Entain Targets New Zealand iGaming Expansion and Doubles UK Tax Mitigation Strategy to £50 Million Following Robust FY25 Growth

Entain targets 50% of the New Zealand iGaming market and doubles its UK tax mitigation plan to £50m. Read CEO Stella David’s FY25 growth strategy and AI plans.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 10:44 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from iGB

Bullish Stance on New Zealand’s 2027 Market Launch

Entain is positioning itself as a dominant future player in the New Zealand iGaming sector, with leadership expressing strong interest in capturing up to half of the country’s projected £600 million market. During the FY25 results call, CEO Stella David confirmed the company is eyeing three of the 15 licenses set to be issued. While the market is not expected to launch until 2027—with the licensing process beginning in July 2026—Entain’s exclusive ownership of the TAB betting brand provides a unique advantage for cross-selling between sports and iGaming that competitors currently lack.

Aggressive UK Tax Mitigation Plan Doubled to £50 Million

To counter the financial pressure of incoming hikes to the UK’s Remote Gaming and Remote Betting duties, Entain has significantly expanded its cost-saving initiatives. The initial £25 million mitigation plan has been doubled to £50 million, with a focus on intensifying cash generation. CFO Rob Wood indicated that the company aims to deliver £500 million in annual adjusted cash flow by 2028. This strategy involves refining player bonusing, closing product gaps, and leveraging an AI-enablement program to reduce operational costs and accelerate technical development.

Material Outperformance in the UK and Ireland Markets

Entain reported a standout performance in its core UK&I segment for FY25, with online growth reaching 15%, driven largely by an 18% surge in gaming NGR. Analysts noted that the operator is now "materially outperforming" its largest rivals in the region. CEO Stella David attributed this success to a modernized customer journey and the revitalization of the Ladbrokes brand, which recently introduced innovative features such as a dedicated bet builder for horse racing. The company expects to continue gaining market share as smaller operators struggle to absorb the increased tax burden.