Latest Gaming News
IRVINE, Calif-GAN Limited (the “Company” or “GAN”) (NASDAQ: GAN), a leading business-to-business supplier of internet gambling software-as-a-service solutions to the U.S. land-based casino industry, today announced that Wynn Resorts, Limited (“Wynn”) (NASDAQ: WYNN) has engaged GAN in a 10-year agreement to be the enterprise software platform for its Internet sports betting and Internet casino gaming business in the State of Michigan. The Company expects to launch Wynn online in Michigan alongside the first regulated online gambling operators in November 2020, subject to all regulatory approvals. The Michigan launch between GAN and Wynn will be a part of the market access agreement between GAN and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, who operate five casinos under the Kewadin Casinos brand in Michigan, announced on March 27, 2020.
By leveraging GAN’s U.S.-optimized enterprise software, proven get-to-market capability and on-property reward program integration capability, Wynn will be well-positioned as an early mover in the state of Michigan following its commencement of online gaming activities. Furthermore, as a major national casino brand operating casinos in both Las Vegas and Boston Massachusetts, Wynn has a substantial database of patrons’ resident within the Michigan region to cross-market to Internet gambling.
Together with a market-leading range of Internet casino games developed by GAN and/or aggregated from third parties, GAN will publish third-party sports betting content procured from a third-party sports betting content provider augmented by Wynn’s strategic partner Betbull Limited.
Jeffrey B. Berman, Chief Commercial Officer of GAN, commented:
“We look forward to powering the Wynn brand in Michigan with our highly optimized technology platform and enabling Wynn to efficiently invest their marketing capital to attract loyal sports betting and iGaming players. We are pleased to onboard Wynn, with its national casino brand and substantial Michigan-region patron base, as a major operator client and are excited at the opportunity presented by potential roll-outs in multiple additional states in the future.”
“We are thrilled that the global gaming industry has recognized Peter for his leadership and the impact he makes on our clients worldwide,” GLI’s VP of Technical Compliance & QA Chris Gallo said. “Compliance is at the core of every gaming operation, and as Director of Global Technical Compliance, Peter stays on top of emerging technologies to keep gaming operations worldwide in compliance and operational. Peter is also recognized for his impact within GLI as he is solution-based, results-oriented, and promotes a healthy, positive working environment.”
Wolff and his team support regulators in jurisdictions around the world, helping them understand new technologies and advising them on making necessary regulatory adjustments. This guidance supports regulators in accommodating new technologies that keep jurisdictions modern and competitive.
Additionally, he closely monitors quality processes across all GLI domestic and international offices. This internal oversight assures customers that GLI’s rigorous testing standards are being applied and are constantly up to date, as well as ensuring quality objectives are consistently met.
He also oversees GLI’s educational and training division, GLI University®, which is dedicated to keeping customers and clients abreast of new technologies and industry trends.
The ELG 40 Under 40 designation recognizes young professionals making significant contributions in the casino gaming industry who are on track to be the industry’s next generation of leaders. The winners were part of 150+ industry members who were nominated by colleagues who recognized their commitment and dedication to the gaming industry.
LAS VEGAS, NV October 1, 2020 – Ainsworth Game Technology Limited (ASX: AGI) (“Ainsworth”) and Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. recenty announced the latest thrilling Ainsworth games can now be played at www.ResortsCasino.com and www.MoheganSunCasino.com.
Resorts Casino players can now aim to win big on a variety of Ainsworth titles like Golden Dollars and Wild Nights with new games being released on a regular basis.
“We are excited to have our content available on the Resorts Casino sites,” said Ainsworth Online General Manager Jason Lim. “Our growth in the New Jersey online market continues and we’re seeing that players enjoy the unique experience of Ainsworth games. Many of these games have been popular for many years in Atlantic City land-based properties. Now players can experience them in a new way online.”
Ed Andrewes, CEO of Resorts Interactive Casino, said “It’s great news to have Ainsworth titles live on www.ResortsCasino.com and www.MoheganSunCasino.com. Ainsworth’s high and low denomination games make a tremendous addition to our already broad library of games We believe that these games will resonate particularly well with our customers who like to play in the casino as well as online, and this will further establish our position as one of the leading operators for online slots in New Jersey.”
IGT has worked directly with the Minnesota Lottery to launch extremely successful instant games since 2010. Earlier this year, the Lottery launched IGT's Full of $500s at the $5 price point and Power $10 at the $10 price point. These games are currently the Lottery's best-selling $5 and $10 games, respectively.
"Every time someone plays a Minnesota Lottery game, it generates funding to support Minnesota's environment and state services so it is imperative that we deliver the fun games and play styles that our players are looking for," said Wes Harms, Minnesota Lottery Director of Operations. "IGT's Instant Ticket Services team helped us take the Full of $500s scratch game from a concept to a staple of our scratch game lineup. We are pleased that IGT will continue to help us provide the quality scratch games and licensed property games that our players want for the next two years."
"IGT has taken a multi-faceted approach to providing the Minnesota Lottery with successful instant tickets over the last 10 years," said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. "We take pride in working hand-in-hand with the Lottery to design entertaining games based on extensive research, game planning, and strategic marketing. We look forward to delivering these player-centric services and innovative content over the next two years as we continue to help ensure the Minnesota Lottery's success."
Under the terms of the contract, IGT will supply a comprehensive range of instant ticket services for the Minnesota Lottery including, research and analytics, graphics support, and the production and printing of instant tickets. In addition to providing instant tickets and related services, IGT has been the Minnesota Lottery's technology and draw-based lottery systems provider since 2002.
Helping You Make Money™
September 23, 2020. Recognizing the dramatic changes in the structure of the gaming industry, Fantini Research has launched a new set of stock indices to measure industry performance.
