Deutsche Bank, Macquarie Capital awarded Dealmaker of the Year at American Gambling Awards

The American Gambling Awards have announced Deutsche Bank and Macquarie Capital as co-winners of the Dealmaker of the Year award for their joint role as lead financial advisors on the sale of International Game Technology’s (IGT) Gaming and Digital Business to Apollo Funds.

"This recognition highlights the pivotal role in providing tailored financial solutions that drive growth and innovation within the regulated U.S. online gambling industry, reinforcing their reputations as trusted partners in complex, high-value transactions across the gaming sector," said the program's organizers.

The American Gambling Awards, produced by Gambling.com Group Limited, honor the top companies and executives shaping the regulated U.S. online gambling landscape and are recognized as a benchmark for excellence in the sector.

“We are incredibly honored to be named Dealmaker of the Year for the second time at the 2024 American Gambling Awards, having first received this recognition in 2022,” added Reza Akhavi, Global Co-Head of Real Estate, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure of Deutsche Bank.

“This award highlights Deutsche Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative and tailored solutions, even in the most complex transactions. We look forward to continuing to support our clients in navigating transformative opportunities and shaping the future of the global gaming industry,” said Vishal Lokre, Managing Director of Deutsche Bank.

Deutsche Bank and Macquarie Capital acted as joint financial advisors to IGT on the announced agreement to sell the company's Gaming and Digital Business and Everi to Apollo funds for $6.3 billion in July 2024, replacing the previously announced February 2024 spin-off and merger with Everi Holdings. The transaction is a culmination of a strategic review that IGT’s Board of Directors initiated in June 2023.

"Congratulations to Deutsche Bank and Macquarie Capital for being named as co-winners of this category,” said Charles Gillespie, Gambling.com Group co-founder & Chief Executive Officer. “Their leadership on the sale of IGT’s Gaming and Digital Business to Apollo Funds enabled and delivered a complex transaction which created value for all stakeholders."

"This $6.3 billion transaction not only redefined IGT’s future as a pure-play global lottery operator but also exemplified Deutsche Bank and Macquarie Capital’s ability to navigate and execute highly complex, cross-border deals. Their expertise in providing strategic financial solutions is a key factor driving the continued growth within the U.S. online gambling industry."