MGA suspends Rush Gaming’s licence

International Game Technology PLC (IGT) and Everi Holdings Inc. have announced a definitive agreement for their simultaneous acquisition by a newly formed holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. The all-cash transaction values the acquired businesses at approximately $6.3 billion.

In February this year, IGT and Everi had entered into agreements for IGT to separate its Gaming & Digital business (IGT Gaming) via a taxable spin-off to IGT shareholders, and then immediately combine this business with Everi. Under the new agreements, the Apollo Funds will acquire IGT Gaming and Everi. Following the closing, IGT Gaming and Everi will be privately owned companies that are part of one combined enterprise.

Apollo Global Management has plans to integrate IGT and Everi by forming a combined enterprise under its management. The deal involves the acquisition of IGT’s Gaming & Digital business and Everi in an all-cash transaction.

The integration process will see Apollo spin off IGT’s gaming business and merge it with Everi, a casino technology and payments specialist supplier. This strategic move aims to create a stronger player in the global gaming, FinTech, and digital industry.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and approval by Everi stockholders, is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2025. It’s important to note that IGT shareholders’ approval is not required for the transaction.

This integration is expected to enhance the core segments of IGT Gaming, providing customers with a more comprehensive portfolio of offerings. It also aims to provide significant value to Everi’s stockholders as they move forward with Apollo Funds as their partner.

Everi stockholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash, a 56 percent premium over Everi’s closing share price on 25 July, 2024. IGT will receive $4.05 billion of gross cash proceeds for IGT Gaming, with significant portions of the cash proceeds expected to be used to repay debt and returned to shareholders.

De Agostini S.p.A., the majority shareholder of IGT, has committed to make a minority equity investment in the combined enterprise at the closing of the transaction. Upon completion of the sale of IGT Gaming to the Apollo Funds, IGT will change its name and stock ticker symbol, becoming a premier pure play lottery business.

The transaction with the Apollo Funds has been unanimously approved by a special committee of the IGT Board of Directors and unanimously approved by all members of the Everi Board of Directors. The previous transaction agreements between IGT and Everi entered into on 28 February 2024 have been terminated.

Vince Sadusky, IGT PLC CEO, (pictured above), said, “Our new agreement represents a positive evolution of our previously announced transaction with Everi and a successful culmination of the strategic review process that IGT launched last year. This transaction will allow IGT Gaming to continue to invest in and enhance its growing core segments while providing customers with a more comprehensive portfolio of offerings."

Randy Taylor, Everi President and CEO, added, “We believe this transaction maintains the integrity and strong strategic rationale of our original agreement with IGT, but now also provides significant and certain value to our stockholders as we move forward with the Apollo Funds as our partner. By joining forces with IGT Gaming, we expect to continue to lead, innovate, and provide unparalleled value to our customers as a stronger player in the global gaming, FinTech, and digital industry."

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Global betting operator Betsson has made a significant splash in the world of sports marketing by signing legendary Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita (pictured above) as its newest brand ambassador. Known worldwide for his daring and innovative playing style, including the iconic “scorpion kick” save, Higuita joins a roster of South American football stars representing the Betsson brand.

The Betsson Group expressed excitement about its family’s new addition through its LinkedIn account.

“We are proud to collaborate with a football legend like René Higuita, who embodies our passion for football and entertainment,” said Andrea Rossi, Betsson’s Commercial Director for Latin America. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to the Colombian market and strengthens our leading position in Latin America.”

Higuita, a revered figure in Colombian football, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This alliance began as a bold idea and has now become a reality. I’m proud to join Betsson to make a difference and bring the passion of football closer to the fans.”

With a career marked by exceptional athleticism and showmanship, Higuita played a pivotal role in Colombia’s resurgence of international football. His trophy cabinet boasts two Colombian league titles, a Copa Libertadores, and two Inter-American Cups, all with Atlético Nacional. His extraordinary abilities even led FIFA to introduce the “Higuita Law” to define the role of the attacking goalkeeper.

Betsson’s partnership with Higuita follows its recent sponsorship of top Latin American football clubs Boca Juniors, Racing Club, and Atlético Nacional. The company also sponsors Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan.

As Betsson continues to expand its presence in Latin America, the collaboration with René Higuita is expected to elevate the brand’s profile further and engage with football fans across the region.