“These indices are an important tool for investors to track and measure gaming stocks in comparison to the overall market and the dynamics within the gaming industry itself,” Fantini Research CEO Frank Fantini said.
The indices designed by Fantini’s Editor Blake Weishaar have been backdated to January 2, 2018.
In that relatively brief time, the indices show investor enthusiasm over sports betting, which stands at 175.97 points from a base of 100.
The lowest performing of the indices, North American, stands at 100.72 showing that gaming stocks have held up even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated leisure and hospitality stocks this year.
The four indices are:
• Global Top 30 comprised of the 30 largest gaming stocks by market value. Components range from casino operators to gaming suppliers and technology companies to international internet gamers.
• North American is a comprised of 18 companies that represent a cross-section of gaming in the United States and Canada, from casinos to lottery and gaming technology companies and those in online gaming and sports betting.
• Sports betting comprises a dozen leading companies in this emerging sector including operators, platform providers and marketing affiliates.
• Interactive is comprised of 17 companies that, like the other indices, represents a cross section of this sector.
The indices along with a graph that tracks performance historically can be viewed at https://www.fantiniresearch.com/indices-home-page.html.
Fantini Research is the leading source of daily information and news to institutional investors and C-level executives in the gaming industry. It publishes the daily Fantini’s Gaming Report, Fantini’s Public Policy Review, the National Revenue Report and co-publishes the EILERS-FANTINI Slot Survey, EILERS-FANTINI Performance Database and the Fifth Third-Fantini Distributed Gaming Report, as well as performs research services for gaming companies and investors.
Contact:
Fantini Research
Ashley Diem, Associate Publisher of Fantini’s Gaming Report
+1-302-730-3793
adiem@fantiniresearch.com
Company signs retail sports betting agreement with Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
LONDON, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that the Company expanded its U.S. sports betting footprint to North Dakota with an IGT PlaySports agreement to power retail sports betting at two casinos operated by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Grand Treasure Casino in Trenton, N.D. and Sky Dancer Casino and Resort in Belcourt, N.D., will both leverage IGT's PlaySports platform, self-service kiosks, and trading services.
"By leveraging IGT's proven PlaySports solution, Turtle Mountain will launch an exciting sports betting operation at Grand Treasure and Sky Dancer casinos backed by best-in-class technology, services, and flexible self-service products," said Jamie Azure, Chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. "The addition of sports betting will expand our casino entertainment and offer our loyal patrons and sports fans alike new ways to play. IGT is the market leader in sports betting technology, and I am confident that with their proven experience and service, we will be able to implement and operate exciting and successful programs."
"IGT is excited to expand our sports betting footprint to North Dakota through this agreement with Turtle Mountain, and we're happy to continue delivering our superlative PlaySports platform technology and services to casinos and venues of all sizes," said Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital Senior Vice President. "Entering North Dakota is another significant milestone to add to IGT's growing sports betting pedigree and reinforces our leadership as the principal B2B platform provider in the U.S."
IGT PlaySports is the leading sports betting solution for the U.S. market. North Dakota will become the 15th U.S. state where IGT powers sports wagering, joining Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia, Mississippi and Rhode Island.
For more information about IGT PlaySports, visit igt.com/playsports. 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.
WHAT: International Game Technology PLC (“IGT”) (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it has posted a link to the broadcast of its Gaming Showcase 2020, inviting the Gaming industry to experience “A New Journey, Together” across the Company’s product and solutions portfolio.
This 60-minute video broadcast hosted by Renato Ascoli, CEO Global Gaming; Nick Khin, COO Gaming; and senior business and product leaders, highlights the Company’s latest innovations in Core, Premium, Video Poker, ETG and Sports Betting content and hardware, and solutions that can enhance the efficiency and safety of casino floors such as Resort Wallet cashless technology.
WHERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsmiIekECs&feature=youtu.be
LAS VEGAS, NV September 23, 2020 – Ainsworth Game Technology (ASX: AGI) (“Ainsworth”) announced a new partnership with SoftGamings, a B2B casino platform provider and gaming systems aggregator. Ainsworth’s casino slot games will be available through SoftGamings European and UK platform and real-money gaming operator network.
Ainsworth’s General Manager of Interactive and Online, Jason Lim said: “We are excited to be partnering with SoftGamings in continuing our expansion into the European Real Money Gaming market and look forward to growing the online business with our latest land based games.”.
SoftGamings’ Director of Partnerships, Irina Sazonova, stated: “Inking the partnership deal with Ainsworth Game Technology is a huge step forward and an important milestone for SoftGamings. We are happy to welcome the company to our family that already features 100+ providers and more than 3,000 games. Moreover, we are thrilled to offer Ainsworth’s games to our clients via SoftGamings’ unified API integration platform and look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with the provider.”
On September 24th and 25th, VIP guests can board the Captain’s Bridge direct from the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation TV show and get their photo taken in a unique 180-degree camera experience. Promotions for mychoice® loyalty program members run through September 27th, and the Captain’s Bridge will remain at the M through October 4th.
"We strive to find the industry’s latest and best slot products to offer our loyal M customers,” said Hussain Mahrous, Vice President and General Manager. “We have placed a priority on bringing innovative, experience-driven gaming, such as the new Star Trek: The Next Generation slot game to the property.”
“We are excited to bring this game to market and to launch it with our incredible partners at M Resort Spa Casino. At Aristocrat, we are big fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Our design and development teams have taken their passion for this show and created an innovative game featuring sights and sounds from the series that takes full advantage of our EDGE X™ cabinet’s cinematic design,” said Jon Hanlin, Aristocrat’s senior vice president of commercial strategy and business analytics.
