A global investment firm is facilitating Aristocrat’s acquisition of a casino software and hardware development company.
Aristocrat reached an agreement to acquire live slot streaming company Awager for an undisclosed sum, pending regulatory approvals. Aristocrat is acquiring Awager from Oaktree Capital Management, a firm that specializes in alternative investment strategies. Awager provides Aristocrat with a property that delivers real-time slot gaming through an omnichannel platform that allows players to place wagers and stream gameplay. Awager leverages partnerships and third-party content for its platform.
“It’s an innovation that is utilizing streaming technology, or what we call remote control, where players who are apprehensive about playing a digital slot machine and what it represents can come in and actually play a physical device,” Awager General Manager for North America Warren Steven told SBC Americas earlier this year. “We basically remote control a device, and whether they’re sitting at the machine or sitting at home playing on that same machine on the property, it’s the same trust factors.”
Awager enters new North American markets
Aristocrat’s acquisition of Awager expands the reach of the live slot streaming company in the U.S. after Awager hired Steven in 2024 to bolster its efforts in North America.
The company solidified a footprint in New Jersey through a partnership with FanDuel. Awager created a new studio in the Garden State that houses more than 100 machines.
“We have big ambitions,” continued Steven. “Just like the live dealer studios or in all major states we intend to be in, but it starts with being successful in New Jersey. If you can be successful there, you can probably be successful in the rest of the United States as well.”
Steven, who has more than 25 years of experience in the digital gaming industry, joined Awager after a stint at Golden Nugget Online Gaming as VP of Product and Operations.
Awager, founded by former veterans from 888 Holdings, is based in Israel with a workforce of roughly 75 employees that are also in Eastern Europe and North America.
Aristocrat invests in digital gaming
The acquisition of Awager comes as Aristocrat grows its digital business. Last year, it launched Aristocrat Interactive as its go-to-market business segment that brought its Anaxi and NeoGames brands under one umbrella. Aristocrat Interactive houses content, proprietary technology and solutions for online casino gaming and iLottery. The business segment, led by former Light & Wonder executive Dylan Slaney, has already secured deals with the Michigan Lottery and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
Aristocrat anticipates closing its acquisition of Awager by 2026. UBS is advising the gaming giant on the transaction, while Moelis & Company is advising Oaktree Capital.
