Press Releases
IGT’s Gaming and Digital Business and Everi to Be Acquired Simultaneously by Apollo Funds in All-Cash Transaction
International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) (“IGT”) and Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi”) today announced that they have entered into definitive agreements whereby IGT’s Gaming & Digital business (“IGT Gaming”) and Everi will be simultaneously acquired by a newly formed holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) (“Apollo”) (the “Apollo Funds”) in an all-cash transaction that values the acquired businesses at approximately $6.3 billion on a combined basis.
On February 29, 2024, IGT and Everi announced that they had entered into definitive agreements pursuant to which IGT would separate the IGT Gaming business by way of a taxable spin-off to IGT shareholders and then immediately combine such business with Everi. Under the terms of the new agreements, the Apollo Funds will acquire IGT Gaming and Everi. Following closing, IGT Gaming and Everi will be privately owned companies that are part of one combined enterprise.
Under the terms of the new agreements, Everi stockholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash, representing a 56% premium over Everi’s closing share price on July 25, 2024. IGT will receive $4.05 billion of gross cash proceeds for IGT Gaming. IGT expects significant portions of the cash proceeds to be used to repay debt and to be returned to shareholders.
De Agostini S.p.A., a società per azioni organized under the laws of Italy, 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, and the previous transaction agreements between IGT and Everi entered into on February 28, 2024 have been terminated.
Vince Sadusky, IGT PLC CEO, 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. With the Apollo Funds, we have found a partner that recognizes the strength of IGT Gaming, the value of our talent and our position in the industry. 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. After the closing of this transaction, IGT’s shareholders will continue to own one hundred percent of IGT’s Global Lottery business, which will be positioned for long-term success as a pure-play global lottery player with a more focused, compelling business model and optimized capital structure to drive long-term shareholder value.”
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. Apollo is a respected investment firm with a strong track record in the gaming sector, and they recognize the value of our business and see significant potential in bringing IGT Gaming and Everi together. Under private ownership, we believe we will be better positioned to accelerate the integration of our two organizations for the benefit of our customers and employees.”
Daniel Cohen, Partner at Apollo, stated, “We are excited to reach this agreement with IGT and Everi, which establishes a leading, diversified solutions provider that is well positioned across the entire gaming ecosystem. As an active investor in the gaming and leisure sector for many years, we have long admired both companies and their highly talented teams. We strongly believe in the value proposition of the combination and are confident these complementary gaming platforms will be even better positioned under private ownership to capture the opportunities ahead to grow and create value. We look forward to working in partnership with all the people at IGT Gaming and Everi to propel the combined enterprise forward.”
Apollo has a strong track record of successful current and former investments across leisure, including in the gaming and entertainment sectors.
Leadership, Governance & Structure
IGT PLC CEO Vince Sadusky will oversee the separation of IGT Gaming and support the transition through transaction completion. Post-closing, Mr. Sadusky will continue in his role, leading the lottery-focused company under its new name and stock ticker symbol. Following the acquisitions of IGT Gaming and Everi by the Apollo Funds, current IGT EVP Strategy and Corporate Development, Fabio Celadon, will serve as CFO, and current Everi CFO, Mark Labay, will assume the role of Chief Integration Officer, of the combined enterprise. The newly formed combined enterprise will be headquartered in Las Vegas.
In addition, upon closing of the transaction, the shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of Everi will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
Approvals and Timing
The acquisitions of IGT Gaming and Everi by the Apollo Funds are cross-conditioned. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Everi stockholders, and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2025. IGT shareholder approval is not required for the transaction.
Upcoming Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Results
IGT will release its second quarter 2024 financial results and hold its earnings conference call as planned on July 30, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. ET.
Everi will release its second quarter 2024 financial results no later than August 9, 2024. In light of this transaction with Apollo, Everi will not host an earnings conference call.
Advisors
Macquarie Capital, Deutsche Bank, and Mediobanca are serving as financial advisors to IGT, and Sidley Austin LLP, White & Case LLP and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz are serving as legal counsel to IGT.
Global Leisure Partners LLC is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to Everi, and Houlihan Lokey provided additional financial advice to Everi’s Board of Directors. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is serving as legal counsel to Everi.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds.
Deutsche Bank and Macquarie Capital are providing financing commitments for the transaction.
The post IGT’s Gaming and Digital Business and Everi to Be Acquired Simultaneously by Apollo Funds in All-Cash Transaction appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.
Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation
Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.
“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”
Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share
The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.
Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:
- Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
- Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
- Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029
Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities
Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.
Digital Leaders:
- Sweden: 68.3% online share
- Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
- Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement
Growth Markets:
- Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
- Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
- France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth
Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:
For Operators:
- Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
- Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
- Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration
For Technology Providers:
- Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
- Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
- Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning
Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity
Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.
“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”
To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Cheers to another year of success! Time flies when you’re having fun — and what a year it’s been! From overcoming challenges to achieving exciting milestones, WinSpirit has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
As we celebrate our birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on all our achievements and the exciting journey ahead. This past year has been filled with remarkable moments, including a stunning $361,647 player win, the launch of over 100 local tournaments, and the addition of 1,112 games to our library. We’ve also been honoured with prestigious industry awards, and we’ve continued to make strides with our innovative responsible gaming initiatives. These highlights are just a glimpse of our incredible journey, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
Overview of WinSpirit
WinSpirit is an online casino that has rapidly made its mark in the gaming world. With a vast library of approximately 17,000 games, 24/7 customer support, and fast withdrawals, WinSpirit offers players an exceptional and engaging gaming experience. The platform is built on a robust bonus system, including welcome bonuses and regular offers. In addition, WinSpirit promotes responsible gaming by providing features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring players’ safety while enjoying their gaming experience.
