P3 Magazine - Progressive Products Preview 2020 by Global Gaming Business

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A Global Gaming Business Publication

SportS Betting SyStemS Agem’S mArcuS prAter g2e 2019 rememBered FAntini’S Supplier predictionS

PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW Premiere Edition

the Future is now

Why the Lockdown Has Inspired Creativity Among Gaming Suppliers

Slots In Civilization

Slippery Slots

How online games differ from machines

Why distributed gaming is trending

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers

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publication

1st Annual

CONTENTS

PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW COVER STORY

FEATURES

Product Showcase

G2E may have been tabled for 2020, but with P3, you won’t miss the premier products and solutions. Here’s a comprehensive lineup of leading-edge tools designed to return profitability to the sector, and make it safer and more viable than ever. By Frank Legato

AGEM Roundup

Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, weighs in on the organization’s response to Covid-19, its role in eliminating illegal gaming machines, and more.

Route to Success

Distributed gaming is making waves across the U.S. This growing sector could remain strong—and become even stronger—during the current economic upheaval. By Marjorie Preston

Continental Influence

U.S. sports betting operators have learned a lot about their new industry from the Old Masters—professionals who perfected the business in European markets. By Patrick Roberts

COLUMNS 4 Publisher’s Letter 6 Fantini’s Finance

CORPORATE PROFILES 48 48 49 50 50 52 52 54 54

AGS Agilysys Aruze Gaming BetConstruct CasinoTrac/ Table Trac Empire Everi Gaming Arts Gaming Laboratories International

56 56 56 57 58 58 59 60

HBG Design International Game Technology Kambi Konami Gaming J Carcamo & Associates Novomatic Americas Scientific Games SuzoHapp

Online and On Fire

Today's game designers have a new challenge: recreating their products for the virtual environment, including handheld devices. Here's how they keep the entertainment value and game appeal intact. By Bill Sokolic

Reflecting on G2E

Scenes from G2E 2019 prompt questions about the next big event. 2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW P3

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2020 PUblIShER’S lETTER

A New Beginning

PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 1st ANNUAL • 2020 Roger Gros, Publisher | rgros@ggbmagazine.com twitter: @GlobalGamingBiz Marjorie Preston, Editor mpreston@ggbmagazine.com Frank Legato, Managing Editor | flegato@ggbmagazine.com twitter: @FranklySpeakn

Roger Gros

Monica Cooley, Art Director mcooley@ggbmagazine.com Terri Brady, Sales & Marketing Director tbrady@ggbmagazine.com Becky Kingman-Gros, Chief Operating Officer bkingros@ggbmagazine.com

elcome to Progressive Product Preview (P3)! Normally at this time of year, you’d be receiving our annual G2E Preview. It not only previewed the events happening that busy week in Las Vegas, but also focused on the unique and innovative products on display at G2E. It was an indispensable tool. We often saw attendees walking around with G2E Preview in their hands because it was a useful and easy-to-use way to navigate the show. G2E isn’t happening this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so we decided to pivot a bit and concentrate exclusively on the products that were developed for their first viewing at the show. Though G2E is off for this year, the R&D that goes into these new products didn’t stop, and this magazine puts them front and center. So P3 will become a permanent addition to the GGB lineup, even when G2E returns. We’ll include a preview of the show, of course, but the most important element of P3 will always be the products. As with G2E Preview, P3 focuses on gaming products beyond slots. The October issue of GGB, reserved for the “Global Games” section, encompasses new games that usually debut at G2E. GGB Editor Frank Legato spent two weeks in August visiting all the manufacturers, and will report on their incredible games in the October edition. Those great games and machines are the stars of the show, but the supporting cast is also important. That’s what P3 covers. Just look at the products in these pages (in most cases, you can visit the GGB website— GGBMagazine.com—and see videos of the same products in action. While you can’t

touch and feel them, the videos will give you an excellent idea about how the products work on the front lines). As always, we have several features that relate to those products and how they will perform. Bill Sokolic talks about game designers, and why they’re targeting online gaming rather than brickand-mortar casinos. The insight into the differences between designing for slot machines and developing new games for internet gaming sites is awesome. What makes a great online game? Stickiness, apparently! And Marjorie Preston runs down the leaders in distributed gaming—you know, the machines we often see at bars, restaurants and convenience stores. This is becoming a huge segment for slot makers, and the growth of the sector is driving some interesting developments in products and services. So the lack of G2E this October doesn’t mean suppliers must wait until next year to display and distribute their products. Yes, we’ll miss the glitz and glamour of G2E, as well as the speeches and presentations. We’ll miss the parties. We’ll miss the friends we reconnect with each year. But with P3 and the October GGB, we won’t miss the great games, products and services that are always at the core of G2E. Hope to see you at the show next year, but for now, enjoy P3. And please let us know what you think.

Lisa Johnson, Communications Advisor lisa@lisajohnsoncommunications.com twitter: @LisaJohnsonPR Columnists Frank Fantini | Marcus Prater Contributing Editors Patrick Roberts Bill Sokolic twitter: @downbeachfilm __________________

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Rino Armeni, President, Armeni Enterprises

• Mark A. Birtha, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hard Rock International

• Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, President, Lifescapes International

• Nicholas Casiello Jr., Shareholder, Fox Rothschild

• Jeffrey Compton, Publisher, CDC E-Reports twitter: @CDCNewswire

• Dean Macomber, President, Macomber International, Inc.

• Stephen Martino, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International, twitter: @stephenmartino

• Jim Rafferty, President, Rafferty & Associates

• Thomas Reilly, Vice President Systems Sales, Scientific Games

• Michael Soll, President, The Innovation Group

• Katherine Spilde, Executive Director, Sycuan Gaming Institute, San Diego State University, twitter: @kspilde

• Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association twitter: @NIGA1985

• Roy Student, President, Applied Management Strategies

• David D. Waddell, Partner Regulatory Management Counselors PC Casino Connection International LLC. 1000 Nevada Way • Suite 204 • Boulder City, NV 89005 702-248-1565 • 702-248-1567 (fax) www.ggbmagazine.com The views and opinions expressed by the writers and columnists of GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. Copyright 2020 Global Gaming Business LLC. Boulder City, NV 89005 GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS is published monthly by Casino Connection International, LLC. Printed in Nevada, USA. Postmaster: Send Change of Address forms to: 1000 Nevada Way, Suite 204, Boulder City, NV 89005

Official Publication

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

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2020 FANTINI’S FINANCE

Supply-Side Complications It’s no longer as simple as how many slot machines you sell, it’s how much economic diversity you have Frank Fantini

he gaming supplier business was pretty simple not long ago. Companies sold or leased slot machines, and some provided casino management systems. That was pretty much it. That meant similar business models: Sell games, in which case average sales price was an important metric. Lease them, preferably on a revenue-share basis, in which case average daily win per machine was an important measure. Those businesses were easy to understand and to compare. Not so much today. Now, in addition to slot machines in casinos, we have online gaming, real money and casual. We have social gaming. There’s sports betting and sports betting platforms. In addition to Class III and Class II slot machines, we have skilled-based games and historical horse racing. There are mobile gaming and their platforms, interactive sports betting and their platforms. Companies boast of their omni channels. We have electronic table games, stand alone and stadium. For social and casual gaming, whole new metrics have been invented, such as average active users per month, average daily revenue per user, app store revenues. Even the language has changed, as makers of social games are referred to as publishers. A couple of the larger companies have lotteries that themselves are both brickand-mortar and online. The result is a divergence of business models. Here are some examples: • Scientific Games gets about half its revenues from traditional slot machine and systems businesses. Lottery combines for nearly a third, and interactive for more than 20 percent—recently about 8 percent from its direct interactive business, and 13 percent from majority-owned SciPlay social casino. • IGT gets more than 40 percent of its revenues from lottery, and the rest from gaming. But gaming covers a wide variety of businesses 6

beyond slot machines, such as interactive and sports betting. IGT recently moved to simplify management of its disparate and sprawling enterprises by creating two umbrellas under the corporate umbrella— global gaming and global lottery. • Everi revenue is split about evenly between slot machines and games and its fintech services. • Aristocrat has had a booming conventional slots and systems business, but its digital businesses also are booming, and now comprise 40 percentplus of revenues. That includes its Plarium subsidiary, which provides social games with no relationship to gambling. So, while these four companies get half or more of their revenues from gaming, they also have significant differences. For IGT and Sci Games, the difference is their lottery businesses. For Everi, it’s fintech. For Aristocrat, social gaming. But each of these separate businesses gives these companies two important qualities—ballast and diversification. As we’ve seen with the Covid-19 pandemic, slots shut down when casinos shut down, but people continue to buy lottery tickets. Or, in the case of Aristocrat, they play social games online. And in normal times, fintech gives Everi steady revenues independent of what’s happening in its games half. A risk and drag on IGT and Sci Games are the debt they’ve accumulated. They’re aware of that and intend to improve their balance sheets, which they need to do because we won’t live in such a low-interest rate environment forever, and a strong balance sheet is a competitive advantage, as Aristocrat demonstrates. Another way to look at gaming technology companies is to look at the industry. Conventional gaming in the U.S. is not the growth industry that it was. There are what might be called infill opportunities for new casinos and new jurisdictions, but the bulk of what we will have we already have. Likewise, there are potentially big international opportunities,

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such as if Brazil goes big into casinos, and as casinos in other countries upgrade to an American level of properties. But there also is a downside risk—casinos deploying fewer slot machines. That’s been a trend for a long time, but it might be accelerated by Covid-19 as casinos move to cut costs permanently. A special Eilers-Fantini Slot Survey related to Covid found that 70 percent of casinos that had removed slot machines during their closures do not intend to fully replenish their casino floors. Some casino company CEOs on their secondquarter conference calls flat-out said they’ll consider reducing the number of slot machines they offer. On the positive side, there’s the proliferation of online gaming and sports betting in the U.S. The arrival of cashless gaming also should provide a boost for the companies with those products, which include Everi, IGT, Sci Games and Konami among gaming suppliers. Those positives, however, may be at least partially offset by stricter regulations internationally in countries acting, wisely or counterproductively, to address what their policymakers see as problem gambling. And there are always the stories of individual companies to consider, such as AGS still having many new markets to grow into, or Ainsworth having a deep-pocketed parent in Novomatic. The old saying is that the more things change, the more they remain the same. Thus it is for gaming suppliers. No matter how complex their businesses become, and no matter how much the world changes around them, they ultimately are in the entertainment business. In brief, there will always be a prosperous future for well-run companies that make great games. Frank Fantini is the editor and publisher of Fantini’s Gaming Report. For a free 30-day trial subscription email subscriptions@fantiniresearch.com.

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2020 AGEM

P3 Conversation Marcus Prater Executive Director, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers

he Covid-19 lockdown of casino operations began in mid-March and spread around the world, crippling operators, causing millions of dollars in losses, resulting in much lower tax revenues, and causing layoffs by the thousands. What’s not so apparent is how the shutdown impacted gaming suppliers. Of course, when casinos close, they don’t buy any equipment. Making matters worse, some of the deals that suppliers have with operators include revenuesharing from leased or purchased games, both slots and tables. Since 2008, Marcus Prater has been executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), and prior to that, worked for several gaming suppliers. Prater has grown AGEM to a record number of members, more than 180 as of July 2020. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, AGEM members work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. How have AGEM members been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? In short, gaming suppliers have never experienced this kind of negative impact to their businesses, especially with such shocking suddenness. The recession in the 2007-2009 window was very painful as well, in terms of casinos halting purchases. But this went to a new level of pain. Casinos were forced to close and essentially all spending was halted, at least temporarily. Here we are now, in the final days of August. Thankfully, most casinos have reopened and some of the numbers are surprisingly positive. But we still have a big hole to dig out of.

How has AGEM responded to the pandemic? As an organization, AGEM’s ability to stop the business pain has been limited, but our fiscal year began April 1, right when the pandemic was on the rise. At the urging of the AGEM officers, we suspended the collection of all membership dues for our 180-plus members as a goodwill gesture, despite its impact on the financial health of our organization. We were also active in those early days to make sure members had the proper resources and information to apply for assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program and the CARES Act, so they could try and retain as many employees as possible. AGEM has been a generous contributor to many educational efforts, responsible gaming programs and charitable events over the years. What’s happened to those contributions? It’s correct that we’ve given many millions of dollars over the years to worthy causes, and we’re no longer in a financial position to be as generous as in the past. To those entities that we promised money to, they have been paid in full. For others, we’ve cut all donations by at least 75 percent so AGEM can weather the storm along with our members. We’re hoping for better days for all when our new fiscal year begins in 2021. Unfortunately, there have been lots of layoffs and furloughs of employees at many AGEM member companies, particularly in Nevada. You’ve participated in efforts to find new jobs for those workers. Will those efforts continue? We’re doing the best we can, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of our industry friends from being impacted by furloughs and layoffs. I’ve been

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

very vocal in asking our members to work with their respective human resources departments to share information from sites such as NevadaWorksTogether.com, which was created in part to give those in the gaming manufacturing sector updates, job postings and general information from other industries in Nevada that are still healthy and hiring. Another site is TheManufacturingInstitute.org from the National Association of Manufacturers, of which AGEM is a member. With the major trade shows being canceled or postponed, how will AGEM members approach exhibiting at these events in the future? That’s the great unknown. It’s obvious the old model of spending millions and millions of dollars for a three-day event is over for now. The shows probably needed a general right-sizing anyway, but no one wanted to see what’s happening to all of the events and the industry overall. For AGEM itself, we receive the bulk of our funding from an annual G2E royalty payment, so the cancellation of this year’s show has added to our already poor financial position brought on by the suspension of member dues.

