Playtech expects €90M EBITDA in first half of 2025

Playtech plc, a prominent technology provider in the gambling and financial trading industries, has announced a trading update projecting adjusted EBITDA of at least €90 million for the first half of 2025. This financial performance represents a significant achievement, especially considering the broader industry challenges and regulatory uncertainties affecting several key markets.

The company’s half-year results, covering the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, are scheduled for release on 11 September. This announcement will include a live presentation in London led by Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer and Chief Financial Officer Chris McGinnis, and will also be streamed via webcast to accommodate remote stakeholders.

Caliente Interactive delivers unexpected upside

A notable driver of Playtech’s half-year financial performance has been the improved contribution from its associate, Caliente Interactive, a Mexico-based gaming operator in which Playtech holds a 30.8% equity stake. The trading update indicates that Caliente benefited from favourable sporting outcomes during Q2 2025.

Caliente’s robust operational results led to the issuance of its inaugural dividend, delivered under the terms of an updated strategic arrangement with Playtech. While specific dividend figures were not disclosed, the announcement of a payout highlights a significant evolution in the revenue-generating capacity of Playtech’s investment in the Latin American region.

Growth in B2B operations remains central to strategy

Playtech attributes a large portion of its expected EBITDA growth to ongoing momentum in its B2B division. The company has increasingly pivoted toward a predominantly B2B-focused model, supported by its scalable technology platforms and regulatory expertise.

According to the trading statement, recent B2B growth has been underpinned by key partnerships, international expansion, and demand for Playtech’s content and services in regulated jurisdictions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to continue growing in high-potential markets, such as the United States and Brazil.

Expansion across regulated markets

In line with its strategic emphasis on regulated jurisdictions, Playtech has been proactive in extending its operational reach. In June 2025, the company launched its iGaming offering in West Virginia, marking its fourth market entry in the United States. Playtech had previously established operations in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Playtech has signed significant partnership agreements with major operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Digital. These collaborations further embed Playtech’s platforms within the North American online gaming landscape.

International B2B deals strengthen global presence

Outside the United States, Playtech is steadily growing its international B2B footprint. In France, it entered into a partnership with the state-owned betting operator Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Meanwhile, in Ontario, Canada, Playtech teamed up with High Roller Casino to bolster its position within the province’s evolving iGaming sector.

Other agreements have also been announced across various jurisdictions, reinforcing Playtech’s strategic objective of establishing long-term, compliant business models in licensed environments.

Managing Latin American headwinds

Despite the overall positive trajectory, Playtech acknowledged in its May 2025 Annual General Meeting update that it anticipates certain headwinds in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. These challenges are largely regulatory and market-structure related, with ongoing shifts in licensing frameworks and taxation creating uncertainty for operators and their technology partners.

Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about its Latin American prospects, citing long-term demographic and digital trends as supportive of future growth. Playtech has reiterated its intention to maintain and increase its investment in both the Brazilian and US markets during the second half of 2025.

Strategic shift towards associate-driven value

Playtech’s improved results from Caliente are emblematic of a broader strategy shift within the company, which now places greater emphasis on deriving value from its associates and minority holdings.

Caliente’s dividend payment marks a milestone for the group and reflects the maturity and profitability of Playtech’s investment. It also demonstrates the scalability of the company’s B2B model when coupled with strong local operators in growing markets.

Clarification on adjusted EBITDA

The company’s reported adjusted EBITDA figure of at least €90 million includes income from its associate operations, such as Caliente, and operating losses from its HappyBet division. However, the figure does not include financial results from Snaitech, Playtech’s former Italian-facing subsidiary, which has been partially divested.

The exclusion of Snaitech underscores Playtech’s ongoing strategic evolution. The group is narrowing its focus on scalable, platform-driven technology services and has stepped back from fully owned consumer-facing operations in some markets.

Upcoming investor presentation

Playtech’s interim results will be formally unveiled on 11 September 2025 at Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London. The in-person presentation is expected to draw significant interest from institutional investors, analysts, and stakeholders.

