Entain, the operator of Ladbrokes, is looking at strategic options for its joint venture in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). One of the possibilities being considered includes a sale of the stake of Entain in the venture, reported Reuters.
This development takes place amid tough times for UK gambling sector. Entain faces pressure as a result of UK government’s decision to raise online gambling taxes, with 40% levy on casino games and slots and 25% tax on sports betting. Shares of Entain have lost about 30% from when the new taxes became known.
It is vital for the CEE venture to Entain as this brings exposure of the operator outside UK market. This business is built on top of the SuperSport platform in Croatia and later supplemented by the purchase of Polish betting company STS. Reuters noted that in 2025 the business had produced £183.7 million of EBITDA.
For Entain the sale will make sense as this will help the operator to cut down the debt burden. Entain ended the last financial year with £3.64 billion of adjusted net debt, while the new UK tax will increase costs by £200 million annually. For the iGaming sector this means yet another effort of gambling operators to get rid of excess fat.
For the operators with high debt burdens taxes and regulations become too hard to endure. Strong brand names will still be highly valued. New Zealand gamblers searching for interesting online betting products might also take a look at our betting apps in NZ page.
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