Brightstar Lottery has signed a five-year extension to its exclusive licensing agreement with Sony Pictures, allowing the supplier to continue developing and distributing Ghostbusters-themed lottery games for lottery operators worldwide.
The renewal extends a partnership that began in 2015 and has resulted in more than 25 licensed games being launched through over 20 lotteries globally.
Existing products span traditional instant tickets, Fast Play games, Brightstar's Infinity Instants format and eInstant titles, reflecting the wider shift by lottery providers towards connected retail and digital offerings.
Licensed entertainment properties have become an established part of lottery product portfolios as operators seek to attract occasional players and broaden appeal beyond traditional draw-based games.
Film, television and sports brands are increasingly being incorporated into instant ticket and digital lottery products, particularly in regulated markets where lotteries continue to invest in omnichannel player engagement.
Brightstar, formerly the lottery arm of International Game Technology before adopting its standalone identity, serves nearly 90 lottery customers across six continents and provides technology to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the United States. Its OMNIA platform combines retail and digital lottery channels, supporting operators as iLottery adoption continues to expand across regulated markets.
Sony Pictures SVP, Global Licensing, Stacey Kerr, said: "Ghostbusters is an iconic global franchise with lasting popularity and Brightstar has been instrumental in helping us connect with both lifelong fans and new audiences."
Brightstar SVP, Global Instant Ticket Services, Matthew Whalen, said: "Brightstar has been a proud licensee of Sony Pictures' Ghostbusters since 2015."
Whalen added: "With this contract extension, we're focused on expanding the Ghostbusters franchise through new, immersive omnichannel experiences."
The agreement also follows several operational developments for Brightstar during 2026. Alongside renewing long-term lottery technology contracts in markets including Oregon and Slovakia, the supplier has continued investing in retail modernisation and digital lottery infrastructure, reflecting sustained demand from government lottery operators for integrated technology platforms.
The licensing renewal comes shortly after Brightstar appointed Marco Tasso as Executive VP and Global Lottery COO, succeeding Renato Ascoli as the supplier continues restructuring its lottery leadership team while pursuing growth across international markets.
Ghostbusters is one of several long-running entertainment franchises used by lotteries worldwide to support instant ticket launches and promotional campaigns across retail and digital channels
