International Game Technology’s ( IGT - Analyst Report ) popular slot game ‘Cleopatra’ is being made available on mobile devices by DoubleDown Interactive. The mobile-based Cleopatra is compatible with Apple’s ( AAPL - Analyst Report ) iOS devices as well as with Google’s ( GOOG - Analyst Report ) Android based devices, enabling the game to reach out to a large number of gamers.

This is DoubleDown Casino’s second game in the mobile format, after Da Vinci Diamonds. IGT’s DoubleDown Casino has been offering online versions of IGT’s traditional casino-style games. Now, the company’s expansion into the mobile gaming segment has diversified its revenue base. IGT is expected to release mobile editions of its popular titles such as ELVIS A Little More Action, Kitty Glitter and Wolf Run.

In the last reported quarter, IGT’s top line had expanded 17% year over year, aided by strong performance from the interactive business and higher product sales. Interactive revenue was $53.9 million compared with $13.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Social gaming revenue was $35.8 million while IGTi revenue was $18.1 million in the reported quarter.

We believe that IGT’s diversification in the mobile segment is a long-term positive strategy. According to market research firm BI Intelligence, the U.S. social gaming market (including mobile games) is expected to more than double from approximately $2.0 billion in 2011 to approximately $5.5 billion by 2015.

Though IGT is a comparatively new entrant in the online social and mobile gaming market, we believe that DoubleDown’s strong product portfolio and customer base will provide it a competitive edge over other established players.

We believe that IGT will be benefited by new contract wins along with an improving domestic gaming environment, international expansion opportunities, an impressive product portfolio, reduced dependence on the domestic machine replacement cycle and strong growth from the interactive business going forward.

Additionally, the company is keeping pace with technology demands and has made headway with its IGT Cloud offering. We expect the IGT Cloud services to gain traction in the casino gaming industry, as it is expected to be well received by new casino properties, thereby improving the company’s top line.

However, increasing competition from Bally Technologies Inc. ( BYI - Snapshot Report ) and WMS Industries Inc. ( WMS - Snapshot Report ) , and increase in operating costs due to investment in product development are the headwinds going forward.

Currently, IGT carries a Zacks #2 Rank, which implies a Buy rating in the short term.