The Big Business Behind Online Game Partnerships in 2025

We are mid-way through 2025, and the casino industry is undergoing significant changes as major partnership announcements reshape the market. While more deals will certainly happen throughout the rest of the year, some have already grabbed headlines. Insights from Gambling.com Casino Games highlight the five biggest partnerships shaping the industry so far in 2025.

1. Apollo Global Management’s acquisition of IGT’s Digital business and Everi Holdings

One of the biggest online gambling mergers ever will see IGT combine with Evri Holdings in a $6.3 billion acquisition led by Apollo. The resulting company will operate under the IGT brand and open new channels in gaming systems, digital services, and Fintech in what the company describes as a “defining day for the industry”. 

Evri and IGT will become a single company operating from Las Vegas in the coming months. Under the IGT brand, the new company will still use Evri in some markets and for certain products. According to a press release from Apollo Global Management, the acquisition is an all-cash deal. 

2. Intralot acquires Bally’s International’s interactive business

Greek lottery and gaming brand Intralot is expanding its reach with an agreement to acquire Bally’s International’s business. The $3.18 billion deal will not include Bally’s land-based casinos, racetracks, and other physical locations. Intralot will use the acquisition to become a major player in digital iGaming, including technology for lottery products. 

This merger expands both brands, with services available in the UK, North America, Australia, Spain, and other regions. Bally’s is a major provider in the UK, generating over £1 billion in revenue since 2019. The deal will now undergo shareholder approval and regulatory checks before closing in late 2025.

3. Evolution and Hasbro forge exclusive deal for live casino & slot content

Live casino market leader Evolution is enhancing its position with an exclusive toy/game giant Hasbro deal. Previously, games featuring Hasbro brands such as Monopoly have been made by multiple studios, but now Evolution will have sole access to Hasbro’s extensive intellectual property portfolio.

Evolution is already a long-time partner of Hasbro, but not in an exclusive capacity. The company develops popular games such as Monopoly Live and Monopoly Big Baller. With its new agreement, Evolution can create and launch new games based on Hasbro IP, including live dealer games and RNG titles such as slots and game shows. Other notable brands from Hasbro include Battleship and Clue. 

4. 1spin4win partners with Infingame to grow its classic slots footprint

A slightly smaller merger, but still one that will create new opportunities for players, 1spin4win is partnering with aggregation hub Infinigame. The deal will allow 1spin4win to expand its footprint by connecting its 150+ classic slots portfolio with Infinigame’s extensive partner portfolio. 

Infinigame now has an aggregation of 16,000+ titles, and the company says adding 1spin4win titles will help with expansion in Latin American markets. The developer is a fast-growing creator of slots online, with around five new games arriving each month. It is known for its Hold and Win series of slots, which includes Tiger’s Steps Hold and Win, Gentle Fox Hold and Win, and Way of Honor Hold and Win.

5. iGP partners with Popiplay to expand its iGaming Deck portfolio

iGP, the iGaming platform and aggregator, has partnered with Scandinavian slots provider Popiplay to reinforce the former’s promise in delivering scalable, performance-driven content tailored to player preferences. 

By partnering with Popiplay, iGP is adding more games to its iGaming Deck. The aggregator now supports slots from the Scandinavian software provider, joining 10,000+ games from over 100 providers on the service. 

Conclusion

Casino and iGaming brands continue moving in the market, tying up important partnerships alongside major acquisitions. However, the ever-moving industry will continue to see new mergers and partnerships through 2025. The above examples highlight how companies strategically expand their operations and market appeal. 

Partnerships and mergers provide players with more access to games, whether to meet regulatory commitments or expand into new regions. Major developments, such as Evolution’s exclusive contract with Hasbro, ensure that exciting new game experiences are on the horizon. Companies are tying up significant partnerships and acquisitions to expand their operations. Locally, new funding programs are helping communities flourish through strategic expansions and development.