The company is assessing New Zealand’s future online casino market, where up to 15 gaming licenses are expected to be issued (with up to three licenses per operator). The licensing process, as indicated by the Department of Internal Affairs, should begin in July 2026.
The company’s management says that New Zealand is yet to be included in Entain’s forecast for either 2026 or 2027. Nevertheless, the executives seem to be optimistic about the market prospects.
That optimism stems from the company’s existing footprint in the country. The group has already built a presence in New Zealand through its exclusive deal with TAB. This might put the company at an advantage should it later enter the regulated online casino segment.
Savings Plan Doubles Ahead of UK Duty Changes
At the same time, Entain is planning for an increase in gambling taxes in the UK. To prepare for this, the company is expanding its mitigation plan. Now, Entain aims to achieve £50 million in savings, up from its previous target of £25 million.
The savings are anticipated through better control of bonusing, marketing efficiency, product improvements, and cost discipline. Another aspect that the management mentioned was its AI program. According to the executives, it’s one of the tools to support savings in operations and technology.
The broader goal is to improve cash generation. As shared by executives, Entain aims to achieve £500 million in cash flow each year by 2028.
UK and Ireland Remain the Main Growth Engine
The strongest momentum in 2025 was seen within the company’s core UK and Ireland business. That’s where online revenue increased by 15%, with a rise of 18% in gaming NGR. Sports NGR was also up 7% for the year.
The company has explained this success in terms of improvements to its products and customer journeys. Among the enhancements cited were the Ladbrokes experience and the introduction of new tools like a racing bet builder.
Net gaming revenue for the year was £5.3 billion, which marked an increase of 8%. The underlying EBITDA was up 7% to £1.2 billion.
Bottom Line
The latest figures from Entain’s update suggest that the company is trying to do two things at once: protect margins in a tougher tax environment and stay in position for a possible entry into a newly regulated market. As competition becomes increasingly fierce in major gambling jurisdictions worldwide, staying compliant and adapting to market challenges are clear priorities.
