Playtech has reported a stronger-than-expected first half of 2026, with growth across the Americas helping the company exceed previous market expectations. The London-listed B2B gaming technology provider said trading between January and June benefited from particularly strong results in the United States, alongside continued momentum in Mexico, Colombia and selected European markets.
The company expects adjusted EBITDA for the first six months of 2026 to exceed €155 million. Playtech said performance in the Americas continued to improve throughout May and June, supporting a revised outlook that places full-year adjusted EBITDA at a minimum of €270 million.
Shares in Playtech increased sharply following the announcement, rising by almost 20% in London after investors reacted to the stronger-than-anticipated update. The company’s stock climbed 19% to 381.03 pence per share following the trading statement.
Americas performance drives Playtech’s first-half growth
Playtech attributed much of its H1 performance to expansion in regulated markets, with the United States standing out as a major contributor. The company highlighted the continued impact of its partnership with Hard Rock Digital, which has developed into one of its largest customer relationships.
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer said:
“We achieved an excellent performance in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued momentum in regulated markets, notably the Americas and certain European markets. Performance in the US, driven by our partnership with Hard Rock Digital, has been exceptionally strong, and we are delighted to see returns on our investments over recent years accelerate and contribute significantly to profitability and cash flow.
Playtech continues to further establish itself in regulated and regulating markets going into the second half of the year, and we are pleased with the progress towards our medium-term targets. We look forward to publishing our interim results in a few weeks.”
The company’s H1 adjusted EBITDA calculation includes several elements, including the operating loss from HAPPYBET, income from associates such as Playtech’s 30.8% shareholding in Caliente Interactive, and dividends from equity investments, primarily connected to Hard Rock Digital.
The strong performance also reflected Playtech’s investments in products and market expansion. The company previously invested in a product based on Past Motor Racing (PMR) results and became the first provider to launch the offering with Hard Rock Digital.
Full-year outlook improves despite expected H2 pressures
While Playtech expects the first half of 2026 to remain the strongest contributor to annual earnings, management anticipates adjusted EBITDA will be lower during the second half of the year.
The company said revenue from Hard Rock Digital is expected to continue at a lower but more sustainable level during H2 2026 and into 2027. Playtech also noted that investments connected to a planned partnership in Brazil are expected to begin supporting growth in 2027 after the anticipated signing and launch.
Another factor affecting the second half of the year is the increased Remote Gaming Duty in the United Kingdom, which became effective in April 2026. Playtech expects to absorb the full impact of the higher duty rate during H2.
Despite these expected pressures, the company increased its annual earnings guidance. Analyst estimates before the update placed Playtech’s 2026 adjusted EBITDA between €205 million and €225 million, with average expectations of €219 million across seven analysts. Playtech now forecasts adjusted EBITDA of at least €270 million for the year.
Playtech prepares for interim results announcement
Playtech will publish its interim financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2026 on 10 September 2026. The company confirmed that CEO Mor Weizer and Chief Financial Officer Chris McGinnis will host an in-person presentation at Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London, with a live webcast also planned.
The company said its recent progress reflects continued development across regulated and regulating markets. Playtech continues to operate as a B2B technology supplier for the online betting and gaming sector, providing platforms, content and services across casino, live casino, sports betting, bingo and poker.
Source:
“Trading Update & Notice of H1 2026 Interim Results”, otp.tools.investis.com, 9 July 2026