Published on: January 15, 2026, 11:56h.
Updated on: January 15, 2026, 12:13h.
- Distributed gaming operator expands its presence in its home market
- Midwest Amusements operates over 420 gaming machines across three states
J&J Gaming, a distributed gaming enterprise, announced on Thursday its acquisition of Midwest Amusements LLC, enhancing its footprint in the Midwest region.
The financial specifics of the deal were not revealed. Midwest Amusements oversees over 420 gaming devices across Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming, primarily located in convenience stores and truck stops.
J&J Gaming leads in the installation and operation of regulated gaming equipment in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and other authorized venues. The acquisition of Midwest Amusements positions the company with over 32,200 gaming machines across 4,200 locations in seven jurisdictions,” stated the privately held company.
Headquartered in Illinois, J&J Gaming operates machines in various establishments in its home state, along with Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.
J&J Gaming Expands Through Strategic Acquisitions
The company capitalizes on acquisitions to diversify geographically, increase machine numbers, and enhance revenue streams, a strategy they have successfully employed in the past.
One of their notable transactions was the $361.5 million acquisition of Golden Entertainment’s (NASDAQ: GDEN) distributed gaming operations in Montana and Nevada in 2023.
The two entities entered a five-year agreement wherein J&J manages gaming support for Golden’s extensive gaming taverns in Nevada. Consequently, players at PT’s Tavern in the Las Vegas area, which has numerous locations, are using machines serviced by J&J.
Regarding the Midwest Amusements merger, J&J anticipates significant long-term advantages.
“This acquisition is a vital milestone in J&J Gaming’s growth plan, further solidifying our position in Nebraska and the Midwest,” expressed J&J Gaming CEO Bob Willenborg. “We are excited to integrate their team and partners into the J&J family as we work to broaden our presence and provide top-tier solutions nationwide.”
Opportunities in the Distributed Gaming Sector
While not as striking as iGaming, sports betting, or traditional casinos, distributed gaming operations yield consistent cash flow and profits. However, it remains a fragmented market with relatively few players capable of matching J&J’s scale, creating a ripe environment for consolidation according to analysts.
This notion has gained traction in recent months. Alongside J&J’s acquisition of Midwest Amusements, Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL) — the only publicly traded pure distributed gaming company — has also been actively acquiring businesses.
Last month, Accel announced its acquisition of Dynasty Games, aimed at expanding its footprint in Northern Nevada, following other similar transactions throughout 2024.