracting partner to use the Group brands for the life of the contract in exchange for a fee which is billed and paid monthly. The agreements have the same pattern of transfer with the customer simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits provided. The revenue recognized by the Group on brand licensing agreements is thus allocated evenly on a monthly basis over the life of the contract in line with the delivery of the services and benefits.
Intangible assets
2.5Intangible assets
Intangible assets are principally comprised of customer databases, brands, marketing and data analytics know-how, licenses, exclusive rights licenses, acquired technology, internally-generated software development costs and goodwill. All such intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.5Intangible assets (continued)
Goodwill
Goodwill acquired in business combinations is recognized as an intangible asset with any impairment in carrying value being charged to the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Where the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the fair value of consideration paid, the excess is credited in full to the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income on the acquisition date.
Intangible assets arising on acquisitions
Intangible assets are recognized on business combinations if they are separable from the acquired entity or arise from other contractual/legal rights and are recorded initially at fair value at the date of acquisition. The amounts ascribed to such intangibles are arrived at by using appropriate valuation techniques.
Customer databases
Customer databases represent the customer database acquired in business combinations.
Brands
Brands represent the brands acquired in business combinations.
Licenses
Licenses represent gaming and sports betting licenses that are a prerequisite for online casino or sport betting together with supplier and outsourcing contracts.
Exclusive license rights
Exclusive license rights represents sole and exclusive rights to operate products under license agreements.
Marketing and data analytics know-how
Marketing and data analytics know-how represents customer and regulatory data analytics associated with player behaviors and the regulatory environment which represents material barriers to entry for both casino and sports betting activities.
Acquired technology
Acquired technology represents internally developed assets and other technology acquired in business combinations.
Internally-generated software development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred, and development costs are only recognized as internally-generated software if all recognition criteria according to IAS 38, ‘Intangible Assets,’ are met. Expenses that can be directly allocated to development projects are capitalized provided that:
the completion of the intangible asset is technically feasible;
the Group has the intention to complete the intangible asset and to use or to sell it;
the intangible asset can be sold or used internally;
the intangible asset will generate future benefits in terms of new business opportunities, cost savings or economies of scale;
sufficient technical and financial resources are available to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset, and
expenditures can be measured reliably.
Direct costs include not only the personnel and related overhead expenses for the development team, but also the costs for external consultants and developers.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.5Intangible assets (continued)
Amortization
Amortization is provided at rates calculated to write off the valuation of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Intangible AssetAmortization methodUseful economic life
Customer databasesDiminishing balance method
2-5 years
BrandsStraight-line method
Assessed separately for each asset, with lives ranging up to 20 years
Marketing and data analytics know-howStraight-line method
4-5 years
LicensesStraight-line method
1-10 years
Exclusive license rightsStraight-line method
3 years
Acquired technologyStraight-line method
2-10 years
Internally-generated software development costsStraight-line method
2-10 years
The estimated useful lives and amortization method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.
Research and development costs
2.6Research and development costs
Research and development costs that are not eligible for capitalization have been expensed in the year incurred totaling €10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2023: €15.8 million) (2022: €17.7 million). These expenses are included in the ‘Direct and Marketing expenses’ line item within the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Property, plant and equipment
2.7Property plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Property plant and equipmentDepreciation methodUseful economic life
Leasehold property improvementsStraight-lineOver the life of the lease or the useful life of the asset, whichever is shorter
Furniture and fittingsStraight-line
3-6 years
Office equipmentStraight-line
3-10 years
Computer hardware and softwareStraight-line
2-5 years straight-line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the net carrying amount of the asset and is recorded as income or expense in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Impairment of non-financial assets
2.8Impairment of non-financial assets
Impairment tests on goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken at least annually in November. The Group assesses, at each reporting date, whether there is an indication that other non-financial assets or cash generating units (CGUs) may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset or CGU is required, the Group estimates the asset’s or CGU's recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or CGU’s fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use.
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the smallest group of assets to which it belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash flows; its cash generating units. Goodwill is allocated on initial recognition to each of the Group’s CGUs that are expected to benefit from a business combination that gives rise to the goodwill.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.8Impairment of non-financial assets (continued)
When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. The current year assessment resulted in an impairment loss relating to the DGC CGU of €36.8 million (2023: €35.9 million). Additional disclosures are provided in note 11.
