Tabcorp Reports A$2.6 Billion Revenue in 2026 and Announces Acquisition of BetMakers
The Australian operator Tabcorp reported A$2.6 billion in revenue for 2026 driven by the betting and media divisions while advancing the acquisition of BetMakers for A$267 million.
Key Takeaways
- Tabcorp reported revenue of A$2.6 billion in 2026, primarily from betting and media.
- The acquisition of BetMakers for A$267 million aims to accelerate technological modernization and international growth.
- Tabcorp's EBITDA grew by 10.3% year-on-year to A$431.7 million, with a margin of 16.4%.
- Recent regulatory reforms in Australia limit advertising and require greater corporate responsibility.
- Tabcorp will launch a new National Tote product coinciding with the Spring Racing Carnival 2026.
Tabcorp Holdings Limited has presented its annual results for 2026 with total revenue of A$2.6 billion, reinforcing its position in the Australian market just before finalizing the acquisition of BetMakers Technology Group for A$267 million. The bulk of the revenue came from the operator's betting and media division, which contributed A$2.5 billion. The Managing Director and CEO, Gillon McLachlan, emphasized that these results mark the conclusion of the first two phases of the growth plan and place the company on the threshold of a new strategic phase.
Betting Division and International Performance
Domestic betting revenue grew by 0.9% year-on-year to A$2.1 billion, driven by "better market conditions," although performance fell short of expectations during the first half. In contrast, international revenue decreased by 3.7% year-on-year to A$223.7 million. The company attributed this decline to weaker demand, particularly in Hong Kong during the second half of the fiscal year.
Media, on the other hand, increased its revenue by 1.9% to reach A$377.8 million, thanks to performance in international exports, although this growth was partially offset by lower digital revenue in Australia. Tabcorp noted that its integrity services division also contributed A$181.6 million, representing a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
EBITDA, Operating Expenses, and Profit Margin
During the fiscal year, the reported EBITDA was A$431.7 million, an increase of 10.3%, placing the EBITDA margin at 16.4%. Operating expenses rose slightly, totaling A$700.7 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.5%. The operator identified the impact of the update in the Licensing Structure for Betting and Wagering in Victoria as one of the key factors determining cost growth.
Technological Modernization and New Bets: The Acquisition of BetMakers
Tabcorp closed the acquisition of BetMakers Technology Group, an Australian company specializing in B2B services, for A$267 million during the reported period. According to management, this acquisition will expedite the operator's technological modernization and enhance operational efficiency through access to complementary global assets, aiming to grow in international markets.
Additionally, Tabcorp implemented a new business model for retail points of sale, installed state-of-the-art betting terminals, and introduced the TAB LIVE offering for live betting. The company plans to launch the National Tote product before the year's end, coinciding with the Spring Racing Carnival 2026, scheduled to take place from August 29 to November.
Cost Discipline and New Growth Phase
CEO Gillon McLachlan highlighted the progress made in the company's transformation:
"Midway through the change process, we are executing the plan, maintaining discipline in costs and capital, and the company is achieving profit growth... We are ready to enter the expansion phase,” explained McLachlan.
He emphasized that the integration of BetMakers will drive the strategy, accelerating technological developments and widening international revenue opportunities. Tabcorp is being transparent with AUSTRAC during an ongoing investigation while reinforcing its capabilities for financial crime prevention. "We remain focused on continuous improvement and will maintain that discipline in fiscal 27," added McLachlan.
Regulatory Reforms and Outlook for the Australian Market
The Australian regulatory context is marked by the approval, this month, of a package of advertising reforms regarding gambling, driven by the Labor government. The new rules limit television advertising to three ads per hour from 5:00 to 20:30, enable a voluntary exclusion option for digital ads, and start eliminating sports sponsorships. In the latest earnings conference, McLachlan expressed his support for the reform:
"Overall, these are sensible reforms and our outlook already takes them into account. These regulations focus on vulnerable areas and allow the industry to grow under responsible parameters. We are well-positioned and mostly already comply with the recommendations," said the CEO.
The culmination of these strategic and regulatory developments shapes Tabcorp’s focus for the remainder of the year and lays the groundwork for its next phase of expansion in Australia and other key markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Tabcorp's key revenue and EBITDA figures in 2026?
Tabcorp achieved total revenues of A$2.6 billion and an EBITDA of A$431.7 million, the latter up 10.3% from the previous year and with a margin of 16.4%.
What implications does the acquisition of BetMakers have for Tabcorp?
The acquisition of BetMakers for A$267 million will accelerate the modernization of Tabcorp's technological infrastructure and expand its international presence, improving operational efficiency.
How do the new regulatory reforms in Australia impact Tabcorp's business?
Government reforms limit gambling advertising and move toward greater user protection, aspects that Tabcorp is already incorporating into its planning and that McLachlan has publicly supported.
What new products or services will Tabcorp launch in the short term?
Tabcorp plans to launch the National Tote product before the end of the year, coinciding with the Spring Racing Carnival 2026 that will run from August 29 to November.
What factors explain changes in international and domestic revenues?
The 0.9% growth in domestic betting was due to better market conditions, while the 3.7% decline in international revenue was attributed to a weak second half in markets like Hong Kong.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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