Aristocrat’s landmark EDGE X cabinet has players on the EDGE of their seats with excitement. The Star Trek: The Next Generation game was created by license from ViacomCBS Consumer Products.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation slot game’s bold design takes players to Warp 9 in this exciting slot game voyage. The game is heavily themed and feature rich, including Warp 9 Spins, Borg Assimilation Bonus, Make It So Scatter Boost, and Encounter Free Games.
Experience Star Trek: The Next Generation slot game at M Resort Spa Casino and get a preview of the game here.
Las Vegas, NV — September 22, 2020
Konami Gaming, Inc. announced that its award-winning SYNKROS® has been named the exclusive casino management system of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno and SAHARA Las Vegas. Players will enjoy connected, single card rewards across locations. Grand Sierra Resort is the largest casino resort in Northern Nevada, with more than 1,300 slot games, 50 table games, and nearly 2,000 guest rooms. SAHARA Las Vegas is set to become the first Las Vegas Strip resort to go live with SYNKROS and Konami’s Konetic Employee App™— driving catered rewards and convenience to guests across its 60,000 square foot gaming floor, five-star dining options and three hotel towers.
“SYNKROS was selected to power Grand Sierra Resort and SAHARA Las Vegas due to Konami’s reputation for high system reliability, demonstrated desire for partnership, and clear commitment to helping our business succeed,” said Christopher Abraham, senior vice president of marketing at Meruelo Gaming. “Working with Konami, our world-class gaming resorts have the assurance of a technology partner that truly understands our business and how each casino operates uniquely therein. Those details make a difference to us and our players.”
With the upcoming SYNKROS launch, Grand Sierra Resort and SAHARA Las Vegas will utilize the same card system for the first time—granting seamless loyalty rewards for members across both destinations. Team members are also slated to benefit from the launch of SYNKROS’ Konetic Employee App, with a slot dispatch module that empowers casino floor personnel to receive, manage, and respond to service calls through a secure mobile app. This technology and more are founded upon SYNKROS’ unprecedented 99.99% system uptime and highly reliable system architecture, for long-term performance and scalability.
“We believe SYNKROS is the very best solution available. Konami’s commitment to investing the time and attention to this business made our choice easy,” said Abraham. “The resorts are excited to move forward with this great new system and partnership.”
“Grand Sierra Resort and SAHARA Las Vegas are iconic Nevada resort destinations that we’re thrilled to work alongside in driving new technology to the space, as is the case with the upcoming Konetic mobile launch,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “Both resorts have an energy, enthusiasm, and earned popular regard that Konami is proud to share in supporting.”
Those interested in learning more about SYNKROS’ award-winning product suite are encouraged to visit www.konamigaming.com.
“Konami Gaming, Inc. is hitting the road with its own casino showroom on wheels, in the WINovation Road Show. The company is heading coast-to-coast to show casino executives and professionals the very latest Konami casino games and system technology. Guests can step inside the 53-foot WINovation semi truck to discover 10,000+ square feet of exciting developments, designed for fun and flexibility. WINovation tours are by appointment only. Those interested in participating are asked to speak with a Konami representative for more information on upcoming tour locations. Occupancy caps, face covering requirements, and cleaning procedures are enforced to support on-going health and safety.”
A video of the trailer and this event is in the Videos and Product Demos section below.
Developed by the Aristocrat Customer Experience (CX) Solutions team in conjunction with the Boyd Interactive team, B Connected Mobile utilizes best-in-class mobile technology to enhance the Boyd guest experience. Available on both Android and iOS, B Connected Mobile is the next generation of player connectivity, offering engagement at home, on-the-go, or on the casino floor.
Through B Connected Mobile, Boyd Gaming customers will be able to view account balances and tier status in the B Connected loyalty program, as well as activate promotional offers and drawing entries. A personalized B Connected inbox, tied to the patron’s B Connected card, will share discounts, offers and feature exclusive entertainment and promotions, allowing the guest in real-time to redeem or plan their activities for an upcoming stay or visit.
“Thanks to our strategic partnership with Aristocrat, Boyd Gaming now has a best-in-class mobile platform that will allow us to greatly enhance the guest experience at our properties,” said Blake Rampmaier, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Boyd Gaming. “Ultimately, we will make B Connected Mobile the hub of a unique digital experience – a mobile tool that can be used as a cashless wallet, player loyalty card and hotel room key, all available from a player’s smartphone.”
Cath Burns, Executive Vice President Customer Experience Solutions at Aristocrat, said, “We are thrilled that Boyd Gaming has selected the Aristocrat suite of solutions to help transform both the guest experience and the industry.”
Under terms of the agreement, Boyd Gaming will utilize all of Aristocrat’s Oasis 360™ CX Solutions as its patron engagement ecosystem at all of its casino properties nationwide. Boyd Gaming currently operates 29 casino properties nation-wide.
Aristocrat’s Oasis 360™ system is one of the most widely used casino management systems in North America. It combines an award-winning portfolio of casino management technology comprised of slot management, bonusing, digital, table management, single card loyalty solutions, kiosk, and a media management hub.
LAS VEGAS – Sept. 16, 2020 – Global Payments Gaming Solutions has been named one of the
Founding Members of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute’s
research collaborative on cashless and beyond. The research collaborative, to be housed at the UNLV
International Gaming Institute, will leverage its founding members’, like Global Payments Gaming
Solutions, existing technological, operational, and marketplace strengths to create a leadership position
on responsible gaming, which will be a crucial consideration in any forthcoming cashless wagering
conversations.
Taking its inspiration from the National Center for Responsible Gaming, the Collaborative’s objective is to
provide a neutral, scientific, data-driven foundation for policymakers and regulators to make sound
decisions in the future.
