Seattle-based Double Down Interactive Sold for $500 Million

Double-Down Interactive, makers of The DoubleDown Casino game for Facebook, is being bought by Nevada-based slot-machine producer International Game Technology for $500 million. Looking to capitalize on the vast user-base of Facebook, IGT is banking on DoubleDown Casinos rapid growth to continue as they movie into the world of online gaming.

With Double-Down Interactive, IGT instantly broadens its user-base while getting a talent-pool of programmers and gamers that understand how to move the tangible fun of Vegas-style gambling into the 21^st century and beyond. While it is unclear whether or not Double-Down will move into producing online gambling games for international markets since cash-based online gambling is illegal in the U.S., what is clear is that Double-Down will be staying in Seattle. Having recently moved into new digs in the Vulcan-owned 505 Union Station building across the street from Seattles Century Link Field, Double-Down will maintain its independence under the guidance of CEO Greg Enell.

Double-Down joins PopCap Games, who was purchased last year by sports game giant Electronic Arts (EA) last year for a reported $1.3 billion, as recent Seattle-based game studios that have been bought out by larger out of state firms.