Playtech said its trading results for the first half of 2026 were significantly ahead of market expectations, with adjusted EBITDA expected to come in above €155 million.
According to Reuters, the strength came from an excellent performance in the US and continued momentum in Mexico, Colombia and certain European markets. Playtech said its Americas performance accelerated through May and June.
The company singled out its partnership with Hard Rock Digital as a major factor behind the U.S. run. Mor Weizer said performance in the US had been exceptionally strong and that returns on the group’s investments over recent years were accelerating and contributing to profitability and cash flow.
Playtech also said Hard Rock Digital had become one of its largest customers. It said revenue from that partnership was likely to continue at a lower but more sustainable level in the second half of 2026 and into 2027.
The group is also investing in a significant partnership in Brazil ahead of expected signing and launch, which it said is likely to begin contributing to growth in 2027.
For the second half of the year, Playtech expects adjusted EBITDA to be lower than in the first half. It pointed to the moderation of Hard Rock Digital revenue and the full impact of the UK’s increased Remote Gaming Duty, which became effective in April and rose to 40%.
Even so, Playtech raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA expectation to at least €270 million, well above analyst consensus before the update of €205 million to €225 million, with a mean estimate of €219 million.
Reuters also noted that Playtech’s adjusted EBITDA measure includes the operating loss of HAPPYBET, its share of income from associates, including its 30.8% stake in Caliente Interactive, and dividends from equity investments, primarily from Hard Rock Digital.
Playtech said it will report results for the six months ended 30 June on 10 September, with Mor Weizer and finance chief Chris McGinnis scheduled to host a presentation at 9am BST.
