Online gambling technology firm Playtech plans “aggressive” acquisition strategy after revenue rose nearly two-fifths last year, but its founder’s criminal past and the company’s growing presence in Asian black markets could threaten those plans.

Playtech revenue soared 38% to €630m in 2015, while earnings rose 22% to €252m although net profit fell 3% to €135.8m following a rise in acquisition-related expenses and the imposition of new gaming taxes in the UK market.

Casino remained Playtech’s top vertical, with revenue rising 26% to €308.7m. Mobile revenue more than doubled from 2014 and mobile penetration improved six points to 16%.

Sports betting improved 22% to €32.2m, with most of the gains coming from UK licensees of Playtech’s Mobenga platform. However, the vertical is expected to decline in 2016 as three UK licensees have opted to switch from Mobenga to in-house sports products.