For assets other than goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, the Group estimates the asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the circumstances or assumptions initially used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the statement of profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case, the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.
Assets held for sale and associated liabilities
2.9Assets held for sale and associated liabilities
The Group classifies non-current assets as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use as required by IFRS 5. Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset (disposal group), excluding finance costs and income tax expense. Liabilities that are directly associated with assets held for sale are presented separately as a current item in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete the sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be withdrawn. Management must be committed to the plan to sell the asset and the sale expected to be completed within one year from the date of the classification.
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortized once classified as held for sale. During 2023, the DGC B2B division was reclassified as a non-current asset held for sale. The sale was completed on February 1, 2024.
Taxes
2.10Taxes
Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.
Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity and not in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Management evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation at each reporting date and establishes provisions where appropriate.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.10Taxes (continued)
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except:
When the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss, and does not give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences; and
in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint arrangements, when the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, the carry forward of unused tax credits and any unused tax losses. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences, and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized, except:
When the deferred tax asset relating to the deductible temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit not taxable profit or loss, and does not give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences; and
in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint arrangements, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are re-assessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") or directly in equity.
Tax benefits acquired as part of a business combination, but not satisfying the criteria for separate recognition at that date, are recognized subsequently if new information about facts and circumstances change. The adjustment is either treated as a reduction in goodwill (as long as it does not exceed goodwill) if it was recognized during the measurement period or recognized in profit or loss.
The Group offsets deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities if and only if it has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.10Taxes (continued)
Pillar Two legislation
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) addresses the tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the global economy. The Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (“Pillar Two” rules) apply to multinational enterprises ("MNEs") with annual revenue in excess of €750 million per their consolidated financial statements.
The Pillar Two rules introduce new taxing mechanisms under which MNEs would pay a minimum level of tax (the Minimum Tax) on the income arising in each jurisdiction in which it operates; that is, the Pillar Two rules levy a top-up tax whenever the effective tax rate, determined on a jurisdictional basis under the Pillar Two rules, is below the minimum rate of 15%.
On May 23, 2023, the International Accounting Standards Board issued International Tax Reform—Pillar Two Model Rules – Amendments to IAS 12 (the “Amendments”). The Amendments clarify that IAS 12 applies to income taxes arising from tax law enacted or substantively enacted to implement the Pillar Two model rules published by the OECD. The Group has adopted these amendments, which introduce:
A mandatory temporary exception to the accounting for deferred taxes arising from the jurisdictional implementation of the Pillar Two rules; and
Disclosure requirements for affected MNEs to help users of the financial statements better understand an MNE’s exposure to Pillar Two income taxes arising from that legislation.
The Pillar Two rules were adopted in Guernsey and are applicable starting from January 1, 2025. According to these rules, the Group is considered a MNE to which the Pillar Two rules shall be applied. At the same time, Pillar Two rules have been enacted or substantively enacted in certain jurisdictions in which the Group operates effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2024.
The Group has performed an assessment of its exposure to Pillar Two income taxes based on the 2024 country-by-country reporting and 2024 financial information for its subsidiaries. The Pillar Two effective tax rates in most of the jurisdictions in which the Group operates is above 15%. However, the Group has recognized a Pillar Two current tax expense of €0.7 million in respect to its subsidiaries in Gibraltar and Spain, which are not subject to the transitional safe harbor relief.
The Group has also estimated its potential exposure to Pillar Two income taxes in Guernsey based on the 2024 country-by-country reporting and 2024 financial information. Based on this assessment a top-up tax of €15.2 million would have been imposed in Guernsey under Pillar Two rules if the rules were effective for the 2024 calendar year.
The Group continues to follow Pillar Two legislative developments, as further countries enact the Pillar Two rules, to evaluate the potential future impact on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Financial instruments
2.11Financial instruments
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.
Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition and are subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through OCI or fair value through profit or loss.
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.
For a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI)’ on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level. Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.
