Scientific Games has signed an agreement to acquire lottery game studio, Sideplay Entertainment, enhancing its gaming content and advancing the development of its iLottery platform.
Nasdaq’s technology group has chosen not to disclose the financial terms of its deal, in which it will acquire Sideplay’s full suite of +270 games, boosting its services into the digital lottery market.
Sideplay serves as the main supplier of digital lottery games to the UK National Lottery and has a prior business relationship with Scientific Games’ Lottery unit, in addition to serving as the main supplier of games to Loto-Québec and to the Pennsylvania Lottery.
“Sideplay’s highly experienced digital game developers have a proven track record of delivering exceptional digital lottery content to the marketplace,” said Scientific Games Lottery Group Chief Executive Pat McHugh.
“We’ve already integrated Sideplay’s digital games into our iLottery platforms and combining its unique game development approach to Scientific Games’ 20+ digital lottery customers worldwide will accelerate our offerings in this regard for our customers and their players “.
The deal calls for Scientific Games to continue its M&A focus on building its game studio and content development capabilities having acquired casino games studio Lightning Box last month.
The Q2 deal had record results achieved by Scientific Games’ Lottery and Digital unit, which posted revenue of $266 million (+27%) and $93 million (+27%) in the respective period.
The company’s return to post-pandemic growth has seen the company’s leadership underline the value of the company’s lottery and betting units, which will go up for sale as part of the company’s “strategic ‘deleverage'” as Scientific Games transforms in a single vertical company.
Sideplay Founder and Director Steve Hickson added: “All of us at Sideplay are excited to join forces with Scientific Games, one of the world’s leading lottery providers.
“Our goal has always been to be the best at what we do, and this transaction shows that we have indeed achieved that level of success.”