Social gaming firm acquired by WMS

Illinois-based land and online gambling software and equipment developer WMS Industries Inc., has joined the trend toward social gaming with the acquisition of Genesis Communications Inc., trading as Phantom EFX, a publisher and developer of interactive casino and slot-based games for social, casual and mobile gaming entertainment.

The consideration paid has not been disclosed.

WMS is active in the online gambling industry through its online casino operation Jackpot Party.com .

A company spokesman said that the acquisition “…expands WMS capabilities in online content development and distribution across the rapidly expanding social, casual and mobile channels.”

Orrin J. Edidin, president of WMS, said that WMS and Phantom have worked together on projects for the past year, building mutual respect and a solid business relationship, leading to the acquisition deal.

Edidin chronicled his company’s recent interactive achievements, noting success and experience in online and interactive gaming through:

* The UK-based Jackpot Party.com online casino and its broad scale application with customers as was demonstrated through the recent agreement with Groupe Partouche for a WMS-hosted Belgium online casino;

* WMS capabilities and experience in integrating and distributing online gaming content through the Jadestone team;

* The company’s ‘unique and player-appealing gaming features’ and capabilities provided throughits Player’s Life Web Services;

* The popular Lucky Cruise social casino found on Facebook; and

* WMS’ classic slot content for mobile and other casual play users.

He said WMS has established a successful online presence and a proven record for responsible gaming and compliance in regulated markets, positioning it strongly for the social gaming sphere..

“By creating a full complement of interactive solutions, whether for online wagering, social, mobile or casual gaming, we are focused on supporting our customers as they engage their player base beyond the four walls of the casino,” Edidin added.

“With similar creative philosophies and innovative cultures, it is exciting to imagine the broad opportunities that WMS and Phantom will address with unique content and solutions,” said Aaron Schurman, CEO of Phantom EFX.

“The combination of our entrepreneurial creativity and WMS’ culture of innovation establishes a framework for tremendous potential and success going forward. Since our first foray into the casual entertainment gaming world in 2000, we’ve learned to expertly create interactive slot game experiences that truly engage online and casual players. The valuable partnership developed through our work with WMS over the past year has been extremely fruitful, providing us with a strong bond that will only strengthen as we become a single team.”

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