The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both. Financial assets classified and measured at amortized cost are held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows while financial assets classified and measured at fair value through OCI are held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling.
Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in three categories:
Financial assets at amortized cost (debt instruments);
Financial assets at fair value through OCI with recycling cumulative gains and losses (equity instruments); and
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.
Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest rate ("EIR") method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired.
The Group’s financial assets at amortized cost includes:
trade receivables and other receivables which include amounts due from payment service providers and customers under brand licenses;
loans receivable;
prepayment of sportsbook software;
fixed term deposits;
regulatory deposits which are amounts held by the regulators or ring fenced as a result of regulatory requirements in the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates; and
restricted cash balances.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.11Financial instruments (continued)
Cash and short-term deposits in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position comprise cash at banks, cash in transit, processor bank balances, and cash held in separate, designated accounts for regulatory requirements. Cash and cash equivalents are readily convertible to a known amount of cash within 90 days and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash flows relating to required regulatory deposits and/or funds connected to licenses form part of the Group's operating cash flows and are therefore included in the Group's normal cash flow cycle.
Restricted cash and amounts in fixed term deposits represents amounts held at banks by the Group, but which is used as security for specific arrangements. Restricted cash is comprised mostly of cash held on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in designated client fund accounts to cover monies owed to customers, as per the terms of the various licensed jurisdictions, and financial guarantees - refer to note 17 for further details. Restricted cash balances are classified as other financial assets held at amortized cost and further classified as current or non-current depending on when the restriction first ends.
Derecognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognized (i.e. removed from the Group’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position) when:
the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired;
the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either
the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset but has transferred control of the asset; or
the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses ("ECLs") for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.
There are three approaches to recognizing ECLs, the general, simplified or the purchased or originated credit-impaired approach.
The Group applies the simplified approach to the following financial assets:
Trade and other receivables that do not contain a significant financing component as required under IFRS 9.
Trade receivables that result from transactions within the scope of IFRS 15 (i.e. trade receivables relating to brand licensing agreements).
The Group applies the low credit risk simplification approach to the following financial assets:
Fixed term deposits
Restricted cash that meets the definition of a financial guarantee contract that is not accounted for at fair value through profit and loss under IFRS 9.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.11Financial instruments (continued)
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets. To measure the ECL, trade receivables and contract assets have been grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. The expected loss rates are calculated based on past default experience, credit risk of receivables and an assessment of the future economic environment. The ECL is calculated with reference to the aging and risk profile of the balance.
Presentation of allowance for ECL in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
The expected credit loss allowance for each type of financial asset (i.e. trade receivables) is deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets (i.e. contra-asset). Impairment losses are presented within the Direct and marketing expenses line in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Financial assets with low risk
The Group applies a low credit risk approach to loans receivable, regulatory deposits and cash and cash equivalents. The Group uses a 12-month ECL and does not assess whether a significant increase in credit risk has occurred at the reporting date.
Write-off
Write-offs are recognized, when the Group has no reasonable expectations of recovering a financial asset either in its entirety or a portion thereof.
Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.
All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs. The Group’s financial liabilities are referenced in notes 20 and 26.
Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial liabilities are classified in two categories:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss; and
Financial liabilities at amortized cost.
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the EIR amortization process. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortization is included as finance costs in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.11Financial instruments (continued)
Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative financial instrument is entered into and subsequently remeasured at fair value and changes therein are generally recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Derivative financial instruments are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
Amounts received from customers on sportsbook events that have not occurred by the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position date are derivative financial instruments and are financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. The resulting gains and losses from bets are included in revenue.
Other financial instruments carried at fair value through profit and loss and Other comprehensive income (excluding those recognized in Revenue)
All financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) and other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) are recorded at fair value, being their transaction price, in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The Group has elected to designate financial assets held as equity instruments as financial instruments carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income. All other assets that meet the definition of a derivative are carried at fair value through profit and loss.
When the transaction price of the instrument differs from the fair value at origination and the fair value is based on a valuation technique using only inputs observable in market transactions, the Group recognizes the difference between the transaction price and fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, referred to as a day 1 gains or losses. In those cases where fair value is based on valuation techniques for which some of the inputs are not observable, the difference between the transaction price and the fair value is deferred and is only recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income when the inputs become observable, or when the instrument is derecognized.
