LAS VEGAS (May 6, 2021) – Ainsworth Game Technology (AX: AGI) has partnered with Slotegator, an iGaming aggregator, to distribute its video slot content in the Eastern European online casino market.

Slotegrator’s APIgrator solution makes it possible to easily integrate Ainsworth slots into online casino operators' platforms. The European-based company incorporates slots, card game and virtual sports from more than 60 game developers across the world.

Among the titles that will soon be available via Slotegrator are classic Ainsworth titles including the QuickSpin brand of wheel games, proven high performing High Denomination titles, as well as worldwide player favorites like Mustang Money.

Additionally, Ainsworth will provide a variety of new game content that has been successful in Australian and North American markets such as the Pan Chang, Lucky Break and Kanga Cash.

“We are continuing our strategy to expand Ainsworth offerings across regulated markets throughout Eastern Europe,” said Ainsworth Online General Manager Jason Lim.  “We are excited to begin working with Slotegrator to offer our proven games to a variety of new online casino operators within the Slotegrator distribution network.”  

Casino operators in U.S. can now purchase PeakSlant49™ cabinet with performance-tested IGT core games such as Regal Riches™ and Scarab® Link

AGS : Q1, 2021:

• Total Revenues Increased 1.9% Year-Over-Year and 18.7% Sequentially to $55.4 Million

• Net Loss Improved to $7.8 Million Compared to $14.4 Million in the Prior Year

• Adjusted EBITDA Grew 7.4% Year-Over-Year to $26.3 Million

• Domestic EGM RPD of $27.10 Was Up Nearly 30% Year-Over-Year and Approximately 3% Above the 2019 First Quarter

• Premium Game Initiative Continues to Progress with over 420 Orion Starwall Games Installed at Quarter End; Initial Orion Curve Premium Field Trial Underway

•Table Products Adjusted EBITDA Reached a New Quarterly Record of $1.4 Million

• Interactive Real Money Gaming Revenue More than Doubled to a Record $1.4 Million

• $107.3 Million of Available Liquidity as of March 31, 2021

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First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

• During March and April and continuing through mid-to-late May 2020, nearly all our customers either closed their facilities or dramatically curtailed operations to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We believe these actions significantly limit the year-over-year comparability of our reported financial metrics, including revenues, (loss) income from operations, net (loss) income, and Adjusted EBITDA.

• Consolidated revenue totaled $55.4 million compared to $54.3 million in the 2020 first quarter, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.9%. Growth within the recurring revenue channels of our EGM, Table Products and Interactive businesses helped to offset the impact of ongoing sluggishness in the North American slot replacement market on our reported revenue. Additionally, we recognized an additional $2.1 million in sales revenue related to units that were strategically pruned and subsequently sold as compared to the prior year's quarter.

• We estimate approximately 99% of our 15,456-unit domestic installed base and 51% of our 7,985-unit international installed base was active as of March 31, 2021. These figures compare to 90% and 36%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

• Gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased 4.1% year-over-year to $44.4 million. The benefits realized through the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on our customers' operations, ongoing vaccination efforts, and continued growth within our premium unit footprint paced our improved EGM recurring revenue performance, while continued progressive penetration and improved execution supported year-over-year gaming operations revenue growth within our Table Products and Interactive segments, respectively. In aggregate, recurring revenue accounted for 80.2% of our consolidated revenue compared to 78.6% in the prior year's quarter.

• Our 2021 first quarter net loss of $7.8 million improved as compared to the $14.4 million net loss incurred in the 2020 first quarter. The year-over-year decline in our reported net loss reflects our improved revenue performance, led by our recurring revenue businesses, and recognition of lower depreciation and amortization expense as a result of several intangible assets reaching the end of their useful lives, partially offset by higher interest expense related to our incremental debt financing, which we closed upon in May 2020.

• Total Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) increased 7.4% year-over-year to $26.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased versus the prior year across all three of our operating segments, led by a $1.0 million, or 4.4%, year-over-year increase in our EGM Adjusted EBITDA.

• Total Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(1) improved to 47.5% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 45.1% in the prior year, reflecting favorable mix of higher-margin recurring revenues and an increase in high-margin revenue generated as part of our ongoing strategic pruning initiative, partially offset by normalization in our operating expenses. Recall, we implemented cost savings initiatives in the latter part of the 2020 first quarter to preserve our liquidity in the face of the uncertainty brought upon by the COVID-19 outbreak. These initiatives temporarily reduced our operating expenses below normalized run-rate levels.

(1) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP measures, see non-GAAP reconciliation below.
____________

EGM Quarterly Results

Domestic Gaming Operations(2)

• Domestic gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased 11.2% year-over-year to $37.6 million compared to $33.8 million in the prior year period. The year-over-year revenue increase reflects the combination of easing COVD-19-related restrictions on our customers' operations and ongoing vaccination efforts, which we believe allowed significant pent-up demand to get unlocked across the U.S. casino landscape as the quarter progressed. Additionally, growth within our premium game footprint continued to support our domestic gaming operations performance in the quarter.

• Our domestic EGM installed base decreased by approximately 2,350 units year-over-year, attributable to the strategic pruning of approximately 1,300 lower-yielding units, the end-of-lease buyout of approximately 500 lower-earning IL VLT units and the removal of approximately 550 units primarily associated with COVID-19-related floor reconfigurations.

• Domestic EGM revenue per day ("RPD") increased 28.6% year-over-year to $27.10. We attribute the improved RPD performance to a more accommodative casino operating environment supported by easing COVID-19-related operating restrictions and improved vaccine distribution, the continued growth of our premium game footprint, and the strategic pruning of lower-yielding units. Domestic EGM RPD increased approximately 3% as compared to the $26.42 realized in the 2019 first quarter.

• On a quarterly sequential basis, our domestic EGM installed base decreased by approximately 800 units, including the planned removal and sale of approximately 430 lower-yielding units as part of our ongoing strategic pruning initiative, while our domestic EGM RPD increased 16.5% relative to the $23.26 achieved in the 2020 fourth quarter. Domestic EGM RPD improved month-over-month throughout the 2021 first quarter, with notable strength witnessed across several impactful geographies during the quarter's final month. We attribute the improving RPD trend to the release of significant pent-up casino patron demand, which immediately followed the easing of COVID-19-related operating restrictions and improving vaccination efforts.


International Gaming Operations

• International gaming operations revenue decreased to $2.0 million compared to $5.1 million in the prior year period. The year-over-year decline reflects the impact of measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as temporary casino closures and capacity restrictions, on our business. 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 RPD was $2.94 compared to $6.89 in the 2020 first quarter, with the decline reflecting the degree to which COVID-19-related operating restrictions and facility closures impacted our business. International RPD improved approximately 15% on a quarterly sequential basis, supported by the reopening of additional casinos throughout the 2021 first quarter. Adjusted active unit international RPD was $7.83, down approximately 10% versus the $8.68 achieved in the 2019 first quarter.

