Playtech has highlighted “stronger than expected” growth in the Americas during the first four months of 2026.
In its latest trading update, released before the supplier’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 20 May, Playtech reported strong performance from 1 January to 30 April 2026, although specific numbers were not disclosed.
The London-listed firm hailed “continued strength in the US, Mexico and certain European markets” as major contributing factors, in addition to solid performance from its live casino segment.
A Playtech statement said: “The stronger-than-expected performance in the Americas, as flagged in the company’s FY25 trading update (in February 2026) and the full year results (in March 2026), has continued.
“Playtech has achieved an excellent trading performance for the first four months of 2026 driven by continued strength in the US, Mexico and certain European markets as well as a solid performance in Live, as returns on the company’s investments in recent years accelerate.”
Playtech CEO Mor Weizer shed light on the performance of the company’s partnership with Caliente Interactive in Mexico, flagging the summer’s World Cup as a “significant opportunity” for both parties.
This is despite the operator navigating tax increases in Mexico, where the tax rate on gross gaming revenue (GGR) has increased from 30% to 50%.
He added: “We have made an excellent start to 2026, with strong trading in the first four months of the year reflecting continued momentum in regulated markets, notably the Americas and certain European markets.
“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.
“Meanwhile, 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.
“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.”
In its full year trading statement in March, Playtech reported revenue of €763.6m for 2025, representing a 10% decrease year on year.
In addition to the trading update, Playtech also announced senior independent director Ian Penrose is set to step down from the board of directors.
Penrose, who also serves as chairman for Championship football team Preston North End, had held the role on the board since September 2018.
He will officially vacate the role next year following the publication of Playtech’s full-year 2026 results.
Playtech non-executive chairman John Gleasure said: “On behalf of the board, I’d like to express our thanks to Ian for his invaluable contribution during what has been a period of significant shareholder value creation and strategic transition 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.
“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.”
Last month, Evolution requested permission from the Superior Court of New Jersey to add Playtech as a defendant in its ongoing lawsuit against Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube.
The post Playtech hails “stronger than expected” growth in Americas at start of 2026 first appeared on EGR Intel.
CEO Mor Weizer points to “continued momentum in regulated markets” in pre-AGM trading update and highlights “significant opportunity” around World Cup
The post Playtech hails “stronger than expected” growth in Americas at start of 2026 first appeared on EGR Intel.