LAKEWOOD, N.J. (March 31, 2021) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has named iGaming innovator and leader Joe Bunevith as the company’s Director of Client Solutions. In his role, he will work closely with GLI’s sales, compliance and engineering teams on issues relating to new technologies, client onboarding, new jurisdictions, and business solutions. 
 
Bunevith has extensive experience in developing fantasy sports online game platforms. Most recently, he served as Director of Interactive Gaming for Synergy Blue in Las Vegas, where he was responsible for hiring engineering staff, building product roadmaps, and developing technical requirements. 

He has also served as Director of Product at Z4 Poker, as COO/Product Owner for FastFantasy, as Director of Fantasy Games at BAM Software, and Founder/COO of DeucesCracked.com.
 
He has overseen product launches in Facebook App Center, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Steam Online Game Platform.
Bunevith will report to GLI’s VP Government Relations & General Counsel Kevin Mullally who is excited about the skills Bunevith brings to GLI: “Joe’s experience in sports betting and online delivery channels will be a valuable addition to our team of experts that are responding to the rapid adoption of sports betting and mobile gaming technology. He is an excellent communicator and will be useful resource for our regulatory clients, suppliers and operators.”
 
GLI President and CEO James Maida also welcomed his arrival, and said, “Joe’s technical acumen, especially relating to the way products are taking advantage of omnichannel distribution and digital payment solutions, will be invaluable for our clients. He will be at the forefront of our efforts to work with regulators on efficient risk control strategies for the next era of gaming technology, while delivering superior value and customer service to the industry.”
Fantini Research: Public Policy Insights

Interviews with Public Policy Leaders in Gaming

Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, discusses his recommendations for public policy makers and gaming companies in a video interview with Fantini Research Public Policy Director Laura Briggs.

Public Policy Insights is presented by Fantini Research and Spectrum Gaming and sponsored by Gaming Laboratories International.

View the interview here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ElEwXT06s.

LONDON, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) ("IGT") today announced the satisfaction of the conditions to the redemption of its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (Regulation S ISIN/CUSIP USG4863AAB47/G4863A AB4 and Rule 144A ISIN/CUSIP US460599AB91/460599 AB9) in full on March 26, 2022 including the completion of the sale of its $750,000,000 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2026.

 

Aristocrat Gaming™ raises the bar on innovation again in a new family of games called Triple Grand Fortunes™. In this collection, Aristocrat’s industry-leading Hold & Spin™ mechanic rises to new heights with true triple-up Hold & Spin action and a triple grand jackpot chase.

Triple Grand Fortunes comes to the floor on the technologically advanced MarsX™ Portrait cabinet with three launch titles: Fu Grand™, Lu Grand™, and Shou Grand™. Each game has high volatility for core players, an average feature frequency, and group selectable denom. Each game has unique, 3D, Asian-themed art.

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The distinctive fun in this series is the Triple Grand Fortunes feature. Triple Hold & Spin is activated with six or more cash symbols on any spin. Three (3x5) matrices are played independently, and each new cash symbol resets remaining spins to three. One, two, or three different grand jackpots can be awarded when players fill in 1, 2 or 3 (3x5) matrices.

Three attainable SSP/SAP grand jackpots are always present on each game title, and the jackpots start at $1,000 in a penny configuration. Similar to Lightning Link™, the Hold & Spin and grand jackpot features are the same across each game title.

Each game theme offers its own special Free Games feature. Fu Grand’s free games offer showers of Wilds; Lu Grand’s free games have 2x wilds; and Shou Grand’s free games offer the fun of nudging Wilds.

In each title, free games are triggered by three or more scatter symbols, and retriggers are available.

For more information about Triple Grand Fortunes or any of the games created specifically for the MarsX Portrait cabinet, contact your Aristocrat representative at (702) 270-1000.

Investor Insights

Best Ideas from the Best Investors

PRESS RELEASE March 25, 2021

TODD JORDAN’S TOP PICKS: LVS, BYD, PENN

Hedgeye Managing Director and CFO Todd Jordan cites Las Vegas Sands, Boyd Gaming and Penn National among his top stock picks in gaming in his 20-minute Investor Insights video interview.

Investor Insights is presented by Fantini Research and sponsored by Global Payments Gaming Solutions.

The veteran investor in the gaming space describes the potential for Macau and the major investments LVS is making in the market.

Boyd and Penn National have become top-line stories with their investments in digital and what Jordan calls the double-whammy of a growing number of younger players and the return of older customers to brick-and-mortar casinos.

Along the way, he touches on other themes important to today’s investment environment from the proliferation of online gaming to the SPAC phenomenon.

Jordan’s full interview is at https://youtu.be/r5kRXrG3ohY

Investor Insights is one of a series of video interviews in the Insights series that bring knowledge and understanding of the trends, people and companies that are changing the gaming industry.

Full series at: https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/investor-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

Public Policy Insights, co-presented with Spectrum Gaming and sponsored by Gaming Laboratories International
https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/public-policy-insights.html



For more information on Insights videos, contact Associate Publisher Ashley Diem at ADiem@FantiniResearch.com or +1 302 730 3793.

Industry-leading racing, online wagering, and gaming entertainment company signs-on to top Konami HRM innovations


Louisville, KY — March 23, 2021

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) announced an agreement to purchase a strong line-up of the latest historical racing machines (“HRMs”) by Konami Gaming, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of gaming technology. HRMs are approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and utilize the results of previously run live horse races to generate player outcomes. Stunning venues such as Derby City Gaming and Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel will feature Konami’s historical horse racing machines—characterized by top-performing content and award-winning cabinets. CDI guests will be among the first to experience Konami’s newest HRM offering.

“As a company that is driven to create memorable gaming experiences for guests, CDI is proud to expand its HRM selection to include the latest games by Konami,” said Austin Miller, senior vice president of gaming operations for CDI. “Konami’s recognizable game series and winning machine formats give us hundreds of game themes from which our guests can choose.”

Players will have the opportunity to enjoy popular game play events such as free games, jackpots, wheel spins, and symbol collection features with favorite Konami Gaming characters, scenes, and symbols. Among the top games are China Shores Great Stacks™, Mayan Chief Great Stacks™, Star Watch Magma™, Star Watch Fire™, and more. These will be delivered on Konami cabinets like the curved Concerto Crescent™, award-winning KX 43™, and newest DIMENSION 49™.

“CDI operates at the highest level of commitment to gaming entertainment quality, diversity, and innovation, which Konami is thrilled to support through this shared agreement,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “We look forward to reaching CDI’s valued guests with player-favorite Konami games and machines.” 