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“

Once we identify an opportunity for AGEM to get involved and make a difference on a particular issue, then we work a strategy that usually involves interacting with the regulator directly, or through some sort of public comment process, to ensure our concerns are addressed. We’re also good at rallying support from industry partners for a more united voice overall.

”

Some opportunities came along with the upheaval. How innovative have AGEM members been in efforts to lessen the impact of the pandemic? I do think the suppliers have done a good job scouring every regulated gaming market in the world for opportunities, and some do indeed exist. We’re happy with growth in the online space, and we think that will continues as different markets debate the future. Our members provide the operating system engines and the game content as well. Lottery operations have adapted fairly well. And a move toward cashless gaming was needed even before the pandemic. Our member companies have responded with innovative options, and AGEM as an organization has been involved in pushing for regulatory relief related to that in different markets. Overall regulatory reform and modernization will continue to be one of our priorities.

Along with the AGA, AGEM has participated in a campaign to rid states of illegal gaming devices. How’s that been going? Yes, we launched the campaign in February to put a spotlight on the scourge of unregulated machines spreading in different states, and that continues today. We were disappointed when the Virginia legislature banned unregulated machines, only to have the governor reverse course in a pandemic-related money grab for the state. We’re on the lookout for other states to use the pandemic as an excuse to let unregulated gaming in. States such as Pennsylvania, Missouri and Wyoming continue to debate the future of “gray gaming,” but there’s no debate from our side that if you want into the gaming business at any level, then you need to be regulated and licensed accordingly.

AGEM has been active in tracking regulations in Mexico, Michigan and elsewhere. Explain how the association participates in this process. AGEM doesn’t have a big staff, but we use a vast network of contacts in regulated markets throughout the world to stay informed of key issues that impact all gaming suppliers. Once we identify an opportunity for AGEM to get involved and make a difference on a particular issue, then we work a strategy that usually involves interacting with the regulator directly, or through some sort of public comment process, to ensure our concerns are addressed. We’re also good at rallying support from industry partners for a more united voice overall.

Even though G2E has been canceled for this year, AGEM is still moving forward with its Jens Halle and Peter Mead awards, honoring innovators in the field of suppliers and communicators. Can you update us on this, and how the awards will be announced and presented? Yes indeed, we’re working through the process and will have two esteemed honorees to announce in October. We’re not sure at this point what that will look like, but we’ll do our best to honor the winners in a manner worthy of the memorial awards, their namesakes and all the past winners.

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Distributed Gaming: Few Barriers to Growth There seem to be no roadblocks on slot routes across the U.S.; in fact, they may grow stronger due to the current economic crisis By Marjorie Preston

n 2007-08, reeling from the Great Recession, most Americans thought they’d never see anything to top it. Little did we know. Post-recession, with the economy still in the tank, cash-hungry states scrambled for new ways to raise money. Among the most successful was Illinois’ 2009 legalization of video gambling terminals (VGTs), also known as video lottery terminals (VLTs), also known as slot machines that are installed in convenience stores, truck stops, “pouring establishments” (bars and restaurants), veteran and fraternal organizations (VFW halls and American Legion outposts), and even laundromats. Collectively, it’s called distributed gaming, and it’s growing.

Land of Lincolns Illinois introduced VGTs for two reasons, says James Kilsby, managing director for Gambling Compliance Americas, which issued a report on distributed gaming in 2019. Clearly, the first was to fill a budget deficit and support an infrastructure and spending bill designed to boost employment. The second was “to address a pretty prevalent ‘gray gaming machine’ market”—the proliferation of unregulated, illegal games operating outside the state’s control, unregulated and untaxed. “There had been a big expansion of unregulated games in bars, or ‘games of skill,’ in the term self-coined by manufacturers and distributors,” Kilsby says. “When Illinois went live (with legal machines) in 2012, it wasn’t the first time you could go into a bar and play a game. But it was the first time you could do it in a legal, regulated manner.” Since then, distributed gaming has proven a good bet. In 2018, gross gaming revenues from the state’s 35,000-plus VGTs brought in $1.41 billion, surpassing casinos, which generated $3.9 billion, slots and tables combined. And in July, when the state’s 10 casinos and 7,100 VGT establishments reopened, that edge was confirmed. Casinos generated $82.6 million for the month, down 29 percent year on year. VGTs, on the other hand, pulled in $166.1 million, up 24 percent over 2019—even though Illinois casinos had added more than 3,000 new slots since then. It’s been a jackpot for manufacturers like Novomatic, whose Novostar V.I.P. 3.65 slant-top slot machine has been well received in Illinois’ VGT 10

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market. “The growth has been unbelievable,” says Kathleen McLaughlin, vice president of marketing for Novomatic Americas. “Even through Covid19, we’ve still been getting orders, people asking, ‘When can I get in line?’” Jamie Dorbian, director of sales, Northeast, for Scientific Games, agrees. “We’ve all struggled at times, but what we’ve seen is that (route operators) have been resilient partners. The numbers around the country are very positive, and there is definitely a loyalty factor, as well as pent-up demand. Illinois’ July numbers were unbelievable.”

Pennsylvania Gold Rush Illinois is in the upper range as far as taxation; in 2019, its VGT tax went from 30 percent to 33 percent, and in 2020, inched up to 34 percent. To cushion the blow, lawmakers let operators add machines—up to six at most licensed venues, and 10 at truck stops—and also increased maximum wagers and payouts. The industry has seemed fail-safe, generating gross revenues of $1.677 billion last year. Not surprisingly, those numbers got the attention of lawmakers in other jurisdictions. Distributed gaming is now legal in nine states, operating under a crazy quilt of regulations and varying tax rates, from a low of 9 percent in Nevada to a greedy 52 percent in Pennsylvania. That high tax rate aside, operators including Golden Entertainment and Penn National have willingly bought into the Keystone State. But some have suggested that growth there is being unwisely constrained. Currently, Pennsylvania permits VGTs only at diesel-fuel truck stops, and allows just five machines per location. Blake Sartini II, Golden’s senior

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“When Illinois went live in 2012, it wasn’t the first time you could go into a bar and play a game. But it was the first time you could do it in a legal, regulated manner.” —James Kilsby, Managing Director, Gambling Compliance Americas

vice president of distributed gaming, sees that as a barrier to healthy growth. In a 2019 interview with Global Gaming Business magazine, he said Pennsylvania legislators “took the ultimate opportunity from 3,000 or so locations around the state down to around 200 truck stops” with several hundred machines. “We’re waiting for the full opportunity.” He may not have to wait long. With gaming taxes on the slide due to Covid-19, some in Harrisburg are already talking about expanding VGTs into bars, restaurants and other businesses that hold liquor licenses. But Eric Schippers, Penn National’s senior vice president of public affairs and government relations, is four-square against it. In a June interview, Schippers basically said enough is enough: Pennsylvania not only has full-scale casinos and slot routes, but in 2017 approved up to 10 Category 4 satellite casinos—and the latter haven’t been an easy sell. Schippers advised lawmakers to “look somewhere other than continued gaming expansion for budget solutions… Pennsylvania is beyond the point of saturation.” Kilsby acknowledges that the very success of distributed gaming is a “double-edged sword.” “On one hand, it’s shone a spotlight on the opportunity, a potential way states can make more money from gaming. The other edge of the sword is that it’s put commercial casinos on high alert; they’re very wary now of legalizing and regulating VGTs, because that market has cannibalized their operations.”

tions) on the books as a yearly target,” says Jim Daniel, vice president of operations. “It’s a strong pace, but we don’t plan to stop anytime soon. We’re looking for locations inside Nevada and out of state.” So, what’s the appeal of a slot tavern for the customer? According to Daniel, “We can give them all the gaming benefits of a major casino, plus better odds and better multi-game options.” Players don’t have to travel far or park in massive lots, he adds—and sometimes, those conveniences become deciding factors. Multi-game machines, with many game titles on a single device, “attract different players and let everyone select what they want. If they want a video reel game or keno, or if they want to play multiple levels of video poker, they can do that. The dedicated, one-game slot machine wouldn’t work for us, because it has a very definite shelf life of popularity.” Often, these taverns are the equivalent of neighborhood bars, where people head every Friday for happy hour. Many are patronized by casino employees who can’t play where they work, and stop in as they head home from their shift. Brendan Bussmann, gaming analyst and government affairs director for Global Market Advisors, says the hyper-local focus is part of what makes distributed gaming so strong. “Obviously, the corner bar, tavern or restaurant has always had a strong following from the immediate radius of neighborhoods. Those people will always come back.”

Where It Started In Nevada, where distributed gaming began, the slot bars and other gaming venues are everywhere, and video poker is king because there are no maximum bets and no win limits (in Illinois, bets are capped at $4, and wins at $1,199). Golden Entertainment has some 700 gaming establishments and 9,000 gaming machines in Nevada alone, and is the largest operator nationwide; its rival, Dotty’s, has 120 locations in the Silver State. A third operator, Eclipse Gaming, which runs taverns and bars under brands like Jackpot Joanie’s, Gin Mill and Winchell’s, is always on the lookout for new licenses, particularly unrestricted, grandfathered licenses that enable it to offer 35 or more machines at a single location. Despite Covid-19, the family business hasn’t abandoned its growth strategy, with “half a dozen (new loca-

One of 65 of Golden Entertainment’s PT’s pubs in Las Vegas

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“We definitely think these games are resilient, and those players are going to come back.” —Darnell Johnson, Director of Video Poker Product Management, IGT

games including Ultimate X Poker, which Johnson says was “the top game from a revenue perspective” While operators big and small seek opportuwhen gaming halls started reopening on the West nity in new jurisdictions, the distributed gamCoast. “We definitely think these games are reing segment hasn’t needed new states to stay silient, and those players are going to come back.” strong. In a 2019 interview, Tim Cogswell, As this article was being written, Nevada’s bars vice president and general manager of Century and taverns were still closed, and bartop games Gaming Technologies in Nevada, told GGB, strictly prohibited as a safety measure. According to “We’ve been able to grow significantly as a Eclipse’s Jim Daniel, some locations added freeroute operator, specifically in Montana, where standing machines as an interim solution. To his we’ve almost quadrupled ourselves within the amazement, loyal patrons actually signed waiting past four or five years.” lists so they could play. A licensed slot manufacturer, Century “It’s incredible to see numbers of people stacked benefits from manufacturing proprietary maup to get to a game,” he says, “and we can do it at chines for its routes in both Nevada and Monmost of our locations.” tana, including Power Vision, a multi-game Scientific Games is following several jurisdicmachine featuring video slots and keno, plus tions as they consider distributed gaming as an ecotraditional varieties of video poker. nomic panacea, says Dorbian. Cogswell said route operations are realiz“We’re cautiously optimistic, for a couple of —Jamie Dorbian, Director of Sales, ing solid growth without new states separately reasons. One is that post-Covid, restaurants are Northeast, Scientific Games from the casino business at large. “We’ve struggling and states are struggling. They’re going proven and shown that the route operation is a to need some kind of lifeline, and I think video completely different segment from the casino gaming is the next solution. business.” “Two is that unregulated games of skills are popping up all over the Clearly, however, there are frontiers ahead. As Sartini observed, “Greencountry. They’re really bad for the business, they’re bad for the player, and field opportunities in new jurisdictions are clearly where we see most of the states are starting to crack down. But if they pull those games, they’ll have to growth coming from in the next couple of years.” replace them with something regulated and route-based.” Unlike many other pre-Covid expectations, that one still could have (The wild card in the discussion, of course, is Virginia; in April, Goverplenty of merit, says Kilsby. nor Ralph Northam agreed that skill games could continue operating for an“We’re sadly in another cycle where states are going to run very large other year provided they pay taxes to fund Covid relief. Those operations are budget deficits, and distributed gaming is going to be considered as a revexpected to bring in some $150 million over 12 months.) enue-raising solution.” Again, look for casinos to push back, he adds. “They have their own fiHey Trucker, Can You Spare a Dime? nancial concerns resulting from the Covid shutdowns.” According to Gambling Compliance’s Kilsby, “I would suggest that Pennsylvania is the state to watch in terms of distributed gaming. Pennsylvania and Play On Missouri are probably the two states most advanced in those discussions.” IGT is the undisputed leader in video poker, keno and slots for route-based If Pennsylvania opens the door, several hundred VGTs in truck stops operations. Darnell Johnson, IGT’s director of video poker product mancould be joined by hundreds or thousands more in bars, restaurants and agement, says talking with regional operators helps the company underother venues, and could better compete with an estimated 20,000 illegal mastand “what’s working and, periodically, what’s not working in their chines in the commonwealth. environments. We want to make sure we have a strong sense of what their Until then, operators in the state can take comfort in the knowledge players are looking for.” that, according to Dorbian, truck stops are the highest-volume locations by One thing they’re looking for is lots of variety. IGT’s Game King revenue, “because truckers have to take mandatory breaks, and they always multi-game console lets players choose from a number of popular video have cash.” poker, keno, blackjack and slot games all on one unit and move easily from If there is a recession-proof, even pandemic-proof market segment, it one to another. Its Superstar Poker offers classic single- and multi-hand may very well be distributed gaming.

Route to Success

“The numbers around the country are very positive, and there is definitely a loyalty factor, as well as pent-up demand.”

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Euro-Centric Continental sports betting platforms have invaded the U.S. and become a smashing success By Patrick Roberts

.S. sports betting operators have looked far and wide for platforms to run their wagering. Since the U.S. legalized sports betting a little more than two years ago, the most successful technology was brought in from Europe, where sports betting has been legal for decades. Companies like Kambi, BetConstruct and FSB have all broken from the gate in the U.S. with notable clients and a high degree of reliability. But even American giants like IGT and Scientific Games have recognized the power of the European experience by purchasing companies adept in that space.

