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GOODS&SERVICES
John and Noah Acres
ACRES LAUNCHES ‘CASHLESS CASINO’ APP
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cres Manufacturing Company has launched an app that enables implementation of cashless wagering more quickly than any other technology. Called “Cashless Casino,” the new application enables casino operators to deploy the industry’s best-of-breed cashless gaming and loyalty solution within 15 weeks of order. Cashless Casino is powered by Acres’ Foundation technology, the industry’s only solution capable of processing both real-time gaming data and cashless transfers to and from any slot machine or table game. Acres’ efforts to innovate solutions that enable a more intuitive adoption of cashless gaming technology will help set the stage for the option of a completely cashless casino gaming floor within a few years, which will eliminate cash-handling expenses and drive a better overall player experience. “Early deployments of Foundation cashless gaming have proven that cashless players increase their play and visitation,” said Noah Acres of Acres Manufacturing. “As a result, casino operators are increasingly expressing wide-scale interest in deploying cashless gaming technology. “However, implementing cashless gaming quickly becomes a burdensome, do-it-yourself project for operators, as they struggle through the limitations of decades-old legacy casino management system (CMS) technologies to integrate a payment processor and user interface while solving for dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. These issues have dramatically slowed industry adaptation of cashless gaming. “Cashless Casino addresses this challenge by making the rollout incredibly easy and intuitive, as it enables operators to focus on player education and the gaming entertainment experience.” Cashless Casino works on any slot machine or table game, including those connected to casino management systems from Aristocrat, IGT, Konami and Light & Wonder. These legacy CMS solu-
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Global Gaming Business AUGUST 2022
tions continue to account for play and loyalty data, while Foundation processes the entire machine event stream in real time, resulting in over a thousand times more data being provided to the casino. Casinos can select one or more payment providers, including Everi, FABICash, Flexia, Koin, Sightline Payments and Trustly. An interface to Marker Trax, a casino marker solution, is also included. Furthermore, Cashless Casino satisfies all regulatory requirements by providing audit reports and dispute resolution tools and can serve as the required system of record. “Cashless Casino allows gaming operators to position themselves for an entirely cashless future in which casinos transition away from physical player cards, kiosks, and direct mail,” said Acres. “These legacy technologies and practices are quickly being abandoned by other industries, and by implementing Cashless Casino, operators can engage with their customers more easily in the mediums they prefer while also benefiting from operating efficiencies. “Driving higher loyalty engagement is the core value proposition of our Foundation technology, and incorporating innovative player loyalty features into Cashless Casino is a key differentiator in the player experience. Cashless Casino enables casino operators to significantly improve their connection and engagement with their players.”
SEMINOLE CASINOS DEBUT ARISTOCRAT PROGRESSIVE SLOT
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uilding on the success of its high-denomination slot machine Dragon Link, Aristocrat Gaming and Seminole Gaming recently launched the Dollar Storm slot, which offers a progressive jackpot starting at $1 million. The machine can only be found at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida. Each location offers its own $1 million jackpot. “The addition of this game to both of these casino floors is another example of how Aristocrat continues to bring engaging high-limit content to slot players,” said Aristocrat Gaming Senior Vice
President of Commercial Strategy and Business Analytics Jon Hanlin. Seminole Gaming Vice President of Gaming Operations Juan Martinez said, “Since November 2021, we’ve had seven $1 million winners on our Dragon Link machines across our Seminole Hard Rock properties in Hollywood and Tampa. Now we can offer the $1 million progressive awards to an even larger audience with the new $5 minimum bet option.”
SEGA SAMMY TO INTRODUCE NEW CABINET AT G2E ASIA
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lot supplier Sega Sammy Creation announced it will launch its Genesis Crest 43J cabinet to Asian markets at the G2E Asia: Special Edition Singapore trade show in August. Featuring a stylish 43-inch J-curve 4K monitor, the Genesis Crest 43J features a player panel highlighted by a 13.3-inch LCD touch screen and a wireless phone charger. The full HD 27-inch topper allows for clear and sharp images to be displayed with maximum visibility. “On top of the top-notch quality and reliability, the Genesis Crest 43J also makes maintenance easier and more efficient for technical service,” said Masahiro Kurosaki, managing director of Sega Sammy Creation. “We have spent the past few years developing and planning the best hardware and software combination, and the result is what I believe is our strongest cabinet offering to date. The game content will make full use of the hardware capabilities and allow for a broad range of game types and features.” The Genesis Crest 43J will provide an expansive game library with a variety of content to cater to any market, according to the company.
LIGHT & WONDER ACCEPTS AMENDED SALE AGREEMENT FOR OPENBET
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ight & Wonder announced that it has reached an amended agreement with Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. to sell its sports betting division, OpenBet, to Endeavor for $800 million, down by a