Playtech has introduced that it anticipates adjusted EBITDA of at least €90 million for the primary half of its 2025 monetary 12 months, in accordance with a recent trading update. While this forecast displays a pointy decline from the €243 million reported in the identical interval final 12 months, the gaming expertise provider emphasised that the enterprise has undergone substantial structural adjustments in that point, transferring towards a extra streamlined B2B-focused mannequin.
The revised determine consists of operational losses from the now-sold HappyBet however excludes earnings from Snaitech, one other divested asset. Despite the anticipated year-over-year drop, the corporate confused that efficiency has remained sturdy throughout its core B2B division and cited an sudden uplift from related operations—most notably, its Mexican companion Caliente Interactive.
Strategic Shift Solidifies B2B Focus
Playtech’s diminished EBITDA steerage aligns with its ongoing transition right into a pure-play B2B enterprise. This strategic realignment gained momentum by means of the divestment of main consumer-facing belongings. In April, Flutter Entertainment finalized its €2.3 billion acquisition of Snaitech, Playtech’s largest B2C holding. The Italian-facing enterprise had been a significant earnings contributor, however its sale represents a pivotal step in simplifying Playtech’s working construction.
The firm additionally closed the sale of its remaining B2C entity, HappyBet, to NetX Betting—a subsidiary of Pferdewetten AG—on May 28. Initiated simply two months earlier, the sale finalized Playtech’s full exit from the B2C market, finishing its shift towards a business-to-business mannequin. Management believes this strategic reset will create extra room to innovate technologically, construct stronger buyer relationships, and enhance income from current shoppers.
Chief government Mor Weizer beforehand described the Snaitech sale as a “transformational” deal, underlining its position in unlocking shareholder worth and sharpening the corporate’s focus.
Caliente Dividend Boosts Outlook
One of the important thing optimistic developments within the first half of the 12 months got here from Playtech’s affiliate in Mexico, Caliente Interactive. The firm benefited from beneficial sports activities betting outcomes throughout Q2 and, for the primary time underneath a brand new strategic settlement, issued a dividend fee to Playtech.
This milestone follows a restructuring of the three way partnership with Caliente, which got here into impact on March 31. The settlement not solely ended a lingering dispute between the 2 entities but in addition redefined their business relationship. Playtech now holds a 30.8% fairness stake in Caliente and can now not obtain B2B service charges, although it is going to profit from dividend distributions going ahead.
Playtech acknowledged that Caliente’s improved efficiency had a significant influence on H1 outcomes and contributed to the raised outlook. The firm beforehand acquired $140 million in unpaid charges as a part of the settlement’s decision and retains the choice to extend its fairness stake underneath particular circumstances.
Global Expansion Plans Continue Despite Headwinds
Looking forward to the second half of the 12 months, Playtech affirmed its dedication to continued funding in promising worldwide markets, significantly the United States and Brazil. Despite macroeconomic and regulatory challenges in Latin America—highlighted by Brazil’s transition to a regulated betting atmosphere and Colombia’s short-term VAT levy—the corporate is pushing ahead with its development agenda.
In its earlier May replace, Playtech had flagged these Latin American hurdles however expressed confidence in overcoming them. That optimism was reiterated within the newest replace, the place the board acknowledged: “Given the exciting growth opportunities ahead, the board remains very confident in Playtech’s ability to execute on its strategy as a predominantly pure-play B2B business.”
The firm’s US growth has lately gained traction, with a launch in West Virginia in June marking its fourth regulated iGaming market entry within the nation. In addition, Playtech has signed notable B2B agreements with main US operators together with BetMGM, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Digital, additional entrenching its place within the North American market.
