Cutting Edge

by Frank Legato

Seamless Deposits

PRODUCT: PayNearMe Platform MANUFACTURER: PayNearMe

As an iGaming operator, you want to make moving funds in and out of your platform as seamless as possible for players. Friction in the payments process, whether it’s failed deposits, limited payment types or slow payouts, can have a lasting negative impact on player experience—impacting your ability to attract and retain loyal players.

With PayNearMe, operators can accept deposits faster and more reliably, with a mix of payment methods that appeal to nearly all player preferences. Players benefit from a simplified deposit experience that supports their favorite payment options, including cards, ACH, cash, and Apple Pay and Google Pay. In addition, operators can rapidly send payouts (via debit cards, RTP network, ACH, etc.) without having to manage multiple vendors or integrations.

“Managing multiple third-party vendors and contracts is not only an administrative and technical burden for operators, but it also creates a disjointed experience for players during a crucial touchpoint—payments in and out,” says Michael Kaplan, chief revenue officer and General Manager at PayNearMe. “Operators can now consolidate key payment types— including Apple Pay and Google Pay—along with payouts onto a single payments platform built specifically for iGaming.” Over the past decade, PayNearMe’s innovative cash barcode technology has powered cash deposits for nine of the 10 largest operators as measured by gross gaming revenue (GGR). Unlike some cards and bank accounts, cash deposits are reliably accepted, minimizing the chance of failed deposits and frustrated players. PayNearMe is accepted at 20,000-plus retail locations, including participating 7-Eleven and CVS stores across the U.S. PayNearMe’s Smart Link technology gives players the ability to make a deposit in two clicks—without having to navigate through the cashier page. Operators can text, email or use native app push notifications to send players reminders, announcements, incentive promotions or other player engagements, along with a link they can click to make a deposit anytime, anywhere.

PayNearMe is dedicated to making iGaming payments easy for operators and players. The company’s technology focuses on removing friction to enable operators to deliver a best-in-class player journey throughout the deposit and payouts process. With PayNearMe, operators get to market faster with one platform, one partner and one integration.

For more information, visit paynearme.com.

In-Game Power

PRODUCT: Instant Betting MANUFACTURER: Kambi

The quality of a sportsbook’s in-game offering is increasingly the key differentiator between an excellent sports betting experience and a merely good one.

Looking at the U.S. betting market, the ratio of in-game wagering is steadily rising as bettors become more familiar with regulated sports wagering. The appetite was there from the onset following the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, with Kambi finding that over half of U.S. bettors placed an in-play wager within their first five bets of joining in April 2019, and overall engagement levels with Kambi’s live offering continue to rise steadily in 2021.

With the growth of in-game betting comes an accompanying rise in the number of players engaging with Kambi’s extensive range of instant markets across its U.S. partner network. These are markets where bets are placed and settled swiftly, such as the next point winner in tennis or whether the next field goal in basketball will be a two- or three-pointer.

Interest in these markets in the U.S. is growing significantly. In fact, across Kambi’s U.S. partner network in 2020, there was a threefold year-onyear increase in instant betting as a proportion of all NFL live turnover, spurred by markets such as “result of current drive.” Furthermore, Kambi was the only sportsbook, both B2B and B2C, observed to offer instant markets on the MLB World Series in 2020. Kambi’s unique “result of pitch” market accounted for close to a quarter of the company’s live turnover throughout the length of the competition, demonstrating the potential of a sophisticated instant betting offer to drive consistent engagement with the sportsbook. Crucially, Kambi has found that U.S. players who engage with instant betting place more wagers overall during a game, illustrating the impact a high-quality instant offering can have in not only attracting players, but having those players demonstrate higher levels of engagement.

The power and complexity under the hood required to present a comprehensive range of instant markets in a seamless manner to the bettor, with low delays, cannot be overstated; nor can the expertise this requires in proprietary pricing. The growing popularity of instant betting clearly illustrates the need for a best-in-class sportsbook, underpinned by proven, high-performance technology in meeting the demands of the modern player.

For more information, visit kambi.com.

Hakkasan at MGM Grand

TAO GROUP BUYS HAKKASAN GROUP

In a combination of giants in the nightclub industry, the Tao Group has purchased the Hakkasan Group. The two companies were hard hit during the pandemic, when Hakkasan immediately laid off all its employees only weeks after it began. Although the combination of the companies includes more than 60 venues across five continents, the largest impact will be in Las Vegas, where Tao will now be the undisputed king of nightlife. Its Las Vegas nightclubs include Hakkasan at MGM Grand, Tao at the Venetian, Marquee and Beauty & Essex at the Cosmopolitan, Omnia at Caesars Palace and the Jewel Nightclub at Aria.

Even though the nightclubs began reopening almost a year ago, capacity limitations and health and safety procedures have prevented them from even reaching the break-even point. The clubs, however, got a boost on May 1 when capacity was raised to 80 percent in Las Vegas.

Even before the pandemic, however, the nightclub business was fraught with uncertainty. The failure of Kaos at the Palms shook the business to its core. The recent announcement that Resorts World Las Vegas will include at least two nightclubs featuring DJ superstars Tiesto and Zedd shows the cost of running a successful nightlife business won’t be going down anytime soon.

