Playtech has combined solid financial growth with a landmark expansion into cruise entertainment, marking an important step in its strategy to broaden its global presence. The company’s half-year results for 2025 show a stable performance across both B2B and B2C segments, while its partnership with MSC Cruises introduces retail sports betting to the cruise industry.
Financial Highlights for H1 2025
During the first half of 2025, Playtech reported revenue of €859.6 million, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 8% to €235.8 million, reflecting strong contributions from both business segments.
The company’s B2B division delivered revenue of €563.4 million, up 8% year-on-year, supported by growth in regulated markets and steady momentum in the live casino vertical. B2C operations also remained a strong driver, with Snaitech generating €308.2 million in revenue, bolstered by continued demand in the Italian market.
Despite global market challenges, Playtech maintained a healthy cash position of €486 million and reduced net debt to €277 million, underscoring its focus on financial stability. Management reaffirmed its confidence in the company’s ability to sustain growth and pursue strategic opportunities across new and existing markets.
Expanding Gaming at Sea with MSC Cruises
In parallel with its financial update, Playtech announced the rollout of retail sports betting across MSC Cruises’ fleet. This partnership, formed earlier in the year, signals Playtech’s entry into the cruise leisure sector, introducing its betting solutions to one of the largest cruise operators in the world.
MSC Cruises, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, operates 23 ships across five continents, welcoming millions of passengers annually. Its onboard casinos already feature a range of entertainment, from slots and video poker to classic table games. With Playtech’s technology, guests can now place bets on global sports events through Self-Service Betting Terminals and newly developed mobile tills, all linked to their onboard accounts for smooth transactions.
The first phase of the deployment covers seven MSC vessels, with additional ships scheduled for integration in the months ahead.
Executive Perspectives
Yori Arami, VP Sports at Playtech, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration: “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.”
Echoing this enthusiasm, Mara Friso, Head of Casino at MSC Cruises, noted: “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.”
Looking Ahead
With a strong balance sheet and expanding partnerships, Playtech has signaled confidence in its trajectory for the remainder of 2025. The dual momentum of solid financial results and innovative launches, such as the MSC Cruises rollout, positions the company to capture new opportunities across regulated markets and emerging sectors.
As Playtech continues to scale its technology-driven gaming solutions, its entry into cruise entertainment reflects a broader ambition: to deliver engaging and seamless gambling experiences wherever players choose to enjoy them.
Source:
“2025 Half Year Results“, investors.playtech.com, September 10, 2025.
