Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 25/09/2025 - 22:05:05 - PM
In a strategic move that signals a sharper focus on its core digital brands, Entain has placed its Australian venues operations—primarily the Australian Poker League (APL) and its rapidly expanding trivia division—on the block. Preliminary sales documents have been dispatched to private equity firms, underscoring that these in-venue entertainment offerings are no longer central to Entain’s vision. Instead, the company appears intent on doubling down on its sports betting brands Ladbrokes and Neds, which remain at the heart of its Australian strategy.
Despite being deemed non-essential, Entain’s venues business has demonstrated remarkable success. The APL is forecast to pull in nearly AU$13 million (US$8.6 million) in 2025, with its tournament network spanning approximately 1,200 pubs and clubs across Australia, weekly events, the touring APL Tour, and the much-anticipated APL Million. This year’s APL Million concluded just days prior to the announcement and delivered a staggering record prize pool of almost AU$16 million (US$10.6 million). Meanwhile, the trivia segment boasts 451,000 registered players and is expected to generate about AU$4.3 million (US$2.8 million) in 2025 revenues. Bids for these assets are due in October, though they remain non-binding at this stage.
Entain’s divestment move reflects broader trends within the industry—where streamlined operations and concentration on high-margin digital and sports betting platforms are favored over venue-based entertainment models. While the APL and trivia business have delivered strong returns and loyal engagement, they fall outside Entain’s evolving strategic roadmap in Australia. By shedding these segments, the company can reallocate capital and management bandwidth toward fortifying its presence in the competitive sports betting landscape via Ladbrokes and Neds.
