Better Collective, a major player in the gambling media and betting industry, has announced a significant financial performance for the first quarter of 2026. The company reported revenue of €86 million, driven by its strategic focus on expanding global partnerships. This development is particularly noteworthy within the context of regulatory and market challenges, as it underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in the rapidly evolving gambling landscape.
The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached €25 million, maintaining a margin of 29%. Despite facing currency fluctuations and regulatory hurdles in markets such as Brazil, Better Collective’s management has opted to maintain its full-year financial guidance. Co-CEO Jesper Søgaard characterized the quarter as one of “stable growth execution and continued strategic progress,” underlining the importance of key initiatives like Playbook™ and Playmaker HQ in the company’s overarching strategy.
A significant portion of the revenue growth was attributed to Paid Media and the North American market, which saw a 46% year-on-year increase in revenue share. Sponsorship revenue also experienced a 21% boost, bolstered by contributions from Playmaker HQ and HLTV. Better Collective is transitioning in North America to emphasize revenue share agreements, aiming to establish a more dependable income stream even though it might temporarily impact headline figures.
The quarter was marked by the expansion of Playbook, an AI-powered betting solution. Initially successful in the U.S., Playbook is now positioned to serve as the exclusive betting product in its global partnership with X. Søgaard elaborated on Playbook’s purpose, stating that it is designed to “streamline the path from intent to action, reduce friction in the user journey, improve discovery, and make it easier for users to compare outcomes.”
Playmaker HQ, acquired by Better Collective in 2023, continues to grow as a sports media brand heavily driven by talent. Its network of North American sports personalities has cultivated a significant podcast and video presence, attracting partnerships with both sportsbooks and leading consumer brands.
Financially, the group executed share buybacks amounting to €6.7 million during the quarter, as part of its €40 million annual program, maintaining a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.45x. Looking forward, the company anticipates the FIFA World Cup 2026 to significantly enhance user acquisition and engagement within its primary markets. The management has reiterated its projected organic revenue growth for the year, which is expected to range between 7% and 12%, alongside projected EBITDA growth of 8% to 18%.
Søgaard concluded by reflecting on the quarter’s achievements, emphasizing that despite external challenges in certain markets, the company remains committed to investments and initiatives intended to generate substantial long-term value. As Better Collective continues to expand its global footprint, its ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and foster strategic partnerships will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing its market position.
The coming months will be pivotal for Better Collective as it prepares to leverage the heightened interest surrounding the FIFA World Cup. The company’s strategy and performance in this period will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders, as they evaluate the impact of global events on its financial metrics and market influence.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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