• Our international installed base decreased by 301 units year-over-year because of permanent casino closures in Mexico and COVID-19-related floor reconfigurations. The international installed base was unchanged on a quarterly sequential basis.

Equipment Sales

• EGM unit sales decreased to 289 units in the 2021 first quarter, reflecting operators' preference to carefully manage capital expenditures as their businesses recover from COVID-19-related business disruption.

• Domestic average sales price ("ASP") of $17,520 was relatively consistent with the level achieved in Q1 2020.

• We sold units into 14 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, with British Columbia, Virginia, and Ohio emerging as our top three sales markets.

• The Orion Curve accounted for 31% of units shipped in the quarter.

• EGM equipment sales revenue benefitted from the planned sale of approximately 430 previously leased, lower-yielding units to a distributor as part of our ongoing effort to strategically prune under-earning units from our Oklahoma installed base.(3)

Product Highlights

• Placed an additional 120 premium, lease-only Orion Starwall games, increasing our installed base to over 420 games at quarter end. Starwall games continue to perform well and the introduction of additional configuration options offering greater distance between players has the potential to further stimulate operator interest.

• Recently commenced our initial field trial of our Orion Curve Premium package featuring an extension of our player-favorite game theme, Rakin' Bacon.

• Subsequent to quarter end executed an omni-channel enterprise-wide agreement with a large multi-site operator involving our premium lease and for-sale EGM products and our online real money gaming ("RMG") content, set to go live later this year.

• Continue to leverage our exceptional game performance to further penetrate the Virginia and Kentucky Historical Horse Racing ("HHR") markets. Our HHR footprint increased by over 65 units in the 2021 first quarter.

• Expanded our Orion Curve footprint to comprise over 420 units as of March 31, 2021, representing a net quarterly sequential increase of approximately 95 units. The recent introduction of our strong-performing Ultimate Choice Jackpots family of games on the Orion Curve has received a strong reception in the market to date.

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

(3) The 430 units were not included in our sold unit count or ASP for the current period.

_________

Table Products Quarterly Results

• Adjusted EBITDA increased 57.1% year-over-year to a quarterly record $1.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA improved 7.2% on a quarterly sequential basis. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 51.2% compared to 36.2% in the prior y ear period.

• Gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased 17.3% year-over-year to a record $2.7 million, supported by continued growth in our installed base and customer adoption of our all-inclusive site license offering, the AGS Arsenal.

• Our installed base increased by 465 units year-over-year and 108 units on a quarterly sequential basis, aided by the growing appeal of our progressive and side bet product portfolio. We estimate approximately 90% of our installed base was active at quarter end.

• Operator interest in our industry-leading suite of table game progressive products continues to build, as evidenced by the 77 unit quarterly sequential increase in our progressive installed base to a record 1,619 units.

• We successfully launched our Bonus Spin Xtreme progressive in the 2021 first quarter and the pipeline continues to grow. Additionally, we continue to see growing demand for our Royal 9 Baccarat and Super 4 STAX progressives.

• We were live with six site licenses as of March 31, 2021 and interest levels remain high as operators look for ways to further enhance the efficiency of their table game operations.

• Equipment sales revenue decreased $0.1 million year-over-year, reflecting a decrease in DexS card shuffler and other table game product sales.
__________

Interactive Quarterly Results

• Total Interactive revenue increased 41.3% year-over-year to $2.1 million, while Adjusted EBITDA totaled $0.5 million, marking an approximately $0.3 million increase versus the prior year.

• Interactive achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA for the fifth consecutive quarter, supported by continued growth within our RMG business.

• Real Money Gaming ("RMG") revenue increased 110.4% year-over-year to a new quarterly record of $1.4 million, aided by our steadily improving game performance, successful launch into the Pennsylvania (Q2 20) and Michigan (Q1 21) iGaming markets, and back-end integrations with additional B2C iGaming operators. We also believe COVID-19 stay-at-home measures and other macroeconomic tailwinds further supported our quarterly performance. RMG revenue improved over 50% on a quarterly sequential basis.

• In Q2 21 we expect to launch our RMG platform with 11 new operator partners and introduce additional proprietary AGS content, including our first table game offering, to the iGaming market.

• Social gaming revenue declined 13.7% versus the prior year period. We believe our 2020 first quarter B2C Social gaming revenue benefitted from the consumers' preference to stay at home as COVID-19 began to spread, a benefit that was less pronounced in the 2021 first quarter as COVID-19 case counts declined and vaccination efforts progressed. Recently implemented cost savings initiatives helped to mitigate the impact of the Social gaming revenue decline on our reported Interactive Adjusted EBITDA.

__________

Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of March 31, 2021, we had $107.3 million of available liquidity compared to $111.7 million at December 31, 2020. The total principal amount of debt outstanding, as of March 31, 2021, was $620.9 million, predominantly comprised of $619.5 million in first lien term loans, which mature in 2024.

In May 2020, we issued an additional $95.0 million in secured term loans to increase the Company’s cash position and facilitate financial flexibility considering uncertainty in the gaming industry at the time resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with the $95.0 million offering, the Company negotiated a financial covenant relief period through December 31, 2020 related to its net first lien leverage ratio financial covenant and implemented a revised calculation of Adjusted EBITDA to measure the net first lien leverage ratio for the first three quarters of 2021. As of March 31, 2021, our net first lien leverage ratio, measured in accordance with the revised calculation of Adjusted EBITDA described above, was 4.0 times, putting us in compliance with our financial covenant.

Total net debt, which is the principal amount of debt outstanding less cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31, 2021, was approximately $543.6 million compared to $540.8 million at December 31, 2020. Our Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio decreased from 7.5 times at December 31, 2020 to 7.4 times at March 31, 2021 (see Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio Reconciliation below(4)).

Capital expenditures decreased by 6.9% year-over-year to $9.9 million in the current period, in line with our plans to conservatively manage the use of our cash and only invest in those projects providing the highest potential return on our investment. The current quarter's capital expenditures were primarily comprised of $5.2 million in growth capital expenditures, which reflect costs associated with the placement of additional units into our leased installed base, and $3.8 million in intangible capital expenditures, inclusive of capitalized internal software development costs.

(4) Total Adjusted EBITDA and total net debt leverage ratio are non-GAAP measures, see non-GAAP reconciliation below.

__________

Company Overview

AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II tribal gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and remarkable growth have helped us branch out to become one of the most all-inclusive commercial gaming suppliers in the world. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, highly rated social casino, real-money gaming solutions for players and operators, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at playags.com.