First to Serve Active in regulated markets across six continents, Kambi powers some of the industry’s leading B2C brands, combining high-performance technology with sports-betting know-how to springboard operators to success. Driven by a vision to create unique and engaging sports-betting experiences for a growing network of ambitious operators, Kambi has successfully partnered with leading U.S. brands such as DraftKings, Rush Street Interactive and Mohegan Sun, and recently announced a landmark deal with North America’s largest regional gaming operator, Penn National Gaming, to power its retail and online sportsbooks, which will be branded via Barstool. Kambi CEO Kristian Nylen says that serving the U.S. market, with somewhat different sports, shouldn’t be a problem.

“The big challenge for us in the U.S. was to understand more deeply the college sports. We’ve always covered the top colleges, but to manage a local offering, we’ve got to go much deeper.” —Kristian Nylen, CEO, Kambi

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

“As a Scandinavian company, we’ve had lots of experience with ice hockey. Basketball has been very popular all across Europe for many years. And (American) football is growing massively in popularity in Europe. They’re selling out the stadiums in London four times a year. So on all these sports, we’ve had a strong offering for a long, long time. “The big challenge for us in the U.S. was to understand more deeply the college sports. We’ve always covered the top colleges, but to manage a local offering, we’ve got to go much deeper.” From over-the-counter betting to bring-your-own devices to fully customizable self-service betting kiosks, Kambi offers brick-and-mortar operators of all shapes and sizes a world-class sportsbook solution for the modern-day player. The company’s on-property sportsbook has already been successfully deployed in regulated markets including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Kambi’s fully managed services encompass a broad offering, from frontend user interface and odds-compiling to customer intelligence and risk management, built on and delivered through a robust, in-house-developed software platform. Combined with a functionality for price differentiation, plus the ability to offer bespoke risk management and a comprehensive bonusing toolbox, Kambi gives its partners the ultimate freedom to become the sportsbooks they want to be. Trading sports since 1998, Kambi has long been at the forefront of innovation-led change, delivering new and exciting sports-wagering experiences to millions of players all over the world. In 2018, Kambi made sports-betting history when it processed the first legal online wager in the U.S. post-PASPA.

Building a Better Platform BetConstruct is an award-winning developer and provider of online and land-based gaming solutions with development, sales and service centers all around the globe. It is based in London. The company’s innovative and proven offerings include an extensive range of products and services, including sportsbook, sports data solutions, skill games and fantasy sports.

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“The concept of our solution has its roots in Hindu tradition, the third-eye chakra said to reveal insights about the future, called Ajna specifically.” —Vigen Badalyan, CEO, BetConstruct

And now, a scouting report! “Got a hunch, bet a bunch” is a fabled wagering axiom. Well, here comes the hunch, insight that is observable before a bet takes place. It’s called AJNA, tied to the Hindu sense of intuition. The data feed solutions provider of BetConstruct presented a more refined and accurate solution for data scouting. It’s used in soccer (or football) in Europe and will spread to other sports. Contemplating ways to provide sporting data in a faster and more efficient manner, the company developed a feed solution enhanced with AI/ML, named it AJNA and made its biggest splash at ICE in London with a live demonstration. Translated as a third eye, it’s an augmented live video streaming companion. It recognizes the game flow of the sporting events, provides advanced player tracking in live mode and collects more technical data to create new, unique markets to bet on. “Machine learning penetrates IT sectors, and as a forward-looking company, we seek ways to infuse our solutions with methods of automated data analysis,” says company founder and CEO Vigen Badalyan. “The concept of our solution has its roots in Hindu tradition, the third-eye chakra said to reveal insights about the future, called Ajna specifically. The on-field observation of a scout provides rather accurate data, whereas the augmented streaming reveals insights to the game flow that a human eye can’t see. With AJNA, we enrich our sports betting offering with additional augmentation and more statistical data gathered.” The solution consists of a single or double camera setup. As it delivers the streaming, the AJNA solution does an auto field geometry detection from the video. Within a few minutes, the powerful eye of FeedConstruct identifies field scheme and corners, having video frames transformed and sent to the tracking system one by one. During the match, AJNA recognizes events like ball possession, danger, etc. It also offers an extended personal tracking like player’s speed or distance run per game. Such collected statistics can be converted into a number of markets to bet on. As for now, BetConstruct has developed AJNA to provide full live onfield coverage of football with a further intention to expand the coverage for more sports types.

the company is backed by senior industry individuals including the founders of both Sportingbet and Betfair. FSB’s use of live data feeds, casino games, player verification, payment systems, affiliate management and responsible gaming from the best suppliers in the industry means there are thousands of people working together to generate the best possible betting and gaming experience for both the end user and the operator. FSB’s modern betting technology allows a much smaller team of traders to deliver higher profitability, better risk management and an improved customer experience. FSB offers everything needed to run an online betting and gaming business, including a superb customer registration platform, CRM tools, betting tools, the industry’s best casino games and a gaming license from the UK Gambling Commission. The platform can be completely customized to meet local regulatory requirements and meets ISO 27001 standards. FSB CEO Dave McDowell says the American business is going to be huge, and an investment by gaming-centric Clairvest is proof that FSB is on the right track. “It’s blatantly obvious that the U.S. is going to be one of the largest regulated sports betting markets in the next five years,” McDowell told the Betting on Sports conference. “We need to be there, but what we’re trying to do is leverage our contacts and relationships through Clairvest to talk to individual casinos that don’t want a ‘me too’ solution. “The investment from Clairvest is a fantastic endorsement of FSB, the company and the technology we’ve put in place. What really attracted me to them was, as a private equity company, they’ve got a lot of experience investing into bricks-and-mortar casinos, so they bring a fantastic Rolodex of contacts for us. “They wanted to back our vision. They were actively looking for sports betting suppliers to invest in and expose their portfolio to because they could see the rapid growth in sports betting across the globe. So, we’ve got a very exciting investment partner that allows us to make the transition from a white-label operator to an enterprise solution supplier.”

The U.K. Edge

British Best

FSB was founded in 2007 by industry veterans who understood that the consumer demand for live betting, smartphone penetration and evolving European gaming regulations would fundamentally change the operations behind a modern betting and gaming service. FSB’s vision was shared by many in the betting and gaming world and

IGT imported from the U.K. an experienced expert to lead its sports betting team. As vice president of sports betting, Charles Cohen brings his European record to the states. Of course, IGT is well known in casino and lottery circles, so Cohen says it was well-positioned to demonstrate the power of its platform. 2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW P3

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“We treat the retail and the mobile as equal citizens.” —Charles Cohen, Vice President of Sports Betting, IGT

“We didn’t think it would be that difficult,” he explains. “We had an extremely mature sports betting system and a big team of developers. Sure, the prices are different, but it really shouldn’t be that difficult to convert our sports betting platform to one that works specifically for Nevada, and now the U.S. “But it took us about three years and some crazy number like 200 man-years to get it done. It was a major effort, but it was worth it, and they’re reaping the benefits now.” The PlayDigital system looked and felt different than anything on the market at that time. And there’s a reason, says Cohen. “We came at this from the angle of being consumer-facing mobile people. We looked at the products that were in the market at the time and thought they were very functional, but not particularly great user experiences. The world that I’ve been in for the last 20 years was all about understanding user experience. We wanted to deliver an experience for the player that they enjoy, that they instinctively understand, and that is fast, reliable and works for them. “We were able to take advantage of technologies that were brand-new so we could deliver an experience that wouldn’t have even been possible five years ago. With the help of our clients, we came up with some bold ideas. Some of it worked, some of it didn’t work, but it worked for the players and for our client.” While Cohen was well-versed in IGT’s mobile betting platform—he headed that department for several years prior to being named to the sports betting post—he knew the land-based casinos would be served well. “The platform that IGT brought into the U.S. is offered worldwide, and is a very successful retail solution as well,” Cohen says. “Retail outside of the U.S. means tens of thousands of terminals in bars, convenience stores, all the way up to full-scale betting shops. So we have that capability in that platform. “But we did have to change it for the U.S., because sports betting here is focused around the casino. A casino is not a corner bar or convenience store, and it’s certainly different than a betting shop on the high street. We treat the retail and the mobile as equal citizens. We’ve been working on providing a streamlined retail experience in a casino that is equal to our mobile experience. Not an easy task.”

Scientific Approach At Scientific Games, the acquisition of the OpenBet platform in 2018 was just the start. The company provides sports betting technology and services to global regulated markets through its Digital Sports Betting and Lottery groups. A global corporation with a rich history in betting, lottery and responsible gaming initiatives, the company is uniquely positioned to provide operators with its world-class OpenSports solution. 16

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

In 2019, the company launched OpenSports, a full suite of sports betting solutions that allow customers to mix and match technologies that suit their sportsbook needs. OpenSports is live with customers in six regulated states with more on the way. In 2020, Scientific Games continues to keenly focus on launching in new markets across the globe, including new U.S. states as they regulate sports betting, officials say. Keith O’Loughlin, senior vice president, sportsbook and platforms for Scientific Games, is bullish on the direction of the sector. “It’s ever-changing, but in the best possible way,” he says. “Sports betting is on the rise, and the general dynamic is one of excitement and growth. In 2019, I think the launch of sportsbooks in multiple states was one of the most pivotal developments, which led—and continues to lead— to globalization of sports that were once more regional.

“I expect the trend to continue, with sports making their way to new demographics, using betting as a vehicle to get there.” —Keith O’Loughlin, Senior Vice President Sportsbook and Platforms, Scientific Games

“American football, for example, is making waves globally in ways it’s never done before, reaching new international audiences. Tennis is growing in popularity, too. I expect that trend to continue in both ways, with sports making their way to new demographics, using betting as a vehicle to get there.” Scientific Games plays multiple roles in this formation. “We’re one of the world’s leading suppliers, so we’re powering a lot of sports betting growth through our customers,” he asserts. “We’re exceeding market needs by giving operators a full-stack solution that includes components and services they can take or leave as needed. So instead of our historical ‘one size fits all’ model, we’ve broken down our product into its components and are now offering those individually. “In a market where regulations, operators and bettors differ greatly, this is the ideal approach, because it empowers us to bring sports betting to any type of partner who wants to make a splash in the industry.”

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Real Games or R E E L Games Game designers are opting into online gaming rather than designing strictly for the brick-and-mortar casinos—with spectacular results By Bill Sokolic

ince New Jersey introduced iGaming in 2013, online play has gained traction in several states. Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia now permit online gambling, and Michigan seems next in line to supplement brick-and-mortar casinos. In New Jersey, internet gaming win through the first seven months of 2020 topped $510 million, propelled in large measure by more than three months of casino closures during the coronavirus. It’s the closures that piqued interest among other states to consider this avenue as a way to help close revenue gaps. Even without the pandemic impact, the same seven months in 2019 produced almost $256.8 million in iGaming revenue in New Jersey. Indeed, the state’s successful entrance into that market sparked a change in direction for Spin Games, the Reno, Nevada company that began in 2013, developing slots for land-based properties. “With the approval of iGaming in New Jersey, we shifted gears and developed both content and technology specifically for this segment,” says Spin Games CEO Kent Young. “With new markets opening up, this has now become our core business.” Golden Nugget has created perhaps the most successful online component to its gambling portfolio in Atlantic City. Its $181.6 million in online gaming revenue year-to-date is well ahead of its nearest competitor, Resorts Digital, at $106.9 million. Golden Nugget offers a mix of games available in brick-and-mortar casinos and those developed just for online casinos, says Thomas Winter, senior vice president and general manager of Golden Nugget Online Gaming. “We want the online slot experience to feel authentic, therefore as close as possible to the land-based slot,” Winter says. “If a game designer can create the same graphics ReelPlay’s El Dorado Infinity as a bricks-and-mortar slot, they’ve done a Reels and Giza Infinity Reels fantastic job.”

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“With new markets opening up, this has now become our core business.” —Kent Young, CEO, Spin Games

Different Strokes Even with familiar games as part of the online landscape, differences emerge between land-based and internet games. For one thing, brick-and-mortar slot cabinets are far more powerful than any personal computer or mobile device, Winter says. The power differential affects the characteristics of the game. Just as important, in land-based games, the technology base is generally proprietary, whereas in the online space, there’s third-party technology—browsers, phones, apps, etc.—that require development to cater to such characteristics, Young says. “We build for hundreds of potential personal devices on multiple browsers versus a standardized cabinet,” says Dave Johnson, chief commercial officer of ReelPlay, the Sydney, Australia company whose expertise lies in designing online games, but whose team boasts years of experience in land-based game development. Unlike traditional slots on a casino floor, there are different screen sizes to design for, says Dermot S. Smurfit, CEO of GAN, a developer headquartered in London. And online game designers need to account for other modalities such as bandwidth, file size, choreography, and resolution and sound capabilities. From ReelPlay’s perspective, every ingredient matters. “The completed game has to exceed the sum of its individual components to be engaging for players. Player experience is at the forefront of every game we produce,” Johnson says. On land-based games, developers might exaggerate the sound in the cabinet to cut through ambient noise on the casino floor. “That same frequency online might irritate the eardrums,” Johnson says. “In general, this means you can focus on a richer soundscape for online games.” Regardless of the differences, both types of casino games rely on the same strength to draw players: entertainment value. Online slots flourish if they include innovative bonus features and themes that resonate with players, Winter says. Unique bonuses are emerging in new game designs, such as Megaways and the Infinity Reels series. “Typically, we use different math models to permit our clients to choose what return-to-player percentage to run the game at,” Smurfit says. “You can also offer a choice of control panels online, which you cannot do in retail with fixed button panels.” Control panels speak to the way the games display the bet/spin/bonus on an online slot, versus the static physical buttons on a slot machine.

