Interactive
US – Golden Nugget Online Gaming to become public company
By Phil - 30 June 2020
Tilman J. Fertitta and Landcadia Holdings II have confirmed that Landcadia II has entered into a Purchase Agreement to acquire Golden Nugget Online Gaming, a US online real money casino owned by Tilman Fertitta.
Landcadia II is a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company co-sponsored by Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. and Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
GNOG will become only the second pure publicly traded online casino company in the US. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Upon closing, Landcadia II intends to change its name to Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc. and its Nasdaq trading symbol to GNOG.
“GNOG is one of the best positioned companies to capitalise on this massive online gaming opportunity in the US,” said Rich Handler, Co-Chairman of Landcadia II and CEO of Jefferies LLC. “We at Jefferies couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Tilman and bring this great opportunity to the public markets.”
Golden Nugget is a household name throughout the United States and its iGaming business is a well-established leader in New Jersey, the largest online gaming market in North America. GNOG has obtained market access, subject to regulatory approval, to Pennsylvania and Michigan and anticipates launching its online casino brand in each of those new markets in early 2021.
GNOG is known among its industry peers as the preeminent operator in the US online gaming market, having won the EGR North America Top Operator Award for three consecutive years. GNOG is known for its innovation, including initiating Live Dealer, Live Casino Floor gambling and a number of exclusive slot machine games to mobile devices, tablets and computers throughout New Jersey, as well as its top-notch 24/7 customer support.
Tilman J. Fertitta will remain GNOG’s Chairman and CEO, and Thomas Winter, who was brought in to develop Golden Nugget’s online gaming business, will continue to serve as GNOG’s President. During the seven years since Thomas Winter started Golden Nugget’s iGaming business in New Jersey, revenues and profitability have grown each year despite facing competition with greater financial resources. According to Mr. Fertitta, “Golden Nugget is one of the most time-honoured brands in the gaming business today. When customers hear the name Golden Nugget, they know they are dealing with a trusted online gaming business. Thomas and his team have done a remarkable job, are the best in the industry, and with this transaction, will have access to growth capital to allow for the rapid expansion of the business.”
