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Light & Wonder Games Review

Light & Wonder (L&W) stands as a prominent player in the software development sector of the gaming industry. This corporation has acquired several smaller companies that you might recognize, including Bally Technologies, WMS, Barcrest, Lightning Box, and even ELK Studios. Even if these names aren't familiar to you, there's a good chance you've enjoyed their games at some point without realizing their origins.

While L&W primarily offers products that are predominantly land-based , subsidiaries like Bally and WMS have made a name for themselves in the realm of online slot games as well. As we will explore further, L&W is a highly developed organization that encompasses virtually all facets associated with iGaming. If you're curious about the origins of your favorite games, read on for an in-depth review of Light & Wonder!

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The story behind Light & Wonder

Light & Wonder embarked on its remarkable journey in 1974 . Yes, you read that correctly – the 1970s. They introduced the very first secure lottery game and the initial secure instant lottery ticket . Throughout the years since, L&W has expanded tremendously, currently operating in over 40 countries . That's not all; with over 300 clients across those nations , Light & Wonder has diversified its offerings beyond lotteries to include slots (both land-based and online) and table games. Indeed, this developer has a hand in nearly every aspect of gaming.

Light & Wonder boasts an extensive array of competencies. The company engages in lottery systems, loyalty and rewards programs, video gaming systems, internet gaming, mobile gaming, and even social gaming. Honestly, there's very little it doesn't cover. The organization proudly holds the title of being the \" only full-service provider \" due to the broad spectrum of products it provides.

By 2012, L&W had achieved an annual revenue of approximately $260 billion . Utilizing that momentum, Light & Wonder has continued to grow in both scale and profitability. In 2010, it acquired Barcrest from IGT , further enriching its portfolio of smaller enterprises. Their growth engine surged even higher when, in 2013 , it purchased WMS , then one of the leading slot manufacturers worldwide, for around $1.3 billion. Following that, in 2014 , L&W also acquired Bally Technologies for $3.3 billion. The trend continued with the addition of Lightning Box and ELK Studios In 2021, this expansion culminated in a rebranding to its new identity – Light & Wonder .

These acquisitions paint a clearer picture of just how influential Light & Wonder is within the iGaming sector. As a multi-billion dollar enterprise, it shows no signs of deceleration. With its services extending across North America (including Canada), South America, Europe, and Asia , Light & Wonder presents an excellent option for Canadian players. Originating from the US means that Canadian players are less likely to encounter the issues that can arise with numerous European developers, who are often unavailable in most provinces. However, L&W games are fully compliant in all casinos that accept players from Canada.

Light & Wonder Games

Scientific Games Willy Wonka Games

As mentioned, Light & Wonder has been prolific in releasing a variety of products over the years. One of its recent successes has been the Willy Wonka land-based slots that swiftly became favorites among casino patrons. In fact, much of L&W's output is targeted at land-based casinos and for physical betting outlets.

But that's where its acquired companies come into play. Collectively, Bally Technologies, Barcrest, and WMS Games have introduced a multitude of slots annually. Online slots Each of these companies offers distinctive games that are enjoyed worldwide.

Beyond lotteries and slots, Light & Wonder Games also produces table games through another subsidiary, Shuffle Master . However, these are again land-based and not available online . You might encounter them on a road trip to Canadian casinos, but they won't be found in the online casino space.

Bally Technologies

Bally Tech was actually founded in 1968 , making it older than Light & Wonder itself. This company is recognized for producing a vast array of both networked land-based slots and their online counterparts . The primary focus still leans toward land-based slots. Nevertheless, they've developed some engaging slot games throughout their existence. progressive jackpot slots Some examples of Bally Tech's offerings include the well-known ‘Pawn Stars’ slot , which originally debuted as a machine but successfully transitioned to the online platform as well. Others consist of titles like King of Pop and Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ from the Michael Jackson series of machines . Bally has also designed several online-exclusive slots like Cash Wizard, Lady Robin Hood, and Tiger Treasures .

Barcrest boasts a portfolio filled with popular titles . While the visual quality of their slots may not be the highest, they shine in other areas. Their slots feature solid payout structures .

Barcrest

Barcrest's popular offerings include Dr. Jekyll Goes Wild, Emperors Gold, Boulder Bucks, Merry Money, Cash Stax, and Action Bank . They are well worth spinning, just to understand their unique mechanics.

Out of the three smaller companies, WMS Games is undoubtedly the most recognized in the online casino circuit. It's also the most prolific when it comes to releasing slots each year. One of their most well-received recent games is the Bruce Lee slot, which pays tribute to the iconic martial artist. Additional titles include Alice and the Mad Party, Amazon Queen, Cool Jewels, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Kronos, and Zeus .

WMS Games

Bruce Lee Logo

From the titles alone, it's easy to see that WMS offers a wide variety of themes. Whether exploring Ancient Greek mythology, popular blockbuster films, or famous personalities, WMS slots promise to keep you engaged for a long time.

Lightning Box initially established itself as a provider in bustling cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. From there, they expanded into online, mobile, and social gaming markets, cleverly merging social media dynamics with casino experiences. Today, their signature games are widely accessible, with a global presence across the UK, USA, Asia, Australia, and South America.

Lightning Box

Some of their most acclaimed titles are Lightning Horseman, Silver Lion, Stellar Jackpots, Astro Cat, and Druidess Gold . top-tier land-based casinos was set in motion in 2012, yet it underwent formal establishment in 2013. Currently, the company stands as one of Sweden’s proudest contributions to the gaming industry, evolving from a niche studio to a recognizable name among slot enthusiasts. This accomplishment is significant given the intense competition faced domestically.

Headquartered in Stockholm, ELK Studios has gained international recognition, especially after its acquisition by Light & Wonder in 2021, enabling them to expand their horizons.

Elk Studios

ELK Studios Top-tier titles from ELK Studios encompass popular games like Pacific Gold, Knockout Diamonds, Book of Toro, and Mystic Orbs.

Light & Wonder products enjoy widespread popularity, particularly regarding their online slots from WMS and Barcrest. Consequently, many online casinos feature L&W alongside a variety of other gaming providers.

L&W is well aware of the industry's dynamics. With a solid foundation in both land-based and online gaming sectors, the only way is up for this gaming entity. Sure, their slots may not boast the most appealing visuals and may not rival other developers like NetEnt and Yggdrasil in terms of concepts, but they emphasize classic gameplay. The fun lies more in the mechanics than the aesthetics.

Light & Wonder Casinos

We are confident that with its subsidiaries diligently crafting new online slots and games, the company is poised to enhance its online portfolio moving forward. Keep your eyes peeled for this gaming powerhouse and the exciting games it will bring forth.

The Verdict on Light & Wonder

With nearly a decade of experience in the online gambling field, Marie-Claire Graham serves as our expert in online casinos. Her body of work spans casino reviews, news articles, and blogs, but her true passion lies in gaming. Her hands-on experience...

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Marie Claire Graham
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