CVC Capital Moves to Acquire GLI

One of the gaming industry’s biggest behind-the-scenes power players is about to change hands.

CVC Capital Partners, a private equity titan with a rich gaming history, is preparing to acquire Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)—the global leader in gaming testing and certification.

This is not just another buyout. It’s a bold reinvestment into gaming infrastructure, with potential ripple effects across every regulated market.

Let’s dive into why this acquisition matters and what it could mean for the future of iGaming compliance, regulation, and growth.

3 Key Points:

• CVC is acquiring GLI, the most influential testing lab in gaming compliance.
• Private equity is doubling down on gaming infrastructure as global regulation expands.
• The move mirrors a similar 2025 deal for BMM, signaling a broader investment trend.

CVC Capital’s Move on GLI: Why This Billion-Dollar Bet Could Reshape Global Gaming Compliance

As someone who’s been around the iGaming scene for decades, I know a power play when I see one. And this one is huge.

CVC Capital Partners—the private equity powerhouse behind names like William Hill and Sky Bet—is poised to acquire Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). That’s the gold standard for testing, inspection, and certification in the gaming industry.

You might not see GLI’s logo plastered across stadiums or casino floors. But if you’ve ever placed a regulated bet, odds are GLI had something to do with making sure the software was fair and secure.

GLI’s Backbone Role in Global Gaming

Founded in 1989 by James Maida and Paul Magno, GLI has grown into a quiet giant. Headquartered in New Jersey, it now operates 32 global offices, touching nearly every regulated market—Australia, Macau, Brazil, the UAE, and more.

But GLI isn’t just about testing slot machines anymore. Over the years, the company expanded into iGaming, sports betting, cybersecurity, consulting, and responsible gaming advisory. Their Regulators Roundtable is a can’t-miss event for serious professionals in this space.

If compliance is the foundation of legal gambling, GLI is one of the main architects.

Why CVC Is Stepping Back Into Gaming

Now here’s the interesting twist: CVC hasn’t been aggressively active in gaming for a few years. They’ve sold off assets like Tipico and made exits from several sportsbook brands. But this GLI move signals something different—a bet on gaming’s infrastructure, not its front-facing consumer side.

GLI isn’t a sportsbook. It doesn’t run flashy ad campaigns. But it touches every product that enters a regulated market, which is why this deal is so strategic. As more jurisdictions open worldwide, testing and compliance will be mission-critical.

The Austrian and Maltese antitrust filings confirm the planned acquisition via Avalon Buyer Limited, a UK-registered vehicle led by CVC insiders. While no financial details were disclosed, let’s be honest—GLI’s value has to be in the nine-figure range. This isn’t pocket change.

What This Means for the Industry

Here’s what excites me: this is the second major testing lab acquisition this year. In April 2025, BMM Testlabs was picked up by Visualize Group, another private investment firm.

Both moves confirm that testing companies—once considered boring back-end operations—are now hot property. Why? Because compliance is no longer optional. It’s essential for every legal market.

Regulators are demanding higher standards. Operators are expanding across borders. And the companies like GLI and BMM that ensure everything runs smoothly? They’ve become indispensable.

What’s Next?

Will Maida and Magno stay on? We don’t know yet. The BMM deal allowed its founder to keep a “significant stake,” so perhaps GLI’s founders will follow a similar path. Regardless, this acquisition marks a major pivot point.

It also raises another important question: Will private equity steer these companies toward long-term investment in integrity—or short-term profit? That’s what industry insiders will be watching closely.

Because in regulated gaming, cutting corners isn’t just risky. It’s fatal.

This CVC–GLI deal isn’t just another merger—it’s a sign of where the smart money is going. As regulated gambling expands worldwide, infrastructure will become king, and companies like GLI are the gatekeepers.

If you’re in the gaming business—operator, supplier, or startup—you’d better pay attention. Because whoever controls the flow of compliance controls the market. And it looks like CVC wants that seat at the table once again.

Stay sharp, folks. The real game is being played behind the scenes.

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