IGT to Close Electronic Table Games Division in 2027

International Game Technology (IGT), known for its slot machines, has confirmed that it will close its Electronic Table Games (ETG) division in 2027. This decision follows a series of layoffs in the previous year. Phill O’Shaughnessy, a spokesperson for IGT, stated that this measure is part of a focus on the core business priorities and long-term growth objectives. O’Shaughnessy assured that the company will continue to provide the expected support to its ETG customers during the transition.

The company was acquired and merged with Everi Holdings in a $6.3 billion deal under Apollo Global Management in 2024. Previously, in March, IGT cut approximately 10% of its global workforce. The new CEO, Héctor Fernández, mentioned in an internal memo that these layoffs were aimed at "simplifying our structure, reducing duplications, and allowing us to move more clearly and quickly."

Structural Changes Following the Merger

As part of the merger, IGT's former lottery division was spun off to form Brightstar Lottery, which is now publicly traded. Apollo Global Management seems to have the ETG division in its sights as the next adjustment. In June 2025, Daniel Cohen, a partner at Apollo, expressed concerns to regulators in Nevada that the company had lagged behind competitors such as Aristocrat and Light & Wonder. Cohen stated that "long-term value creation" is their main goal with this agreement. "Our long-term aim is to become the provider for the operator," Cohen remarked, referring to casinos like the Venetian or Caesars.

Growth and Challenges of ETG at IGT

Although IGT's ETG business was small compared to its slot machines, it had shown growth in recent years, including systems and games such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. Moreover, IGT had expanded its famous Wheel of Fortune franchise into the ETG format, hoping that the brand would drive this sector. Luigi Cacciapuoti, Vice President of Special Products and ETG at IGT, told GGB Magazine in 2024: "We rewrote everything. Every line of code is new, and we wanted to offer something that was exciting for players and valuable for our customers."

Market Challenges for ETG

The ETG sector has faced numerous growth challenges, primarily due to the extensive space these games require on casino floors. Most slot machines generate more revenue than ETGs and take up less space, which is a crucial factor for floor managers. The games are more popular in European and Asian markets than in the United States.

Interblock, a leader in the ETG market, also owned by private equity, has long been rumored to be an acquisition target by Aristocrat. However, a deal never materialized due to a reported price difference of $200 million.