Company registration number 10306161 (England and Wales)
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr P Liberman
Mr A Ellingson
(Appointed 31 August 2024)
Company number
10306161
Registered office
Draftkings
26th Floor, The Leadenhall Building
122 Leadenhall Street
London
EC3V 4AB
Auditor
Gravita Audit II Limited
Aldgate Tower
2 Leman Street
London
United Kingdom
E1 8FA
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 22
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Review of the business

Sky Star Eight was set up in London, UK and is directly held by SBTech Global Limited Inc. and in an indirectly held subsidiary of DraftKings Inc. Sky Star Eight provides services to DraftKings’ group in the iGaming and Sportsbook sector across a wide range of functions, including Trading, Data Intelligence, Engineering, and Business Consulting. It operates on a cost-plus basis as a service entity within the DraftKings Group.

DraftKings Group Overview

 

DraftKings is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company providing daily fantasy sports (“DFS”) product offerings, online and retail sports betting (“Sportsbook”), online casino (“iGaming”) and digital lottery courier, media, and other products to customers with its headquarters located in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

DraftKings is committed to developing, designing, and licensing sports betting and casino gaming software for online and retail. The Company also provides sportsbooks and casino gaming products. An integral part of DraftKings’ growth strategy is to develop and expand its mobile sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks, iGaming, and gaming software services and products to a large number of consumers across a variety of geographies.

Principal risks and uncertainties

As a service entity, Sky Star Eight is exposed to risks primarily through DraftKings’ operations in the iGaming and Sportsbook markets.

 

• Regulatory and Legal Risks

 

DraftKings operates in a highly regulated industry where changes in laws or interpretations can significantly impact its ability to operate. Expansion into new jurisdictions depends on securing and maintaining licenses, which is often complex, time-consuming, and costly. Any tightening of regulations or unfavorable tax regimes could reduce profitability and restrict growth.

 

• Competition and Consumer Trends

 

DraftKings faces intense competition from established entertainment and gaming providers, as well as new market entrants. Shifts in consumer preferences or reductions in discretionary spending could reduce engagement with DraftKings’ offerings. Sustained product innovation and marketing investment are required to maintain user interest and market share.

 

• Technology and Cybersecurity Risks

 

DraftKings relies heavily on robust IT infrastructure and third-party providers to deliver services at scale. Failures, outages, or undetected errors in platforms could harm user trust and disrupt operations. Despite strong security measures, it remains vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, which could damage its reputation and lead to regulatory or legal consequences.

 

• Operational and Financial Risks

 

DraftKings’ results are influenced by unpredictable sporting outcomes, seasonal trends, and jackpot payouts that can create revenue volatility. The company continues to invest heavily in growth, which has historically led to net losses and may do so in the future. Maintaining financial discipline, securing reliable payment and data providers, and managing trading risk are critical to long-term stability.

 

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Development and performance

During FY2024, Sky Star Eight continued to expand its operational support to DraftKings, resulting in increased staff-related and technology costs compared to the prior year. The company maintained its cost-plus model and operated within approved budget parameters. The rise in operating costs was primarily driven by higher employee salary expenses and share-based compensation as the company expanded its trading and engineering teams, while efficiency measures ensured stable cost margins and timely service delivery.

 

Financial Position at Year End

 

At 31 December 2024, Sky Star Eight maintained a stable balance sheet position consistent with its cost-plus service model. Debtors primarily relate to the intercompany balance with the parent company, while other payables comprise payroll taxes, supplier payables, and accrued employee bonuses. The company held sufficient cash resources to meet operational needs and had no external borrowings, reflecting its low-risk financial structure.

Key performance indicators

As a cost-plus service company, Sky Star Eight’s financial performance is primarily evaluated on cost efficiency and effective allocation of resources, rather than revenue generation. The key financial indicators include:

 

• Total operating costs against budget, ensuring disciplined expenditure and efficient use of funds.

• Variance analysis to monitor actual versus forecasted costs, supporting accurate planning and financial control.

• Headcount and staff cost efficiency, given the company’s people-driven functions.

