Key points:
- Playtech reports performance in line with expectations from January to April 2025, driven by B2B growth
- Software fees from Caliplay and US revenue across Live, Casino and SaaS led first-quarter gains
- The €2.3bn sale of Snaitech to Flutter closed in April; €1.8bn special dividend to be issued in June
Playtech has confirmed a strong start to 2025, announcing that trading from January to April was in line with expectations as it continues its transition toward a predominantly B2B model.
The company cited significant momentum across key verticals including Live Casino and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), particularly in the US and with strategic partner Caliplay.
Caliplay software fees remained a key contributor to group revenue, bolstered by a revised strategic agreement that came into effect on 31 March.
While Playtech is no longer entitled to receive additional B2B services fees from that date, it now holds a 30.8% equity stake and will benefit from dividends.
Revenue from SaaS products, a higher-margin, less capital-intensive area, also grew strongly across multiple operators and geographies.
Playtech acknowledged regulatory headwinds in Latin America, where Brazil’s transition to a regulated market and a temporary VAT charge in Colombia created short-term pressures. Despite this, the company reiterated confidence in the long-term potential of these markets.
Good to know: Growth in the US was led by the Live vertical, which Playtech identified as a continued “key driver” of overall group performance
On 30 April, Playtech finalised the €2.3bn ($2.6bn) sale of its Snaitech business to Flutter Entertainment. Approximately €1.8bn of the proceeds will be returned to shareholders via a special dividend scheduled for 12 June.
Playtech also confirmed it will redeem €150m in senior secured notes in June, due originally in March 2026, as part of broader efforts to reinforce its balance sheet.
Additionally, progress is ongoing in the planned sale of Playtech’s German HappyBet operations, with updates to follow.
Playtech’s AGM also marked a leadership transition, with John Gleasure assuming the role of Chairman, replacing Brian Mattingley.
The trading update follows Playtech’s move into Ontario via Eyecon and SkillOnNet, marking a first for the subsidiary studio in the Canadian market. Earlier this year, the company also launched over 120 UK-facing bingo sites through ProgressPlay.