__________

AGS Investor & Media Contacts:

Brad Boyer, Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Development and Strategy
bboyer@playags.com

Julia Boguslawski, Chief Marketing Officer
jboguslawski@playags.com


©2021 PlayAGS, Inc. Products referenced herein are sold by AGS LLC or other subsidiaries of PlayAGS, Inc. Solely for convenience, marks, trademarks and trade names referred to in this press release appear without the ® and TM and SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that PlayAGS, Inc. will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these marks, trademarks and trade names.

Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains, and oral statements made from time to time by our representatives may contain, forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations and projections, which are intended to qualify for the safe harbor of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the proposed public offering and other statements identified by words such as “believe,” “will,” “may,” “might,” “likely,” “expect,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “believes,” “continues,” “projects” and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections of future events.

These forward-looking statements reflect the current views, models, and assumptions of AGS, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or qualified and could cause actual results in AGS’s performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of AGS to maintain strategic alliances, unit placements or installations, grow revenue, garner new market share, secure new licenses in new jurisdictions, successfully develop or place proprietary product, comply with regulations, have its games approved by relevant jurisdictions, the effects of COVID-19 on the Company’s business and results of operations and other factors set forth under Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in AGS’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements made herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements speak only to the facts and circumstances present as of the date of this press release. AGS expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE WITH FINANCIAL SPREADSHEET: http://investors.playags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2021/AGS-Reports-First-Quarter-2021-Results/default.aspx

PRESENTATION AT http://s22.q4cdn.com/316621966/files/doc_financials/2021/q1/AGS-Earnings-Deck-Q1-21-FINAL.pdf.

PRESS RELEASE - May 6, 2021

Fantini CEO Insights

One-On-One Interviews with the Gaming Industry’s Leaders


DREITZER ON GROWTH PLANS FOR GAMING ARTS

New CEO Mike Dreitzer discusses plans by Gaming Arts to grow as a major games supplier and its unique new product, Casino Wizard, an electronic table game in a slot format.

Dreitzer’s interview: https://youtu.be/Agz7XR2kNtY.


Fantini’s CEO Insights are sponsored by IGT.


Some of the videos previously released in the series feature
Tom Reeg of Caesars, Jay Snowden of Penn National,
Greg Carlin of Rush Street, Renato Ascoli of IGT
and Barry Cottle of Scientific Games.

All of these and others can be viewed at
https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/ceo-insights.html



Other video interviews in the Insights series ¬– Emerging Insights, Investor Insights and Public Policy Insights – can be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10547


Questions about the series can be addressed to Associate Publisher Ashley Diem at ADiem@FantiniResearch.com or at +1 302 730 3793.

Popular linked jackpot series by Konami Gaming offers a sea of wheel spin opportunities for players

Las Vegas, NV — May 5, 2021

Konami Gaming, Inc. announced the launch of its Ocean Spin video slot series for availability in North America, following high rates of ongoing performance across debut locations. The premium linked progressive game is featured on Konami’s award-winning DIMENSION 49J™ machine, which has seen widespread success since premiering last year with Konami’s popular All Aboard™ game.  Indexing as high as 5x house average, Ocean Spin’s starting performance has achieved even greater levels than All Aboard’s starting performance. Konami’s Ocean Spin is the industry’s No. 1 top performing New Premium Video Title, according to ReelMetric’s April 2021 ReelHot Index.

“Ocean Spin has shown an exceptionally strong arrival for initial casino sites in the U.S.,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “The game’s eye-catching wheel spin bonus, transportive play environment, and outstanding presentation on the casino floor, all come together for a winning slot entertainment spotlight.”

Konami’s Ocean Spin is the second premium series released on its DIMENSION 49J cabinet, which features a 49-inch, J-curve display in 4K Ultra High-Definition (UHD). At the top of each game screen, animated bubbles float seamlessly across every connected machine, filled with potential bonus opportunities. During the game’s signature Ocean Spin Feature, the player is invited to spin the animated bonus prize bubbles by swiping across the large touchscreen display. Prize bubbles whiz across the entire bank or pod, until the spinner lands on a credit award, free games, or instant progressive jackpot with full-screen celebration.

“This premium linked series offers a wide mix of bonus experiences for players, including unique symbol-driven events for each of the compatible base games: Kingdom’s Treasures and Pirate’s Riches,” said Jingoli. “Konami is thrilled by the strong performance results and player response achieved with DIMENSION 49J, and we look forward to continued growth for this proven cabinet format.”

Ocean Spin is available now, with a variety of bank and pod configuration options. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact their Konami representative for the latest information.

For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com.

LONDON, May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that Walter Bugno, Executive Vice President of New Business and Strategic Initiatives, has resigned to pursue a new professional opportunity. Mr. Bugno will continue in his current position until May 14, 2021.

"I would like to thank Walter for his accomplishments over the course of more than 10 years of senior leadership at IGT. His efforts have made meaningful contributions to the strength of our global leadership," said IGT CEO Marco Sala. "At every stage of his time with IGT, Walter successfully engaged teams across multiple regions, built significant customer relationships, fostered continued talent development and championed innovation throughout his organization. On behalf of everyone at IGT, I wish Walter well in his future endeavors."

Following Mr. Bugno's departure, IGT new business responsibilities will be divided among the Global Lottery and Global Gaming business units. Responsibilities for strategic initiatives will be assumed by the IGT Strategy and Corporate Development support function.

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2021) – Tomorrow, Win-River Resort & Casino kicks off a month-long celebration of its 28th anniversary, and Aristocrat Gaming™ is helping to mark the special occasion with the grand opening of a Lightning Link Lounge™ and a Dragon Link Den™ at the thrilling northern California property.

Win-River’s Lightning Link Lounge is home to 38 of Aristocrat’s electrifying Lightning Link™ games and the Dragon Link Den has 20 player-favorite Dragon Link™ games.

Win-River’s Director of Gaming Gary Hayward, Jr. said, "Win-River is northern California's most exciting entertainment and gaming destination, and the new Lightning Link Lounge and Dragon Link Den will push the excitement level even higher. The opening of these two new slot areas – filled with games Win-River players love – is a fantastic way to start our 28th anniversary celebration.”

“Everyone at Aristocrat Gaming congratulates Win-River on 28 exciting years, and what better way to celebrate with their players than to create new spaces dedicated to their favorite games, Lightning Link and Dragon Link. Here’s to 28 more years of fun!” said Jon Hanlin, Aristocrat’s senior vice president of commercial strategy and business analytics.

Lightning Link and Dragon Link are global sensations, and their popularity led Aristocrat to create the Lounge and Den concept, where players can easily enjoy a high concentration of their favorite games all in one destination on the casino floor.

