Light & Wonder Acquires 20% Stake in Bang Bang Games

Light & Wonder is doubling down on premium slot content through a strategic investment in a rising star studio. The global gaming supplier has acquired a 20% stake in Bang Bang Games, a fast-scaling slot studio gaining significant traction in North America. This move strengthens Light & Wonder’s Spark programme, aimed at accelerating emerging game developers and deepening content diversity across its distribution network. As the competition for creative iGaming content intensifies, this partnership signals Light & Wonder’s intent to remain a leading force in digital slot innovation.

Light & Wonder Acquires Stake in Bang Bang Games to Fuel Global Slot Studio Expansion

3 Key Points:

1. Light & Wonder acquired a 20% stake in Bang Bang Games as part of its Spark support programme.
2. The investment will help Bang Bang scale in North America and boost its global game development output.
3. The deal follows Light & Wonder’s $1.05 billion Grover Gaming acquisition and exit from the live casino sector.

Light & Wonder, a global leader in land-based and digital gaming, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring a 20% equity stake in Bang Bang Games, a rapidly growing slot development studio. The investment, announced on 17 April 2025, further cements Light & Wonder’s strategic focus on fostering innovative game studios under its Spark programme.

This move comes as the demand for differentiated iGaming content intensifies across regulated markets. For Light & Wonder, this investment is more than a financial transaction—it represents a long-term commitment to nurturing and scaling up rising developers who can bring fresh, creative content to global audiences.

Why Bang Bang Games?

Founded by industry veterans, Bang Bang Games has built a reputation for bold design, sharp gameplay mechanics, and strong commercial instincts. The studio has been making significant inroads into the North American market, a region that Light & Wonder is prioritizing for future growth.

Stuart Banks, Managing Director of Global Partnerships at Light & Wonder, commented:

“We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Bang Bang as a partner. They’re a talented team with a proven track record and an exciting and engaging vision. This investment is a great example of how we support studios through the Spark programme — helping them grow, scale, and succeed on a global stage.”

Under the Spark programme, Light & Wonder provides partner studios with extensive tools, marketing support, and access to its global distribution network. This includes top-tier operators across North America, Europe, and emerging markets.

Strategic Synergy and Timing

Bang Bang CEO Frank McPolin echoed the excitement surrounding the deal:

“Being part of the Light & Wonder Spark programme has already opened up fantastic opportunities for us. This investment is a strong endorsement of the work we’re doing. With Light & Wonder’s support, we’re in a great position to grow our reach and deliver more bold, creative content globally.”

The timing is significant. Light & Wonder recently announced its exit from the live casino sector following a strategic review, signaling a pivot towards core growth areas like iGaming and content-driven assets. It also follows the company’s $1.05 billion acquisition of charitable gaming leader Grover Gaming earlier this year.

According to its FY 2024 financials, Light & Wonder’s iGaming division posted $299 million in revenue, marking a 9% year-over-year increase. That growth has been fueled by a commitment to premium content and scalable partnerships—both of which this Bang Bang deal reinforces.

Light & Wonder’s investment in Bang Bang Games is more than a financial stake—it’s a strategic endorsement of innovation, agility, and creative game development. As the battle for iGaming dominance heats up, this partnership strengthens Light & Wonder’s position as a premium content aggregator and supporter of studio-led innovation. For Bang Bang Games, the deal unlocks resources, reach, and a global platform to take its portfolio to the next level. In a market where standout content drives success, both sides appear to be playing a winning hand.