32Red in the black after “hugely successful” 2016

UK-listed online gambling operator 32Red enjoyed a record run in 2016 thanks to a key acquisition and its Italy-facing operations moving to profitability.

In a trading update released Wednesday, 32Red reported revenue of £62.3m in 2016, 28% higher than in 2015 and a new company record. Preliminary 2016 figures will be released on March 9, but the company said they expect the numbers to be in line with previous forecasts.

The numbers got a boost from a full year’s contribution from 32Red’s mid-2015 acquisition of the Roxy Palace online casino business, which contributed £10.6m to 2016’s revenue pie. 32Red’s core business enjoyed 19% organic growth, and the overall online casino offering saw revenue rise 26% to £58.5m.

The company’s Italy-licensed site enjoyed “healthy” growth, rising one-third to £2.3m, and was now turning a profit “in line with expectations.” Interestingly, despite the growth of its Italian site, 32Red’s share of revenue derived from regulated and taxed markets dipped three points to 77% in 2016.