Regulatory authorities in Nevada approve the appointment of a Novomatic executive, as the company is questioned about an ongoing criminal investigation in Austria and its acquisition of AGT.
In a significant development, gaming technology giant Novomatic is pressing ahead with its acquisition of slot machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT), despite the ongoing investigations involving some of its executives.
The saga, which dates back to 2019, involves former CEO Harald Neumann and owner Johann Graf, who are accused of seeking favorable treatment through board appointments. However, as of late July 2025, no criminal charges have been publicly announced against Novomatic executives, including Neumann, connected to the Austrian investigation.
Regulatory bodies, including Nevada gaming regulators, have maintained oversight but allowed Novomatic executives to continue their roles. This is evident in the Nevada Gaming Commission's approval of a Novomatic executive, despite ongoing questioning regarding an Austrian criminal investigation linked to Novomatic.
The acquisition of AGT, valued at approximately AU$158.6 million (US$104.3 million), is moving forward. An independent expert has deemed the takeover proposal as "fair and reasonable," despite some shareholder opposition. Regulatory approvals, including those of relevant gaming authorities, are advancing, with Nevada regulators’ approval of the Novomatic executive suggesting no current impediment from regulatory agencies stemming from the criminal probe that would halt the transaction.
Stefan Krenn, one of three members of Novomatic's executive board, stated that as a majority shareholder, Novomatic cannot influence a company like Ainsworth. However, he believes that acquiring it would provide a great opportunity for both companies if fully consolidated. Krenn is responsible for ensuring the business strategy is carried out, the business model works, and laws and regulations are followed.
The approval of the scheme for the acquisition of AGT is pending in an Australian court and could be made publicly available to shareholders by the end of August or beginning of September.
The investigation remains open against Neumann, who denies the allegations. Commission member Brian Krolicki expressed hope for the conclusion of the investigation by the end of the year, while Commission member Rosa Solis-Rainey expressed concern about the ongoing investigation involving Novomatic.
Novomatic, a holding company with more than 200 subsidiaries, operates in more than 100 countries with Europe as its core market and employs over 20,000 people. The company acquired 53% of AGT's outstanding shares in April and is aiming to acquire the remaining shares.
This indicates a cautious but clear path forward for Novomatic in its takeover of AGT despite the backdrop of criminal investigations. The regulatory bodies' decision to allow the executives to continue their roles and the progress of the acquisition suggest a level of confidence in Novomatic, despite the ongoing investigations.
sports and casino-and-gambling are two areas where Novomatic, a global gaming company, operates extensively. The company's executives, despite facing ongoing investigations, continue to hold key roles in sports-regulating bodies like the Nevada Gaming Commission, showcasing a level of trust despite the criminal probe.
