Latest Gaming News
This is IGT's second sports betting venture in Washington State with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. In Dec. 2021, IGT deployed its PlaySports technology and trading advisory services at the Turf Club Sportsbook in Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, Wash.
"We're excited to roll out sports betting for our guests at Kalispel Casino," said Kevin Zenishek, Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Kalispel Casino, Executive Director of CasinoOperations. "It has already proven to be a fantastic new amenity at Northern Quest and we know it will be popular at our Kalispel Casino as well."
"IGT is pleased to build on our sports betting momentum in Washington State and bolster our long-standing partnership with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians by powering sports betting at Kalispel Casino," said Joe Asher, IGT President of Sports Betting. "We look forward to bringing a great sports betting experience to the Kalispel Casino so that our long-time partner can further engage its customers."
IGT PlaySports is deployed at more than 60 gaming venues across the U.S. To learn more visit igt.com/playsports or follow us on LinkedIn.
IGT announced today that its top-performing Wheel of Fortune®-branded games are now entertaining players in Ontario as a premium electronic bingo game. Wheel of Fortune® Double 3X4X5X Pay Bingo and Wheel of Fortune® Five Times Pay® Bingo are available to the 37 charitable gaming centres in Ontario that are approved for electronic bingo. IGT is signing agreements with individual operators.
The new Wheel of Fortune electronic bingo content leverages iconic attributes of the Wheel of Fortune TV game show—its spinning wheel sounds, vibrant colors, and memorable cues—and incorporates them into electronic bingo games.
“The introduction of IGT’s premium-branded Wheel of Fortune titles as electronic cabinet bingo games has the opportunity to engage new and existing players in Ontario’s charitable gaming market,” said David Fraser, Senior Director, Charitable Gaming, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. “These exciting additions will elevate game play and create additional product choice for our service providers which all contribute to strengthening Charitable Gaming and raising money for local charities.”
“IGT is committed to enhancing the player experience for Ontario’s charitable gaming market, through the addition of Wheel of Fortune-branded electronic bingo games,” said David Flinn, IGT Regional Vice President, Canada, South and Central America. “IGT will continue developing new products with innovative technology, and contemporary play styles to support the important work of charitable bingo halls throughout Ontario.”
IGT has been a dedicated partner to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation in all facets of gaming growth for over two decades and has been supplying electronic bingo games in the market since 2018.
IGT licenses the Wheel of Fortune brand from Sony Pictures Television, the makers of the Wheel of Fortune TV game show, and has created more than 250 versions of Wheel of Fortune branded games since 1996. The widely recognized wheel design immediately resonates with players on the charitable bingo hall floor, and players are also innately familiar with the iconic “WHEEL. OF. FORTUNE!” chant.
Key Transaction Highlights
- Lowers total principal amount of debt outstanding by approximately $40 million
- Reduces annualized cash interest expense by approximately $10 million
- Expands Revolving Credit Facility capacity to $40 million
- Extends key debt maturities
LAS VEGAS, February 15, 2022 - PlayAGS, Incorporated (NYSE: AGS) ("AGS" or the "Company") today announced it has successfully completed the refinancing of its total debt outstanding through the issuance of (i) a senior secured first lien term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million due 2029 (the “New Term Loan Facility”), the proceeds of which, together with cash on hand, were used to repay all amounts outstanding under the Company’s existing term loan facilities and to pay related fees and expenses, and (ii) a $40.0 million senior secured first lien revolving facility due 2027 (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”), which was undrawn at close. The New Term Loan Facility will bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 4.00%, subject to a 0.75% SOFR floor, while the New Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest at SOFR plus 4.00%, subject to a 0.00% SOFR floor.
“I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the Company’s recent debt refinancing, as it simultaneously lowers our total principal amount of debt outstanding, reduces our borrowing costs and extends key debt maturities,” commented AGS Chief Financial Officer, Kimo Akiona. “Additionally, the increase in our revolver capacity from $30 million to $40 million strengthens our overall financial flexibility. Looking ahead, supported by the approximately $10 million of annualized cash interest expense savings we expect to realize, relative to the level incurred for the full-year 2021, coupled with the operating momentum we continue to see in the business, I remain confident in our ability to deliver upon our previously issued year-end 2022 net leverage target of less than 4.0x.”
For additional details regarding the refinancing transaction, investors should review the form 8-K filed today with the SEC.
February 15, 2022
Special Report by Frank Fantini
Publisher Emeritus, Fantini’s Gaming Report
FFantini@FantiniResearch.com
The following is an article by Frank Fantini on Mike Laubach and Bob Luciano as the two newest inductees into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame.
Mike Laubach
An infectious smile.
A ready wit.
A hearty laugh.
A bigger than life personality.
Those are immediate and unanimous responses from persons asked to describe Mike Laubach who is being inducted posthumously into the Eilers & Krejcik Slot Awards Hall of Fame.
Then there were the business qualities of the Corporate Vice President of Slot Operations at Boyd Gaming:
Fair.
A good negotiator.
A keen understanding of the player and player experience.
A shrewd analytical intelligence.
Combine those personal and professional qualities, and you have a hall of famer.
“Mikey mixed personal life with business. He would get to know you – “What do you think of politics?” – then flip over to business. He offered therapy and mentoring,” recalls Bob Parente, chief revenue officer at Scientific Games.
Laubach’s humor was genuine but was always focused on work and was spot on,” Boyd Senior VP Chris Gibase noted. He used that humor to get his point across, and it worked as well with those below him and those above him in the organization, Gibase added.
Laubach’s understanding came from long experience on casino floors. He started in 1975 when he joined his father as a slots employee at Harvey’s casino in South Lake Tahoe.
From there, Mike made numerous stops on his journey, including the Stardust on the Las Vegas Strip, Sam’s Town and Hollywood Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, helping open Delta Downs for Boyd in Vinton, Louisiana, slot director at Orleans in Las Vegas and then, in 2019 rising to corporate office at Boyd’s headquarters in Las Vegas.
All of the knowledge accrued through that long experience was much in demand.
“Mike wasn’t a CEO or a game inventor, but he was an influencer as we say today. People wanted to know his understanding,” long-time associate Mark Morton said. “He was always focused on the player experience,” the Senior Vice President for Sales at Marker Trax added.
Parente agrees. Mike was a popular panelist at the user conferences of slot manufacturers. “He would sit in a corner and all of a sudden he’d pipe in, and people were always interested in what he had to say. He’d simplify everything down to the player experience,” Parente said.
Morton summed it up: “Mike was super intelligent.”
Mike also had a reputation as a fair negotiator. “He looked at pricing – average sales price was important – but he was really fair and you knew where you stood with him,” Konami COO Tom Jingoli recalls.
“At the end of the day, Mike would convince you that what was good for him was good for you, too,” Morton noted in wry admiration.
After a sales presentation, Mike would say “We’ll take care of that, and you knew you were good,” Parente says.
But it was Mike’s humor and bigger than life personality that is recalled most fondly.
Jingoli described him as “a tremendous human being.”
“He had a huge, huge personality. Mike was the funniest man I’ve ever met. He could never do enough for friends and family,” Morton said in summing up his friend.
And, oh by the way, he helped Boyd Gaming continue its steady growth.
