News Summary
International Game Technology (IGT) has rebranded as Brightstar following the planned separation of its lottery and casino gaming businesses. This significant shift results from a deal with Apollo Global Management, who will acquire IGT’s gaming operations. Brightstar will continue to honor a 20-year lottery agreement with Rhode Island, maintaining at least 1,100 employees in the state. The new name reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and responsible growth in the lottery sector, aiming to enhance the lottery experience and inspire players.
Providence, Rhode Island – In a significant corporate shift, International Game Technology (IGT) has been rebranded as Brightstar following the planned separation of its lottery and casino gaming businesses. This announcement was made on Tuesday, June 17, and comes as a direct result of a deal involving private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which is set to acquire IGT’s gaming operations, including slot machines and sports betting, while taking them private. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by July.
As part of this rebranding initiative, Brightstar will honor its existing obligations to Rhode Island under a 20-year lottery agreement established in 2021. This includes the provision of slot machines to the state’s two casinos in collaboration with Bally’s, which is a key component of the state’s gaming landscape. The agreement stipulates that Brightstar is required to maintain a workforce of at least 1,100 employees in Rhode Island.
The name “Brightstar” was selected to better represent the company’s optimistic outlook and future aspirations in the lottery industry. While operations will remain largely unchanged in the short term, with only new signage appearing at the Providence office, Brightstar plans to solidify its presence in Rhode Island. In addition to its Providence headquarters, the company also operates out of a facility in West Greenwich.
The rebranding does not signify a return to the previous name of GTECH, which was the original identity of the company before its acquisition by Lottomatica. Instead, the leadership team opted for a name that suggests a commitment to innovation and responsible growth, positioning itself for future development in the lottery sector.
Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers worldwide and is the primary technology provider for 26 lottery jurisdictions across the United States. The company also supports seven of the ten largest lotteries globally. Despite this focus on growth and customer service in the lottery sector, it remains uncertain whether employee numbers will increase in Rhode Island, given that IGT had previously struggled to meet contractual workforce targets.
Maintaining a strong local presence in Rhode Island was pivotal in securing an exclusive 20-year lottery contract without a bidding process, reflecting the company’s commitment to the state. Brightstar also oversees sports betting operations in Rhode Island under a shorter contract that is set to expire in 2026.
This strategic rebranding signifies a new chapter for the company, aiming to enhance the lottery experience and inspire players while focusing on sustainable growth and technological advancements. The transition to Brightstar marks a return to the company’s origins, as it seeks to blend its historical roots with a forward-looking vision.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Journal: IGT Drops Casino Business, Now Lottery Only
- GoLocalProv: New IGT Changes Name After Corporate Split
- Providence Business News: IGT Rebrands Global Lottery Business as Brightstar
- Turn to 10: IGT Lottery Renamed as Brightstar
- Providence Journal: Former Providence Firefighter Wins $2.8M in Damages
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: Brightstar Lottery
- Google Scholar: International Game Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- Google News: Brightstar Lottery