Subsequently, if there are no day 1 gains or losses on initial recognition, financial assets at FVTPL are re-measured each period and the re-measurement is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income. Financial assets at FVTOCI remeasurements are recognized in other comprehensive income.
Earnout Liability
The earnout liability, was initially recognized at fair value at inception with an offsetting entry made to earnout reserve. The earnout liability was subsequently re-measured at fair value at each reporting date and at the date of its extinguishment using a Monte Carlo valuation simulation, with the changes in fair value recognized in the ‘change in fair value of earnout liability’ line item within the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
As all the earnout shares were held by Pre-Closing Holders, management concluded that the derecognition of the liability represents a transaction with owners and derecognized the liability with an offsetting entry made to earnout reserve in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The remaining balance was then reclassified from earnout reserve into retained profit in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. Refer to note 24.3 for further information.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.11Financial instruments (continued)
Warrant Liability
Warrants were comprised of public and private placements with both classified and accounted for as derivative financial liabilities and initially recognized at their fair value. The warrants were subsequently re-measured at fair value at each reporting date and at the date of their extinguishment with changes in fair value recognized in the ‘change in fair value of warrant liability’ line item within the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
The fair value of the public warrants up to their extinguishment was determined using their quoted market price and their derecognition was accounted for based on the fair value of Super Group's shares exchanged during the Offer and Consent Solicitation (the "Offer"), which is described in note 24.2. The fair value of the shares issued in exchange of the public warrants was recognized in the ‘shares issued in exchange for public warrants’ line as an issued capital increase in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the difference between the fair value of the shares issued and the fair value of the public warrant liability was recognized in the ‘change in fair value of warrant liability’ line item within the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
The fair value of the private warrants up to their extinguishment was determined using a Black Scholes model and their derecognition represented a transaction with owners and was recognized in retained profit in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
Fair value measurements
2.12Fair value measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
In the principal market for the asset or liability; or
In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 - Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 - Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.
If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.
The Group recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.
Foreign currencies
2.13Foreign currencies
Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by the Group’s entities at their respective functional currency spot rates at the date the transaction first qualifies for recognition.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency spot rates at the reporting date. Differences arising on settlement or translation of monetary items are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined. The gain or loss arising on translation is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income.
Group companies
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in Euros, which is also the parent company’s functional currency. For each entity in the Group, the functional currency is determined, and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.
When translating the subsidiary’s respective functional currencies into the Group’s presentation currency, which is Euros, assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition are translated using the exchange rates at the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated using the average rates prevailing during the year. Equity is translated at historical exchange rates. All resulting foreign currency translation differences are recognized in OCI and accumulated in the foreign currency translation reserve. If a foreign operation is entirely disposed of or control is lost due to a partial disposal, the cumulative amount of the translation reserve relating to that foreign operation is reclassified to profit or loss and is part of the gain or loss on disposal.
Capital management
2.14Capital management
The Group’s objectives, when managing capital, are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, and to maintain an optimal capital structure in order to minimize the cost of capital.
If financing is required, management will consider whether debt or equity financing is more appropriate and proceed accordingly.
The capital employed by the Group is composed of equity attributable to the shareholders, as detailed in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
Treasury shares
2.15Treasury shares
Super Group's shares that were reacquired as part of the Share Repurchase Program were recognized at cost and deducted from equity within the Treasury Stock account. No gain or loss was recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the reacquired shares.
Provisions
2.16Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. For further details refer to note 22.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.16Provisions (continued)
Onerous contracts
An onerous contract is a contract under which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. The unavoidable costs under a contract reflect the least net cost of exiting from the contract, which is the lower of the cost of fulfilling it and any compensation or penalties arising from failure to fulfil it. The cost of fulfilling a contract comprises costs that are directly related to the contract.
When a contract is deemed onerous, the present value of the Group’s obligation in connection with the contract is recognized and measured as a provision. However, before a separate provision for an onerous contract is established, the Group recognizes any impairment loss that has occurred on assets dedicated to that contract.
