Global gaming giant Scientific Games has unveiled plans to divest its lottery and sports betting businesses in order to deleverage and provide the resources to further invest in digital.
The divestment strategy follows a strategic review conducted by the Board of Directors, announced in March, which aimed to determine how the company could best optimize its portfolio.
Scientific Games said it is also considering strategic alternatives for the divestitures for each business, including an initial public offering, combination with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) or a strategic combination with another business.
“When I joined the Board in September 2020, I told stakeholders that we were focused on rapidly de-leveraging the balance sheet, unlocking the value of the company’s products and technologies and creating a flexible, nimble company positioned to deliver above-market returns to investors,” said Scientific Games Chairman Jamie Odell in a statement.
“Today, we have announced major initiatives aimed at achieving each of these key objectives, recognizing significant value in each of the businesses and positioning the company for sustainable growth, all as a result of the dedicated work of our teams.”
Scientific Games President and CEO Barry Cottle added, “Today’s announcement reflects key steps to optimize our portfolio and strengthen our balance sheet by significantly de-levering while also targeting investments in our largest growth opportunities. These steps will accelerate our path to become a content-led growth company focused on leading in both land-based and digital markets.
“Our company will be positioned to build great games that define the future of gaming, supported by platforms that power the best operators in the world. We believe these steps will enable us to capitalize on the high growth potential of each of our businesses, including their expanding digital content offerings and platforms, unlocking value for shareholders, customers, and employees. Each of our businesses will be better positioned to partner with their respective customers and to deliver long-term growth and profitability.
“At the conclusion of this process, the new company will consist of leading Gaming, iGaming and SciPlay businesses, all of which have great momentum and will collectively deliver great value. We will capitalize on the increasing convergence of these businesses, as players look to play their favorite games wherever and whenever they want to play.
“As the leading cross-platform global game company, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the incredible industry transition that is underway.
“Given this significant opportunity, we are targeting our digital businesses to be comparable in size to the land-based gaming business within three years. I’m confident that, with these steps, we are well positioned for future growth prospects.”
