Latest News
Scientific Games Withdraws Offer to Acquire Remaining 19% Equity Interest in SciPlay
Scientific Games Corporation announced that it has withdrawn its previously announced July 15, 2021 all-stock offer to acquire the remaining 19% equity interest in SciPlay that it does not currently own. SGC previously offered to merge with SciPlay in a transaction that would have resulted in SciPlay shareholders, other than SGC, receiving 0.25 shares of SGMS stock for each share of SciPlay stock. The Company will retain its 81% economic interest and 98% voting interest in SciPlay.
“In line with our approach to capital management and disciplined M&A we have decided that continuing to pursue this opportunity would not be prudent for our shareholders at this time,” said Barry Cottle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Games. “We remain committed to our strategy of leveraging our unparalleled portfolio of hit franchises, world-class talent and premium content engine to develop great games fully cross-platform. SciPlay remains a strategic asset and has the opportunity to drive meaningful value as it grows its social casino market share and expands into the $20B casual genre leveraging its expertise in engagement and monetization. We will continue to invest in this sector in a disciplined manner. Importantly, as we advance our strategy, we will continue to take a holistic approach to capital management as we focus on allocating capital to drive growth in earnings per share.”
The Company recently announced the sales of its Lottery and Sports Betting businesses for approximately $7 billion in transactions that are on track to close in the second quarter of 2022. These proceeds will enable Scientific Games to drive improved shareholder returns through significantly de-levering its balance sheet, investing in the core business and targeting accretive digital M&A to accelerate its growth strategies. Scientific Games continues to take decisive steps as it executes on its vision of becoming the leading cross-platform global game company. SGC will also evaluate additional opportunities to allocate capital to best create shareholder value, including capital returns to shareholders, and will continue to be very disciplined with regards to M&A with a clear focus on optimizing returns for shareholders.
Advisors
Macquarie Capital is serving as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is serving as legal advisor to Scientific Games.
Latest News
Hacksaw Gaming Scores Again in New Market – Another Exciting Launch with Betsson Group to Fire Up Buenos Aires!
Following a long standing partnership formed in 2021, Hacksaw Gaming and Betsson Group have surpassed some major milestones together. Showcasing our vibrant portfolio of games in markets such as the UK, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Denmark, Estonia and Mexico, our relationship with Betsson is an ever developing one.
Buenos Aires is a vibrant regulated market with significant potential for growth within the digital online gaming community. Players can now enjoy unique and innovative games such as Wanted Dead or a Wild, Le Bandit and R.I.P City for the first time ever, and we can’t wait for them to immerse themselves in the Hacksaw experience.
Impressively, this is our third expansion with Betsson in the last 4 months, having gone live with many fan favourites in both Croatia, Spain and now Buenos Aires. Equally noteworthy, looking at Betsson’s multiple brands Nordicbet, Betsafe, Europebet, Starcasino.IT and Casinoeuro to name a few, it’s not difficult to see why they’re one of the biggest fish in the vast online gaming ocean.
Founded in 1963 and starting off their industry leading operations with just a humble slot machine, Betsson Group is now an industry pioneer with licences in 23 jurisdictions. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to mark another pivotal moment in our partnership with Hacksaw Gaming.” Kevin Saliba – Commercial Director, Business Development went on to say, “This latest launch not only strengthens our bond but also promises to elevate the gaming experience for our players in Buenos Aires, who are in for a treat with Hacksaw’s exceptional portfolio of games.”
Marcus Cordes, Hacksaw Gaming CEO is just as delighted with the growth – “Expanding on what Betsson has stated, we’re elated to extend our game offerings to yet another jurisdiction of their esteemed players. Looking toward the journey ahead, we’re eager to further enrich their gaming experience in the days to come.”
Looking forward we can only imagine the possibilities ahead with Betsson.
Latest News
Pragmatic Play Prepares for GAT Cartagena Gaming Week 2024
Pragmatic Play is set to make another appearance at a Latin American exhibition, at GAT Expo in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Taking place across three days from April 9 to 11, the event sees iGaming professionals gather at the Las Americas Convention Center for the 25th anniversary of the trade show.
GAT Expo Cartagena marks the third summit attended by the provider in Latin America this year, with “Pragmatic Play Experience”, as it keeps making headway and impressing industry delegates from across the region.
The gaming provider will be on stand A31 and A32 to showcase its diverse portfolio, including Slots, Live Casino, Virtual Sports and Bingo content, alongside its new Sportsbook offering.
Pragmatic Play will also be a premium sponsor of the event, emphasising the significance of such industry events and the important role the leading provider plays in them.
Victor Arias, Vice President of Latin American Operations at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play, said: “Pragmatic Play is thrilled to once again be part of the vibrant Latin American gaming community at GAT Expo Cartegena and is proud to be a premium sponsor of the event.
“With the diverse multi-product portfolio and rapid growth in LatAm, it is set to be an exciting week of iGaming showcases and opportunities.”
Gambling in the USA
New Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Effort to Strengthen Responsible Online Gaming, Promote Best Practices
The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an independent trade association launched by seven of the largest U.S. legal mobile gaming companies, will actively promote a new industry-wide best practices charter, overseen by one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of responsible gaming (RG).
This unprecedented effort will be led by Dr. Jennifer Shatley, a deeply respected responsible gaming executive with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. She will serve as ROGA’s full-time Executive Director, and her role will be to facilitate widespread education to all relevant parties on the subject of responsible gaming.
ROGA will embark on a series of initiatives under Dr. Shatley’s direction. These include research, consumer and industry responsible gaming education and awareness, promoting responsible gaming best practices, an independent data clearinghouse, and an independent certification program.
Demonstrating their commitment to this endeavor, initial member companies – who together represent more than 85% of the legalized online sports betting and iGaming industry – have pledged more than $20 million in support of ROGA’s mission in year one. ROGA’s member companies include BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment.
“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalized mobile gaming. Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will be establishing a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness. Together, our members will work alongside researchers, experts, regulators and stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming and maximize our efforts to support additional responsible gaming education and awareness. By coming together with a clear set of objectives, ROGA and our members will work to enhance consumer protections and help provide easier and more efficient access to responsible gaming tools for consumers to enjoy the entertainment of online gaming,” said Dr. Shatley.
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