Playtech B2B transition on course as shareholders land £1.5bn payout

Playtech has revealed that it remains on course to meet cross-sector strategic targets in a trading update posted on 21 May. 

Covering 1 January to 30 April 2025, the group’s latest financial brief detailed positive performances across all operations. Crucially, Playtech outlined that the company had made “good progress” on plans to shift to a business-to-business (B2B) model. 

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Of particular note is Playtech’s headway in the US market – as “very strong growth” has been observed throughout all live, casino and platform services. These advances are attributed to significant deals with critical industry entities. 

Live-focused facilities gathered momentum during the opening four months of the year. Bolstered by major demand within the Americas, this vertical will likely stand as a driving force in the organisation’s arsenal moving forward. 

In addition to an increasingly profitable software-as-a-service (SaaS) initiative, Playtech reported steady gains in Brazil and Colombia amid pertinent regulatory changes in both regions. Henceforth, the FTSE-traded group anticipates fruitful ventures within Latam markets.

The £1.94billion sale of Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment at the end of April culminated in a £1.5bn “special dividend” shareholder payout – due to be submitted on 12 June. German provider, HAPPYBET, remains available for purchase by suitable vendors and, according to the snapshot report, headway is being made on the potential sale of the betting and gaming service.

Shedding both brands represents a pivotal juncture in Playtech’s future endeavours – as HAPPYBET stands as the corporation’s final business-to-customer (B2C) product.

Confirmation that Playtech chair, Brian Mattingley, will step down from his post following the company’s mid-week AGM was also included in the short-term update. Now 73-years-old, Mattingley oversaw several key accords and decisions during a four-year tenure – including a notable 60% improvement in the stock market.

Former DAZN executive, John Gleasure, shall assume the role of chair from 22 May. Supported by three decades of industry nous and having held multiple senior roles spanning numerous departments, the 54-year-old attains the position in a more stable environment than his predecessor. 

Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO, commented on the update’s findings in a statement: "It has been a busy start to the year for Playtech as we transition to a predominantly pure-play B2B business. With the sale of Snaitech now completed, we have significantly strengthened our balance sheet and will return approximately £1.5bn billion to shareholders as a special dividend.”

Weizer credited much of the firm’s success to successful commitments in the US: “Our core B2B business has delivered a solid performance in the first four months of the year, with a standout performance in the US. Given the strategic and operational progress being made across the business, we remain confident in Playtech's ability to execute on the exciting growth opportunities over the medium term." 

Playtech also verified that £126m of its remaining £295m senior secured notes will be redeemed at the beginning of June — rather than the expected March 2026 — signalling the organisation’s healthy financial framework.