In that regard, this is a fitting tribute from the man who has long been the top guy at Boyd, CEO Keith Smith: Mike was an important part of the Boyd leadership team. Our slot floors are a significant part of our overall business – and Mike was responsible for ensuring our slot floors were as competitive and successful as possible.
“Mike was a part of the Boyd Gaming family for more than 30 years and was respected and liked throughout our company and our industry. His down-to earth-demeanor and sense of humor won people over quickly and made Mike a perfect fit for the Boyd culture. Mike was not just our professional colleague, but also our friend – and we miss him.
Bob Luciano
“Again. And Again. And Again. And Again...”
Those were the words Bob Luciano used at the 2013 Gaming Technology Forum Awards to describe his determined efforts to come back from a stroke.
But those words also sum up his career of extraordinary accomplishment in gaming technology innovation, and a man loved by family and revered by friends and business associates at all levels.
As fellow gaming innovation legend John Acres said at that 2013 ceremony, Bob can be “incredibly stubborn.…which is an awfully good quality when you’re right.”
And a great quality to have when overcoming personal adversity.
Bob’s stick-to-it-iveness and intellectual curiosity were evident early. Father Bob Luciano Sr. remembers toddler Bob Jr. with a penchant for tools, sleeping with his wooden hammer, building shelves at three and four years old.
“He was destined to be an engineer,” Bob Sr. said.
Or a motocross racer. Bob raced dirt bikes at the encouragement of Bob Sr. Then, in the summer between high school and college, he signed on with champion motocross driver Tony DiStefano and toured the country.
Though he resisted the temptation to race professionally instead choosing college, Bob remained a motocross enthusiast, winning numerous racing trophies over the years.
In motocross and in business and in every endeavor, Bob is totally committed. “He’s the most driven person I have ever met,” fellow Sierra Design Group founder Rob Miller said.
Or as daughter Gina observes: “Dad works hard and he plays hard.”
Playing hard often involves the entire family – Gina, wife Teresa, daughter Sophia and son Cyrus.
“All of our vacations were adventures like camping in Africa and boating in the Galapagos Islands,” Gina recalls.
Camping in Africa is an understatement. The family one night pitched two tents on the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania. One tent was for eight-year-old Cyrus and 10-year-old Gina. The other was for Bob and Teresa. They heard lions growl through the night and next morning saw paw tracks. “Pretty scary, but we survived!” Teresa recalls with a laugh.
Much like the engineering gene that was passed down from father to son, outdoor adventuring came from Bob’s parents, too. Mother Lori noted that at age 86, she recently climbed a mountain in Mexico to see where Monarch butterflies spend their winters.
Bob will still hike three miles in the mountains with family members, Gina and Teresa say.
“Family is always the most important to him,” Lori said. That devotion to family took all of Bob’s driven energy when he was a young single parent in the years between divorce and marrying Teresa.
Bob would work hard at IGT and then come home and play hard with Gina and Cyrus. “It was work during the week and dirt bike racing on weekends. It’s amazing. He was always with us,” Gina recalls.
During college, Bob interned at Mobil Oil and in his father’s own business where he designed and built labeling machines, which he did before the age of computers, Bob Sr. notes proudly.
Then the opportunity came to work for IGT. “It was a marriage made in Heaven,” Senior recalls.
At IGT and later at Sierra Design Group, Bob became a leader in the most important innovations in gaming technology – central server gaming that led to Class II slots in Indian Country, VLTs elsewhere and today’s emerging historical horse racing machines, ticket-in ticket-out, bonus games on slot machines, thermal printers for slots, Megabucks wide area progressives, among them.
It might have been the development of technology allowing Class II bingo-based slots to operate on all games and systems that was his greatest achievement.
The team that achieved that at Seminole casinos in Florida made possible today’s highly successful Hard Rock International casino enterprise and those of other tribes, according to Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen who was joined in that effort with the late Lyle Bell, fellow Eilers & Krejcik Hall of Famer Charlie Lombardo and Allen himself. “Bob deserves this (hall of fame) honor as much or more than anyone,” Allen says.
Bob is still esteemed by Native Americans for his Class II achievements that enriched often impoverished populations and that contribute to their financial well-being to this day.
“That’s going to be Bob’s legacy more than anything,” Miller says.
“Bob and John Acres are two men in gaming who, you give them a problem and they give you a solution,” Lombardo said.
Luciano also contributed to his and his partners’ success when Bally’s, then known as Alliance Gaming, bought SDG for more than $200 million.
The success at SDG came in part because of his natural generosity. “Bob got performance out of people without being a drill sergeant. Bob was the most generous person,” Miller says. “He was always the first with a gift for an employee, such as for a new baby. Everybody was family.”
Another measure of Bob’s success as an engineer and innovator comes in the sheer number of patents he holds – more than 300; and they are not all in gaming. They range from pharmaceutical packaging to golf.
There may be more coming under the Luciano name. Son Cyrus is the third-generation to be an engineer and has worked with John Acres. Grandson Huckleberry, at two-and-a-half years old, tears apart and puts together his toys, just like his grandfather at the same age.
As Bob Sr. says, the apple doesn’t fall far from the family tree.
It is an important display of novelties, with the dazzling and innovative new Zitro cabinet, ALTIUS GLARE, as the star product. The tallest cabinet of Zitro’s new GLARE family already has an important presence in PlayCity casinos, with more than 80 units installed. “We are always ready to try the latest innovations in the industry, to ensure a profitable operation and maximum entertainment for our customers. On this occasion we installed Zitro's Altius GLARE cabinet, which is captivating our customers and making a difference in our gaming halls with its high-definition graphics, premium sound effects and impressive format", says José Fernando López, Slots Director of PlayCity Casino.
With its impressive 55" touch screen combined with a 27" Full HD display, Altius Glare features a giant real estate for 4K graphics, and an intelligent LED halo. This premium cabinet also includes a next-gen processor, wireless mobile charger, comfort for players and access to the interior for service. Altius Glare showcases Zitro's premium multi-game Wheel of Legends, which offers the best graphics currently available on the market.
In addition to the latest installations of Altius Glare in these gaming halls, PlayCity has included Zitro's Megashare Lounge progressive jackpot functionality that allows all players to win a portion of the accrued jackpot amount when one of them hits the jackpot, sharing the prize and the excitement of a communal gaming experience.
"I am proud to extend our partnership with PlayCity with the addition of our new GLARE cabinet line. The commitment to our most innovative product, the large number of Altius Glare cabinets installed, and our new Megashare Lounge System in their gaming halls makes us share the great enthusiasm that the representatives of this important business group have for offering the best player experience, and we are grateful that each Zitro launch is part of this offer," said Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, founder of Zitro.
ATLANTA -- Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.
“We are pleased with the resilience that our businesses demonstrated during the fourth quarter of 2021 and for the full year,” said Jeff Sloan, Chief Executive Officer. “We are particularly proud of the sequential improvement in our Merchant Solutions business this quarter, despite the incremental impact of COVID-19 throughout the period. We reported the best results in our history in 2021, and we expect 2022 to exceed that performance as we continue to meaningfully advance our differentiated strategies for growth.
“We are thrilled to announce that Global Payments is the finalist company in Caixabank’s selection process for a technology partner for its card issuing businesses. During the coming weeks we expect to finalize contract negotiations. Upon implementation in conjunction with our recently announced partnership with Virgin Money, we believe that Global Payments will be among the leading debit technology providers across Europe.”