Basic Design For all the differences, what works in a land-based environment is a good starting point for many design studios, Johnson says. “The more familiar the game on the casino floor, the better the game in the iGaming sphere,” Smurfit says. GAN has converted electronic game machines into online versions for Everi, Ainsworth, Aristocrat, Konami and DEQ Systems Corp., among others. The online games have the same

“The more familiar the game on the casino floor, the better the game in the iGaming sphere.” —Dermot S. Smurfit, CEO, GAN

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“We want the online slot experience to feel authentic, therefore as close as possible to the land-based slot. If a game designer can create the same graphics as a bricks-andmortar slot, they’ve done a fantastic job.” —Thomas Winter, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Golden Nugget Online Gaming

rules as the retail versions. But there’s also plenty of evidence to suggest the opposite when you consider the success of popular online-first mechanics, such as the Infinity Reels series, Johnson says. “A complexity faced by some studios when they consider bringing an existing land-based game to the internet, I expect, would be whether they represent the game math exactly as it is in the physical world, or that they choose to make subtle changes to ensure their game competes in the online environment.” Physical machines have a much narrower target audience compared to the wider demographic in the online world, Johnson says. “ReelPlay games are translated into 20-plus languages at last count.” Online games offer more content choice than those in land-based casinos, thanks in large measure to the ease of content publication. “On any given day, there will be new choices in online casinos. The pace of change in the physical world is slower,” Johnson says. For online studios, such choices mean designing games with stamina that people want to play over the long term. “Players won’t walk to the next bank of machines in a casino as frequently as they’ll simply click on another game in a virtual lobby and be spinning something else within seconds,” Johnson says. As a result, the marketplace for these kinds of games differs. “iGaming attracts a younger, more male-centric player than games in a land-based casino. We’re also seeing a lot of traditional sports betting players,” Young says. Online players want faster cycle rates and shorter win times, Smurfit adds. “If an online game retains players for 30 days after going live, it’s said to perform well,” Winter says. Intense animations and video are harder to achieve online, as games are delivered remotely to a device. “It’s a delicate balance for designers to get online games right,” Winter says.

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

Still, devices are getting quicker, and more of them have built-in graphics chips that let designers push the technology envelope a little more. For example, Spin Games designed “NBA Last 60,” a virtual basketball game that uses historical footage instead of animated sequences, Young says. “Another difference for players is time spent on the device and the average wager,” Winter says. “Land-based players can only visit casinos so many times, while they always have their phone with them. They’ll play online more often and will expect more time on device for the same spend, leading operators to offer slots with a higher return.” Typically, land-based operators retain an 8 percent to 9 percent hold on slots, while online operators will keep only 4 percent to 5 percent. When all is said and done, Golden Nugget and other casinos in the online gaming universe don’t compete with land-based casinos, Winter says. “We’re competing more with other forms of mobile entertainment, from Candy Crush to Netflix.” ReelPlay, founded in 2014, depends on innovation, Johnson says, creating new concepts like El Dorado Infinity Reels and Giza Infinity Reels. “Just released in Europe is our debut Radial Reels game, where the reels are represented in a circular style all on screen at once and offering huge multipliers up to 300X,” he says. “The open-mindedness of the online community allows for that kind of innovation, if not demands it.” El Dorado Infinity Reels takes online slot playing to a new level. Developed by ReelPlay, each spin of the reels provides the chance to add an additional reel, re-spin and a multiplier. Keep hitting winning combinations, adding reels and increasing the multiplier, and you edge closer to the jackpot prize. The bonus feature introduces a layer of strategy where the player chooses among three options: Store, Gamble or Play. Increased feature levels award players with multiplier increases of +2, +3 or +4 per new reel added. Lots of options, all from the comfort of a mobile phone. For online gaming enthusiasts, El Dorado comes close to the type of progressive jackpot games available on casino floors for years. And after all, isn’t closing that gap one of the hallmarks of online gambling’s success?

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS by Frank Legato

PlayOn Gaming Product ACS PlayOn

aming and payments have come together, perhaps never so seamlessly in the gaming industry. Automated Cashless Systems (ACS PlayOn) is truly modernizing the industry with an intuitive solution that puts customer experience at the forefront. ACS PlayOn has developed a patented system, the PlayOn Gaming Product, which allows casino patrons to access personal funds at a gaming position using their PIN debit card. The company successfully proved the PlayOn table games version, and has been steadily growing full-production operations since 2016, most notably escalating installations in Nevada with a Nevada gaming license and the PlayOn Gaming Product approval granted. ACS PlayOn also holds a license and/or product approval in California, New Jersey, Wisconsin and 13 tribal jurisdictions, and possesses 12 issued patents and numerous additional patent filings. The key innovative aspect of PlayOn is the eloquent facilitation of a PIN debit card transaction for chips at a table, allowing players to remain engaged in the game without leaving or handling cash, with a system that comprehensively fits into the casino environment. Players can use any PIN debit card they own, and the casino bears no liability or additional labor issuing chips. Thus, without signups or waiting for funds transfers, the PlayOn sys-

Bonus Spin Xtreme AGS

GS is launching Bonus Spin Xtreme, an innovative table progressive side bet system designed to drive excitement, engagement and revenue on any table game on the casino floor. The system’s innovative design, which features three concentric wheels, allows Bonus Spin Xtreme to award all participating players with a community prize, as well as award one player position with an enhanced prize, which may be a progressive jackpot. In addition, through AGS’ proprietary math, Bonus Spin Xtreme is the only progressive side bet on the market to provide one unique progressive jackpot winner for different games with different probabilities of winning, including community-style table games like roulette, baccarat and craps (in which every player is using the same cards/wheel with one outcome). Bonus Spin Xtreme also links all table games on the

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tem provides player retention, elimination of cash-handling and Title 31 Cash Transaction Reporting (CTR) at the game, and more hands per hour, resulting in a multi-factored potential for increased revenue through a seamless and secured communication system between the player, casino, gateway, processor, and the banking networks. To deliver this comprehensive gaming product, meeting and exceeding the latest Nevada gaming technical specifications and regulations, the financial management system component of PlayOn (PlayOn FMS) provides the casino detailed financial data pertaining to all PlayOn transactions, and is available to the casino for real-time accounting, reporting, inquiries and reconciliation. Also, for security purposes, the PlayOn FMS provides surveillance a simultaneous image of the voucher for each PlayOn transaction. The image captured is stored in the system indefinitely and assists accounting with end-of-day audits. For more information, visit acsplayon.com.

casino floor for a shared jackpot award, which means casino operators only must seed one jackpot, and jackpots will increment faster for larger jackpot awards. A must-hit progressive option further engages players and gives them the opportunity to win a more frequently hitting jackpot. The must-hit amount is displayed on the table signage, attracting players to the game and encouraging them to play, especially as they see the jackpot incrementing closer to the must-hit-by award. The unprecedented fusion of three wheels interacting with each other in Bonus Spin Xtreme delivers anticipation and excitement never available on table games—and especially not on community-style table games like roulette, baccarat and craps. The wheel also creates a social and community spirit, as all the participating players at the table games cheer for each other to win, while everyone watches the Bonus Spin Xtreme wheels spin and shares the excitement and anticipation of the participating players. Because casinos can use Bonus Spin Xtreme to link every table game on the casino floor, casinos only have to seed each progressive meter one time, and the progressive meters will grow much more quickly—adding tremendous attraction to players seeking to win a larger prize and providing operating efficiencies for the casino operator. For more information, visit playags.com.

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BetConstruct Social Casino BetConstruct

Roll to Win Craps Aruze Gaming

oll to Win Craps, now with additional features, is being placed at casinos across the U.S. Already a hit with players and operators alike, these enhancements continue to bring the best of electronic table game and live table play to players. The traditional table game of craps has not changed significantly for an exceptionally long time. The myriad issues that existed were seen as inherent to the game itself, impossible to change. By reimagining the table as a modern, interactive object, Roll to Win Craps has solved all these issues. And like all the best innovations, the solutions seem obvious once they’re created. To help players and dealers feel at home playing Roll to Win Craps, a Dealer Tip function has been incorporated. The Hot Shooter side bet builds on the excitement of a hot series of rolls. All players placing the bet win jackpots together. Hop bets are now even more enticing with the Power Odds feature. Players don’t need to place a separate wager for a chance at these randomly improved odds. Easy ticket-in/ticket-out and a familiar, intuitive player terminal layout has led to quick adoption of the Roll to Win Craps by all types of players. Aruze reports that rolls per hour have increased on average by 2.5X, highlighting that players have had no issues adapting to virtual chips. Arriving at a time when there is an increased awareness of the side effects of too many touchpoints, Roll to Win Craps offers easy ways to allow players to socially distance. Virtual chips minimize contacts between the dealer and players for everyone’s safety. Virtual chip handling provides multiple additional benefits to both the player and casino. With all bets and payouts being automated, the dealer can focus on customer service, stick work and overseeing player actions. Integrated player tracking allows for an accurate rating of players. For more information, contact Aruze Gaming at 702-361-3166 to speak with an account executive, or visit aruzegaming.com.

etConstruct’s team of world-class developers and game enthusiasts focuses on immersive experiences, and operator customization offers more players, more control, and more revenue. Developed in HTML5 using operator requirements and the latest 3D visualization and sound effects, the BetConstruct social casino experience attracts new players and keeps them coming back. Additionally, BetConstruct’s Social Gaming Management Platform gives operators complete control over content, promotions, bonuses, and much more. The BetConstruct Social Casino offers a frictionless, personalized gaming experience. Multiple sign-in options—through social networks, as registered players, or as guests—allow players to get to the action faster, and allows them to control and personalize their accounts by selecting avatars, nicknames, gender, and much more. From level-up bonuses and in-app friends to points and rewards, the BetConstruct team can add customized features to increase players’ excitement level. It allows operators to grant loyalty points, club status, and rewards to keep customers coming back, while the in-app store allows the sale of game-extending items. The system increases social interaction with the in-app friends, challenges, quests, leaderboards and tournaments.

Key Features

• Fully customized games branded to operator specifications • Unique game play features designed for engagement and retention • Innovative designs, 3D animation, and ultra-realistic sound • Multi-platform solution available on iOS, Android, Facebook and the web • Loyalty marketing tools, including unlimited coupons, discounts, rewards and promotions • Built-in CRM system • In-game player communication • Powerful back-office tools, such as player, content, bonus and game-play management; monetization tools; analytics; and reporting With 300 customers across 50 markets, BetConstruct leads the category by delivering control to operators while providing the most extensive gaming and betting portfolio to players. For more information, visit betconstruct.com.

2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW P3

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

Design Collective by Cintas Face Masks Cintas

esign Collective by Cintas recently introduced its new complete line of face masks to help casinos as they work to protect staff and guests. The washable and reusable masks are designed for comfort and easy care, and come in a variety of styles and options. The offering includes masks appropriate for any job function, or even guests. The collection includes a variety of masks including pleated, contoured, ready-to-wear and customized. It even includes a selection from Chef Works, a well-known brand in the culinary and hospitality industries. Masks can be off the shelf or customized with a casino’s logo or artwork, with a variety of fabric and style options to meet the unique needs of each property. In addition, some masks feature characteristics such as moisture management and even stretch, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The variety of options in terms of style and color makes this collection perfect for casinos. With the customization options, it’s very easy to select a mask that will coordinate well with the employee’s apparel. On several of the masks, a casino’s logo or specified artwork can be added through sublimation. This creates an opportunity for casinos to extend their branding through their employee masks, or even by providing them to guests. Masks are becoming an integral part of employees’ apparel collection. It

is an accessory that can serve as an extension of an employee’s wardrobe. Design Collective makes it easy to add masks to your existing employee apparel program and coordinate them for a comprehensive look. For more information, and to view Design Collective’s full mask offering, visit cintas.com, or shop online at shop.cintas.com.

Ready.set.go Cognitec

ognitec’s highly specialized ready.set.go face recognition technology has a proven track record to support physical security measures by alerting staff in real time about banned persons entering the premises. The technology also analyzes faces to compute anonymous data about people count, age range, gender, and people movement in time and space. The company has supported various large-scale design and implementation efforts at casino sites worldwide that now successfully prevent losses and criminal activities. In addition, the technology alerts casino staff about self-enrolled problem gamblers and very important customers. Casinos worldwide pay high fines every year for allowing underage people to gamble. Face recognition technology can perform an initial age check, and notify staff in real time when an underage person is detected. It also sends alerts when individuals overspend their gambling time. But the software alone won’t produce optimal

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results. Venues are looking for a cohesive, integrated system that combines hardware, software and services, and that integrates seamlessly into their existing systems and operations. Types of cameras, their positioning and tuning; high-performance server choice; setting up an optimal network infrastructure; configuration of the solution; funding and deploying the system—all these components play an important part. Making them work together, and supporting their continuous operation and maintenance, needs a specialist face recognition company with a proven track record in the gaming and entertainment industry. Security may be the top concern for a casino or club when selecting a face recognition system, but a safe environment for all customers and employees, a profitable business and support from the community will provide true rewards for investing in this leadingedge technology. For more information, visit cognitec.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

Impact Series Cabinets Eclipse Gaming Systems

he Impact Series of slot cabinets from Eclipse Gaming Systems creates a lasting impression with the perfect balance of elegance and sophistication. The brilliant, crystal-clear displays and enriched audio are complemented with an emotive lighting array that attracts players and transforms the gaming experience. Boasting dual 27-inch touch-screen monitors and an optional video topper, Impact 27 brings progressives and jackpots to new heights. Meticulously crafted to combine the features players love with the serviceability casinos need, the Impact 27 “is sending shockwaves across casino floors,” according to the company. The Impact 43 features a soaring 43-inch display, creating a dramatic gaming environment. The premium content developed exclusively for the Impact 43 delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that engages players. The Impact 43 gaming cabinet produces impressive results through longer play time and high performance. For more information, visit eclipsegamingsystems.com.