Since its launch in 2015, Aristocrat’s multiple award-winning Lightning Link struck a chord with players around the world and has grown in popularity year after year.

Dragon Link is a multi-denomination game with brilliant and colorful base games. Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous was named the year’s Top Performing Premium Game and the year’s Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game at the 2020 EKG Awards.

Join Aristocrat on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 28, 2021) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has promoted three technology authorities to director positions. Joe Carlon is now Sr. Director of Engineering, N. America; John Owen is now Director of IT, EMEA; and Jesse Peterson is now Director of IT Security, N. America.

Carlon is widely considered one of the world’s leading iGaming and sports betting authorities and was recently named one of GGB Magazine’s “25 People to Watch for 2021.” Click here to listen to GGB’s podcast with Carlon.   Owen and Peterson lead GLI’s global IT teams, and their work helps to ensure GLI’s clients’ information and data is secure while in the lab, among other far-reaching IT-related responsibilities.   “GLI is a global company of incredibly skilled engineers and technology authorities. Joe, John, and Jesse are leaders in their field, and we are thrilled to announce their promotions,” said GLI Executive Vice President Paul Magno. “While we have promoted dozens of our team members, we are always seeking highly qualified technology experts to join our growing team.”   GLI recently announced promotions of dozens of team members throughout its network of international locations, including engineers and six new vice presidents. Additionally, GLI has added staff, from senior level to entry level positions. The staffing additions and moves further strengthen GLI’s abilities to serve regulators, suppliers, and perators in the more than 480 jurisdictions in which GLI operates.

LAS VEGAS, April 27, 2021 – AGS (or the “Company”) (NYSE: AGS) today announced it has signed a license agreement with the National Hockey League (“NHL”) for NHL-themed slot games and table product offerings in the U.S. and Canada. A Vegas Golden Knights-themed slot machine is the first in the collection, with a debut late last week at South Point Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Players at South Point Casino will be able to take a spin on the new slot game – Vegas Golden Knights. This hockey-themed game is “Vegas Born” just like the Golden Knights and it’s larger than life – taking the space of three standard slot games at a gigantic eight feet wide and eight feet tall.

Located just outside the Big Sur Oyster Bar at South Point, the Vegas Golden Knights slot game delivers the ultimate power play experience, featuring multiplier wilds that maximize the win to as much as 10x the bet, and scatter pays that can deliver massive wins when players land one or two Vegas Stars, one or two Golden Knights, or one multiplier. With a roomy seat built for more than one player, the Vegas Golden Knights slot game encourages players to sit and enjoy the experience with family and friends.

South Point Slot Director Cliff Paige said, “We are elated to be the first casino to unveil the Vegas Golden Knights slot game, and look forward to offering our loyal players, many of whom are Las Vegas locals and huge Golden Knights fans, with a hockey-themed slot experience based on an enormously popular team. We expect the Vegas Golden Knights game to do very well; not only does the game offer a community-style play experience as people gather to watch those giant reels spin, but it also provides a great social media photo opp.”

AGS, a corporate partner of the Vegas Golden Knights, sponsors the Play of the Knight, which replays and highlights a key moment from each home game. Through its partnership with the team, AGS has been able to offer community outreach initiatives such as bringing Golden Knights team ambassadors to its adopted Griffith Elementary School, a Title 1 school located in Las Vegas, in addition to providing multiple brand engagement opportunities for its local employees.

AGS Chief Marketing Officer Julia Boguslawski said, “As a corporate partner of the Golden Knights and being headquartered in Las Vegas, it was the perfect opportunity for AGS to deliver an engaging and highly social gaming experience on an attention-grabbing slot cabinet to capitalize on the team’s enormous popularity and success.”

Successfully transitions Pennsylvania & Indiana onto platform, while concurrently launching mobile sports betting in Colorado

LAS VEGAS (April 26, 2021) – Aristocrat Gaming™ and the Las Vegas Aviators® have hit a home run with a new partnership announced today. The partnership makes Aristocrat an official partner of the Aviators and Las Vegas Ballpark, further deepening Aristocrat’s commitment to its host community of Las Vegas.
 
As a proud partner, Aristocrat will have several activations at Aviators home games. For example, each time the Aviators score a run, the audience will enjoy a “stampede” sound effect from Aristocrat’s globally popular Buffalo™ slot game. Furthermore, fans can look forward to 21+ audience participation event opportunities during certain home games.
 
“Each of us at Aristocrat is thrilled to be an official partner of the Las Vegas Aviators. Las Vegas is the host community for our Americas headquarters, and we are honored to give back to the town we call home, and to continue to bring joy to life through the power of play, on the field and on the casino floor,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Americas and EMEA.
 
“There is no better place than Las Vegas Ballpark to enjoy the American pastime of baseball, said Don Logan, president, chief operations officer, Las Vegas Aviators. “Community support of our team and Ballpark means everything to us, and we are excited to call Aristocrat a partner. We can’t wait to hear Aristocrat’s ‘stampede’ effect every time we score!”

Las Vegas, NV — April 21, 2021 Ainsworth Game Technology (ASX:AGI) (“Ainsworth”) has partnered with Konami Gaming, Inc. to launch historical horse racing machines (“HRMs”) for Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”).

Konami’s newly-engineered historical horse racing machines will operate on Ainsworth’s proprietary Historical Horse Racing System. Konami’s HRMs include a suite of popular game titles and cabinet platforms.

The machines will be deployed at CDI’s HRM facilities in Kentucky, including Derby City Gaming, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, and Newport Racing & Gaming. Players can experience a variety of Konami game play entertainment, with the potential for free games, progressive jackpots, bonus awards, and other exciting prizes.

“We have maintained strong and mutually beneficial relations with CDI since Ainsworth developed the systems and led the opening of Derby City Gaming with nearly 1,000 games about two years ago,” said Ainsworth Chief Commercial Officer Deron Hunsberger. “The addition of Konami content and platforms to our system will provide an even stronger product mix at the CDI properties.”

“This launch offers CDI guests even more opportunities to discover new game titles and enjoy a unique experience on the floor,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “We are excited to work together to create more gaming possibilities for players and properties in the HRM space.”

For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.gaming.konami.com.

LONDON, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 20, 2021, Beatrice H. Bassey notified International Game Technology PLC (the "Company") of her intention not to stand for re-election as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Ms. Bassey will serve out her remaining term and will depart from the Company's Board of Directors and its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee effective immediately after the conclusion of the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") to be held on May 11, 2021. Ms. Bassey has advised the Company that her intent not to stand for re-election is due to other professional commitments, as well as challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Bassey further advised the Company that it was a privilege to work alongside the terrific Board and talented and dedicated staff of the Company, and that she remains supportive of the Company's operations, policies and strategy.