The Tao Group is majority-owned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment, which is currently building The Sphere, a 20,000-seat, state-of-the-art arena behind the Sands Expo Center.

IGT SIGNS SEVEN-YEAR MARYLAND SYSTEMS DEAL

International Game Technology announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation, was awarded a long-term contract from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission to upgrade the video lottery central system that connects more than 11,500 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic table games (ETGs) across the state’s six casinos.

The contract runs through September 2028 and includes the option to extend for up to an additional four years.

IGT will install its enhanced Intelligen video lottery central system software that supports the volume, complexity and security of monitoring and controlling every VLT and ETG in Maryland. The upgrade features sophisticated site controllers that will maintain network diagnostics and communications between all gaming machines, and will provide advanced business intelligence tools for easy day-today operations management and reporting, and new disaster recovery technology.

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.

GAN TECHNOLOGY NOW POWERING RMG FOR CHURCHILL DOWNS

GAN Ltd., a leading full-service internet gaming software-as-a-service provider to the realmoney internet gaming online sports betting and simulated gaming industries, announced a successful multi-state transition onto its platform for Churchill Downs Inc.’s TwinSpires-branded sports betting and iGaming operations in Pennsylvania and sports betting operations in Indiana.

Additionally, GAN launched inaugural mobile sports betting operations for TwinSpires in Colorado, which, when coupled with the previously launched solutions in Michigan and Tennessee, brings the GAN-powered TwinSpires brand to five total states.

Following the migration onto GAN’s technology platform, the company supports TwinSpires Sportsbooks in Michigan, Colorado, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Indiana with its leading player account management platform, in addition to powering TwinSpires’ casino offering in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Both online casino and sports customers will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted playing experience with any product, in any state, on a single app leveraging GAN’s proprietary technology operating framework.

Dermot Smurfit, CEO of GAN, commented, “The team did an amazing job of concurrently migrating and launching TwinSpires’ sportsbook and iGaming offering in three states in the span of a week, which serves to highlight our speed to market and unique capabilities to seamlessly handle highly complex migrations. We remain humbled to work with an industry-leading entertainment company with some of the most historic and diversified assets in the gaming industry. We look forward to our continued partnership to assist Churchill Downs Inc. in its efforts to replicate their longstanding success in land-based gaming in online sports betting and iGaming.”

GAN’s Dermot Smurfit

KONAMI LAUNCHES OCEAN SPIN SERIES

Konami Gaming, Inc. announced the launch of its Ocean Spin video slot series for availability in North America, following high rates of ongoing performance across debut locations. The premium linked progressive game is featured on Konami’s award-winning Dimension 49J cabinet, which has seen widespread success since premiering last year with the popular All Aboard game.

Indexing as high as five times house average, Ocean Spin’s starting performance has achieved even greater levels than All Aboard’s starting performance, according to the company. Ocean Spin is the industry’s No. 1 top performing New Premium Video Title, according to ReelMetrics’ April 2021 ReelHot Index.

“Ocean Spin has shown an exceptionally strong arrival for initial casino sites in the U.S.,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “The game’s eyecatching wheel spin bonus, transportive play environment, and outstanding presentation on the

casino floor all come together for a winning slot entertainment spotlight.”

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

Ocean Spin is available with a variety of bank and pod configuration options.

AINSWORTH, SLOTEGRATOR TO DISTRIBUTE iGAMES

Ainsworth Game Technology announced last month that it has partnered with Slotegrator, an iGaming aggregator, to distribute its video slot content in the Eastern European online casino market.

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

Among the titles that will soon be available via Slotegrator are classic Ainsworth titles such as the QuickSpin brand of wheel games, proven high-performing, high-denomination titles, and worldwide player favorites like Mustang Money.

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

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

MAVERICK, MARKER TRAX, SG PROMOTE CASHLESS

Washington-based Maverick Gaming is introducing cashless advances to its customers right at the machine, in partnership with Marker Trax and Scientific Games.

Wendover Nugget Hotel & Casino in Wendover, Nevada will be the first in the Maverick portfolio to offer this innovative technology to its slot and video poker customers. Customers can apply for a Marker Trax account either online or through a mobile app, and can be approved in less than five minutes. Through an interface with Scientific Games’ robust SDS slot management system and industry-leading Unified Wallet cashless solution, approved funds are immediately available to the customer electronically at their machine.

Scientific Games technology will also record, manage and track customers’ cashless advances and balances, seamlessly enhancing both the customer’s experience and the operator’s efficiency.

“Maverick Gaming is committed to providing a first-class experience to our customers, safely and conveniently. We are excited about the debut of Marker Trax at the Wendover Nugget property and look forward to future expansion of this cashless offering throughout our enterprise,” said Justin Beltram, chief operating officer of Maverick Gaming.

Enrollment in Marker Trax is free, and gives the customer the ability to play on a cashless advance from the casino. The advance will be available to the customer as they play different machines throughout the casino. Customers will have access to their account information on the mobile app and through the website.

