Who Owns Scientific Games?

What is Scientific Games? A Legacy in Lottery and Gaming

Founding in 1973

Scientific Games began in 1973 as a provider of instant lottery tickets, revolutionizing how governments raised funds for public programs. From its Atlanta headquarters, it grew into a global leader, offering cutting-edge lottery systems, sports betting platforms, and gaming technology. Its early focus on secure, innovative lottery solutions laid the groundwork for its dominance, now supporting over 130 lottery entities across 50+ countries.

Major Acquisitions

The company expanded through strategic acquisitions:

• 2006: Acquired EssNet, a Swedish lottery tech firm, and The Global Draw, a UK-based provider of server-based gambling machines.

• 2010: Purchased Barcrest from IGT, known for betting terminals and Deal Games.

• 2013: Bought WMS Industries, a major slot machine manufacturer, for $1.5 billion.

• 2014: Acquired Bally Technologies for $3.3 billion plus $1.8 billion in debt, bolstering its casino gaming portfolio

Key Products

Scientific Games’ lottery technology includes instant tickets, digital platforms like iLottery, and advanced analytics, driving profits for government programs. Its pari-mutuel betting systems dominate 65% of the North American market, supporting racetracks and off-track betting.

Table: Scientific Games history timeline

Brookfield Business Partners: The Current Owner

Acquisition Details

In April 2022, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. acquired Scientific Games’ global lottery business for approximately $5.8 billion, with an additional $225 million earn-out based on 2022-2023 EBITDA targets. Announced in October 2021, the deal positioned Scientific Games to focus solely on lottery and sports betting services, retaining its name and Atlanta headquarters under CEO Pat McHugh. “This transaction is transformative in accelerating our strategy to optimize our portfolio,” said Barry Cottle, then-CEO of Scientific Games.

Brookfield’s Role

Brookfield, a global investment firm managing over $690 billion in assets, is known for long-term value creation in industries like real estate and infrastructure. Its acquisition of Scientific Games aligns with its strategy to invest in high-quality, essential service providers. Brookfield aims to fuel Scientific Games’ growth through investments in digital platforms and global expansion, leveraging its financial muscle to enhance lottery innovations.

The Split: Scientific Games and Light & Wonder

Lottery Business

Post-2022, the lottery division retained the Scientific Games name under Brookfield’s ownership. It focuses on instant tickets, digital lottery systems, and sports betting technology, serving 130+ lottery entities globally. With a 64% U.S. instant ticket market share and 27% of online gambling, it remains a cornerstone of government funding for education and public services.

Gaming Business

The gaming and iGaming divisions rebranded as Light & Wonder in March 2022, becoming an independent public company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in May 2022. Light & Wonder, led by CEO Barry Cottle, focuses on casino gaming, including slot machines and online platforms, with subsidiaries like Bally Technologies, WMS Industries, and Barcrest. “We are thrilled to introduce Light & Wonder, a company that will build great games and franchises,” Cottle said, emphasizing its cross-platform approach.

Table: Scientific Games vs Light & Wonder comparison

The Evolution of Scientific Games’ Ownership

Autotote Era

Scientific Games started as Autotote Systems in 1979, founded by Boston venture capitalist Thomas H. Lee through a leveraged buyout of Autotote Limited from ATL Limited in Australia. Initially focused on pari-mutuel betting technology for racetracks, it laid the foundation for its lottery ventures.

Perelman’s Influence

By 2019, billionaire Ronald Perelman, through his MacAndrews & Forbes investment firm, held a 39% stake in Scientific Games, boosting his ownership with a $2.17 million purchase of 110,000 shares at $19.73. Perelman’s influence shaped the company’s strategy until the 2022 restructuring.

Brookfield Acquisition

The 2022 sale to Brookfield Business Partners marked a new chapter, with the lottery business continuing as Scientific Games and the gaming division spinning off as Light & Wonder. No ownership changes have been reported since, solidifying Brookfield’s role.

Table: Scientific Games ownership timeline

How Brookfield Shapes Scientific Games’ Future

Digital Innovation

Under Brookfield’s ownership, Scientific Games is doubling down on digital lottery platforms, like its iLottery solutions, which integrate mobile apps and analytics to boost player engagement.

In 2021, iLottery generated $3 billion in U.S. retail sales, with projections to reach $12 billion by 2025 as 19 more states legalize it (Scientific Games Media). Brookfield’s $2.6 billion equity investment supports these advancements.

Global Expansion

Brookfield’s global reach, managing $690 billion in assets, positions Scientific Games to expand into new markets. The company’s Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership (SGEP) program, which drove 45% higher per capita sales in 2020, is a key growth lever, with 24 U.S. lotteries yet to adopt it. Brookfield’s strategy emphasizes long-term partnerships with governments, enhancing lottery funding for public services.

Scientific Games’ Influence in the Lottery Industry

Key Innovations

Scientific Games dominates the lottery industry, holding a 64% share of U.S. instant tickets and 65% of North American pari-mutuel betting. Its 2021 acquisitions, including Elk Studios (mobile games), ACS PlayOn (retail tech), and SidePlay (digital games), bolstered its portfolio.

The company’s iLottery platforms and data analytics drive player retention, while its 2025 American Business Awards for retail technology highlight its innovation.

Economic Impact

Scientific Games supports government programs in over 50 countries, funding education, infrastructure, and healthcare. In 2020, its SGEP contracts generated 47% of instant game revenue, growing at a 7% CAGR since 2010. Its partnerships with lotteries like Kansas and Louisiana underscore its role in public finance.

Table: Scientific Games acquisitions 2021-2025

Light & Wonder: The Gaming Side of the Split

Subsidiaries

Light & Wonder, rebranded in 2022, focuses on casino gaming with subsidiaries like The Global Draw, Barcrest, Bally Technologies, WMS Industries, and NYX Gaming Group. These units produce slot machines, betting terminals, and online games, serving land-based and digital casinos.

Market Presence

Listed on the ASX, Light & Wonder reported $2.7 billion in 2020 revenue, emphasizing cross-platform gaming. Its 9,000 employees drive innovation in slot machines and social gaming, competing with giants like IGT. “Our new identity distinguishes our unique offerings,” said CEO Barry Cottle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scientific Games Ownership

Is Scientific Games publicly traded?

The lottery business is privately owned by Brookfield Business Partners. Light & Wonder, encompassing the gaming divisions, is publicly traded on the ASX.

Who owns Light & Wonder?

Light & Wonder is an independent public company, not owned by Brookfield, with shares traded on the ASX since May 2022.

Has ownership changed since 2022?

No changes have been reported since Brookfield’s 2022 acquisition of the lottery business.

What does Scientific Games do?

Scientific Games provides lottery systems, instant tickets, digital platforms, and sports betting technology, supporting government programs globally.

Understanding Scientific Games’ Ownership

Brookfield Business Partners L.P. owns Scientific Games’ lottery business, acquired for $5.8 billion in 2022, driving innovation in digital lotteries and global expansion. Light & Wonder, the rebranded gaming division, operates independently, focusing on casino and online gaming.

Both entities continue to shape their industries, with Scientific Games funding public programs and Light & Wonder delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Explore more at Scientific Games or Light & Wonder. Stay informed about Scientific Games ownership 2025 for the latest updates.