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SG lands horse racing machine deal with CDI and Ainsworth

News

Scientific Games has agreed a three-way deal with Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) and Ainsworth Game Technology to launch its first generation of Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines.

Approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the agreement will see the new HHR machines rolled out at CDI’s Kentucky properties in Louisville and Oak Grove.

HHR games will run on the Ainsworth’s proprietary HHR system, which utilizes race data under an exclusive license with CDI.

The machines allow consumers to bet on previously-run horse races, as well as manually handicap races using information in the game. After a wager has been placed, players will see an animated replay of the race finish.

“The team at Scientific Games is extremely excited to partner with CDI and Ainsworth in this new venture,” Scientific Games’ executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Robert Parente, said.

“Both companies have been pioneers in opening up this burgeoning new segment of the gaming market and we are honored they have chosen to work with us in offering the very best in player experiences.”

The agreement will also see Scientific Games supply a range of slot games to CDI, including 88 Fortunes, Tree of Wealth, Quick Hit, Lock It Link, and Ultimate Fire Link.

CDI’s senior vice president for gaming operations, Austin Miller, added: “The sheer depth of Scientific Games’ content library, along with their diverse and innovative hardware portfolio, enables us to considerably expand our game offering, giving our players the very best gaming action in the market.

Ainsworth’s chief operating officer Ryan Comstock also said: “The addition of SG games and platforms on our proprietary HHR system will create an even more robust gaming mix for both these properties.”

The deal comes after Scientific Games this week reported a year-on-year rise in revenue and a reduction in net loss for 2019, despite the year ending with a difficult fourth quarter in which gaming and social revenue fell.

Revenue for the 12 months through to 31 December 2019 amounted to $3.4bn, up by 1.2% from $3.36bn in the previous year.