Entain's business in Australia emerged as a key growth area during the company's H1 earnings report on Thursday, revealing a 13% increase in online revenue for the region year-over-year, adjusted for constant currency. The company's revenue from New Zealand also saw a significant rise of 21% in the same period.
CEO Stella David and newly appointed CFO Michael Snape attributed these gains to strategic enhancements, including improvements to their bet builder feature and the development of native applications. Furthermore, Entain rolled out its sports-focused digital Betcha brand in New Zealand in August 2024, aimed at complementing its TAB racing betting partnership.
In August 2025, Entain named Andrew Vouris as the new CEO for Australia and New Zealand, citing his 17 years of experience in the local gambling industry.
David addressed analysts, stating, "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."
She further emphasized the long-term prospects in Australia, saying, "Long term I think Australia is an opportunity for us because we've been playing there all the way through."
Focusing on New Zealand, David highlighted the upcoming liberalization of iGaming slated for 2027. "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," she noted.
Entain is planning to pursue three online licenses in New Zealand, in addition to its TAB racing monopoly, with the total market allotting a limit of 15 licenses, as Betway's Super Group also plans to acquire three.
On a broader scale, Entain's international business overall saw a 7% increase in net gaming revenue (NGR) compared to the previous year. Spain was specifically mentioned as a notable market, with the Bwin brand experiencing a remarkable 28% growth in NGR during H1.
David remarked, "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."
She highlighted that the company had quadrupled its brand presence, doubled player acquisition, and secured market share with double-digit revenue growth. Both executives expressed confidence regarding the impending cross-operator player limits set to take effect in Spain next year.
Reiterating their decision to exit the CEE market, David and Snape confirmed that this strategy would help de-lever the company and would allow capital to be returned to shareholders. Snape explained that proceeds from fully exiting Entain CEE will focus on reducing group reported leverage below 3x, with any excess returned to stakeholders.
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 reinforced the company’s focus on enhancing shareholder value across its portfolio.
Industry analysts noted in July that Entain's existing agreement with EMMA facilitated a swift divestiture process and highlighted that Poland's iGaming monopoly and recent tax increases have made the market less attractive. In H1, CEE NGR showed a modest increase of 2% before the business was discontinued, with online operations seeing a 7% rise while retail saw a significant drop of 22%.
