- Evoke (DI)
- 12 August 2026 07:55:00
Source: Sharecast
In the six months to the end of June, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation fell 10% from the same period a year earlier to £150.2m, while revenue was flat at £887.5m.
Adjusted EBITDA was in line with expectations, reflecting improved underlying profitability offset by a £46m year-on-year increase in gaming duties, mainly in the UK. Evoke said that over half of this gross duty headwind was offset through lower but more effective marketing investment, improved promotional efficiency and operational cost savings.
UK & Ireland online revenue rose 4%, driven by continued strong gaming growth at William Hill. Evoke said revenue from 888 continued to fall as it maintained a deliberate focus on profitability and customer economics rather than pursuing lower-return volume.
International revenue dipped 2%, although performance varied considerably across markets. Italy and Denmark delivered another strong period of double-digit growth, supported by continued product improvements and localisation initiatives. However, trading in Spain, Romania and Rest of World markets was weaker.
Retail revenue fell 3% during the half, reflecting a smaller estate following the closure of around 270 shops over the past 12 months.
Evoke said its £243m acquisition by Greece’s Bally’s Intralot was progressing as planned, with no change to the expected completion timeline.
Chief executive Per Widerström said: "The first half demonstrated the resilience of the business in a significantly more challenging operating environment following substantial increases in gaming duties introduced across some of our core markets, most notably in the UK. We responded decisively, focusing on the areas within our control.
"As a result of the significant operational improvements we have implemented across the business in recent years, coupled with the successful mitigation of a meaningful proportion of the increased duty costs, we have been able to maintain operational momentum, deliver like-for-like revenue growth, and protect profitability and cash generation."
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