Other KPIs

 

• Employee headcount and staff retention, reflecting the company’s ability to support DraftKings’ operational needs.

• Given the nature of the company’s operations, environmental matters are not considered material to the business

On behalf of the board

Mr A Ellingson
Director
29 December 2025
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of management consultancy. It provides technical and support services to its parent company.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 9.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

Mr P Liberman
Mr J K Park
(Resigned 31 August 2024)
Mr A Ellingson
(Appointed 31 August 2024)
Post reporting date events

There are no other significant adjusting or non-adjusting events between the 31 December reporting date and the date of authorisation of these financial statements.

Future developments

The future developments of the business are discussed in the Strategic Report.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Gravita Audit II Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Medium-sized companies exemption

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.

On behalf of the board
Mr A Ellingson
Director
29 December 2025
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sky Star Eight Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -

We ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The laws and regulations applicable to the company were identified through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of Sky Star Eight Limited. Of these laws and regulations, we focused on those that we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation, data protection, anti-bribery and employment legislation. The extent of compliance with these laws and regulations identified above was assessed through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence. The identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

 

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

 

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

 

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

 

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 8 -
Daniel Howarth (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Gravita Audit II Limited, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Aldgate Tower
2 Leman Street
London
E1 8FA
United Kingdom
30 December 2025
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
15,201,090
11,959,252
Administrative expenses
(14,319,199)
(11,379,991)
Operating profit
4
881,891
579,261
Interest receivable and similar income
7
5
-
0
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(8,400)
-
0
Profit before taxation
873,496
579,261
Tax on profit
9
(53,403)
(131,367)
Profit for the financial year
820,093
447,894

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
214,354
275,570
Current assets
Debtors
11
13,611,328
8,620,682
Cash at bank and in hand
5,821
40,008
13,617,149
8,660,690
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
(2,077,331)
(1,429,368)
Net current assets
11,539,818
7,231,322
Total assets less current liabilities
11,754,172
7,506,892
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
13
46,274
86,257
(46,274)
(86,257)
Net assets
11,707,898
7,420,635
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
16
1
1
Other reserves
13,446,718
9,979,548
Profit and loss reserves
(1,738,821)
(2,558,914)
Total equity
11,707,898
7,420,635

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 29 December 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr A  Ellingson
Director
Company registration number 10306161 (England and Wales)
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
Share capital
Share option reserves
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
1
6,734,617
(3,006,808)
3,727,810
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
447,894
447,894
Share option additions
-
3,244,931
-
0
3,244,931
Balance at 31 December 2023
1
9,979,548
(2,558,914)
7,420,635
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
820,093
820,093
Share option additions
-
3,467,170
-
0
3,467,170
Balance at 31 December 2024
1
13,446,718
(1,738,821)
11,707,898
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Sky Star Eight Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Draftkings, 26th Floor, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AB.

1.1
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

 

The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of DraftKings Inc., which are prepared in accordance with US GAAP. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, CIK: 0001883685.

 

1.2
Going concern

Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the company has received confirmation of continued financial support from its ultimate parent. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Turnover

Turnover represents the amounts (excluding value added tax) derived from the provision of Business Intelligence Analysis and Consulting services to SBTech (Global) Limited. Turnover from SBTech (Global) Limited is recognised on a cost plus basis when the services are delivered.

1.4
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements
Over 120 months
Fixtures and fittings
Over 80 months
Computer equipment
Over 36 months
Computer support equipment and software
Over 48 months

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.5
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

1.6
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

1.7
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

 

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

 

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Other financial liabilities

Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.

 

Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

1.9
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
1.10
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

 

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12
Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of shares that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to equity. Also the RSU's are calculated based on stock price.

1.13
Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

1.14
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Deferred Tax

Deferred tax represents the future tax consequences of transactions and events recognised in the financial statements of the current and previous periods. Deferred tax shall be recognised in respect of temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting differences. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 17 -
3
Turnover
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Consulting Services to Related Party
15,201,090
11,959,252
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
15,201,090
11,959,252
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Exchange losses
4,400
839
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
124,815
140,506
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(2,652)
-
Operating lease charges
423,250
175,117
5
Auditor's remuneration
2024
2023
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
17,500
16,000
For other services
Other taxation services
1,900
-
0
All other non-audit services
6,600
-
0
8,500
-
0
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
6
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was 85 (2023: 69).

