Scientific Games Acquires Sideplay Entertainment

Rhea-AI Summary

Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) announced its acquisition of Sideplay Entertainment, a key player in the digital 'eInstant' gaming sector, enhancing its iLottery portfolio. This strategic move aims to boost player engagement and market presence in global digital lottery markets, contingent on regulatory approval. Sideplay, known for its innovative game development, significantly contributes to the UK National Lottery and has launched over 270 games since 2003. The acquisition is poised to accelerate Scientific Games' growth in interactive lottery solutions across its extensive customer base.

Positive

• Acquisition of Sideplay is expected to enhance Scientific Games' iLottery offerings.
• Sideplay's innovative content will increase player engagement.
• Access to Sideplay's technology for faster market entry.
• Expansion of market share in digital lottery sectors.

Negative

• None.

LAS VEGAS and ATLANTA, Aug. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) ("Scientific Games" or the "Company") announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Sideplay Entertainment ("Sideplay"), a leading digital "eInstant" content studio, to expand Scientific Games' portfolio of iLottery content and accelerate the global market penetration of its iLottery business, subject to final regulatory approval. The combination of Sideplay's innovative portfolio of digital games and agile content distribution technology with Scientific Games' iLottery platforms and digital solutions is expected to increase player engagement and drive further growth of the Company's iLottery solutions in markets around the world.

Success as an interactive innovator and integrator of digital assets has enabled Scientific Games Lottery Group to become an industry leading provider of iLottery solutions for over 20 lotteries globally. Sideplay is the primary supplier of digital eInstant games to the UK National Lottery, one of the largest interactive lotteries in the world. In North America, Scientific Games is the exclusive distributor of Sideplay's top-performing content for industry-leading iLottery programs, including the Pennsylvania Lottery and Loto-Québec.

Through this acquisition, Scientific Games Lottery Group expects to expand its share in digital lottery markets while bringing Sideplay's library of innovative content to iLottery programs around the globe. The addition of digital game server content distribution technology to Scientific Games' existing digital tech stack will also allow for increased speed-to-market.

"We're excited to welcome Steve Hickson and the entire Sideplay team to Scientific Games Lottery Group to help us advance our strategy as a growth company delivering the best retail and digital content, platforms and game category services that maximize proceeds for our lottery customers," said Pat McHugh, Lottery Group Chief Executive for Scientific Games. "Sideplay's highly-experienced digital game developers have a proven track record of delivering exceptional iLottery content to market quickly. We have already integrated Sideplay's digital games into our iLottery platforms, and combining their unique approach to game development for Scientific Games' more than 20 iLottery customers worldwide will accelerate our iLottery offerings for our customers and their players."

Steve Hickson, Founder and Director of Sideplay, and the entire Sideplay team will join Scientific Games Lottery.

"All of us at Sideplay are thrilled to be joining forces with Scientific Games Lottery Group, one of the world's leading lottery suppliers," said Hickson. "Our goal has always been to be the best at what we do, and this transaction shows that we have in fact achieved that level of success. We are excited to leverage Scientific Games' global lottery footprint and create the future of iLottery together."

Since 2003, the Sideplay team has launched more than 270 instant win games for leading lottery and gambling operators around the world. Those games have been played over 100 million times, producing meaningful revenue for Sideplay's customers.

Scientific Games launched the first digital instant game in the U.S. in 2014, and is the leading provider of lottery interactive games, mobile apps, player loyalty programs and other interactive products and services in the U.S. lottery industry.

© 2021 Scientific Games Corporation. All rights reserved.

About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) is a world leader in entertainment offering dynamic games, systems and services for casino, lottery, social gaming, online gaming and sports betting. Scientific Games offers the gaming industry's broadest and most integrated portfolio of game content, advanced systems, cutting-edge platforms and professional services. Committed to responsible gaming, Scientific Games delivers what customers and players value most: trusted security, engaging entertainment content, operating efficiencies and innovative technology. For more information, please visit scientificgames.com.

Media Inquiries:
Media@scientificgames.com 

Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release, Scientific Games makes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will," "may," and "should." These statements are based upon management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of timing, future results or performance. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in these statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including Scientific Games' current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its latest annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021 (including under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors"). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for Scientific Games' ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, Scientific Games undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Scientific Games Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of Scientific Games' acquisition of Sideplay Entertainment?

The acquisition aims to enhance Scientific Games' iLottery portfolio and increase global market penetration through innovative digital content.

What is the expected impact of the Sideplay acquisition on SGMS's stock performance?

The acquisition is anticipated to drive growth in player engagement and market share, potentially positively affecting SGMS's stock performance.

When was the acquisition of Sideplay Entertainment announced?

The acquisition announcement was made on August 23, 2021.

How does the acquisition affect Scientific Games' existing iLottery business?

The integration of Sideplay's content and technology is expected to enhance Scientific Games' current iLottery solutions and increase speed-to-market.

Which markets will benefit from the acquisition of Sideplay Entertainment by Scientific Games?

The acquisition will benefit various global markets by expanding the offerings of iLottery content and enhancing player engagement.