Sloan continued, “In addition to our selection by Caixa and the announcement of our collaboration with Virgin Money, we achieved many other significant accomplishments over the past twelve months despite a highly uncertain environment. This includes our partnership with Google to deliver innovative and seamless digital services to all manner of merchants worldwide; the expansion of our relationship with AWS for unique distribution and cutting-edge issuer technologies; our successful acquisitions of Zego and MineralTree to advance our software leadership position; and our partnership with Mercedes-Benz Stadium to enable its multi-channel commerce ecosystem and provide best-in-class experiences for fans.
“It has been an active period for capital management with more than $6 billion deployed since 2020 to expand our target addressable markets while concurrently returning capital to shareholders. Our free cash flow conversion and balance sheet provide us with ample firepower to continue to execute on our priorities.”
Sloan concluded, “At the same time, we seek to refine our portfolio mix by simplifying the composition of our businesses and maintaining a singular focus on our corporate customers. As part of that initiative, we have commenced a strategic review of the Netspend consumer business; we intend to retain its B2B assets as we further expand this new pillar of our strategy.”
Full Year 2021 Summary
• GAAP revenues were $8.52 billion, compared to $7.42 billion in 2020; diluted earnings per share were $3.29 compared to $1.95 in the prior year; and operating margin was 15.9% compared to 12.0% in the prior year.
• Adjusted net revenues increased 14.7% to $7.74 billion, compared to $6.75 billion in 2020.
• Adjusted earnings per share increased 27.5% to $8.16, compared to $6.40 in 2020.
• Adjusted operating margin of 41.8% expanded 210 basis points.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Summary
• GAAP revenues were $2.19 billion, compared to $1.93 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020; diluted earnings per share were $0.72 compared to $0.61 in the prior year; and operating margin was 14.6% compared to 13.1% in the prior year.
• Adjusted net revenues increased 13.3% to $1.98 billion, compared to $1.75 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Adjusted earnings per share increased 18.3% to $2.13, compared to $1.80 in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• Adjusted operating margin of 42.0% expanded 50.0 basis points.
2022 Outlook
“Our performance for the full year meaningfully exceeded our initial expectations despite the unexpected impact of COVID-19 variants, highlighting outstanding execution and the durability of our business model," said Paul Todd, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We are pleased with how our business is positioned as we enter 2022 and the resulting financial outlook for the year.
“The company expects adjusted net revenue to be in a range of $8.42 billion to $8.50 billion, reflecting growth of 9% to 10% (10% to 11% on a constant currency basis) over 2021, and adjusted earnings per share to be in a range of $9.45 to $9.67, reflecting growth of 16% to 19% (17% to 20% on a constant currency basis) over 2021. Annual adjusted operating margin for 2022 is expected to expand by up to 100 basis points (up to 150 basis points excluding acquisitions).”
Todd concluded, “This outlook presumes continued recovery from the pandemic worldwide throughout 2022.”
Capital Allocation
Global Payments’ Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.25 per share payable March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2022. The Board also approved an increase to the existing authorization for the company's share repurchase program, raising the total available authorization to $2.0 billion.
Full report: https://s21.q4cdn.com/254933054/files/doc_financials/2021/q4/Q4-2021-Press-Release_Final.pdf
Zitro’s new Megashare Lounge’s progressive jackpot functionality allows all players to win a portion of the accrued jackpot amount when one of them hits the jackpot, sharing the prize and the excitement of a truly communal winning experience. The Megashare Lounge is designed exclusively for operators to create their own lounge area with a wide range of Zitro games and cabinets. The company assures that this innovative product will deliver exceptional performance to players and casino operators worldwide.
Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, founder of Zitro added: “We have always strived to create and offer global operators with high quality products. Our latest launch demonstrates our continuous product innovation and our commitment of incorporating the most advanced technologies to make profitable our world-renowned video slots. We firmly believe the new Megashare Lounge will continue to grow in popularity and become one of the preferred jackpot systems in many markets. We are also optimistic that this new jackpot feature will help casino operators offer greater appeal and increase competitiveness of their gaming properties”.
Link King, and Link Me, installed in the Fusion cabinet, and on the other hand, 88 Link Wild Duels and 88 Link Lucky Charms, installed in the Allure cabinet, offer players of this distinguished casino a new dimension of entertainment beyond limits. Thanks to their innovative bonus system, striking aesthetics and HD graphics, each of these game titles enjoys great acceptance among players and have proven to be a sure bet in casino floors around the world.
Miguel Camilo Simón, Manager at Casinos del Litoral, expressed his enthusiasm about including Zitro’s products to their growing game portfolio. “We are delighted to have chosen such a strong casino supplier as Zitro for our operation and look forward to adding more slot games soon. We are convinced that with these latest additions we are not only providing world-class entertainment to players in our casino, but also investing in profitable products. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Zitro and we look forward to the brand remaining our long-term business partner”.
Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s Regional Director for Latin America, added: “As a benchmark in the gaming industry, we are known for offering innovative and high-quality products that satisfy the multiple preferences of players worldwide. We are very pleased to have launched our well-known multigames at Casinos del Litoral and are confident these exciting games, along with their stunning graphics and spectacular surround sound system, will provide an exceptional game-play experience”.
Zitro reinforces its structure to expand its presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets and welcomes Derik Mooberry as the new CEO of Zitro USA. Derik will be responsible for overseeing the development of Zitro’s U.S. and Canada business, leading the company’s expansion strategy in these regions. Mike Magrisi will continue to lead all commercial operations and technical service as Vice President of Sales and Service, reporting directly to Derik Mooberry.
“Derik Mooberry brings a skill set that is almost unmatched in today’s gaming industry. With his demonstrated leadership and business acumen, we are confident that his addition will support the company’s continued growth and success in the American and Canadian markets”, expressed Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, Founder of Zitro.
Derik Mooberry has more than 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, including 14 years at Bally Technologies, where he served as Senior Vice President of Gaming and Senior Vice President of Products and Operations. Mooberry also served for 6 years as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive of Gaming at Scientific Games. Derik Mooberry has extensive knowledge in business management, finance, business consulting, sales, marketing, product management/key strategy and customer relations, among others. He is currently recognized as a global leader in land-based gaming products, including leadership positions in most geographic areas of the world.
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LAS VEGAS, Feb. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) ("Everi" or the "Company"), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ecash Holdings Pty Ltd. ("ecash"), a privately owned, Australia-based developer and provider of innovative cash handling and financial payment solutions for the broader gaming industry in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States. ecash's products and technologies represent a strategic extension of Everi's current suite of financial technology solutions within the FinTech segment. The acquisition will provide Everi with a complementary portfolio of new customer locations throughout Australia, the United States and other geographies. The closing of the transaction, subject to customary conditions, is expected to occur within 60 days.
Everi will acquire ecash for guaranteed payments totaling AUD$33 million, with an initial payment at the time of closing of AUD$20 million (approximately US$14 million) with the remaining payments to be made on each of the first and second anniversaries in 2023 and 2024, respectively, following the date of the transaction's closing. Subject to achieving certain growth targets, there will be an additional contingent payment of up to AUD$10 million, which could increase the total consideration up to AUD$43 million. Everi expects to fund the total purchase price from existing cash on hand and future cash flow.
"We are pleased to enter into this agreement to acquire ecash and welcome their entire team to Everi upon the closing of the transaction," said Randy Taylor, Everi's President and Chief Operating Officer. "ecash is a strategic addition to our growing global portfolio that will provide Everi with an entry into the large Australian gaming market thanks to their experienced team, proven product portfolio and established customer base. The acquisition will also provide us with an incremental customer base in certain U.S. and other gaming markets we do not currently serve. Everi has never been better positioned as we continue to successfully execute our strategic growth initiatives."
Darren Simmons, Everi's Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader, said, "The integration of ecash into our robust FinTech portfolio and ability to scale this complementary business represents a significant opportunity to further expand our leadership position in the space and further diversify the markets we serve. We also expect that several of our FinTech and RegTech products, such as our Trilogy™ Loyalty solutions and Anti-Money Laundering software, will have applicability and add value for Australian gaming operators."
Andre Soussa, Chief Executive Officer of ecash said, "We are thrilled by the opportunity to join the gaming industry's FinTech leader. By integrating ecash's current products and markets with Everi's offerings, we will be able to add value across a much wider range of clients and unlock exciting new growth opportunities along the way." Subsequent to closing, Mr. Soussa will be employed by Everi in the capacity of Managing Director, Australia.
See the complete financial report at https://img.konami.com/ir/en/ir-data/statements/2022/en0203_u6dgxd.pdf.
Presentation: https://img.konami.com/ir/en/ir-data/meeting/2022/en0203_3d5hy5.pdf.
Sebastián Salat, CEO of Zitro, has been interviewed by Joc Privat magazine and analyzes the challenges of the industry in Spain and the internationalisation of the company.
Read all the details (in Spanish) about his interview in the link below.
https://lnkd.in/e7YYKsbb
Sebastián Salat, CEO de Zitro, ha sido entrevistado por la revista Joc Privat y analiza los retos de la industria en España y la internacionalización de la empresa.
Lee todos los detalles de su entrevista en el siguiente enlace.
https://lnkd.in/e7YYKsbb
When the Caesars Entertainment takeover of the William Hill sportsbook became official last year, Joe Asher knew it was time for the next chapter in his professional life.
In October, the former CEO of William Hill’s U.S. operations accepted a job overseeing the International Game Technology sports betting division, PlaySports.
A Delaware native who is a regular at Vegas Golden Knights games and has a keen interest in the Nevada sports betting scene, Asher spent some time with the Las Vegas Sun to talk about his new role and the expanding sports wagering industry in the U.S.
Joe Asher, president of sports betting for International Game Technology (IGT)
Tell us about your job at IGT. What are you doing?
I oversee the sports betting business, which is hardware and software to run sportsbooks. On the hardware side, it’s the kiosks and terminals and the display boards. Then, there’s the software to actually run the book. Business has grown pretty substantially since PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that restricted nationwide sports betting) was overturned and there’s a lot going on.
How is it different from what you were doing at William Hill?
At William Hill, we were dealing with customers directly. The customer was the guy like me watching sports. At IGT, we’re not the consumer-facing brand, so we’re partnering with the consumer-facing brand. In Las Vegas, that would be Boyd Gaming properties or Resorts World.
The magnitude of the decisions on a Sunday during football season are much smaller for me now, but I’m still pretty close to it, which I enjoy. I still talk through what the right number should for the line on, for instance, the Green Bay game.
We obviously want to help our partners get those numbers right. I enjoy that very much, but it’s different in my role now.
Legal sports betting seems to be gaining in popularity — and availability — by the minute. Largely driven by the NFL, over $2 billion in sports wagers were made in Nevada alone during the last two months of 2021. Where do you see the future of the industry?
Look, the National Football League is a juggernaut and it just keeps getting more popular. They do a great job promoting their product. We’re all watching the NFL, and that’s translating into betting.
You see the betting numbers lately, and it’s unprecedented. You see that in the numbers being released by the various states and it what the operators say.
As new markets develop, sports betting will continue to grow. The latest thing is the opening up of mobile (betting) in New York. We’re up to 20 or 22 states and there will be more states to come.
As for Nevada, I’ve always said that sports betting in other states wouldn’t hurt Nevada but would actually help, if anything. I think that myth has been put to bed. I think we’re seeing that with what’s going on.
The new sports betting customers, who are they? Are they mostly younger people in that coveted 18 to 40 age range?
The way I look at it, the introduction of sports betting in all these new states, and the advertising around it and embracing of it by leagues and media companies, is obviously bringing new fans and customers. That’s only going to continue.
Look, not everyone who’s watching a game is betting on it, but pretty much everyone who’s betting on a game is watching it. The real opportunity that’s there is introducing more and more people to the broader view of this, even beyond sports.
Look at Caesars Entertainment, they’re using sports betting to attract all these new customers who are going to visit their properties.
Sports betting is probably the single greatest customer acquisition tool in the history of the U.S. casino business. People may sign up for a mobile sports account, but then they’re going to get offers to visit a casino and eat in restaurants and stay in hotels and go to shows.
The sports scene is exploding right now in Las Vegas. With the Raiders here and the Golden Knights and their success these past few years, people are also talking about possible Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball franchises coming to Southern Nevada. Can Las Vegas support all of these teams?
The major league teams, yes, for sure. When the Eagles played the Raiders last year (at Allegiant Stadium), I think half of Philadelphia was here for that game.
I was down on the Strip that weekend and it was something else. The impact of Allegiant Stadium has been significant, and we all know what the Golden Knights have been able to do.
Then, yes, we’re all waiting to see what the (Oakland) A’s do and if they might come to Las Vegas. Obviously, all of that is great for business if you’re in the sports betting business, but it’s also had a great impact on broader Las Vegas. It goes far beyond sports betting.
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This article was written by Bryan Horwath and appeared in the Las Vegas Sun.
Indigo Sky Branded App Represents Launch of Sightline Partnership with IGT
LAS VEGAS (February 2, 2022) – Sightline Payments today announced the planned launch of its mobile loyalty platform, JOINGO, at Indigo Sky Casino & Resort in Wyandotte, Oklahoma in Q1 of this year. Leveraging JOINGO’s seamless integration with the IGT ADVANTAGE™ casino management system, the Indigo Sky branded mobile app will feature mobile marketing tools that give patrons a unified experience from the convenience of their iOS or Android devices, enhancing the experience for all GO Rewards Club members.
Owned and operated by the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Indigo Sky boasts one of the largest casinos in northeastern Oklahoma. Its casino floor features over 1,400 gaming machines, various table games, and a bingo hall. The resort includes two hotel towers and an RV park, and its Creekside Bar & Grill offers the area’s only golf simulator.
In 2021, Sightline Payments announced a partnership with IGT to provide solutions to aid in the deployment of cashless gaming technology through IGT’s suite of systems innovations, including Resort Wallet™ with IGT Pay™. They recently expanded the partnership to include Sightline’s mobile loyalty platform, JOINGO. The launch of the JOINGO mobile loyalty solution at Indigo Sky Casino & Resort will be the first product launch for Sightline with IGT following these announcements.
With Sightline’s mobile loyalty platform, Indigo Sky will be able to enhance customer engagement with modern, mobile-driven marketing. The platform integrates with Indigo Sky’s casino and nongaming management systems, allowing the property to deliver automated, real-time marketing messages to guests’ mobile devices with personalized GO Rewards Club activations. Guests will be able to use the Indigo Sky mobile app to virtually check in for drawings or promotional contests, eliminating the need to stand in line at physical kiosk locations to do so.
“We’re always looking for new ways to enhance our guests’ experiences, and Sightline’s mobile loyalty platform helps us deliver an integrated mobile app solution that meets the demands of today’s customer,” said Melanie Heskett, General Manager of Indigo Sky Casino & Resort. “Guests want to do everything from their mobile device and launching our app will give them this everyday convenience while expanding our abilities to offer more personalized marketing promotions.”
“Mobile engagement solutions meet customers where they are, and the Indigo Sky mobile app will deliver the same seamless mobile-first experience that customers have come to expect in their everyday lives,” said Kirk Olson, Senior Vice President, Mobile at Sightline Payments. “Adopting mobile solutions like Sightline’s mobile loyalty platform helps casinos modernize their customer experience while enhancing their marketing capabilities.”
Indigo Sky is also planning to integrate its mobile app with IGT’s Resort Wallet product and the IGT Pay solution at a later date.
Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that strive to build a great workplace culture. Over 42,000 organizations were invited by Energage to have their employees participate in the Top Workplaces USA employee engagement survey, with results calculated by comparing the survey's research-based statements, including 15 "culture drivers" that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
"It is incredibly gratifying to see yet another national recognition for Everi's diverse team of passionate and talented individuals," said Michael Rumbolz, Everi Chairman and CEO. "Our core values guide everything we do at Everi, and at the center of our values is our strong culture of inclusion and collaboration. These awards clearly identify and recognize our efforts to foster a diverse and cohesive culture across multiple office locations and among our employees who continue to work remotely."
The latest recognition as a "Top Workplaces USA 2022" joins a growing list of awards for Everi. The Company earned a "Greater Austin Top Workplaces 2021" distinction from The Austin American-Statesman, as well as a "Nevada Top Workplaces 2021" award from The Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Business Press. Everi also earned national plaudits in 2021, winning a Top Workplaces 2021 Culture Excellence Award for "Direction" due to employees' high ratings and their proven willingness to be more invested in Everi's culture because of a belief in the direction set by senior leadership, and a 2021 Culture Excellence Award for "Remote Work" in October due to diligent efforts to create a desirable culture in a remote work environment. Everi's India offices also recently received an annual certification as a "Great Place to Work®" from the Great Place to Work Institute in India, based on positive employee feedback gathered through an independent employee engagement survey.
"Companies need to actively cultivate a cohesive employee culture while authentically representing their brand to job-seekers," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "We believe the employee experience is mission-critical and think that leaders who embrace a people-first culture benefit greatly. By giving employees a voice and showcasing an authentic culture, organizations can attract and retain job seekers, ultimately resulting in strong corporate performance."
Step by step 88 Link begins to make its way into the gaming properties of the Valencian Community since, as Oscar Nieto, Zitro's commercial delegate says, "We appreciate the great bet that this group has once again made on our products, which stand out over the existing ones in the market. Bingo Gorrión is always one step ahead, so we are looking forward to installing it in the next few days in more gaming halls in the Community".
88 Link is a new way to play never seen before in Spain, presented in the Allure cabinet that includes three Full HD screens of 27” each. Allure also features a “SynchroScreen” system that synchronizes the top screens creating an incomparable visual spectacle. 88 Link, themed on the legendary richness of China, brings together for the first time the multiway game mechanics with the popular Bonus Link created by Zitro.
"With IGT's enhanced INTELLIGEN system, MBLL can easily access insight into the status and performance of its VLT network," said Nick Khin, IGT Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Gaming."Developed to respond to the unique needs of our customers, INTELLIGEN supports the volume, complexity and security MBLL needs to operate its thousands of VLTs located throughout the region with confidence and efficiency."
Under the terms of the extension, IGT will upgrade MBLL's video lottery central system to the latest version of INTELLIGEN, which includes improved network diagnostics. MBLL will also receive several iLINK Ultras, IGT's latest retailer site controller that has a separate point-of-sale device and logic box for increased flexibility, and an updated user interface with improved features for the retailer.
As the leader in the regulated video lottery industry, IGT deploys its INTELLIGEN systems worldwide, connecting a wide range of VLTs in a variety of gaming environments. The software is built on IGT's more than 25 years of central systems experience and offers stable, secure command and control capabilities.
In addition to VLTs and the INTELLIGEN central system, IGT also provides MBLL with commercial casino cabinets, games, and the IGT ADVANTAGE™ casino management system, as well as IGT PlayCasino games.
For more information, visit IGT.com, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter or watch IGT videos on YouTube.
Zitro unveils a new and exciting launch in the progressive’s group with its latest premium multigame: Wheel of Legends – a four level – Multigame Progressive Link presented on the premium Altius Glare cabinet, that includes four exclusive game titles and impressive themed features. Each game along with four jackpot levels, offer the ultimate player experience. Wheel of Legends also includes 3×4 games with “243 ways” game mechanic and fascinating features such as Free Games, Multipliers and Extended Wild Multipliers, as well as a Giant Wheel, activated with 10 symbols, that will randomly draw the MEGA or the SUPER jackpot.
Thanks to the quality work and talented team at Zitro, who have created these stunning 4K images, this multigame release – Wheel of Legends – offers the best graphics currently in the market.
Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, founder of Zitro, commented, “We are increasingly working to innovate and develop new products as technology in the gaming industry evolves rapidly. When introducing a new gaming title, our goal is to meet the needs of global operators and deliver immersive experiences to their players. We are confident that the new Wheel of Legends featured on the premium Altius Glare cabinet will become a favorite among players thanks to its engaging gameplay and exceptional performance”.
The Dragon Link $1 million progressive jackpot can be found at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and Seminole Coconut Creek Casino. The progressive jackpot starts at $1 million at each property, meaning players have three places to play for $1 million jackpots.
This is the fourth $1 million jackpot to hit on the Dragon Link™ slot game at a Seminole Gaming property in less than 60 days.
In 2021, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood celebrated a record-breaking year, awarding more than $1.2 billion in slot machine jackpots. The integrated resort and casino paid out more than 420,000 jackpots, which equates to one jackpot nearly every minute.
IGT continues diversity and inclusion leadership with perfect score on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index for workplace equality
LONDON, Jan. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE: IGT) announced today that it received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning the global company the coveted "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality" designation. The nation's leading benchmarking survey for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace, the CEI evaluates corporate policies and practices to measure an employer's commitment to workplace equality.
IGT joins the ranks of a record-breaking 842 U.S.-based companies to receive a perfect CEI score this year. The educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy group, the HRC Foundation rated businesses on detailed criteria across four central pillars:
- Non-discrimination policies across business entities.
- Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families.
- Supporting an inclusive culture.
- Corporate social responsibility.
"IGT earning the HRC Foundation's 'Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality' designation is a reflection of our commitment to provide a workplace culture that is welcoming, equitable and empowering to LGBTQ+ employees across the globe," said Vincent Sadusky, IGT CEO. "I wish to thank our approximately 11,000 employees worldwide, especially members of PRIDE with IGT, who together with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion embrace and activate IGT's core values and contributed to this milestone achievement."
