Content aggregator EveryMatrix is set to acquire Swedish slot developer Fantasma Games for the equivalent of $20 million (SEK 209.8 million), following a vote in which over 95% of Fantasma shareholders agreed to the transaction.
EveryMatrix’s platform offers over 29,000 games from over 350 third-party developers and its in-house game development wing, Armadillo Studios. It distributes that content to over 250 online gambling operators in 50 countries, including the US. Fantasma Games has a similar distribution range—250 operators in 50 countries—but through multiple aggregators, not only EveryMatrix.
The acquisition marks a strategic step for EveryMatrix to strengthen its presence in growing markets like the US. Some Fantasma games like Wicked Kitty and Goat Rush can be found at several top real-money online casinos, such as BetMGM and DraftKings. EveryMatrix Group CEO and Co-Founder Ebbe Groes expressed his delight that Fantasma shareholders approved the sale and praised the developer:
Fantasma’s games are recognized by the world’s largest operators and their players as among the very best both from a performance and an experience perspective. Its games production output is seriously impressive, as is their management and staff who have created a business that consistently generates remarkable financial results.
Fredrik Johansson, CEO of Fantasma Games, expressed pride in the company’s progress and confidence in EveryMatrix as the ideal partner for their next growth phase.
Many, though not all, of Fantasma’s slots have mystical or spooky themes. The mechanics are varied, but the studio focuses on mobile-friendliness, which is essential for the US market. Compared to European online casino gamblers, Americans are more inclined to play on their phones than through their computer’s web browser.
Both Companies May Benefit in the US Market
While globally established, EveryMatrix and Fantasma are not yet household names at US online casinos. EveryMatrix only entered the US in October 2022 via a deal with BetMGM. It followed that with partnerships with DraftKings and Wynnbet, though the latter has now shut its sites down, except for what is now Horseshoe Online Casino in Michigan after being acquired by Caesars. Expansion continued from there, and EveryMatrix now holds licenses in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Connecticut.
EveryMatrix’s focus on the US includes an exclusive content aggregation deal with Supremeland Gaming’s US studio, Powderkeg Studios. The Las Vegas developer is relatively new, gaining its first US license (Pennsylvania) in February. Through the partnership, Supremeland develops exclusive content built on EveryMatrix’s technology. In addition to distributing the games, the deal allows EveryMatrix to offer gamification tools like free spins and tournaments for the US market.
Fantasma Games, which has developed over 40 titles, is also working to expand its US presence. However, its US partners only offer a handful. They include Wicked Kitty, Goat Rush, Divine Dynasty Princess, and 24 Star Dream. These titles aren’t yet available in all iGaming states. For example, FanDuel Casino offers all four in Michigan, but only Goat Rush and Divine Dynasty Princess are available in New Jersey.
While mostly available in New Jersey and Michigan through a distribution deal with Light and Wonder, some Fantasma slots, such as Bounty Showdown, have also made their way into Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Fantasma Slots Are Also Available at Sweeps Casinos
While appearing more slowly at real-money online casinos in the US, Fantasma slots are comparatively widespread at social and sweepstakes casinos. Sites like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, Zula Casino, and Fortune Coins each offer about 20 games from the company, including some of the same titles found at real-money casinos. Many of these games are distributed by another content aggregator, Relax Gaming, which is a mainstay at sweeps casinos and is slowly expanding at US real-money casinos.
One Fantasma slot popular on sweeps sites that could make its way to real-money casinos is Fortune Llama. The game includes a few bonus games and has appeared under the “hot” or “trending” sections of several sweeps casinos. That suggests US players are responding well, and the popularity may well transfer to the real-money market. Other popular Fantasma slots at sweeps casinos include Shadow Summoner Egypt, Gold Pigger, Circle of Sylvan, Alice in Adventureland, and Wins of Mermaid.
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