TLDR
- Playtech CEO Mor Weizer called the company’s first four months of 2026 “excellent,” driven by stronger-than-expected Americas performance
- US business is accelerating and the Caliplay joint venture in Mexico continues to grow
- Certain European markets and live casino also contributed to the strong start
- The company is reviewing its Sun Bingo business in the UK after Remote Gaming Duty jumped from 21% to 40%
- Senior independent director Ian Penrose will step down from the board after FY2026 results are released
Americas Momentum Powers Playtech’s Early 2026 Performance
Playtech delivered a post-AGM trading update on Wednesday covering its performance through the first four months of 2026. CEO Mor Weizer said the company had an “excellent” start to the year.
The update pointed to better-than-expected results across the Americas region. The US and Mexico were the main drivers of that outperformance.
Playtech’s US business has been building over recent years. Weizer said returns on those investments are now accelerating and contributing meaningfully to profitability.
In Mexico, the company’s Caliplay joint venture with Caliente Interactive continues to perform well. Playtech signed a new strategic agreement with Caliente in September 2024 to expand that partnership.
Weizer highlighted the upcoming World Cup as a chance to strengthen Caliente’s position in the Mexican market. The partnership has been a core growth area for the supplier over the past year.
Beyond the Americas, Playtech said certain European markets also helped power its strong start. The company’s live casino segment delivered what it called a “solid performance” during the period.
Weizer expressed confidence in the company’s outlook. He cited Playtech’s expansion in regulated markets, diversified footprint, and scalable technology as reasons the group is well positioned going forward.
Sun Bingo Review and UK Tax Pressures
Despite the positive Americas update, Playtech faces challenges in the UK. The company’s group revenue for FY25 fell 10% to €763.6 million.
On its post-FY25 earnings call, CFO Chris McGinnis said Playtech had launched an operational review of its white label Sun Bingo business. The review came in response to a sharp increase in Remote Gaming Duty.
The UK government raised Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on April 1 this year. McGinnis said that rate makes Sun Bingo unprofitable.
Weizer did not provide an update on the review in Wednesday’s trading statement. McGinnis had previously said he believed Sun Bingo still had a place in Playtech’s portfolio long-term, given its B2B characteristics.
Separately, Playtech announced that senior independent director Ian Penrose intends to step down from the board. Penrose has served on the board since 2018.
He has agreed to remain in his roles until after the company releases its FY2026 results. Playtech said this will ensure a smooth transition.
Non-executive chairman John Gleasure thanked Penrose for his contributions over what will be nearly nine years of service. Gleasure said Penrose brought deep global industry experience to the company.
Playtech expects Penrose to remain with the company until spring 2027. The company said it wishes him well in his future endeavors.
