Playtech’s half-year update underscores the growing importance of North America to its future, with revenue from the US and Canada soaring 64% as the company accelerates its B2B transformation.
For the six months ending June 30, the group posted adjusted EBITDA of €91.6 million on revenue of €387 million, a 10% decline from the prior year but in line with upgraded guidance. The dip largely reflected a revised agreement with Caliente Interactive, but underlying growth in North America helped offset that impact.
Chief executive Mor Weizer commented: “These results show the strong start Playtech is making in its transition back to its roots as a predominantly pure-play B2B business. I’m very pleased that we have reported earnings ahead of expectations from earlier in the year, reflecting the strong performance across our key markets.”
North America drives momentum
Playtech’s footprint across the US and Canada expanded sharply in the first half. Revenue in the region reached €21.8 million, up from €13.3 million a year earlier, thanks to successful launches with major operators in 2024.
The company entered its fourth regulated iGaming state, West Virginia, while deepening partnerships with industry leaders including DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn Entertainment, and Caesars. Its Live Casino offering also grew through an expanded partnership with MGM Resorts International, which saw new tables debut on the floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Canada is also gaining traction. Playtech strengthened its position in Ontario through deals with NorthStar, Caesars, and GGVegas, with other provinces exploring regulatory frameworks that could open further opportunities.
Strategic refocus and investments
While North America drove growth, the group’s headline numbers reflected structural changes elsewhere. B2B revenue fell 9% to €347.6 million, mostly due to the new Caliente Interactive arrangement, under which Playtech now holds a 30.8% stake and receives dividend income. This shift boosted investment income to €19.8 million in the half.
The sale of Italian unit Snaitech to Flutter for €2.3 billion also reshaped the company, with €1.8 billion returned to shareholders and debt significantly reduced. Playtech ended June with net cash of €77.1 million, compared with net debt a year earlier.
B2C operations continued to contract, with revenue down 17% to €41 million, reflecting regulatory tightening and the gradual wind-down of HAPPYBET.
Cruise ships showcase new horizons
Playtech also broadened its entertainment footprint through a deal with MSC Cruises. Sports betting is now live on seven ships, with more launches planned. Guests can wager via self-service terminals and mobile tills tied to onboard accounts.
Yori Arami, VP Sports at Playtech, said: “We are excited to partner with MSC Cruises and bring our retail sports betting solutions to their impressive fleet. This partnership represents a significant milestone for Playtech as we continue to expand our offerings and provide unique, engaging experiences for players around the world on land and sea.”
MSC Cruises’ Mara Friso added: “We are very proud to be able to deliver the excitement and engagement of sports gaming to our guests through our partnership with Playtech. Our fleet of modern cruise ships will provide our customers a wide array of immersive digital content as a complement to our state-of-the-art cruise casinos.”
Source:
“Playtech released its 2025 half year results on 11 September 2025.”, investors.playtech.com, September 2025.
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