To date, responsible gaming (RG) policy on cashless wagering has been driven more by perception
rather than data. Very little scientific research exists on actual customer behavior when cashless systems
are deployed,” said Alan Feldman, Feldman, Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming, IGI, Project
Director. “As a result, policies can be based on worries or beliefs rather than facts and scientific
methodologies. It is thus important to evaluate and study the potential unintended consequences of these
current policies in order to inform future RG policy. We are appreciative to have industry partners like,
Global Payments, that place as much importance on responsible gaming as we do.”
As a founding member, Global Payments Gaming Solutions will play an active role within the
Collaborative to support the group’s goal of identifying and addressing the most prominent concerns and
questions regarding cashless wagering. The Collaborative will also provide a thorough and objective
evaluation of the accumulated evidence and data on each of the researched topics.
“The rise of cashless gaming and wagering has led to conversations around the safety and security of the
practice, especially as the need for cashless gaming solutions has grown during the COVID-19
pandemic,” said Christopher Justice, president, Global Payments Gaming Solutions and participating
member of the Collaborative. “Global Payments Gaming Solutions is uniquely positioned to provide
industry leadership and expertise to support the Collaborative’s research efforts. Additionally, we recently
launched VIP Mobility, the industry’s first mobile solution enabling true cashless casino gaming, to
provide a more secure, more enjoyable gaming experience in a cashless manner, while also delivering
greater, and more effective, consumer protection for responsible gaming.”
Global Payments Gaming Solutions will be joined by Sightline, Everi, Worldpay and Freedom Pay as
additional founding members of the Collaborative.
About Global Payments Gaming Solutions?
Global Payments Gaming Solutions, a division of Global Payments, enables the world’s gaming
entertainment leaders to create amazing consumer experiences and maximize spend across all of their
physical and digital properties. Our complete suite of payment solutions enables safe, secure and trusted
cash access at the cage, on the casino floor, or online. Learn more at Global Payments Gaming.
LONDON, Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) announced today that its Hexbreaker 3 slots game, PeakBarTop cabinet and PlaySports Bank and PlaySports Pod were all winners of Casino Journal's 2020 "Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards." IGT was the only gaming supplier to win three positions on the esteemed 20-product list of gaming innovations.
In its 23rd year, Casino Journal's annual award program recognizes the most innovative technology offerings in the gaming industry and is judged by a panel of accomplished professionals representing varied dimensions of the casino gaming sector.
"IGT's success in Casino Journal's 2020 'Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards' is a reflection of our pioneering spirit and commitment to developing and delivering growth-driving solutions for our customers worldwide," said Renato Ascoli, IGT CEO, Global Gaming. "IGT's Hexbreaker 3 game, PeakBarTop cabinet and PlaySports Bank and PlaySports Pod are all research-backed solutions that were created by talented and passionate IGT team members who prioritize advancing the player experience through meaningful innovation."
IGT's Hexbreaker 3 is an action-packed Proven Performer video slots game that is available on the Company's CrystalCurve™ cabinet. With innovative game mechanics and up to 59,049 ways to win, IGT's Hexbreaker 3 has become a player-favorite slots game and consistently tops well-respected gaming industry performance charts.
Earlier this year, IGT launched the PeakBarTop cabinet and redefined the bartop experience. Equipped with a 23-inch curved display and range of other tech-advanced features, the research-backed hardware is supported by the industry's most recognizable video poker content library and a range of new and proven slots, keno and table games.
IGT's PlaySports Bank and PlaySports Pod provide operators immense flexibility for how and where they offer retail sports betting. Both solutions feature three intuitive, self-service betting kiosks and are topped with high-definition multi-media displays that can showcase a variety of content including live sporting events, betting odds, lines, gameday feeds and more.
For more information, go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.
According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), 77% of casual casino visitors (gambled less than 9 times in the last year) and 88% of avid casino visitors (gambled 10+ times in the last year) reported an awareness of available responsible gaming resources. Global Payments’ solutions including VIP Financial Center and VIP Mobility can equip patrons with the proper technology to encourage responsible gaming habits.
I'm proud to share with you the success of the cashless player experience as the driver for more responsible gaming on the casino floor.
Solutions including configurable spending limits, preset “cooling off” periods, and self-exclusion allow patrons to have a safe and responsible gaming experience while still giving patrons the enjoyment and thrill of being on the casino floor.
At Global Payments Gaming Solutions, we are proud to be participate in Responsible Gaming Week as we continue to drive innovation in solutions like the VIP Financial Center and VIP Mobility that encourage responsible gaming habits.
For more information on how switching to cashless and mobile gaming options can enhance the patron’s experience and promote responsible gaming, click here.
Best,
Justin Sprague
Vice President of Marketing, Global Payments
Lucky slots players won the following million dollar-plus jackpots last month:
On Aug. 29, a Powerbucks slots player won CA$1,255,071 jackpot playing Wheel of Fortune® Cash Link® Exotic Far East game at South Beach Casino & Resort in Manitoba, Canada.
On Aug. 30, a Wheel of Fortune slots player won $1,739,205 jackpot playing Wheel of Fortune® Triple Diamond® game at ARIA Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Powerbucks slots has paid 19 jackpots of $1 million or more since its Canadian debut in 2016. Wheel of Fortune slots have minted over 1,000 millionaires and awarded over $3 billion in jackpots since its launch in 1995.
For more information, visit IGT.com or go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/IGTnews or watch IGT videos on YouTube, youtube.com/igt.
Striving to deepen its presence across the Nordic markets, Push Gaming joins a selection of suppliers providing content to Norsk Tipping, a World Lottery Association member, through IGT, including NetEnt and Elk Studios.
Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital senior vice president, noted: “By leveraging the seamless content aggregation technology within our IGT PlayCommand platform product suite, IGT successfully added Push Gaming’s innovative digital games to our growing stable of titles for Norsk Tipping, and further supported our goal of delivering unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players.”
Under the terms of the agreement, four of Push Gaming’s titles, Joker Troupe, Jammin’ Jars, Razor Shark and Wild Swarm, will be available to Norsk Tipping’s customers during the launch, with further titles being added throughout the year.
Set to go live in September, Push Gaming’s UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority licensed platform has been added to the IGT Connect integration layer.
Fiona Hickey, head of sales at Push Gaming, added: “Entering dynamic new markets and increasing our global audience is what we strive for here at Push Gaming. It’s fantastic to have joined forces with IGT and to continue expanding our presence in regulated markets worldwide. We look forward to a long and productive partnership together.”
“Konami is committed to championing the future of gaming through innovative products like DIMENSION 49J and SYNK31,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “Both were engineered from start-to-finish with a focus on driving distinct value to the operator, through streamlined design, effective results, and long-term quality.”
As one of the industry’s newest slot cabinets, DIMENSION 49J maximizes player comfort and entertainment, while maintaining optimal sizing and adaptability for diverse operators. The 49-inch, “J” curve slot cabinet is the launch pad for top game content, developed to maximize moment-by-moment excitement and anticipation for players. The game launch library for DIMENSION 49J includes everything from one-of-a-kind Konami premiums like the first Silent Hill® slot games to series like Ocean Spin™ with stunning animation sequences across multiple cabinets. All Aboard™ is also among the cabinet’s debut game series—now expanding across North America following proven success in Australian markets.
“DIMENSION 49J is serving a strong mix of slot series, on a machine that upholds lasting operational gain and flexibility for properties,” said Jingoli. “As the casino floor continues to change and adapt, slot cabinets that are streamlined, effective, and efficient like DIMENSION 49J help open the door for continued advancement, through thoughtful design and entertainment quality.”
Konami’s SYNK31 is an all-in-one Title 31 / AML system that empowers operators to seamlessly compile all reporting, time stamped notes, files documents, screenshots, photos, videos, and emails associated with a patron or incident, in one easy location. Casino employees can complete all the forms and reports necessary for compliance, including the Multiple Transaction Log (MTL) Form, Negotiable Instrument Log (NIL) Form, Suspicious Activity Incident (SAI) Report Form, Currency Transaction Report (CTR), Know Your Customer (KYC) Reviews, and much more, with electronic uploading to the IRS and FinCEN through batch reporting and individual reporting. All necessary AML information is captured and compiled with near real-time results, allowing operators to identify and respond to incidents as they occur.
“Our world-class casino systems engineers designed SYNK31 for speed, efficiency, ease, and connectedness,” said Jingoli. “The result is a robust, all-in-one solution for casino teams to achieve highly consistent and accurate compliance.”
For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.gaming.konami.com.
Additionally, GLI was recognized for its technological capabilities when its Remote Test Bed solution was named to Casino Journal’s Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products Awards for 2020. GLI’s Remote Test Bed uses modern technology applications to further reduce supplier costs, enhance regulatory compliance, and speed time to market. By using technology to solve a pain point for suppliers, GLI has once again positively impacted the larger gaming industry.
“Being named best test lab and being recognized for our technological developments are incredible honors; however, what these awards illustrate is GLI has the best, most dedicated employees in the business,” said GLI President/CEO James R. Maida. “At GLI, our entire staff is constantly and proactively thinking of ways to improve time to market and reduce costs for our customers. That innovative spirit and dedication to the industry is what drives us at GLI, and we are humbled to be recognized for our ingenuity.”
GLI’s Remote Test Bed solution is the latest addition to the company’s long line of sought-after, time- and money-saving solutions, such as the patented GLI Link®, Test Automation, Point.Click.Transfer.™ and Point.Click.Submit™. These valuable solutions complement the many other resources GLI has developed to specifically address the ever-changing needs of GLI customers and the industry at large.
Additionally, the MGCB has referenced the GLI standards “GLI-19 Interactive Gaming Systems” and “GLI-33 Event Wagering Systems” within their regulations, joining jurisdictions worldwide that have adopted the two standards. These, and all of GLI’s globally accepted standards, are available at gaminglabs.com/gli-standards.
“We are honored that the Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved GLI to test and certify iGaming and mobile sports betting,” said Peter Wolff, Director of Global Technical Compliance. “We have been helping regulators and suppliers navigate the future of iGaming and mobile sports betting for decades, and we are excited to put our worldwide experience to work for Michigan.”
GLI has been working in the iGaming and Sports Betting space for more than 30 years, and GLI is the only lab that is working with all regulated jurisdictions worldwide – both existing and emerging. That means GLI is best prepared to help regulators, suppliers, and operators navigate their way forward and guide them in ways no one else can. Learn more at gaminglabs.com/services/igaming.
"Understanding how governments effectively manage and grow lottery businesses requires experience, talent, relationship building and trust," said Marco Sala, IGT CEO. "Scott Gunn's knack for navigating the political climate in a state or country allows him to work with public policy makers and customers to support lottery innovation and best practices that ensure the generation of revenue for good causes. Scott's leadership has left a lasting impression on the global lottery industry, and we're incredibly proud of his achievement as an inductee to the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame."
"I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized with membership in the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame and to work in this industry with so many talented peers," said Gunn. "Throughout the last 25 years, I have had the great privilege to work alongside my exceptional colleagues with lottery customers as well as legislators and regulators around the globe to help shape the present and future of the lottery industry."
