Aristocrat is set to acquire Playtech for $2.9 billion in a partnership expected to produce one of the largest B2B gaming powerhouses. According to the statements released by the CEOs of both companies, there seems to be nothing but positive anticipation of what this new acquisition will yield for the companies, stakeholders and players.
If you are familiar with the Australian casino industry, you know Aristocrat Leisure is the leading provider of physical pokie machines and the world's second-largest manufacturer, second only to IGT. The company is at the heart of Australia’s gaming industry and leads the way for other providers. Aristocrat also owns Big Fish Gaming, which distributes video games targeting the casual audience.
Playtech is another renowned supplier of online games and sports betting software. The company has an extensive library of real money pokies, online poker rooms, bingo games, scratch cards, mobile games, live dealer games, and sports betting. Aristocrat is poised to instantly inherit Playtech’s library of close to 600 games. This new acquisition will thrust Aristocrat even further as the most dominant casino game provider in Australia.
What it Means for Aristocrat
Founded in 1955, Aristocrat is a dominating force in the world of pokie machines and the second-largest supplier in the world. The Australian based company also develops digital gambling products and has a wide range of games. Notable titles from the provider include The Walking Dead, The Sopranos, 50 Lions, Superman Slots, and many more.
Aristocrat focuses on pokies and isn’t big on card games, scratchcards and bingo. However, the new acquisition of Playtech will buffer Aristocrat’s game library, exposing players to new experiences and options. According to the statement released by CEO Trevor Croker, the proposed combination will leverage Playtech’s global online RMG platform and European B2C footprint.
With Aristocrat's gaming content and regulatory relationships, the merger will result in a broader game portfolio with end-to-end solutions and seamless gaming experiences. The new B2B will unlock a considerable shareholder value by seizing emerging opportunities in the fast-growing global RGM segment. Aristocrat saw its stock increase from $33.67 to $35.40, following increased investor interest.
How Will the Acquisition Affect Players?
Aristocrat and Playtech are both infamous casino providers, with the former known for land-based gambling products and being a powerhouse in Australia’s gaming industry. The latter is reputed for its online game library. For the players, the proposed acquisition couldn’t come soon enough. Instead of choosing one or the other, players will have a chance to explore and enjoy offers from both ends. Playtech real money casinos will feature more titles from Aristocrat and vice versa.
Playtech recently announced their agreement with Unibet Interactive to power Unibet Casino in New Jersey and extend their services to other states where the operator is present. However, the company made its USA debut in 2020 through its partnership with Bet365. Playtech also partnered with Parx Interactive and is set to provide live casino games straight from Michigan. The new acquisition will expand Playtech's network and partnerships to several other regions, especially in Australia.
Players can look forward to an exciting future with competitive products and casino bonuses designed for the AU market, which is Aristocrat’s turf. Even as things stand, Playtech and Aristocrat enjoy generous market shares and power numerous casinos across the globe. However, the new partnership will expand their reach and make them a dominating force, rivalling household names in the industry.
What it Means for Playtech
Playtech has maintained a growing reputation among punters in Australia and worldwide and prides itself as the largest supplier of cutting-edge casino products. The provider is known for premium gambling options, including top-rated slots like Age of the Gods, Green Lantern, Buffalo Blitz, The Matrix, King Kong, and Gladiator.
Playtech has several games, spanning video slots, classic slots, card games, roulettes, dice, live dealer casinos, scratchcards, and others. According to CEO MorWizer, the proposed transaction (Aristocrat acquisition) is an exciting opportunity for the company to grow and deliver more benefits to the stakeholders. The deal is poised to improve game distribution and enhance the capacity to develop deeper relationships with other partners.
This acquisition by Aristocrat will bolster Playtech’s technological capacity, resulting in a B2B gaming powerhouse with the personnel, infrastructure, and experience required to provide world-class offers. Playtech already has many agreements with other providers and operators, and the proposed acquisition won't affect these relationships. Instead, the company is set to forge new partnerships. The acquisition news also caused Playtech stocks to spike sharply from $5.65 to $9.51 the next day. Thus, Playtech prides its tremendous growth and popularity among different punters in the world.
