Aristocrat Gaming has secured exclusive rights to develop land-based MONOPOLY-themed slot machines, marking a major shift in the casino gaming landscape. The licensing deal with Hasbro follows a competitive bidding process, with new titles set to debut globally in early 2026.
Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, called the partnership a “proud milestone,” highlighting the company’s drive to innovate. Hasbro echoed the sentiment, with Claire Hunter Gregson, Director of Gaming Relationships, noting Aristocrat was the “natural fit” for evolving the MONOPOLY brand in casinos.
End of the Line for Light & Wonder’s MONOPOLY Run
This move effectively ends Light & Wonder’s decades-long hold on the MONOPOLY slot franchise. The company, formerly Scientific Games, last extended its agreement with Hasbro in 2018—a deal set to expire later this year. Aristocrat’s win means Light & Wonder is now entirely out of the MONOPOLY land-based gaming picture.
Evolution Scores Online Gaming Rights
While Aristocrat takes over the retail space, Hasbro has awarded exclusive online rights to Evolution. The live gaming giant announced a multi-year partnership beginning January 2026, with new MONOPOLY titles—like Monopoly Roulette and Game Night—set to be revealed at ICE Barcelona.
Evolution’s 2019 launch of Monopoly Live helped solidify its reputation in brand-based online casino games. Now, it’s expanding that portfolio under Hasbro’s latest licensing wave.
Hasbro’s Broader Gambling Strategy
The MONOPOLY deals are part of Hasbro’s broader push into real-money gaming. Under its “Playing to Win” initiative, the company is teaming up with major players like Bally’s, Galaxy Gaming, and Evolution to adapt IPs like Dungeons & Dragons and YAHTZEE for casino use.
Galaxy Gaming, for instance, is developing branded table games, giving players even more ways to interact with Hasbro’s titles beyond just slot machines.
Legal Tensions Between Aristocrat and Light & Wonder Simmer On
Beyond licensing battles, Aristocrat and Light & Wonder remain locked in a legal feud. Aristocrat accuses its rival of copying its hit Dragon Link title to produce Jewel of the Dragon, allegedly using former Aristocrat staff in the process.
While Light & Wonder agreed to pull the contested game in April, it scored a temporary win in June when a Nevada judge limited Aristocrat’s discovery request—a decision that boosted L&W’s stock by 10%.
What’s Next
With MONOPOLY slot machines hitting casinos in 2026 and online versions not far behind, Hasbro’s gaming empire is expanding fast. Aristocrat and Evolution now sit at the center of this casino reboot, while Light & Wonder watches from the sidelines—at least for now.