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Stakelogic B.V., a rapidly growing Dutch game developer, has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by the Japanese entertainment conglomerate SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC.. The deal, valued at an upfront enterprise value of €130 million, also includes an earnout payment contingent on certain performance measures being met.

Below are the key points of the deal.

The acquisition is set to combine Stakelogic’s extensive portfolio of popular online slot games, live casino studio capabilities, and innovative hybrid game offerings with SEGA SAMMY’s global distribution platform. This strategic move aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to accelerate growth and innovation in the iGaming sector.

Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic, will continue to lead the company post-acquisition. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Sega Sammy and Stakelogic share the same passion for online entertainment, innovation, and technology. Together with Sega Sammy, Stakelogic will be able to grow its international operations much faster. The regulated iGaming market will double in size in the upcoming years. As part of Sega Sammy, we will have the execution power to become one of the leading players in the iGaming B2B industry”.

Koichi Fukazawa, Senior Executive Vice President and Group CFO of SEGA SAMMY, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition. “SEGA SAMMY Group aims to establish a presence as a creative B2B solution provider based on innovative technology, especially in the North American online gaming market. I am very pleased to announce our alliance with Stakelogic, an innovative and leading content provider in the Dutch gaming market, as a crucial part of executing this strategy. We are confident that Stakelogic’s ability to rapidly develop and provide unique, high-quality gaming content will make a significant contribution to the implementation of our strategy and create excellent synergies through combining with the strengths of our group”

Market Implications and Future Prospects

The acquisition is expected to significantly impact the iGaming market, particularly in North America, where SEGA SAMMY aims to establish a strong presence. The U.S. online gaming market, which includes sports betting and iGaming, was valued at approximately $12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $27.1 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by increasing legalization and consumer adoption of online gaming platforms.

Stakelogic’s innovative approach and rapid content development capabilities are expected to enhance SEGA SAMMY’s competitive edge in this burgeoning market. The acquisition aligns with SEGA SAMMY’s medium-term plan to expand its gaming business, which includes the development and operation of integrated resorts and gaming machines.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in relevant jurisdictions and other customary conditions. It is anticipated to close by the second quarter of 2025.

In summary, the acquisition of Stakelogic by SEGA SAMMY represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing iGaming market. By combining their strengths, both companies are poised to drive innovation and growth, positioning themselves as leaders in the global online gaming industry.

Philippine basketball icon June Mar Fajardo (pictured in centre) has cemented his status as one of Asia’s sporting legends after being named in ESPN’s Top 25 Asian Athletes of the 21st Century. The seven-times 'PBA Most Valuable Player' shares the spotlight in the 25th spot with fellow Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

The 6-foot-10 Cebuano centre’s unparalleled dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has earned him global recognition. His impressive resume, highlighted by ten championships with San Miguel Beer, four Finals MVP awards, and a Defensive Player of the Year title, among others, made him a standout choice for ESPN.

“Known as ‘The Kraken,’ Fajardo has won seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and has led the San Miguel Beermen to 10 PBA championships,” ESPN lauded, accentuating Fajardo’s brilliance and hard work. The sports giant also acknowledged Fajardo’s contributions to the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, where he has been a stalwart since the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships

The ESPN recognition is yet another milestone in Fajardo’s illustrious career. Hailing from Compostela, Cebu, the “Kraken” started his basketball journey at the University of Cebu before being draughted first overall by Petron Blaze Boosters in the 2012 PBA Draft. His rookie season was marked by a silver medal with Gilas Pilipinas at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.

Fajardo, known for his formidable presence on the court, was born in 1989, in Compostela, Cebu, Philippines. Raised in the modest town of Pinamungajan, Fajardo’s journey to basketball stardom began in his youth, where his towering height and natural athleticism set him apart. He honed his skills at the University of Cebu, leading the Webmasters to multiple championships in the CESAFI league. Drafted first overall by the Petron Blaze Boosters in 2012,

Fajardo quickly became a dominant force in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He earned seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and he has led the San Miguel Beermen to ten PBA championships. Beyond his accolades, Fajardo is celebrated for his humility and dedication, often attributing his success to hard work and perseverance. 

Despite his imposing stature, those close to him describe him as a very gentle character off the court, a quality that endears him to his fans.

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