GRID Esports GameCo LLC

ameCo LLC, creator of the world’s first Video Game Gambling Machine (VGM) and a pioneer in skill-influenced gaming machines, is integrating GRID’s industry-leading esports data and streaming solution into land-based and online casino destinations. GRID is a technology-as-a-service platform designed to unlock the potential of esports data with the goal of improving fan experiences and contributing to the sustainability and growth of the esports ecosystem. The GameCo offering includes official and exclusive coverage of up to 80 percent of the leading esports competitions, real-time feeds of official data and streaming assets from esports events, state-of-the-art scoreboard and visualizations, and a range of services designed to unlock the potential of esports for casinos and sportsbooks. Supporting the biggest esports titles like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” “Dota2” and “League of Legends” at almost all major and minor tournaments, GRID’s best-in-class official esports data and analytics platform contextualizes in-game events against historical data in real time. GRID’s official and exclusive relationships allow GameCo to deliver the fastest and most granular data in the industry. The partnership allows GameCo to unlock the potential of the GRID platform and its data assets to casinos and sportsbooks across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, enabling casinos to capture a slice of the pro26

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jected $12.4 billion global esports betting market. “Esports gambling is a tremendous untapped market across North America,” said Blaine Graboyes, co-founder and CEO of GameCo. “In partnering with GRID, our combined industry knowledge, infrastructure and technology will usher in a new era of engagement. We are thrilled to help make esports analytics and betting accessible for sportsbooks and players.” “GameCo has cracked the code for revolutionizing the casino experience for a generation that is used to, and expects, quality game play in an accessible way,” said Moritz Maurer, CEO and co-founder of GRID. “We are always looking for strong partners who believe in esports and its potential in the same way we do. GameCo was a clear choice in this regard, and we are excited to expand our platform and efforts to a broader audience.” For more information, visit grid.gg or gameco.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

PlayerGuard UVC Systems Gaming Arts

hen the entire gaming industry began its struggle with Covid-19, Gaming Arts began attacking the threat head-on. At a time when virtually all casinos across the globe closed and gaming manufacturers were furloughing and laying off employees, Gaming Arts initiated an intense R&D effort to help the gaming industry make its way back from this and future pandemics. As the Covid-19 crisis first emerged, part of the Gaming Arts R&D team shifted focus to map out a safer future for gaming machines and gaming equipment. The prime directive is that players and casino staff must be protected from Covid-19 and future viruses. Otherwise, the casino industry could be challenged for years or even decades to come. The culmination of these R&D efforts has produced PlayerGuard UVC Systems, a revolutionary array of UVC disinfecting and sanitization products and mechanisms specifically engineered for the gaming industry. The science behind UVC lighting to decontaminate, disinfect and sanitize is quite complex, and well known in the medical and scientific fields, but has never before been applied to gaming equipment. The list of gaming equipment addressed in these efforts includes but is not limited to UVC disinfecting and sanitization of gaming machines, playing cards, gaming chips, dice, shufflers, bill acceptors, card readers, printers, ATMs, and more. This endeavor includes working with world-class UVC experts around the globe to develop products with the highest level of efficacy and safety. Gaming Arts plans to make its PlayerGuard decontamination and disinfecting

technologies available to all operators and manufacturers for the benefit of the entire gaming industry. One thing is certain: Covid-19 will be with us for at least a year or more and as an absolute, players and staff must be protected and reassured that gaming manufacturers and their favorite casinos are doing everything within their power to protect them. Covid-19 is not the first nor will it be the last pandemic the world faces. We all must be prepared for what the future holds. For more information, visit gamingarts.com.

VIP Mobility Global Payments Gaming Solutions

s consumers increasingly choose to go cashless in their daily lives, there is an expectation that these conveniences should extend to their gaming experiences as well. Unfortunately, cash remains king on gaming floors across the country—an experience that is increasingly inconvenient, expensive and insecure for casino operators and their patrons. Now, there’s a better way. Global Payments Gaming Solutions’ VIP Mobility is a leader in enabling true cashless casino gaming while providing an easier, more efficient way to fund play. VIP Mobility gives casino operators the flexibility and opportunity to reduce costs while facilitating a seamless player experience from funding through cash-out. VIP Mobility helps casinos deliver the VIP experience by empowering guests to create digital TITO tickets on their mobile device by scanning an existing voucher or using their VIP Preferred e-check account. Patrons then pair their mobile device to any slot or table game by scanning a QR code. They can reload from their phone and retrieve funds once they are finished playing. 28

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Not only does VIP Mobility operate within the casino’s existing technology structure, but it also drives a more cost-effective, secure payment method within gaming floors, allowing patrons to enjoy the freedom of digital ticketing and uninterrupted cashless play. For more information, visit globalpaymentsgaming.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

IGT Advantage Resort Wallet International Game Technology

he cashless casino revolution is under way, and IGT is one of the companies leading the charge. IGT offers three flexible variations of the cashless experience through its Resort Wallet module—an optional, integrated feature of the IGT Advantage casino management system: “Carded” cashless using a casino-branded loyalty card. Players load cash into a secure digital wallet from either the casino cash desk or any slot machine, and access those funds from any slot machine or table game using the card. “Cardless” cashless using a digital wallet via a mobile device. When players use IGT’s Resort Wallet feature with any Cardless Connect-enabled gaming machine, their smartphone is transformed into a secure digital wallet. They simply tap their phones to card in, then easily and quickly transfer funds between slot machines and table games on-site, as well as between a casino’s sister properties. Funds in the digital wallet can be redeemed for cash at a kiosk or the casino cash desk, or securely maintained in the wallet for the next play session or property visit. Cashless with an external funding gateway takes the contactless, mobile experience to the next level by combining Resort Wallet with IGTPay, IGT’s proven payment gateway technology, and the services and support of its experienced payments team. This enables players to securely access funds directly from external sources such as bank and credit card accounts. While other gaming industry vendors need to procure and integrate their external funding technology with a third-party payment gateway provider, IGT’s in-house payment gateway services are fully integrated. In fact, IGT’s proprietary payment gateway product has been operational in global digital gaming and iLottery markets since 2013. IGT can act as the merchant of record and manage the external funding function from end to end, which lets customers focus on the rest of their operations. IGT’s payment gateway solution also ensures that after initial setup, players only require a single digital account and login to make funding transactions. IGT is the only gaming supplier offering simple one-step technology that enables players to enjoy a truly effortless cashless experience. For more information, visit IGT.com.

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

V-Play Plug & Play Inspired Entertainment

-Play Plug & Play is a complete end-to-end online and mobile product solution, allowing operators easy access to Inspired’s awardwinning Scheduled Virtual games with minimal integration effort. Plug & Play is simple and quick to install via the Virgo RGS, making Inspired’s proven Virtual products available with no sportsbook integration or UX development needed. This scalable solution allows casinos to offer their players 14 channels of Inspired’s award-winning Scheduled Virtual games 24/7/365 via a simple wallet integration with minimal operational overheads, since Plug & Play is hosted and supplied as a fully managed service. Integrating V-Play Plug & Play makes Inspired’s full Remote Gaming Server (RGS) content library available, including slots, table games and instant win games in addition to its Virtual Sports. Operators do not need a bet management system to use Plug & Play, because Plug & Play includes a full bet management tool, delivering a complete sports betting experience with custom branding options available. Plug & Play builds on existing RGS wallet integrations (either direct or via aggregators). The centralized Virgo support tool facilitates bet queries/audits and game suspensions. V-Play Plug & Play launched in June 2020 with performance exceeding expectations. For more information, visit inseinc.com/virtuals/virtual-plug-n-play.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

Universal Jumbo Edge Incredible Technologies

ncredible Technologies released the Infinity V55 Edge in 2018, in what the company says has revolutionized the slot merchandising industry. The idea to place customizable, 4K displays between games came from the need and desire to create stunning feature banks while improving player comfort and ultimately improving coin-in performance. The success of the V55 Edge continues with nationwide performance up to 25 percent higher than standard V55 banks, proving the placing of core cabinets with a premium presence as a successful strategy. All IT learned from the launch and rollout of the V55 Edge came together when the nation and casino industry faced the challenge of a global pandemic and the unprecedented need for social distancing on the slot floor. The idea and design of the Universal Jumbo Edge (UJE) came together from home offices and over video calls while IT offices were closed for the health and safety of its employees. Cross-functional teams collaborated to address a social distancing issue many casino operators were facing. Rather than remove EGMs or mark them as out of service, the UJE can seamlessly slide into a vacant position to create a stunning high-resolution slot bank package. The UJE combines all the elements of innovation from IT’s history of slot merchandising solutions, but the universal design allows it to be used on slot

banks made by any manufacturer. The “Base UJE” easily mounts onto existing game bases while the “Cylinder UJE” comes equipped with a unique curved stand that can be used to create any number of new configurations. Commercial media players drive custom video playlists to each 4K display for beautiful property brand integration. For as long as social distancing is required or considered a best health practice, IT is available to help. The UJE is available as a permanent or temporary solution with flexible financing available. Any slot bank can become safer while looking like a premium, integrated package. For more information, visit gaming.itsgames.com/hardware/universaljumbo-edge.

TITA Silver JCM Global

ITA Silver brings the functionality of an ATM and a redemption kiosk to the table. TITA Silver provides three key benefits to operators: increasing transaction options; reducing contact points, fills and lines; and giving operators oversight with live transaction management. Increasing transaction options: TITA Silver brings players more transaction options directly at the table game. Table games equipped with TITA Silver enable players to buy in with a debit card POS transaction at the table, buy in with a TITO ticket at the table, or convert chips to TITO tickets before leaving the table. Players can use TITO tickets they received from other areas of the casino and can also redeem promotional vouchers. Options to add bulk note bill validation and cashless card transfers are also available. Reducing contact points, fills and lines: TITA Silver increases touchless transactions by keeping the chips at the table game and reducing the movement of chips around the casino. Fills are reduced because the chips do not need to leave the table. Lines at the casino cage are decreased because the player can convert chips to TITO tickets and cash out a TITO ticket at the redemption kiosk. Giving operator oversight with live transaction management: Centrally managed with the ART Server package, TITA Silver enables operators to monitor live table game transaction activity with real-time data. Statistical 32

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performance dashboards are configurable and give operators an abundance of easy-to-read data. Financial reporting enables reduced fills and drops at the table games and audit capabilities for the contents inside the drop box. TITA Silver is also integrated with more than 60 systems, and has remote configuration and remote software update capabilities, all of which give operators greater control and increased efficiencies. For more information, visit jcmglobal.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

SYNK31 Bring Your Own Device Kambi

he U.S. casino industry has faced new challenges in recent months. However, in embracing sports betting with an experienced B2B provider, operators across the country can give themselves the best possible chance of meeting these challenges, setting themselves on the path to both recovery and resurgence. With the need for social distancing set to remain for some time, casinos could look to encourage the wider use of mobile devices on their premises to facilitate an experience that is both both engaging and safe. It is here that Kambi’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology can be leveraged to allow for an easy and exciting on-property sports betting experience conducted in a safe and contactless manner. The technology enables bettors to view lines and construct bets anywhere, generating a QR code which can be scanned at the counter or Kambi kiosk, placing their wagers without coming into contact with any surfaces. Some of Kambi’s partners are seeing up to 40 percent of on-property bets being placed using the technology, underlining its ability to protect betting volumes while allowing sports wagering to be conducted in a safe manner which keeps physical touchpoints to a minimum. Furthermore, long queues can run the risk of putting bettors off, especially when they have the option to bet their money elsewhere on the casino floor. Alongside the Kambi kiosk, the company’s BYOD reduces queueing and makes the sportsbook more inviting, quickening the player journey and thereby optimizing turnover. The Kambi sportsbook has been proven to produce a sportsbook halo effect, increasing engagement with all aspects of the casino, which can be felt across the property. For example, at Kambi partner Penn National Gaming’s Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, revenues from table games have risen since the introduction of sports betting. For more information, visit kambi.com.

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

Konami Gaming

YNK31 is Konami’s all-in-one Title 31/AML system. Using one seamless login, casino employees can complete all the forms and reports necessary for compliance, including the Multiple Transaction Log (MTL) Form, Negotiable Instrument Log (NIL) Form, Suspicious Activity Incident (SAI) Report Form, Currency Transaction Report (CTR), Know Your Customer (KYC) Reviews, and much more. All necessary AML information is captured and compiled with near real-time results, leveraging the industry-leading data architecture of Konami Gaming, Inc.’s award-winning Synkros casino management system. Compared to other AML systems—which often require administrators to compile information from across numerous locations—SYNK31 stores all information for each patron/case in one location for true case management. Information and media associated with each patron or incident is managed and stored in a single spot, allowing administrators to review and audit all case documents together at once. SYNK31 was specifically developed with a focus on efficiency, speed, connectedness and consistency—all of which are key to enduring property compliance. It is a robust, single location for administrators to gather, track, review and compile all requirements, with comprehensive case management. SYNK31 delivers near real-time tracking of all patron transactions at the property, allowing operators to identify and respond to incidents as they occur. Konami’s Title 31/AML system provides true case management, empowering operators to seamlessly compile all reporting, timestamped notes, files documents, screen shots, photos, videos and emails associated with a patron or incident, in one easy package. The system also alerts permissioned reviewers and supervisors when a CTR or SAR may need to be filed or a KYC review may need to be completed, to ensure all filing requirements are addressed by the employees responsible. In addition, it supports automated upload of IRS and FinCEN forms, for maximum ease and productivity. SYNK31 stores all data, alerts, attachments and dispositions for a minimum of five years, as a reliable archive for ongoing property reference, review and protection. And when used with Konami’s Synkros, SYNK31 requires no additional server hardware, thereby reducing hardware investment and maintenance. For more information, visit gaming.konami.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

Quartz Hybrid Scientific Games

he Quartz Hybrid from Scientific Games, described by the company as the “new gem in electronic table games,” resides on the dramatically redesigned Quartz cabinet. The EGM connects players with up to eight live and/or fully automated table games at the same player terminal. A touch-screen displaying eight colored tabs lets players switch between and view live outcomes from each available game. The hybrid gaming experience gives players the opportunity to wager concurrently on up to eight games at once with just the touch of a finger, super-charging the excitement and increasing the odds of winning. Available titles include Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo, Stadium Blackjack, Stadium Casino War, Stadium Three Card Poker, and the newest addition—Stadium Craps. Quartz Hybrid features a larger 26.5-inch LCD HD flush-mounted player touch screen, a 12.5-inch customizable LCD screen for optional marketing displays, and game-adaptive lighting effects. Other key features include redesigned smaller dealer podiums with enhanced lighting options, and new LED signage for customized displays. Quartz Hybrid can be configured in a fully automated mode or dealer-assisted mode with the use of a podium, dedicated dealer, and independent player terminals. This new technology includes independent player station accounting and dual-channel SAS communication. It is compatible

ActionBook Novomatic Americas

he Novomatic ActionBook sports betting kiosks offer the variety of wagering options that customers have come to expect. It has both pre- and in-game options, including parlays and proposition bets. With simple navigation in the betting menu, as well as live odds and live feeds from the games, the kiosks satisfy all customers’ sports wagering needs. Novomatic Americas has met the demand of the rapidly expanding casino customer base—and according to the company, ActionBook is rapidly becoming the kiosk of choice for bettors. Paired with world-class, premium software, the entirely automated self-service betting kiosks offer the full suite of wagering options. ActionBook kiosks provide an intuitive user experience with simple navigation. “Convenience, speed and choice make this one popular kiosk,” says a Novomatic official. “This automated betting kiosk processes more bets per hour with a myriad of betting options. Importantly, they are inviting and friendly to the new sports bettor and famil36

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

with multiple back-of-house systems. Quartz Hybrid is the perfect solution for the current casino environment, allowing players to enjoy a live table game experience from the comfort of their own personal player terminal in a safe and socially distanced setting. This platform also provides operators with increased game security, while providing a highly scalable option to deliver new content to players, including proprietary titles exclusive to Hybrid. For more information, visit scientificgames.com, or view a video at youtu.be/6L3jQcmpX_g.

iar to the experienced player.” ActionBook is a turnkey, proven, ergonomic hardware solution with outstanding graphic capabilities, and when partnered with the world’s best sports betting software, it is an unbeatable combination. The kiosk is quick and easy to install and supports operators with intuitive maintenance routines, and reliable hardware technology. Its security-conscious design provides a reliable barrier against theft. Operators have complimented the kiosk’s touch-screen interface, and short learning curve for players and their install teams. When incorporating premium software of choice, on the ActionBook, it makes the integration seamless. The Novomatic ActionBook provides a premium entertainment experience using a bettor-friendly design. It relies on years of expertise gathered in the Novomatic Group’s proprietary sports betting operations across Europe. Novomatic had approximately 713 kiosks in or scheduled to be installed across North America through July and August, and those numbers continue to rise. For more information, visit novomaticamericas.com.

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LCD Bash Button Omron

mron has designed a unique bash button for slot machines that it says is “the only bash button for creating the borderless slot machine of the future.” Omron’s Bash Button can be placed anywhere on an LCD operation deck. There is no longer a limit to LCD operation deck size due to using a mechanical bash button. Omron’s translucent design allows for any images to be displayed, and have it truly feel like part of the cabinet. Aesthetic effects can be improved to create a more immersive gaming environment. The Omron Bash Button is designed to be integrated with any operation deck LCD. It does not stick out and distract players, but naturally fits into the cabinet design. Since it does not have mechanical components, it achieves a lower profile. It is durable and waterproof, and can withstand 4 million operations. Sealing from the design prevents water ingress, solving a common problem with mechanical bash buttons. For more information, visit components.omron.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

SSI ID Signature Systems, Inc.

ignature Systems, Inc. (SSI) has launched SSI In-place Dining, a feature-rich iOS/Androidbased application designed to enhance in-person, onpremise F&B services. Akin to off-premise delivery, SSI ID elevates numerous aspects of personalized service to enrich the guest experience, keep guests from leaving the casino floor and/or ensure they return to the floor as quickly as possible. There’s something for everyone in SSI ID: the server/runner; the food/beverage-ordering guest; and casino F&B management: • Server/runner receipt/tip reconciliation, right from the app; no more waiting in line by the POS terminal at shift’s end • Instant awareness of service that the guest has deemed “contactless” • In-app reminders of items that are often overlooked (e.g., extra condiments) • Guest real-time text notifications regarding delivery status (great for in-room service where privacy is essential) • Assures order accuracy and assists in timely delivery • Identifies historical in-place deliveries for training/discipline purposes • Identifies and reports on all aspects of in-place delivery so informed business decisions can be made As an established, proven leader in holistic F&B point-of-sale solutions, including contactless and in-premise/off-premise delivery functionality, SSI eliminates poor service, inadequate response times, inattentive and unapproachable development, the lack of innovation and a host of fee-based services. For more information, contact Sam Constantino at Sam.Constantino@SSIpos.com (315-864-1160) or Michael Nardi at Michael.Nardi@SSIpos.com (609-457-4646).

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

2600 Cabinet Series Synergy Blue

nspired by Atari, but built with today’s players in mind, Synergy Blue’s new 2600 cabinet series combines the immersive experience of an arcade with the excitement of wagering to create the perfect blend of “fun you can bet on.” Nostalgic design, crisp graphics and unique accent lighting draw a younger demographic of players, while innovative skill-influenced games keep them engaged and coming back for more. Built on the patented HAWG platform, the 2600 cabinet line is compatible with Synergy Blue’s expansive game library, including over 20 titles. With familiar, skill-influenced mobile styles like Candy Ca$h and Safari Match, as well as multi-player options and innovative Class II titles like Blizzard Bla$t, the cabinet accommodates something for every gamer and gambler, in each jurisdiction. The 2600 line also includes Blue Safe Touch technology to ensure confidence in personal health and safety. Patent-pending antimicrobial/germ inhibiting particles are embedded in paint and plastic surfaces, as well as antiviral/antibacterial touch surfaces and UVC air filtration—which meet rigorous standards from the U.S. EPA, EU BPR, ISO, and JIS. Designed to fit both player and operator needs, the 2600 series is built on maximum flexibility. Seamless conversion of the 2600XL cabinet allows operators to change from traditional styles to an arcade driver (complete with realistic steering wheel and foot pedal), providing multiple cabinet configurations in one sleek cabinet. Games, hardware and math variants can easily be tailored to fit each property’s unique guests. With options for arcade driving hardware, joystick, buttons and more, Synergy Blue’s 2600 cabinet series is UL/CE/FCC certified, compatible with industry standard peripheral devices, designed for serviceability, and available in 40-inch wide-set, 28-inch standard, or bar top options. A limited quantity of for-sale units will be available in Q4 2020. For more information, visit synergyblue.us.

Epic Edge TransAct Technologies Inc.

ransAct’s Epic Edge is the company’s latest choice in ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO) printers, offering the highest quality in the market thanks to its leading print resolution and cutting-edge functions. Featuring an unmatched 300 dpi, a high-speed firmware uploading solution and a single interface board, the “Edge” is packed with technology to simplify operations and maximize slot floor performance. The Epic Edge’s 300 dpi resolution replicates a nearly unlimited array of characters of multiple languages to fit the needs of casinos worldwide. By creating razor-sharp barcodes, it also improves ticket acceptance rates and reduces attendant calls, thus increasing casino performance and allowing slot and table operations to run at peak efficiency. With its production of eye-catching, dynamic graphic images, the printer is also ideal for implementation alongside applications such as Epicentral, TransAct’s bonusing software system. Designed with the latest technology, the printer’s firmware is updated via a full-speed USB 2.0 connection or directly via a micro SD card, making the process faster and easier than ever. The Epic Edge also comes with a Quick Disconnect Technology, allowing it to be easily removed and installed in the slot machines without powering down the game or fumbling around the back of the cabinet to find cables.

In addition, it is fully equipped with serial and USB interfaces that are conveniently built into a single board. As such, casino operators only need to inventory a single printer, for any game. Additional features include a single rugged outer chassis with color-coded rails and an adjustable ticket bucket that accommodates standard and smaller, paper-saving tickets to work with ecological programs being implemented in casinos. For more information, visit transact-tech.com.

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Care & Protect Range TCSJohnHuxley

Table Games Yield Management Tangam Systems

angam Systems, a global leader in table games optimization, is trusted by some of the largest casinos to maximize profit and improve patron experience for over 7,000 tables in nine countries. Tangam’s breakthrough software, Table Games Yield Management or TYM, optimizes spread planning, game mix, and dynamic management for table games. TYM is the only software of its kind, and results in improved profitability, highly productive teams, and a better patron experience. It is made up of three main modules: TYM Live, TYM Floor Performance and TYM Planning. TYM Live turns operational data into real-time operational actions designed to improve profits. It uses casino-wide head count and ratings data in real time, and issues prompts via pit PC or mobile devices to floor staff so they can immediately open or close games, adjust table minimums, and move staff around as player demand fluctuates throughout the day. TYM Floor Performance provides executives with unparalleled transparency by visualizing over 40 KPIs on the casino’s own floor maps. It can create intuitive reports that generate deeper insights into pricing, game mix and product location strategy directly on the floor map to improve table game mix and table performance. TYM Planning analyzes historical head count and ratings data along with capacity and labor constraints to produce an actionable plan with the most effective deployment of the resources. During Covid-19, TYM has become even more crucial for table games operations. Casinos are working with new guidelines such as reduced capacity including less spots at a table. In most instances, more labor is required to service fewer guests to meet these safety requirements. By having the right amount of labor, game mix, table hours and pricing, casinos are actually able to optimize their operations and effectively service demand. For more information, visit tangamsystems.com.

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

CSJohnHuxley recently launched its Care & Protect range of products, designed to protect gaming staff and players in the fight against Covid-19. As casino operations resume around the world, there is a wide range of mandatory measures required to ensure the safety and well-being of casino staff and players. TCSJohnHuxley has developed a portfolio of key products ready to support casinos with all they will need for their table game operations. The Care & Protect range of chip sanitization products has been designed with flexibility in mind. From the Mini Chip Sanitizer 24-chip unit that sits on a gaming table to multiple stacked mobile units that can sanitise up to 600 chips at one time, all TCSJohnHuxley Care & Protect products conform to the highest safety standards, incorporating innovative, patent-pending design. TCSJohnHuxley Chip Sanitizers utilize UV-C light technology, enabling chips to be sanitized in minutes, neutralizing harmful germs that can cause infection. The Chip Sanitizers feature a unique patent-pending design that ensures every surface of the chip is completely cleaned before being put back into play. It also incorporates a safety mechanism, so the machine will not operate unless the unit is completely shut, guaranteeing no harmful UV light can escape. Where larger quantities of chip sanitization is required, the Mobile Trolley is ideal. Incorporating its own power unit to ensure a continuous power supply for up to eight hours and with no need to connect to power, the Mobile Chip Sanitizer Trolley can be moved around the gaming floor where and when chip sanitization is required, giving total flexibility. For further protection for players, TCSJohnHuxley’s Play Safe Shields incorporate a range of fixed and freestanding options to provide highly flexible physical social distancing “pods” that can fit any table game, slot machine or ETG. Operators can decide how many player positions are required per table, and the modular design also incorporates an optional dealer screen, providing further protection, if required. As an additional option and for extra safety, Play Safe Shields can incorporate LED strip lighting along the edges ensuring greater visibility. For further customization, the casino’s logo or brand can be etched into the edge of the screens. For more information, contact Tracy Cohen, director of marketing, at tracy.cohen@tcsjohnhuxley.com.

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FABICashless FABICash

artnering with casino management system providers, FABICash has developed FABICashless, a fully cashless gaming experience that sends players straight to the game, skipping cage or ATM lines. The FABICashless Mobile Wallet can be funded directly from the player’s bank account, or by a debit/credit/e-check transaction through the FABICash cash access platform. The player will then transfer the funds onto their game of choice by entering a PIN, and move the winnings back to the wallet just as easily. When a jackpot hits, the attendant will process it electronically at the slot machine, using FABI Mobile Jackpot, which integrates seamlessly with the company’s cashless solutions. FABICash also offers mobile PIN debit and mobile ACH, allowing customers to buy chips in seconds without leaving their seats—just swipe, dip or tap, print a drop copy and done. Wi-Fi and LTE connec-

tivity and a lithium-ion battery afford no-fail redundancy. This cashless solution is secure and PCI-compliant. Operators can protect business and customer information with end-to-end encryption, data tokenization and integrated EMV chip sensors. Casino management will enjoy hassle-free settlement and reporting. According to the company, FABICash is the only cash access provider to settle and report transactions to the gaming day, not the calendar day. All cashless transactions are integrated into FABITrack for Title 31 tracking, providing the industry’s only true omni-channel cash access, mobile wallet, electronic jackpot and compliance solution that offers savings, operational efficiency, improved gaming experience and safety for team members and guests. For more information, visit fabicash.com.

