Evoke PLC has reported revenue growth during the second quarter of 2025, driven by continued strength in its online operations and a turnaround in its retail business. The Gibraltar-based betting and gaming operator, which owns William Hill, 888, and Mr Green, said the second quarter delivered around a 5% year-on-year revenue increase, with online revenue rising approximately 6%, or 7% at constant currency.
The group highlighted that the performance marked its second-best quarterly revenue result since early 2023. Online growth was led by strong performance in Evoke’s core international markets, while the retail division returned to growth following the rollout of 5,000 new gaming machines across its estate.
This rollout was completed shortly before the second quarter began, helping offset a previously reported 6% decline in Q1 UK retail revenue.
The sports segment was weaker in comparison, primarily due to a challenging year-on-year baseline, as the same period in 2024 included the UEFA European Football Championship. Evoke said a stronger win margin last year also contributed to the softer comparative in sports betting.
For the first half of 2025, Evoke expects to report a 3% increase in revenue, or 4% on a constant currency basis. The company attributed the improvement to double-digit growth in gaming across both the second quarter and the six-month period ending June 30.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the first half are projected to fall between £163 million ($220 million) and £167 million ($225 million). The midpoint of this range represents a 43% increase from the same period last year. On a trailing twelve-month basis, adjusted EBITDA is now expected to exceed £360 million ($486 million), marking what the company described as “significant year-over-year growth.”
Chief Executive Officer Per Widerström noted that the results were achieved against a difficult comparative and reflect progress toward the company’s goals. “Q2 2025 marked our second strongest quarterly revenue performance since the beginning of 2023, a particularly encouraging result given the tough comparator from lapping the Euros,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer Per Widerström
“Our disciplined strategy with clear focus on our core markets and driving operational excellence is delivering improved profitability and enabling further deleveraging,” he added.
Evoke reiterated its full-year forecast, maintaining expectations of revenue growth between 5% and 9%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 20%. The company said it remains focused on product development, marketing efficiency, and cost savings as it heads into the second half of the year.
Widerström pointed to ongoing efforts to sharpen the group’s positioning. “We are strengthening our competitive advantages and better aligning our leading brands and products to a clearer customer value proposition,” he said, adding that further details would be shared when the company releases its full interim results on August 13.
Shares in Evoke were up 6.3% at 65.40 pence in London on Tuesday morning following the announcement.