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

About Churchill Downs Incorporated

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an industry-leading racing, online wagering and gaming entertainment company anchored by our iconic flagship event, the Kentucky Derby. We own and operate three pari-mutuel gaming entertainment venues with approximately 3,050 historical racing machines in Kentucky. We also own and operate TwinSpires, one of the largest and most profitable online wagering platforms for horse racing, sports and iGaming in the U.S. and we have seven retail sportsbooks. We are also a leader in brick-and-mortar casino gaming in eight states with approximately 11,000 slot machines and video lottery terminals and 200 table games. Additional information about CDI can be found online at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

Media Contact:

Tonya Abeln

Vice President, Corporate Communications

502.636.4506

tonya.abeln@kyderby.com

 

About Konami Gaming, Inc.

Konami Gaming, Inc. is a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION (TSE: 9766). The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of slot machines and casino management systems for the global gaming market. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc. or the SYNKROS gaming enterprise management system, please visit www.konamigaming.com

Media Contact:

Tashina Wortham

Marketing Communications Manager

702.419.6025

wortham0609@konamigaming.com

Honoree established IGT's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, pioneered employee-led Diversity and Inclusion Groups program

LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that Kim Barker Lee, IGT Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, was recently named to the National Diversity Council's list of Top 100 Diversity Officers.

The Top 100 Diversity Officers awards program recognizes the efforts of individuals who have the leadership and counsel to advance diversity and inclusion initiatives, and provide innovative solutions that strategically prioritize the preservation and advocation for diverse talent in the workplace.

"As the pioneer of IGT's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Kim Barker Lee continues to make meaningful contributions that support IGT's global commitment to a fair and inclusive culture that values unity, diversity, and belonging, in our people, players, customers, and communities," said Dorothy Costa, IGT Global Head of People and Transformation. "Through Kim's leadership, IGT has achieved a range of significant diversity and inclusion milestones such as the creation of six global, employee-led Diversity and Inclusion Groups, growth in the representation of women and people of color in leadership and global recognition by highly respected organizations such as Bloomberg and the All-In Diversity Project."

Barker Lee was appointed to her current role at IGT in 2018. She is a member of IGT's Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and helps shape IGT's supplier diversity programs. She is a widely respected diversity and inclusion thought leader within the gaming and lottery industry and is often called upon to speak at industry events. Barker Lee is a graduate of Yale College and New York University School of Law and is actively involved in many goodwill organizations such as the Community College of Rhode Island Foundation, the Women's Fund of Rhode Island, the United Way of Rhode Island, the American Gaming Association's Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and more.

Barker Lee and other professionals named to the Top 100 Diversity Officers list will be honored at the 17th Annual National Diversity & Leadership Conference held virtually April 21-22 and April 28-29, 2021.

To learn more about IGT's commitment to diversity and inclusion visit IGT.com.

HAARLEM, The Netherlands (March 23, 2021) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has welcomed experienced gaming industry icon James Boje as Chief Operating Officer (COO), EMEA.

Boje brings more than 35 years of gaming and hospitality experience to GLI’s clients. In this changing time for gaming and the world, he further increases GLI EMEA’s abilities to give clients the confidence and critical local insight needed to explore new markets.

As COO, his primary focus will be GLI’s ongoing drive of efficiency and innovation across departments, continuing the company’s employee engagement culture, and providing outstanding customer experience while leading the engineering teams across EMEA.

GLI Managing Director EMEA Martin Britton said, “I am very pleased to welcome James to the team. His leadership and gaming knowledge will make a significant contribution to the overall experience within GLI and with our customers. He has been a key driving force in his previous roles with his enthusiasm, skill, and professionalism, which he now brings to GLI.”

Boje said, "I am truly elated to be joining GLI as Chief Operating Officer, to be both leading and working with the EMEA team, where together we can further enhance the customer experience with a collaborative hands-on approach."

Boje has a proven record of success in developing a culture of engagement focusing on outstanding employee and customer experiences. His areas of expertise include new market initiatives, workflow re-engineering, and sales and marketing development, as well as strategic planning and execution.

Before joining GLI, he was Managing Director EMEA for Aristocrat Technologies Europe Ltd., where he successfully addressed critical and significant growth across the EMEA region, increasing revenue and positioning the company as a dominant player in the competitive EMEA landscape. Previously, he held senior leadership roles with IGT Europe and Africa, where he spent 12 years growing the business and increasing services.

GLI is on the cutting edge of casino gaming technology and regulation, and the company is hiring for a wide range of positions. Apply now to join our team at gaminglabs.com/careers.

Las Vegas, NV – March 23, 2021

At the forefront of the cashless casino technology movement, Jamul Casino becomes one of the first California properties to introduce cashless casino slot markers to their casino floor in partnership with Marker Trax.

Marker Trax will run through the Konami SYNKROS® casino management system and will launch at Jamul Casino in Spring 2021.  Jamul Casino slot and video poker players will conveniently apply, get approved and access their advances electronically in under five minutes through the Marker Trax patented enrollment process.

“Cashless is the future of gaming, and we are excited to introduce this cutting-edge technology to our valued guests”, states Mary Cheeks, President and General Manager at Jamul Casino. “This new benefit of our Sweetwater Rewards players club program delivers on Jamul Casino’s promise of offering guests and team members best in class technologies to enable elevated experiences. Accessing funds in a convenient and safe manner will be well received by our guests”.

With Marker Trax, players will be able to sign up online, or onsite through an app, where they will have access to their account balance and billing information. Upon arrival at the casino, guests can immediately access the funds available on their Jamul Casino Marker Trax account from any slot or video poker machine.   

“We are excited to partner with Jamul Casino to introduce cashless advances to their casino floor,” said Charlie Skinner, Chief Operating Officer of Marker Trax. “The technology is unmatched, and we look forward to a successful launch working with the team at Jamul.”

“From sign-up to cash-out, guests at Jamul Casino can enjoy the best in cashless convenience, delivered through proven technology,” said Tom Jingoli, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “SYNKROS’ time-tested cashless solutions in combination with Marker Trax’s leading-edge digital offering make for a highly dependable, hassle-free experience.”

Marker Trax interfaces with Konami Gaming, Inc.’s award-winning SYNKROS casino management system, and seamlessly issues, records, manages and tracks players’ cashless advances. Account balances will be adjusted automatically to issue a cash-out ticket for winnings.

Signing up for Marker Trax is free and gives the player the ability to play on a cashless advance from the casino. Founded in 2018 by gaming veteran Gary Ellis, Marker Trax is the first of its kind to offer regulatory-compliant casino marker technology that takes the risk out of issuing advances. More information about Marker Trax can be found on the company’s website at markertrax.com.

