Playtech nets early pure-play B2B goals 

Playtech Plc is confident in achieving its full-year 2025 corporate objectives, as it concludes final arrangements to become a stand-alone B2B gambling technology firm once more. 

Publishing a snapshot trading update for the period of 1 January to 30 April, Playtech cites a ‘solid start to 2025; continued progress against strategic objectives’.

The FTSE firm detailed “very strong revenue growth” in the US, particularly across its Live, Casino and Platform services. Recent launches with major US operators have started to pay off, and Playtech plans to ramp up investment to meet demand across the Americas.

Its high-margin SaaS division also delivered “very strong revenue growth across multiple operators and geographies”, according to the update.

While regulatory shifts in Latin America, including Brazil’s market overhaul and Colombia’s temporary VAT on gaming created unexpected pressures, the group remains bullish on future opportunities in the region.

The group’s Latin American opportunities have been emboldened, with returns from the Caliplay joint venture remaining strong after a new agreement on the asset’s revenue model was agreed last year.

“Playtech ceased receiving B2B service fees and began collecting dividends as a 30.8% equity holder in the venture,” the firm’s statement read.

B2B overhaul completed

Playtech confirmed the completion of its €2.3bn sale of Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment on 30 April. The deal will result in a €1.8bn special dividend paid out to shareholders on 12 June. On top of this, the firm is also making progress in offloading the German-facing HAPPYBET business.

Playtech said it would provide a further update in due course. The sale of Snaitech and HAPPYBET mark a decisive chapter in Playtech’s strategy to become a pure-play B2B technology provider to the global gambling industry.

Balance sheet boosted

Following the completion of the Snaitech deal, Playtech announced it will redeem the remaining €150m of its €350m senior secured notes on 2 June. Originally due in March 2026, the early repayment strengthens the company’s capital structure and reduces debt servicing costs.

New Chairman for B2B Vision

John Gleasure formally succeeded Brian Mattingley as Chairman at the AGM, in line with the firm’s previously announced succession plans.

Commenting on the results, CEO Mor Weizer said: “It has been a busy start to the year for Playtech as we transition to a predominantly pure-play B2B business. With the sale of Snaitech now completed, we have significantly strengthened our balance sheet and will return approximately €1.8bn to shareholders as a special dividend.

“Our core B2B business has delivered a solid performance in the first four months of the year, with a standout performance in the US. Given the strategic and operational progress being made across the business, we remain confident in Playtech’s ability to execute on the exciting growth opportunities over the medium term.”