Public Gaming International July/August Magazine

44 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JULY/AUGUST 2025 NORTH AMERICAN NEWS IGT Lottery Becomes Brightstar Lottery With the sale of its Gaming and Digital business now complete, International Game Technology (IGT) is ushering in a new era under a new name: Brightstar Lottery. The rebranded company now stands as a focused, standalone lottery powerhouse—one that aims to shape the future of the global games-of-chance industry through innovation, trust, and a legacy of leadership. The move follows IGT’s $4 billion sale of its Gaming & Digital division to a holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO). As of July 2, Brightstar will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under its new ticker symbol BRSL. The company’s CUSIP will remain the same, and no action is required from shareholders. Brightstar will continue to operate under the legal name “International Game Technology PLC” until its official name change is registered in the UK—expected shortly after the transaction closes. Meanwhile, the Apollobacked entity, which is also acquiring gaming technology provider Everi Holdings (NYSE: EVRI), will retain rights to the “IGT” brand and name going forward. “The sale positions Brightstar for an exciting future,” said Marco Sala, Executive Chair of Brightstar. “We’ve balanced the use of proceeds to reduce debt, return capital to shareholders, and fund future growth—reinforcing our commitment to creating long-term value.” A New Chapter for a Legacy Leader With nearly five decades of experience, Brightstar serves almost 90 government-run lotteries across six continents. It is the primary technology partner to 26 of the 46 U.S. lottery jurisdictions and supports seven of the ten largest lotteries worldwide. The company’s comprehensive portfolio includes instant ticket printing, retail and digital lottery systems, lottery operations, and award-winning game design. “Brightstar reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar. “We’re building on a foundation of reliability and innovation to help lotteries thrive in a dynamic landscape of digital transformation, evolving player expectations, and increasing competition.” The rebranding signals more than a name change. The name Brightstar was chosen to evoke the company’s role as a guiding light for customers, players, and communities—emphasizing a mission driven by purpose, progress, and partnership. It positions Brightstar as a dedicated global lottery partner at a time when the industry is rapidly modernizing. “We see this as a launch point,” Sadusky added. “Brightstar will continue to lead responsibly, help lotteries adapt, and ensure our solutions reflect the needs of today’s players—and tomorrow’s.” Capital Strategy: Returns and Resilience The transaction generated $4 billion in net cash proceeds, which Brightstar is deploying in a multi-pronged capital strategy focused on financial stability, shareholder value, and long-term investment. • $2.0 billion will be used to reduce near-term debt, including the redemption of senior secured U.S. dollar and Euro notes due in 2026, as well as the prepayment of term loan and revolving credit facilities maturing in 2027. • $1.1 billion will be returned to shareholders. This includes a $3.00 per share special dividend, payable July 29 to shareholders of record as of July 14, and a newly authorized $500 million share repurchase program over two years. • $500 million will be directed toward upcoming payments for the Italy Lotto license. • The remaining $400 million will support general corporate purposes, including strategic investments. Brightstar aims to maintain a target net debt leverage ratio of approximately 3.0x adjusted EBITDA. Pro forma for the transaction, including expected closing costs and license payments, the company estimates leverage at 3.5x as of March 31, 2025. A Focused, Future-Ready Business By shedding its Gaming & Digital unit, Brightstar becomes one of the few truly “pure play” global lottery companies. That singular focus, executives say, allows for deeper investment in player-centric innovation, regulatory alignment, and digital enablement. The company remains committed to providing secure, scalable, and forward-compatible systems and games—while also helping its customers modernize distribution, personalize player experiences, and maintain the public trust that underpins the lottery model. “Our customers operate in complex environments where technology, regulation, and entertainment intersect,” said Sala. “We help them navigate that complexity with solutions built for transparency, engagement, and long-term sustainability.” In addition to its lottery operations, Brightstar will continue developing data-driven insights, retail optimization tools, and omni-channel delivery systems that support its clients’ evolving business needs. Global Reach, Local Impact Brightstar employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide, with a strong local presence in every region it serves. Its mission, the company says, is rooted not only in commercial success but also in social benefit—supporting the public programs and good causes funded by lotteries around the world. “This is a business with heart,” said Sadusky. “Every time someone plays a game, they’re contributing to something bigger—whether it’s education, health care, or community development. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.” Brightstar enters this next phase with the confidence that comes from decades of leadership—and the agility to adapt as the industry evolves. For more information, visit www.brightstarlottery.com or follow Brightstar on LinkedIn. PULSE of the Industry These news stories comprise a very small fraction of the gaming and lottery news stories posted every day to PublicGaming.com. Too, these stories are the highly edited short versions. You can visit our news website PublicGaming.com and access all of its departments for free, including search to read the full version of the articles. 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