FTSE 100 (UKX)

LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Bookmaker Entain reported a narrower first‑half loss and stronger net gaming revenue on Thursday, with both its online and retail businesses outperforming expectations.
Group net gaming revenue rose 5% on a constant‑currency basis to £2.55bn, up from £2.37bn a year earlier, supported by £1.48bn of gross profits and broad‑based momentum across key markets. Online NGR increased 7% to £2.51bn, while retail NGR edged 1% higher.

Entain posted a £11.4m loss after tax, a sharp improvement from the £85.8m loss recorded in H1 2025, helped by favourable movements in financial instruments and FX. Underlying earnings, on the other hand, slipped 2% to £479m, with online EBITDA down 5% at £395m and retail EBITDA rising to 6% to £142m. Adjusted diluted earnings per share fell to 20.3p, down from 25.2p.

UK and Ireland NGR rose 8% to £1.64bn, while international NGR increased 3% to £1.48bn, supported by strong performances in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Spain.

The FTSE 100-listed firm, which lifted its interim dividend by 5% to 10.3p per share, also stated that its phased exit from Entain CEE was progressing, with an initial €425m sale of a 20% stake agreed at an implied enterprise value of €2.1bn. Proceeds

Looking ahead, Entain reaffirmed its FY26 guidance, expecting online NGR growth of 5% to 7% and underlying earnings of £910m to £960m, excluding parent fees, in line with market expectations. Entain also reiterated its target of generating £500m of annual adjusted cashflow in 2028.

As of 0815 BST, Entain shares were up 1.61% at 569p.







Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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