Evolution: Interim report January-September 2026
Evolution has released its interim report covering the period from January to September 2026.
M&A / Business
US commercial gaming revenue slips 0.6% in August as sports betting falls 15.6%
US commercial gaming revenue declined 0.6% year-over-year to $6.48 billion in August, according to data from the American Gaming Association. The downturn was led by a 15.6% drop in sports betting revenue, which offset gains in traditional casino gaming and iGaming. Traditional casino revenue saw a modest 0.9% increase during the month, totaling $4.44 billion.
IG Group confident of UK prediction market launch in 2026
IG Group is targeting the rollout of a UK prediction markets offering as early as the fourth quarter of 2026. The FTSE 100 trading firm views event-based contracts as an expansion opportunity driven by the sector's rapid global growth. The product launch will be led by the company's retail investing division, IG Consumer.
California's Hard Rock Casino Tejon breaks ground on $725M hotel expansion
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International have broken ground on a $725 million expansion project in Mettler, California. The development will convert the existing venue into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, a full-service resort and entertainment complex. The property is located on tribal land approximately 15 miles south of Bakersfield.
Betsson’s record Q3 comes at a price
Betsson achieved record third-quarter revenue of €326.5 million, though EBIT fell 31% to €46.1 million. CEO Pontus Lindwall noted that the operator's shifting geographic mix, particularly its expansion in Latin America, has created a lower-margin business profile.
Betsson boosted by football activity as firm reports record customers and revenue
Betsson AB achieved record Q3 2026 revenue of €326.5m, representing a 10% year-on-year increase supported by high levels of football activity and record customer engagement. Total revenue for the first nine months reached €922.1m, reflecting 3.2% year-on-year growth. However, Q3 EBITDA fell 23% to €63.4m as the operator faced elevated gaming taxes and betting duties across key markets.
FDJ UNITED’s revenue falls due to a backdrop of unfavourable economic conditions and tax increases
FDJ UNITED generated gross gaming revenue of €6,264m and total revenue of €2,576m over the first nine months of 2026, down 2.8% and 5.6% respectively. The performance was pressured by tax increases and broader unfavorable economic conditions across its operating footprint. Consequently, the company revised its full-year guidance to project low-single-digit GGR declines, mid-single-digit revenue drops, and an EBITDA margin of 23%.
MA Gaming Commission shows Wynn Resort’s Boston Casino with lowest GGR since February 2021
Encore Boston Harbor generated $46.1m in gaming revenue in September, marking its lowest monthly GGR since February 2021, according to data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The figure represents a 22% decline compared to the same month in 2025. Union representatives from UNITE HERE Local 26 noted that ongoing strike actions substantially contributed to the downtown property's performance drop.
Global Gaming Solutions buys Wyoming Horse Racing
Chickasaw Nation-owned Global Gaming Solutions has acquired 100% of Wyoming Horse Racing through its subsidiary, Global Gaming WY. The transaction includes the transfer of 13 Horse Palace Gaming and off-track betting properties located throughout the state. The acquisition further expands the tribal gaming entity's footprint into the regional pari-mutuel and gaming market.
Hard Rock Casino Tejon breaks ground on new Hard Rock Hotel as part of $725m expansion
The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock International have broken ground on a $725m expansion project at Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Kern County. The development will convert the property into a full-scale resort featuring a 406-room hotel, 900 additional slot machines, dining venues, and a spa. The project marks the next phase of the tribe's major commercial gaming partnership.
FDJ United’s tax bill up €62m in 2026 so far
FDJ United reported that its year-to-date tax obligations have increased by €62m in 2026, driven primarily by ongoing fiscal and regulatory challenges in the UK and Netherlands. The French gaming group revealed the figures in its latest financial filings published following the market close in Paris. In response, management is relying on targeted mitigation plans to navigate headwinds across both Western European jurisdictions.
Gloom and speculation in UK market as industry reacts to Flutter restructure
Flutter Entertainment's proposal to cut up to 1,400 UK and Ireland roles has generated industry concern and market speculation. While Flutter cited tax increases as the primary driver, sector analysts also attribute the restructuring to market consolidation, AI integration, and challenger brands.