Prior to signing up for Marker Trax, guests must enroll in Jamul Casino’s Sweetwater Rewards loyalty program.

Fantini Research: Emerging Insights
Interviews with the Gaming Industry’s Leaders

PRESS RELEASE March 18, 2021


GENIUS SPORTS CEO ON INVESTMENT THESIS

Ahead of its IPO through SPAC dMY Technology Group II, Genius Sports Co-Founder and CEO Mark Locke details why Genius is a picks-and-shovel play on sports betting, likening the company to an ETF as it does business with the entire industry.

Locke explains the advantages of Genius’ position as a sports data company including long-term contracts and recurring revenue to investors. He details Genius’ relationships with sportsbooks, leagues and the company’s business model including typical revenue share.

“The opportunities are enormous,” Locke said, adding that the service Genius provides is “mission-critical” to sports betting.

Genius expects the IPO to be completed by the end of the quarter.

 

Locke’s interview: https://youtu.be/gEq9d5B-hBE
 
~~~~~~~~~~
Previous videos in the Emerging Insights series feature these CEOs:
John Levy – Score Media and Gaming, Michael Daly - Catena Media,
John Acres - Acres Technology, Greg Carlin - Rush Street Interactive,
Andrew Burke - Bluberi, Tim Minard - Eclipse, Todd Cravens - Galaxy Gaming,
David Field – Entercom, Matt Davey - Tekkorp, Earle Hall - Axes Network,
Randy Sampson - Canterbury Park, and Charlo Barbosa - GoodGamer.

This is an ongoing service and more videos will be posted throughout the year.

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

Emerging Insights is sponsored by Everi Holdings.


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

Addition of Gila River Gaming Enterprises Offers GAN its First Partner in Arizona

IRVINE, Calif.-- GAN Limited (the “Company” or “GAN”) (NASDAQ: GAN), a leading full-service internet enterprise software-as-a-service provider, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Gila River Gaming Enterprises (“Gila” or “Client”) to provide Simulated Gaming solutions to Gila’s patrons across all properties on both desktop and mobile. The customized solution is powered by GAN’s core Simulated Gaming software and provides meaningful marketing, brand building and revenue opportunities for both operators and GAN.

Gila River Gaming Enterprises operates three casinos in Arizona on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community: Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Vee Quiva in Laveen Village, and Lone Butte in Chandler. GAN was selected to develop a custom solution to bring a more robust experience to Gila’s players. GAN is launching a state-of-the-art, integrated simulated gaming platform on behalf of Gila across both desktop and mobile, and supplying both marketing and front-line customer services for users. As part of the agreement, GAN will also be launching the Company’s latest technology, which offers a new application framework and desktop template including loyalty linking.

Jeff Berman, Chief Commercial Officer of GAN, commented:

“Our Simulated Gaming technology and software continues to demonstrate its industry leading position as we are excited to announce our latest partnership with Gila River Gaming Enterprises. Gila operates three world-class casinos in the state of Arizona, and we are proud to be selected as their trusted partner to improve the player experience. We look forward to developing a customized solution for Gila and the continued growth of our Simulated Gaming clients.”

Dominic Orozco, Chief Marketing Officer of Gila River Gaming Enterprises, commented:

“We are very pleased to have a partner like GAN to develop a customized Simulated Gaming platform allowing our players to play and earn rewards away from our properties. The functionality and flexibility of GAN’s solutions allowed us to immediately begin the launch process and we look forward to working with GAN for many years to come.”

Aristocrat supplies nearly 200 new games for El Bolson and Ing. Jacobacci Casinos
 
LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2021) - Players at Casino Club Argentina's newly renovated El Bolson and Ing. Jacobacci Casinos are now filled with excitement around Aristocrat Gaming's ™ newest games. Aristocrat supplied nearly 200 games for the properties, including the wildly popular Dragon Tower ™ on the cutting-edge Helix XT ™ cabinet.
 
Other Aristocrat games now on Casino Club Argentina's gaming floors include Mighty Cash ™ Link, Wonder 4 ™ Stacks, Gold Stacks ™, and Buffalo ™, all appearing on Aristocrat's Helix ™ cabinets.
“For our audience, having Aristocrat products is a new and exciting experience,” said Matías Vannelli, Marketing and Communications Manager at Casino Club. "Without a doubt, we have a wide and varied library of games, the most attractive titles and an exclusive product" Dragon Tower "that currently can only be found in Casino Club Bariloche."
 
“To our customers and their players worldwide, Aristocrat stands for quality, excellence, and innovation. We are thrilled Casino Club Argentina chose Aristocrat for their renovated properties of Casinos of Bariloche, El Bolsón, and Ing. Jacobacci. We are thankful for their trust in our company, and we are confident their players will enjoy our games, ”said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Americas and EMEA.
Pictured, Hector Fernandez
 
Discover Aristocrat's legendary and pioneering games at www.aristocratgaming.com .
The Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Authentic Brands Group to develop and distribute Elvis-themed lottery games

LONDON, March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that it has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), granting IGT the exclusive property licensing rights to develop and distribute Elvis Presley-themed lottery games throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to compelling instant tickets, innovative draw-based games, and engaging mobile and interactive games, IGT will develop turnkey second-chance promotions and exciting comprehensive experiences for lottery customers and their players. ABG is a global brand development, marketing, and entertainment company and owner of the Elvis Presley brand.

"Elvis Presley is one of the most influential pop culture icons of the 20th century, and IGT is excited offer Elvis games to our customers and their players," said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. "We are committed to bringing a robust, multi-channel and multi-jurisdictional program to the lottery community by extending this brand across all available platforms and territories."

"We're very pleased to be partnering with IGT to create fun games for Elvis fans and lottery players alike," said Marc Rosen, Group President, Entertainment, Authentic Brands Group. "Elvis has a special way of continuing to delight fans and we're excited to see how people react to this engaging and interactive format."

Elvis' legacy is stronger than ever in the 65 years since his global debut. With more than 15 million fans across social media and growing, the "King of Rock 'N' Roll" continues to inspire today's most influential musicians, designers, entertainers, and social influencers and captivate audiences around the world.

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.

LONDON, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) ("IGT") today announced the successful pricing of $750,000,000 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the "Notes").

Application has been made for the Notes to be listed on the Official List of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.

Settlement of the Notes is subject to customary market and closing conditions and is expected to occur on March 25, 2021.

IGT intends to use the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes and proceeds of utilizations under IGT's senior revolving credit facilities to redeem its 6.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (Regulation S ISIN/CUSIP USG4863AAB47/G4863A AB4 and Rule 144A ISIN/CUSIP US460599AB91/460599 AB9) (the "6.250% Notes Due 2022") on March 26, 2022 in full at the optional redemption price therefor (the "Redemption"). The Redemption is conditioned on IGT's receipt of at least $750,000,000 in gross proceeds from the sale of the Notes. A conditional notice of the Redemption will be sent to all registered holders of the 6.250% Notes Due 2022.

