Evoke’s Acquisition by Bally’s Faces Regulatory Hurdle

Bally’s Intralot’s upcoming purchase of Evoke may face a regulatory challenge in Pennsylvania, where the target’s existing business-to-business agreement with Caesars conflicts with licensing rules affecting the buyer’s US parent. Whether the deal closes on time may hinge on whether Pennsylvania regulators accept a proposed licensing solution or insist on a longer approval process. An Evoke Subsidiary Has an Active Contract with Caesars Evoke’s takeover bid, approved by shareholders in August, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027. Analysts have largely viewed the transition as a positive development for Evoke, as it would ease much of the company’s debt burden. However, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) must first resolve an unusual licensing issue before it can approve the acquisition. According to a recent Next.io report, Evoke has largely withdrawn from the US consumer market after a $50 million deal ended its partnership with Sports Illustrated in 2024. However, the company still provides B2B services to Caesars through its subsidiary, 888 Atlantic. The deal includes technology, player account management, and customer support for Caesars’ World Series of Poker (WSOP) online offering in Pennsylvania. The arrangement, dating to January 2012, operates under an interactive gaming manufacturer license with a wind-down period of up to six months. The problem stems from Pennsylvania’s rules regarding companies that possess both interactive gaming manufacturer licenses and interactive gaming certificates. Bally’s Intralot’s parent company, Bally’s Corporation, owns Bally’s Pennsylvania, a licensed online casino operator with two interactive gaming certificates. The PGCB Has the Final Say Regular licensing reviews can take over nine months, potentially pushing the acquisition beyond the expected completion window. Last week, Evoke stated that the deal remained on track and most regulatory approvals were in place. The companies have proposed a workaround where 888 Atlantic would give up its Pennsylvania manufacturer license. Temporary arrangements would allow the subsidiary to wind down operations. Despite these assurances, Pennsylvania’s Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC) has reportedly recommended against such a solution. However, the PGCB has the final decision regarding this matter. If Evoke’s solution gets the green light, the office proposed additional safeguards. These include weekly updates to enforcement officials, final approval before the licence surrender takes effect, and restrictions preventing unlicensed individuals from gaining control of 888 Atlantic. This acquisition comes as Evoke faces rising difficulties. The company recently reported Q3 revenues of GBP 406 million ($540.36 million), a 7% drop from 2025. Pressures around its flagship William Hill brand have also added to the group’s challenges, as it was forced to close 270 UK betting shops. Now a legacy contract threatens to delay Evoke’s milestone transition.