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2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS

Slot Recommendation Engine VizExplorer

he VizExplorer Slot Recommendation Engine (SRE) provides operators artificial intelligence automated game change recommendations based on the performance of their floor that are also checked against player preference to drive incremental slot revenue and save time. • Available in cloud or on-premise starting as low as $500 per month • Identify new changes based on patterns and anomalies outside of standard analysis • Build custom rules in seconds that automate your own decision-making workflow to point out games that follow specific performance criteria • Ensure no game change opportunity slips through the cracks with analysis that runs automatically • Act on ROI-driven game change decisions that drive slot revenue improvements • Justify the investment on game purchases and conversion decisions • Recommendation linking • Supports up to 60 properties The slot changes that each operator generally focuses on will fall within four areas: Add, Remove, Reconfigure (Conversion) or Move. SRE uses AI and rule-based logic defined by the industry standards to automatically produce a call to action for the operator. This takes the legwork out of some of the most frequent analyses that otherwise can take hours or days from a slot operator’s week. Now, that time can be spent strategically thinking about change implementation and other key operational tasks.

What makes SRE different from other solutions in the market is the combination of sophisticated analysis and ease of use. After the tool runs the 37 analyses, it generates a series of recommendations, with each recommendation answering the following questions. (See the sample image.)

Where does the slot operator need to make a change? How much is the expected ROI for the change? Why is the recommendation made? SRE automatically performs revenue generating recommendations based on widely used analytical logic that saves time and effort. The time saved via the automation creates greater capabilities for the operator to mine for new opportunities that otherwise could have been overlooked—thus providing a unique ability to create efficiencies in determining the most effective path forward to improve performance. For a video overview, visit slot-rec-engine.wistia.com/medias/kdsrn84moc. For more information, visit vizexplorer.com.

CasinoEdge Wipfli-Joseph Eve CPAs

apid changes in casino technology, combined with ever-changing regulatory requirements, are forcing the gaming industry to take a closer look at financial process management and overall accounting processes. Though the market is seemingly replete with accounting solutions, features such as instantaneous scalability, real-time multi-property consolidated financials, full workflow and process automation, and a 100-percent true cloud platform are a rarity. Wipfli-Joseph Eve proves its mettle in catering to the specific requirements of casino accounting with CasinoEdge powered by Sage Intacct, No. 1 customer-rated cloud-based accounting solution. “Three years ago, we gathered a room full of casino accounting and technology experts,” says Lindan Elliott, practice manager and partner at Intacct. “We spent a week brainstorming with the goal of combining cutting-edge accounting technology and a gaming configuration that looks, feels and works like it is specifically designed for the casino industry.” Having recently merged with Top 20 accounting firm Wipfli LLP, Joseph Eve CPAs technology division is a nationally recognized implementer and servicer of Sage Intacct cloud accounting and financial management software. The firm specializes in implementing solutions for highly regulated industries such as 42

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

gaming, mortgage, grant-funded agencies, government contractors, and various nonprofit organizations. “Our team of experienced CPAs and IT and financial professionals are an added benefit for every one of our technology customers, versus working with a company that knows only accounting or software implementation,” says CasinoEdge co-creator and Wipfli-Joseph Eve partner Grant Eve. Joseph Eve’s nearly three decades of expertise in the gaming arena and gaming solutions innovation in the Intacct marketplace were key contributing factors to the merger with Wipfli. CasinoEdge’s powerful analytics and reporting tools display all the vital metrics, from top-level summaries of accounting information to the granular, transaction-level details. The solution’s mobile application delivers a real-time health check to all department heads via a smartphone or tablet. With CasinoEdge, consolidation of financials for multiple locations and entities is seamless. Furthermore, CasinoEdge offers the highest levels of internal controls and workflow automation of accounting processes. In a short time, CasinoEdge has been implemented into more than 20 properties. One dramatic CasinoEdge success came from a multi-location organization in the Pacific Northwest that was opening an additional property but at the same time struggling with the need to reallocate labor resources. For more information, visit wipfli.com.

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Remember When? G2E 2019 was a huge success, but when will we see another show like it? By Patrick Roberts

s G2E 2019 wound down, the organizers, Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association, were already making plans for a 2020 event that would top them all. G2E 2019 brought record numbers of attendees and exhibitors to the Sands Expo Center, home to the trade show and conference for the last 10 years. More than 27,000 attended the show, with a 13 percent jump in international attendance from 106 countries. So it was no wonder that the 2020 version of G2E was expected to be a winner too. And then came Covid-19. Since it was more than six months until the 2020 G2E when the virus first made its appearance, organizers were confident that they could present a show in accordance with the latest policies and procedures surrounding the pandemic. But as more states and countries closed down, suggesting quarantines upon returning, it became clear in late June that holding G2E 2020 just wasn’t in the cards. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller commented, “In light of continued uncertainty around a viable marketplace at a physical G2E show, global travel restrictions, and currently unknown guidance on large public gatherings this fall, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we simply cannot hold an inperson G2E this year. “Health and safety have always been our top priority, and the uncertainty created by the ongoing pandemic makes this the prudent decision ahead of criti-

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

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AGA President & CEO Bill Miller

cal deadlines for exhibitors planning to participate.” Miller said it was also a financial decision. “The timing of this decision is intentional, as show exhibitors and attendees alike were facing critical, and in some instances costly, deadlines related to their participation,” he said. “I hope this helps to alleviate that pressure. “The past few months have shuttered our properties, brought significant hardships for every aspect of our industry, and tested our resolve. At every step, we met those challenges with a level of responsibility that is in character for our resilient industry.” Hervé Sedky, president of Reed Exhibitions Americas, said, “We arrived at this decision after thoughtfully engaging with national, state and local public health authorities, as well as exhibitors and buyers who have shared industry observations and priorities. Ultimately, it became clear that proceeding with an in-person gathering simply was not feasible.”

Deliver the VIP Experience Your Guests Deserve Global Payments’ VIP Mobility: the first and only solution of its kind to bring a modern and digital approach to gaming Patrons enjoy easy funding, play and convenience, without ever leaving their seat – all from the industry leader in Cashless, Contactless, Touchless Gaming. • Seamlessly connects to all current Responsible Gaming mechanisms • Harnesses the convenience, flexibility and ease of Global Payments’ groundbreaking VIP Preferred® account network • Includes functions like eCheck and Choice4 TM deferred settlement • Patrons can transfer funds directly from their VIP Preferred® balance to their favorite game with the touch of a screen

www.globalpaymentsgaming.com

2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW P3

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UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dana White and Amanda Nunes joined attendees last year, including Pechanga GM Brian Decorah (with Nunes)

It was standing room only at the education sessions

P3 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW 2020

NOVOMATIC Action Book™

THE ULTIMATE SPORTS BETTING KIOSK

FEATURES:

• Thermal Roll Printer

• 22” Full HD Monitors

• Card Reader

• 22” Microtouch Touchscreens

• Barcode Scanner

• Bill Validator

• Sound System

Contact our Sports Betting Solutions team to provide a turnkey self-service betting kiosk that is intuitive and quick to market.

NOVOMATIC AMERICAS SALES LLC Phone: +1 224 802 2974 sales@novomaticamericas.com www.novomaticamericas.com

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2020 corporate profiles

AGS

Obsessed with the Player Experience

GS offers a host of new progressive product innovations that highlight its “obsession with the game” and the player experience. In its slot product lineup, AGS introduces the stunning Starwall x Orion video display, an award-winning merchandising package for premium Orion Portrait games. A first of its kind, the large-format, freestanding Starwall video display combines hundreds of direct-view LED tiles to create a seamless video backdrop for AGS games. Measuring 8.5 feet tall and 5 feet deep, AGS’ Starwall is designed to attract players from across the floor. Fitting securely with 3-packs and 6-packs of premium Orion Portrait games, the Starwall adds attraction through high-impact graphics complementary to the game theme. AGS’ Starwall x Orion is launching with the 88 Tian Lun family, starting with Jade Wins Deluxe, Golden Wins Deluxe and Golden Dragon. In Golden Wins Deluxe and Jade Wins Deluxe, AGS maintained the same player-favorite features that made Jade Wins and Golden Wins casino-floor top performers, while adding a thrilling bonus wheel. Golden Dragon is AGS’ first player-selectable multi-denomination game, featuring a multi-level progressive, expanding reels and a spectacular jackpot prize wheel. AGS’ new Orion Rise cabinet delivers 8 feet of gaming excitement in a dual-screen portrait platform, highlighted by a dramatic 60-inch 4K LCD monitor, premium multi-touch button deck, custom audio and game-themed LED spacer displays—all of which provide an immersive, cinematic game-play experience. Game themes like Wheel Surge, Dragon’s Jackpot and Blazing Wheels take advantage of the 60-inch portrait display to deliver tower and dual-wheel bonuses. AGS’ new Orion Curve cabinet features a 49-inch Ultra HD curved LCD display, digital topper and premium LCD multi-touch button deck integrated with low-profile dual PLAY buttons surrounded by lights. Launch titles 48

Agilysys

35-Plus Hospitality Technology Solutions… All Originals

Royal Phoenix, Sacred Dragon, Reel Tower Lucky Tea Party, Reel Tower Jack’s Riches, Golden Blvd. and Jackpot Blvd. feature 3D animation to take advantage of the dramatic curve monitor, as both characters and symbols pop off the screen. The Orion Curve Premium package showcases a beautiful 360-degree sign package complementing a 4pod or 5-pod of Orion Curve cabinets, combining proven-performing titles with elevated game banking and play mechanics. Taking center stage in AGS’ table portfolio is Bonus Spin Xtreme, a pioneering progressive sidebet system that links all table games on the casino floor to one jackpot pool. Bonus Spin Xtreme provides faster-incrementing and larger jackpots, requires only one seed for the entire floor, offers multi-level and must-hit-by jackpots and uses patented technology with three concentric wheels to offer a single jackpot winner on community-style table games. From its Interactive division, AGS continues to leverage its successful land-based game titles for social and real-money online play on mobile devices, while building partnerships with industry-leading game developers to offer a host of engaging content through AGS’ powerful game aggregation platform. For more information, visit playags.com.

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gilysys is obsessed with hospitality. The company offers a suite of more than 35 technology solutions to manage front- and back-of-house non-gaming operations, from point-of-sale to property management and all points of engagement across the patron journey. In addition to its suite of applications, Agilysys can leverage its industry expertise to create a solution package to address a customer’s unique operational needs. Expectations of today’s guest have changed from a year ago. Agilysys is ready with well-integrated technology to satisfy new operational requirements. Efficiency in Food & Beverage

InfoGenesis POS and IG OnDemand will impress patrons and hospitality professionals at every F&B outlet. Patrons will feel safe with the IG OnDemand Smart Menu and IG OnDemand Quick Pay, which will enable them to order and pay for their experience with a simple QR code scan from a mobile device. Servers can still provide the elevated level of service expected in fine dining locations, with the ability to add to the check from any InfoGenesis POS terminal. Further increase wallet share by integrating website, booking and mobile applications with Agilysys Seat, any venue reservation and seat management solution. From table games to theaters to VIP tables at a club, Agilysys Seat can manage more that tables at restaurant outlets.

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Increased Revenue in Hotel & Leisure

Use any Agilysys property management solution (Agilysys LMS, Agilysys Visual One, Agilysys Stay) to drive increased revenue through rGuest Book, the commission-free booking engine, with one cart and one itinerary for all property amenities. Agilysys Spa appointments, Agilysys Golf tee times and Agilysys Seat reservations can be made at the same time a room is booked. Drive bottom-line results and increase guest safety with rGuest Express mobile and kiosk for mobile check-in and check-out. Offer upgrades and deliver digital room keys that are personalized and branded. Continue to deliver great guest service with rGuest Service SMS two-way guest communication and task management for housekeeping and service maintenance. rGuest Service allows team members to provide high-touch service at a safe distance. More Data in the Patron Profile

What level of service can be provided when patron preference data is captured in a single profile at nearly every touch point during a stay? Patron data has always been a priority, but today, it’s essential to increase loyalty. Empower Marketing teams with Agilysys Digital Marketing to deliver personalized offers that keep patrons coming back. 35-plus Hospitality Technology Solutions… All Agilysys Originals. For more information, visit Agilysys.com.

Aruze Gaming

Diverse, Industry-Leading Innovations

ruze Gaming offers video slots, ETGs and enhanced table games, mechanical stepper slots and associated products. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the global casino gaming industry, Aruze focuses on creating the best gaming experience for players by delivering premium quality products and outstanding service to its casino customers. Aruze’s Muso line of cabinets includes the Muso Triple-27, Muso Triple-27 Hybrid, Muso Curve-43, Muso Curve-43 Hybrid and the Muso Limited. The unrivaled design of the Muso cabinets creates a stunning light display with 360-degree LED backlighting. LED lighting continues behind the monitors, in edge lighting along the monitors themselves, and even in the player’s wrist rest, engulfing the player in the game atmosphere. Aruze is committed to providing revolution-

ary products for every part of the casino experience. The latest game-changing product lives at the intersection of traditional table games and ETGs. Roll to Win Craps reimagines the table as a modern, interactive object—a hybrid dealer-assisted ETG that combines the exciting atmosphere of live table play with the operational efficiencies and security of modern technologies. Though Roll To Win Craps is an exciting new version for players to enjoy the traditional game of craps, the true benefits are for casino operators. By removing all physical chips, only one employee is required to run the table game. Roll to Win Craps is a “must-play” experience. Diverse and industry-leading innovations are why Aruze Gaming continues expanding its footprint worldwide. For more information, visit aruzegaming.com.

