A big name in the slots industry is about to undergo an ethereal transformation … Scientific Games is to become Light and Wonder in a legal change to its name to be finalised this Spring, 2022.

SG Digital have been around since 1973 when they launched in the US as a lottery company. Over the years through various acquisitions, including Barcrest, NYX and WMS, SG have become big in the slots vertical with branded titles including the full Rainbow Riches and Monopoly series.

The transformation to Light and Wonder has been announced as part of a strategic move to focus on becoming a leading global games provider. It follows the off-loading of the sportsbook and lottery sides of the SG business in 2021-22.

Light and Wonder will now focus on creating more games and building the tech to link these games across multiple platforms and in multiple regulated territories. That strategy will encompass both online and offline casinos games and real play and social gaming platforms.

The Chief Executive Officer of Light and Wonder, Barry Cottle, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the world to Light & Wonder, a company that will build great games and franchises that offer players a seamless experience across platforms.

“Our powerful new strategy required a powerful new identity to distinguish us and our unique offerings and capabilities. Our new name and identity are born from our winning strategy to be the leading cross platform game company, and will inspire our people to make great products for our players.

“We already have a world-class team powered by the brightest game creators in the business and in transforming into a growth company who invests in our people and products, we will serve our players even better wherever and whenever they play.”

You can find out how the new company will look by visiting their new website on lnw.com which is a showcase for a modern brand if ever there was one.

Changing your company name is all the rage right now of course. Outside of gambling we have seen Facebook change its name to Meta in a bid to revitalise its slightly damaged brand (cynics might say). Whilst in the gambling sphere, in 2020 GVC Holdings, the FTSE 100 listed business behind bwin, Coral and Party Poker, changed its name to Entain, perhaps to reflect a softer edge as it exited unregulated markets and focused on its responsibly gambling duties in the UK.

Light and Wonder appears to be a softer brand name as well. Over time we will see if it makes any difference to their game output. For now, you can find out about all their latest slots on release on our game reviews page.