Playtech returned to profitability in the first half of 2026 as strong B2B growth in North and Latin America helped drive higher revenue and earnings.
The London-listed gaming technology group generated €425 million in revenue for the six months to June 30, up 10% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 77% to €162 million, while the adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 24% to 38%.
B2B Drives Earnings Growth
Playtech’s B2B division led the improvement, with adjusted EBITDA rising 75% to €128 million.
Strategic partnerships contributed a further €34 million, including returns from Playtech’s 30.8% stake in Caliente Interactive, dividends from Hard Rock Digital and gains from the partial sale of a listed investment.
B2C revenue fell 22% to €32 million, but lower operating costs and the wind-down of HappyBet helped the division return to positive adjusted EBITDA. Sun Bingo and HappyBet generated a combined positive contribution of €0.2 million, compared with a €1.5 million loss in H1 2025.
Americas Remains Key Growth Market
The Americas continued to drive Playtech’s expansion. Revenue from the US and Canada increased 161% to €57 million, while Latin American revenue rose 14% to €100 million. On a consistent underlying basis, Latin American growth reached 29%.
In North America, Playtech expanded its igaming and live casino offering with operators including FanDuel, Fanatics, bet365 and DraftKings across several regulated states.
Hard Rock Digital also increased its contribution. Playtech received €4.4 million in dividends, compared with €2.1 million a year earlier, while the value of its stake increased from €178 million to €246 million.
In Latin America, Playtech highlighted its partnership with Mexico-based Caliente Interactive, which contributed €36 million in net cash during the period.
UK Market Faces Higher Tax Pressure
UK B2B revenue declined 8% to €59 million, partly reflecting customer-specific factors and the increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% in April.
Sun Bingo also faced pressure from lower marketing investment, declining player values and fewer active customers, reducing revenue by €4.5 million.
Despite these challenges, adjusted profit before tax increased 259% to €111.9 million. Reported pre-tax profit reached €113 million, compared with a €59 million loss in H1 2025.
Playtech Maintains Full-Year Targets
Playtech expects second-half adjusted EBITDA to fall below the exceptional H1 level as some North American revenue normalises and UK tax pressures increase.
The company remains on track to generate more than €270 million in adjusted EBITDA for 2026 and expects to reach the upper end of its medium-term targets of €250 million to €300 million in adjusted EBITDA and €70 million to €100 million in free cash flow earlier than previously expected.
Playtech also continues to invest in Brazil, where it expects to finalise a major strategic partnership by the end of 2026. The company has expanded support for local clients, added partners and opened a live casino studio in São Paulo with Portuguese-speaking dealers and locally tailored content.