The Lottery Industry Hall of Fame was founded by PGRI in 2005 as a means of honoring those who have done the most to make the lottery industry the great success that it is today. Membership is reserved for lottery professionals who have promoted excellence and integrity throughout their careers. Each year, former inductees nominate and vote on the final recipients.
In his current role, Gunn is responsible for IGT's public affairs related to government relations strategy and is instrumental in directing and facilitating government relationships and public engagement to advance global business interests for the Company's global lottery and gaming business units.
Since joining IGT's predecessor GTECH in 1994, Gunn has held positions in sales, business development, government relations and global operations. While leading GTECH California operations, Scott managed a successful lottery central system conversion, supported major retail expansion, assisted in the launch of Mega Millions and in 2010 helped successfully inject prize payout flexibility into the law by shepherding a key piece of legislation over the finish line. As a result, annual lottery revenues supporting education in California have increased dramatically since its enactment.
Prior to his current role, Gunn was Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations and North America Lottery Business Development, overseeing worldwide government relations strategy and managing the Company's global network of government relations resources, as well as pursuing public sector market opportunities for the Company's various lines of business in North America.
Gunn holds a bachelor's degree in Political Economics from Tulane University in New Orleans, La. He works in IGT's Washington, D.C. office and resides in Alexandria, Va. with his wife and four daughters.
For more information, go to Facebook at facebook.com/IGT, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/IGTnews, or watch IGT videos on YouTube at youtube.com/igt.
“In the midst of business closures that occurred beginning in March, Konami’s SYNKROS team began planning, producing, and packaging a set of solutions to assist our users to monitor and manage when slot machines need disinfecting between customer use. The solutions were seamless built into the existing SYNKROS ecosystem,” said Tom Soukup, senior vice president & chief systems product officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “Working closely with our casino customers, we responded quickly to their needs, and equipped their teams with the necessary customization options and training for them to automatically communicate slot machine cleaning statuses to their casino guests.”
Early adopters of SYNKROS’ slot machine cleaning and customer care solutions span locations from California to the Caribbean. To date, seven casinos representing six different jurisdictions have successfully leveraged the technology to streamline slot machine cleaning and customer care.
SYNKROS’ slot machine cleaning and customer care solutions allow players to request slot machine cleaning from the player tracking LCD display, which triggers email, SMS text, or administrative alerts to cleaning crew members. After a player has finished their play session, the machine will switch to automated “Waiting to be Sanitized” message. Once a cleaning crew member has completed cleaning, the machine will switch to automated “This machine has been sanitized” message, with a time stamp identifying when the last cleaning occurred. And throughout this entire process, casino administrators have access to visual floor monitoring of machine cleaning status and cleaning patterns, to gauge effectiveness and manage staffing.
Those interested in learning more about SYNKROS’ award-winning product suite are encouraged to visit www.konamigaming.com.
NOVOMATIC has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Ainsworth, whereby the Australian company will act as a sales and service unit for NOVOMATIC products in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.
Newly appointed Ainsworth VP Business Development & Sales Asia Pacific, Robert Dijkstra, will be representing both brands. For the past five years prior to his new role, Robert represented NOVOMATIC in the Asia-Pacific region, working closely with Ainsworth.
NOVOMATIC’s Sales Manager Southeast Asia, Michael Barsin, will also join Ainsworth as of October 1st, 2020 continuing to serve the region from his Hong Kong base, representing both brands.
The NOVOMATIC product suite for the Asian region consists of leading slot machines, market-focused games and multi-game editions, ETGs, casino management and media systems, Linked Progressives as well as sports betting solutions. Ainsworth looks forward to introducing their impressive new suite of A-Star™ cabinets into the region, further complimenting its current portfolio of stand-alone, link progressive and multi-games.
“By bringing the two companies together we can increase the diversity of offerings to our customer base through the one channel. I am looking forward to overseeing this progressive development and believe it will benefit all stakeholders”, said Robert Dijkstra.
This new distribution and after-sales service structure will enhance the service and support network for the installed machine base, provide a strong commercial structure for existing and new customers and accelerate the expansion of NOVOMATIC and Ainsworth products in the Asia-Pacific region.
Justine Clay has been promoted to Director of Client Services for North American Suppliers, and Blaine Preston has been promoted to Director of Client Services for State Government, Lottery, and Tribal Operations.
Justine has been with GLI since 2012. In her new role, she will lead her team in a strategy that is keenly focused on suppliers across North America, helping them navigate the future of gaming by taking full advantage of the broad range of services GLI offers to suppliers of all sizes. She brings a unique view and wealth of casino operations experience and customer service to her clients, having worked in casinos in both tribal and commercial operations.
Blaine has been with GLI since 2018, and he replaces long-time GLI employee Michael Capen, who recently retired. Blaine will lead his team as they work closely with state governments, lottery officials, and Tribal councils, operators, and regulators. He will help them embrace new technologies and possibilities while also maintaining the highest levels of integrity, compliance, and responsible gaming. Prior to GLI, Blaine spent 12 years as Enforcement Manager for the Missouri Gaming Commission and four years as Director of Security for the Missouri Lottery.
“This is both a time of challenges and opportunities for the adapting yet evolving gaming industry. Regulators, operators, and suppliers are all searching for the best way forward, and GLI stands ready as their compliance partner. These stakeholders rely on us for resources, technical expertise, and a global perspective in helping them solve problems. We are confident in Justine and Blaine, and their leadership skills will provide the optimum customer service and proven capabilities they need to achieve great results. Justine and Blaine will further strengthen our global team who work every day to help our customers successfully navigate the future of gaming,” said GLI President/CEO James R. Maida.
The LD Micro 500
Dates: September 1-4, 2020
Corporate presentation on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 4:20 p.m. ET, available via live webcast and in archive for up to 90 days following the conclusion of the event here.
