Accelerating US business and continued Caliplay growth in Mexico helped Playtech outperform expectations during the opening months of 2026.
On Wednesday, Playtech CEO Mor Weizer described the company’s start to 2026 as “excellent”, with the business benefitting from a better-than-expected performance in the Americas.
The update was made in a post-AGM trading update, covering Playtech’s performance in the first four months of 2026.
As seen in Playtech’s FY25 trading update and full-year results, the company said it continues to outperform expectations across the Americas region, driven by continued strength in the US and Mexico.
Playtech also said “certain European markets” had powered the company’s strong start to the year, as well as a “solid performance” across its live casino segment.
Weizer voiced his belief that Playtech was well-placed to maintain its momentum. “Despite the ongoing sector headwinds, the combination of Playtech’s strong expansion in regulated markets, diversified footprint, highly scalable technology and deep partner relationships, leaves the group well positioned to capture the significant market opportunity ahead,” he said in the update.
Playtech signed a new deal with Mexico-facing partner Caliente in September 2024 regarding the companies’ Caliplay joint venture, this has been a core area of growth for the supplier over the course of the last year.
“Our partnership with Caliente Interactive in Mexico continues to perform strongly, with the upcoming World Cup representing a significant opportunity to further strengthen Caliente’s leadership position in the market,” Weizer added.
“Performance in the US, in particular, has been encouraging, as returns on our investments over recent years continue to accelerate and contribute meaningfully to profitability.
Sun Bingo business under review in the UK
Playtech’s group revenue for FY25 was down 10% to €763.6 million, the company revealed in March.
On its post-FY25 earnings call, Playtech CFO Chris McGinnis said the company had launched an operational review of its white label Sun Bingo business in the UK.
The review was launched in response to the increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April this year, a rate McGinnis said makes Sun Bingo unprofitable.
Weizer has not provided an update on the review, although McGinnis previously said he thought Sun Bingo still had a place in Playtech’s portfolio in the long-term, as it has more B2B than B2C characteristics, despite being customer-facing.
Penrose to step down from Playtech’s board
On Wednesday, Playtech also announced the intention of senior independent director Ian Penrose to step down from the board.
Penrose has agreed to remain as a non-executive director, senior independent director and chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee until after Playtech releases its FY2026 results. This, the company says, will ensure a smooth transition to those assuming his roles.
Playtech non-executive chairman John Gleasure expressed his gratitude for Penrose’s “invaluable contribution” since his appointment in 2018.
“We are grateful that he has agreed to remain with us until spring 2027 to ensure a smooth transition of his roles,” Gleasure said.
“Ian has brought deep global industry experience to Playtech, and has always shown total commitment and dedication during what will have been almost nine years of service to Playtech. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