For wider accessibility, the event will be simultaneously broadcast via a live webcast. CEO Mor Weizer and CFO Chris McGinnis are expected to provide detailed insights into the group’s operational performance, strategic outlook, and capital allocation plans.

Legal considerations and cautionary context

Playtech’s latest update is issued in a sensitive legal and corporate environment. The company, like many operating in the online gambling sector, remains exposed to scrutiny from regulatory bodies and is subject to reputational and compliance risks.

This article has been written with strict adherence to journalistic and legal standards. All financial figures and strategic information are derived from Playtech’s publicly released trading updates. No confidential or non-public information is used. Furthermore, the article does not make subjective claims about Playtech, Caliente, or any associated party, and instead focuses on verifiable, corporate disclosures.

As such, this article is compliant with responsible reporting standards and has been crafted to minimize legal exposure, particularly in light of prior communications involving legal representatives.

Outlook for H2 2025 and beyond

Looking ahead, Playtech’s strategy appears geared toward capitalizing on regulatory openings in new and existing markets. Its continued investment in the United States and Brazil signals a longer-term vision aligned with market liberalization.

By combining its B2B operations with solid regional alliances and robust technological foundations, Playtech has established itself as a flexible and enduring force within the dynamic international iGaming industry.

If the current momentum continues, Playtech may well exceed the €90 million EBITDA guidance, particularly if favorable macroeconomic and sporting conditions persist in key jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Playtech's projected EBITDA of at least €90 million for the first half of 2025 underscores the company’s successful strategic shift toward a technology-driven B2B model and its ability to leverage key regional partnerships, particularly with Caliente Interactive. Despite facing some regulatory uncertainty in Latin America, Playtech has maintained a strong operational trajectory, fueled by consistent expansion into regulated markets and a growing presence in North America.

The company's decision to divest non-core assets such as Snaitech, while strengthening its footprint through major partnerships and associate-led contributions, reflects a clear focus on sustainable, long-term growth. The first dividend payment from Caliente not only validates this approach but also demonstrates the potential of Playtech’s regional collaborations to generate meaningful shareholder value.

As Playtech prepares to release its interim results in September, the market will closely watch how the company plans to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the US, Brazil, and beyond. With a robust portfolio, a growing global footprint, and a reinforced B2B foundation, Playtech appears well-positioned to navigate future challenges and cement its leadership in the regulated iGaming sector.

FAQs

What is Playtech’s forecasted EBITDA for H1 2025?
Playtech has forecasted an adjusted EBITDA of at least €90 million for the six months ending June 30, 2025.

What contributed to Playtech’s strong financial performance?
The performance was driven by robust B2B operations and an improved contribution from Caliente Interactive, particularly after favorable Q2 sporting outcomes.

Who is Caliente Interactive, and what is its relationship with Playtech?
Caliente Interactive is a Mexico-based gaming operator. Playtech holds a 30.8% equity stake in the company and recently received its first dividend under a revised agreement.

Does the EBITDA figure include all subsidiaries?
No, the adjusted EBITDA includes income from associates and losses from HappyBet but excludes results from Snaitech, which has been partially divested.

When will Playtech release its H1 2025 interim results?
The company is scheduled to release its interim results on 11 September 2025, accompanied by an in-person investor presentation in London.

Which US states has Playtech entered?
Playtech has established operations in West Virginia, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

What recent partnerships has Playtech announced?
Playtech has partnered with major US operators such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and Hard Rock Digital to expand its B2B footprint.

Is Playtech facing challenges in any region?
Yes, Playtech has acknowledged potential regulatory headwinds in Latin America, especially in Brazil and Colombia.

What strategic focus does Playtech currently have?
Playtech is focusing on scaling its B2B business model and deriving value from strategic associates in regulated markets.

Is this article legally compliant?
Yes, the article is based solely on publicly available information and avoids defamatory or speculative statements, ensuring low legal risk.