During Entain's half-year earnings call on Thursday, the company's operations in Australia were recognized as a significant contributor to its growth, with online revenue in the region increasing by 13% year-on-year when adjusted for currency fluctuations. New Zealand also performed strongly, reporting a 21% revenue boost in the same period.
CEO Stella David and recently appointed CFO Michael Snape pointed out that Entain gained market share in Australia through measures such as enhancing its bet builder offerings and the development of its native apps. In August 2024, Entain introduced its sports-oriented digital Betcha brand in New Zealand, which complements its existing TAB racing betting partnership.
The company also appointed Andrew Vouris as the new CEO for Australia and New Zealand in August 2025. Vouris brings over 17 years of experience in the local gambling sector.
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. We think that is sustainable based on good inputs, focusing on a broader range of sports… streamlining how we operate, focusing on the things that really move the dial. Long term, I think Australia is an opportunity for us because we’ve been playing there all the way through."
Looking at New Zealand, David reiterated the potential in a market expected to liberalize its iGaming regulations by 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 stated.
Entain has previously expressed interest in obtaining three online licenses in New Zealand, including its TAB racing monopoly, within a capped limit of 15 licenses total. Competitor Betway's Super Group is also eyeing three licenses.
In terms of international growth, Entain’s overall net gaming revenue rose by 7% in the first half of the year compared to the previous year. Spain was highlighted as a particularly strong performer, with a 28% increase in net gaming revenue attributed to the successful turnaround of its Bwin brand. David said, "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 mentioned that the brand’s presence in the Spanish market has quadrupled, player acquisition has doubled, and the company has achieved double-digit revenue growth in that region. Despite forthcoming cross-operator player limits that will take effect next year in Spain, the executives appeared unfazed.
On the subject of exiting the Central and Eastern European (CEE) market, Snape and David reaffirmed their decision made in June, believing it will help reduce debt and return capital to shareholders. Snape noted that proceeds from the divestiture would assist in lowering the group's reported leverage below 3x, with any excess capital being returned to shareholders. David emphasized, "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."
Industry experts noted that Entain's pre-existing deal structure with EMMA facilitated a quick divestiture. They also mentioned that the iGaming monopoly in Poland alongside recent tax increases has diminished the market's attractiveness. In the first half of the year, the CEE segment saw a modest NGR growth of 2% before its discontinuation in June, with online channels experiencing a 7% increase while retail operations saw a 22% decline.
