Everi Holdings Inc., a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, player loyalty solutions, and bingo, announced that its stockholders have voted at a special meeting of Everi stockholders to approve the pending simultaneous acquisition of Everi and the Gaming & Digital business of International Game Technology PLC by a newly formed holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. through a merger. As previously announced, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Everi stockholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash for every share of Everi common stock they own immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

At the Special Meeting, approximately 99.88% of the shares voted were voted in favor of the merger, which represented approximately 71.48% of the total outstanding shares of Everi common stock as of October 3, 2024, the record date for the Special Meeting.

“We are pleased that our stockholders supported our transaction with the Apollo Funds,” said Michael Rumbolz, chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. “We now shift our focus to the important next steps toward completing the transaction and maximizing value for Everi stockholders.”

Assuming timely satisfaction of necessary closing conditions, the proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

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The final voting results on the proposals voted on at the Special Meeting will be set forth in a Form 8-K filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Evolution, the industry-leading B2B solution provider for casino operators, announced a three-year extension of their US agreement with FanDuel Casino. The renewal strengthens the strategic partnership between the two companies, reaffirming Evolution as FanDuel’s sole provider of core live dealer casino games.

Under the terms of the extension, FanDuel players will continue to have access to Evolution and Ezugi’s full portfolio of industry-leading live casino games, along with top-performing slots from NetEnt, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, and Nolimit City. This marks the second extension of the original partnership, which began in 2020 when Evolution’s live dealer games were integrated into FanDuel’s Casino platform.

Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution North America, said: “We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with FanDuel, providing players with the very best in online casino entertainment. FanDuel’s trust in Evolution highlights our shared commitment to growing the live casino market and creating a truly immersive experience for players across North America.”

“FanDuel Casino is the leading Casino operator in the U.S., offering the largest selection of exclusive live casino tables in the market. Expanding our partnership with Evolution for Live Casino and RNG games enables us to consistently provide a top-tier experience to our customers. We look forward to our continued growth in the Live Casino sector,” said Asaf Noifeld, Managing Director of FanDuel Casino.

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has recently developed and adopted an official seal of approval, which all licensed sports betting operators in the state are now required to display on their digital platforms. The introduction of this seal represents a significant step in the MGC’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible and regulated gaming within the Commonwealth.

The seal is intended to serve as a clear signal to consumers that they are accessing a sports betting platform licensed and regulated by the MGC. By prominently featuring this seal, customers can easily distinguish between legal, licensed operators and unsafe, illegal alternatives.

“The MGC has spent considerable efforts ensuring that the operators licensed in the Commonwealth share our values and are committed to consumer protections and responsible gaming. Massachusetts residents who choose to gamble on sports deserve to know their data, personal and financial information are protected, and only the legal marketplace offers those protections. By locating this seal, users will be able to easily identify a legal sportsbook from an illegal operator,” said Commissioner Eileen O’Brien.

Offshore and unlicensed sports betting sites have been accessible to patrons across the US for years. However, with the legalization of sports wagering in Massachusetts, these offshore operators may attempt to present themselves as legitimate. Yet, they are not licensed by any state jurisdiction and do not comply with the same regulations and consumer protection standards as the legal market.

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The risks of using these illegal platforms extend beyond potential data breaches or financial losses. Unlicensed operators may refuse to honor winning bets, leaving consumers with little to no recourse. Illegal gambling activities are also often tied to other serious crimes. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has issued cease-and-desist orders to several major illicit operators. It will continue to monitor and take action against such unlawful activities in coordination with the MGC. The Commission would urge anyone looking for more information on illegal platforms to visit the website of the American Gaming Association.

This newly adopted seal serves as a visual reminder of the regulations in Massachusetts’s legal sports betting market. It enhances consumer protection and builds trust with members of the public who choose to engage in sports betting. By identifying the official MGC seal, customers can have peace of mind knowing they are accessing a fully licensed platform compliant with the Commonwealth’s laws and regulations.