You can't mention the best online casino software suppliers without reserving a spot for Evolution Gaming. This company is popular for offering some of the best online casino exclusives, including the unique Live Craps game. But if there's another area that Evolution is good at, then it's killing competition. Well, the company just wrapped up another landmark deal to acquire Big Time Gaming's entire share capital.
Sweden-based online casino software developer, Evolution Gaming, announced on April 12, 2021, that it had signed a deal to purchase an Australian-based slot machine developer, Big Time Gaming. The deal would cost Evolution up to €450 million ($534.8 million). Evolution Gaming which develops online slot machines and table games said that at least 70% of the deal would be settled in cash, with the rest being paid in the newly issued shares. The share value will depend on NASDAQ Stockholm's trading index at the time of issue.
This move means that Evolution will cement its place as one of the leading online casino content suppliers in the iGaming world. BTG has become famous for developing entertaining titles like Bonanza and Extra Chilli. The company is also known for the innovation of the Megaways slot mechanics, allowing gamers to get up to 117,649 paylines. In short, all Big Time Gaming titles and game features will be available in Evolution-powered casinos.
As usual, both Evolution and BTG had something positive to say about the deal. According to James von Bahr, Evolution Gaming Group's Chairman, the addition of BGT means that the company's portfolio of slot machines expands exponentially. He also added that BGT's tradition of making unique game features like the Megaways innovation would bode well with the company's culture.
Naturally, the news was like music to the ears of BGT. An excited Nik Robinson, BGT's CEO, said that both companies share a similar vision of innovation and offering improved overall customer experience. He said that these traits make the two the perfect match. Good luck to them!
As said, the purchase of BGT further bolters Evolution's footprint in the somewhat competitive iGaming market. Remember that Evolution purchased 96.8% of NetEnt's shares in a deal worth a whopping $2 billion late last year. The offer to acquire NetEnt was made on June 24, 2020, and completed in December during the same year.
After the deal, Evolution had exclusive rights to NetEnt's 200+ video slots and table games distributed in more than 100 online casinos. Evolution now makes money from titles like Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, Divine Fortune, Blood Suckers, and Twin Spin, which are mainstays in most gambling sites.
Also, the deal with NetEnt expanded Evolution's footprint in the ever-growing US gambling market. If you're a keen observer, most US states are currently actively proposing to legalize online gambling. With NetEnt already having a foothold in US states like Penissylvania and New Jersey, Evolution is about to become a dominant force in the North American market.
Meanwhile, Evolution also owns Red Tiger, which boasts of more than 150 entertaining video slot titles. Some popular Red Tiger games include Pirates' Plenty and Dragon Luck, both using the lucrative Megaways feature. Plus, not forgetting the Ezugi deal, which granted Evolution exclusive rights to live dealer game options like Hybrid Blackjack, Live Keno, Live Lottery, Live Andar Bahar, and Wheel of Dice.
In an industry where innovation is key, eliminating completion is just as important. Luckily, this is an art that Evolution has perfected over the years, allowing it all the rights to vital innovations like the Megaways mechanics. This mechanic currently runs most million-dollar jackpots in multiple online casinos. Overall, Evolution is becoming a dominant iGaming force worldwide.