Business combinations
2.17Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method with assets and liabilities acquired recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition-date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interest share ("NCI") in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure NCI in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred and included in General and administrative expenses.
The Group also applies the pooling of interest method when the acquisition of a business either lacks substance or is a business combination under common control. When the pooling of interest method is applied, the assets and liabilities of all combining parties will be reflected at their predecessor carrying amounts.
The Group determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The acquired process is considered substantive if it is critical to the ability to continue producing outputs, and the inputs acquired include an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to perform that process or it significantly contributes to the ability to continue producing outputs and is considered unique or scarce or cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay in the ability to continue producing outputs.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.
Earnings per share
2.18Earnings per share
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Group and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Potential ordinary shares with an antidilutive effect on earnings per share are excluded from the weighted average number of ordinary shares.
Leases
2.19Leases
The Group is a lessee and enters into contracts to lease office property.
Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for both a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an asset, the Group assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being identified at the time the asset is made available to the Group;
the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the period of use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract the time the asset is made available to the Group; and
the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use. The Group assesses whether it has the right to direct how and for what purpose the asset is used throughout the period of use.
Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee
Right-of-use asset
At lease commencement date, the Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and lease liability. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and if applicable an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.
After the commencement date, the Group measures the right-of-use asset applying the cost model under IFRS 16 ‘Leases’. The right-of-use of asset is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses and is adjusted for re-measurement of the lease liability. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Group determines the lease term beginning with the non-cancellable period including the extension of the lease term for any renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised or the term by which an entity will exercise an option to terminate a contract. The Group performs an assessment on a lease-by-lease basis and once they have assessed whether the renewal option or termination option is reasonably certain to be exercised will this be included within the lease term.
The Group has elected to apply the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components into a single lease component as non-lease components are not material to the Group.
2Accounting policies (continued)
2.19Leases (continued)
Lease liabilities
The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. The liability is increased as a result of interest accrued on the balance outstanding and is reduced for lease payments made. It is remeasured to reflect any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in in-substance fixed payments.
When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit and loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has already been reduced to zero.
At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments (currently only consisting of fixed payments), discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, if that rate is readily available, or the incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") as the discount rate as the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. The IBR is the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use-asset in a similar economic environment.
The Group has elected to adopt the practical expedient and apply a single discount rate to the identified portfolio of leases having similar remaining lease term, similar underlying assets and in a similar economic environment.
On the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are presented on a separate line.
Short-term leases and leases of low value assets
The Group has elected to adopt the practical expedient and not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases that are short-term and assets that are of low value. The rent expense of €2.2 million (2023: €3.1 million) (2022: €0.6 million) in relation to these leases are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Equity
2.20Equity
Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") Awards
The Group operates an equity incentive plan which may be settled in shares or cash at the discretion of the Group. The Group intends to settle the RSUs in shares, and, therefore classified them as an equity settled share-based payment plan in accordance with IFRS 2, Share-based Payments.
The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date of grant. The fair value of the shares conditionally granted is measured using the market price of the shares at the time of grant. The cost is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income over the vesting period.
The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has lapsed and the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the year represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized as at the beginning and end of that year.
Payroll taxes related to the RSUs are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income in accordance with the vesting. Payroll taxes are settled in cash and are therefore recognized as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Service conditions are not taken into account when determining the grant date fair value of awards, but the likelihood of the service condition being met is assessed as part of the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. These estimates are based on historical turnover rates and Group's forecast and are adjusted at each measurement date.
2.20Equity (continued)
Dividends
Dividends declared by the Group are recognized at the date of declaration by the Board of Directors. If dividends are payable in a currency different from the Group's presentation currency, they are recognized at the foreign exchange rate prevailing on the declaration date. Any unpaid dividends at year-end are classified as Dividends payable in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position insofar as the Group will satisfy the solvency requirements as prescribed by The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
Non-Controlling Interest ("NCI")
The acquisition of additional ownership interest in a subsidiary without a change of control is accounted for as an equity transaction in accordance with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements. Any excess or deficit of consideration paid over the carrying amount of the NCI is recognized in retained earnings.