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Entain and Flutter warn of financial hit from Brazil betting ban. Business Regulation Updated by Colm Phelan Brand Manager Last Updated 29th Sep 2026, 02:35 PM [Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Sportingbet, has cut its online revenue outlook after Brazil's ban on fixed-odds betting. (Photo: Jaggery / Wikimedia Commons)] Entain has downgraded its full-year online revenue guidance after Brazil's sudden ban on fixed-odds betting, joining Flutter Entertainment in warning investors of a financial hit from the market's abrupt closure. In a regulatory announcement to the London Stock Exchange on 28 September 2026, the Ladbrokes and Sportingbet owner said it now expects full-year online net gaming revenue growth of 4% to 6% on a constant currency basis, down from a previous guidance range of 5% to 7% excluding Brazil. The downgrade follows Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's decision to sign a provisional measure on 25 September 2026 banning the exploitation, offer and advertising of fixed-odds betting across the country, a move that also affects the online casinos sector operating there. Entain holds earnings guidance, Flutter reviewing options. In the announcement, Entain said it was 'disappointed' by the 'sudden development without consultation of industry stakeholders regarding its significant adverse consequences'. The group confirmed it is complying with the provisional measure while it remains in force. Brazil had been expected to account for around 5% of Entain's total online net gaming revenue this year, though the group said its earnings contribution was always forecast to be 'modest' given the 'challenging and highly competitive operating environment' in the country. Entain reconfirmed its full-year underlying EBITDA guidance of £910 million to £960 million, but now expects to land towards the lower end of that range because of the ban. Flutter, the Dublin-founded owner of Paddy Power and FanDuel, said separately it was 'extremely disappointed' by the development and is 'reviewing all available options, including the potential to appeal'. Brazil accounted for around 1% of Flutter's total revenue at the end of 2025, but the company has said the ban could cut about $70 million from its 2026 revenue and $20 million from adjusted core profit. Provisional measure needs congressional approval. The ban is not yet permanent. Under Brazilian law, a presidential provisional measure takes immediate effect but must secure congressional approval within 120 days to remain in force, meaning the shutdown could still be amended or rejected by lawmakers before it becomes permanent. 'Excluding Brazil, Entain remains on track to deliver FY26 online net gaming revenue growth at the top end of its guidance of 5% to 7% on a constant currency basis,' the group said in its 28 September announcement, framing Brazil as an isolated, if painful, disruption to an otherwise resilient year. The reaction in the two companies' share prices diverged in early trading, with Flutter's US-listed stock up 1.1% while Entain's shares fell 4.2%, reflecting the market's read on the relative sizes of each group's Brazilian exposure. The wider timing is notable for both companies. Entain revealed plans earlier this month to cut around 400 jobs worldwide, citing rising UK gambling taxes, while Flutter has previously said fears over an Irish gambling tax rise were overblown. Entain said it will continue to monitor the Brazilian situation and provide further updates as appropriate. The full regulatory announcement is available via the London Stock Exchange's regulatory news service. Congress is now expected to debate the measure over the coming months, with the outcome likely to shape how quickly, if at all, either operator can return to the Brazilian market. Meet the author. 10 Years Experience Colm Phelan Brand Manager Colm Phelan has spent several years working in the iGaming industry and has plenty of experience when it comes to writing, researching and rigorously testing online casinos and sportsbooks. While Colm has invested a lot of his time into the digital marketing world but his other passions include poker and a variety of sports including golf, NFL and football.

White Hat Gaming appoints Leon Thomas as CCO to lead growth across regulated markets. September 29, 2026 White Hat Gaming has appointed Leon Thomas, a former Hard Rock Digital and Entain executive, as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to drive commercial growth as operators worldwide look to re-platform in regulated markets. Thomas brings more than 20 years' experience in the global gaming industry with senior roles at operators including Hard Rock Digital, Entain and tombola. Most recently as Vice President International at Hard Rock Digital, he led the company's expansion into Canada, the Netherlands and Mexico. At Entain, he was Group Director of Strategy and Corporate Development before becoming Managing Director for its Canadian-facing brands, including Sports Interaction. He also has a track record of scaling B2B businesses in regulated markets, most notably at online casino software specialist Microgaming and instant win games provider IWG. The appointment comes as consolidation among platform suppliers leaves many operators reviewing their technology. White Hat Gaming is targeting operators moving away from providers that are consolidating or retiring products, as well as brands looking to launch or grow in regulated markets around the world. Phil Gelvan, CEO of White Hat Gaming, said: "Leon has sat on both sides of the table. He has run operator businesses and scaled B2B suppliers, so he knows exactly what operators need from a platform partner. He is the right person to lead our commercial growth across regulated markets worldwide." Commenting on his appointment, Thomas shared: "I'm excited to join White Hat Gaming as the company embarks on its latest evolution. My focus will be on partnering with operators who need greater reliability and scale, and helping brands launch with confidence in regulated markets anywhere in the world." Last update: 29 September 2026, 10:33 pm The AGBrief Editorial Team is a global group of contributors connected to Asia Gaming Brief, actively sourcing news to ensure our readers receive reliable and accurate coverage.

Entain is consulting on cutting around 400 customer-care positions — approximately one-fifth of its 2,000-strong global workforce — as it absorbs higher UK gambling taxes. The Ladbrokes and Coral owner expects the consultation to conclude by November. Remote Gaming Duty rose from 21% to 40% in April 2026, whilst a new 25% tax rate on most remote betting takes effect from April 2027. Chief executive Stella David has warned that doubling Machine Games Duty to 40% would add roughly £100 million annually to the company's UK retail operation. The restructuring follows Entain's better-than-expected first-half results, which showed underlying operating profit of £479 million. Management said the changes aim to simplify operations and maintain competitiveness amid rising regulatory and tax pressure across multiple markets.