Ainsworth to distribute Novomatic content in Asia-Pacific

Novomatic has struck a deal for Ainsworth Game Technology, in which the Austrian gaming giant holds a 52% stake, to distribute its products in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a sales and service unit for Novomatic, AGT will be responsible for selling products across the region, which includes the supplier's native Australia and New Zealand.

Novomatic’s product suite for the region includes slot machines, electronic table games, casino management and media systems, linked progressive jackpots and sports betting solutions. It will also roll out its A-Star cabinets in the region through AGT.

Robert Dijkstra, who was recently named vice president business development and sales Asia-Pacific at AGT, will represent both brands in the market, having previously worked in similar role for Novomatic in the region.

Michael Barsin, who currently works as Novomatic's sales manager for Southeast Asia, will also join Ainsworth in October, continuing to serve the region from his Hong Kong base and again representing both brands.

Novomatic is the majority shareholder in AGT, having acquired a 52% stake in the business in January 2018. Its global sales division is already responsible for the sales and distribution of AGT products in Europe.

“By bringing the two companies together we can increase the diversity of offerings to our customer base through the one channel,” Dijkstra said. “I am looking forward to overseeing this progressive development and believe it will benefit all stakeholders.”

The deal comes after AGT last month posted a comprehensive loss of Aus$39.6m (£22.0m/€24.4m/US$28.7m) for its 2020 financial year, with the group putting this down to the impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.