Grover Gaming Co. Will Be Purchased by Light & Wonder
Charitable gaming machines in five states will soon feature games from Light & Wonder. This follows a deal that will lead to L&W purchasing a company that supplies pull-tab gaming kiosks.
Light & Wonder to purchase Grover Gaming.
Key Facts:
- Light & Wonder expands into charitable gaming with major $1 billion acquisition of Grover Gaming
- Many of the machines are in social clubs in Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, and Virginia
- Machines are often in Elks, Eagles, VFW, Kiwanis, and other civic clubs
Light & Wonder is making a significant move into the charitable gaming sector with the acquisition of Grover Gaming, a leading supplier of electronic pull-tab machines.
The deal, valued at up to $1.05 billion, is set to bring Light & Wonder’s extensive portfolio of gaming content to charitable gaming facilities across five states.
The acquisition will grant Light & Wonder control over Grover Gaming’s network of more than 10,000 electronic pull-tab terminals in Kentucky, Ohio, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Virginia.
Entering a New Sector
These machines, while similar in appearance to slot machines, operate differently—offering players a chance to purchase digital pull-tabs rather than engaging with a traditional random number generator.
Light & Wonder is best known in gaming circles for its presence in retail and online casinos, but this deal presents an opportunity to expand its reach into a new, rapidly growing sector.
While specific game titles haven’t been confirmed, the company has hinted at integrating some of its most popular franchises, such as 88 Fortunes and Dancing Drums, into the pull-tab format.
This could mean that players who are familiar with Light & Wonder’s casino offerings may soon find those same experiences at charitable gaming facilities.
CEO Matt Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating that the move provides a unique opportunity to bring proven gaming content to a new audience.
“We see tremendous potential in leveraging our successful game franchises in this space,” Wilson said. “Charitable gaming is an important segment, and we believe our expertise in engaging gaming experiences will enhance these offerings.”
The Future of Charitable Gaming
Grover Gaming does not own or operate the facilities that use its machines but provides the terminals and maintains their operation. With the acquisition, Light & Wonder inherits these machines and gains full access to Grover Gaming’s intellectual property.
This means an expanded selection of themed games could be introduced, offering fresh entertainment options for players and, potentially, increased revenue opportunities for the charities that rely on these games.
Industry experts see this acquisition as pivotal for both Light & Wonder and the charitable gaming sector. If players respond positively to Light & Wonder’s content in this new format, it could spark further innovations and expansions in the industry.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, at which point Light & Wonder will officially enter this evolving market.
As the gaming industry diversifies, Light & Wonder’s strategic acquisition underscores its commitment to reaching new audiences while supporting charitable organizations.
What are Charitable Gaming Machines?
In the gaming business, charitable gaming machines are any type of gambling device in a club organization. For example, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles, Elks, Kiwanis, and other civic organizations that have a lodge or building with social hours.
Many of these organizations have a liquor license and a bar setting. They may also be permitted to offer gaming devices that offer tickets, like a lottery.
Pull-tab machines spit out tickets that require the consumer to pull and tear a tab to see if they win, and what the prize is. A pull-tab machine can also offer digital tickets and games.
Laws vary on what a charitable gaming machine can offer. In the five states in question for Light & Wonder, the machines offer pull-tab tickets but can also load software to provide computer-based games, such as the titles L&W originated.
