Gambling in the USA
Golden Nugget Online Gaming To Become Public
Landcadia Holdings II, Inc. to Acquire Golden Nugget Online Gaming
Tilman J. Fertitta and Landcadia Holdings II, Inc. announced today that Landcadia II has entered into a Purchase Agreement to acquire Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. (“GNOG”), a US online real money casino owned by Tilman Fertitta, recognized by both its peers and customers alike as the industry leading online casino that brought Live Dealer to the US market place. Landcadia II is a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company co-sponsored by Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
GNOG will become only the second pure publicly traded online casino company in the US. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Upon closing, Landcadia II intends to change its name to Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. and its Nasdaq trading symbol to GNOG.
“GNOG is one of the best positioned companies to capitalize on this massive online gaming opportunity in the US,” said Rich Handler, Co-Chairman of Landcadia II and CEO of Jefferies LLC. “We at Jefferies couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Tilman and bring this great opportunity to the public markets.”
Golden Nugget is a household name throughout the United States and its iGaming business is a well-established leader in New Jersey, the largest online gaming market in North America. GNOG has obtained market access, subject to regulatory approval, to Pennsylvania and Michigan and anticipates launching its online casino brand in each of those new markets in early 2021.
GNOG is known among its industry peers as the preeminent operator in the US online gaming market, having won the EGR North America Top Operator Award for three consecutive years. GNOG is known for its innovation, including initiating Live Dealer, Live Casino Floor gambling and a number of exclusive slot machine games to mobile devices, tablets and computers throughout New Jersey, as well as its top-notch 24/7 customer support.
Tilman J. Fertitta will remain GNOG’s Chairman and CEO, and Thomas Winter, who was brought in to develop Golden Nugget’s online gaming business, will continue to serve as GNOG’s President. During the seven years since Thomas Winter started Golden Nugget’s iGaming business in New Jersey, revenues and profitability have grown each year despite facing competition with greater financial resources. According to Mr. Fertitta, “Golden Nugget is one of the most time-honored brands in the gaming business today. When customers hear the name Golden Nugget, they know they are dealing with a trusted online gaming business. Thomas and his team have done a remarkable job, are the best in the industry, and with this transaction, will have access to growth capital to allow for the rapid expansion of the business.”
GNOG Highlights
- Started operation in New Jersey Q4 2013
- Became profitable in 2016
- First online gaming company to launch Live Dealer in the US
- Won Industry award as top operator 3 years in a row
- First to launch Live Casino Floor in US
- Net Income of over $11 million in 2019
Key Transaction Terms
The transaction values the combined company at an anticipated pro forma enterprise value of approximately $745 million, or 6.1x GNOG’s estimated 2021 revenue of $122 million. The consideration payable to the parent entity of GNOG will consist of a combination of cash and rollover equity in Landcadia II. Upon completion of the transaction, Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman and CEO, will, through the parent entity of GNOG, hold a controlling economic interest (through an Up-C structure described below) and a controlling voting interest in the combined company. The combined company will have a dual-class share structure with super voting rights for Mr. Fertitta.
Landcadia II will be assuming $150 million of GNOG debt of and will pay down at closing an additional $150 million of its debt, plus pay prepayment fees, transaction fees and expenses. Subject to redemptions, there is approximately $321 million currently held in Landcadia II’s trust account. Upon payment of the purchase price, debt repayment and transaction fees and expenses, the combined company will have at least $80 million on its consolidated balance sheet at closing and an anticipated pro forma equity market capitalization of nearly $700 million.
