Scientific Games to acquire instant win provider Sideplay Entertainment

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but Scientific Games said that if the deal were to go through as expected, it would bring all Sideplay content into the Scientific Games portfolio of ilottery games. 

Scientific Games also said that the addition of digital game server content distribution technology to its existing digital tech stack would allow for increased speed-to-market.

Founded in 2003, Sideplay has launched more than 270 instant win games for lottery and gambling operators around the world, with its games having been played over 100 million times.

“Sideplay’s highly-experienced digital game developers have a proven track record of delivering exceptional ilottery content to market quickly,” Scientific Games’ lottery group chief executive, Pat McHugh, said.

“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.”

Sideplay founder and director Steve Hickson added: “All of us at Sideplay are thrilled to be joining forces with Scientific Games, one of the world’s leading lottery suppliers. 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.”

The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approval, comes after Scientific Games this month completed the acquisition of gaming content studio Lightning Box to support its growth strategy in digital markets.

Terms of the deal were also 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.