The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration.

The Notes are being offered and sold only (i) in the United States to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and (ii) outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, nor shall there be any sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Neither the content of IGT's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on IGT's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this news release.

The distribution of this news release into certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this news release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

In member states of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this news release (and any offer of the securities referred to herein if made subsequently) is only addressed to and directed at persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (including as it forms part of United Kingdom law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

The communication of this news release and any other documents or materials relating thereto is not being made, and such documents or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, such documents or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under Section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments, being investment professionals as defined in Article 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order"); (ii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order; or (iii) any other persons to whom these documents or materials may lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. Any investment or investment activity to which this news release relates is available only to such persons or will be engaged only with such persons and other persons should not rely on it.

LONDON – March 16, 2021 – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its Megabucks® slots and omnichannel Powerbucks® Slots continued making millionaires by awarding two massive jackpots totaling more than $4 million in February.

 

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

 

  • On Feb. 17, an IGT Megabucks player won $3,259,975 playing Megabucks Double Gold at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, Calif.

 

  • On Feb. 20, an online Powerbucks slots player won CA$1,255,116 playing Wheel of Fortune® Exotic Far East in Ontario, Canada
LAS VEGAS (March 16, 2021) – Lightning is striking twice in Mesquite, Nevada! Aristocrat Gaming™ and Mesquite Gaming have launched two new Lightning Link Lounges™ at CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf & Spa and Virgin River Hotel & Casino, bringing with them a storm of fun for every casino player.
 
Each Lightning Link Lounge is a dedicated area of the casino filled exclusively with Aristocrat’s player-favorite Lightning Link™ slot game. The Lightning Link Lounge at CasaBlanca opened March 10 with 20 games, and Virgin River’s Lightning Link Lounge opened March 11 with 24 games.
“Mesquite Gaming and Aristocrat have a built a long-time partnership and their Link games have been very popular with our players,” said Chris Lazzara, Vice President of Marketing and Advertising for Mesquite Gaming. “The new lounge spaces will create even more excitement on our slot floors at both locations.”
 
The concept for Lightning Link Lounges was born from player demand. “From the minute Lightning Link first hit the casino floor in Australia, it became a global sensation. Here in the States, we have worked with our customers from coast to coast to launch Lightning Link Lounges, all in response to player demand,” said Jon Hanlin, senior vice president of commercial strategy and business analytics.
 
Aristocrat’s Lightning Link is a prime example of the company’s innovative spirit and its game play set new industry standards. Since its launch in 2015, the multiple award-winning Lightning Link struck a chord with players around the world and has grown in popularity year after year.
 
Lightning Link was created specifically to appeal to all types of players – frequent players and more casual gamers,  those who like a jackpot experience, as well as those who prefer a more entertaining experience.
 
Join Aristocrat on FacebookLinkedInTwitter, and  YouTube.

LONDON, March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE:IGT) ("IGT") today announced a benchmark offering of senior secured notes denominated in U.S. dollars due 2026 (the "Notes"), subject to customary market and closing conditions (the "Offering"). Application has been made for the Notes to be listed on the Official List of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.

IGT intends to use the proceeds from the Offering and may use proceeds of utilizations under IGT's senior revolving credit facilities to redeem IGT's 2022 6.250% Notes at the optional redemption price therefor (i.e., to exercise the make-whole call option) in whole or in part and to pay certain debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the Offering.

The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration.

The Notes are being offered and sold only (i) in the United States to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and (ii) outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, nor shall there be any sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Neither the content of IGT's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on IGT's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this news release.

The distribution of this news release into certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this news release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

In member states of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this news release (and any offer of the securities referred to herein if made subsequently) is only addressed to and directed at persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (including as it forms part of United Kingdom law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

The communication of this news release and any other documents or materials relating thereto is not being made, and such documents or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, such documents or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under Section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments, being investment professionals as defined in Article 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Financial Promotion Order"); (ii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order; or (iii) any other persons to whom these documents or materials may lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. Any investment or investment activity to which this news release relates is available only to such persons or will be engaged only with such persons and other persons should not rely on it.

LAS VEGAS, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buffalo™ fans have a new reason to cheer because Aristocrat Gaming™ is launching the most highly anticipated game of 2021, Buffalo Link™.

Housed on Aristocrat's all-new MarsX™ Portrait cabinet, Buffalo Link combines the thrill and functionality of Aristocrat's legendary Lighting Link™ and Dragon Link™ games with the theme and features of the gaming industry's most recognized slot brand – Buffalo.

Aristocrat Buffalo Link 031621
Buffalo Link is a landmark combination of innovation and player-favorites. The game introduces the player-favorite Hold & Spin™ functionality and five denomination sets to the Buffalo brand. Staying true to the legacy of Buffalo, Buffalo Link retains its classic Free Games feature along with exciting, new enhancements.

With 2x and 3x wild multipliers now available on reel 5, players will be looking for those signature base game Buffalo wins. Unique to Buffalo Link is 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.

Buffalo Link introduces a single-site linked progressive with multi-denomination functionality to the Buffalo brand. From Buffalo Link's Hold & Spin feature, players have an opportunity to win the linked Grand Jackpot, standalone Major, or static Minor and Mini bonus awards.

Buffalo Link comes packaged with innovative signage and is available in a range of banking configurations that can be tailored to any casino floor.

