Zitro has unveiled at FIJMA 2022, it’s innovations that break into the Spanish market to change everything. This marks a before and after thanks to what no manufacturer has done so far: simultaneously launch for gaming halls and the bingo market, 4 new games available in different cabinets of the new GLARE family.

“Our priority is to satisfy operators by creating innovative products to increase significantly the performance in their gaming halls, as we have proven to do throughout our company’s history. In this new stage that begins now, we will demonstrate our customers that we will always be by their side, and that we go beyond expectations: guaranteeing that this is just the beginning of all that is to come”, says Johnny Viveiros Ortiz.

After so much expectation built among the public, ZITRO has finally unveiled all its products for the Spanish gaming halls and bingo market, including up to 4 new games -Wheel of Legends, Far West, 5 to Win and Bashiba Egyptian- presented in different cabinets of the GLARE family: Altius Glare, Allure Glare and Fusion Glare, respectively. Approved for most Spanish communities, this large library of games and cabinets will completely change the landscape of all gaming properties.

As stated by Vicente Fernandez, Zitro’s commercial director for Spain, “Wheel of Legends, presented in Altius Glare, is aesthetically appealing, and its impressive visuals and high-quality sound effects, among many other features, make it the top choice among slot players. We are confident that our latest innovation will gain ground in gaming properties in Spain. With all the incredible new slot games, as well as Dragon Lamp 3 in video Bingo, we are convinced that customers are sure to find the best gaming option for their gaming halls”.

For the Casino market, Zitro has simultaneously launched four unique cabinets: Altius Glare, Illusion Glare, Allure Glare and Fusion Glare, along with a great variety of new games such as Far West, Wheel of Legends, 5 to Win, 88 Link Multiplier, and Double Link, among many others.

Zitro also showcased at FIJMA 2022 its incredible gaming offer for the online market through its ZITRO DIGITAL division. The company offers Spanish online gaming operators not only the renowned video bingo games that have made Zitro a world leader, but also the popular Link Me and Link King multigame.

Manuela Jiménez, vice-president of Zitro, has stated with satisfaction: “The results achieved at FIJMA confirm what Johnny Ortiz has been promising, to leave no one indifferent. It has been a very fruitful three days, which have made those of us who work at Zitro feel proud, excited and more willing than ever to continue creating world-class products to contribute to the success of our customers”.

Zitro has once again surprised FIJMA visitors with a totally innovative bet. Determined to never stop creating new products thanks to its significant investment in R & D and incredibly talented team: “I want to express my enormous gratitude for the trust placed in us, and to all the people who have been kind enough to join us at our booth. I am very proud of the acceptance our products have received, which encourages us to keep moving forward and to ensure that this is just the beginning of all that is to come,” said Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, Founder of Zitro.

Konami Gaming, Inc. announced a collection of high-performing games and system technology coming to the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in Anaheim, Calif., on April 21 – 22, 2022. In support of continued tribal growth and success, Konami is delivering industry-leading entertainment on its DIMENSION line, as well as the latest award-winning SYNKROS® innovations trusted by the region’s largest operators. Throughout show hours, Konami’s SYNKROS team is presenting live demonstrations on its Konetic™ employee mobile app, SYNK31™ Title 31 / Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and newest cashless and cardless enhancements, for casino operators to see and experience.

Top-ranked series spanning All Aboard™, Ocean Spin™, Fortune Mint™, and Treasure Ball™ are also arriving at the event, with four unique cabinet form factors in Konami’s award-winning DIMENSION line of machines. In addition, this year’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention marks the debut launch of the multi-game edition of All Aboard on Konami’s big-screen DIMENSION 75C™.

“Tribal operators will be the first to encounter the multi-game edition of one the world’s most popular new slot series, All Aboard. This brings Dynamite Dash, Piggy Pennies, Masked Warrior, and Go West together on one, large-format machine called the DIMENSION 75C,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “It is a huge showcase that we’re pleased to share at the 2022 Indian Gaming event, and share with players as early as next month.”

All Aboard multi-game, Ocean Spin™, and high-denom All Aboard Gold Express™ are appearing at the 2022 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention on Konami’s latest premium cabinet, DIMENSION 75C. The machine’s 75-inch, 4K Ultra High-Definition screen is engineered in a slight C-curve shape, giving players and pairs a larger-than-life game experience with some of today’s most popular slots.

DIMENSION 75C and its available debut games can be placed as singular standalone cabinets, or linked in pod or bank configurations for an incredible centerpiece on the gaming floor.

“All DIMENSION cabinets share proven core elements of the award-winning DIMENSION 49J, which won first place for Best Slot Product last year. That hardware success—combined with the strength of the software—continues to deliver performance and value to our casino customers,” said Jingoli.

“Additionally, guests at this year’s Indian Gaming event can explore more widely-anticipated premium series, such as Bull Blitz, Lucky Envelope, and BattleBots slots.”

Lucky Envelope™ is an original series inspired by the gift-giving tradition of the red envelope, which in the slot game provide symbol-driven credit collection events as well as a mystery jackpot chance. It is arriving now to casinos, and will be followed by another original series call Bull Blitz™—a proven successful Konami slot now live in Australian markets. The world’s first BattleBots® slots will also be featured at the 2022 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, filled with recognizable scenes, sounds, and machines from the popular robot combat sport and reality TV show.

Ranked the industry’s Number One Top Indexing Cabinet – Portrait for four straight months, Konami’s DIMENSION 49™ core cabinet is showcasing a mix of continuing content options at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention. Guests at the event are the first to see two new additions to Konami’s Fortune Mint™ slot series, which has ranked in the Eiler’s & Krejcik’s list of Top Indexing NEW Games – Core, Video Reel for nine straight months. Other highlights include an integrated progressive version of Treasure Ball™ called Treasure Ball Duo Luck™, an expanding reel frame series called Rising Diamond™, and more.
“Like in the premium lease segment, Konami’s DIMENSION core offering is among the industry’s top entertainment available today,” said Jingoli. “For-sales series like Fortune Mint are an easy win for properties, and we’re excited to continue extending that benefit to casino across Indian country.”

The stacked-screen DIMENSION 27™ machine is showing several fresh series, as well as SeleXion® multi-game. And Konami’s latest gaming entertainment for Historical Horse Racing (HHR) is coming live to this year’s exhibit—making it the first Indian Gaming Tradeshow to include Konami HHR machines.

Konami’s SYNKROS casino management system team is hosting live demonstrations throughout the event, showing new tools, features, and product features aimed at cashless, cardless, player convenience, and other improvements to the overall player experience. New and current SYNKROS customers have access to a wave of enhancements spanning table games cashless wagering, login by phone number, built-in VIP host, multi-site exclusion management, and more. The newest features
and function for Konami’s Konetic employee mobile app are also available for casino teams to try firsthand.

“SYNKROS is the system of choice for leading tribal operators across a broad area of market sectors. So many are taking advantage of this unique time in gaming history to propel the future of their business, and Konami is committed to delivering the long-term technology ecosystem to support it,” Jingoli said.

Attendees are encouraged to visit booth #1538 at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 21 - 22, 2022 to explore these and more Konami releases. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com.

LONDON – March 14, 2022 – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that the Company is now offering its compelling digital content to leading online gaming operators across West Virginia. This most recent go-live expands IGT’s U.S. digital gaming footprint to five states.

Player-favorite IGT PlayCasino games such as Fortune Coin™, Siberian Storm™, Cleopatra™ and Ultimate X™ Poker, were recently made available for mobile and online play via approved online casino operators throughout the state. These well-known IGT titles are among the many compelling PlayDigital games available to IGT PlayCasino customers around the world.

“Expanding IGT’s PlayCasino footprint into West Virginia presents an incredible opportunity to further our leadership in a high-growth segment of our business,” said Gil Rotem, IGT President of iGaming. “IGT has vast experience supplying compelling iGaming content and platform technologies to operators worldwide. IGT PlayDigital is the top provider of iGaming content in the U.S. and we look forward to helping our customers in West Virginia maximize player engagement as the demand for digital gaming continues to grow.”

LONDON – March 15, 2022 – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its Powerbucks™ slots awarded the third-largest jackpot in the history of the product at Casino Nanaimo in British Columbia, Canada.

On February 24, a lucky slots player won CA$2,129,070 while playing Powerbucks Wheel of Fortune® Cash Link™ Exotic Far East at Casino Nanaimo, a British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) casino operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. To date, the largest IGT Powerbucks jackpot was in May 2020, when a player won CA$2.2 million on a Wheel of Fortune® slots game on Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s OLG.ca.

“British Columbia Lottery Corporation continues to focus on delivering omnichannel gaming experiences that resonate with our valued players in British Columbia,” said Dan Beebe, Interim Chief Operating Officer, BCLC. “This incredible IGT Powerbucks win demonstrates BCLC’s commitment to elevating entertainment and excitement for our players.”

“This significant jackpot marks yet another example of how Powerbucks is driving omnichannel jackpot excitement and differentiating our customers’ casinos across Canada,” said David Flinn, IGT Senior Vice President Canada, South and Central America. “Since its Canadian debut with the BCLC, IGT’s industry-leading Powerbucks link has awarded more than 30 life-changing jackpots and continues to offer a distinguished variety of entertaining games and big wins throughout the country.”

IGT Powerbucks is the world’s first omnichannel wide area progressive game that links the jackpot prize pool between gaming machines found in casinos with games available on mobile devices and desktop computers. IGT Powerbucks slots have paid 33 jackpots of $1 million or more since its Canadian debut in 2016. Wheel of Fortune slots have minted over 1,100 millionaires and awarded over $3.3 billion in jackpots since its launch in 1996.