"This designation reinforces that IGT's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is focused on impact," said Melissa Pursley, IGT Vice President and COO IGT Indiana and Co-Executive Sponsor of PRIDE with IGT. "Many in the LGBTQ+ community still struggle to thrive at work, and as a senior leader at IGT and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud that IGT has taken consistent steps to ensure that this is not the case for our colleagues."
"When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically," said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training."We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere. Congratulations to IGT for achieving the title of 'Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality' and working to advance inclusion in the workplace."
Since 2018, IGT has implemented a range of programs, policy and systems changes, and leading practices that have promoted all dimensions of diversity to make the Company a more attractive and inclusive employer. Some of these actions include:
- Introducing gender affirming medical benefits for transgender employees.
- Offering competitive benefits for same sex partners, regardless of marital status.
- Creating gender neutral restrooms at major IGT campuses.
- Implementing more inclusive and equitable hiring processes.
- Establishing and supporting PRIDE with IGT, an employee-led and executive-sponsored Diversity and Inclusion Group.
- Facilitating both mandatory and elective employee training courses that help support IGT's diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and anti-harassment commitments.
To learn more about IGT's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, visit IGT.com or follow us on LinkedIn. To learn more about the HRC Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
“Zitro strongly believes in ICE London as the key international tradeshow for the European market and is enthusiastic about participating in the next edition of ICE’23, as we have always done over the last years. We are looking forward to reunite in the right circumstances and to showcase our amazing products to casino operators from all over the world”.
Company Overview
AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II tribal gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and remarkable growth have helped us branch out to become one of the most all-inclusive commercial gaming equipment suppliers in the world. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, highly rated social casino, real-money gaming solutions for players and operators, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at playags.com.
AGS Investor & Media Contacts:
Brad Boyer, Senior Vice President Corporate Operations and Investor Relations
bboyer@playags.com
Julia Boguslawski, Chief Marketing Officer
jboguslawski@playags.com
Every issue we ask slot manufacturers what tools and strategies slot directors can benefit from that they might not be taking full advantage of.
In this article we interviewed Cody Herrick (CH), Senior Director of Game Design and Mike Trask (MT), Vice President of Product Marketing & Global Communications, Ainsworth Game Technology, and Dan Schrementi (DS), President of Gaming, Incredible Technologies
From left: Cody Herrick, Senior Director of Game Design, Ainsworth Game Technology; Mike Trask, Vice President of Product Marketing & Global Communications, Ainsworth Game Technology; Dan Schrementi, President of Gaming, Incredible Technologies
What should be the most significant change or strategy that Tribal casinos should focus on for their gaming product in 2022? (Is it more about connecting social gaming and on-property machines? Is it addressing new layouts due to social distancing? Is it changing up the slot floor mix?)
CH/Ainsworth: We are seeing new layouts and changes due to social distancing have an impact on game performance. Casinos and manufacturers both need to communicate better about floor changes. We want to make sure to provide the best options to fit a casino floor. Manufacturers and casino properties similarly must communicate better about how online gaming – both real money and social – are being used in Tribal markets. Both issues will significantly drive our product strategy.
DS/Incredible: Tribal operators have always been able to embrace innovation in gaming faster than large commercial operators can. Additionally, Tribal operators are the only operators who can run Class II games. 2022 should focus on the integrations of new, bold technologies to a Tribe’s operation – both with the games on the floor and online. Additionally, Tribes should look for opportunities to marry Class II opportunities into this strategy. Class II affords developers different ways to create gaming experiences that only Tribes can offer.
MT/Ainsworth: The success of our Showroom Live events has been tremendous. We have done dozens of live demos of our products, such as those in partnership with Tribal Gaming & Hospitality, but also one-on-one with customers who wouldn’t typically visit our Las Vegas headquarters or a big tradeshow. These have given our partners the chance to speak directly with our game developers, product managers and executives in real time while they see the products. We have done this both in our office, and at G2E and NIGA. Even as live events come back, I don’t see that kind of communication going away.
DS/Incredible: We have always offered custom video advertising integrated with our slot machines as a value-add of doing business with us. Most of our games ship with video signage that sits between the machines to create unique shapes and allow our art team to work with properties to collaborate on advertising for their floor. The pandemic brought on a new purpose for these separators – creating wider spacing and adding in pandemic-related messaging. Wider casino floors and bank layouts will be here to stay, and we will continue to offer this service for our customers.
During the last year, what have been the biggest “aha moments” from the slot vendor side, and will these change the way that you do business and develop products in 2022?
DS/Incredible: The biggest “aha moment” from our point of view is the emphasis on product diversification in our industry. Being a well-rounded vendor who can service multiple segments is more critical than trying to dominate the charts in one segment. COVID-19 shutdowns, supply chain delays, remote work – these are just some of the challenging examples that forced slot manufacturers like Incredible Technologies to pivot. Strengthening our portfolio with “Land-Based versus Online,” “Class III versus Class II, HHR,” “Slots versus Table Games” are just some of the ways that we have grown to prepare for the year ahead. Look across the industry and you will likely find similar examples from all of us on the vendor side.
Social distancing protocols shifted the layout of our gaming floors for a time. How are you as a gaming manufacturer addressing this in your product and layout? What are your clients asking for today?
MT/Ainsworth: The most tangible example of this is the launch of our A-STAR Curve XL cabinet. Our initial launch focuses on three-game pods with attractive infills between the games. This sort of configuration naturally provides social distancing. Perhaps in the past, we would have had launches with some kind of side-by-side seating.
DS/Incredible: Our industry has always known that smaller bank configurations in circular or triangular shapes were the best producing in a casino’s retail environment. Many operators have been space or power-constrained, preventing investment of time and money to reconfigure this way. The pandemic offered up the time for many operators to do these upgrades, and the effect is still carrying through today. Just this week, I heard my first request from an operator working on a large expansion saying, “our expansion area will only feature circular pods.” With time, the days of the long “grocery aisles” of games will be gone.
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This article was written by and appeared in Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Magazine.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) ("Everi" or the "Company"), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions, announced today that Secil Tabli Watson and Paul Finch have been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") effective February 1, 2022. Both Ms. Watson and Mr. Finch are well-respected, experienced business and financial executives who have been determined to satisfy the criteria for independent directors for the purposes of New York Stock Exchange rules, applicable Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, and the Company's Governance Guidelines. They have been appointed to serve as members of the Board's Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, and Compensation Committee. Their appointments, together with the previously announced addition of Randy Taylor to the Board in conjunction with becoming Chief Executive Officer on April 1, will expand the size of the Board to ten members.
Ronald Congemi, Lead Independent Director of the Board, has informed the Company he will retire from the Board and will not stand for reelection at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is currently scheduled for May 18, 2022. The Board has selected Atul Bali, a member of the Board for the last two years, to become Lead Independent Director upon Mr. Congemi's retirement.
Michael Rumbolz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Everi, said, "We are delighted to welcome Secil and Paul to Everi. Their achievements and distinguished experience make them ideal additions to the Board of Directors. Secil's global and digital experience as former Head of Digital Solutions at Wells Fargo and Paul's successful leadership of Early Warning Services and its collaborative launching of the banking industry's first real-time payments network Zelle® bring to the Board a wealth of business and financial industry knowledge. We look forward to benefiting from their insights and counsel as we focus on executing our growth strategies that will propel Everi on its path of building value for our stakeholders. At the same time, we want to thank Ron for his distinguished service to our Board. Everi will miss his insight and contributions."
