Caesars Entertainment Returns to Profitability Driven by Online Gaming Surge

Caesars Entertainment recently published its final quarter and complete fiscal year 2023 financial results, showcasing a blend of outcomes. Although the overall annual performance remained robust, the true standout was their online division, which proved crucial in shifting the company back to profitability.

Within the fourth quarter, Caesars experienced a minor revenue climb, hitting $2.83 billion, a negligible rise compared to the corresponding period last year. Nevertheless, despite this expansion, they still declared a net deficit of $72 million for the quarter. The bright spot? This signifies a substantial enhancement compared to the $148 million deficit from the prior year.

Examining adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), Caesars posted $930 million for Q4, marginally lower than the preceding year. However, the digital sector truly excelled, boasting a positive adjusted EBITDA of $29 million, a stark difference from the $5 million shortfall documented in the same timeframe last year.

Broadening the perspective to the entire year, Caesars Entertainment celebrated a 6.48% surge in net revenue, achieving a healthy $11.5 billion. Even more remarkable was their return to profitability, declaring a net income of $786 million, a notable turnaround from the previous year’s deficit. This success narrative was further emphasized by a strong showing in comparable store adjusted EBITDA, which witnessed a considerable year-over-year increase.

The online division of Caesars Entertainment has experienced a positive shift. Their final quarter earnings demonstrate a favorable adjusted EBITDA of $38 million, a substantial recovery from the $666 million deficit during the corresponding timeframe last year. This constitutes a considerable 105.41% rise year-on-year.

Chief Executive Tom Reeg ascribes this triumph to the robust results of Caesar’s online enterprises. He emphasized the company’s comprehensive expansion, with elevated net income, reduced net shortfalls, and consistent consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the concluding quarter. Caesar’s online net income surged by an extraordinary 28% year-on-year, attaining a 10% adjusted EBITDA margin. This digital upswing contributed to a noteworthy enhancement exceeding $700 million in adjusted EBITDA for the complete year, propelled by a 78% surge in Caesar’s online net income, approaching roughly $1 billion.

Solidifying their standing further, Caesar’s recently incorporated WynnBet’s internet gaming operations in Michigan via an accord with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. This calculated maneuver permits Caesar’s to penetrate Michigan’s flourishing internet gaming sector and broaden its digital presence.

This alliance also provides Caesar’s enduring internet gaming market entry in conjunction with the Tribe, empowering them to manage a wider array of digital brands within the state.

Reviewing the third quarter of 2023, Caesars Entertainment declared $3 billion in earnings, a 3.4% uptick compared to the $2.9 billion produced during the parallel timeframe in the preceding year.