Shark Trap would like to announce that the company’s Super Shuffler has received the GLI approval for GLI-29 jurisdictions and the State of Nevada.

According to Dino DeGregorio, this now allows us to move into specific markets such as California Tribes, California Card Rooms, Nevada, Colorado, and various other jurisdictions. We will be engaged in installing in gaming corporations that have casinos in multiple states. The installs will proceed immediately as our potential customers have long waited for these important approvals.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights:

• Domestic EGM RPD Exceeded $30 for the Third Consecutive Quarter

• Premium EGM Footprint More than Doubled Year-over-Year

• EGM Replacement Unit Sales Increased by over 35% Sequentially

• Table Products Revenue Surpassed $3 Million for the Second Straight Quarter

• Successfully Completed a Comprehensive Debt Refinancing on February 15, 2022

• Continue to Target Year-End 2022 Net Leverage of less than 4.0x

LAS VEGAS, MARCH 10, 2022 - PlayAGS, Inc. (NYSE: AGS) ("AGS", "us", "we" or the "Company"), a designer and developer of equipment and services solutions for the global gaming industry, today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021.

In addressing the Company's fourth quarter and full year financial performance, AGS President and Chief Executive Officer David Lopez said, "If 2020 was the year of resiliency within our business, 2021 was the year of transition. Supported by the foundational changes put into place over the preceding 18 months and an accommodative macroeconomic backdrop, we were able to establish operating momentum within all three business verticals as we progressed throughout the year, a trend that continued into the fourth quarter."

Mr. Lopez continued, "With our improved 2021 financial results behind us, our attention has shifted to ensuring we are best positioned to achieve even greater success in 2022. To that end, I would characterize 2022 as a year of acceleration for AGS; one in which we will look to further leverage the continuous improvement in our people, products and processes to strengthen our financial performance."

Kimo Akiona, AGS' Chief Financial Officer, added, "I am pleased with the degree to which we were able to improve the quality and flexibility of our balance sheet throughout 2021. Looking ahead to 2022, I believe the operational momentum we continue to see within the business, the approximately $10 million of annualized cash interest expense savings we expect to realize as a result of our recent refinancing transaction, and our organizational commitment to maximizing free cash flow position us to deliver upon our year end net leverage target of less than 4.0x."

 Fourth  Quarter 2021 Financial Results

• Given the COVID-19 pandemic's continued impact on the global gaming industry throughout Q4 2020, we have included our Q4 2019 financial results in the tables presented throughout this release, as we believe comparisons to Q4 2019 metrics provide more meaningful insight into the recovery trajectory of our various business segments.
• Consolidated revenue totaled $70.2 million, marking the fourth consecutive quarter in which we were able to achieve quarterly sequential revenue growth. Q4 2021 consolidated revenue exceeded the level reached in Q3 2021 by approximately 4%, supported by an over 20% increase in EGM equipment sales, sustained strength within our domestic EGM recurring revenue business, record Table Products performance, and further recovery in our international EGM gaming operations revenue. Q4 2021 consolidated revenue reached approximately 90% of the level achieved in Q4 2019, as higher revenue contributions from our domestic EGM recurring revenue, Table Products and Interactive businesses were more than offset by the more gradual post-COVID-19 recoveries we are experiencing within our EGM equipment sales and international EGM gaming operations verticals. Although slower to fully recover, it is important to note EGM equipment sales increased sequentially in all four quarters of 2021, while international EGM gaming operations revenue has improved sequentially in all six quarters since reaching COVID-19-impacted lows in Q2 2020.
• Gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased to $52.9 million versus $40.0 million and $51.6 million in Q4 2020 and Q4 2019, respectively. Relative to Q4 2019, the growth achieved within our domestic EGM, Table Products, and Interactive recurring revenue businesses was partially offset by a decline in our international EGM recurring revenue business, as previously discussed. In aggregate, recurring revenue accounted for approximately 75% of our consolidated Q4 2021 revenue compared to approximately 86% and 66% in Q4 2020 and Q4 2019, respectively.
• Our 2021 fourth quarter net loss of $9.1 million improved as compared to the $17.2 million net loss incurred in Q4 2020. The year-over-year decline in our reported net loss reflects our improved financial performance and lower depreciation and amortization ("D&A") expense. Our net loss increased relative to net income of $1.4 million realized in Q4 2019, driven by the modest decline in our financial performance, higher interest expense and decreased income tax benefit, partially offset by lower D&A expense.
• Total Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) was $32.3 million compared to $21.3 million in Q4 2020 and $37.3 million in Q4 2019. Interactive and Table Products Adjusted EBITDA increased sharply relative to the levels achieved in Q4 2019, supported by the successful execution of our strategic revenue growth initiatives within each of the segments. EGM Adjusted EBITDA decreased approximately 20% versus Q4 2019 levels, as the upside from our improved Q4 2021 domestic EGM gaming operations performance was more than offset by the more gradual recoveries we are experiencing within our EGM equipment sales and international EGM gaming operations businesses.
• Total Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(1) was 45.9%, relatively consistent with the 45.7% achieved in Q4 2020. Adjusted EBITDA margin compressed by approximately 200bps(2) compared to the 47.9% reached in Q4 2019, as the improved profitability achieved within the Table Product and Interactive segments was more than offset by a reduction in our EGM segment Adjusted EBITDA margin, which we attribute to our tactical decision to allow operating expenses to normalize to pre-COVID-19 levels in advance of a corresponding recovery in EGM revenues to ensure we best position the business to achieve long-term success.

(1) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures, see non-GAAP reconciliation below.
(2) Basis points ("bps").

EGM Quarterly Results

Domestic Gaming Operations (3)

• Domestic EGM gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased to $43.4 million compared to $34.1 million and $41.6 million in Q4 2020 and Q4 2019, respectively. A greater mix of higher-yielding premium games, more consistent core game content execution, and a stable gaming macroeconomic backdrop drove our improved revenue performance. Quarterly domestic EGM recurring revenue exceeded corresponding 2019 levels for the third consecutive quarter.
• Our domestic EGM installed base grew by more than 170 units versus the 15,767 units installed at September 30, 2021, marking the second consecutive quarterly sequential increase in our domestic EGM installed base. Growing operator demand for our expanded suite of premium recurring revenue products and, to a lesser degree, new casino opening and expansion activity paced the quarterly sequential unit growth. Our domestic installed base decreased by 329 units and 2,429 units versus Q4 2020 and Q4 2019, respectively, with the overwhelming majority of the declines directly attributable to our decision to strategically prune lower-yielding units.
• Domestic EGM revenue per day ("RPD") increased by more than 20% compared to the $24.97 achieved in Q4 2019. Continued growth of our higher-yielding premium game footprint, accelerating core game content momentum, the strategic pruning of lower-yielding units, and a stable gaming macroeconomic environment drove our improved domestic RPD performance. Domestic EGM RPD exceeded $30 for the third consecutive quarter.
• Our premium game footprint more than doubled year-over-year, accounting for approximately 10% of our domestic EGM installed base at December 31, 2021 compared to approximately 9% and 4% at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. We estimate our premium game footprint generated over 15% of our Q4 2021 domestic EGM gaming operations revenue.

International Gaming Operations

• International EGM gaming operations revenue totaled $3.9 million compared to $1.8 million in Q4 2020 and $6.0 million in Q4 2019. The decline versus Q4 2019 reflects the degree to which our Mexico business has been impacted by measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, including the imposition of casino capacity restrictions. Additionally, in contrast to the United States, Mexico has not provided any type of fiscal stimulus to support its post-COVID-19 economic recovery. International EGM gaming operations revenue increased approximately 5% over Q3 2021 levels, marking the sixth consecutive quarterly sequential increase following Q2 2020 COVID-19-impacted lows.
• International EGM RPD was $5.55 compared to $2.56 in Q4 2020 and $7.65 in Q4 2019. International EGM RPD improved approximately 9% on a quarterly sequential basis from the $5.11 achieved in Q3 2021, supported by an increase in the number of active playable games in casinos and Mexico's continued, albeit gradual, post-COVID-19 macroeconomic recovery. We estimate Q4 2021 international EGM RPD, adjusted to exclude inactive games, was relatively in line with Q4 2019 levels.
• Our international EGM installed base totaled 7,643 units at December 31, 2021, representing a modest decrease as compared to the 7,896 units installed as of September 30, 2021.We estimate approximately 70% of our international EGM installed base was active and playable as of December 31, 2021 compared to approximately 35% as of December 31, 2020.
• Given the more gradual revenue recovery we are experiencing within our Mexico business, our team remains focused on managing costs to preserve profitability. To that end, our international EGM segment continued to contribute positive Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2021.

Equipment Sales

• We sold a total of 815 domestic EGM units compared to 283 units and 1,173 units in Q4 2020 and Q4 2019, respectively. EGM unit sales increased meaningfully versus the 663 units sold in Q3 2021, supported by sustained core game content momentum, further penetration of product adjacencies, such as Historical Horse Racing ("HHR"), and continued recovery in core North American replacement unit demand, partially offset by a more modest opening and expansion opportunity set. Excluding casino opening and expansion units, EGM unit sales increased by more than 35% on a quarterly sequential basis.
• Domestic average sales price ("ASP") was $19,286 versus $18,035 in Q4 2020 and $17,833 in Q4 2019. Our improved domestic ASP reflects a greater mix of premium-priced Orion Curvecabinets, which accounted for over 55% of Q4 2021 total units sold, and successful implementation of our price integrity initiative. Domestic ASP increased approximately 2% compared to the $18,970 achieved in Q3 2021.
• We sold units into 19 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces throughout Q4 2021, with Nevada, Virginia and California emerging as our top three sales markets.

