Lottomatica anticipates more mergers and acquisitions as online growth accelerates in H1

Italian gaming company Lottomatica continues to prioritize growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as it looks to capitalize on its strong performance in the first half of 2025. With a 13% year-on-year increase in revenue amounting to €1.12 billion, the operator is eager to explore new opportunities for expansion.

Chairman and CEO Guglielmo Angelozzi emphasized the company’s focus on maximizing shareholder returns through strategic initiatives such as M&A and a buyback program. While details on specific acquisition targets were not disclosed, Angelozzi highlighted that M&A remains a key component of Lottomatica’s growth strategy moving forward.

Lottomatica’s acquisition of SKS365 in April last year has played a significant role in driving the company’s growth, with integration of the business, now known as PWO, set to be completed by the end of the year. This strategic move has enabled Lottomatica to enhance its capabilities and capitalize on market opportunities, solidifying its position as a market leader in the Italian gambling industry with a 30.5% share of the online market.

The first half of 2025 saw online revenue as the primary driver of growth for Lottomatica, generating €463 million, a 37% increase from the previous year. Revenue from sports betting franchises also saw a significant uptick, rising by 31% to €279 million, attributed in part to the SKS365 acquisition.

Despite facing tough comparatives due to the Euro 2024 football tournament in the previous year, Lottomatica reported a 21% increase in the number of bets processed, highlighting the company’s strong performance across multiple sectors. Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of the year stood at €422 million, representing a 33% increase from the previous year, driven by robust growth in online and sports betting segments.

Net profit for the period surged by 215% to €65 million, reflecting the company’s ability to effectively leverage its revenue growth and optimize operational efficiency. Lottomatica remains confident in its outlook for the remainder of 2025, with revenue projected to fall within the range of €2.32 to €2.37 billion and adjusted EBITDA expected to be between €840 and €870.6 million.

Having fully divested its ownership, Apollo Global has exited the business, signaling a new chapter for Lottomatica as it continues to pursue strategic growth opportunities in the evolving gambling landscape. Despite a slight decline in share price at the time of reporting, Lottomatica’s stock has seen a substantial increase of 115.77% over the past year, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.