Playtech CEO Reaffirms LatAm Focus Despite Volatile Regulations

Playtech management has actually recommended partners to exercise caution when it comes to navigating unstable regulations in core markets.


In the wake of its H1 financial report where it reinstated its dedication to Latin American markets like Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, the B2B gambling group expressed some reservations about a list of proposed tax changes in the appropriate jurisdictions.


A major development for Playtech in Mexico saw the business get a 30.8% equity stake in regional operator Caliente. SBC News spoke with both Playtech's CFO, Chris McGinnis, and CEO Mor Weizer, about the long-lasting potential customers of this offer.


Handling the tax bills


While McGinnis emphasised the dedication of Playtech towards the Caliente collaboration and the development chances it supplies, Weizer focused more on the quickly developing regulative elements of the Mexican market.


While still under evaluation, a legislation ahead of the 2026 Budget wants to increase the current GGR duty from 30% to 50%. Weizer raised examples from throughout Europe where tax walkings have actually caused a reciprocal impact on the market.


"We have actually seen from international advancements like the Netherlands that increases in the betting tax can have unexpected repercussions.


"There, this has actually triggered a decrease in marketing financial investments and some operators leaving the market, as well as an increased activity of unregulated platforms.


"While undoubtedly we would prefer the tax level in Mexico to remain the same, we can't really predict what the effect a boost will have, and we are still in the process of evaluating."


LatAm stays firmly in Playtech's sights


Latin America has captured the attention of many video gaming companies, both B2B and B2C, with Brazil in specific seeing a rush of market entrants in the months because a controlled betting space was launched in January.


Amidst this enjoyment, it is very important not to forget other Latin American markets, however, a number of which are seeing similar modifications to Europe around tax. Taking a look at Colombia, similar propositions were tabled to make the temporary VAT tax an irreversible charge.


While reaffirming that the nation remains a top priority for Playtech, Weizer likewise encouraged care, detailing that the marketplace may end up being unsustainable for some operators if the government decides to go through with its choice.


In Brazil, Playtech income proved to be volatile compared to other jurisdictions like the US and Canada, mainly due to the guideline of the marketplace at the start of this year. However, Weizer remained positive that Playtech has acted accordingly, and that its local partners are now well positioned for accelerated development.


"Brazil has the strictest set of policies worldwide, even when compared to the US, and they introduced an extremely stringent onboarding process that at the start caused a high level of rejection rates," the CEO described.


"However, we now see GGR returning to extremely comparable levels to what we saw prior to the marketplace's regulation. Estimates recommend a market price of $6bn by the end of this year, and an expected development of 15% in between now and 2030, reaching $17bn.


"While it took the market some time to get used to the brand-new guidelines, I think that from this point onwards we will see accelerated development. This is a really huge chance for us. Our company believe Brazil is one of the most promising countries for the video gaming market in the coming years."


Snaitech sale establishes B2B focus


Finally, Playtech's H1 corporate accounts were positively affected by the sale of Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment, a huge moment in the business's shift to a solely B2B enterprise.


When asked by SBC News about how Playtech intends to prioritise the release of newly-acquired capital, McGinnis added that everything is on the table - from M&A to investor returns.


"We have a very strong balance sheet and I think the best thing that it does is give us flexibility that we can look into all of these choices," the CFO said.


"We have actually constantly had an M&A strategy. When we first got Snaitech, it became part of that method. We still have that and we're regularly looking at M&An opportunities.


"In terms of organic growth, our business can fund its expansion, for instance into markets like Brazil. With our balance sheet as well, we're looking at capital allotment increasingly more carefully.