Product Highlights

• Our Orion Curve Premium installed base more than doubled on a quarterly sequential basis, supported by the strong performance of our player-favorite Rakin Bacon Deluxegame themes in both Class II and Class III jurisdictions. We continue to develop a diverse pipeline of new premium game content, game play mechanics and hardware to further support our long-term growth initiatives within the higher-yielding premium game segment.
• Our exceptional game performance and deep customer relationships have allowed us to command greater share within the expanding HHR market. The forward demand picture within the HHR market remains encouraging, supported by expansion and further market penetration opportunities within existing jurisdictions, including Virginia, Kentucky and Wyoming, and the pending launch of new jurisdictions, notably New Hampshire.
• We expect to materially broaden our core Class II game content portfolio throughout the first half of 2022, providing us with the means to further yield optimize our over 11,000-unit Class II EGM installed base in a capital efficient manner. Looking beyond 2022, we continue to look for opportunities to leverage our extensive experience, time-tested customer relationships, unique game play mechanics, and scale-advantaged footprint to further strengthen our competitive positioning within the stable Class II gaming market.

(3) "Domestic" includes both the United States and Canada.

 

Table Products Quarterly Results

• Gaming operations, or recurring revenue, grew to a record $3.1 million, paced by sustained customer demand for our industry-leading table game progressive products and the growing appeal of our all-inclusive site license offering, the AGS Arsenal. Recurring revenue increased approximately 5% over the previous record of $3.0 million set in Q3 2021.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased nearly 50% versus Q4 2020 and approximately 20% on a quarterly sequential basis to a record $2.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 61.2% compared to 52.4% in Q3 2021 and 51.6% in Q4 2020.
• Our installed base expanded by over 50 units on a quarterly sequential basis to a record 4,701 units, with growth achieved across all core segments of our diversified Table Products portfolio, including side bets, progressives, premium games, and card shufflers.
• Operator interest in our industry-leading and expanding table game progressive product suite continues to build, pushing our progressive installed base to over 1,700 units at December 31, 2021. Customer demand for our Royal 9 Baccaratprogressive product remains consistent, while the installed base of our highly anticipated Bonus Spin Xtreme ("BSX")progressive more than doubled on a quarterly sequential basis. We continue to receive constructive customer feedback on our initial BSXinstalls and expect customer adoption to accelerate in the quarters ahead, particularly as operators look to activate progressives on latent roulette tables.
• Our average monthly lease price ("ALP") increased approximately 4% compared to the $212 achieved in Q3 2021 and approximately 21% year-over-year. The approximately 8% decline in ALP versus Q4 2019 levels reflects the impact of AGS Arsenalon our reported metrics, as this offering is intended to strategically drive down per unit pricing in return for higher total revenue and an extended contract commitment.
• We were live with 16 AGS Arsenal site licenses at the end of Q4 2021 compared to 13 at the end of Q3 2021. Interest in our site license program continues to grow, supported by our organizational commitment to table product innovation and casino operators' desire to further enhance the efficiency of their table game operations.
• Subsequent to quarter end, we further strengthened our Table Product content portfolio through the acquisition of the player-favorite Lucky Luckyblackjack side bet from Aces Up Gaming. In addition to expanding our side bet installed base, the Lucky Luckyasset has the potential to strengthen our AGS Arsenalvalue proposition and broaden our progressive product portfolio over time.
• We recently received GLI approval for our PAX Sspecialty game card shuffler and our first revenue generating units are already live in the field.

Interactive Quarterly Results

• Total Interactive revenue increased more than 50% year-over-year to $2.5 million, exceeding $2.0 million for the fourth consecutive quarter. Outsized growth within our real-money gaming business continues to support our improved Interactive revenue performance.
• Interactive Adjusted EBITDA grew to $816 thousand, marking the segment's eighth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA performance and reinforcing our commitment to scaling our Interactive business in a profitable fashion.
• RMG revenue more than doubled year-over-year to $2.0 million. The successful integration of our remote gaming server ("RGS") with additional iGaming operators, the expansion of regulated iGaming to additional North American jurisdictions, including several Canadian provinces, and continued strong performance of AGS game content paced the strong year-over-year RMG revenue growth comparison.
• We continue to broaden our RMG content catalog with over 30 AGS titles currently available for play online. Our content is live in the majority of the most prominent regulated North American online jurisdictions, including PA, MI, NJ, Ontario, and Quebec, and we continue to prepare for scheduled upcoming launches into additional jurisdictions, including CT, WV, British Columbia, and Alberta.
• Social gaming revenue of $550 thousand was relatively consistent with the prior sequential quarter, as we continue to prioritize stability and profitability within this segment of our business. The year-over-year revenue comparison reflects the consumer's preference for at-home activities during Q4 2020 in response to the global spread of COVID-19, combined with a reduction in player marketing spend as part of our profitability focus within the segment.

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $125.0 million of total available liquidity, comprised of a $95.0 million available cash balance and $30.0 million of revolver availability, compared to total available liquidity of $111.7 million at December 31, 2020. The total principal amount of debt outstanding, as of December 31, 2021, was $615.7 million, predominantly comprised of $614.8 million in first lien term loans. 

Total net debt, which is the principal amount of debt outstanding less cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2021 was approximately $520.8 million compared to approximately $540.8 million at December 31, 2020. The Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio decreased from 7.5 times at December 31, 2020 to 4.2 times at December 31, 2021 (see Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio Reconciliation below(4)), placing the Company well within compliance of its 6.0 times financial covenant.

On February 15, 2022, the Company successfully completed the refinancing of its total debt outstanding through the issuance of (i) a senior secured first lien term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million due 2029 (the "New Term Loan Facility"), the proceeds of which, together with cash on hand, were used to repay all amounts outstanding under the Company's existing term loan facilities and to pay related fees and expenses, and (ii) a $40.0 million senior secured first lien revolving facility due 2027 (the "New Revolving Credit Facility"), which was undrawn at close. The refinancing transaction simultaneously lowered the principal amount of debt outstanding by approximately $40 million, reduced annualized cash interest expense by approximately $10 million, relative to the level incurred for the full year 2021, expanded the Company's revolver capacity to $40.0 million, and extended key debt maturities. Pro-forma for the refinancing transaction, the Company's total net debt was approximately $538.3 million. 

Fourth quarter 2021 capital expenditures totaled $15.3 million, primarily comprised of $9.7 million in growth capital expenditures, which reflect costs associated with the placement of additional units into the Company's leased installed base, and $4.1 million in intangible capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized internal software development costs. Capital expenditures for the full year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $51.5 million compared to $71.1 million for the full year ended December 31, 2019. 

2022 Net Leverage Target

Supported by our strong finish to 2021, the approximately $10 million of annualized cash interest expense savings we expect to realize in conjunction with our recent debt refinancing and the operating momentum we continue to see in the business, we remain confident in our ability to deliver upon our previously issued year-end 2022 net leverage target of less than 4.0x.

(4) Total Adjusted EBITDA and Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio are non-GAAP measures, see non-GAAP reconciliation below.

 

Complete release with spreadsheets: https://investors.playags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2022/AGS-REPORTS-FOURTH-QUARTER-AND-FULL-YEAR-2021-RESULTS/.

LAS VEGAS, March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) ("Everi" or "the Company"), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions, announced today an agreement between the Company and the U.S. Army whereby Everi will enter the Army's Partnership for Youth Success ("PaYS") Program.

The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. PaYS partners, such as Everi, guarantee soldiers an interview and possible employment after the Army. This unique program is part of the Army's effort to partner with America's business community and provides America's youth with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future.

"Everi is proud to celebrate this new initiative with the U.S. Army. It allows us to identify and connect with a talented pool of individuals with discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic cultivated while in service," said Randy Taylor, Everi President and COO. "As a company that has a strong focus in the technology industry, with job availability across our Games and FinTech business segments, we are eager to engage with veterans who possess a variety of skillsets. This is a win-win engagement for us both; we couldn't be more proud to work with the U.S. Army and those who have served our country."

Participation in PaYS allows partners, such as Everi, the opportunity to mentor soldiers and newly commissioned officers as they transition to private employment. The U.S. Army, as compared to its sister services, has a significantly larger recruiting mission for both active duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard, on an annual basis. Therefore, the Army uses many recruiting incentives, including PaYS, in order to man the force.

Zitro’s award-winning progressive multigame 88 Link – Wild Duels and 88 Link – Lucky Charms, in the ultra-slim Allure cabinet, have begun to arrive at Casino Mayorazgo, the biggest and most important casino in the province of Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina. “Since its launch, 88 Link has grown to become a player favorite, and we are confident it will be as successful in the casino floor of Casino Mayorazgo, as it has been in many casinos around the world” stated, Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s Regional Director for Latin America.

88 Link includes all the unique features needed to be a sure bet in any casino. Whether it’s the impressive HD graphics; the state-of-the-art sound system or the attractive and innovative “Multiway” game mechanics, every player finds in 88 Link a truly immersive gaming experience. “We are very grateful to Neogame to have added our products to its world-class entertainment offering, and look forward to a successful business relationship”, affirmed Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s Regional Director for Latin America.

