Scientific Games continues lottery expansion with Sideplay Entertainment acquisition

Scientific Games has expanded its portfolio after signing an agreement to acquire Sideplay Entertainment.

The acquisition of instant win game content provider Sideplay will boost Scientific Games’ lottery offering globally and is subject to final regulatory approval.

Provider Sideplay have a portfolio of digital games and content distribution technology and Scientific Games will utilise this through its online lottery platform, which the supplier said should increase player engagement around the world. It also said adding the digital game server content distribution technology to its existing digital technology will help increase speed-to-market.

Scientific Games Lottery Group CEO Pat McHugh said: "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."

Sideplay Founder and Director Steve Hickson added: "All of us at Sideplay are thrilled to be joining forces with Scientific Games Lottery Group, 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."

Hickson and his Sideplay team will now join Scientific Games Lottery. Sideplay, who are the primary supplier of digital eInstant games to the UK National Lottery, has launched more than 270 instant win games for operators globally since 2003.

The acquisition is another in the global expansion of Scientific Games, who currently provide online lottery solutions to more than 20 lotteries worldwide.

In early August, Scientific Games announced the purchase of Sydney-based slot developer Lightning Box, after the two groups had already enjoyed a long-standing partnership. In the same month, the supplier launched its casino products to the Ukrainian market for the first time.

And for the second quarter of the 2020/2021 financial year, Scientific Games reported a consolidated revenue rise of 63% year-on-year, up to $880m.

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