Aruze to sell US slots assets to Play Synergy, ETG line to Interblock

Las Vegas-based slot machine developer Aruze Gaming America, set to close next month, has revealed that its operations and assets will be acquired by two separate companies in pending acquisitions.

Play Synergy, a slot manufacturer, announced earlier in the week that it is seeking to acquire Aruze's slot operations, including land-based assets and online gaming, for $7 million at auction, according to bankruptcy filings. The move would also give Play Synergy control of related sales, service, support and operations of Aruze’s slot route.

On the other hand, automated table games developer Interblock USA has now unveiled its plans to purchase Aruze's table game assets, including its Roll to Win Craps game, for $14 million.

The acquisitions are subject to court and regulatory approval, and while not yet finalized, Play Synergy anticipates closing its deal within the next 30 days, according to a news release issued on Monday.

The impending acquisition by Play Synergy is expected to offer employment opportunities to the approximately 100 Aruze employees who were slated to be laid off when the company ceases operations in August. However, Play Synergy has not disclosed the exact number of new hires it intends to make.

Frank Feng, President of Play Synergy, expressed optimism about minimizing the impact of the closure on employees through coordinated efforts from his company, Aruze, and other industry members.

Feng stated: "Aruze, Play Synergy, and all other stakeholders in the process have worked exceptionally well together to provide the vast majority of Aruze team members with new employment opportunities. This, along with interest from others in the industry, has had the result of minimizing the disruption to those impacted and their families."

For his part, John Connelly, global CEO of Interblock, shared his company's vision for the acquisition's future, aiming to bring its results to market by the end of 2023. Connelly stated: "Aruze Gaming provides us with a new level of diversity we feel will accelerate our vision to make Interblock synonymous with table game technology."

"As we continue to differentiate ourselves in the gaming industry, this acquisition empowers us to offer a broader range of high-quality, innovative gaming solutions to our valued partners in both a traditional and online offering," the CEO added.

Aruze Gaming America's impending closure was first reported last week by Las Vegas Review-Journal. The company, known for its Go Go Claw and Rock Paper Scissors slot machines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.

The bankruptcy was prompted by a $27.4 million garnishment judgment against the company, related to court actions involving its sole shareholder, Japanese businessman and former Wynn Resorts investor Kazuo Okada.