JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli social games developer Playtika Ltd. has been acquired by Caesars Entertainment Corp for an estimated $90 million.
Playtika, which was founded a year ago by Israelis Robert Antokol and Uri Shahak, reportedly has up to 9 million users, including some 1.5 million on Facebook. Its most popular online game is Slotomania, which simulates a slot machine. Players can use real money to purchase virtual money to reach higher levels on the game, and they can receive points and prizes.
Caesars, formerly called Harrahs Entertainment Inc., an American resorts and casino operator, now owns 51 percent of the company, which has not yet turned a profit, according to reports.
The deal is the largest acquisition of an Israeli online gaming company, according to the Israeli business daily Globes.
Uri Shahak is the son of former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak.
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