gambling

News Byte

Big Fish Scoops Up Mobile Casino-Game Maker Self Aware Games

Lauren Goode in News on March 6 at 8:02 am PT

Casual-gaming company Big Fish has acquired mobile social game developer Self Aware Games, makers of Card Ave: Casino, and its parent company, Social Concepts, in a cash-equity deal of an undisclosed amount. The acquisition comes as more gaming companies are exploring opportunities in gambling-themed games and U.S. states weigh the legalization of Internet gambling. Seattle-based Big Fish, which has more than 2,500 games in its catalog and 45 million game downloads per month, saw revenue north of $180 million in 2011, the company said.

News Byte

Caesars IPO Hits Jackpot

Tricia Duryee in Commerce on February 8 at 9:55 am PT

Caesars Entertainment stock popped 82 percent on the first day of its public offering, trading at $16.39 a share. The Las Vegas company sold only 1.8 million shares, at a price of $9 each. Caesars, known for its casinos, is also betting on new online initiatives, such as social and real-money gaming. The IPO will provide an exit for some of its investors, who paid $28 billion to take it private four months ago. Because of its debt balance of $22 billion, some analysts view the deal as unattractive.