Playtech reported strong trading momentum during the opening four months of 2026, with the supplier highlighting continued progress in regulated markets and solid results from its live casino operations.

The company said performance between 1 January and 30 April exceeded expectations, particularly across the Americas. Playtech pointed to encouraging activity in the US and Mexico, while also citing positive contributions from several European jurisdictions.

Live casino was singled out as one of the stronger-performing segments during the period, continuing Playtech’s wider push across regulated online gaming markets. The supplier has invested heavily in live gaming infrastructure and international partnerships in recent years, and the latest update suggests those investments are beginning to contribute more directly to profitability.

CEO Mor Weizer described the beginning of 2026 as “excellent,” adding that Playtech’s recent investments in the US market are now producing stronger returns.

“Performance in the US, in particular, has been encouraging, as returns on our investments over recent years continue to accelerate and contribute meaningfully to profitability,” Weizer said.

Americas Expansion Continues to Support Growth

Mexico remained another important market for Playtech during the first part of the year. The company highlighted ongoing progress through its partnership with Caliente Interactive and the Caliplay joint venture.

According to Playtech, the approach of the FIFA World Cup could create additional momentum for Caliplay in the Mexican market over the coming months.

“Our partnership with Caliente Interactive in Mexico continues to perform strongly, with the upcoming World Cup representing a significant opportunity to further strengthen Caliente’s leadership position in the market,” Weizer stated.

Playtech also connected its positive start to 2026 with its broader regulated market strategy, scalable technology systems and long-term commercial relationships with operators.

“Despite the ongoing sector headwinds, the combination of Playtech’s strong expansion in regulated markets, diversified footprint, highly scalable technology and deep partner relationships, leaves the group well positioned to capture the significant market opportunity ahead,” Weizer added.

The latest trading update follows Playtech’s FY25 results released earlier this year. In March, the company reported annual revenue of €763.6 million, representing a 10% decline year-on-year.

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UK Sun Bingo Review Still Ongoing

Alongside the trading update, Playtech confirmed that it is continuing to assess the future of its Sun Bingo business in the UK.

The operational review was launched after the UK increased Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April. Playtech CFO Chris McGinnis previously said the higher tax rate had made the current Sun Bingo model unprofitable.

Despite the pressure created by the tax increase, McGinnis indicated that the business still carries strategic value because of its B2B-style characteristics, even though it operates as a consumer-facing brand.

Playtech also announced that senior independent director Ian Penrose intends to step down from the board. He will remain in his current positions, including chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, until after the company publishes its FY2026 results.

Non-executive chairman John Gleasure thanked Penrose for his contribution during nearly nine years with the business.

“We are grateful that he has agreed to remain with us until spring 2027 to ensure a smooth transition of his roles,” Gleasure said.

“Ian has brought deep global industry experience to Playtech, and has always shown total commitment and dedication during what will have been almost nine years of service to Playtech. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Investor sentiment appeared positive following the announcement, with Playtech shares rising in London trading after the update was released.

Source:

Playtech Achieves Strong Trading Momentum in Early 2026, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, May 20, 2026.