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BetMGM owner Entain aims to capture 50% of upcoming New Zealand iGaming. Entain revealed its intention to expand into New Zealand's online casino sector, with plans to bid for three licences once the government opens the application process later in 2026 Following the growth of BetMGM, Stella David, the CEO of Entain, which co-owns the gaming company, has openly stated that Entain aims to secure as much as 50% of New Zealand's upcoming iGaming market. Entain bets big on New Zealand's upcoming iGaming scene. According to David, Entain is the only online operator capable of cross-selling between sports betting and iGaming, thanks to its New Zealand betting arm TAB, a state-backed, exclusive sports and racing betting system. As TAB is the country's sole legal provider of both retail and online sports betting, a move by Entain into online casino could give David's company access to a significant existing customer base. Interestingly, David's proclamation comes just a few months after Entain announced large job cuts for its New Zealand branch as it aimed to diminish operating costs. Despite that, the company is still determined to reach its newly-stated goal. Entain continues to build momentum through its online gambling division as Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) is projected to increase by 5-7% on a constant currency basis. David noted during the latest earnings call that total group NGR climbed by 8% to $6.6 billion in 2025. Entain is already making progress to its goal. Currently, online gambling is not allowed in New Zealand, and the country also has just six brick-and-mortar casinos. However, in June 2025, New Zealand began moving to legalize iGaming with a new law, paving the way for online casinos to operate in the country. The plan allows for up to 15 licensed platforms, with Entain targeting three of those available licenses. Earlier this year, Entain revealed its intention to expand into New Zealand's upcoming online casino sector, with plans to bid for three licenses once the government opens the application process later in 2026. Securing these licenses would allow the company to grow its customer base and enhance its product offering, further reinforcing its position in the market. Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, noted that Entain's existing footprint and experience in New Zealand already provide a strong foundation for success. According to him, the company would be the only operator in the market that's able to offer sports, racing, and potentially casinos. Currently, Entain is the exclusive license holder for online sports and racing betting in the country, where it has recorded a 28% year-on-year increase in performance. According to a recent earnings call for its 2025 profits as a whole, Entain has revealed stable growth throughout its various offerings.

Entain shuts down 39 Ladbrokes shops in Ireland. Added: April 3, 2026 After discussions of a total sale of its Ladbrokes retail estate in Ireland to Bar One Racing collapsed, Entain has announced the decision to close 39 Ladbrokes shops in the country. Ladbrokes has around 100 shops in Ireland, with the closure representing more than a third of its whole estate, additionally, the decision is estimated to lead to 226 staff members losing their jobs, and after the shutdowns, the company will continue employing around 350 people in Ireland. In a statement to The Irish Times, Ladbrokes commented: "We continually review our retail estate to ensure our business remains competitive and financially sustainable. These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we take lightly and reflect sustained cost pressures, long-term changes in customer behaviour, and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market. Our priority now is to engage constructively with colleagues throughout the consultation process, with a strong focus on redeployment wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint." Ladbrokes stated that energy and property costs, rising labour pressure, and a refocus on online betting led to the decision. The final closures are expected to happen in May 2026, and the company is planning to conduct formal consultations with employees who lost their jobs during the coming weeks.

Spain's Codere prepares €2bn sale. Codere, Spain's second-largest gambling operator, is reportedly preparing for a sale valued at over €2 billion (£1.73 billion), according to reports from EXPANSIÓN. The company has enlisted the services of financial advisors Jefferies and Macquarie to guide the sale process, which is expected to conclude in the near future. The sale would encompass Codere Online, the operator's digital division listed on the Nasdaq since 2021. Despite facing past challenges, including delisting threats, Codere Online has shown resilience, achieving a 6% year-on-year revenue increase in 2025, growing from €212 million to €224 million (£195.2 million). Codere reported total revenues of €1.3 billion in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA of €179 million. The company is owned by around 84 investment funds, with Davidson Kempner holding the largest stake at 13.3%. Its operations span Latin America and Southern Europe, with key markets in Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Uruguay. The potential sale occurs as Spain tightens its gambling regulations. Andrés Barragán, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs and Gambling, has indicated that companies must prepare for significant regulatory changes in 2026. Despite these challenges, Spain's gross gambling revenue (GGR) surged by over 18% year-on-year in Q2 2025, reflecting sustained industry growth. If the sale goes through, Codere could become Spain's largest gambling operator, potentially surpassing competitors like Cirsa, Betway, and Entain's bwin. The timing of the sale, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, adds to the potential impact of this deal on Spain's gambling market. This move highlights the strategic shifts occurring within the iGaming sector, as operators navigate regulatory challenges and explore consolidation opportunities to strengthen their market positions.