Entain maintains its 2026 full-year outlook following a strong first quarter

(AsiaGameHub) –   Entain recorded robust online performance across the UK and Ireland.

UK.- The London-listed gambling operator Entain is maintaining its full-year 2026 outlook, with a target of 5 to 7 per cent growth for online net gaming revenue (NGR). It projects £1.13bn in group EBITDA (excluding BetMGM fees) and a minimum of £500m in adjusted annual cash flow by 2028.

Overall Q1 revenue rose 3 per cent year-on-year, “in line with expectations”, fuelled by an 8 per cent increase in transaction volumes. Online NGR climbed 5 per cent, with igaming revenue up 9 per cent while sports betting revenue dropped 1 per cent amid narrower profit margins.

The quarter ending 31 March delivered strong results for the UK and Ireland online business, where NGR increased 13 per cent. Combined online and retail NGR grew 6 per cent, as retail NGR edged down 1 per cent. During the quarter, Entain announced plans to close more than a third of its Ladbrokes physical stores in Ireland.

International NGR only rose 1 per cent, as a 2 per cent gain in online NGR was offset by a 4 per cent decline in retail performance. Volumes grew 9 per cent, but revenue was impacted by sports outcomes that favoured customers in Italy and Brazil. Australia posted strong growth, with NGR up 13 per cent. Looking ahead, Entain aims to secure three of the 15 igaming licences set to be available in New Zealand from 2027 onwards.

In the CEE region, NGR fell 6 per cent, with online down 1 per cent and retail revenue plunging 30 per cent. BetMGM, Entain’s joint venture with MGM Resorts, recorded Q1 net revenue of $696m, a 6 per cent increase. igaming grew 9 per cent, while online sports betting rose 4 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA hit $25m. BetMGM has updated its full-year guidance, and now forecasts revenue between $2.9bn and $3.1bn, with adjusted EBITDA at the lower end of the $300m to $350m range.

Chief Executive Stella David emphasised the strong start to the year: “We entered 2026 with solid momentum that continued through Q1, marked by strong volume growth across our diversified portfolio. Our more focused strategy and optimisation initiatives reinforce our confidence in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation.”