B. Riley FBR Online Sports Betting and iGaming Conference
Date: September 8, 2020
Corporate presentation on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 12 p.m. ET
Investors must register in advance to view the live webcast presentation and may do so here. Upon completing registration, investors will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to access the presentation.
20 August 2020
Summary
• AGT’s priorities are the health and wellbeing of its employees and the preservation of shareholders’
funds. The company is providing flexibility for staff to work safely and remotely.
• Customers across all AGT’s markets suspended operations from mid-March. Some reopenings of
customers’ facilities have occurred since that time, although venues have reduced CAPEX due to
visitations being well below pre pandemic levels.
• AGT implemented a series of cost saving measures to ensure the company can endure a protracted
downturn.
• H2FY20 revenues impacted, $42m compared to $116m in the prior comparative period; a decline of
63%.
• FY20 underlying net loss before tax of approximately $34m, subject to audit completion and excludes
non-cash related impairment charges (LATAM one off non-cash impairment of $12m). The net loss
also excludes one off costs and Job Keeper subsidies.
• Focus on liquidity and balance sheet strength; $26.5m of cash at 30 June 2020. Debt facility with ANZ
is in the process of being restructured.
• With a reduced cost base and more flexible financing facility, AGT is positioned to benefit as
customers progressively resume more typical business levels.
Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Levy commented, “While Covid-19 hit our industry hard, we moved quickly
to protect Ainsworth. We took proactive measures to streamline our overheads and we are securing more
flexible financing arrangements to ensure we can endure a protracted downturn. AGT is now well positioned
as customers across our major markets look to recover from the effects of the pandemic”.
FY20 Results
Subject to audit completion, AGT expects to report FY20 results as follows:
• Revenues of $149m, a decline of 36% versus the prior financial year.
• Positive adjusted EBITDA A$2.9m (excludes one-off impairment charge).
• Adjusted net loss before tax of approximately $34m – excludes one off costs including non-cash
impairment charges, Job Keeper and costs associated with the acquisition of MTD, which was
completed in March 2020.
• Included in FY20 are 67 redundancies (23 in Australia and 44 in Americas) at an annualised cost
saving of A$6.4m. In addition, 40 roles have been eliminated at a further cost saving of A$3.8m per
annum.
• Net debt of $17.5m as at 30 June 2020.
• In addition, on review of LATAM Cash Generating Unit a one-off (non-cash) impairment of A$12m is
expected at FY20.
• The FY20 final dividend has been cancelled to ensure the Company is well placed to should a
protracted downturn eventuate.
• AGT is expecting to release preliminary, unaudited FY20 results on 27 August 2020 after market close
and anticipates release of audited results in September 2020.
This delayed reporting of audited results is permitted pursuant to ASX Class Waiver Decision – Extended
Reporting and Lodgment Deadlines dated 16 June 2020 and reliance on ASIC Corporations (Extended
Reporting and Lodgment Deadlines – Listed Entities) Instrument 2020/451, which permits the extension of the
lodgment date for audited annual accounts and the other documents required to be lodged with ASIC under
section 319 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), to 2 November 2020. AGT will immediately make a further
announcement to the market after the lodgment of its unaudited accounts if there is a material difference
between the unaudited accounts and the audited accounts.
Cost minimisation measures
To assist with the impact of the pandemic and restrictions established in global markets, various cost
minimisation measures were implemented in Q4.
- Executive Management voluntarily took 20% reductions in base salaries for the June quarter. This has
now been extended for the September quarter.
- Chairman waived his fees for the June quarter and has agreed to 20% reduction for the September
quarter.
- Other paid directors have taken 20% reduction in fees (including sub-committee fees) for the June
quarter which has been extended for the September quarter.
- Rent concessions for Newington facility were provided. June quarter waived and 50% reduction for 6
months to 31/12/20. Other rental concessions were provided for service premises occupied.
- Stand downs were initiated across the Australian operations as well as reduced working days to 2-3
days across operational departments. In the USA, 111 employees and 15 contractors placed on
furlough with a freeze on all new hires.
Further details will be provided in FY20 results announcement.
Debt facility and liquidity
- AGT finished H1FY20 with cash balances of $42m following the repayment of borrowing during the first
half of the year.
- In H2FY20 the completion of the MTD acquisition in March required US$18m of consideration including
US$5m to be held subject to re-signing of a key contract in Montana or attaining set financial targets.
- AGT currently has a A$44m drawn debt facility with ANZ. The ANZ facility is in the process of being
amended with covenants being revised to minimum liquidity levels and quarterly sales targets. These
new conditions are intended to be in place for the remaining term of the loan, which expires in
September 2021, effectively replacing the previous covenants in place at 30 June 2020.
- The facility is expected to be reduced to A$60m with progressive reductions of A$10m in December
2020 and A$10m in each of March and April 2021.
- AGT had cash balances at 30 June 2020 of $26.5m.
A further update will be provided with the preliminary unaudited FY20 results, expected to be released to ASX
after market close on 27 August 2020.
This announcement was authorised for lodgement by the Board of Directors.
Aristocrat is offering an exciting 8-game multipack of games in Illinois, led by every player’s favorite title, Buffalo™. Other titles in the pack are Fast Frankie’s Roaring Jackpots™, Flamin’ Jackpots™, Prosperity Cats™, Sizzling Phoenix™, Sky Rider Golden Amulet™, Sunset Tusk™, and Wild Lepre’Coins™.
Since entering the marketplace on July 1, Aristocrat has quickly deployed in excess of 300 games throughout the state, giving Illinois residents more ways to enjoy Aristocrat’s passion for play.