“Together with our partners at Scientific Games, we are honored to be working with Maverick Gaming with the introduction of Marker Trax to their valued customers,” said Charlie Skinner, Marker Trax COO. “The technology is unrivaled, and we look forward to a successful launch with the team at the Wendover Nugget in Nevada.”

Rob Bone, senior vice president, global systems and tables at Scientific Games, said, “As cashless technology gains momentum, players are seeking a more efficient and customized experience on the casino floor. Our partnership with Marker Trax demonstrates our focus on cashless technology and our innovative cashless applications that enable a more engaging and personalized mobile player experience.”

ART MANTERIS STEPS DOWN

There are few sportsbook operators who have lasted as long in the business as Art Manteris retires. As the head of the sports betting operations for Station Casinos in Las Vegas, where he spent 22 years and will continue as a Art Manteris consultant, Manteris was renowned for his knowledge of sports betting, the art and science of setting lines, and a comfortable understanding of how the business has changed in the last few years following the legalization of sports betting in the United States.

Manteris started his career in the late 1970s as a ticket writer at the Fremont Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. He later moved to the Stardust, one of the legendary sportsbooks in the day, to operate the manual odds board, where he had to physically move numbers for bettors to check their wagers. Later he ran the “Superbook” at the Las Vegas Hilton (now the Westgate) and Caesars Palace—again, both important books at the time.

MACAU’S TOP REGULATOR OK’D FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS

Adriano Marques Ho, director of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau since last June, has been confirmed as head of the territory’s casino regulatory agency for Adriano Marques Ho another two years.

Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng initially appointed Ho to the post last June, six months after taking over stewardship of the territory’s government.

Prior to joining the DICJ, as the bureau is known by its Portuguese initials, Ho served for six years as head of the local sub-bureau of the China National Central Bureau of Interpol.

RIVERS PHILADELPHIA NAMES MOORE GM

Rush Street Gaming announced that Justin Moore, former general manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, has been named general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Moore joined Rivers in Schenectady soon after the property opened in 2017. He helped establish the Rivers Casino brand in a new and competitive market, operated The Landing Hotel, and debuted New York’s first sportsbook, while earning a marketleading position.

Before joining Rush Street, Moore spent 16 years working in Nevada at various casinos and resorts, beginning as a food server in Mesquite and eventually serving as vice president and assistant general manager at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Casino.

SIGHTLINE EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM

Fintech company Sightline Payments announced it has appointed five new executives to its senior leadership team.

John Gronen joins Sightline as chief financial officer, while Jennifer Carleton will serve as the company’s chief Felecia Gassen legal officer. Through its recent $100 million funding round announced on April 1, Sightline Payments has also appointed Muriel Lotto as chief marketing officer, while Katrina Sevier will serve as its chief people officer and Felicia Gassen will be chief of staff.

The executive appointments strengthen Sightline Payments’ leadership as the company scales to support rapid growth and customer demand.

Gronen, as CFO for Sightline, will oversee all finance operations including banking, treasury, budgeting and reporting. Gronen will also play key roles for Sightline in M&A and fundraising in support of the company’s high-octane organic and inorganic growth strategies.

Carleton joins Sightline having spent her entire legal career in the gaming sector. She was in-house counsel for an Indian casino and for the last 14 years was an adviser to some of the premier public and private gaming and investment companies in the world.

Lotto brings over 25 years in international marketing to her new role as Sightline Payments’ chief marketing officer. Lotto has worked in France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and in the United States at leading companies including Nestle, Unilever, Royal & SunAlliance, Bupa and Western Union.

Sevier brings expertise around the ever-changing organizational landscape of culture and talent to the role of chief people officer. She will be tasked with growing Sightline Payments’ team, which will double in size this year.

Gassen has been appointed chief of staff to CEO Joe Pappano and the executive leadership team. She is the former executive director of Global Gaming Women, where she managed the executive board of directors, committees, sponsorship and global membership.

LAS VEGAS ATTORNEY NAMED TO GAMING CONTROL BOARD

Governor Steve Sisolak has appointed Las Vegas attorney Brittnie Watkins to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Watkins, a specialist in commercial litigation, including the hotel and gam- Brittnie Watkins ing industries, and the first African American woman elected to the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors, replaces Terry Johnson, whose term expired earlier this year.

Watkins is the second African American woman to serve on the three-member board, which serves as the principal enforcement arm of the state’s gaming regulations and whose licensing recommendations and other policy decisions generally are endorsed by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Las Vegas attorney Sandra Douglass Morgan was the first woman and also was the first African American woman to chair the Gaming Control Board.

GGB

June 2021

Index of Advertisers

AGEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 AGEM & AGA Annual Golf Classic . . . . . . . . . . . .23 AGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Aristocrat Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Aruze Gaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Casino Player Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Everi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Fantini Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Fox Rothschild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Gaming Laboratories International . . . . . . . . . . .13 GAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Global Gaming Business/Casino Style . . . . . . . . .35 IGT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16, 17 IGT PlayDigital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Incredible Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 J Carcamo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Kambi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7 NIGA - Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention39 Novomatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Reed Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31