LAS VEGAS, March 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or the “Company”), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming products, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, today announced the appointment of Kate C. Lowenhar-Fisher as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer – General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, effective March 22, 2021, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Ms. Lowenhar-Fisher will have responsibility for the Company’s legal and regulatory compliance affairs and will report to Everi’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rumbolz.

Ms. Lowenhar-Fisher brings extensive expertise in the casino gaming industry to Everi, including more than 18 years of corporate legal and regulatory compliance experience on behalf of gaming equipment suppliers and casino operators. She most recently served as an Equity Member in the Las Vegas office of Dickinson Wright PLLC, where she chaired the firm’s Gaming & Hospitality Practice Group. During her time at Dickinson Wright, she advised clients on a wide range of corporate and gaming issues, such as financings, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions and internet gaming. She also was a member of the legal team that wrote the definitive book on casino gaming law in the United States, having co-authored the 2016–2020 editions of the LexisNexis publication “Gaming Law and Practice.” Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Ms. Lowenhar-Fisher served as a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, where she specialized in gaming law and commercial transactions.

Michael Rumbolz said, “We are delighted to welcome Kate to the Everi team at this exciting time in the ongoing evolution of our Company and our industry. Her extensive experience across a comprehensive range of corporate issues and deep knowledge of the gaming industry’s unique regulatory and compliance standards will be vital assets for our business going forward. With Everi’s growth focus and future expansion opportunities, we are fortunate to welcome to our team someone with Kate’s experience in so many aspects of gaming and corporate law. We look forward to the benefit of her counsel and contributions.”

Ms. Lowenhar-Fisher is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors and the International Masters of Gaming Law. She also sits on the boards of both the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation and the Nevada PEP. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University, a J.D. from the Emory University School of Law and is admitted to the bar in both Nevada and California.

Konami Gaming’s top casino slot entertainment is recognized in annual awards


Las Vegas, NV — March 11, 2021

Konami Gaming, Inc.’s premium DIMENSION 49J video slot cabinet, along with its debut game series All Aboard, have been nominated in three separate categories in the Annual EKG Slot Awards by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. DIMENSION 49J™ has been nominated for Top Performing NEW Cabinet, while All Aboard™ has been nominated for Top Performing NEW Premium Game and Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game. Following demonstrated success in Australian markets, All Aboard made its North American premiere last year as the debut game series for Konami’s DIMENSION 49J video slot cabinet, cabinet, with 49-inch, J-curve display in 4K Ultra High-Definition (UHD). All Aboard and DIMENSION 49J are honored as official nominees in the 3rd Annual EKG Slot Awards, in addition to Konami’s Fortune Cup® multi-station mechanical horse racing game and Diamond Trails™ linked progressive series.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the performance success and player popularity brought on by All Aboard and DIMENSION 49J for our casino customers,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “The game now reaches players at over 100 casino destinations in North America, not to mention overseas and online. The response has been phenomenal, and continues to grow.”

Konami’s train-themed All Aboard series has been voted among the industry’s most anticipated premium leased games by operators in Eilers – Fantini Slot Survey1, backed by consistent rankings in the Top 25 Indexing New Games – Premium Leased2 - 5. The game remains in high demand, bringing Konami’s award-winning DIMENSION 49J to increasing players, properties, and markets around the globe. Winners of the 2021 EKG Slot Awards will be announced later this month.

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

1 EILERS-FANTINI Slot Survey – 4Q20.
2 EILERS-FANTINI Central Game Performance Database – Data Through October ’20.
3 EILERS-FANTINI Central Game Performance Database – Data Through November ’20.
4 EILERS-FANTINI Central Game Performance Database – Data Through December ’20.
5 EILERS-FANTINI Central Game Performance Database – Data Through January ’21.  

About Konami Gaming, Inc.

Konami Gaming, Inc. is a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION (TSE: 9766). The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of slot machines and casino management systems for the global gaming market. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc. or the SYNKROS gaming enterprise management system, please visit www.konamigaming.com

Media Contact:

Tashina Wortham

Marketing Communications Manager

702.419.6025

wortham0609@konamigaming.com

LAS VEGAS (March 15, 2021) – Buffalo™ fans have a new reason to cheer because Aristocrat Gaming™ is launching the most highly anticipated game of 2021, Buffalo Link™.
 
Housed on Aristocrat’s all-new MarsX™ Portrait cabinet, Buffalo Link combines the thrill and functionality of Aristocrat’s legendary Lighting Link™ and Dragon Link™ games with the theme and features of the gaming industry’s most recognized slot brand – Buffalo.
Click here to download high-res game image
 
Buffalo Link is a landmark combination of innovation and player-favorites. The game introduces the player-favorite Hold & Spin™ functionality and five denomination sets to the Buffalo brand. Staying true to the legacy of Buffalo, Buffalo Link retains its classic Free Games feature along with exciting, new enhancements.
 
With 2x and 3x wild multipliers now available on reel 5, players will be looking for those signature base game Buffalo wins. Unique to Buffalo Link is 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. 
 
Buffalo Link introduces a single-site linked progressive with multi-denomination functionality to the Buffalo brand. From Buffalo Link’s Hold & Spin feature, players have an opportunity to win the linked Grand Jackpot, standalone Major, or static Minor and Mini bonus awards.
 
Buffalo Link comes packaged with innovative signage and is available in a range of banking configurations that can be tailored to any casino floor.
Fantini Emerging Insights
Interviews with the Gaming Industry’s Leaders
 
PRESS RELEASE of March 11, 2021   

SCORE GAMING CEO LEVY TALKS OF CANADA’S POTENTIAL

Score Gaming and Media Founder and CEO John Levy discusses what he calls the company’s tremendous opportunity in Canadian sports betting and its plan to be a market leader in the US following its recent IPO.

Levy’s interview: https://youtu.be/t29vGqX-dwg.

Previous videos in the Emerging Insights series feature these CEOs:

Michael Daly - Catena Media, John Acres - Acres Technology,

Greg Carlin - Rush Street Interactive, Andrew Burke - Bluberi,

Tim Minard - Eclipse, Todd Cravens - Galaxy Gaming,

David Field – Entercom, Matt Davey - Tekkorp,

Earle Hall - Axes Network, Randy Sampson - Canterbury Park,

and Charlo Barbosa - GoodGamer.

 
This is an ongoing service and more videos will be posted throughout the year.

All of these videos can be viewed at

https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/emerging-insights.html

The Emerging Insights videos are sponsored by Everi.

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

Inspired by the success of its Wild Wild™ game series, Aristocrat Gaming™ introduces an innovative new gaming family, Cash Across™. In Cash Across games, core players thrill to the excitement of big wins and jackpot potential.
 
Cash Across games are housed on Aristocrat’s revolutionary MarsX™ Portrait cabinet. This family of high volatility games has frequent features and group multi-denom.
