During Entain's earnings call on Thursday, the company's Australian division was noted as a significant growth contributor, with online revenue in the region increasing by 13% year-over-year when adjusted for currency. In New Zealand, revenue saw an impressive rise of 21% in the same period.
CEO Stella David and newly appointed CFO Michael Snape attributed the market share gains in Australia to various strategic enhancements across the business, including improvements to their bet builder tool and the development of native applications. In August 2024, Entain launched the sport-focused digital brand Betcha in New Zealand, complementing its existing partnership with TAB for racing bets.
Further emphasizing their commitment to the region, Entain appointed Andrew Vouris as the new CEO for Australia and New Zealand in August 2025. Vouris brings 17 years of experience in the local gambling sector to the role.
David shared with analysts, "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. Long term I think Austria is an opportunity for us because we’ve been playing there all the way through."
Regarding New Zealand, David pointed to a promising future as the market gears up for iGaming liberalization by 2027. She stated, "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 expressed intentions to acquire three online licenses in New Zealand, including the TAB racing monopoly. The total market will be capped at 15 licenses, and Betway’s parent company Super Group is also aiming for three.
Overall, Entain reported a 7% rise in net gaming revenue (NGR) across its international operations for the first half of the year compared to the previous year. Spain was highlighted as a notable performer during this period, especially with the turnaround of its Bwin brand, which experienced a 28% increase in NGR in H1.
David noted, "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 added that the brand’s market presence has quadrupled, leading to a significant increase in player acquisition and revenue growth.
Despite the anticipated cross-operator player limits set to take effect in Spain next year, both executives expressed confidence in their brand's position in the market.
In addition, Snape and David reaffirmed their decision to exit Entain’s CEE business, a move first announced in June. Snape indicated this strategy is aimed at reducing leverage, unlocking capital for shareholders, and returning funds efficiently. Entain plans to use proceeds from this exit to lower group reported leverage to below 3x, with any 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. We’re very firmly focused on shareholder value and unlocking value from the portfolio," Snape added.
Industry experts informed that the existing deal structure with EMMA facilitated a swift divestiture. Concerns around Poland's iGaming monopoly status and recent tax increases have also made the CEE market less attractive.
In the first half of the year, NGR from CEE grew 2% before the discontinuation of operations in June. Online channels in CEE reported a 7% increase, while retail operations declined by 22%.
