Jun 23, 2026 | 4:26 am
Playtech has increased its earnings outlook for 2026 after reporting stronger-than-expected trading in the first half of the year, with growth in the United States playing a central role in the improved performance.
The gambling technology supplier said adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended 30 June exceeded €155 million, comfortably ahead of market expectations and significantly above the €91.6 million reported during the same period in 2025. Following the update, the company raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to at least €270 million.
Investors responded positively to the announcement. Shares in the London-listed business climbed as much as 18% during trading on 9 July, reaching 378.60p. The stock briefly traded above £3.80 and has gained roughly 40% since the start of the year. Earlier in 2026, Playtech shares rose above £4.20 before retreating during May and June.
The revised forecast places expected 2026 earnings around 37% higher than the €197 million achieved in 2025. It also exceeded analyst projections, which had averaged €219 million, with estimates ranging between €205 million and €225 million.
Americas Growth Supports Improved Outlook
Playtech attributed much of its recent momentum to performance across the Americas, particularly in the United States, Mexico and Colombia, while also citing continued strength in selected European markets.
A major contributor to the company’s US growth has been its partnership with Hard Rock Digital. Playtech said demand for Hard Rock Bet’s Past Motor Racing (PMR) games, which launched in Florida in October 2025, generated substantial benefits after the company secured an early position in the market.
The success of the product helped drive stronger earnings during the first half and contributed to management’s decision to raise guidance for the full year.
Commenting on the results, Playtech Chief Executive Officer 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.”
He added: “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.”
The company’s latest update highlights the growing importance of regulated North and Latin American markets for gaming suppliers. Businesses with established positions in those jurisdictions have generally outperformed operators and suppliers that remain heavily dependent on mature European markets.
Company Expects Softer Performance in Second Half
Despite the stronger annual outlook, Playtech warned that earnings during the second half of 2026 are expected to fall below first-half levels.
Management identified three factors that are likely to weigh on performance over the remainder of the year.
The first relates to Hard Rock Digital. While the operator is expected to remain one of Playtech’s largest customers, revenue generated through the relationship is anticipated to normalize following the initial boost created by the PMR launch. Playtech expects activity to continue at a more sustainable level through the rest of 2026 and into 2027.
A second factor involves ongoing investment in Brazil. The company continues to allocate resources toward a planned partnership in the country, although management does not expect that initiative to make a meaningful contribution to growth until 2027.
The third challenge stems from taxation in the United Kingdom. Playtech will experience the full effect of the increase in Remote Gaming Duty, which rose from 21% to 40% in April 2026. The second half of the year will be the first full reporting period to reflect the higher tax rate across the entire six-month period.
Even with those headwinds, Playtech maintained confidence in its ability to exceed previous market expectations and deliver stronger annual earnings.
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Expansion Continues in the US Online Gaming Market
Alongside its financial progress, Playtech has continued expanding its presence in regulated US gaming markets.
Last month, the company extended its long-standing relationship with Delaware North through the launch of Ember Casino in New Jersey. The project represents another step in Delaware North’s efforts to develop its online gaming operations under the Ember Casino brand.
The launch places the brand in one of the most established regulated iGaming markets in the United States and provides a platform for broader expansion plans.
According to Playtech, the New Jersey rollout supports Delaware North’s strategy of pursuing opportunities in additional regulated jurisdictions while strengthening its position in online gaming.
The development also reflects Playtech’s broader focus on regulated markets, which management highlighted as a key source of growth in the first half of the year.
Investors will receive a fuller picture of the company’s performance when Playtech publishes its interim results on 10 September 2026. The company has scheduled an in-person presentation for that morning at Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London.
Source:
“Playtech shares gained 18% on H1 trading update beating forecasts“, europeangaming.eu, July 9, 2026.