Gaming group 888 Holdings PLC (LON:888) has bought the remaining 53% of shares in All American Poker Network which it didn’t already own for US$28mln.
The FTSE 250 company said the acquisition is an “important strategic milestone” that will help facilitate its future growth strategy in the US.
888 set up AAPN as a joint venture with partner Avenue back in 2013, since when its 888poker and 888casino brands have been operating in New Jersey.
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But the US Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year that struck down a 1992 federal law banning sports gambling has created “significant growth opportunities” which 888 feels it can now properly exploit as the sole owner of AAPN.
“The acquisition of the remaining stake in AAPN is an important strategic step towards 888 achieving its exciting long-term potential in the US,” said 888 chief executive Itai Frieberger.
“Taking outright ownership of AAPN gives 888 additional operational, technological and commercial flexibility to develop innovative and exciting new partnerships and launch in new states – through both B2B and B2C channels – as and when future regulation allows.”
He added: “This acquisition places 888 in an even better position to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities in the US.”
888 shares rose 1.5% in early deals on Tuesday to 156.2p.