Online gambling operator Betsson reported record quarterly revenue for the second quarter of 2026, but higher gaming taxes in regulated markets and weaker business-to-business (B2B) revenue weighed on profitability despite strong growth in Latin America and increased betting activity around the FIFA World Cup.
Revenue for the three months ended June 30 rose 2.1% to a record €310.2 million ($361.9 million), while organic revenue growth was 6.1%. However, operating income fell 38.9% to €42.2 million, EBITDA declined 30.5% to €58.5 million, and net income dropped 38.2% to €30.4 million.
Chief Executive Officer Pontus Lindwall attributed the weaker profitability to the company’s growing exposure to regulated markets, where higher gaming taxes and payment-provider fees increased costs.
“The higher share of locally regulated revenue, and the higher gaming taxes that follow, is once again a key explanation for the lower profitability compared with the same period last year,” Lindwall said.
Regulated markets accounted for 75.5% of group revenue during the quarter, up from 65.7% a year earlier, while B2B licence revenue fell to €49.1 million from €75.6 million due primarily to lower activity from one major customer.
Latin America became Betsson’s largest market during the quarter after revenue rose 32.3% to a record €112.1 million, representing 36% of total group revenue and overtaking Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA). Argentina, Peru and Colombia each posted record quarterly revenue, helped by World Cup-related marketing and customer activity.
“As in previous quarters, the strongest growth came from Latin America, which grew by 32% to new record levels and is now our largest region,” Lindwall said. “The increase was broad-based and received an additional boost from the FIFA World Cup, which contributed to high activity among both new and existing customers.”
Western Europe also posted record revenue of €64.2 million, driven by Italy, while Nordic revenue declined 17.1% as Betsson reduced marketing spending in Sweden and Denmark amid intense competition.
Casino remained Betsson’s largest business, accounting for 70% of group revenue with €217.6 million, while sportsbook revenue was broadly unchanged at €91.3 million. The company upgraded its sportsbook platform ahead of the World Cup.
The company expanded sportsbook capacity to handle up to five times normal traffic and introduced new betting features like Goal Rush, which applies multipliers based on the number of goals scored, and Super Sub, where a bet can transfer to a substitute if the original player is replaced during a match.
Lindwall said he was “very satisfied with the performance of the sportsbook from a technical angle” and added: “We made a lot of UX enhancements and made it easy for customers to find things to bet on.”
Betsson also secured a sportsbook licence in Argentina’s Santa Fe province during the quarter, with a launch planned in the fourth quarter, further expanding its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Looking ahead, Lindwall said average daily revenue between July 1 and July 13 was 13.7% higher than the average for the third quarter of 2025, supported by continued World Cup betting activity.
“The FIFA World Cup has provided a solid start to the third quarter,” Lindwall said. “With a competitive product offering and strong market positions, we are well placed to continue creating long-term value for our shareholders.”
The company also announced a new €75 million credit facility to support future acquisitions. Lindwall said Betsson continued to see greater long-term growth opportunities in Latin America than in Western Europe.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/17/125440-betsson-q2-revenue-rises-21-to-record-3619-million-as-b2b-weakness-hits-profit
