Playtech raises 2026 EBITDA outlook after strong H1 trading
Playtech has reported strong trading for the first half of 2026, with the gaming technology provider saying results for the period were significantly ahead of market expectations.
In a trading update covering the six months from 1 January to 30 June 2026, the London-listed company said it expects adjusted EBITDA for H1 2026 to be more than €155 million. The performance was driven by strong growth in the United States, continued momentum in Mexico and Colombia, and strength in selected European markets.
The company said trading in the Americas, which it had previously highlighted as an area of accelerating performance, continued to improve through May and June. This helped Playtech deliver what it described as “excellent trading” in the first half of the year.
Strong H1 trading driven by US growth
A key driver of Playtech’s first-half performance was its activity in the United States, particularly through its partnership with Hard Rock Digital. Playtech said it had benefited materially from being first to market with Hard Rock Digital through a product based on Past Motor Racing results.
“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,” said Playtech CEO Mor Weizer.
Hard Rock Digital has become one of Playtech’s largest customers, according to the update, and is expected to remain an important customer going forward. However, Playtech said revenue from the operator is likely to continue at a lower but more sustainable level in the second half of 2026 and into 2027.
Brazil investment and UK duty impact expected in H2
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Playtech said it expects adjusted EBITDA to be lower than in the first half due to several factors.
The company said it has been investing in a significant partnership in Brazil, which is expected to be signed and launched, with growth contributions likely to begin in 2027. Brazil has become a key market for international gaming and technology companies following regulatory developments in the country. Playtech’s update did not provide further details on the planned partner or the expected launch timetable beyond the reference to a likely contribution from 2027.
The company also said it will absorb the full impact of the increase in the UK’s Remote Gaming Duty during H2 2026. The higher duty took effect in April 2026, so its full impact will be felt in the second half of the year.
Despite these expected headwinds, Playtech has upgraded its full-year outlook.
Full-year guidance raised above analyst consensus
Playtech now expects adjusted EBITDA for the year ending 31 December 2026 to be at least €270 million. It said this is significantly above the current analyst consensus.
According to the company, analyst estimates for 2026 adjusted EBITDA before the announcement ranged from €205 million to €225 million, with a mean consensus of €219 million across seven analysts whose estimates had been updated since Playtech’s FY25 results. Two analysts with outdated estimates were excluded from the consensus figure.
The company’s adjusted EBITDA measure includes the operating loss of HAPPYBET, its share from associates’ income, notably from its 30.8 per cent shareholding in Caliente Interactive, and dividends received from equity investments, primarily from Hard Rock Digital.
Weizer said Playtech continues to strengthen its position in regulated and regulating markets going into the second half of the year. He added that the company was pleased with progress towards its medium-term targets.
Interim results due in September
Playtech will publish its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 on 10 September 2026. The company said an in-person results presentation will take place at 09:00 BST on the same day. The presentation will be hosted by CEO Mor Weizer and CFO Chris McGinnis at Chartered Accountants’ Hall, One Moorgate Place, London.
A live webcast will also be available, with details to be provided in due course. Playtech said investors and analysts who wish to attend the presentation in person should register their interest with Headland Consultancy.
The September results will provide further detail on the company’s first-half financial performance, following the trading update which confirmed stronger-than-expected momentum but did not include the full interim financial report.
Personalise your news with the voices shaping global iGaming. Pick SiGMA World as your source preference for exclusive interviews, prediction markets, regulatory shifts and smarter industry coverage worldwide.