2024
2023
Number
Number
Administrative staff
85
69

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
10,876,999
8,802,856
Social security costs
1,399,040
1,184,023
Pension costs
295,823
174,330
12,571,862
10,161,209
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
5
-
0
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Interest to Authorities
8,400
-
0
9
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK income tax
93,385
116,430
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(39,982)
14,937
Total tax charge
53,403
131,367
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Profit before taxation
873,496
579,261
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 23.50%)
218,374
136,126
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
5,437
1,628
Share based payment charge
(131,683)
(51,057)
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
(38,725)
44,670
Taxation charge for the year
53,403
131,367
10
Tangible Assets
Leasehold improvements
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
278,838
71,070
328,389
678,297
Additions
1,830
-
0
61,769
63,599
Disposals
-
0
-
0
(33,990)
(33,990)
At 31 December 2024
280,668
71,070
356,168
707,906
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
130,466
31,933
240,328
402,727
Depreciation charged in the year
40,421
9,986
74,408
124,815
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
0
-
0
(33,990)
(33,990)
At 31 December 2024
170,887
41,919
280,746
493,552
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
109,781
29,151
75,422
214,354
At 31 December 2023
148,372
39,137
88,061
275,570
SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 -
11
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Amounts owed by group undertakings
13,299,613
8,305,630
Other debtors
258,213
108,202
Prepayments and accrued income
53,502
206,850
13,611,328
8,620,682
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Trade creditors
31,644
15,902
Corporation tax
28,288
182,037
Other taxation and social security
839,036
339,065
Other creditors
116,811
31,025
Accruals and deferred income
1,061,552
861,339
2,077,331
1,429,368

Unpaid pension contributions at year end amounted to £52,026 (2023: £30,842) and are included in other creditors.

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
13
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

Liabilities
Liabilities
2024
2023
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
53,589
68,893
Retirement benefit obligations
(7,315)
(3,903)
Other
-
21,267
46,274
86,257
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
86,257
Credit to profit or loss
(39,983)
Liability at 31 December 2024
46,274

The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

14
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
295,823
174,330

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

15
Share-based payment transactions

The company participates in a group share based payment plan pursuant to an RSU scheme for its own employees.

 

Stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the stock-based awards and is recognised over the requisite service period of the awards. Generally, the Company issues stock options and other stock awards to employees with service-based and/or performance-based vesting conditions. For awards with only service-based vesting conditions, the Company records compensation cost for these awards using the straight-line method less an assumed forfeiture rate. For awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a tranche-by-tranche basis (the accelerated attribution method) less an assumed forfeiture rate.

 

The weighted average fair value of the options granted at the reporting date was £26.08 (2023: £26.33).

SKY STAR EIGHT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 22 -
16
Share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary of £1 each
1
1
1
1
17
Operating lease commitments
As lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Within 1 year
420,283
420,283
Years 2-5
490,330
910,612
910,613
1,330,895
18
Events after the reporting date

The directors consider there to be no disclosable events ocurring after the reporting period.

19
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties

During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:

The company generated revenue of £15,201,090 (2023: £11,959,252 ) from its parent company, in respect to BI and analysis and consulting services.

 

At the period end, the net amount due from the parent company was £12,966,590 (2023: £8,143,152).

 

All transactions were in the ordinary course of the business.

20
Ultimate controlling party

The immediate parent undertaking is SBTech (Global) Limited, a company registered in the United States.

 

The results of Sky Star Eight Limited is included in the consolidated accounts for SBTech (Global) Limited. The group is private and accounts are not publicly available. This is then consolidated into DraftKings Inc.

 

The ultimate controlling party is DraftKings Inc. The consolidated accounts of DraftKings Inc are available upon request from its registered office at 5th Floor, 222 Berkley Street, Boston, MA 02116, USA.

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