TLDR
- Betsson posted Q1 2026 total revenues of €285.3 million, with a slight decline from the previous quarter due to a 4% drop in casino revenue
- Latin America revenues hit €95 million, up 25% year-over-year, now accounting for nearly one-third of total company revenue
- CEO Pontus Lindwall called Latin America a major growth driver, citing low online gaming penetration and structural growth ahead in Argentina
- The company is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with increased marketing and a technology development freeze to prevent risks
- B2B segment performance declined, weighing on overall profitability, though Lindwall said the unit has now stabilized
Swedish online gambling operator Betsson released its first quarter 2026 financial results on April 29, showing a mixed picture. Total revenues came in at €285.3 million, slightly below the previous quarter.
The dip was largely tied to a 4% decline in casino revenue. Sportsbook revenue managed a small year-over-year gain of 1%.
The operating margin improved to 8.4% during the quarter. However, the company’s B2B segment continued to underperform.
Latin America Emerges as Betsson’s Growth Engine
The standout story in the report was Latin America. The region delivered €95 million in revenue, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.
That makes Latin America nearly one-third of Betsson’s total revenue. The region is now closing in on the company’s traditional strongholds in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
CEO Pontus Lindwall pointed to the region’s early stage of development as a reason for optimism. He said online gaming penetration in Latin America is still low compared to Europe.
“There is structural growth ahead, especially in Argentina,” Lindwall said. He added that Betsson holds the number one position in Argentina with a strong brand and proven technology.
The company’s strategy in the region has leaned heavily on football sponsorships. Betsson has partnerships with Boca Juniors and Racing Club in Argentina and Atlético Nacional in Colombia.
These deals help the operator build brand recognition in countries where football is deeply embedded in the culture. The approach appears to be paying off based on the quarterly numbers.
Betsson’s Latin American push is not new. In 2025, the company reported total revenue of €1.197 billion, with 8% annual growth. The fourth quarter of 2025 saw 7.9% revenue growth driven by Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations Underway
Looking ahead, Betsson is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company expects the tournament to drive higher user engagement and betting activity, particularly in Latin America.
Lindwall said the company plans to increase marketing spending around the event. He also confirmed Betsson will freeze its technology development process before the tournament to avoid any technical risks.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 national teams instead of the traditional 32. That means more matches and more betting opportunities.
Lindwall noted that the expanded format will create some lopsided early-round games but said the later stages should generate strong interest.
On the B2B side, the picture was less encouraging. Lower licensing revenue dragged down operating income during the quarter.
Lindwall acknowledged the issue but said the segment has stabilized after declining in the second half of 2025. He said the company wants to develop the B2B business further while continuing to grow its B2C operations.
He explained the cost difference between the two segments. The B2C business carries higher expenses from gaming taxes and marketing. The B2B unit does not have those costs, so its decline had a direct effect on profitability.
Lindwall confirmed the B2B segment reached stable footing by the end of Q4 2025 and remained steady into Q1 2026.
