Playtech Confirms Strong H1 2026 Performance as Americas Growth Drives Results
Playtech has published its interim results for the first half of 2026, confirming the strong trading performance first signalled in its July trading update. The company reported Adjusted EBITDA growth of 77% year-on-year, with revenue up 10%, underpinned by exceptional growth in the United States and continued strength across Latin America and selected European markets.
Key Financial Highlights
The results, covering the six months ended 30 June 2026, substantially exceeded prior guidance and market expectations. Key figures reported include:
-
Adjusted EBITDA up 77% year-on-year, surpassing the €155 million threshold indicated in the company’s July trading update
-
Revenue up 10% year-on-year
-
Free cash flow of €101 million for the period
-
Net cash position of €39.2 million
The performance led Playtech to raise its full-year 2026 guidance, with Adjusted EBITDA now expected to reach at least €270 million, well above the range of analyst estimates of €205 million or higher that preceded the trading update.
Mor Weizer, CEO, said:
“Playtech has delivered a first half significantly ahead of our expectations at the start of the year, demonstrating the strength of our technology, the quality of our customer partnerships and the disciplined execution of our strategy. We saw continued momentum in regulated markets, particularly in the Americas. The US delivered an outstanding performance, driven by our partnership with Hard Rock Digital, while we also saw another excellent period of growth in Latin America through our revised agreement with Caliente Interactive and we continued to scale our market-leading Live offering. We achieved a number of strategic milestones, including expanding into new iGaming states with our customers in the US. We are delighted to see returns on our investments over recent years accelerate and contribute significantly to profitability, margin expansion and generating meaningful cash flow.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on extending our presence in regulated and regulating markets, deepening our customer relationships and continuing to invest in our products and technology offering including further leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence. We see substantial opportunities for further growth and remain confident in the long-term potential of the business.
“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.”
Americas as the Primary Growth Driver
Growth in the United States was the standout contributor, with Playtech’s US operations delivering what the company previously described as exceptional performance. Strength in Hard Rock Digital, alongside the rollout of new products including a historical racing offering, supported the US upturn. Mexico and Colombia continued to perform strongly, reinforcing the Americas as the group’s key growth region.
Selected European markets also contributed positively, providing a broader base to the group’s expansion.
Cautions on the Second Half
Despite the robust first half, Playtech has indicated that earnings are expected to moderate in the second half of the year. The company noted that second-half Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be lower than the first half, a factor that investors and analysts will weigh when assessing the sustainability of the upgraded full-year guidance.
Regulatory conditions in the UK, where the company maintains significant operations, remain a consideration for the outlook, though they have not prevented the group from lifting its earnings forecasts.
News of the H1 outperformance in July prompted a sharp positive reaction from investors, with Playtech shares rising by as much as 18% on the day of the trading update. The confirmation of these figures in the full interim results consolidates the group’s improved earnings trajectory.
