Entain reported a stronger-than-expected performance across the board for the first half of 2026, and especially in the UK and Ireland, where the company recorded a significant increase in net gaming revenue (NGR) despite higher gambling taxes.
Entain Sees Growth Across Markets
CEO Stella David said she was pleased with Entain’s strong start to 2026, highlighting continued momentum and volume growth, as well as robust player engagement across the group during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. She added that the performance reflected strengthening operations and focused execution, reinforcing the resilience of the company’s globally scaled business and its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality growth.
Entain achieved such growth despite higher taxes in the UK, one of its main markets. Early this year, the British government confirmed higher taxes for online gambling as part of a new national budget policy.
Entain also reiterated its plan to gradually exit Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as part of its broader strategy to simplify the business and reduce debt. In June, the company agreed to sell a 20% stake in Entain Holdings CEE to its joint-venture partner, EMMA Capital, for EUR 425 million (about $497 million). The consideration includes EUR 395 million (about $462 million) payable upon completion, with a further payment due in early 2027 based on the venture’s 2026 financial performance.
David said Entain had continued to take decisive strategic steps to enhance shareholder value, including the phased exit from Entain CEE. She added that the company was becoming a more focused, efficient, and better-integrated business.
On the topic of efficiency, this is a prime directive for the company’s new chief financial officer, Michael Snape, who took over the role in March this year. However, that efficiency comes at a price, as Snape previously explained that Entain might slash over 500 jobs as it pursues said goal.
Here Are Some Numbers from H1 2026
In the UK and Ireland, total NGR in the region increased 8% year-on-year on a reported basis to GBP 1.18 billion ($1.60 billion). The growth was primarily driven by a 13% rise in online NGR to GBP 640.4 million ($866.1 million), with both sports and gaming NGR recording double-digit growth. Retail NGR in the UK and Ireland rose a more modest 2% to GBP 536.4 million ($725.5 million), with growth reported across both sports and gaming.
Meanwhile, Entain’s International business recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in NGR to $1.85 billion, with particularly strong performances in Australia, Canada, Georgia, New Zealand, and Spain. Growth was once again led by the online segment, where NGR increased 8% to $1.64 billion. International retail NGR also grew 2% to $219.1 million, as growth in sports offset a double-digit decline in gaming.
Even the aforementioned CEE, from which Entain is exiting, saw online growth in the first half of 2026. NGR increased 6% to $362.8 million, supported by an 11% rise in online NGR to $316.5 million. However, Retail revenue declined 19% to $46.4 million, reflecting weaker performance across both the gaming and sports segments during the period, which was likely a factor in Entain’s decision to exit the CEE.
In other news about the company, Entain released its Seven app, a free-to-play sports app aimed at capturing a younger audience.