It was interesting to hear from several financial analysts and industry figures at the recent World Gaming Executive Summit in Madrid that moving forward we're due to see considerable M&A activity across all sectors of gaming. Perhaps the most obvious trend - and one that is already gaining momentu
It was interesting to hear from several financial analysts and industry figures at the recent World Gaming Executive Summit in Madrid that moving forward we’re due to see considerable M&A activity across all sectors of gaming.
Perhaps the most obvious trend - and one that is already gaining momentum - is the number of companies seeking to acquire, rather than build, the necessary skillset to move from bricks and mortar gaming to the online sphere. Clearly the likes of IGT, which recently took control of Swedish online solutions provider Entraction, are gearing up for both the possible legalisation of online gaming in the US and the growth in interest in egaming platforms elsewhere around the world.
Arguably, though, the most striking trend seen in the last year or so is the growing presence of cash-rich Asian companies within the European market, both from an operations and investment perspective. Clearly among Asian consumers the attraction of European brands, most notably in sports, holds a great deal of appeal for egaming and land-based casino and sportsbook operators.
Following its protracted takeover of the Rank Group, which finally came to a close on Friday, Hong Kong’s Guoco Group now follows Genting in taking control one of the UK casino industry’s biggest players. Is this trend likely to continue? Certainly the shift from the traditional financial centres of the US and Europe to the new economic powerhouses of Asia and the Middle East has never been so clear…
