Scientific Games has completed the acquisition of gaming content studio Lightning Box to support its growth strategy in digital markets.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Scientific Games said the purchase would support its strategic plan to become a content-led sustainable growth business, as well as bolster its in-house studios.
Australia-based Lightning Box currently works with operators across Europe, the US and Canada, counting the likes of BetMGM, Rush Street, Golden Nugget, FanDuel, BCLC, Loto Quebec, Unibet, 888, Sky Bet, LeoVegas, William Hill and Betsson among its clients.
Scientific Games and Lightning Box have an existing partnership, with Lightning Box games featuring across the OpenGaming platform in the US. The studio will continue deliver new games while benefitting from Scientific Games’ range of resources, including data analytics and commercial support.
“Lightning Box games are hugely popular with slots players around the world, and we’re excited to welcome these talented game designers to our team,” Scientific Games’ senior vice president of gaming for digital, Dylan Slaney, said.
“Our strategy is a simple one: talented, passionate people make great games and the addition of the Lightning Box team is another example of this and how we will continue to be the igaming industry leader.”
Lightning Box co-founder and chief executive Peter Causley added: “Joining the Scientific Games team and working even more closely with them comes at the perfect time to drive forward our ambitious product innovation plans.
“Having been an OpenGaming partner since it’s early days, we knew that Scientific Games had the capabilities to propel our games to new heights. We’re now in a better position than ever to bring our robust pipeline of high-quality slots more effortlessly to our global online casino partners.”
The deal comes as Scientific Games prepares a major overhaul, as it seeks to divest its lottery and sports betting businesses and focus on gaming. Soon after these plans were announced, Scientific Games revealed that Keith O’Loughlin, the group’s senior vice-president for sportsbook, resigned in June after four years in position.
