IGT gaming and digital businesses and Everi
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Apollo Global
What PE Will Likely Do
Slot machine hardware quality degradation: cheaper LCD panels with lower refresh rates, reduced lighting quality in cabinet displays, less durable button mechanisms and coin acceptors
Gaming software maintenance delays: slower security patches, deferred RNG (random number generator) certification updates, postponed game theme releases
Everi cash access products (ATMs, kiosks, cash recyclers): reduced field technician staffing leading to longer repair times, cheaper replacement card readers and receipt printers
IGT's digital gaming platform (iGaming): reduced server redundancy, slower customer support response times for operator clients, deferred platform feature development
Everi loyalty and player tracking systems: reduced R&D for new analytics features, slower integration support for casino clients, potential sunsetting of less profitable legacy systems
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Apollo announces 'synergy realization' and 'platform integration'; initial layoffs in duplicate corporate functions (finance, HR, legal); casino operators receive assurances of 'business as usual'
“6 to 12 months months”
First product line consolidations announced—likely competing cash handling products from Everi and IGT's legacy systems combined; initial price increases on service contracts; early signs of slower technical support response
“12 to 24 months months”
Noticeable reduction in new game releases from IGT studios; Everi kiosk hardware quality complaints from casino floor staff increase; deferred firmware updates create compatibility issues; key game design talent departs
“24 to 48 months months”
Casino operators report extended downtime on combined cash systems; Apollo explores sale of non-core assets (possibly lottery systems or specific regional operations); customer satisfaction scores decline measurably
“48 to 60 months months”
Potential spin-off or sale of weakened combined entity; remaining business heavily debt-laden with reduced competitive position against Scientific Games, Aristocrat; possible strategic default or restructuring
What You Can Do
Actions
Casino operators: negotiate multi-year service and content agreements with price caps before Apollo completes operational integration
Casino operators: audit existing IGT and Everi equipment warranties and secure written confirmation of coverage terms post-acquisition
Casino operators: develop relationships with alternative suppliers (Aristocrat, Scientific Games, Konami) to reduce dependency before consolidation limits options
Casino floor staff and technicians: document current equipment performance baselines to identify degradation in maintenance response times
State gaming regulators: increase scrutiny of combined entity's compliance investment and RNG certification timeliness given PE cost-cutting incentives
Alternatives
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses