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Entain set to leave FTSE 100 in September reshuffle

By jili tutorial · August 31, 2026

Entain Set to Exit FTSE 100 in September Index Reshuffle

London-listed gambling giant Entain is poised to drop out of the FTSE 100 index following FTSE Russell’s latest indicative review, with official confirmation expected after market close on 2 September. The move reflects sustained pressure on UK-listed gaming operators, largely driven by a sharp increase in the country’s remote gaming duty.

FTSE 100 Departure and FTSE 250 Move

On 25 August 2026, FTSE Russell published its indicative list of index changes, showing Entain as a deletion from the blue-chip FTSE 100 and a corresponding addition to the mid-cap FTSE 250. Housebuilder Persimmon is also slated for demotion, while easyJet and North Sea oil and gas producer Ithaca Energy are flagged as potential promotions into the top tier.

These indicative changes are based on data as of Friday, 21 August. The final review will use closing data on Tuesday, 1 September, with confirmed rebalancing details announced after the market closes on Wednesday, 2 September. Under the FTSE UK Index Series ground rules, a constituent is automatically demoted once its full market capitalisation falls below the 110th position.

Why Entain Lost Its Blue-Chip Status

Entain shares traded at 517p on the morning of 27 August, down 2.3% for the day. The group was valued at roughly £3.3 billion in late August, well below the threshold required to remain in the FTSE 100.

The decline stems primarily from the UK government’s decision to raise remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026. In its H1 2026 results, Entain reported net gaming revenue up 5% on a constant currency basis, but underlying EBITDA fell 2%, with the duty increase cited as the main cause.

Additional headwinds include slower-than-expected growth in the US market and the looming Autumn Budget. Morningstar analysts Ollie Smith and Christian Mayes commented: “Entain, which faces high UK gambling taxes and slower-than-expected US growth, faces possible additional pressure at the Autumn Budget in October, where new chancellor John Healey may target gambling companies to shore up the UK government’s finances.”

Analyst Targets Remain Well Above Current Share Price

Despite the share price slump, sell-side analysts remain broadly bullish. All seven analysts tracked by MarketBeat maintain a buy rating, with no holds or sells. The average twelve-month price target stands at 992p, ranging from 750p to 1,145p, which implies roughly 92% upside from the current 517p level.

Targets have, however, drifted lower over time. The consensus stood at 1,013p a month ago and 1,170p a year ago. The two most recent adjustments came on 17 August, when JPMorgan raised its target to 1,050p, while Deutsche Bank cut its own to 914p.

For investors, the key question is whether Entain can regain its footing amid heavy regulatory and fiscal pressures—or if further downgrades lie ahead.