As a result, the proposed resolution for her continued appointment to the Board of Directors (resolution number 5) which was included in the notice of AGM and proxy materials distributed to shareholders on April 1, 2021, and which can be found in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.igt.com, is now withdrawn. The withdrawal of resolution number 5 does not otherwise affect the validity of the notice of AGM, the proxy form or any proxy votes already submitted on other proposed resolutions. The numbering of all other proposed resolutions at the AGM will remain unchanged.

"On behalf of the IGT Board of Directors, I would like to thank Beatrice for her dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Board. We wish her well in her future endeavors," said Lorenzo Pellicioli, Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.

The size of the Company's Board of Directors will be reduced to ten directors effective immediately after the conclusion of the Company's AGM on May 11, 2021.

LONDON – April 20, 2021 – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its omnichannel Powerbucks^® Slots continued making millionaires by awarding two life-changing jackpots in March.

Lucky slot players won the following million dollar-plus jackpots on IGT games:

• On March 17, an online Powerbucks player won CA$1,194,278 playing Wheel of Fortune_® Hawaiian Getaway in Quebec, Canada.

• On March 24, an online Powerbucks player won CA$1,000,000 playing Wheel of Fortune_® Ruby Riches in Quebec, Canada.

 

IGT Powerbucks Slots have paid 27 jackpots of $1 million or more since its Canadian debut in 2016. 

Company to deploy its proven INTELLIGEN system as part of a seven-year contract with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission

FANTINI RESEARCH  and  SPECTRUM GAMING GROUP   

PRESS RELEASE    APRIL 19, 2021                                       

Public Policy Insights

Interviews with Public Policy Leaders in Gaming

 
PUBLIC POLICY FOCUS: DISTRIBUTED GAMING

Michael Pollock, managing director of Spectrum Gaming, discusses his recommendations for public policy makers considering distributed gaming.

See Pollock’s interview at https://youtu.be/VhdVxOcTKmU.

Public Policy Insights is co-produced with Spectrum Gaming and sponsored by
Gaming Laboratories International.

The series of one-on-one interviews with public policy leaders is focused on legislative and regulatory issues facing the gaming industry.

Previously released in the series are those with
Laura Briggs, director of public policy at Fantini Research;
Keith Pickard, NCLGS President and Nevada State Senator;
Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling;
Richard Kalm, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board; and
Bill Miller, CEO of the American Gaming Association.

All Public Policy Insights are at
https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/public-policy-insights.html.

Other Insights series:

CEO Insights, sponsored by IGT:
https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/ceo-insights.html

Emerging Insights, sponsored by Everi Holdings: https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/emerging-insights.html

Questions about any of the video series can be addressed to Associate Publisher Ashley Diem at  ADiem@FantiniResearch.com  or at +1 302 730 3793.

LAS VEGAS, April 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everi Digital, the online gaming division of Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or the “Company), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, announced a new contract with British Columbia Lottery Commission (“BCLC”). Pursuant to this contract, Everi Digital recently launched its online slot content on BCLC’s PlayNow.com. Everi Digital became the third slot content supplier to provide BCLC with both online and land-based slot games.

With this new agreement, Everi becomes the largest provider of three-reel stepper products to PlayNow.com’s online casino. With Everi’s extensive library of proven, player-popular stepper games, Everi will be able to expand by up to 10 times the amount of stepper content presently available to PlayNow.com players throughout British Columbia. Additionally, Everi will also be providing its latest successful video slot content for use on PlayNow.com’s online casino.

“We are extremely excited to continue working with BCLC to provide our high-performing game content that has proven popular with players in their land-based casinos to their growing audience of online players,” said David Lucchese, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Digital for Everi. “Online players in a growing number of markets clearly enjoy the experience provided by our library of world-class games, and the expansion of our partnership with BCLC demonstrates our efforts to leverage our engaging content to further expand our Digital gaming business.”

PRESS RELEASE - April 15, 2021

 

 

Fantini’s CEO Insights are sponsored by IGT.

 

Some of the videos previously released in the series feature Tom Reeg of Caesars, Jay Snowden of Penn National, Greg Carlin of Rush Street, Renato Ascoli of IGT and Barry Cottle of Scientific Games.

All of these and others can be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/ceo-insights.html

Video interviews for all of the Insights series ­– Emerging Insights, Investor Insights and Public Policy Insights – can be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10547

Any questions about the series can be addressed to Associate Publisher Ashley Diem at ADiem@FantiniResearch.com  or at +1 302 730 3793.

LAS VEGAS (April 15, 2021) – Gaming industry legend and Managing Director of Gaming Consultants International Neil Spencer is featured in the latest episode of Gaming Laboratories International’s (GLI®) web series, Illuminating Conversations.   The episode premiered today and is available for on-demand streaming now at https://gaminglabs.com/illuminatingconversations.   Perhaps best described as “a consultant’s consultant,” Spencer brings nearly 40 years of casino floor experience to his conversation with GLI President/CEO James Maida, where the pair put a sharp focus on changing consumer behavior.

Viewers will gain critical insight into key questions, such as how has the pandemic shifted consumer behavior and the casino floor landscape, and are those changes permanent? What about new technologies like cashless, online gaming, and sports betting? And how do responsible gaming initiatives such as AML and KYC fit into it all?   Hosted by Maida, Illuminating Conversations is a monthly series of thought-provoking dialogs available on-demand. The series is one more way GLI helps regulators, suppliers, and operators navigate unchartered territory, providing insights and unique perspectives from worldwide experts and empowering viewers to stay one step ahead in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.  As we emerge from this challenging time, GLI remains consciously committed to providing the valuable information and education needed to help viewers mitigate risk, identify fresh opportunities, and look at challenges in new ways, ultimately with the hopes that viewers will not only increase their confidence to explore new opportunities but excel as they reach their goals.

Previous episodes are also available for viewing and have featured Eilers & Krejcik’s Gaming Principal Todd Eilers and Jamaica Betting, Gaming Lottery Commission Executive Director Vitus Evans. The next episode will feature NIGA Chairman Ernest Stevens, Jr. and is slated to air this May.   Be the first to know when new episodes are available by following GLI on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

NEWS RELEASE - April 14, 2021

 

Aristocrat is showcasing the MarsX Portrait Cabinet that features a wireless phone charger and is available with several games including Triple Grand Fortunes and Cash Across.

View at: https://youtu.be/_OvPwHpgNnM.

The Cavalcade of Innovation is sponsored by Ainsworth.

 

Companies also showcasing products on the Cavalcade include Ainsworth, AGS, IGT, Everi, Konami and Incredible Technologies.

