Playtech has confirmed a solid opening to 2025, reporting major growth in its US operations and completing a transformative shift to a business-to-business (B2B) model. In a trading update covering January to April, the company pointed to “very strong” revenue gains in the United States, particularly across its Live, Casino, and Platform services. This performance reflects recent launches with top-tier US partners and signals increasing momentum in the region.
The firm, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, also pointed to solid contributions from its high-margin Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) segment. This division continues to see strong results across various operators and jurisdictions.
Strategic Shift Solidified With Snaitech Sale
A key part of Playtech’s transformation was the completed sale of its Italian-facing business, Snaitech S.p.A., to Flutter Entertainment for €2.3 billion. With the transaction finalized on April 30, the company is distributing roughly €1.8 billion back to shareholders through a €5.73 per share special dividend. This payment is scheduled for June 12, with shares going ex-dividend on May 8.
As part of its financial restructuring, Playtech is also retiring the remaining €150 million of its €350 million senior secured notes ahead of their 2026 maturity date. This early repayment is intended to enhance the group’s capital structure and reduce future interest costs.
Latin America Poses Regulatory Hurdles but Holds Promise
Despite its upbeat global outlook, Playtech acknowledged challenges in Latin America. New regulatory frameworks are affecting revenues in key markets. The company cited Brazil’s transition to a regulated model and Colombia’s temporary VAT charge on gaming activities as creating “initial headwinds.”
Still, executives remain optimistic about the region’s long-term potential. According to the update, “We remain positive about the opportunities these markets present to our business.” Notably, Playtech’s joint venture with Caliplay continues to perform well following changes to its revenue structure. The firm now receives dividends instead of service fees, holding a 30.8% equity stake in the venture.
Leadership Update and Strategic Outlook
In line with previously outlined succession plans, John Gleasure has officially taken over as Chairman, succeeding Brian Mattingley. CEO Mor Weizer emphasized that the first few months of 2025 have marked a significant phase in Playtech’s strategic realignment. “It has been a busy start to the year for Playtech as we transition to a predominantly pure-play B2B business,” he said. “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.”
Weizer also highlighted the company’s confidence in its long-term strategy: “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.”
Playtech Continues to Refine Its Portfolio
In addition to the Snaitech exit, Playtech is making progress on the potential sale of HAPPYBET, its German-facing sportsbook operation. A further update on that divestment is expected soon. Both moves reflect Playtech’s ongoing effort to focus exclusively on supplying technology and services to the global gambling industry through a pure B2B model.
Source:
Playtech says start to year ‘busy’ amid sharp revenue growth in US, Shares Magazine, May 21, 2025