Biggest Win of the Year
At WinSpirit, huge wins are what keep the excitement alive. On May 2nd, 2025, a lucky player took home an incredible $361,647 after landing a 4000x multiplier. This monumental win serves as a testament to the exciting potential of big rewards available on the platform.
Tournaments and Other Key Activities
WinSpirit continues to engage its community with exciting new activities. Over the past year, several successful initiatives have taken place, including:
- Updated Gift Shop in April:
One of the key innovations this year was the launch of the revamped Gift Shop — a retention-focused feature that saw impressive engagement, with more than 92% of users actively participating, significantly enhancing player loyalty and satisfaction. - VIP Tournament Series:
In August 2024, WinSpirit organized the Interstellar VIP Journey, a tournament series with three qualifying tournaments and a Grand Final. The prize pool in each tournament was 350 Free Spins. - Christmas and New Year Promotion:
From November 2024 to January 2025, WinSpirit launched the “Welcome to Lapland” campaign, distributing $1,500,000 in cash and sports gifts. Players participated in tournaments, received daily gifts, and exchanged promo currency in Santa’s Gift Shop. - 100+ Local Tournaments:
WinSpirit hosted over 100 local tournaments in collaboration with slot and live providers, awarding more than $300,000 in real money prizes.
Popular Betting Events
Players have shown strong enthusiasm for major global events. Some of the most popular betting events included:
- Super Bowl 2025
- Champions League
- Euro 2024 & Copa America 2024
- Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
- Olympic Games
- NFL Finals
Collaborations with Other Brands
WinSpirit has also expanded its presence through collaborations with slot and live providers, as well as exciting social media campaigns. Partnerships with brands like 1spin4win and OnlyPlay have helped create engaging giveaways for players on platforms like Instagram, providing players with the chance to win Free Spins and bonuses.
Awards and Achievements
Over the past year, WinSpirit has received significant recognition in the gaming industry. In 2024, the platform was honoured with several prestigious awards, including:
- Rising Star 2023 (SBC Awards)
- World’s Best Online Casino 2023 (World Casino Awards)
- AskGamblers Trust Certificate
- Voice of the People 2024 (Casino Guru Awards)
These accolades are a testament to WinSpirit’s commitment to providing a premium and trustworthy experience for players.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
WinSpirit places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Players are provided with the tools to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible play and player well-being.
WinSpirit Moments
With initiatives like WinSpirit Moments, we invited players to share their casino experiences — not just through gameplay but by showcasing real-life stories and moments. By submitting creative photos of WinSpirit Casino in unique locations, players shared their passion for online casinos and the benefits they enjoy.
This campaign helped forge stronger connections with our community, creating a platform for storytelling and engagement, while also encouraging responsible gaming. Through this initiative, we not only engaged players but also deepened our relationship with them, making WinSpirit more than just a casino — it’s a community where players’ experiences come to life.
WinSpirit Stories and Trends
WinSpirit also introduced WinSpirit Stories and WinSpirit Trends, innovative features that engage players in new and exciting ways. These formats provide players with information on bonus rules, showcase top game titles, and offer exclusive offers. WinSpirit Stories helps players reflect on their achievements and discover new opportunities, while WinSpirit Trends focuses on the most thrilling aspects of gameplay, helping players choose their next adventure.
Feedback from Players
WinSpirit’s high ratings across various platforms highlight its success in providing quality service and entertainment. With strong ratings of:
- 6/5 on Trustpilot
- 6/10 on CasinoGuru
- 9/10 on AskGamblers
These reviews reinforce WinSpirit’s reputation as a top-tier online casino, valued by its loyal player base.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences — for our players, partners, and the entire industry. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and building a stronger community. The journey is just beginning, and WinSpirit is excited for what’s to come!
The company opens a new chapter
DATA.BET, the sportsbook solution supplier, strengthened its portfolio capabilities by adding sports betting.
The new sportsbook covers over 50,000 sporting events per month, featuring over 63 pre-match and 38 live sports, along with 1000+ available markets. From the most popular leagues to niche categories, the company delivers comprehensive sports coverage backed by trusted official data providers. DATA.BET’s 24/7 in-house trading team ensures over 93% market uptime, dynamic odds adjustments, and automated settlements.
Combined with Player Props, operators can deliver a broader, player-centric betting experience. Cashout functionality is also available, allowing players to settle bets early on single and multiple bets. User engagement is further increased through integrated Video Streaming of events for football, American football, tennis, and basketball as well as interactive Widgets across key sports — keeping users engaged within the platform and eliminating the need to seek information elsewhere. This seamless access to match insights, player data, and betting markets enhances the overall experience and supports higher retention, deeper engagement, and increased betting volumes.
Today, DATA.BET’s portfolio includes esports, sports, and virtual sports, providing a complete solution for betting operators. Integration is available via an upgraded SPA or through a direct Odds Feed. Depending on operator needs and market focus, each vertical can be connected individually or as a combined solution.
“With the expansion of our sports betting solution, we are entering a new phase in supporting our partners,” commented Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “This update equips operators with a complete betting solution, while ensuring continued access to DATA.BET’s trusted tools for flexibility, control, and fast content delivery.”
The post DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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