More companies will continue to be added to the Cavalcade, aimed at displaying the best new products available to the global gaming industry.

 

The Cavalcade of Innovation is a year-round series that features select innovative new products with quick video demos, all in one spot. All videos can be found at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/cavalcade-of-innovation.html.

Companies interested in displaying new products in the Cavalcade of Innovation should contact VP of Fantini’s Gaming Show Dee Wild-Shyver at DWild@FantiniResearch.com or at +1 302 730 3793.

In addition to the Cavalcade of Innovation, Fantini’s Gaming Show site exhibits companies and products along with announcements of other corporate developments and news with 24/7/365 availability, at https://www.FantinisGamingShow.com. To become an exhibitor contact Dee Wild-Shyver using the above contact information.

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 13, 2021) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has promoted dozens of team members throughout its global offices, across a wide variety of positions and job functions, and throughout the company’s strata.   Promoted to senior vice president are Christine Gallo, Compliance and Quality Assurance, and Kevin Mullally, Government Relations and General Counsel.   Promoted to vice president are Elizabeth Harrison, Human Resources; Mackenzie Haugh, Engineering; Sangeeta Reddy, Engineering; and Angela Zografos, Vice President, Legal, Corporate and Regulatory Compliance.   Throughout the company’s global laboratories, dozens of engineers have also been promoted.

The announcement is the latest in a string of news from the company celebrating promotions and new hires and reflects GLI’s continued commitment to its global team members at all levels as well as to the regulators, suppliers, and operators it serves.   “I am thrilled to announce these promotions and am equally excited that they are taking place in each of our labs around the world. These exemplary leaders are examples of what we mean at GLI when we say to clients that we are ready for what tomorrow brings. Each of them are ready to provide the critical local insights needed for our clients to explore new markets, meet any challenge, and ready to help our clients meet their goals – plain and simple. We are so proud of each of them for all they have achieved through their hard work and diligence and look forward to great things in the future,” said GLI President/CEO James Maida.   Through the worldwide challenges seen over the last year that affected all of us, GLI remained focused on developing our talent so each team member can form critical client partnerships, working to identify where and how to best meet our client’s changing needs. As part of work over the past year during the pandemic, the company invested in reshaping its leadership for the GLI of tomorrow with an even greater focus on customer service, client retention, internal team member growth and engagement, and world-class service delivery.   Discover a world of opportunity at gaminglabs.com/careers.

LONDON – April 8, 2021 – International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation (hereinafter “IGT”), was awarded a one-year contract extension with the Wisconsin Lottery, continuing IGT’s current contract through May 2026.

IGT will help evolve the Wisconsin Lottery’s traditional retail offerings through the creation and delivery of new player-facing digital solutions and the provision of additional self-service lottery equipment, driving engagement and bringing more convenience to players.

IGT will provide the Wisconsin Lottery with an additional 70 Gemini Ultra self-service vending machines and an additional 20 award-winning GameTouch™ self-service terminals, which were specifically built for national retail chains.

“Since our inception in 1988, the Lottery has relied on IGT to help continuously grow our sales and deliver engaging games to players," said Cindy Polzin, Wisconsin Lottery Director. “With this contract extension, IGT is once again helping to modernize our products and solutions while continuing to deliver an outstanding player experience. Our players will certainly enjoy more self-service vending machines in retail stores across the state."

“IGT understands how multi-channel player engagement can help lotteries achieve their goals, and we’re committed to working with the Wisconsin Lottery to grow its business by creating new digital solutions and delivering additional self-service hardware,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. “IGT will continue to provide guidance and support as the Lottery takes steps to digitize elements of the retail player experience and provide a convenient player journey.”

IGT has served as the primary lottery technology supplier for the Wisconsin Lottery since 1988. IGT provides the Lottery with its central systems, retail and self-service lottery terminals and equipment, instant tickets, telemarketing, and warehousing and distribution.

For more information about IGT, visit igt.com. Follow IGT on Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.

About IGT
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 11,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.

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. 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.

Aristocrat’s innovations lead to nine awards   LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2021) – Aristocrat Gaming™ was the big winner again this year in the annual EKG Slot Awards. The company repeated its win of “Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content,” one of nine awards Aristocrat won, more than any other supplier.   Aristocrat was also named Most Improved Supplier – Premium as well as Top Social Casino Company.   Additionally, Aristocrat repeated wins in several categories, including Top Performing Premium Game, Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game, Top Performing Core Video – Reel Game, and Top Performing New Cabinet.   Aristocrat’s recently released innovations also won top awards, including Top Performing New Cabinet, Top Performing New Premium Game, and Top Performing New Video Reel Core Game.   Aristocrat won the following awards: Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content Most Improved Supplier – Premium Top Social Casino Company Top Performing Premium Game: Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous™ Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game: Dragon Link Happy & Prosperous™ Top Performing Core Video – Reel Game: Buffalo Gold Revolution™ Top Performing New Cabinet – Premium: MarsX™ Top Performing New Premium Game: Cash Express™ Luxury Line Buffalo™ Top Performing New Video Reel Core Game: Buffalo Chief™

Further, legendary Aristocrat game innovator Scott Olive was inducted into the Game Development Hall of Fame.   “These awards independently verify that at Aristocrat, we are innovation leaders. We have the best people making the best products, and we are grateful to the thousands of creative and dedicated Aristocrat team members worldwide who bring their passion for play to our customers,” Aristocrat Americas President Hector Fernandez said. “At Aristocrat, we have the most diverse and innovative portfolio – all designed to help our customers deliver the best, most entertaining gaming experiences to their players.”   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.

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (April 7, 2021) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has expanded its customer service teams with a combination of promotions and new hires.

Leading GLI’s Client Services is Candi Lopez, who has been promoted to Manager of Client Services for the North American Supplier Team. In her new role she will work alongside GLI’s VP of North American Client Services Salim Adatia focusing on the success of suppliers across North America.

Prior to joining the Client Services Department, Lopez was a Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor in the QA and Database Department, which enables her to provide unique insights and leadership to her team and clients. Before joining GLI, Lopez proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Also promoted within the North American Supplier Team is Cindy Nguyen, now Senior Account Executive. Her relationships with tribal gaming will help bridge the suppliers, tribes, and technologies as gaming continues to merge land-based and digital gaming. An industry veteran, Nguyen has 19 years of gaming industry experience which includes her previous tenure at San Manuel Gaming Commission prior to joining GLI in 2012.

Kelvin Ortega has been promoted to Account Executive within the North American Supplier Team. Kelvin will leverage valuable cross departmental knowledge while working at GLI since 2015, including Document Specialist in GLI’s QA department, Technical Assistant within GLI’s Engineering department, and most recently in his position of Client Services Coordinator for projects in land-based, iGaming and sports betting.

