New York-listed social and casual gaming operator Playtika is planning to reduce its workforce by around 15 per cent as part of a larger adjustment to the company’s cost structure.
The staff cuts are expected to take place during the first quarter of 2026 and will allow for a reallocation of resources within its portfolio of casual and social casino games.
Playtika estimates the aggregate costs associated with the plan to be between $12 million to $15 million, primarily consisting of severance payments, notice period payments in applicable jurisdictions, employee benefits and related costs.
“While the plan is expected to result in operating expense efficiencies, the company anticipates reinvesting a substantial portion of these expense reductions to advance growth initiatives,” said Playtika. “Accordingly, the impact on overall profitability will depend on timing and scope of these investments.”
In a letter to employees, Playtika chair and CEO Robert Antokol explained that the decision had not been made lightly, and reflected “a fundamental shift in how we operate so we can invest in the future and remain a leader in a highly competitive mobile games market.”
“For years, we operated with a broad growth mindset, applying similar resourcing models across our portfolio of games,” Antokol said. “The economic reality of our industry has shifted. The “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works. To continue leading, we must recognize that our studios play distinct roles in our success.
“If we do not adjust our cost structure today, we compromise our ability to invest in tomorrow. We cannot afford to resource mature titles at historical levels while simultaneously trying to build a new future. By right-sizing our investments across our portfolio, we unlock the resources needed to fund our high potential growth games.”
It marks the second time in just over three years that the company has been forced to reduce its workforce, after announcing cuts in December 2022.
“We have faced difficult choices before, but this transformation marks a new chapter,” continued Antokol. “By proactively reshaping our operating model, we are seizing the initiative to unlock new opportunities for growth, sharpen our focus, and build a foundation for durable success.
“This is not a retreat; it is a reallocation of strength. Our goal remains unchanged: to be the leading independent mobile gaming company in the West.”
In the company’s most recent financial results, revenue for the third quarter of 2025 decreased by 8.7 per cent to $674.6 million, including Bingo Blitz revenue of $162.6 million and Slotomania revenue of $68.5 million. Other popular games include World Series of Poker, Caesars Slots, Vegas Words and Monopoly Poker, among others.
Shares in Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) closed 1.09 per cent lower at $3.63 per share in New York Thursday.