Entain's Australian division emerged as a significant growth contributor during its half-year earnings call on Thursday, reporting a 13% increase in online revenue year-on-year when adjusted for constant currency. Additionally, revenue from New Zealand climbed by 21% in the same period.
CEO Stella David and newly appointed CFO Michael Snape noted that the company gained market share in Australia, attributing this success to various strategic initiatives, which included enhancements to their bet builder feature and improvements to their native applications. In August 2024, Entain launched its new sports-focused digital brand, Betcha, in New Zealand, supplementing its established TAB racing betting partnership in that market.
In August 2025, Andrew Vouris was appointed as CEO for Australia and New Zealand, bringing 17 years of local experience in the gambling sector to Entain. During the earnings call, David remarked, "If you take Australia, we’re in healthy, double-digit growth because of changes that we’ve made to the way that we operate. So we think that is sustainable based on good inputs, focusing on more broad sports, a less exclusive focus on racing, for example, streamlining the way that we operate, focusing in on the things that really move the dial."
David also highlighted potential growth in New Zealand, particularly as the market approaches the liberalization of iGaming planned for 2027. She expressed excitement about the upcoming casino regulation changes, stating, "If you go to New Zealand, which is in double-digit growth at the moment, it’s very exciting that we’re going to get the casino regulations start at the beginning of 2027, which is a new opportunity for us."
Entain has previously announced plans to seek three online licenses in New Zealand, including its current TAB racing monopoly, amidst a total licensing cap of 15, with competitors like Betway’s Super Group also pursuing three licenses.
Entain's international operations reported a 7% rise in net gaming revenue (NGR) compared to the previous year. Spain emerged as another notable growth area during the first half of the year, with the Bwin brand experiencing a remarkable 28% increase in NGR. David noted the company's strong growth in Spain, stating, "We’re in great growth in Spain. We have great momentum there. We’ve got a great brand with Bwin. And so we think that the inputs are gonna continue to generate market share growth."
According to David, Entain's brand visibility in Spain has quadrupled, with player acquisition doubling and achieving double-digit revenue growth. Despite the upcoming cross-operator player limits set for implementation in Spain next year, both executives expressed confidence in their position.
On the matter of the company's exit from the Central and Eastern European (CEE) market, Snape and David reaffirmed their commitment to this decision, made public in June. They anticipate that exiting this market will reduce debt, unlock capital, and return funds to shareholders, with Snape indicating, "Future proceeds from Entain’s full exit of Entain CEE will be used to reduce group reported leverage below 3x, with excess capital returned to shareholders."
David clarified, "There’s no fire sale taking place here. We have really good value businesses that we continue to invest and grow. But the CEE feel is a good example of adding value." Snape added, "We’re very firmly focused on shareholder value and unlocking value from the portfolio."
Industry analysts had noted that Entain’s prior arrangements with EMMA facilitated a swift divestiture, while the evolving regulatory environment in Poland, coupled with recent tax increases, has shifted market attractiveness. During the first half, CEE's NGR grew by 2% before the market exit, with online segments experiencing a 7% increase, although retail was down by 22%.
Nicole Macedo, experienced in local journalism and a pioneer of Gibraltar’s first online-only broadcaster, contributed to this report.
