NEXLINK, Light & Wonder’s next-generation progressive system for live table games, made its debut earlier this year and will take center stage once again at G2E 2026 at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
Designed to integrate with existing table game infrastructure, NEXLINK combines next-generation content with synchronized lighting and audio, enhanced bonus features and a new backend architecture that delivers streamlined reporting, customizable dashboards and actionable data insights.
For Jon Hanlin, President, Global Table Games at Light & Wonder, the platform represents an opportunity to bring a new level of entertainment and excitement to the live table games experience.
“We have some of the greatest table games brands and the number one shuffler in the world,” Hanlin said. “Adding NEXLINK gives us a platform that can connect our devices and create a more unified ecosystem.”
That connected approach is an important part of the long-term vision for the platform. NEXLINK creates opportunities not only for new player experiences, but also for operators to access and use data across their table games business more effectively.
“We have the opportunity to drive bigger, more exciting game content to the live table games space,” Hanlin said. “With 27-inch signage, RGB trim lighting and Unity-powered graphics, we can bring jackpots and bonuses to life with immersive content. NEXLINK creates a first-of-its-kind canvas for bringing new levels of bonusing and content to live table games.”
NEXLINK introduces smarter operator tools while remaining compatible with Light & Wonder’s legacy progressive operating system, GM Atlas. That compatibility provides operators with a straightforward upgrade path while opening the door to a future-ready platform designed to support new content, features and experiences over time.
At the heart of NEXLINK is the player experience. The system features interactive bet sensors, dynamic bonus events, progressive meter-driven anticipation and community bonus capabilities designed to bring more energy and entertainment to the table.
“Players are looking for more excitement, more opportunities for jackpots and bonuses, and experiences that go beyond traditional table play. NEXLINK gives us the canvas to deliver that while building on the strength of our live table games business.”
“We have built a dedicated progressive content studio at Light & Wonder,” Hanlin said. “Content is king, and having a team focused specifically on developing progressive and felt content is incredibly important. Creating great content specifically for NEXLINK is really at the heart of this project.”
Compatibility with existing GM Atlas jackpots was also a priority in developing the system. Operators currently using the previous-generation platform can transition to NEXLINK without a complicated overhaul of their existing infrastructure.
“We made NEXLINK compatible with our previous version from both a hardware and server perspective,” Hanlin explained. “That means there isn’t complicated or time-consuming ‘surgery’ required to bring NEXLINK onto the casino floor. For operators already using our previous system, the transition is designed to be seamless.”
The platform’s hub architecture also creates a foundation for greater connectivity across the table games environment.
“We can connect our devices to create a consistent pool of information, giving operators greater insight into their business while also giving us opportunities to develop content that connects across those devices,” Hanlin said. “It is easy to install, but at the same time it introduces a significant new level of technology, content and data capabilities.”
And while progressives have traditionally been concentrated in card-based games, Light & Wonder sees a much broader opportunity ahead.
“We’re working on a roulette progressive right now, and craps is something we’re also exploring,” Hanlin said. “Creating progressives for dice and ball games presents different challenges, but it is an area we’re excited about.”
That expansion will be visible at G2E, where Light & Wonder plans to showcase new progressive concepts designed to extend bonus experiences across a wider range of table games.
“At this year’s G2E, we’re showcasing a new all-game progressive that can work across different card games and bring slot-style bonus elements into the live table games environment,” Hanlin said. “It’s another example of where we believe NEXLINK can take the category, and we’re very excited to show operators what’s next.”
With a flexible upgrade path, connected technology and a growing pipeline of dedicated progressive content, NEXLINK gives Light & Wonder a platform designed not just for today’s table games floor, but for where the category is headed next.