Joining GLI’s Tribal and Government Client Services Team as Client Service Representative is Joe Decorah. Joe has over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. He was most recently with Wipfli, where he was responsible for developing sales leads, onboarding customers and growing revenue. Joe is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and served in a variety of roles for his tribe involving gaming regulations and regulatory oversight. He was Chairman of the Ho-Chunk Nation Gaming Commission from 2011-15, and Director of Business Operations for the Ho-Chunk Nation from 2007-2009, where he oversaw over 3,000 employees.

Joining GLI as Account Executive on the North American Supplier Team is Christos Karountzos. A gaming industry veteran of 16 years, his previous roles include Gaming Licensing Analyst for the Illinois Gaming Control Board (IGCB) and Senior Jurisdictional Engineer/Product Manager in Compliance at Scientific Games and WMS Gaming. Karountzos’ regulator and supplier experience will prove highly beneficial in his new role.

Kelly Myers is joining GLI’s Tribal and Government Client Services Team as Client Services Representative. Most recently, she was Compliance and Licensing Manager for the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission. Myers also served as Chairperson of the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association. Previously, she was the Chief Operating Officer for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Enterprises.

“We are incredibly impressed with the array of talents our North American Supplier Team and Tribal and Government Client Services Team bring to GLI and our valued clients. It is an exciting time to be in our industry as we begin to emerge from the difficulties of the past year and see the great promise on the horizon. Our new team members, working with our pool of talented and tenured staff, will provide the technical guidance, insights, and confidence to help our clients realize their dreams and help develop the bright future of gaming,” said GLI President/CEO James Maida.

Discover a world of opportunity at gaminglabs.com/careers.

CEO Michael Rumbolz to Become Chairman

Ronald Congemi Named Lead Independent Director

LAS VEGAS, April 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or the “Company”), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and machines, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions, today announced that E. Miles Kilburn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Everi, has informed the Company he will retire from the Board of Directors (the "Board") and will not stand for reelection at the Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held on May 19, 2021, Mr. Kilburn’s last day of service on the Board. The Board has appointed Everi Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Rumbolz, to become Chairman upon Mr. Kilburn’s retirement. The Board also named Ronald V. Congemi, a member of the Board for the last eight years, as Lead Independent Director, effective immediately.

The Board intends to review the opportunity to fill the open director position created by Mr. Kilburn’s retirement through the addition of a new director that would continue to advance the gender, cultural and professional diversity of its current composition and that would bring additional gaming, financial technology, digital and leadership experience to the Board. In addition, the Board’s deep commitment to excellence in corporate governance is reflected in its regular review of and ongoing work to further its existing senior leadership succession planning to ensure long-term continuity. The Board has already identified preferred candidates to ensure this continuity of leadership. While it presently anticipates continuing to pursue its succession plan, additional qualified candidates will continue to be considered.

E. Miles Kilburn Retires

E. Miles Kilburn has served as a member of the Board since March 2005 and has been Chairman since 2008. During his time on the Board, the Company has grown, evolved, and established itself as a leading provider of casino gaming content and products, financial technology solutions and player loyalty services to the gaming industry through both organic growth and 11 acquisitions. Mr. Kilburn’s vast experience and success in the payments industry helped guide Everi’s path to become a leading provider of such solutions to the gaming industry and in leveraging its capabilities to build a comprehensive portfolio of financial technology products and services. In 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Multimedia Games, Inc., which at the time was a niche supplier of primarily Class II casino gaming equipment and is now one of the fastest-growing providers of slot entertainment for the gaming industry with a multi-year track record of revenue growth and increased operating results.

“Having served with distinction on the Board for 15 years including as Chairman since 2008, Miles has led our Board’s efforts to develop and adapt corporate governance practices that promote long-term value creation, transparency to stakeholders and accountability to our stockholders,” said Ronald V. Congemi, Lead Independent Director for Everi. “Since the Company’s IPO in 2005, Miles’ wisdom, experience and guidance has helped Everi develop and evolve into one of the most exciting growth companies in the gaming industry. On behalf of the Board and the entire organization I want to thank Miles for his long-time service to the Company and wish him continued success in the future.”

Miles Kilburn said, “I have enjoyed my long association with Everi, and take great satisfaction in the Company’s evolution into a leading supplier of gaming and financial service solutions to the gaming industry. Everi has strong business momentum and its financial recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is well underway with significant opportunities for growth ahead of it. With Mike as Chairman and an exceptional leadership team in place who continue to develop and execute on Everi’s growth initiatives, the Company will continue to benefit from a strong foundation. With my business interests expanding and taking more of my time, and continuity of the Company’s stewardship in place, it’s a fitting time to retire and provide an opportunity for someone to bring new insights to the Board.”

Michael D. Rumbolz to Become Chairman

Upon Mr. Kilburn’s retirement, Michael D. Rumbolz will jointly serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rumbolz has served as Everi’s Chief Executive Officer since April 1, 2020, having previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2016 through March 2020, and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from February 2016 to May 2016, and has been a member of the Board since 2010. From 2008 to 2010, he served as a consultant to the Company advising upon various strategic, product development and customer relations matters. Prior to that, he served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cash Systems, Inc., a provider of cash access services to the gaming industry, from 2005 until 2008 when the Company acquired Cash Systems, Inc.

Mr. Rumbolz has provided consulting services and held various public and private sector employment positions in the gaming industry, including serving as a Member and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board from 1985 to 1988. He previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Casino Data Systems, the President and CEO of Anchor Gaming, the Director of Development for Circus Circus Enterprises (acquired by Mandalay Bay Group), and the President of Casino Windsor at the time of its construction and opening in Windsor, Ontario. In addition, Mike was the Chief Deputy Attorney General of the State of Nevada.

Mike currently serves as a Director of Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, LLC and as a Director of VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE: VICI).

“Since first joining the Everi Board in 2010, I’ve had a deep and ongoing commitment to the success of Everi,” said Mr. Rumbolz. “Over the last several years, we’ve established a deep bench of experienced and talented leadership and an employee workforce that is second-to-none in my opinion. I am most proud of how we have focused on building a company culture that strives to be more diverse and collaborative, which is yielding more new and enhanced products than-ever-before and has laid a strong foundation for continued growth. I believe Everi is in the early innings of our growth trajectory, and I look forward to being a part of that continuing journey. I, along with the rest of the Board and Company, wish all the best to Miles in his next and future endeavors.”

