Entain Confirmed to Leave FTSE 100 After Six-Year Run on London’s Premier Index
Entain Confirmed to Leave FTSE 100 After Six-Year Run on London’s Premier Index
FTSE Russell Officially Demotes Entain to FTSE 250
The FTSE Russell has confirmed that gambling giant Entain will be removed from the FTSE 100 Index following a sharp decline in its market capitalisation. City analysts had widely predicted the move, as the Ladbrokes Coral owner’s £3.31 billion market cap now ranks as the lowest among all FTSE 100 constituents.
Entain, along with housebuilder Persimmon, will be deleted from the blue-chip index at the close of trading on 18 September and will enter the FTSE 250 (which tracks London’s 101st to 350th largest listed companies) on 21 September. The two departing firms will be replaced by oil and gas producer Ithaca Energy and low-cost airline EasyJet.
Share Price Decline: A Year-Long Slide
Entain’s shares have been steadily falling for more than a year. Increased taxation in its home market of the UK is believed to be one of several factors deterring investors. In late July, BetMGM – co-owned by Entain and MGM Resorts International – announced that it expects full-year net revenue and adjusted EBITDA to come in at the lower end of its guidance range. That news triggered another significant drop in Entain’s stock and is widely seen as the final blow to its FTSE 100 status.
From Peak to Plunge: A Six-Year Journey
Entain joined the FTSE 100 in June 2020. A year later, its stock had more than doubled from around £7.60 to £18, as the outlook for gambling PLCs appeared positive. The shares hit an all-time high of £21.56 in October 2021. But nearly five years later, they trade at just £5.23 – a decline of more than 75% from that peak. That dramatic reversal ends Entain’s six-year chapter on London’s premium index.
Leadership Remains Optimistic Despite Headwinds
Despite a bleak period for the UK betting sector, Entain’s management maintains a positive outlook. The company recently beat first-half expectations: net gaming revenues rose 5% to £2.55 billion, helped by the early stages of the 2026 World Cup. Chief Financial Officer Michael Snape confirmed that Entain is gaining market share as mid-tier operators struggle to cope with a 21% to 40% rise in Remote Gaming Duty.
Tax Burden and Black Market Concerns
That duty increase contributed to a jump in Entain’s corporate tax charge – from £19.5 million to £57.8 million. The firm has repeatedly warned UK policymakers and sporting bodies about the growing black market, which continues to benefit from stricter regulation. Meanwhile, shop closures and a widening net loss (which rose to £681 million in FY25) have added to the pressure.
Aiming for a Quick Return to the FTSE 100
Entain’s leadership is now focused on boosting market share and reversing the share price decline. The company hopes its relegation to the FTSE 250 will be temporary, and it is determined to return to the main index as soon as possible.
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