The transaction will be structured as an Up-C where an entity indirectly owned by Mr. Fertitta will retain common units of a partnership managed by the combined company and an equal number of non-economic voting shares in the combined company. The combined company will also enter into a customary tax receivable arrangement with such entity indirectly owned by Mr. Fertitta, which will provide for the sharing of tax benefits relating to certain pre-combination tax attributes, as well as tax attributes generated by the transaction and any subsequent sales or exchanges by the entity indirectly owned by Mr. Fertitta of their equity interests, as those attributes are realized by the combined company.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Landcadia II, upon the unanimous recommendation of a committee comprised solely of Landcadia II’s disinterested independent directors (the “Committee”). The transaction will require the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of Landcadia II, excluding shares beneficially owned by Tilman J. Fertitta and Jefferies Financial Group, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including certain regulatory approvals. Jefferies LLC is acting as exclusive financial and capital markets advisor to Landcadia II. Haynes and Boone LLP is acting as legal advisor to GNOG. White & Case LLP is acting as legal advisor to Landcadia II. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to the Committee of Landcadia II.
SOURCE Landcadia Holdings II, Inc.
Delaware North
Industry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook
Delaware North, a global hospitality and entertainment company with a significant gaming division, has named industry veteran Lee Terfloth as chief interactive gaming officer as it pushes ahead with ambitious plans for its digital offering.
Terfloth has an impeccable track record across some of the biggest land-based and online gaming operators in North America, including Borgata, Resorts Digital, Hard Rock and, most recently, Prime Sports, where he was chief executive officer.
As chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, Terfloth will be responsible for two core objectives: Expanding the operator’s Betly mobile sportsbook and casino brand into additional iGaming states while also reviewing its sportsbook business to improve operational efficiency.
The appointment of Terfloth comes hot on the heels of news that Delaware North has chosen to migrate to Playtech’s powerful online sportsbook and casino platform in the states of Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Jason Gregorec, president of Delaware North’s gaming division, said:
“Lee Terfloth is a high-caliber senior iGaming executive who has played a key role in launching and growing interactive gaming divisions at some of the most established and renowned gambling operators in North America.
“We are delighted to be able to leverage this experience and knowledge as we ramp up our own online gaming division via our Betly brand, which has already gained traction in key online sports betting and iGaming states such as Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
“I’d like to officially welcome Lee to the team and look forward to working with him as we deploy our ambitious plans for online gaming across regulated U.S. states,” Gregorec said.
Lee Terfloth, chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, added: “I’m thrilled to join Delaware North at a pivotal time for the business as it shifts up a gear with its activity in the online gaming space.
“Betly is an incredibly strong brand and now that we are migrating to the Playtech platform, we have the technological foundation to really level up our activity in terms of markets and the quality of the experience we offer to players.
“I have plenty of experience working with operators at this stage in their lifecycle and look forward to working with the incredible team we have in place to not only meet but exceed the goals the business has set for its interactive division,” Terfloth said.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, is spreading holiday cheer this season with the launch of an exciting new marketing campaign and the return of its popular Picksmas holiday promotional campaign. To kick things off, PrizePicks has unveiled a new commercial that features some of the internet’s biggest personalities, including Joe Budden, Druski, BigXThaPlug, Sketch and Spice Adams.
FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company in North America, announced the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s Atlantic City Expressway Pleasantville Toll Plaza, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s PATH commuter rail systemwide and PA SEPTA will offer free tolls and rides on December 18, 2024. In New Jersey, free tolls and rides will be given out through the South Jersey Transportation Authority’s Atlantic City Expressway Pleasantville Toll Plaza and throughout the PATH system.
The American Gaming Association announced the expansion of its “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” Public service campaign with the introduction of a fifth pillar: “Keep Your Cool”. This new pillar reinforces the campaign’s mission to promote responsible sports wagering by emphasising athlete harassment is never appropriate. The announcement comes as data highlights the growing effectiveness of responsible gaming programmes across the country.
Resorts World Las Vegas announced the formation of a Board of Directors, with industry veteran Jim Murren as the Chairman, and the appointment of Alex Dixon as its CEO as a key part of the Company’s plan to deepen and strengthen its leadership. The new team, with a combined 130 years of experience in the gaming industry, will accelerate the Company’s growth strategy and continue its mission to remain Las Vegas’ premier resort destination for unmatched luxury and entertainment experiences and unforgettable moments.