Kurt Gissane, Aristocrat’s vice president of sales for North America, said, “We are excited to bring Aristocrat’s player-favorite games to the Illinois market. This is a testament to Aristocrat’s deliberate strategy of continued investment to grow our company and our reach as we explore markets adjacent to our Class III business.”
The Illinois 8-game multipack features leading titles from Aristocrat’s line of Core and E-Series games. Each game was created specifically to meet the state’s VGT regulations.
“Our design team is the best in the business. When we challenged them with the task of taking eight of our most popular titles and creating new gaming experiences to meet Illinois’ VGT guidelines, the team responded with an exciting new Game Suite that delivers on the brand promise of each title coupled with the latest IGB standards that include a higher max bet and higher top award,” Gissane said.
Company adds Las Vegas-based Trading Team to meet U.S. sports betting market demand
LONDON, Aug. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it has expanded its PlaySports offering for the U.S. sports betting market with the formation of its own full-service Trading Team based in Las Vegas, Nev. The diverse and talented team adds another dimension of service to the most widely deployed B2B sports betting solution in the U.S. market and further cements IGT's market leaders."IGT's in-house, U.S.-based Trading Team enhances the appeal of the entire PlaySports offering and enables us to deliver an 'all-in-one' solution for operators seeking a single sports betting service provider," said Enrico Drago, IGT PlayDigital Senior Vice President. "IGT PlaySports' pure B2B focus, the Trading Team's in-depth knowledge of regional and local betting preferences and trends, and the Company's favorable regulatory standings in tribal and state-governed jurisdictions across the U.S. continue to create opportunities for our customers and drive our nationwide sports betting leadership."
IGT's Trading Team will provide around-the-clock expert oddsmaking with localized pricing for pre-game and in-play bets, continual offer monitoring and optimization, and on-call expertise in every aspect of day-to-day sportsbook operations. IGT's PlaySports customers will also benefit from compelling and original promotional bets, exclusive parlay and combination wagering and player retention and acquisition strategies designed by the Team's content managers.
"The flexibility and reliability of the IGT PlaySports platform has long been one of its greatest attributes, and adding services such as those provided by our Trading Team completes the solution. Now, retail and online sportsbooks, from the smallest to the largest, in any sports betting-legal state in the U.S., can confidently take advantage of a fully integrated, truly world-class trading service that is built on the leading betting technology and backed by IGT, the most trusted name in gaming," added Drago.
With deployments in 14 U.S. states and at 40 gaming outlets across the country, IGT PlaySports is the leading sports betting solution for the U.S. market. IGT PlaySports is powering sportsbooks run by casinos, lotteries and racetracks in venues and via mobile apps spanning Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia, Mississippi and Rhode Island.
To learn why winners choose IGT PlaySports, visit IGT.com.
Bulletproof Academy combines world-class courses with leading-edge eLearning technology to deliver custom training solutions. They understand the needs of the gaming industry, the needs of companies when it comes to managing eLearning, and the needs of eLearning students. That knowledge combination delivers maximum ROI for organizations.
“We partnered with GLI University® to review each stage of the course’s development to ensure we captured market needs and delivered accurate, relevant, fun, and an engaging course for our customers,” said Bulletproof’s VP of Learning Services, Darryl Esau.
Bulletproof Academy’s Sports Betting Basics coaches participants on the basic elements of sports betting, its complexities and challenges. Through gamification, learners are invited to practice the desired behavioral outcomes within the learning experience itself.
“Organizations around the world highly value Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards – so much so that we received a record number of applications in the middle of a global pandemic,” said Rachel Cooke, Brandon Hall Group COO, and leader of the HCM Excellence Awards Program. “The awards provide valuable recognition and validation of best practices in all areas of HCM at a time when they have never been more important to both employers and employees.”
“The Excellence Awards serve the critical function of reinforcing the essential business benefit of creating great experiences for candidates and employees,” Brandon Hall Group CEO Mike Cooke said.
“We are thrilled to announce Karen’s promotion and signaling our absolute commitment to the gaming industry’s success throughout Latin America and the Caribbean in all its forms – land-based, lottery, and online,” said GLI President/CEO James R. Maida.
“Karen has been an integral part of GLI’s mission in Latin America and the Caribbean. She and her team work in close collaboration with government officials – as well as gaming and lottery suppliers and operators – helping them navigate the future of gaming. Their expertise supports these stakeholders’ efforts in establishing well-regulated environments and a successful and sustainable industry. Karen’s leadership, knowledge and passion for her client’s success translates into the appreciation that the industry and her team have for what she does.”
Sierra-Hughes received Latin American Gaming Hall of Fame’s prestigious Recognition Award at the 2019 Juegos Miami gaming conference and was listed in the 2019 iGaming Business Magazine´s 10 Most Influential Women List. She is a sought-after speaker and has appeared at dozens of international gaming conferences around the world.
Sierra-Hughes has been with GLI since 2004, driving GLI’s strategy for both regulatory and business development throughout the Latin America and Caribbean region. Prior to joining GLI, she practiced law in the Republic of Panama and was later appointed Legal Director of the Panama Gaming Control Board.
About Gaming Laboratories International
Gaming Laboratories International, LLC is committed to delivering the highest quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services around the world. GLI provides suppliers, operators, and regulators with expert guidance for navigating the future of gaming and ensuring gaming innovations meet regulatory standards with confidence. Since 1989, GLI has certified nearly two million items and has tested equipment for more than 475 jurisdictions. GLI has a global network of laboratory locations across six continents, with U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries. GLI was named “Responsible Business of the Year” by Global Gaming Awards in 2019 for its social responsibility in charitable giving, diversity and inclusion, green initiatives, and responsible gaming support and education. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.