Click here to download high res game images.

The unique Cash Across feature makes for a very fast what-you-see-is-what-you-get and an easy win structure. In Cash Across, players want Cash Across symbols to drop onto reel one. In Cash Across Full Stack, expanding Cash-on-Reels symbols cascade down making wins more attainable. In Cash Across Standard Stack, wins only need to connect with one wild symbol on the first reel.
 
Adding to the excitement are grand, major, minor, and mini SSP/SAP jackpots. The grand jackpot starts at $10,000 in a penny configuration.
Click to watch bonus highlights for Horses of Helios and Savanna Lion
Cash Across comes to market with two thrilling titles: Horses of Helios™ and Savanna Lion™. Horses of Helios brings the era of Greek mythology’s God of the Sun to life in brilliant graphics that take players on a vibrantly colorful trip through ancient Greece.
 
The king of the beasts roars large in Savanna Lion. This journey through tropical Africa engages and entertains players with stunning sights and sounds.
 
For more information about Cash Across, Horses of Helios, or Savanna Lion, contact your Aristocrat representative at (702) 270-1000.
RevMax Plus further separates Aristocrat as
technology and service leader

 
LAS VEGAS (March 8, 2021) – The new RevMax Plus performance optimization program from Aristocrat Gaming is the solution operators of all sizes have been searching for to help maximize game investment through custom and confidential data-driven analytics.
 
Created by Aristocrat’s robust data analytics team, RevMax Plus proactively monitors performance of Aristocrat games across the casino floor. RevMax Plus offers a dedicated analytics team which executes detailed reviews of performance data and current performance trends. This information allows for the development of customized product recommendations individualized to every operator resulting in casino floor adjustments that create the right product mix, aimed at optimizing performance and title diversification. RevMax Plus is further evidence of Aristocrat’s position as a leader in technology and customer service.
 
“RevMax Plus is a testament of Aristocrat’s commitment to our customers and symbolizes where our services meet our exceptional technological capabilities,” said Jon Hanlin, senior vice president of commercial strategy and business analytics. “As a former operator, I understand the importance of data to make critical decisions that directly affect revenue. RevMax Plus delivers solid, data-based recommendations that are unique to each operator’s individual floor.”

Operator response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Thunder Valley Casino Resort Gaming Revenue Manager Patrick Crawley said, “Only Aristocrat has a program like RevMax that takes a data-driven approach to proactively identify opportunities for product improvement. When you’re managing thousands of games, it’s great to have a partner that cares enough to share the load!”
 
The January 2021 ReelHot Index showed Aristocrat with 19 of the 25 top performing core titles, and 20 of the top 25 best performing premium titles. Even with those outstanding performance numbers, Aristocrat wants operators to make the most of every game on the floor. “Our designers make the best games in the business, and independent research proves that performance. Still, we want operators to maximize revenue, and RevMax Plus is an ideal companion to our catalog of proven-performing games,” Hanlin said.
 
RevMax Plus is the latest version of Aristocrat’s RevMax solution, which has been helping customers boost performance since 2008. The new RevMax Plus includes multiple enhancements, such as:

  • dedicated data team provides holistic analysis and game optimization recommendations
  • comprehensive and confidential analysis
  • monthly performance reports and proactive enhancement solutions
  • enhanced and vetted data analytics

 
For more information about RevMax Plus or any of the technologically advanced and innovation solutions from Aristocrat, contact your BDE or reach out to Business.Analytics@aristocrat.com

On-demand series features top gaming industry influencers

 
LAKEWOOD, N.J.  (March 8, 2021) – What do the gaming industry’s top influencers and thought-leaders believe lies ahead? Get the inside view as Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) puts trailblazers in the spotlight in its new streaming series, Illuminating Conversations.
 
Hosted by GLI President/CEO James Maida, Illuminating Conversations is a monthly series of thought-provoking dialogs available on-demand at https://www.gaminglabs.com/illuminatingconversations

“This is a time of significant change in the gaming industry and the world at large. We created the Illuminating Conversations series to bring gaming’s most innovative, ingenious and prescient? leaders together for a discussion of what’s working now, what lies ahead in the near and distant future, and how we can work together to make the industry even better,” Maida said. “The series is meant to be informative and thought-provoking; we’ve been working hard to dig for deeper insights and fresh perspectives that we think will really be helpful to those in the industry.”
 
The Illuminating Conversations premiere episode stars Eilers & Krejcik’s Gaming Principal Todd Eilers in a discussion about the future of gaming in a post-pandemic world. What new tools have consumers been using to game during their time in isolation? How are regulators managing, monitoring, and controlling that behavior? Will funding shortages for states and tribes result in the opening of many more delivery channels for gaming products? The first episode is available for streaming on March 11 with answers to these questions and many others.
 
Subsequent episodes feature conversations with Jamaica Betting, Gaming Lottery Commission Executive Director Vitus Evans; NIGA Chairman Ernest Stevens, Jr.; and Managing Director of Gaming Consultants International Neil Spencer. More guests will be announced in the near future.
 
“At GLI, each of our staff members in every one of our labs is doing everything possible to give our clients insight into existing and emerging jurisdictions worldwide and the newest technologies that will be deployed there. We are committed to ensuring clients have the information they need to confidently explore new business opportunities wherever they can be found, and the Illuminating Conversations series is part of that mission,” Maida said. “We want our clients to keep dreaming big, knowing that wherever their dreams take them, they will have a global partner ready to not only meet any challenge, but also to help them navigate the future of gaming. We’re excited about the future. We’re ready to go.”

Fantini Emerging Insights
Interviews with the Gaming Industry’s Leaders
 
PRESS RELEASE of March 4, 2021   


CATENA MEDIA CEO OUTLINES NORTH AMERICAN AMBITIONS

Brand new Catena Media CEO Michael Daly discusses the opportunity of the North American sports betting and iGaming market.

Daly also discusses Catena’s investment thesis of being the dominant affiliate company in the rapidly growing North American sports betting market with strong margins and good cash flow.

Daly’s interview:  https://youtu.be/yfNrC6nhx8A.



Previous videos in the Emerging Insights series feature these CEOs:

John Acres - Acres Technology, Greg Carlin - Rush Street Interactive, Andrew Burke - Bluberi, Tim Minard - Eclipse, Todd Cravens - Galaxy Gaming, David Field – Entercom, Matt Davey - Tekkorp, Earle Hall - Axes Network, Randy Sampson - Canterbury Park, and Charlo Barbosa - GoodGamer.

 
This is an ongoing service and more videos will be posted throughout the year.

All of these videos can be viewed at

https://www.fantiniresearch.com/conventions/emerging-insights.html

The Emerging Insights videos are sponsored by Everi.

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

Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights:

• Orion Starwall Off to an Encouraging Start with over 300 Games Installed as of December 31, 2020

• Domestic Active Unit EGM RPD Increased 8% Year-Over-Year to Approximately $27

• Installed Base of Industry-leading Table Game Progressive Products Increased by 127 Units Sequentially

• Received our Provisional Michigan i-Gaming Supplier License in December and AGS Content Currently Live

