888 to sell some US assets to Hard Rock Digital, anticipates $35.5 million profit gain post-exit

British betting and gaming firm 888 Holdings has announced plans to divest some assets in its U.S. consumer-facing operations to Hard Rock Digital, with expectations to exit the business by the fourth quarter of 2024.

This decision follows a recent annoucement by the company regarding its plans of selling the U.S. consumer-facing business as part of a strategic review. According to the company, this exit is projected to yield a recurring annualized benefit to adjusted core profit of approximately £25 million ($31.5 million) from 2025 onwards. 888 anticipates incurring net one-off cash costs of about £40 million ($50.5 million) from the exit.



"The Group has commenced a controlled exit of its remaining US B2C operations, with the intention of fully ceasing operations by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and process. The exit of US B2C operations is expected to realise a recurring annualised benefit to Adjusted EBITDA of approximately £25 million from 2025 onwards. The Group intends to reinvest approximately £10 million of these savings into growth and value creation initiatives," the company said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the company disclosed intention to undergo a name change, rebranding as Evoke Plc, to align with its diversified brand portfolio. CEO Per Widerstrom aims to refocus the company's efforts on core markets, streamline its operating model through automation and artificial intelligence, eliminate redundancy, and achieve greater cost efficiencies.

888, known for its online casino, poker, and sports betting offerings under the 888 brand umbrella along with Mr Green, reportede a 41% surge in annual adjusted core profit, reaching £308.3 million ($389.94 million) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. This growth was attributed to the benefits derived from its £2 billion acquisition of William Hill in 2022 from Caesars Entertainment.

Despite the revenue uptick, the company experienced a 25% decline in adjusted profit after tax to £48.1 million. Additionally, 888 concluded a review of its operating licenses by the Gambling Commission without incurring penalties.