Betsson AB interim report January - September 2026
Betsson AB has released its interim financial report covering the operating period from January through September 2026.
FDJ United lowers 2026 guidance as EuroMillions slump and tax rises hit revenue
FDJ United has lowered its 2026 financial guidance after experiencing revenue pressures from a EuroMillions downturn and increased tax burdens. The French operator now projects a mid-single-digit revenue decline for the year following a deeper contraction in the third quarter.
UK challenger bookmaker reportedly eyeing up £80m London IPO
UK challenger bookmaker BetGoodwin is reportedly considering an £80m initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange. The online sportsbook, which launched in 2022 as part of heritage operator Goodwin Racing, is exploring the move despite a challenging market for listed gambling firms. The potential listing would mark a significant expansion for the business following its origins as a telephone betting service.
Global Gaming Solutions acquires Wyoming Horse Racing
Global Gaming Solutions has completed the acquisition of Wyoming Horse Racing. The transaction encompasses 13 Horse Palace off-track betting locations housing more than 1,500 historical horse racing terminals, as well as live racing operations at Sweetwater Downs Racetrack.
High Roller Technologies Launches ROLR Real-Money
High Roller Technologies has officially launched ROLR, its real-money prediction markets platform, marking its entry into the US prediction markets vertical. The platform is now live for eligible domestic users following an invitation-only beta testing period that began in mid-September. The company anticipates that the new operations will begin generating revenue during the current fiscal period.
BreakingM&A / Business
Flutter to cut up to 1,400 UK and Ireland jobs as UK gambling taxes rise
Flutter Entertainment has announced plans to cut up to 1,400 jobs across its UK and Ireland operations following sharp increases in British gaming taxes. The company stated that the tax hikes have fundamentally altered the economic landscape of the regulated betting market. Flutter is currently the largest operator to implement workforce reductions directly attributed to the fiscal changes.
SkyCity would consider selling its entire business as an alternative to its current growth strategy
SkyCity Entertainment Group has stated it would consider acquisition proposals for its entire portfolio as an alternative to its current growth strategy. The consideration follows subdued trading conditions across New Zealand and Australia and encompasses key assets, including its flagship Auckland property, the Sky Tower, and venues in Hamilton and Adelaide.
Campeón Gaming sets up shop in Cyprus
Campeón Gaming has entered the Cypriot betting market for the first time through a new partnership with Nicosia-based B2C operator Bet on Alfa. The agreement marks the company's debut in the jurisdiction and aims to position it for further commercial expansion across the local market.
Raketech secures 60% discount on Casumba earnout obligation
Raketech has agreed to settle its remaining earnout obligation for Casumba Media in full for €8.2m, down from an existing liability of €20.3m. The agreement secures a 60% discount for the Malta-based affiliate group, which has signed a sanction letter with its bank to support the transaction.
Wildz Group CEO reveals ambitious Finland plans after securing licence
Wildz Group has outlined an aggressive expansion roadmap for Finland after successfully securing an operating licence. Chief Executive Sam Brown confirmed that the operator intends to launch 11 brands in the newly regulated market.
Brightstar Lottery signs two-year contract extension with the New York Lottery
Brightstar Lottery subsidiary Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation has signed a two-year contract extension with the New York State Gaming Commission. The agreement extends the company's provision of core lottery technology and related services for the New York Lottery. Brightstar has supplied the lottery's central operating system since 1986.
Macau third quarter casino revenue slips 3.8% on weaker mass baccarat
Macau's casino gross gaming revenue fell 3.8% year-on-year to MOP60.22 billion (US$7.46 billion) in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The drop was driven primarily by declining mass baccarat revenue, which offset broadly stable VIP baccarat performance. Total GGR also fell 1.3% sequentially compared to the second quarter.
BreakingM&A / Business
Flutter to cut up to 1,400 UK & Ireland jobs as it absorbs 40% Remote Gaming Duty
Flutter Entertainment will reduce its UK and Ireland workforce by up to 1,400 roles to mitigate the impact of higher gambling taxes, including a 40% Remote Gaming Duty. The planned redundancies are intended to help absorb an estimated $540m reduction to the operator's 2027 adjusted EBITDA. The cost-saving measures will be enacted alongside ongoing efforts to capture regional market share.