Marcela Santamaría, director of Casino Mayorazgo, added: “It was paramount that we partnered with Zitro to continue our goal of offering the best performing slot games in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina. 88 Link already looks great in our casino, thanks to its stunning visuals, and we have no doubt that its performance will appeal to our exclusive clientele. We are excited to see how our business parentship with Zitro will continue to grow”.

Company delivers high-performance content and hardware to Spanish leisure sector through exclusive marketing agreement with leading distributor Orenes Grupo

LONDON, March 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its subsidiary, IGT Europe Gaming B.V. (hereinafter "IGT"), has launched in the Spanish Amusement with Prize (AWP) "salones" subsector with compelling solutions specifically adapted for the market through an exclusive distribution agreement with Orenes Grupo, the Spanish salones market leader in operations and gaming machine distribution.

IGT's debut title for the sector is its Magic Fortune™ Link multi-level progressive, known in Spain as a "linked" game, which includes exciting new games that have become salones player favorites.

The salones subsector in Spain represents a total footprint of approximately 3,000 gaming and bingo halls. Featuring a casino-like atmosphere, salones are evolving to offer more video-based, technologically advanced content and hardware, including linked products.

"IGT is well-positioned to serve salones customers in Spain by supplying our market-attuned games through our exclusive distributor, Orenes Grupo," said Mark MacCombie, IGT Senior Vice President — EMEA Gaming."The outstanding results from our first offering, Magic Fortune Link, marks a very encouraging start. By combining our local account team's dedication and expertise with Orenes' 50 years of business experience and growing footprint in this market, we can help Spanish salones operators achieve excellent outcomes."

"IGT is renowned for its top-performing products with content designed to suit the unique needs of specific player segments and geographies," said José Quereda, Director of Distribution and Sales for Orenes Grupo. "Magic Fortune Link has proven to engage Spanish players with its entertaining, regionally-attuned game mechanics, and represents the first of what we expect will be many high-performance IGT installations at salones across Spain."

In tandem with the wider release of Magic Fortune Link across the subsector, IGT will continue its ongoing Spanish player research while executing a customized roadmap of new game releases tailored uniquely to these players.

All four themes in IGT's AWP version of Magic Fortune Link™ -- Hephaestus™, Temple of Fire™, Golden Secrets™, and Dreams of Egypt™ -- were adapted for this market. They offer a chance to enter the Magic Fortune bonus game, which showcases proven Hold 'n Spin link mechanics geared toward salones players. Players have the chance to win four levels of progressive prizes, including the Major and Grand linked progressive awards, and two bet-dependent Mini and Minor awards.

Magic Fortune Link is available to Spain's salones market on the BINTIA™ 27-inch multi-game cabinet, which offers dual HD monitors and a topper option for casino-like styling. It features simple maintenance and minimal hardware requirements, an ergonomic and comfortable design, programmable LED lighting, thrilling high-resolution graphics, and an immersive sound system.

For more information, visit IGT.com, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or watch IGT videos on YouTube.

LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2022) – Further strengthening its robust roster of compliance and technology leaders, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has welcomed four new experienced professionals to its client services team. The new team members are Gabriel Benedik, client solutions executive; Ross Edwards, technical compliance account executive; Jamie Garcia, account executive; and Kevin Stich, client services coordinator on the client services team.

“As the leading company in the gaming compliance industry, we are continually looking to augment our experienced and talented staff. The expertise and insights these new team members bring to GLI will help our clients get where they need to be, no matter where they are in the process or the world,” said James Maida, president and CEO. “Gabriel, Ross, Jamie, and Kevin each bring powerful, dynamic, and nuanced individual experience that will serve to enhance our global compliance and technology expertise. They are representative of GLI’s tradition for having the most complete team of subject matter and jurisdictional experts to help guide our clients to successful outcomes.”

Gabriel Benedik, Client Solutions Executive

Benedik has a storied career in compliance with the state of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, where he served for 12 years, most recently as chief of slot operations. Previously he served as slot operations manager, auditor IV (lead), auditor III, and slot operations specialist. He has extensive knowledge of crucial compliance areas, including audit, operations, state and tribal regulations, internal control standards, Title 31, the Bank Secrecy Act, and anti-money laundering reporting and recordkeeping. His background and expertise in compliance will be instrumental in leading GLI’s clients into new jurisdictions, markets, and delivery channels, resulting in successful product launches.

Ross Edwards, Technical Compliance Account Executive

Edwards has been tapped to lead as GLI’s newest technical compliance account executive. He has more than 18 years of gaming jurisdictional compliance experience and will bring deep professional mastery to GLI clients, functioning as a technical compliance engineer and client solutions expert. Previously, he served as senior manager of product compliance at Scientific Games, and as senior principal manager of technical compliance and jurisdictional engineer of technical compliance at WMS Gaming.

Jamie Garcia, Account Executive

Garcia brings more than 11 years of highly technical experience to GLI and its clients. Most recently, she served as software quality assurance engineer at Scientific Games. Previously, she served as program management professional, marketing logistics professional, and senior staff marketing technical specialist at Scientific Games/WMS Gaming. She will work with GLI’s fast-growing list of suppliers, particularly in digital iGaming and event wagering, two areas of the gaming industry seeing exponential growth. Her supplier background and education in electrical engineering will help GLI’s clients navigate these exciting areas.

Kevin Stich, Client Services Coordinator

Stich previously spent eight years at Ditronics Financial Services in various account and project manager positions. While at the company, he garnered experience as a product compliance specialist, worked as a liaison between the product manager and state/local/tribal gaming commissions, and served as a point person working with gaming labs for testing approval letters. At GLI, he will be supporting the North American Client Services department.

For more information on GLI careers, please visit gaminglabs.com/careers.

LAS VEGAS, March 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galaxy Gaming, Inc. (OTCQB: GLXZ) (“Galaxy” or the “Company”), a developer and distributor of casino table games and enhanced systems, announced today that its meeting of Shareholders will be held virtually on June 1, 2022, for shareholders of record as of April 6, 2022. The Notice of Shareholders Meeting will be provided to shareholders of record as of April 6, 2022, in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.

What lands in your box, you win. That is the simple, easy-to-learn, and groundbreaking game play in Aristocrat Gaming’s™ new Big Fish Grand™ slot game.

A smash-hit at G2E 2021, Big Fish Grand is a game like players have never experienced. Big Fish Grand combines simple game play, cheerful graphics, and a catchy soundtrack for a unique player experience that stands out on the casino floor.



Big Fish Grand’s Catch & Win™ play mechanic is a unique twist on the classic spinning reel games because players literally win what they catch in their fishing box.

Core players will appreciate the chance for a single spin to result in a substantial prize, and the game’s medium volatility will appeal to entertainment players. Not to be left by the fishing hole alone, core gamblers will embrace the Heads or Tails Gamble feature to control their choice of volatility for a more tailored volatile playing experience.

Players can choose from a 1c, 2c and 5c single denomination.

Big Fish Grand appears on Aristocrat’s larger-than-life Neptune Double cabinet where the cheerful characters and mesmerizing sound get the high-tech treatment, making this the most fun and exciting fishing trip.

For more information about Big Fish Grand, drop a line to your Aristocrat representative.

Black Diamond® and Double Black Diamond™ Win "Top Performing" Mechanical Reel Awards; Everi Again Named "Most Improved Supplier"

LAS VEGAS, March 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) ("Everi" or "the Company"), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions, announced today that the Company won three awards at the fourth annual EKG Slot Awards.

The EKG Slot Awards recognize excellence in land-based and interactive slot machine game development. For the third consecutive year, Everi won the award for "Most Improved Supplier – Core." In addition, Black Diamond® was recognized as the "Top Performing Core Mechanical Reel Game" and Double Black Diamond™ was recognized as the "Top Performing New Mechanical Reel Core Game." This represents Everi's second win in the "Top Performing New Mechanical Reel Core Game" category, with Cash Machine™ receiving the same honor in 2019.

"We are deeply honored to be recognized as a top slot machine supplier by our casino operator customers. These wins were made possible by the hard work and tireless effort from multiple departments across the Everi team," said Dean Ehrlich, Everi Executive Vice President and Games Business Leader. "We will continue to build upon our success in both the video and mechanical reel segments, and are planning for the development of even more engaging player experiences and award-worthy products in the coming years. The entire Everi team thanks Eilers & Krejcik Gaming for highlighting and recognizing the performance of our compelling gaming content."

EKG Slot Award winners are determined through a data-driven process, combined with input from a distinguished industry advisory board, and official voting from over 100 qualified slot directors. These slot directors represent over 300 casinos that operate roughly 300,000 slot machines across the U.S. and Canada.

Aristocrat’s innovations lead to 10 awards   LAS VEGAS (March 7, 2022) – Aristocrat Gaming™ was the big winner again this year in the annual EKG Slot Awards. The company won 10 awards in all, including Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content, a three-peat for Aristocrat in the category.   Aristocrat was also named Most Improved Supplier – Premium for the second year in a row. Additionally, the company repeated wins in the Top Performing Premium Game category for Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous™ and in the Top Performing Core Video – Reel Game category for Buffalo Gold Revolution™.   The company’s new MarsX™ Portrait cabinet won both the Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Core and Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium categories.   Aristocrat’s Dragon Link™ Golden Gong™ was also named Top Performing NEW Premium Game; Crazy Rich Asians™ was named Top Performing 3rd Party IP Branded Game; and the runaway hit Buffalo Link™ was named Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game.   Aristocrat’s Pixel United™ won the Most Improved Social Casino Game category with its Lightning Link Casino™ by Product Madness.

Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez “We are honored and humbled to be recognized for the innovative work we do on behalf of the gaming industry. These awards are a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and commitment to partnership of the Aristocrat team and our innovate game designers who create amazing products. We are grateful to our customers for their encouragement and support,” said Aristocrat Gaming CEO Hector Fernandez.   The EKG Slot Awards is produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) and recognizes excellence in slot game development in the casino gaming industry.   For more information about any of Aristocrat’s industry-leading and award-winning games, cabinets, and system solutions, contact your Aristocrat representative or visit www.aristocratgaming.com.    Join Aristocrat on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Company to provide Mexican national lottery innovative end-to-end services including instant tickets and sports betting

LONDON, March 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiaries, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, IGT México Lottery, S. de R.L. de C.V., and IGT SME, S. de R.L. de C.V. have signed a new contract with La Lotería Nacional ("LOTENAL"), Mexico's national lottery, to provide industry-leading lottery solutions and sports betting services until Sept. 30, 2024.

Following the previous success of the last editions, Zitro will be holding its prestigious Zitro Experience event on March 29th, in conjunction with the upcoming SAGSE’22. During this event, Zitro will showcase its latest innovations in Latin America. The brand-new GLARE cabinet line includes:  Altius Glare, Illusion Glare, Allure Glare and Fusion Glare.

Fusion Glare, is as a high-class cabinet equipped with two 27” Full HD screens, intelligent LED halo, next-gen processor, easy access to the interior, wireless mobile charger, surround sound system and a wide game library, making it a must-have in any gaming hall globally.

Allure Glare, includes three 27” Full HD screens, where the third screen acts as a sign thanks to its SyncroScreen system. Allure Glare, along with its surround sound system, intelligent LED halo, latest generation processor, easy access to the interior, wireless cellphone charger and extensive game library, is the perfect cabinet for players and operators.

Illusion Glare, is a high-end portrait cabinet distinguished for its seamless 43” curved touch screen, which allows an enhanced gaming experience. It looks extremely bright thanks to its smart LED halo. With its next-gen processor, wireless mobile charger, easy access to the interior, spectacular surround sound system and exclusive game library. Illusion Glare brings elegance and playability to any casino floor.

Altius Glare, the tallest one of this family of cabinets, features impressive 55” and 27” Full HD displays providing huge real estate for exciting 4K graphics, and Intelligent LED halo. This high-class cabinet along with a digital smart deck keypad, wireless mobile charger amazing surround sound system, and easy access to the interior, make it the ideal form-factor for immersive gaming experiences.

Zitro will also showcase the premium multigame – Wheel of Legends, which includes 4 exclusive game titles and unique themed features, along with the new Megashare Lounge shared progressive system.

All this in a networking environment, followed by a special dinner with two very famous shows in the region.

Zitro Experience will be the opening event of a great week, and after our products showcase, our Zitro University event will take place, in collaboration with the University of Palermo, one of the most prominent in Latin America, and will include an informative session by Professor Patricio O’Gorman of the University of Palermo. The topics will be focused on the consumer’s change, and the technological acceleration adoption driven by the pandemic. The event will include a roundtable of online operators, to provide insights on the matter.

“Argentina is a key market that has undoubtedly contributed to Zitro’s growth in the region, and I am looking forward to this week in Buenos Aires, since I am going to be able to personally meet with so many customers and friends, after the dark years of the pandemic. Zitro Experience and Zitro University are going to be two fantastic occasions to reunite with operators and for Zitro to shine thanks to its spectacular brand-new, innovative product line”, stated Sebastian Salat, CEO of Zitro.

Zitro Experience will be held on March 29^th at 19:00pm at La Escondida – de Olivos, and Zitro University will take place on March 30^th from 10:00am to 14:45pm at the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel, prior to the grand opening of SAGSE’22.

The Mexican Winpot Group, has bet on Zitro to introduce the brand-new GLARE family, adding more than 200 GLARE cabinets with its latest innovations: Altius Glare and Megashare Lounge.

Megashare Lounge is the company’s latest innovation, capable of uniting different Zitro cabinets and diverse games to the same mystery prize. Recently, CAPRI GUADALAJARA, DIAMONDS CORDILLERAS, WINPOT PUEBLA, WINPOT BOCA DEL RÍO, WINPOT TUXTLA and WINPOT TONALÁ have added the new Megashare Lounge to their successful gaming offer, to which new games will be continuously added. With Megashare Lounge’s new shared progressive system, if one player wins the MEGA jackpot, all players win.

With over 100 cabinets installed, Winpot Group bets on the tallest GLARE cabinet – Altius Glare – which has been a resounding success. Launched with the exclusive multigame Wheel of Legends, Altius Glare features a stunning 55? and 27? Full HD screen, its 4K graphic resolution, its intelligent LED Halo and its state-of-the-art processor.

These novelties have been welcomed with open arms by players and operators, as stated by Anuar Haua, Winpot’s Operations Director. “We would like to congratulate Zitro for offering us these long-awaited innovations for our players. It is the perfect time to give our gaming halls an extra thrill, with this prize sharing system among all Zitro players, thanks to Megashare Lounge, and with the new spectacular Altius Glare cabinet on display in all its splendor. It’s a true joy to see our casinos like this!”.

“We appreciate Winpot’s support to our creations, it is our main driving force, to work tirelessly to offer the most innovative products to our customers, to their players, and we thank them for the trust placed in us in this new stage full of illusion,” says Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro.

LAS VEGAS, March 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galaxy Gaming, Inc. (OTC:GLXZ) and Aruze Gaming America, Inc. announced that the most popular craps side wager in the world, Bonus Craps™, is now available on the ground-breaking semi-autonomous craps game, Roll To Win Craps™.

The well-loved Galaxy Gaming’s Bonus Craps bets consist of a set of three independent proposition wagers, ALL SMALL, ALL TALL, and MAKE’EM ALL, that seamlessly integrate with Aruze Gaming’s Roll To Win Craps. Utilizing the same footprint as a traditional craps table, Roll To Win Craps, allows players to shoot real dice across a 12-foot LED playing field screen, with bright LED panels displaying amazing graphics and eye-catching animations.

“Our priority is making sure we continue to thrill players with our content; however they may play,” said Todd Cravens, President and CEO of Galaxy Gaming. “Partnering with Aruze to add Bonus Craps to the popular Roll To Win Craps product is a perfect example of this.”

“Today, drawing in new players and keeping them engaged requires a portfolio of games that offer new experiences and the combination of Bonus Craps with Roll To Win Craps does just that,” said Rob Ziems, President, Aruze Gaming. “We are excited to provide our customers and their players this enticing Craps combination.”

HAARLEM, The Netherlands (3 March 2022) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has promoted three of its senior engineering managers. Reenesh Mahabeer, Western Tsogorani, and José A. Zuluaga have been promoted to the posts of Director of Engineering, after each provided exemplary work as senior technical engineers.
 
Steve Daltrey, who previously held the title of Director of Operations, has also been renamed as Director of Engineering to align roles and job titles across the company.

Daltrey, who is based in the UK, initially joined as Director of Operations for GLI UK, providing strategic direction and day-to-day leadership of the engineering department. He is focused on listening to client needs, developing plans to deliver on those needs, and taking clients to new jurisdictions with the single aim of providing an outstanding, best-in-class service.

Mahabeer, who leads the engineering team at GLI Africa, has a broad range of global gaming experience spanning across casino operations and inspections, technical compliance, regulator support, as well as technical training.
 
Focusing on customer centricity, he is responsible for leading an engineering team over 70 strong, servicing a broad spectrum of customers globally. He is passionate about service delivery, the customer journey, and in delivering results through teamwork.
 
Tsogorani, who is based in the GLI Netherlands office, works with some of the leading land-based and internet gaming companies and regulators in the gambling industry. Since joining GLI, he has risen through the ranks to lead a team of more than 40 test engineers.
 
He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe and holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, Prince2 Lead Practitioner, and ISTQB professional certifications.
 
Zuluaga leads test engineers in regulatory compliance testing activities at GLI Netherlands. He provides support and account management for a group of manufacturers and is in constant communication with European regulators. Responsible for risk management audits and change management processes, he has accumulated 20 years of experience in regulatory compliance with CISA and ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor certifications.
 
Managing director for GLI EMEA, Martin Britton commented, “I am delighted to recognize Reenesh, Western, and José with well-deserved promotions, having worked their way up within GLI engineering. Each has worked hard, shown strong leadership skills, and have inspired their teams to put the needs of the customer at the forefront of their work. The change in Steve’s title reflects the global structure of GLI and provides consistency and clarity to our clients.”  
 
“They are outstanding role models for some of our younger engineers who have just started their careers with GLI and show what can be achieved with dedication and commitment. GLI is very proud to have them join the global team of directors; we look forward to the contributions they will undoubtedly bring to the company in their new roles.”
 
Discover a world of opportunity at gaminglabs.com/careers.

- 2021 revenue increased 31% to $4.1 billion on double-digit growth across segments; met or exceeded all 2021 financial goals with key financial metrics above 2019 levels
- Full year operating income of $902 million, the highest in Company history, on strong Global Lottery operating leverage and company-wide structural cost savings
- Generated over $1.0 billion in cash from operations and $770 million in free cash flow in 2021, including record-level cash flows for a quarterly period in the fourth quarter, on strong performance and disciplined capital management
- Reduced net debt by $1.4 billion; leverage improves to 3.5x, the lowest level in Company history, achieving the 2022 leverage target a year early
- Reinstated shareholder returns in the fourth quarter with payment of $0.20 quarterly cash dividend and over $40 million in share repurchases
- Reaffirming full-year 2022 guidance provided at recent Investor Day

LONDON, March 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021. 

