Entain Concludes Strategic Review, Eyes Crystalbet Sale

Entain, a global sports betting and gaming giant, announced that its board’s Capital Allocation Committee (CapCo) has concluded its strategic review. The company had tasked the CapCo with creating a value optimization plan in January, asking it to thoroughly evaluate its business, markets, brands and verticals.

After carefully considering various opportunities, the committee concluded that Entain is well-positioned for long-term growth thanks to its diverse assets, brands, capabilities and geographic footprint. All of this, the CapCo believes, would help the group return organic revenue growth, expand margins and cement its position in the US market.

The review also pointed out that Entain boasts a strong balance sheet and leverage position that has been further strengthened by the recent extension of Entain’s RCF and term loan repricing and add-ons.

However, the review concluded that Crystalbet, Entain’s Georgia-facing brand, is non-core to the group, as previously rumored. Because of that, Entain will now consider strategic alternatives for the business. The company hinted that it has already received interest from potential acquirers.

The CapCo Will Continue Maximizing Shareholder Value

Entain added that the CapCo considered operational progress and developments in Entain’s key markets as part of the review. These included Brazil’s return to strong double-digit revenue growth, the recent regulatory changes in the UK and progress on BetMGM’s new product roadmap. Additional noteworthy developments included the approval of Entain’s applications in Nevada, favorable performance of Entain in Poland and significant progress on Project Romer, which is set to improve Entain’s efficiency.

Following this review, the CapCo will continue to monitor Entain’s business and review its strategic progress. The committee will also be tasked with considering ways to further enhance shareholder value.  

Entain’s chair, Barry Gibson, commented on the matter, praising the CapCo for concluding the strategic review of the company’s portfolio.

Whilst we still have more work to do to improve our operational performance, the Board is pleased with the progress Entain is making so far in 2024 in line with our strategy. The Group has the core strengths, brands and products to be competitive across its markets and continues to be a global leader in betting and gaming.

Barry Gibson, chair, Entain

Entain’s board of directors will publish further updates on its strategic progress when it publishes its interim results in August.