Ronald V. Congemi as Lead Independent Director

Ronald V. Congemi has served as a member of the Board since February 2013. He is an active member of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s Payments Advisor Council and has served as a member of the board of Clearent LLC, a merchant processing company and as a consultant to the Acxsys Corporation of Canada, the operating arm of the Interac debit network of Canada. He also served four years as Chief Executive Officer of First Data’s Debit Services Group, with responsibility for all debit and Star branded network services. Prior, he was Senior Vice President of Concord EFS, Inc. and President of Concord’s Network Services Group, with management responsibility for the Star network and financial institution processing.

Mr. Congemi founded Star Systems, Inc. and built it into the country’s largest ATM and PIN-secure debit network during his 17-year tenure as President and CEO. Previously, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Visa International and began his career with Texas Commerce Bank in the information systems and bank card management divisions.

He has held positions as Chairman of the Electronic Funds Transfer Association, Chairman of Star Systems, Inc., Chairman of TNS Canada and Chairman of Early Warning Systems, LLC.

Fantini Research

Helping You Make Money

PRESS RELEASE April 7, 2021

Emerging Insights - Interviews with Leaders Changing the Gaming Industry


ANDREW PASCAL, PLAYSTUDIOS CEO

Ahead of going public through Jim Murren-led SPAC Acies Acquisition, Playstudios Founder and CEO Andrew Pascal discusses his plan to accelerate already rapid growth through acquisitions and transform the casual games company capitalizing on its unique business model. He discusses branching out into new product lines, such as the just-launched bingo offering, and expansion into other free-play genres.

Pascal’s interview: https://youtu.be/G01wwbbyGws.


Previous interviews include series feature Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke, Score Media and Gaming CEO John Levy, Catena Media CEO Michael Daly, Acres Technology Founder John Acres, Rush Street Interactive CEO Greg Carlin, Tekkorp CEO Matt Davey. This is an ongoing service and more videos will be posted throughout the year.


All can be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/emerging-insights.html

Emerging Insights is sponsored by Everi Holdings.

 

Other video interviews in the Insights series – CEO Insights, Investor Insights and Public Policy Insights – can all be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10547


Any questions about any of the series can be addressed to Associate Publisher Ashley Diem at ADiem@FantiniResearch.com or at +1 302 730 3793.

Empire Flex® Cabinet, Cash Machine® and Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel® Games Win Top Honors in their Respective Categories

Everi Named Most Improved Supplier in Core Games Category

LAS VEGAS, April 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or the “Company), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and machines, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, announced today the Company and three of its slot products were recognized with Top Honors in four distinct categories at the Third Annual EKG Slot Awards event. Eilers & Krejcik Gaming’s EKG Slot Awards recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the land-based casino gaming industry and interactive gaming sector. 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 from over 300 casinos across the U.S. and Canadian markets and representing roughly 300,000 slot machines. The four top honors, out of the twelve categories in which the Company was nominated, is an improvement from the three top honors last year and Everi was the second most honored slot supplier for this year’s awards.

Everi’s Empire Flex® cabinet was honored as the Top Performing New Cabinet – in the Core games category, while its Cash Machine® game was recognized as the Top Performing Core Mechanical Reel Game for the second consecutive year and Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel® was cited as the Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game, the second consecutive year the Company has won this category following the win for its Shark Week® Jaws of Steel™ game last year. The Company was also recognized for winning in the Most Improved Supplier – Core category.

“We are deeply honored by this industry recognition by our casino operator customers for the performance our games deliver on their slot floors and also appreciate the forum Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, which works year-round to highlight the performance of games on casino floors, has created to recognize great slot product and the companies that are at the forefront of innovation,” said Dean Ehrlich, Executive Vice President and Games Business Leader, at Everi. “This recognition is a testament to the passion and commitment of our development teams, and to the hard work and tireless effort of everyone across our entire organization to support our mission of striving to become one of the leaders in the industry by reimagining the gaming experience. Our slot product portfolio has been on a significant path of improvement over the last couple of years, and we expect our new slot products that will be introduced this year will again demonstrate our ability to develop even more engaging player experiences.”

GAN Limited (the "Company" or "GAN") (NASDAQ: GAN), a leading full-service internet gaming software-as-a-service provider to the real money internet gaming, online sports betting, and simulated gaming industries, today announced the appointment of Robert Shore as Vice President of Investor Relations & Capital Markets. Shore joins the company with more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance, investor relations, and Wall Street research. He was recognized by Institutional Investor magazine the past two years as a top investor relations executive.

In the newly created role, Shore will lead GAN’s investor relations and capital markets efforts, including strategic engagement with the investor community and analysts around the Company’s positioning in the fast-growing digital gaming space.

Dermot Smurfit, Chief Executive Officer of GAN, commented:

"Bobby is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in corporate finance and investor relations, along with a proven track record on Wall Street. We believe his strong gaming experience and deep-rooted relationships within the industry will be extremely valuable as we continue to increase our visibility with institutional investors and propel GAN to the next level."

Bobby Shore commented:

"This is truly an exciting time to be joining the GAN team. There is clear excitement and momentum in digital gaming, and I am eager to further contribute to GAN’s leadership position and operational excellence in this segment."

Shore joins GAN from Scientific Games, a leader in the gaming and lottery industries, where he served as senior director of investor relations and corporate finance. During his tenure, he was actively involved in roughly $4 billion in financing transactions, along with an IPO of the company's subsidiary, SciPlay Corporation. Before that, Shore spent more than a decade in equity research at Wells Fargo, Union Gaming and Susquehanna International Group, where he covered gaming technology companies and operators and developed deep relationships with institutional investors. While in equity research he was frequently quoted and appeared in various media outlets including the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Wall Street Journal and CNBC.

From the creators of Lightning Link™ and Dragon Link™ comes the next evolution of slot floor excitement – Buffalo Link™. Housed on all-new MarsX™ Portrait cabinet, Aristocrat Gaming’s™  Buffalo Link combines the thrill and functionality of Lighting Link and Dragon Link with the theme and features of America’s most recognized slot brand - Buffalo™.

Voted one of G2E 2019’s most anticipated games, Buffalo Link introduces our player favorite Hold & Spin and five denomination sets to the Buffalo brand. Staying true to the legacy of Buffalo, Buffalo Link retains its classic Free Games feature, but with a few enhancements. With 2x and 3x wild multipliers now available on reel 5, players will be looking for those signature base game Buffalo wins. Lastly, Buffalo Link introduces a new mystery must hit by bonus, awarding either Free Games or the Hold & Spin bonus feature, bringing players an added chase on their bonus pursuit.

Click to watch Buffalo Link's exciting bonus features.

Buffalo Link will come packaged with innovative signage and will be available in a range of banking configurations that can be tailored to any casino floor.   Link up with the stampede! Contact your Aristocrat representative today at (702) 270-1000.