"Our 2021 financial results reflect the best revenue, profit, and cash flow performance in the last four years, meeting or exceeding target levels on strong performance across the portfolio," said Vince Sadusky, CEO of IGT. "We made important progress on several strategic objectives, and I am excited to be leading IGT in the next chapter of its evolution. We have set aggressive but achievable multi-year goals and we have a focused strategy to maximize value for all stakeholders."

"Improving leverage to 3.5x a year ahead of schedule enables us to pursue a balanced capital allocation framework that supports investing for growth, continued debt reduction, and the reinstatement of capital returns through quarterly dividends and share repurchases," said Max Chiara, CFO of IGT. "As we enter 2022, the Company is in a very good place with a solid financial condition and a strong foundation for further growth."

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Key Highlights:

Hosted Investor Day introducing Grow, Innovate, and Optimize strategic initiatives to deliver compelling 2025 financial targets
Mid-single digit organic revenue and mid-teens operating income compound annual growth rates from 2021 - 2025
Cumulative cash from operations of approximately $4.0 billion and free cash flow of about $2.4 billion from 2022 - 2025
Completed sale of Italy B2C gaming businesses; net proceeds used to reduce debt
Created stand-alone Digital & Betting segment; strengthened leadership with appointments of Joe Asher and Gil Rotem
Achieved over $200 million in OPtiMa structural cost savings versus 2019
Reinstated $0.20 per common share quarterly cash dividend; repurchased 1.5 million shares for $41 million at an average price of $27.22 per share
Awarded 10-year lottery contract with Connecticut Lottery Corporation, replacing an incumbent following a competitive procurement
Won "Casino Supplier of the Year" award in 2021 Global Gaming Awards London
Extended cashless momentum with several deployments and regulatory approval in Nevada
Company's lottery operations re-certified by World Lottery Association for Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers

Full Year 2021 Financial Highlights:

Revenue of $4.1 billion, up 31% from $3.1 billion in the prior year, driven by impressive growth across segments

Global Lottery revenue of $2.8 billion, up from $2.2 billion, driven by 20% same-store sales growth and including around $165 million in benefits from certain discrete items in the first half of 2021
Global Gaming revenue rises 33% to $1.1 billion, as continued recovery drives key performance indicators higher
Digital & Betting revenue increases to $165 million, up 44%, propelled by new jurisdictions and customers
Operating income of $902 million, versus operating loss of $107 million in the prior-year period driven by double-digit revenue growth
Strong profit flow-through in Global Lottery segment enhanced by positive mix of high-margin Italy lottery sales; contribution of about $140 million from certain discrete items in the first half of 2021
Improved operating leverage from revenue growth coupled with benefit of structural cost savings in Global Gaming
Digital & Betting increases significantly on solid operating leverage
Net interest expense of $341 million, compared to $398 million in the prior year

Net proceeds from asset sale and free cash flow generation drove lower average debt balances
Proactive liability management actions lowered the average cost of debt
Provision for income taxes of $274 million versus $28 million in the prior year driven by significant increase in operating profitability and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets

Net income of $670 million compared to net loss of $839 million in the prior-year period

Significant increase in profit
Gain on sale of Italy gaming businesses
Goodwill impairment and non-cash foreign exchange losses in prior year
Adjusted EBITDA totaled nearly $1.7 billion, up 67% compared to the prior year; Adjusted EBITDA margin of 41%, among the highest level in Company history

Cash from operations was $1.0 billion compared to $595 million in the prior-year period

Strong performance and rigorous management of invested capital
Record free cash flow of $771 million, up from $340 million
Shareholder returns reinstated with $41 million deployed for $0.20 per share quarterly cash dividend and $41 million for share repurchases

Net debt of $5.9 billion, down $1.4 billion from $7.3 billion at December 31, 2020

Strong cash flow generation
Proceeds from sale of Italy B2C gaming businesses
Net debt leverage of 3.5x, down from 6.4x at December 31, 2020, the lowest level in Company history and achieving the 2022 leverage target a year early
Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:

Consolidated revenue of $1.0 billion, up 19% from $885 million in the prior-year period, on double-digit, constant currency growth across segments

Global Lottery revenue totals $687 million, up from $630 million in the prior year, on 8% same-store sales growth
Global Gaming revenue of $321 million, up 45% from the prior year, primarily driven by higher replacement unit sales and average selling prices
Digital & Betting revenue rises to $42 million compared to $33 million in the prior year, propelled by new jurisdictions and customers
Operating income of $186 million, nearly doubling from $96 million in the prior year

Revenue growth with strong profit flow-through sustained focus on cost discipline/avoidance
Net interest expense of $77 million, down from $101 million in the prior-year

Lower average debt balances
Proactive liability management actions lowered the average cost of debt
Provision for income taxes of $56 million, down from $73 million, as prior year impacted by non-deductible foreign exchange losses and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets

Net income was $55 million versus a net loss of $220 million due to increased profit and lower non-cash foreign exchange losses

Adjusted EBITDA of $387 million, up 31% from $295 million in the prior year

Cash from operations of $396 million, up 58% from $251 million in the prior-year period

Solid financial performance and invested capital management
Free cash flow of $326 million, up from $201 million
Record-level quarterly cash flow generation
Cash and Liquidity Update
Total liquidity of $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2021; $591 million in unrestricted cash and $1.7 billion in additional borrowing capacity

Recently received credit rating upgrades with Standard & Poor's rising to BB+ and Moody's to Ba2, both with a stable outlook

Other Developments
On January 20, 2022, the Company announced several Executive and Board leadership changes

Lorenzo Pellicioli to retire as Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Marco Sala appointed Executive Chair of the Board of Directors
Vincent Sadusky appointed CEO and Executive Director
Maria Pinelli appointed to the Board of Directors and Chair of the Audit Committee
Ashley M. Hunter appointed to the Board of Directors and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Yesterday, the Company announced an agreement to sell its Italian proximity payment business

€700 million purchase price; €630M enterprise value
Net proceeds primarily used to reduce debt
Transaction expected to close during the third quarter of 2022
The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share

Ex-dividend date of March 14, 2022
Record date of March 15, 2022
Payment date of March 29, 2022
Reaffirming Full-year and Introducing First Quarter 2022 Outlook

Full-year

Revenue of ~$4.1 billion - $4.3 billion
Operating income margin of 20% - 22%
Cash from operations of $850 million - $1,000 million
Capital expenditures of $400 million - $450 million
First quarter

Revenue of ~$1.0 billion - $1.1 billion
Operating income margin of 20% - 22%
Outlook not adjusted for announced sale of Italian proximity payment business or any impact from the Russia/Ukraine conflict

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast:
March 1, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. EST

To register to participate in the conference call, or to listen to the live audio webcast, please visit the "Events Calendar" on IGT's Investor Relations website at www.IGT.com. A replay will be available on the website following the live event.

Note: Certain totals in the tables included in this press release may not add due to rounding

Comparability of Results

All figures presented in this news release are prepared under U.S. GAAP, unless noted otherwise. Adjusted figures exclude the impact of items such as purchase accounting, impairment charges, restructuring expense, foreign exchange, and certain one-time, primarily transaction-related items. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures are included in the tables in this news release. Constant currency changes for 2021 are calculated using the same foreign exchange rates as the corresponding 2020 period. Management uses non-GAAP financial measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for internal budgeting and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate the Company's financial performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures reflect the Company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of business trends. These constant currency changes and non-GAAP financial measures should however be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Amounts reported in millions are computed based on amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components may not equal the total amount reported in millions due to rounding. Certain columns and rows within tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying unrounded amounts.

See full release and complete spreadsheets at https://ir.igt.com/news/news-details/2022/International-Game-Technology-PLC-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2021-Results/default.aspx



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall", "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2020 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that the financial performance of International Game Technology PLC for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published financial performance or International Game Technology PLC, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management supplements the reporting of financial information, determined under GAAP, with certain non-GAAP financial information. Management believes the non-GAAP information presented provides investors with additional useful information, but it is not intended to nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures. Moreover, other companies may define non-GAAP measures differently, which limits the usefulness of these measures for comparisons with such other companies. The Company encourages investors to review its financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) from continuing operations (a GAAP measure) before income taxes, interest expense, foreign exchange gain (loss), other non-operating expenses, depreciation, impairment losses, amortization (service revenue, purchase accounting and non-purchase accounting), restructuring expenses, stock-based compensation, litigation expense (income), and certain other non-recurring items. Other non-recurring items are infrequent in nature and are not reflective of ongoing operational activities. For the business segments, Adjusted EBITDA represents segment operating income (loss) before depreciation, amortization (service revenue, purchase accounting and non-purchase accounting), restructuring expenses, stock-based compensation, litigation expense (income) and certain other non-recurring items.

Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents debt (a GAAP measure, calculated as long-term obligations plus short-term borrowings) minus capitalized debt issuance costs and cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are subtracted from the GAAP measure because they could be used to reduce the Company's debt obligations. Management believes that net debt is a useful measure to monitor leverage and evaluate the balance sheet.