Betski is set to launch its online casino ownership platform in Q1 2025, enabling users to earn casino profits through digital tokens. The system will allow anyone to receive a share of casino earnings without managing casino operations, marking a new chapter in the multi-billion-dollar iGaming industry. Supported by a $345,000 pre-seed funding round, the platform aims to democratise access to casino earnings and reshape the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
Partnerships
Aquimo Inc., a leader in mobile gaming technology for sports broadcasts and live events, has partnered with Sportsnet, Canada’s #1 sports network, to bring hockey fans a one-of-a-kind, new interactive mobile gaming experience. Sportsnet Slap Shot Showdown – a brand-new, custom mobile game developed by Aquimo, launched on December 7 during Sportsnet’s live Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, giving fans across Canada a chance to compete in real-time multiplayer challenges and a month-long contest to win exclusive prizes, including a 2025 Hyundai Kona. This collaboration marks Aquimo’s first television broadcast partnership in Canada and a milestone in the company’s expansion into the market.
The pathways into Bucky’s Casino and Yavapai Casino in Prescott are brighter than ever now that JCM Global (JCM) has installed new outdoor LED marquee signs at each property. Bucky’s Casino guests are now greeted with a new single-sided Mitsubishi NXL 10mm stretching 14 feet wide by 7-and-a-half feet tall.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – December 9-15 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) has published a draft of its Model Internet Gaming Act. The proposal provides a model regulatory framework for US states considering the legalisation of online gaming. The document is open for public comment until December 31. The proposal suggests various policies for state legislators, regulators and other stakeholders to consider.
Bally’s Chicago Casino has won a 2024 Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. The award recognises Bally’s Chicago’s commitment to fair, honest and ethical business practices. The BBB’s Torch Award honours companies that demonstrate the highest level of ethical standards and trust with customers, business partners, shareholders and the communities in which they do business. This year, the award was presented to only seven businesses in the Chicago region. An independent panel of reviewers assessed applicants in four areas: character, culture, customer and community.
International Game Technology PLC announced that its new Powerbucks Blackjack game is now available to online players in multiple jurisdictions in Canada. The theme links to IGT’s Powerbucks omnichannel wide-area progressive jackpot prize pool, Canada’s largest jackpot connecting land-based, online and mobile games. Launched in 2016, IGT Powerbucks slots is the world’s first omnichannel WAP game that links the jackpot prize pool between gaming machines found in land-based casinos with digital-based games in Canada.
Partnerships
FanDuel announced a new partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) becoming an Official Sportsbook Partner and exclusive In-app Streaming Partner in the US. This collaboration offers hockey fans unmatched access to the PWHL, with FanDuel streaming up to 90 regular season PWHL games and playoffs live on the FanDuel app.
NGX announced a strategic partnership with StarSport. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for NGX in its expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean. With over 200 physical points of sale in the Dominican Republic, StarSport is recognised for its robust operations and strict compliance with local regulations. StarSport’s selection of NGX as its platform provider highlights the company’s ability to offer certified and flexible technology tailored precisely to the dynamic needs of the Dominican market.
Scientific Games signed a new technology contract with the North Dakota Lottery to implement the company’s most advanced omnichannel system solutions. The Lottery selected Scientific Games’ integrated solution to power retail and digital sales following a competitive process, awarding the global lottery company a new six-year contract with a two-year extension option. As the industry’s fastest-growing systems provider, SG has successfully executed nearly 40 lottery systems implementations and conversions since 2016.
BetMGM announced a new partnership with Push Gaming. The first phase of the partnership brings some of Push Gaming’s top slot titles to BetMGM Casino in Ontario. In 2025, pending regulatory approval, BetMGM will be the exclusive partner for Push Gaming in the US. Some of Push Gaming’s most popular slots, including Retro Tapes, Big Bamboo, Razor Returns and Wild Swarm 2 are now available at BetMGM Casino and Wheel of Fortune Casino in Ontario, with more top titles arriving soon.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – December 2-8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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