Secil Tabli Watson
Ms. Watson has more than 25 years of experience in early start-up, large corporate and management consulting environments with deep understanding of digital, banking and financial technology. Until March 2021, as Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Solutions at Wells Fargo, she was responsible for digital transformation and oversaw innovations in payments, cyber-fraud and customer experience, including enhancing the bank's capabilities in the areas of mobile, authentication, fraud prevention, open banking APIs and P2P payments. During her 18 years at Wells Fargo, she transformed the bank's digital operations, managed key enterprise digital channels for consumers, businesses and commercial customers, and managed product P&Ls. She will bring to the Board a global perspective, having managed globally dispersed teams, including working in various geographies such as Australia and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Watson is an independent director of Bank of Marin Bancorp and Bank of Marin, Mclarend Technology Acquisition Corporation, a Special Purpose Acquisition Company focused on acquiring fintech companies, and Landed, a start-up whose mission is to help essential workers own their homes, and she advises Fortune 500 and growth companies on digital transformation and product strategy. She is a long-time practitioner of Diversity and Inclusion workplace programs, an advocate for conservation, and passionate about creating great customer experiences that deliver both business and community value.
Paul Finch
Mr. Finch is an accomplished entrepreneur and corporate leader. He was the chief executive officer of Early Warning Services, LLC from 2003 to 2019 and successfully guided Early Warning through several transformations, beginning with the transition to a bank-owned consortium model in 2006, and continuing with a series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In 2017, together with financial institutions across the U.S., Early Warning launched Zelle®, the banking industry's first real-time payments network. With more than 1,000 financial institutions, the Zelle Network includes small community banks and credit unions together with the largest national banks. Under his leadership, his team achieved consistent annual growth and established Early Warning as the pre-eminent provider of real-time payments, risk and authentication solutions to financial institutions nationwide.
Mr. Finch began his career in the payments industry as the founder and CEO of ACH Systems, an electronic payment technology outsourcing company specializing in the processing and settlement of U.S. ACH transactions. Subsequently, he headed global operations, technology and customer support at eFunds corporation. He is the president of the Finch Family Foundation, a non-profit organization in Phoenix dedicated to serving children and families in need, as well as an independent member of the Boards of FormFree Holdings Corporation, Capital Markets Gateway LLC, and Aiya Financial Technologies, innovative privately owned technology companies serving the financial industry. In 2017, Mr. Finch was named one of the 10 most innovative CEOs in Banking by Bank Innovation magazine
Atul Bali
Mr. Bali joined the Everi Board in 2019. He currently serves as Chairman of The Football Pools Ltd, the oldest pool betting organization in the world and Instant Win Gaming Ltd., a provider of mobile instant win games to state lottery operators in Europe and North America. In addition, Mr. Bali is an investor in, and advisor to, a range of privately held lottery, sports betting, igaming and fintech businesses. He also serves as a director on the board of Rainbow Rare Earths PLC, a UK listed producer of Rare Earth Metals with operations in South Africa and Burundi.
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, Mr. Bali joined GTECH Corporation (now IGT) in 1997, and over 13 years held various executive positions, including President and CEO of GTECH G2. Subsequently, he served as CEO of XEN Group from 2010 to 2012 and thereafter in divisional President & CEO roles at Aristocrat Technologies Inc. from 2012 to 2014, RealNetworks, Inc. from 2014 to 2015, Gaming Realms PLC where he served on the board of directors from 2014 to 2018 and held the position of Deputy Chairman from 2015 to 2018 and Chairman of the Board of Meridian Tech Holdings Ltd from 2016 to 2021.
A new location for 88 Link in Galicia, this time in the Boiro gaming hall of the well-known KIROLBET brand.
Zitro’s Allure cabinet includes three 27" Full HD screens. This cabinet also features the ‘SynchroScreens’ multimedia system that synchronizes the top screens creating an incomparable visual spectacle. 88 Link brings together in a single game such innovative features as the multiway game mechanics with Zitro’s popular bonus Link, providing players with an extra dose of entertainment.
According to KIROLBET’s managers, “Customers are receiving this novelty with great enthusiasm, since it is a different product that provides our customers with ways to play for multiple tastes”.
As Angel Montes, from Zitro, says, “88 Link is consolidating in Galicia every day a little more in new gaming properties, so I want to thank KIROLBET for being part of this consolidation”.
Zitro’s library of Video Bingo games and the progressive multigame Pick & Win are available to players for the first time in the jurisdiction of the City of Buenos Aires, at the hand of the distinguished Codere Group. The Loteria de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Sociedad del Estado (LOTBA), the gaming regulatory body of the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, has approved Zitro’s Digital Games, in casinos licensed in this jurisdiction.
After years of roaring success throughout land-based casinos around the world, players in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, can now enjoy these games from their mobile, tablet or desktop. Thanks to Zitro Digital, the thrill and excitement of these high-performing multigames are now just one click away.
Salo Leder, Regional Director for Codere Online said, “We are continuously working to bring the best entertainment offer to clients in Argentina, and for this we have a partner that provides us with a very broad portfolio of online video bingo and Zitro video slots games, which has proven to be a success in land-based casinos. We are convinced that players will enjoy the same success in the online channel and that it will support our omnichannel growth strategy”.
Alejandra Burato, Zitro’s Regional Director for Latin America, added: “It is an outstanding achievement to watch Zitro Digital growing steadily and opening the way to new online casino markets not only in Argentina but across all continents. Our goal is to create a product that is as successful and profitable to operators as our land-based games. It takes commitment and hard work to achieve this, and as a team we are proud to see it become a reality. Having our games approved by the LOBTA is another step towards the expansion of Zitro Digital with city operators, and we are confident that it will be followed by many other games that have made Zitro a global leading casino supplier throughout the years. We are extremely grateful to Codere Group for the trust they have placed in us, and we are truly excited about adding new game titles soon”.
- Lorenzo Pellicioli to retire as chairperson of the board of directors
- Marco Sala appointed executive chair of the board of directors
- Vincent Sadusky appointed CEO and executive director
- Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter appointed to the board of directors
- Maria Pinelli appointed chair of the audit committee
LONDON, Jan. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) ("IGT" or the "Company") today announced that on January 14, 2022 its board of directors implemented a number of changes to the Company's executive team and board.
Lorenzo Pellicioli will retire as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors and will remain a non-executive director. Marco Sala, currently CEO of IGT, will become executive chair of the board. Vincent Sadusky will become CEO and executive director of the board. These changes will be effective January 24, 2022.
In a separate release today, B&D Holding S.p.A., the controlling shareholder of De Agostini S.p.A., announced that Marco Sala will be proposed at the June 2022 meeting of the corporate bodies of De Agostini as the next CEO of De Agostini, succeeding Lorenzo Pellicioli, who is retiring from the position.
"The changes to the IGT executive team and board are an important step in positioning the Company for the next phase of its evolution. The actions further strengthen IGT's capabilities to execute on its long-term strategy and the value creation initiatives identified in the Company's recent investor day. It is a natural evolution for Marco to lead the IGT board. More importantly, during his 19-years at IGT and its predecessor companies, he has a proven track record of success and has earned the trust and respect of IGT's customers, investors, business partners and regulators. As executive chair, Marco will focus on managing the board, corporate governance, including sustainability initiatives, and guiding the strategic direction of IGT.