• Generated Positive Operating and Free Cash Flow for the Second Consecutive Quarter

• $111.7 Million of Available Liquidity as of December 31, 2020


LAS VEGAS, March 4, 2021 - 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 financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

AGS President and Chief Executive Officer David Lopez said, “2020 was a year full of unprecedented challenges, the likes of which required the unwavering commitment of a passionate, loyal, and hardworking team to successfully overcome. To that end, I am extremely honored by and thankful for the tireless efforts put forth by so many of our AGS team members to ensure we not only survived the COVID-19 pandemic, but put ourselves in a position to emerge a stronger, more resilient company.”

Lopez added, “Looking beyond the many challenges faced throughout the year, one of the bright spots, to the extent there was one, is that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the pace of life. As a company, we used this time to refine our strategy and improve our operating efficiency, with a keen focus on three key areas; people, product, and processes. As a result, I believe we are better positioned today to achieve success across all three of our business segments than at any other point in our company’s history.”

AGS Chief Financial Officer Kimo Akiona added, “I am incredibly proud of the way our team came together throughout 2020 to face the unprecedented operational and financial hurdles introduced by the spread of COVID-19. Not only were we able to nimbly streamline our business to preserve liquidity at the onset of COVID-19, but we opportunistically shored up our balance sheet in May and successfully ramped operations as our casino operator partners gradually brought their businesses back online. As I look ahead to 2021, I believe our strong liquidity position, improving product portfolio, and organizational alignment position us to achieve improved financial performance”


Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results

• During March and April and continuing through mid- to late-May, nearly all of our customers closed their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by governments and businesses to contain the virus. COVID-19-related measures continued to impact our customers’ businesses throughout the fourth quarter, pacing the majority of the year-over-year declines in the metrics presented above, including revenues, (loss) income from operations, net (loss) income, and Adjusted EBITDA.

• Consolidated revenue totaled $46.6 million compared to $77.8 million in the 2019 fourth quarter, representing a year-over-year decrease of 40.1%. The year-over-year decline reflects the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative impact on our customers' operations and, subsequently, our gaming operations revenue and EGM unit sales.

• We estimate approximately 90% of our 16,268-unit domestic installed base was active as of December 31, 2020. Internationally, we estimate approximately 36% of our 7,985-unit installed base was active as of December 31, 2020.

• Gaming operations revenue, or recurring revenue, totaled $40.0 million compared to $51.6 million in the 2019 fourth quarter. The year-over-year gaming operations revenue decrease reflects the impact of COVID-19 on our EGM and Table Product recurring revenue streams, partially offset by higher Interactive segment revenue, as compared to the prior year. Recurring revenue comprised 85.7% of our total revenue compared to 66.3% in the prior year, reflecting the relative resiliency inherent in our gaming operations business.

• Our 2020 fourth quarter net loss of $17.2 million declined as compared to net income of $1.4 million in the 2019 fourth quarter. Lower net income year-over-year reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, coupled with higher interest expense related to our incremental debt financing, which we closed upon in May 2020.

• Total Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) decreased to $21.3 million compared to $37.3 million in the 2019 fourth quarter. A year-over-year decrease in our EGM adjusted EBITDA, which we largely attribute to the impact of COVID, was partially offset by higher adjusted EBITDA in our Table Products and Interactive segments, as compared to the prior year’s quarter.

• Total Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(1) decreased to 45.7% in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 47.9% in the prior year, reflecting the impact of normalization in our operating cost base to support the anticipated recovery in our revenues from post-COVID lows.

(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 revenue totaled $34.1 million, compared to $41.6 million in the prior year’s quarter. The year-over-year revenue decline reflects the impact of COVID-19-related capacity restrictions and casino closures and, to a lesser extent, a decline in our installed base compared to the prior year period.

• As of December 31, 2020, nearly all our customers' properties in the United States and Canada were reopened, with most operating under some type of capacity limitation. We estimate that more than 14,500, or approximately 90%, of our domestic EGMs were active at the end of the 2020 fourth quarter.

• Our domestic EGM installed base decreased by 2,100 units year-over-year, primarily due to the strategic pruning of approximately 1,200 lower-yielding Integrity units. Additionally, approximately 500 lower-yielding IL VLT units were removed from the base in the fourth quarter of 2020 as part of a planned end of lease term sale. Excluding the Integrity and IL VLT removals, our installed base decreased by approximately 350 units year-over-year, predominantly driven by COVID-19-related floor reconfigurations.

• Domestic EGM revenue per day ("RPD") decreased to $23.26 compared to $24.97 in the prior year period, reflecting the impact of EGMs that were not active in the quarter and thus did not contribute to EGM revenue, but were included in the calculation of RPD.

• Excluding EGMs that were not active during the period, Domestic EGM RPD increased 8% year-over-year to approximately $27, supported by growth within our premium-leased unit installed base, the strategic pruning of lower-yielding units, a resilient core gambling customer, and reduced supply of active EGMs.


International Gaming Operations

• International gaming operations revenue decreased to $1.8 million compared to $6.0 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.

• We estimate approximately 36% of our international EGMs were active at the end of the quarter. Mexico continues to require operators to follow strict protocols that include deactivating adjacent machines and cleaning machines after each is played.

• Our international installed base decreased by 512 units year-over-year as a result of permanent casino closures in Mexico and COVID-19-related floor reconfigurations.


Equipment Sales

• EGM units sold decreased to 283 units in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily attributable to business disruptions related to COVID-19 as noted above and reduced customer budgets for EGM purchases. Additionally, we faced a softer new opening and expansion calendar, as compared to the prior year.

• Domestic ASP remained stable at $18,035 compared to $17,833 in the prior year period.

• We sold units into 17 U.S. states and one Canadian province, with Virginia, Nevada and California emerging as our top three sales markets.

• The Orion Curve accounted for 37% of units shipped in the quarter.


Product Highlights

• Installed an additional 246 premium, lease-only Orion Starwall games, increasing our installed base to over 300 games at quarter end. Starwall games continue to perform well and operator interest remains steady.

• Installed over 175 Orion Curve cabinets in the quarter, increasing our total footprint to over 370 units as of December 31, 2020.

• Completed our first sale of Historical Horse Racing (“HHR”) units into the Virginia HHR market.

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


Table Products Quarterly Results

• Gaming operations, or recurring, revenue totaled $2.4 million compared to $2.7 million in the prior year’s quarter. Capacity limitations and other restrictions implemented at casinos to help combat the spread of COVID-19 negatively impacted the year-over-year comparison.

