Regulatory bodies in Nevada approve executive from Novomatic amid inquiries into an Austrian criminal investigation and AGT takeover
Novomatic, a leading gaming technology company with operations spanning more than 100 countries and employing over 20,000 people, is currently under the spotlight due to its acquisition plans and an ongoing criminal investigation in Austria.
The company, which has its core market in Europe, boasts more than 200 subsidiaries and is now looking to consolidate its position in the industry by acquiring slot machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT). However, this move is being met with scrutiny from regulatory bodies, particularly in Nevada and Australia.
In Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Commission has approved the licensing of a Novomatic executive, following reassurances that the criminal investigations involving the company in Austria have concluded with no findings. Yet, the commission member Rosa Solis-Rainey has expressed concerns about the status of the ongoing investigation.
The investigation in Austria dates back to 2019 and involves former CEO Harald Neumann and owner Johann Graf. The allegations against Neumann involve seeking favorable treatment through board appointments. However, as of the most recent information in July 2025, there is no public update about the ongoing investigation specific to Neumann or explicit details about the allegations.
It is important to note that the remaining case in the Austrian criminal investigation does not pertain to Novomatic but involves Neumann as a member of a supervisory board of another company. Neumann left Novomatic and assumed the role as the CEO of Ainsworth in 2021.
Commission member George Markantonis has raised questions about Neumann's past behaviors and activities, while commission member Brian Krolicki has praised the tenure of Novomatic executive, Mr. Krenn, at the company, stating it as exemplary. Krenn, who is one of three members of the executive board, is in charge of ensuring the business strategy is carried out, the business model works, and laws and regulations are followed.
Novomatic legal counsel Michael Rohregger confirmed that four of five investigative items in the Austrian criminal investigation have been closed. Krenn, who is not involved in the criminal investigations, is at the forefront of Novomatic's plans to acquire AGT. In April, Novomatic made a deal to acquire the outstanding shares in AGT after holding 53%.
The acquisition would provide a great opportunity for both companies if fully consolidated, as Novomatic cannot influence AGT as a majority shareholder. The Australian court's approval is needed for the acquisition, and the scheme's public availability to shareholders is expected by the end of August or the beginning of September.
Commission member Brian Krolicki hopes the investigation will conclude by the end of the year, and Novomatic continues its business activities, including the majority stake acquisition of AGT, with regulatory approvals still ongoing.
- Novomatic, with operations in over 100 countries and employing more than 20,000 people, is gearing up to consolidate its position in the gaming industry.
- The company's core market lies in Europe, and it boasts over 200 subsidiaries, with the acquisition of slot machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) on its radar.
- Regulatory bodies in Nevada and Australia are scrutinizing the acquisition plans due to ongoing investigations concerning Novomatic in Austria.
- A Novomatic executive has received approval for licensing in Nevada, but there are concerns about the status of the ongoing investigation in Austria.
- The criminal investigation in Austria, initiated in 2019, involves former CEO Harald Neumann and owner Johann Graf, with Neumann accused of seeking favorable treatment through board appointments.
- As of July 2025, there is no public update about the ongoing investigation specific to Neumann or explicit details about the allegations.
- It is essential to note that the remaining case in the Austrian criminal investigation does not pertain to Novomatic but involves Neumann as a member of a supervisory board of another company.
- Novomatic executive, Mr. Krenn, is praised by commission member Brian Krolicki for his exemplary tenure, with Krenn in charge of carrying out the business strategy, ensuring the business model works, and following laws and regulations.
- Michael Rohregger, Novomatic legal counsel, confirmed that four of five investigative items in the Austrian criminal investigation have been closed.
- Krenn is leading Novomatic's plans to acquire AGT, having secured a majority stake by holding 53% of shares as of April.
- The Australian court's approval is necessary for the acquisition, and the scheme's public availability to shareholders is expected by the end of August or the beginning of September.
- The acquisition would offer significant opportunities for both companies if fully consolidated, as Novomatic cannot influence AGT as a majority shareholder.
- Commission member Brian Krolicki hopes the investigation will conclude by the end of the year, allowing Novomatic to continue with its business activities, including the acquisition of AGT, pending regulatory approvals.
- Fintech, technology, education and self-development, career development, and real-estate industries may also be interested in the latest developments at Novomatic, considering its global presence and financial influence.
- In the broader context, the outcome of the investigation could impact the casino culture, casino-personalities, gambling trends, sports betting, horse racing, weather forecasting, and various other industries that intertwine with the gaming industry.
