(Alliance News) - Lottomatica Spa on Wednesday reported its results for the first quarter of the year, posting a profit of EUR69.3 million, a sharp increase compared to the EUR51.5 million recorded from January to March 2025.
Revenues amounted to EUR602.3 million, up 3.0% from EUR585.7 million in the first quarter of the previous year.
Revenues from the Online operating segment reached EUR264.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 10% year-on-year. The company explained in a note that the increase 'is attributable to the overall growth of the online market, as well as the increase in market share across all product segments and brands, partially offset by the performance of sports betting payouts in the first three months of 2026, which were overall less favorable than in the same period of 2025'.
The Sports Franchise segment recorded revenues of EUR142.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, a 5% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2025, 'primarily due to the performance of sports betting payouts in the first three months of 2026, which was overall less favorable than that recorded in the same period of 2025'.
Revenues from the Gaming Franchise segment reached EUR195.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, substantially in line with the same period of the previous year.
Total wagers stood at EUR12.41 billion, an 11% increase compared to EUR11.18 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) was EUR1.25 billion, up 2.0% compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA stood at EUR253.5 million, compared to EUR220.5 million in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a positive variance of 7.0%. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 39.1% of revenues, compared to 37.6% in the first quarter of 2025; consequently, operating cash flow in the first quarter was EUR196.2 million, compared to EUR184.4 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Net financial debt as of March 31 of the current year was EUR2.17 billion, compared to EUR2.25 billion as of December 31, 2025.
Furthermore, starting May 7, the company will launch a buyback plan valid for 18 months and up to EUR700 million.
Looking ahead, the company maintains a 'positive outlook for the 2026 financial year', according to the press release, and expects to close the year with 'adjusted EBITDA at the high end of the guidance range and to return up to EUR1 billion to shareholders between 2026 and 2027, starting this week with the launch of the newly approved buyback program'.
By Michele Cirulli, Alliance News reporter
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