London, February 17, 2026, 09:18 GMT — Regular session
- Entain shares slipped roughly 0.6% early Tuesday, trading close to 560 pence.
- Entain’s full-year results, due March 5, mark the next definitive catalyst for investors.
- UK online gambling firms are bracing for higher taxes starting April 1, a major concern hanging over the sector.
Entain shares edged down roughly 0.6% to 559.6 pence as of 0918 GMT, leaving the Ladbrokes owner close to session lows after finishing Monday at 562.8 pence.
After another rough session Monday, the stock remains stuck below its session open. Volatility has been the theme—those big swings at the start of February faded into a quieter stretch by mid-month.
Why it matters now: Investors’ next checkpoint comes March 5, when Entain drops its full-year numbers. They’ll be digging into margin trends, cash return signals and how quickly things are bouncing back in both the online and retail segments.
The UK is gearing up for a hefty jump in gambling taxes, with online operators taking the brunt. Under a government proposal, remote gaming duty would surge to 40% from 21% starting April 1, while general betting duty on remote wagers is slated to climb to 25%.
Entain has already flagged roughly 200 million pounds in extra costs tied to upcoming UK gambling tax changes—a figure that’s given investors something concrete to pencil in as they eye a gradual hit to 2026 earnings.
The other big variable: the U.S. Earlier this month, BetMGM—Entain’s JV with MGM Resorts—told its parents it handed back $270 million in the fourth quarter. The company is projecting net revenue between $3.1 billion and $3.2 billion in 2026, and it expects adjusted EBITDA of $300 million to $350 million. “2025 was a record year for BetMGM, outperforming expectations,” CEO Adam Greenblatt said in the update. Entain
March 5 now looms as a key test—will U.S. momentum actually convert into cash, or will most of it be swallowed by investment and marketing as rivals keep pressing?
Commentary on capital allocation is also on the radar. While BetMGM remains Entain’s standout, the company still faces pressure to prove it can hold onto market share and control spending, especially with compliance and tax burdens climbing.
Still, the risks stand out. Should bettors keep winning, or if digital momentum slows, profits could take a hit—especially with April’s tax hike narrowing the margin for error.
