IGT continues PlaySports retail expansion with Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel deal

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IGT has penned a deal with Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel to deploy its PlaySports sportsbook platform to power the resort’s physical sportsbook. 

Under the provisions of the deal, IGT will offer its PlaySports tech platform as well as its trading advisory services to power retail betting at the property in Iowa.

“With the support of the IGT PlaySports team and technology, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel created a magnificent sportsbook that delivers incremental value to our guests and added excitement and visitation to our property,” said Scott Sirois, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel General Manager. 

“IGT has proven its skill and versatility in helping tribal casinos across the US build high-performing sportsbooks and we are confident that IGT will aid us in maximizing this opportunity. Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel went with an industry leader that would deliver a turnkey solution to expedite, with confidence, the entire implementation, and that is what we received.”

Following the completion of the agreement, players at the sportsbook within Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel can place a range of bets on sports via the walk-up betting window or through the sportsbook’s self-service PlaySports QuickBet kiosks.

Sports betting and gaming is making up a much larger proportion of IGT’s business compared to its lottery-fueled past. The group’s 2022 gaming revenue came in at over five times growth on a yearly basis, hitting $1.4bn for the last calendar year. This is in contrast to the lottery unit which posted a yearly decline in revenue of 8%, signaling the shifting focus of the global brand. 

Vince Sadusky, CEO of IGT, recently told investors: “Important strategic work executed over the last few years has transformed IGT into a company with higher growth prospects, a better profit profile, and a solid path to delivering on our long-term goals. It has also enabled record capital returns to shareholders in 2022. We enter 2023 from a position of strength with good momentum across business segments.”

IGT now deploys its PlaySports technology at over 80 gaming venues in the US and Canada. 

“It’s great to see Meskwaki Bingo Hotel Casino engaging new players and reaping the many benefits of an IGT-powered retail sportsbook,” added Joe Asher, IGT President of Sports Betting. “The scalability of IGT’s PlaySports solution will enable Meskwaki to evolve its offering in line with player demand and market opportunity while continuing to provide localized offers, pricing, and promotions.”