SUPPLIERS IN FOCUS
Apollo Completes IGT/Everi Acquisition
Apollo Funds, a newly formed holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of private equity firm Apollo Global Management, Inc., announced the completion of the acquisitions of International Game Technology PLC’s Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings, Inc.
The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, brings together complementary businesses to form a privately held leader in gaming, digital and financial technology solutions.
The two companies will be integrated into a combined enterprise in the coming months.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, the combined enterprise will operate under the IGT name, while retaining the Everi brand in select markets and product lines.
IGT will be organized into three business units: Gaming, Digital and Fintech.
As previously announced, Nick Khin, currently IGT’s CEO of gaming, will serve as interim CEO of the new IGT enterprise. Hector Fernandez, former CEO of Aristocrat, is expected to assume the role of CEO of IGT in the fourth quarter of 2025, following the expiration of a customary non-compete period.
Brightstar Capital Partners Completes Acquisition of PlayAGS
Brightstar Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in business services, industrials, consumer, and government services and technology companies, announced the closing of its acquisition of PlayAGS, Inc., a global full-service gaming supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products. The transaction was first announced on May 9, 2024.
The closing follows approval of the transaction by AGS stockholders and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Under the terms of the agreement, AGS stockholders will receive $12.50 per share in cash, valuing the transaction at approximately $1.1 billion. As a result, AGS is now a privately held company, and its common stock has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
The acquisition comes amid strong growth momentum for AGS. Over the past three years, the company has more than doubled its global slot unit sales to over 6,100 units, grown online real-money gaming content revenue by over 150 percent, and increased table products revenue by more than 50 percent—collectively driving three consecutive years of record revenue performance.
Aristocrat Gaming Wins Land-Based License to Develop Monopoly Slot Games
Aristocrat Gaming and Hasbro announced that Aristocrat Gaming is the winner of a competitive RFP to create Monopoly slot games for worldwide land-based gaming venues, securing a multi-year agreement. The landmark partnership will see Aristocrat Gaming launch all-new Monopoly-themed slot titles, beginning in early 2026.
“It was evident through our selection process that Aristocrat Gaming was the natural fit for the next evolution of the Monopoly brand in the gaming category,” said Claire Hunter Gregso, director of gaming relationships for Hasbro. “We can’t wait for Monopoly fans to experience all new premium gaming content on casino floors.”
The license to develop Monopoly-themed slots had long been held by Light & Wonder, which developed an entire family of slot games based on the legendary board game, stretching back to the 1990s.
Galaxy Gaming to Bring Hasbro themes to Table Games
Galaxy Gaming, Inc., a leading independent developer and distributor of casino table games and technology, and Hasbro, Inc. announced they have entered into a multi-year licensing agreement through which Galaxy Gaming will bring Hasbro’s iconic games to casino table game pits.
Under the terms of the agreement, Galaxy Gaming will develop and distribute casino table games based on Hasbro titles including Monopoly, Yahtzee and Battleship. The partnership marries Galaxy Gaming’s expertise in creating casino experiences with the nostalgic joy and distinctive excitement of Hasbro’s global brands,
“We are beyond excited to bring some of the best-loved brands to table games players around the world,” said Matt Reback, president and CEO of Galaxy Gaming. “This new deal is a testament to
Galaxy’s singular focus on table games and our commitment to enhancing the base games players know and love, with innovative new game play experiences.”
Sightline Payments, Worldpay Join IGSA Committee
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) announced Sightline Payments and Worldpay as new IGSA Payments Committee members.
“,Sightline is one of the most innovative payments companies and a leader in payments within the gaming industry,” said IGSA President Mark Pace. “Worldpay is a global payments leader and their input into the work the Payments Committee is undertaking will have significant impact.
“We look forward to welcoming more companies in the payments space as we continue down the path of producing payments standards and best practices for the industry and with the industry.”
Zitro Partners with Torrero
Zitro, a global leader in the gaming industry known for its innovative slot and video bingo titles, has officially partnered with Torrero, a rapidly expanding B2B aggregator and white-label platform provider. This collaboration will see Zitro’s game portfolio integrated into Torrero’s extensive platform, significantly broadening its reach to a diverse international audience.
Torrero’s robust platform features a vast collection of over 9,500 games from 130-plus suppliers, alongside a comprehensive sportsbook. The addition of Zitro’s content further strengthens this diverse portfolio, bringing a curated selection of high-performing games designed for today’s online casino landscape. Built on strong engagement mechanics and backed by a proven track record in land-based markets, Zitro’s digital portfolio enhances Torrero’s offering—enabling operators to deliver standout experiences in competitive, regulated environments.
