Playtech Grows in the US as Competition Heats Up at Hard Rock

In its trading update on November 10, Playtech raised its 2026 full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to above 300 million euros. The guidance exceeds the analysts' consensus estimate of 279 million euros. Strong performance in the Americas is behind this increase. The Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing (PMR) product, offered through Hard Rock Bet in Florida, is an important part of this growth.

Unlike classic online slots, PMR games determine their outcomes from past motor racing events. This structure allows Hard Rock to offer casino-style games within Florida's sports betting framework. The product launched in October 2025, and the number of games in the library rose from 21 to 148 as of November 10.

Playtech's North American revenue in the first half of 2026 was 56.9 million euros (63.2 million dollars). In the same period last year, the figure was 21.8 million euros, and growth on a constant currency basis was recorded at 176 percent. The company attributed most of the increase to PMR games. However, IGT and Light & Wonder have recently launched their own PMR versions of popular casino games.

Finance Director Chris McGinnis said that after the product went live, a large part of the revenue flowed through to EBITDA and free cash flow. Playtech, however, noted that as other third-party PMR providers enter the market, the contribution from Hard Rock is expected to normalize, and its share could be affected more tangibly in 2027. CEO Mor Weizer said during the first-half earnings call that the company expects more sustainable growth.