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Playtech says Hard Rock Bet’s historical motor-racing games in Florida were the main reason its U.S. and Canadian revenue surged in the first half of 2026.
The gambling technology supplier reported regional revenue of about $64.9 million for the six months ending June 30, up 161% from roughly $24.9 million a year earlier. In its update, Playtech pointed specifically to Hard Rock Bet’s Florida product, which launched in October 2025.
Florida product stands out in Playtech update
The games use results from previously conducted motor races and are offered as $1 house-banked wagers. Players can choose the finishing order of drivers in three past races, although the game also defaults to an automatic selection.
That matters in Florida because online casino gambling is not authorized in the state. The Covers report noted the games are treated as sports betting under the Seminole Tribe’s 2021 compact with Florida, which defines sports betting as wagering on any past or future professional sporting or athletic event.
For Florida players, the development is another example of how Hard Rock Bet’s product lineup can differ from what is available in states with full online casino markets.
Why the revenue spike matters beyond one product
Playtech also said its investment in Hard Rock Digital increased in value to $281.5 million as of June 30, up from $210 million at the end of 2025. Hard Rock Digital paid Playtech an approximately $5 million dividend in the first half of 2026, compared with about $2.4 million in the same period last year.
Playtech invested $85 million in Hard Rock Digital in March 2023 for a low-single-digit minority interest.
The broader industry context is that competitive online casino gaming remains limited in the U.S. Only New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia currently offer it, and the report said those four states account for roughly 40% of major operators’ total nationwide revenue.
What Florida readers should watch
The Covers report said the contribution from Florida’s motor-racing games could moderate as the product matures. For now, the results show the Florida offering has become a meaningful business driver for Playtech and Hard Rock Bet.
Readers tracking Florida gambling should watch future Playtech earnings updates and any developments around how alternative sports-betting-style products are treated under the state’s current framework. If you choose to play, do so responsibly.
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Source: As reported by Ryan Butler.
