Entain has confirmed to iGaming Expert that it will be undergoing 500 job cuts, approximately 2% of the operator’s global workforce.
iGaming Expert understands that the business areas that will be impacted include product, technology and corporate functions, but the staff reductions are not tied to a particular market or regulatory development.
The news comes as operators across the gambling industry make adjustments to their businesses to manage the cost of tax increases globally, most notably in the UK market, where remote gambling duty rose from 21% to 40% back in April.
An Entain spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing focus on enhancing Entain’s operational efficiency and agility, we have begun implementing organisational changes which will regrettably impact a number of roles across the Group over the months ahead.
“These changes will help make Entain a stronger, better business and are a further demonstration of our strategic focus on maximising shareholder value. We are consulting with all those affected to support them during this process.”
iGaming Expert also understands that the job cuts are not linked to the phased exit of its Central and Eastern European (CEE) operations.
The reductions will also not impact the operator’s plans to obtain three of the up to 15 licences up for auction for the New Zealand online casino market, with stage one of the three-stage licensing process, expression of interest, to open on 17 July.
Entain’s CEE exit
Entain set the wheels in motion last month to undergo a phased exit of its CEE operations, STS in Poland and SuperSport in Croatia.
The move will see an initial 20% divestment of Entain CEE agreed with EMMA Capital, its joint venture partner in the region, with an implied enterprise value of €2.1bn (£1.9bn) and c10x EBITDA multiple. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Once completed, Entain’s shareholding in Entain will drop from 67.5% to 47.5%. Post the 20% divestment, Entain CEE will no longer be fully consolidated into the Group’s financial statements, but until a full exit is achieved, it will continue to recognise its share of Entain CEE profits and dividends.
Taking the deal into account, Entain updated its FY26 guidance:
- Online NGR 5%-7% growth in constant currency reiterated (on a like-for-like basis).
- Online EBITDA margin in the range of 21-22% (previously 23%-24% with Entain CEE).
- Remain comfortable with market expectations for FY26 Group Underlying EBITDA.
- Remain on track to generate c£500m of annual adjusted cashflow in 2028.
Entain will provide further guidance details during its 2026 interim results on 13 August.
