Evoke’s Q1 Results Highlight the Impact of UK Safer Gambling Measures

The company’s performance was particularly affected by a 21% drop in active players across its platforms. This decline ties in with newly implemented UK regulations aimed at protecting consumers, including enhanced age and identity verification processes and tighter controls on promotional activities. While these measures have improved the industry’s responsibility standards, they have also had a cooling effect on customer acquisition and retention.

Despite the domestic issues, Evoke saw a 3% uptick in gaming revenue and a more robust 11% rise in international revenue, with Romania emerging as a standout market. The company’s international strategy appears to be paying off, helping offset stagnation in its UK operations.

Retail operations were not immune to the shifting landscape. Revenues from physical betting shops declined 6% year-on-year, in line with broader sector trends influenced by changing consumer habits and the continued growth of online alternatives for people to play casino games.

In response to the evolving regulatory environment and shifting customer behaviours, Evoke is placing a stronger focus on its customer lifecycle management as well as bolstering its value proposition, and innovating within its gaming product pipeline. New retail gaming offerings are part of this effort to reinvigorate the in-store experience.

Chief Executive Per Widerstrom remained optimistic, stating, “We are building momentum in the right areas… and have been seeing stronger trends in April.” He reiterated confidence in Evoke’s growth outlook, highlighting improvements already underway in both product and customer engagement strategies.