Entain released its financial results for 2025 on 5 March 2026, reporting figures that slightly surpassed market expectations.
The company also outlined plans to counterbalance rising gambling taxes in the UK through cost-cutting measures across the group.
Following the announcement, Entain’s share price climbed by nearly 8%, according to Reuters.
The gambling group, which owns brands such as Ladbrokes and Coral and operates a joint venture with BetMGM, posted a net loss after tax of £680.5 million for the year.
A significant factor behind the loss was a one-off non-cash impairment charge of £488 million applied to its UK business after the government confirmed higher gambling taxes set to take effect in April.
According to the company’s financial report, Entain recorded an underlying core operating profit of £1.16 billion in 2025.
This result came in above analysts’ forecasts, which had predicted a range between £1.11 billion and £1.15 billion.
At the same time, the upcoming tax increases in the UK are expected to raise Entain’s annual costs by around £200 million.
The company said it intends to offset approximately 25% of that impact this year and more than half of it by 2027.
Entain CEO Stella David (pictured) told Reuters that greater use of AI tools has helped lower production expenses as well as the cost of creating digital content and assets.
The group is also introducing additional measures aimed at reducing marketing and promotional spending.
Chief Financial Officer Rob Wood highlighted the importance of Entain’s joint venture with MGM, noting that it continues to deliver strong value for both companies.
Peel Hunt analyst Ivor Jones also praised the partnership, describing BetMGM’s performance as outstanding and noting that the brand generated $270 million for its parent companies in 2025.
In November 2025, Entain announced plans for a new bond placement that could raise £703 million (€800 million).
The move is designed to refinance part of the group’s debt, extend repayment timelines, and reduce overall financing costs.
The company described the strategy as credit-neutral, meaning the transaction would not significantly increase total debt levels.
According to an official statement, the funds raised will primarily be used to repay existing euro-denominated loans.
Entain also noted that the final size, pricing, and conditions of the bond issuance will depend on market conditions at the time of placement.
Beyond restructuring its debt, the company aims to broaden its funding sources and reduce annual interest expenses, priorities that have become increasingly important amid global high interest rates and volatile capital markets.
Entain’s 2025 results highlight how higher gambling taxes in the UK are beginning to reshape the industry.
Thanks to its international presence and diversified portfolio, the company is better positioned to absorb the financial impact compared with smaller competitors.
This could potentially allow larger operators to gain market share while smaller firms struggle with rising costs.
Meanwhile, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is entering a new regulatory phase.
During a speech at the Betting and Gaming Council AGM 2026, Executive Director Tim Miller addressed several key issues facing the industry, including a review of licence fees, stronger action against the illegal gambling market, and the potential use of cryptocurrencies for payments.
Miller opened his remarks by outlining the major changes ahead for the British gambling sector, referencing recent budget decisions, upcoming adjustments to regulatory fees, and further steps related to the implementation of the Gambling White Paper.
He also reiterated that the regulator’s central mission remains unchanged: ensuring that gambling is fair, safe, and free from crime, while encouraging early compliance and maintaining open communication with licensed operators.
This article was first published in Russian on 5 March 2026.