Net debt leverage and Leverage are non-GAAP financial measures that represents the ratio of Net debt as of a particular balance sheet date to Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months ("LTM") prior to such date. Prior to the disposal of the Italian B2C gaming businesses in the second quarter of 2021, management calculated the Net debt leverage ratio as the ratio of Net debt as of a particular balance sheet date to the LTM of Adjusted EBITDA – combined prior to such date. Management believes that Net debt leverage is a useful measure to assess our financial strength and ability to incur incremental indebtedness when making key investment decisions.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents cash flow from operations (a GAAP measure) less capital expenditures. Management believes free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity and an additional basis for assessing IGT's ability to fund its activities, including debt service and distribution of earnings to shareholders.

Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure that expresses the current financial data using the prior-year/period exchange rate (i.e., the exchange rates used in preparing the financial statements for the prior year). Management believes that constant currency is a useful measure to compare period-to-period results without regard to the impact of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates.

A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the corresponding amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP appears in the tables in this release. The tables provide additional information as to the items and amounts that have been excluded from the adjusted measures.

Contact:
Phil O'Shaughnessy
Global Communications
toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452;
outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452

Francesco Luti
for Italian media inquiries
+39 06 5189 9184;

James Hurley
Investor Relations
+1 (401) 392-7190

Ongoing Strength in Recurring Revenues and Record Game Machine Sales Drive 51% Year-over-Year Increase in Quarterly Revenues

Initiates 2022 Full Year Guidance, including Adjusted EBITDA Growth of 6% - 8%

LAS VEGAS, March 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) ("Everi" or the "Company"), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:
- Revenues rose 51% to a quarterly record $180.4 million from $119.6 million in the 2020 fourth quarter.
- Net income grew to a record $89.4 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, compared to $1.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the 2020 fourth quarter; net income in the 2021 fourth quarter includes an improvement of 180% in operating income as well as a $63.5 million, or $0.62 per share, income tax benet related to the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances.
- Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 45% to a fourth quarter record of $88.8 million from $61.2 million in the 2020 fourth quarter.
- Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, rose 37% to $19.7 million, inclusive of $31.5 million in placement fees paid to extend an agreement with a customer and to fund incremental placements with another customer, compared to $14.4 million of Free Cash Flow in the 2020 fourth quarter.

Record Full Year 2021 Financial Highlights

- Revenues rose 72% to $660.4 million compared to $383.7 million in 2020, and exceeded the prior record year achieved in 2019 by 24%, or $127.2 million.
- Net income, inclusive of $34.4 million in pre-tax costs for the extinguishment of debt associated with the Company's refinancing of its outstanding debt in the third quarter and the income tax benefit noted above, increased to a record $152.9 million, or $1.53 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $81.7 million, or $(0.96) per diluted share, in 2020 and was $136.4 million higher than 2019.
- Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 97% to $347.2 million compared to $176.5 million in 2020 and was 37%, or $94.0 million, higher than the prior record of $253.2 million generated in 2019.
- Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased to a record $158.7 million from $28.9 million in 2020 and was more than triple the $43.8 million generated in 2019.

Michael Rumbolz, Chief Executive Officer of Everi, said, "Our record fourth quarter 2021 results capped a year in which we delivered record-setting annual financial performance across our business. Driven by significant successes in both our Games and FinTech segments, we achieved new all-time full-year records for revenues, net income, Adjusted EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow.

"This performance reflects our strategic focus on growing our recurring revenues and our continued investment in the development of new and enhanced products that help our customers grow revenue and manage their business more effectively. The dedicated and collaborative efforts of our talented global workforce to execute on our operating priorities are clearly evidenced in these strong results. As we begin 2022, our core recurring-revenue businesses continue to grow and our newer initiatives – including iGaming and cashless wallet technology – have a strong foundation from which we expect to generate substantial contributions to our future financial performance.

"For 2022, we expect another year of steady growth as our operating results benet from the continued expansion of our installed base of leased gaming units, growing ship share of gaming machines sold, continued increases in same-store financial access transactions and ongoing organic growth of our Loyalty and regulatory compliance ("RegTech") solutions. Ongoing momentum in these product categories combined with our prudent management of operating and R&D expenses is expected to deliver another year of strong Free Cash Flow generation that will continue to enable Everi to allocate capital towards return-focused investments that generate further growth.

"Our capital allocation priorities will focus on increasing investment in internal product innovation and product enhancements to sustain consistent longer-term growth, as well as the continued pursuit of scalable, bolt-on acquisitions that can expand our product portfolio, boost our addressable market, geographically grow our currently served markets, and further diversify our revenue sources. Our recent announcements to acquire ecash Holdings and certain assets of Atlas Gaming in Australia provide long-term growth opportunities that complement our business strengths."

Randy Taylor, Everi's President and Chief Operating Officer, added, "Our fourth quarter financial results reflect the successful alignment and execution of our operating initiatives. Despite a year that began with substantial pandemic impacts, our Games business achieved record gaming machine unit sales and ended the year with a record-high gaming operations installed base.

Our FinTech business generated significant year-over-year quarterly growth in same-store financial access transactions and funds processed that exceeded historical growth rates and our Loyalty and RegTech software solutions recorded double-digit revenue increases.

"Our operating momentum has been driven primarily by the strength of our high-margin Games and FinTech recurring revenue operations. Momentum in our Games business is evidenced by the achievement of the 11th consecutive quarter-end increase in our installed base of gaming operations units, inclusive of higher-earning premium units that helped drive a year-over-year increase in daily win per unit. Record quarterly slot machine sales of 1,910 units, a 62% sequential increase over the strong 2021 third quarter unit sales and a 42% year-over-year improvement over the 2019 fourth quarter, reflect continued growth in our ship share of replacement units. With annual industry replacement sales expected to increase in 2022, the investments we have made to expand and extend our Games portfolio have positioned Everi to achieve consistent progress towards our longer-term target of a 15% ship share for units sold.

"Our FinTech business generated record revenue, operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter, reflecting the benefit of our investments in the development of a comprehensive portfolio of integrated solutions that allow customers to operate more efficiently and productively. During the quarter, we facilitated more than 31 million transactions that delivered nearly $10 billion in value of funds to casino floors, a 25% increase over the then-record level of funds delivered in the pre-pandemic 2019 fourth quarter.

"Our improved earnings continue to translate into substantial Free Cash Flow, which increased more than five-fold year over year in 2021 to $158.7 million; a level that exceeds the last five years combined. We expect to continue to generate strong Free Cash Flow this year, which positions us to increase the capital we allocate towards return-focused investments in product innovation to sustain our growth and provide continued optionality to pursue accretive, scalable acquisitions that further enhance our growth prospects. We believe the Company's best years are still ahead and with a well-defined operating plan and our team's exceptional ongoing execution, we will continue to build stakeholder value."

See complete release with spreadsheet at https://s1.q4cdn.com/401000259/files/doc_news/EVERI-REPORTS-RECORD-FOURTH-QUARTER-AND-FULL-YEAR-2021-RESULTS-2022.pdf.

New York Times best-selling author Nate Silver to deliver keynote address
 
LAS VEGAS (March 1, 2022) – The future of gaming comes into sharp focus as Gaming Laboratories International (GLI^®) hosts regulators from across North America at its 22^nd Annual Regulators Roundtable.
 
The two-day event is a deep dive into the most urgent issues facing the gaming industry today. A mix of panels and breakout sessions will be led by GLI’s experts and will feature the industry’s leading voices shedding light on important topics including:

• Cybersecurity issues such as information security, malware, security testing, and vulnerability management
• iGaming and related issues such as payment systems and responsible gaming
• Payment modernization technologies, including cashless gaming and NFT and cryptocurrency in land-based, online gaming, and sports betting
• Mergers and acquisitions and their impact on regulation

New York Times best-selling author and founder of FiveThirtyEight.com Nate Silver will deliver a keynote address on “What Makes Gamblers Tick.”
 
Additionally, an Innovation Room will feature a wide range of technological advancements from IGT, Ainsworth, Authentic Gaming, GiG, Kobetron, and UNLV, where regulators can receive hands-on instruction on the new technologies and advice from GLI’s compliance team about the potential impact on regulation.
 
“We are in an exciting time of change; if 2021 was about diligence and strategic preparation, 2022 is about momentum and execution,” said GLI CEO James Maida. “Our experts at GLI are equipped to help clients navigate the ever-changing gaming landscape every step of the way. We have thoughtfully and carefully developed an exciting and informative slate of panels, sessions, and learning experiences to give our clients the exclusive insights to the future they can only get from GLI.”
 
In addition to panels and breakout sessions on industry topics, the Regulators Roundtable will feature entertainment by the Cardio Spider improv comedy group. Christopher, Paul Lirette, and Raul Martinez will be performing their skit “Hacked” written by Cardio Spider members Trina Colon and Kris Chung, a humorous depiction of the everyday risks of malware in the workplace.
 
GLI’s Regulators Roundtable takes place March 16 and 17 at Luxor Las Vegas and is expected to draw hundreds of regulators from across the continent. GLI presents the Roundtable free of charge to regulators as part of its GLI University^® ongoing training.
 
For information, visit gaminglabs.com/glirt22.

LONDON, Feb. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) ("IGT") today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary IGT Lottery S.p.A. has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Italian proximity payment business to PostePay S.p.A. – Patrimonio Destinato IMEL for €700 million.

"This transaction provides us with an opportunity to monetize IGT's market leadership in the Italian proximity payment business at an attractive value as we continue to execute our long-term strategy," said Vince Sadusky, IGT CEO. "Streamlining our products and solutions portfolio enables us to focus our efforts and resources on our core and strategic assets, as we position IGT for industry leadership and increased shareholder value."