Garmisch Gaming, RBW Join to Form RBW Systems
Garmisch Gaming Consultants LLC (GGC), a U.S -based gaming consultancy with extensive expertise in regulated route markets, and U.K.-based RBW Systems Ltd., a leader in land-based gaming systems, have joined forces to launch RBW Systems Americas LLC (RBWA). This newly formed company will service Puerto Rico’s
regulated gaming market with systems designed to improve security, transparency, and operational efficiency.
RBWA’s debut offering will include locally supported solutions for ticket-in/ticket-out systems, financial metering, and advanced monitoring technologies. These tools are tailored to meet Puerto Rico’s regulatory standards, including compliance with GLI-13.
Garmisch Gaming Consultants, founded in 2024, is led by Meitzler, a veteran with more than 47 years in the gaming industry. Meitzler previously served a president and CEO of Novomatic Americas Sales and has been active in Puerto Rico’s gaming landscape since the 1980s.
Aristocrat Interactive Delivers New Player-Centric Experience to Cliff Castle Casino
Aristocrat Interactive announced the rollout of new player-centric solutions to Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, located in Camp Verde, Arizona, as part of a recent deal under its Gaming Systems division.
Already an Oasis customer for over 20 years, as part of the deal signed in December, Cliff Castle Casino Hotel will be adding Aristocrat Interactive’s player mobile app, PlayerMax, as well as its Mobile nCompass cardless solution, One Link progressive management solution and Oasis Loyalty suite of products, all rolling out over the course of the summer.
These additional products will enable Cliff Castle Casino Hotel to push real-time progressive data to marquee video displays and electronic gaming machines on the floor through One Link. Separately, the Oasis Loyalty suite of products will allow for advanced campaign management and enterprise-wide tier management—ultimately, leading to operation efficiencies and strengthened player retention.
Cordish Adds Three Executives for Live! Virginia
Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies announced the appointment of three new hires at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia: Kirk Marlowe, head of security, Cheryl Brown, vice president of marketing, and Patricia (Trish) Tuck, vice president of human resources.
Marlowe brings decades of law enforcement and public safety experience over a 37-year career with the Virginia State Police, serving in a number of senior leadership roles.
Brown, a hospitality industry veteran from the travel and tourism hub of Hampton Roads, will oversee all facets of marketing, including advertising, events and promotions, entertainment, and database strategy. Brown began her career at Live! in 2019 as director of loyalty marketing at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland and rose to lead database and direct marketing for Cordish Gaming as vice president of loyalty marketing. Ms. Brown brings over 25 years of experience in marketing leadership.
Tuck brings an enthusiastic and consultative approach that will help to build a strong workforce and collaborative culture. She recently served as the divisional vice president of human resources for WarHorse Gaming, where she successfully opened two properties and two expansions in less than three years. She began her HR career at Harrah’s Entertainment in North Kansas City, followed by becoming director of human resources for Argosy Casino, Hotel & Spa in Missouri, as well as HR positions at Seneca Gaming Corporation and SugarHouse Casino.
Duetto Announces CEO Transition
Duetto, a leading provider of revenue management software for the hospitality industry, announced a strategic leadership transition as the company enters a new phase of growth.
After six years, David Woolenberg is stepping down as chief executive officer. Woolenberg will remain with Duetto during a transitional period to ensure continuity and support a seamless handover. Under Woolenberg’s leadership, Duetto scaled its business meaningfully, broadened its geographic footprint, introduced new products and solutions, and expanded the range of clients it serves.
Effective immediately, Alex Zoghlin has been appointed chief executive officer. Zoghlin, a current Duetto board member and most recently the CEO of ATPCO, brings deep expertise in scaling technology businesses across the travel and hospitality sectors.
Zoghlin previously served as the global head of innovation and technology at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he led the transformation of Hyatt’s digital and guest technology strategy. He was also the founder and CTO of Orbitz, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping the online travel booking experience.
Ted Saxman joins Koin as VP of Operations
Koin, a leading cashless solutions provider, has appointed Ted Saxman as vice president of operations. With over 25 years of experience driving results in strategic project management, information technology operations and cross-functional leadership, Saxman will play a pivotal role in supporting Koin’s continued expansion.
Throughout his distinguished career, Saxman has built a reputation for delivering complex, multimillion-dollar projects on time and within budget, while fostering high-performing teams across diverse industries. His expertise in establishing project management offices, leading successful mergers and acquisitions and implementing innovative operational strategies has consistently driven organizational growth and efficiency.
Saxman has previously held senior IT and financial leadership roles at Boyd Gaming and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. At Koin, he will oversee daily operations, spearhead process improvements, and lead mission-critical projects that support the company’s vision of transforming digital finance.
