Empire Technological Group, DBA Play Synergy, Monday announced the pending acquisition of Aruze Gaming America’s slot operations, including land-based assets and online gaming. The transaction is subject to court and regulatory approvals.
On July 13, Aruze announced it was closing its Las Vegas headquarters in August and laying off 100 workers.
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Aruze’s announcement was six months after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Aruze stated at the time that the filing was an effort to restructure financially because of factors beyond its control. Aruze also listed a garnishment judgment for $27.4 million against the company resulting from a separate judgment against it’s only shareholder, former Wynn Resorts investor Kazuo Okada.
The garnishment was owed to Bartlit Beck LLP, a law firm that personally represented Okada in a lawsuit against Steve Wynn that ended in a 2018 settlement for $2.6 billion with a company Okada founded, Universal Entertainment Corp.
Play Synergy will assume control of the sales, service, support, and operations of Aruze’s slot route and operations. A statement issued by the company noted that Play Synergy is committed to a smooth transition and will focus on customer service.
The company also stated it is committed to helping current Aruze employees.
“Aruze, Play Synergy, and all other stakeholders in the process have worked exceptionally well together to provide the vast majority of Aruze team members with new employment opportunities,” said Play Synergy President Frank Feng in a statement. “This along with interest from others in the industry has had the result of minimizing the disruption to those impacted and their families.”
