Despite tough year-over-year comparatives with the 2024 UEFA European Championship, evoke has reported an improved revenue performance in the second quarter of 2025.

The operator of the William Hill, 888, and Mr Green brands stated that Q2 group revenue rose by approximately 5% YoY and 5% in constant currency.

Following continued international core market strength, online operations grew by approximately 6% YoY (7% cc), while retail returned to growth after 5,000 new gaming machines were installed across its locations by March 2025.

Across the first half of the year, revenue rose by 3% (4% cc) after double-digit gaming growth was achieved in Q2 and H1, despite sports being impacted by tough YoY comparisons with the Euros taking place a year ago and a stronger prior year win margin.

Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA in H1 is expected to be in the range of £163m to £167m (+43% at mid-point) following robust cost control “underpinned by an increasingly efficient operating model”. For the last 12 months, adjusted EBITDA stands at over £360m.

“I am pleased to report an improvement in the growth rate during Q2, with retail returning to growth and continued double-digit performance in our international core markets,” stated Per Widerström, CEO of evoke.

“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. 

“Importantly, this growth was also delivered profitably, in line with our focus on sustainable profitable growth, with H1 adjusted EBITDA significantly ahead year-over-year, supporting our strong deleveraging trajectory in line with the value creation plan.”

The board of evoke opted not to make any changes to its FY25 expectations, which are 5% to 9% revenue growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 20%. 

Growth is expected to be driven by “product delivery, improved marketing returns, and further cost savings, with continued execution of the group’s strategy and value creation plan”.

Widerström added: “Alongside the improved Q2 performance, we continue to transform the Group’s capabilities for the mid- and long-term. We are strengthening our competitive advantages and better aligning our leading brands and products to a clearer customer value proposition. 

“Our disciplined strategy with clear focus on our Core Markets and driving operational excellence is delivering improved profitability and enabling further deleveraging. I look forward to sharing more details on our progress and plans at our Interim Results in August.”

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