• Continued growth across all product categories, including side bets, premium table games, table equipment and, most notably, progressives, drove a 13.0% year-over-year increase in our installed base. We estimate approximately 80% of our installed base was active at quarter end.

• Equipment sales revenue increased 81.7% compared to the prior year period. The year-over-year improvement reflects an increase from sales of protective VisiDeal Shield plexiglass player dividers and other parts to help our casino customers operate safely in the current environment.

• Our installed base of table game progressives grew to over 1,500 units, representing a year-over-year increase of 235 units and quarterly sequential growth of 127 units.

• Interest in our all-inclusive site license offering, the AGS Arsenal, continues to build as our customers look for additional ways to improve operating efficiency. We were live with six licenses as of December 31, 2020.


Interactive Quarterly Results

• Total revenue increased 27.0% year-over-year to $1.7 million, while Adjusted EBITDA totaled $0.3 million, marking a $0.7 million improvement versus the prior year.

• Interactive achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth consecutive quarter. Continued growth within our real-money gaming ("RMG") business and consistent social gaming performance, coupled with cost savings from the restructuring of our social business in prior periods, helped to drive improved profitability within the segment.

• RMG revenue increased 49.8% year-over-year, supported by the continued introduction of our EGM content into the European RMG market, our fourth quarter 2019 launch into the New Jersey market, and our second quarter 2020 launch into Pennsylvania. We also believe COVID-19 stay-at-home measures supported our quarterly performance.

• In December 2020 we received our provisional Michigan i-Gaming supplier license and our content is currently live within the state.


Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2020, we had $111.7 million in total liquidity compared to $43.2 million at December 31, 2019. The total principal amount of debt outstanding, as of December 31, 2020, was $622.5 million, predominantly comprised of $621.1 million in first lien term loans, which mature in 2024.

As a precautionary measure to increase the Company’s cash position and facilitate financial flexibility in light of uncertainty in the gaming industry at the time resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, in March the Company borrowed $30.0 million under the revolving credit facility and in May issued an additional $95.0 million in term loans. In connection with the new term loans, 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 EBITDA to be used in the net first lien leverage ratio for the first three quarters of 2021. In October, we elected to fully repay the $30.0 million previously drawn down on our revolving credit facility.

Total net debt, which is the principal amount of debt outstanding less cash and cash equivalents, as of December 31, 2020 was $540.8 million compared to $520.6 million at December 31, 2019. Our Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio increased from 3.6 times at December 31, 2019, to 7.5 times at December 31, 2020, see Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio Reconciliation below(3).

Capital expenditures decreased by 19.1% year-over-year to $14.1 million in the current period, in line with our plans to conservatively manage the use of our cash and only invest in those projects that will provide the highest return on our investment. The current quarter capital expenditures were primarily comprised of $3.4 million in intangible capital expenditures, including capitalized internal software development costs, and $8.7 million in growth capital expenditures, which reflects costs associated with the placement of additional units into our leased installed base.

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

Complete release with spreadsheet is posted at http://investors.playags.com/

Fantini Emerging Insights
Interviews with the Gaming Industry’s Leaders
 
PRESS RELEASE of March 3, 2021                                             
ACRES DISCUSSES NEXT GAMING TECH WAVE
 
Legendary gaming innovator and American Gaming Association Hall of Fame
member John Acres discusses the next wave of technology he is
bringing to the industry and his plans to take Acres Technology public.
Acre’s interview: https://youtu.be/Lkaea34jBws


Previous videos in the Emerging Insights series feature
Rush Street Interactive CEO Greg Carlin, Bluberi CEO Andrew Burke,
Eclipse CEO Tim Minard, Galaxy Gaming CEO Todd Cravens,
Entercom CEO David Field, Tekkorp CEO Matt Davey and
Axes Network CEO Earle Hall.


This is an ongoing service and more videos will be posted throughout the year.

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

The Emerging Insights videos are sponsored by Everi.


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

IGT PlaySports Retail and Mobile Technology Earns Critical State-Wide Approval

 

LONDON – March 3, 2021 – International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it is positioned to expand its sports betting enterprise in Nevada with the recently achieved Nevada regulatory approval for its PlaySports platform for retail and online sports betting. With this approval, IGT’s next-generation sports betting technology stack is approved for deployment throughout the State, enabling more casino operators and their players to benefit from the most widely used sports betting platform in the U.S.

“Achieving Nevada Regulatory Approval for our PlaySports technology enables IGT to extend our sports betting expertise to our many, long-time customers throughout the State and notably differentiates IGT from many other B2B sports betting platform providers,” said Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital Senior Vice President. “IGT’s PlaySports platform is equipped with a high-performance betting engine that delivers an exceptional player experience, an integrated Player Account Management module that enables operators to drive player acquisition and retention through bespoke offers and promotions, and a modular design that enables our PlaySports customers to scale their offering with new market opportunities.”

IGT initiated the required Nevada field trial process for its PlaySports technology at Boyd Gaming properties in August 2020 and is currently powering Boyd Gaming’s entire sports betting enterprise in the State.

The original Fu Dai Lian Lian™ Dragon and Panda game versions are player favorites and proven performers. Now Aristocrat Gaming™ is giving the fun a boost with new games on a new cabinet: Fu Dai Lian Lian Boost Peacock™ and Boost Tiger™, both on the MarsX™ Portrait cabinet.
 
Boost Peacock and Boost Tiger raise the bar on innovation again with a combination of three metamorphic features with true persistence – another industry first from Aristocrat. Three bags – Prosperity, Longevity, Jackpot – are shown prominently under the jackpot displays. Symbols on the reels fill each bag, adding to the excitement of achieving a mystery bonus.


While they share the three metamorphic features with true persistence mechanic, each game has unique features for wide player appeal. For example, Boost Peacock focuses on improving the win values of features, while Boost Tiger focuses on improving feature frequency.
 
Players chase the mystery boost bonuses: Prosperity, Longevity, and Jackpot. In Boost Peacock, Prosperity Boost offers 150-line free games with wild stacks and reel growth. Longevity Boost offers free games with x5 wins. In Jackpot Boost, players collect jackpot name letters to win that jackpot.

In Boost Tiger, Prosperity Boost offers 100-line free games with mystery wilds. The Longevity Boost feature has free games have a 2x or 3x multiplier. In Jackpot Boost, players collect jackpot name letters to win that jackpot.
 
Boost Peacock and Boost Tiger are medium-high volatility with frequent feature frequency, have group selectable denom, and a 50-lines configuration.
 
Jackpot levels are grand, major, minor, and mini, and Boost Peacock and Boost Tiger link to existing Fu Dai Lian Lian games for added cross-floor excitement.
 
For information, contact your Aristocrat representative at (702) 270-1000.