Playtech H1 2026 Results: A Return to Strong Profitability
The London-listed gambling technology giant Playtech has posted a remarkable financial turnaround in the first six months of the year. The official Playtech H1 2026 results indicate a strong return to profitability, with group revenue reaching €425 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This performance underscores the company's robust B2B operations and successful strategic partnerships.
Profitability saw a significant uplift, with adjusted EBITDA soaring by 77% to €162 million. This pushed the adjusted EBITDA margin from 24% to an impressive 38%. The B2B division was the primary driver, contributing €128 million in adjusted EBITDA, a 75% increase year-over-year.
On a reported basis, Playtech recorded a pre-tax profit of €113 million, a stark contrast to the €59 million loss in H1 2025. This positive trend continued to the bottom line, with a reported post-tax profit of €98.1 million, reversing a €78 million loss from the prior year. The company remains on track to exceed an adjusted EBITDA of €270 million for the full year.
"Our balance sheet remains strong, and we are well-positioned to invest as required and also return capital to shareholders. We remain confident in achieving our ambitious medium-term targets and see exciting opportunities for the group across our markets." - Mor Weizer, Group Chief Executive, Playtech
Americas Expansion Fuels Record Growth
The Americas have been firmly established as Playtech's key growth engine. Revenue from the United States and Canada surged by an incredible 161% to reach €57 million. This growth was bolstered by expanding its igaming and live casino offerings with major operators such as FanDuel, Fanatics, bet365, and DraftKings across multiple regulated states.
Latin America also demonstrated strong performance, with revenue climbing 14% to €100 million. The company highlighted that on a consistent underlying basis, this represents a 29% increase. Playtech is continuing its investment in the region, notably in Brazil, where it has completed a new live casino studio in São Paulo featuring Portuguese-speaking dealers to provide locally tailored content.
| Metric | H1 2026 | H1 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | €425m | N/A | ▲ 10% |
| Adjusted EBITDA | €162m | N/A | ▲ 77% |
| Reported Pre-Tax Profit | €113m | -€59m | Positive Turnaround |
| Americas Revenue (US, Canada, LatAm) | €157m | N/A | Significant Growth |
Strategic Partnerships Prove Highly Lucrative
A core component of Playtech's success comes from its strategic partnerships. The company's relationship with Hard Rock Digital has been particularly fruitful, with dividends received climbing to €4.4 million from €2.1 million a year earlier. The value of Playtech's stake in the operator has also grown from €178 million to €246 million, more than tripling the initial investment.
Furthermore, the partnership with Mexico-based Caliente Interactive continues to deliver, contributing €36 million in net cash during the six-month period. Income from all strategic partnerships totaled €34 million, showcasing the strength of this business model. However, the company also noted a €27.2 million capital gains tax payment related to the previous disposal of Snaitech.
Industry Shifts Focus to Youth Gambling Prevention
While companies like Playtech expand globally, there is a growing emphasis on social responsibility within the industry. In South Korea, Gyeonggi Province’s Office of Education has signed a pivotal agreement with the nation's Gambling Control Commission (KGCC). This partnership aims to directly address the rising exposure of schoolchildren to gambling through smartphones.
The memorandum of understanding focuses on integrating preventative education into the school system. It represents a significant step in the country's approach to youth gambling prevention. The KGCC, which operates under the prime minister's office, will work closely with the education office on policy coordination and student protection.
A Multi-Faceted Strategy to Protect Students
The initiative is built on a dual approach to safeguard young people. It combines a “phone free” strategy with RAS education, an approach that uses reading, arts, and sports to engage students in structured, screen-free activities. The goal is not just to limit access to gambling content but also to provide compelling alternatives that reduce overall dependency on digital devices.
This long-term strategy aims to embed gambling prevention into daily school routines rather than relying on short-term campaigns. The collaboration will involve the exchange of educational resources and prevention experts. This move mirrors efforts in other markets, such as Ireland, which recently launched a national campaign to help parents recognize the signs of underage gambling.
"To effectively respond to youth gambling problems, close cooperation between the Office of Education, which best understands the school environment, and specialised prevention and treatment institutions is necessary. I hope this agreement does not remain a mere event but leads to the implementation of practical policies." - An Min-seok, Gyeonggi Education Chief