"Likewise, we are delighted to announce that Vince Sadusky, a seasoned executive, long-time member of the current IGT board as well as that of its predecessor companies and the former chair of our audit committee will succeed Marco as CEO. Vince brings a unique set of skills to the role, where he combines his knowledge of IGT with his demonstrated ability to create shareholder value with decades in leadership roles in public and private companies in dynamic industries, including digital and media. His transition into the CEO role will be relatively seamless," said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
"I am looking forward to taking on the new role of executive chair at IGT and to partner with Vince, with whom I have worked extensively over the years, in leading IGT forward. I believe our skills and experiences are complementary and will serve our stakeholders well. In particular, Vince's vast experience with portfolio companies and capital markets will be valuable as we look to execute on our strategy," said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT.
"IGT is well-positioned for the future, and I am very excited to join the Company as its next CEO. With a seasoned executive team and very talented group of employees across the world, it represents a great opportunity for me to support an industry leader in the next phase of its growth," said Vincent Sadusky.
The board of directors also appointed Maria Pinelli and Ashley Hunter as non-executive directors of the board. Ms. Hunter was also appointed to the Company's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Ms. Pinelli was appointed chair of the Company's Audit Committee, replacing Vincent Sadusky. These changes were effective January 14, 2022.
"We are delighted to have Maria and Ashley join our board. They both bring deep and diverse professional experiences to IGT to enhance our board composition. We are looking forward to their contributions," said Lorenzo Pellicioli, chairperson of IGT.
Executive & Director Biographies
Lorenzo Pellicioli served as chairperson of the IGT Board of Directors from November, 2018 to January, 2022 after serving as vice-chairperson since April 2015. From August 2006 to April 2015, he was chairperson of the GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) Board of Directors. He has served as CEO of De Agostini S.p.A. since November 2005. He has also served as a director of IDeA Alternative Investments S.p.A. and as managing director of DeA Factor S.p.A. Mr. Pellicioli serves as chairman of the board of directors of DeA Capital, as a director of Banijay Group SAS and LDH SAS, and he is also a member of the compensation committee and of the appointments and corporate governance committee and director of the board of directors of Assicurazioni Generali.
Marco Sala was CEO of IGT from April, 2015 to January, 2022. In addition to serving on the board of directors for IGT in his role as CEO, in May 2020 he was appointed to the board of directors for De Agostini S.p.A. Prior to April 2015, he served as CEO of GTECH S.p.A. (formerly Lottomatica Group) since April 2009 and was responsible for overseeing all of the Company's segments including the Americas, international, Italy, and products and services. He joined the Company as co-general manager in 2003 and has since served as a member of the board of directors. In August 2006, he was appointed managing director with responsibility for the Company's Italian operations and other European activities. Previously, he was CEO of Buffetti, Italy's leading office equipment and supply retail chain. Prior to Buffetti, Sala served as head of the business directories division for SEAT Pagine Gialle. Earlier in his career, he worked at Magneti Marelli (a Fiat Group company) and Kraft Foods.
Vincent Sadusky was CEO and board member of Univision Communications from 2018 to 2020, the largest Hispanic media company in the US, operating multiple broadcast and cable networks, local TV and radio stations, digital video and audio streaming. Prior to Univision, he was CEO and board member from 2014 to 2017 of Media General, a local TV station and digital media company with more than 50 TV stations and 5,000 employees. From 2006 to 2014, he was CEO and board member of LIN Media, a local TV station broadcaster and digital media company. He also served as CFO of LIN Media from 2004 to 2006 and was CFO of Telemundo Communications from 1999 to 2004. In addition to serving on the IGT board of directors since 2010 and most recently chairing its audit committee, Sadusky has served on the boards of the Paley Center for Media, the National Association of Broadcasters and was the treasurer for the NBC Affiliates Board. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ernst & Young, and co-founded JVB Financial Group and Zeus Financial, fixed-income securities trading firms.
Maria Pinelli is a global C-suite executive who currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Globant and board director and chair of the audit committee for Archer Aviation, Inc. and Clarim Acquisition Corp. She served in a variety of leadership roles at EY from October, 1986 to November, 2020, including consumer products and retail leader, global vice chair – strategic growth markets, global IPO leader, and Americas leader – strategic growth markets. In her role as an advisor at EY, she successfully led more than 20 IPOs in four different countries and more than 25 M&A transactions worldwide. Her experience includes strategic transactions and due diligence advice, Sarbanes-Oxley implementation and stakeholder management. She has served as an advisor to some of the world's most iconic e-commerce, consumer products, and retail brands.
Ashley Hunter has been a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin School of Information since 2015, and is the founding partner of A. Hunter & Company, a leading risk management advisory firm. Previously she was managing director of HM Risk Group LLC where she assisted many startups and corporations with alternative risk transfer schemes and reinsurance placement, globally. Under her leadership, HM Risk Group became a leader in the development of niche insurance products for the sharing and assistive reproductive technology industry. Prior to founding HM Risk Group in 2006, she worked in various claims and underwriting management positions for State Farm Insurance Companies, The Hartford Insurance Company and AIG Insurance Company.
Legacy of longtime gaming leader and philanthropist receives formal recognition from officers of the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association
Las Vegas, NV — January 20, 2022
KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION Founder, Chairman, and Representative Director Kagemasa Kozuki has been named in the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame, Class of 2022 by the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association (MGHA). Mr. Kozuki established and expanded KONAMI’s presence across the state of Mississippi, as both a gaming provider and community supporter by leading global gaming developer and manufacturer, Konami Gaming, Inc. He will be officially inducted to the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame during the 2022 Southern Gaming Summit, on May 5, 2022 at Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
“Mr. Kozuki is among the gaming pioneers that have helped develop this industry into a long-term material benefit for people and communities in the State of Mississippi,” said Larry Gregory, executive director of the MGHA. “We look forward to recognizing and celebrating his work as the official induction approaches.”
Mr. Kozuki founded KONAMI INDUSTRY CO., LTD in 1969 to lease and maintain jukeboxes. Under his leadership, the company has grown substantially over the past 50+ years to become a major international corporation operating four business segments: Digital Entertainment, Amusement, Gaming and Systems, and Sports. In addition to his success in business, Mr. Kozuki formed the Kozuki Foundation in 1982 to promote sports, educational, cultural, and social support related activities, and to improve the public good, creating a better society.
“The future of gaming, whether here in the U.S. or in markets as far away as Japan, relies upon strong technology and strong communities. Mr. Kozuki has demonstrated a relentless personal commitment to both, and for that I’m thrilled to offer sincere congratulations for his naming to the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO & president, MGM Resorts International, which operates 32 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau, including Beau Rivage and Gold Strike Tunica in Mississippi.
“Mr. Kozuki’s merits as a gaming technology leader and community advocate are seen in markets around the world,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “This is an important and exciting time to see his contributions forever acknowledged in the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame.”
“In working under Mr. Kozuki on KONAMI’s gaming and systems expansion for more than two decades, he has held our focus on responsibility, success, and integrity. This has led to ongoing growth and enrichment for the people, communities, and customers we serve,” said Steve Sutherland, president & chief executive officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “KONAMI is proud to celebrate Mr. Kozuki’s extraordinary contributions and accomplishments as he is added into the Hall of Fame.”
For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com.