Aristocrat Leisure is under pressure from the political situation panning out in Central Asia. It has announced the suspension of its gaming units, given the current rivalry between Russia and Ukraine. In an announcement, Aristocrat Leisure said:

“Unfortunately, operating in Russia is currently not viable, and Aristocrat confirms it will suspend operating our mobile games in Russia.”

Issues Clarification

The organization reiterated to the central regulatory organization, GGRAsia, that its connections with Russian services had been downhill for several years now.

Reiterating its position on the Russian business scenario, the company announced that it had stopped the supply of its e-gaming machines for several years. As a result, it currently had no gaming business in that area, the firm has announced.

It also highlighted that the online games, which are accessed by gamers worldwide, did have a Russian gaming community. To limit this use, it would suspend the mobile games it was offering in this region.

It gave to suspend operations because “operating in Russia is currently not viable.”

No services in Russia

According to the latest conversation between Aristocrat and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Natalie Toohey, the operations in Russia ceased even before the latest generation of casino resorts had opened up in the country.

Official communications between Aristocrat Leisure Ltd and GGRAsia were via email.

The primary focus of the discussion was the past services that Aristocrat provided in Primorye Integrated Entertainment Zone. The casino near Vladivostok was backed by Summit Ascent Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong subsidiary.

Pixel United, however in Ukraine

Clarifying on the operations at Pixel United, for its social gaming brands like Product Madness, Plarium, and Big Fish Games, the organization did admit it housed over 1,000 staff in Ukraine’s Pixel United.

The game provider is currently focusing on offering its staff in the embattled region options for relocation. The company submitted that:

“To date, Aristocrat has assisted over two-thirds of our Ukraine-based employees and their families to relocate voluntarily.”

“The well-being and safety of our people remain our highest priority, and Aristocrat’s Pixel United team continues to lead a comprehensive response,” said the announcement. It added that relocated staff were working remotely,” supported by existing Pixel United studios across Europe.”

Aristocrat stated:

“A new office will open shortly in Wroclaw, Poland, adding to our existing operations in Poland and supporting further talent acquisition over time.”

The statement further noted: “In respect of our Russia-based employees, we are exploring our strategic options, and we will continue to do what we can to support” them.

Aristocrat said it did not anticipate a “material impact on earnings” due to the military crisis. “We will continue to monitor impacts given the fluid situation closely and provide an update at Aristocrat’s half-year financial results in May,” the group added.