The sale price represents an enterprise value of €630 million and approximately €70 million of net unrestricted cash. The business being sold generated about €228 million in gross revenues and approximately €40 million in EBITDA in 2021, reflecting a valuation multiple in line with the most recent Italian transactions in the proximity payments sector. IGT will use net proceeds from the transaction primarily to reduce debt.

The IGT Board of Directors has approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2022.

UBS AG is acting as lead financial advisor and fairness opinion provider to IGT, UniCredit S.p.A. is acting as financial advisor to IGT. Advant-Nctm is acting as legal advisor to IGT and KPMG is acting as financial due diligence and tax advisor to IGT.

IGT to remain exclusive supplier of lottery, iLottery, instant ticket, and video lottery solutions and services through 2043; commits to 1,100 jobs and $155 million in investments in Rhode Island

LONDON, Feb. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, has signed a comprehensive 20-year contract extension with the Rhode Island Lottery to remain the exclusive supplier of lottery, iLottery, instant ticket, and video lottery solutions and services through June 30, 2043. In addition to providing innovative solutions and services, IGT has committed to maintaining 1,100 lucrative jobs in Rhode Island.

LONDON, Feb. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, will expand its instant ticket business in Germany, through a multi-year agreement with Staatliche Toto-Lotto GmbH Baden-Württemberg ("Lotto BW"), a new customer for IGT.

Under the terms of the contract, IGT will provide Lotto BW with all aspects of its instant ticket printing business, including creating compelling instant games and applying the most advanced and secure printing techniques. IGT will also provide its expert marketing services from IGT's Instants Advantage™ program to guide Lotto BW through the strategic portfolio planning process to make informed game decisions that will help drive lottery sales. Additional marketing services include game development, analytics, distribution, retail execution tools and consultation on all aspects of the instant ticket program.

"IGT's industry leadership, expertise and global scope pair well with our vast knowledge of the local lottery market," said Georg Wacker, CEO of Lotto BW. "Through this newly formed partnership, we look forward to working closely with IGT to research, analyze and develop engaging games for our players and that will drive responsible growth for our business."

"The entire German market, and specifically Baden-Württemberg as the third-largest federal state, offers great potential for instant ticket growth," said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Lottery. "IGT's Instants Advantage program coupled with our in-depth analysis capabilities will deliver customized insights and support Lotto BW's goal of providing a superior experience for its players and contributing to good causes within the state."

For more information about IGT's lottery business, visit igt.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Zitro introduces two of its top-performing multigames, Link King and Link Me at two of the casinos of VICCA Group in Bogotá and Barranquilla, Colombia. This is Zitro’s debut in the casino properties of this renowned operator and the company is confident these recent additions will offer players an innovative and high-level gaming experience.

“The thrill and adrenaline rush of getting the link symbols, to win one or more of the great prizes of the Link King slot machines, is one of the most captivating features for a fun and exciting gaming experience. In addition, its multiple games, its colorful graphics, its technology and, of course, its great jackpot offer an amazing entertainment experience that you can find in our Luckia Casino, in Bogota, and in Gran Casino Buenavista, in Barranquilla, and soon in other of our casinos nationwide”, commented Enrique Amorocho, National Marketing Director of VICCA Group.

“VICCA Group is a strong benchmark in the entertainment industry in Colombia, and partnering with them is exciting for us. We are more than proud that this casino operator’s clientele has embraced Zitro’s latest addition with such enthusiasm, and are grateful for the opportunity they have given us to showcase our amazing products”, added Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s Regional Director for Latin America.

The renowned Mexican entertainment group Logrand, has installed Zitro’s new GLARE cabinet line, and more than 200 new machines that join those already deployed throughout the Mexican territory in Logrand casinos, which now exceed half a thousand. Among the novelties arriving to Logrand casinos, is the innovative and premium ALTIUS GLARE – the tallest GLARE cabinet with bigger real estate for 4k graphics, and the new Megashare Lounge shared progressive system.

"We are overjoyed with the novelties that our partner Zitro has brought to our gaming halls. These products represent a great innovation for us, thanks to the magnificent Altius Glare cabinet, and because of the possibility to amuse our customers with Megashare Lounge, receiving more prizes without the need to invest in additional bets. This system of shared progressives is already dominating our casinos, with almost two hundred slot cabinets entertaining our customers", said Jorge Miranda, Slot Manager of Logrand Entertainment Group, enthusiastically.

Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, founder of Zitro, said: "We are convinced that players around the world will enjoy the new Wheel of Legends displayed on the Altius Glare cabinet and the new Megashare Lounge jackpot functionality. Thanks to its cutting-edge performance and stunning visuals, Altius Glare is set to become a player favorite, which will certainly bring joy to Logrand and Zitro. Megashare Lounge is designed exclusively for operators to create their own lounge area with a wide range of Zitro games and cabinets, and thus increase the excitement for players, which translates into benefits for our customers”.

Australian slot machine giant Aristocrat Leisure Ltd has revealed the launch of a new business segment focused on Real Money Gaming (RMG), to be headed by former CEO of the company’s land-based gaming unit, Mitchell Bowen.

Details of the plan were revealed by Group CEO and Managing Director Trevor Croker at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday following its failed attempt to acquire UK-based platform provider Playtech plc. The new RMG segment will sit alongside Bowen’s old Aristocrat Gaming segment – which will now be overseen by former President of Aristocrat’s business in the Americas, Hector Fernandez – and Pixel United, which includes social gaming.

Despite the failed Playtech takeover, Croker said Aristocrat has been investing in building its in-house online RMG capabilities over the past year and, leveraging these foundations, will now accelerating a “build and buy” approach to scaling in online RMG.

“This will see us invest strongly in building out our own online RMG platform infrastructure while also undertaking select M&A, partnerships and talent acquisitions to accelerate progress wherever appropriate,” Croker explained.

“To bring the right level of focus and momentum to the task, we are establishing a third global operating business within Aristocrat.

“Achieving a scaled position in online RMG will be a medium-term effort. It will take sustained investment over a number of years. However, our record shows that Aristocrat knows how to successfully scale businesses.

“We will apply a similar mix of effective organic and inorganic investment, and financial and operational rigour to this task, under Mitchell’s leadership and aligned to shareholders’ interests.”

On the appointment of Bowen to the new segment, Croker said he had already “cemented his reputation as an industry executive of global standing. His strategic and operational impact is evident in the outstanding momentum of the Gaming business and its recovery post COVID, with excellent staff engagement and an unwavering customer focus.

“Mitchell will be supported by a dedicated leadership team that will include a number of key internal and external appointments, to rapidly bolster our capabilities in relevant areas,” he said.

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Story written by Ben Blaschke for Inside Gaming Asia

Company will expand Lottery's retailer base with 175 cashless GameTouch 28 machines and support its launch of the highly successful Cash Pop game

LONDON, Feb. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, has signed a three-year contract extension with long-time partner, the Missouri Lottery, which extends the existing agreement until June 30, 2025.

As part of this agreement, IGT will deploy 175 new cashless GameTouch™ 28 self-service vending machines, expanding the Lottery's retailer base and allowing for a more dynamic user experience among players. IGT will also support the Lottery's launch of IGT's highly successful proprietary Cash Pop™ draw game that offers flexibility for operators and players with its easy-to-play mechanics.

"The Missouri Lottery has trusted IGT and its industry-leading innovations to help responsibly grow our sales and fund public education in the state for more than 30 years," said May Scheve Reardon, Missouri Lottery Executive Director."Including Cash Pop in our game portfolio is the latest example of how IGT has continually guided us through the evolving lottery industry. This exciting new game will allow our players to customize their game play for personalized experiences unlike any other on the market.Additionally, expanding our retailer base with IGT's GameTouch 28 vending machines will provide more convenience to our players."

"IGT applauds the Missouri Lottery for its continued forward-looking approach to ensure its players have access to the most entertaining lottery products and games," said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Global Lottery."IGT's cashless GameTouch vending machines and patented Cash Pop game are best-in-class solutions that draw upon our decades of industry leadership and are designed for the next generation of players. We look forward to helping the Lottery continue to maximize its funds toward public education over the next few years."

IGT has served as the primary lottery technology supplier to the Missouri Lottery since 1991. In addition to self-service lottery vending machines and Cash Pop, IGT provides the Lottery with its central system, retail terminals and equipment, instant tickets and field services.

As the lottery market leader, IGT central systems process approximately 75 percent of U.S. lottery sales. For more information about IGT's lottery business, visit IGT.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Zitro’s most iconic multigames, Link King and Link Me, have made their debut at the new licensed Casino de Mendoza in General Alvear, Argentina. Both video slots are cherished by players around the world and have proven to be a sure bet thanks to their exciting game features and immersive gaming experience. This world-renowned duo displayed on the Fusion cabinet, include 4 game titles with Jackpot Progressives and the popular Bonus Link game feature. Zitro is extremely proud to integrate these proven-performer games to the new entertainment offer of Casino de Mendoza in the beloved province of Mendoza.

Claudio Andreani, President at Casino de Mendoza commented: “Our main goal within our latest investment is to offer the best entertainment in our casino region, so it is important to us that we partner with Zitro, one of the world leaders in casino gaming. The entire installation went smoothly thanks to Zitro’s first class technical support, and we are proud of the incredible success Link King and Link Me have brought to our casino floors. We look forward to a long-term business relationship and to continuing to add their exciting multigames to our product portfolio”.

Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s regional director for Latin America, added: “We are grateful to Casino de Mendoza for choosing Zitro for their latest opening and for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the profitability and success of our products. We look forward to celebrating our thriving business relationship and the proven success of our games and cabinets at their new gaming property”.