International Game Technology (IGT), a foremost name in the slot machine industry, is set to close its electronic table games (ETG) division by 2027, following significant layoffs earlier this year. The announcement was made to iGB by IGT spokesperson Phill O'Shaughnessy, who emphasized that the decision aligns with the company’s focus on its core business and long-term growth strategies. During the transition, IGT will maintain the support that its ETG customers are accustomed to receiving.
IGT, which was privatized and merged with Everi Holdings under Apollo Global Management in a $6.3 billion transaction in 2024, had previously reduced its global workforce by approximately 10% in March. CEO Hector Fernandez indicated that the layoffs aimed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
In the wake of the Apollo acquisition, IGT's former lottery division was spun off into Brightstar Lottery, a publicly traded entity, and the ETG division now appears to be similarly targeted for closure. Apollo partner Daniel Cohen voiced concerns to Nevada regulators in June 2025 about IGT's lagging position relative to competitors like Aristocrat and Light & Wonder. He reaffirmed that the focus of the merger was on creating long-term value.
Cohen stated, "Our goal long term is to become the operator’s supplier… allowing us to continue to invest in products and innovate with our customers to really create the next generation of what casino technology products will look like."
IGT's ETG operations, though smaller than their slot offerings, experienced growth in recent years, providing games such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, along with an ETG version of the popular Wheel of Fortune brand. Luigi Cacciapuoti, IGT’s vice president of specialty products and ETG, explained the effort put into creating a distinct new ETG offering, emphasizing the importance of delivering an exciting experience for players as well as value for customers.
Challenges have persisted in expanding the ETG sector, particularly due to the substantial floor space their games require compared to slots, which are more lucrative and occupy less room. ETGs remain more favored in European and Asian markets than in the United States.
Interblock, a leader in the ETG market, has long been speculated as a potential acquisition target for Aristocrat, though no deal has materialized due to a reported $200 million valuation difference.