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2020 corporate profiles

BetConstruct

Daring to Be Different

he developing U.S. market needs providers who can follow all the rules and requirements to protect both players and operators, as well as dare to be different and offer unique and creative sets of products. BetConstruct is a global technology provider for the online and landbased gaming industry. The company’s knowledge and experience are certain to help many potential U.S. operators succeed in their operations and avoid the unforeseen hitches in running their business. BetConstruct’s offerings include online and retail sportsbook, RNG & live casinos, esports, poker, skill games, fantasy sports, social gaming platform, sports data solutions, land-based solutions and more. The sports betting offering is highlighted with two U.S.-facing products: Predictor, a game that allows players to predict the outcome of sporting events; and Sweepstakes, a contest-type game tied to the NBA, NFL and NCAA. All partners benefit from the company’s spring platform with its powerful back-office tools and all-inclusive services. From stand-alone setup to turnkey and white label solutions, BetConstruct offers its partners an unparalleled opportunity to succeed. Taking into consideration the needs and priorities of local operators and their players, BetConstruct has a special offer for the U.S. region. The

company distinguishes three major profiles—tribes, casinos and lottery—and delivers comprehensive software packages with dedicated trading, risk management, dedicated support, land-based operation setup and marketing services. Custom packages and requests also are available. With any offering, BetConstruct will contribute to the success of any business, be it an online operation, land-based or both. For more information, visit betconstruct.com.

CasinoTrac/Table Trac

For Reliability, Security and Peace of Mind

ith more than 25 years in the gaming industry, Table Trac Inc. continues to lead the way by developing innovative solutions to help casinos around the world maintain a competitive edge. 2020 has brought many changes to the gaming industry and society as a whole. Table Trac responded by providing a way for casinos to open responsibly and safely welcome guests back using its Dynamic Auto Social Distance software. Game availability and selection is a difficult challenge for casinos facing the prospect of shutting off 50 percent of their games to support social distancing. CasinoTrac’s Dynamic Auto Social Distancing software solves this by automatically placing adjacent games out of service when a machine is selected for play by a guest, and restoring those games to service when the player leaves. Casinos can continue to maintain a diversity of game offerings for their players by keeping all their games in service and ensuring a player’s favorite slot machine is still available. This patent-pending feature has assisted casinos to safely reopen across Nevada, Oklahoma, Maryland, California, Washington, Iowa, the Caribbean and South America.

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The CasinoTrac Casino Management System continues to be the most secure and scalable casino management system on the market today, and future system upgrades are included at no additional cost to customers. The feature-rich CMS automates operations, guest rewards, promotions administration and management, cage management and audit/accounting. Operating on an encrypted Linux-based server platform provides 99 percent uptime, reliability and security that is second to none. CasinoTrac also offers a fully integrated and interactive analytics platform called DataTrac that provides casinos with valuable in-depth insight into the performance of the slot floor, pit and player performance in addition to measuring the success of current promotional strategies. Using easy-to-read visualizations and dashboards, DataTrac empowers users to get the most out of their data. Keeping a property’s information safe and secure is CasinoTrac’s top priority, and DataTrac does just that. Casino operators can enjoy peace of mind knowing all their data stays on the property with no need for third-party vendors or cloud services. For more information on the CasinoTrac Total Casino Management System or CasinoTrac’s other products, visit casinotrac.com.

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TURN YOUR SLOTS LOOSE T

HE HUNT FOR THE LOOSEST SLOTS IS OVER! Nothing draws more players to a casino than offering loose slots. But that’s only half of the battle. Gamblers need to know that you have them. That’s our job. For more than 30 years, Casino Player Publishing has been the #1 source for the latest casino news and information geared to the consumer in Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. And through our one-of-a-kind CERTIFIED LOOSE SLOTS program, participating casinos can let players know that they’ve got the best slots in town. Our certification process is quick, simple and painless. But more

importantly, it’s an effective tool that you can use to promote your property directly to casino gamblers in a way you never could before – with guaranteed loose slots. Best of all, our certification program is exclusive to a SINGLE PROPERTY IN EACH REGION. That means if your casino is certified, no other casino in your area can make that claim. It’s time to get independently verified by one of the most respected names in the gambling industry. It’s time to prove to players that your games, and your property, are the best. It’s time to work with Casino Player Publishing.

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2020 corporate profiles

Empire Technological Group

Premier Table Games Supplier, from Card Rooms to Casinos

mpire Technological Group was founded in Las Vegas in 2012 with an original emphasis on table game products and table game technology. Empire has a stable of table game themes and table game technology products that are both unique and playerand operator-tested and approved. Empire’s technology is designed specifically for table games and table game operators, and provides real-time revenue data for operators to make decisions based on revenue—not on visual observations or data that is many hours old. Empire holds multiple patents around this technology. SMRT Choice Products is the brand under which Empire holds five products that are deployed today. Another four products are in development, with deployment to the market within the next six months. All the products are market-tested prior to release. SMRT Choice Products include SMRT Floor, SMRT Trend Board, SMRT Trend Wall, SMRT Server and SMRT Power Shoe. Empire has created and licensed several table games such as Golden Frog Baccarat, Pai Gow Royals, Pai Gow Poker Dragon versus Tiger War, Vegas 6+ Hold Em Poker and several others. Golden Frog Baccarat is by far the most successful game due to its additional, configurable side bets, which increase the hold percentage for operators. Operators can choose from up to five unique side bets. These products have allowed Empire to establish itself as a premier supplier of tables games in several of the largest California card rooms. Empire has been successful in moving into the casino space as well with SMRT Choice Products and table games. Empire’s table games are located in the premier locals casino operations in Nevada as well several tribal casino properties in California. In 2018, Empire made the decision to enter the video gaming market. In just under three years, it has successfully designed, developed, built and launched a video game cabinet and more than 20 titles. The initial launch of the Akkadian cabinet was in the summer of 2019 in four locations in Southern California and in several cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruise Lines. Since then, Empire has installed games in Oklahoma, in more than 20 locations to date, with pending installations scheduled for 10 locations in California, four in Florida, eight in Mississippi and two in Arkansas. Empire holds gaming licenses in seven jurisdictions and is in the process of finishing its Nevada license. The company continues to pursue additional gaming licenses. Future plans for Empire are bright, with video game development for 15 additional titles and a new cabinet slated for launch in 2021. For additional information on Empire and its table game products, table game technology and video game cabinets and themes, contact Kelsey Allison at Kelcey.allison@etgltd.com.

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Everi

Creating Premium Casino Floor Experiences

veri is a leading supplier of imaginative entertainment and trusted technology solutions for the casino, digital and gaming industry. With a focus on both customers and players, the company develops entertaining games and gaming machines, gaming systems and services, and is the preeminent and most comprehensive provider of core financial products and services, player loyalty tools and applications and intelligence and regulatory compliance solutions. Everi’s goal is to provide casino operators with games that facilitate memorable player experiences, offer seamless and secure financial transactions for casinos and their patrons and deliver software tools and applications to improve casino operations efficiencies and fulfill regulatory compliance requirements. Everi provides these products and services in its effort to help make its customers successful. Everi is responsible for more than 115 million financial transactions annually, resulting in more than $30 billion to casino floors. It has slot machines in more than 800 casinos across North America. Everi patrons will experience a number of benefits: next-level security during financial transactions, superior loyalty programs, thrilling and captivating casino games and TournEvent, the award-winning slot tournament system. Operators receive a suite of innovative financial technology solutions that enables them to maximize funds to their floor, meet the growing burden of regulatory obligations and achieve the highest standard of network security, all with a keen eye on responsible gaming. Everi also boasts a robust intelligence offering to help operators build and maintain patron loyalty. Everi is committed to expanding its innovative and creative reach and to building a culture based on the tenets of respect and transparency, while striving to help patrons and operators alike have premium experiences on the casino floor. For more information about Everi and its complete portfolio of products, visit everi.com.

Strength in Numbers

More than 170 member companies from 22 countries Nearly $21 billion in direct revenue • 61,700 employees 13 publicly traded companies • ONE POWERFUL VOICE Address worldwide industry regulatory and legislative issues • Discounts on major trade show booth space Promote responsible gaming initiatives • Updates from influential global industry leaders Advertising discounts in leading industry publications • Educational partnerships benefiting students and members Visibility in AGEM’s print advertisements • Exposure for publicly traded companies in the monthly AGEM Index Join AGEM today and work together with the world’s leading gaming suppliers. Marcus Prater, Executive Director +1 702 812 6932 • marcus.prater@agem.org Tracy Cohen, Director of Europe + 44 (0) 7970 833 543 • tracy.cohen@agem-europe.com Connie Jones, Director of Responsible Gaming +1 702 528 4374 • connie.jones@agem.org Design & photo-illustration by Jeff Farrell.com • AGEM and charter ESP member since 2007.

AGEM.org

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2020 corporate profiles

Gaming Arts

Tireless Commitment to Fun for the Gambler

aming Arts LLC is a privately owned end-to-end gaming technology provider of electronic gaming machines, bingo, keno and interactive casino promotional systems. Long known as the world leader in bingo and keno games and technologies, Gaming Arts has expanded its focus to reinventing the casino floor with an extensive library of groundbreaking video reels. Its tireless commitment to innovation, performance and a “Fun for the Gambler” mentality is the driving force behind Gaming Arts’ unrivaled creativity, resulting in the fastest and largest-scale slot launch by a newcomer in the history of gaming. In the EGM space, Gaming Arts continues to build a powerful portfolio of slot games that are far from ordinary. Its inaugural collection of video reels—including the Pop’N Pays and Da Fa Ba series, the patented Dice Seeker series and Casino Wizard suite of video table games—is being enjoyed by players across the country, with international placements coming later this year. More than 25 titles and the world’s first patent-pending persistent wheel games featuring the HaloTop Wheel Topper will be available to operators in the near future. Customers can also expect to see amazing new hardware in the coming months, featuring some of the sleekest cabinets ever seen on the slot floor. Gaming Arts’ investment in the game development and design space is a testament to its commitment to providing an exceptional library of innovative slots that players love—while increasing operators’ bottom line. For bingo operations, Gaming Arts has developed an enormous suite of bingo SuperGames, including the million-dollar Bingo Millions games, all underwritten by Gaming Arts. These games, coupled with technological advances such as its proprietary Super Win Bingo computerized game system, are changing the future of bingo. Regarding keno operations, the company is the world leader in keno games and technology, including the industry-leading Optima Keno System, installed across the U.S. and Asia, the world’s first fully automated EZ Keno kiosks and KenoCloud.com, which gives players online access to view keno game results at their leisure. Gaming Arts’ commitment to research and development does not stop there. To combat the Covid-19 threat, Gaming Arts is developing the world’s first series of UVC disinfecting mechanisms specifically engineered for the gaming industry. Gaming Arts holds gaming licenses in 120 jurisdictions, including North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and South Africa. For more information, visit GamingArts.com or call (702) 818-8943.

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GLI

Empowering Clients, Exceeding Expectations

or more than 30 years, Gaming Laboratories International has delivered the highest-quality land-based, lottery and iGaming testing and assessment services around the world. GLI provides suppliers, operators and regulators with expert guidance for navigating the future of gaming and ensuring gaming innovations meet regulatory standards with confidence. GLI’s story began in 1989, when founders James Maida and Paul Magno created the company with a unique vision to provide a single resource for suppliers to submit their equipment for testing, rather than incurring the expense of shipping their gaming devices to multiple testing labs in multiple jurisdictions. GLI’s first client was the South Dakota Lottery, and it is still a valued GLI client today. More than 30 years later, GLI has certified nearly 2 million items and has tested equipment for more than 475 jurisdictions. GLI has a global network of laboratory locations across six continents, with U.S. and international accreditations for compliance with ISO/IEC standards for technical competence in the gaming, wagering and lottery industries. GLI’s uncompromising methodologies employ multiple rounds of testing and meticulous quality control by separate teams of mathematicians and engineers who utilize award-winning tools like 24/7 test automation to deliver the highest-quality results with unsurpassed precision. GLI also offers a wide range of professional services, including world-class educational resources through GLI University. Additionally, GLI features a comprehensive suite of customized cybersecurity solutions by Bulletproof, a GLI company. GLI is a trusted, proven adviser, offering an unparalleled range of services designed to empower regulators, operators and suppliers to achieve their goals by ensuring that the work GLI performs for its clients exceeds expectations. GLI was named “Responsible Business of the Year” by the Global Gaming Awards in 2019 for its social responsibility in charitable giving, diversity and inclusion, green initiatives and responsible gaming support and education. Its Remote Test Bed technology was named a “Top 20 Technology” in Casino Journal’s 2020 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Awards. For more information, visit gaminglabs.com.

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2020 corporate profiles IGT HBG Design

Connecting People to Place

A Portfolio of Impressive Products and Solutions

BG Design has been pioneering the creation of imaginative and transformative guest experiences for more than 40 years. As a Top 5 hospitality and entertainment design firm in the U.S., HBG’s team of 100 architects, interior designers and building professionals in Memphis, Tennessee and San Diego, California share a passion for making design stories come to life by shaping physical space and connecting people to place. HBG Design translates market influences, brand, culture, original storytelling, sustainability and wellness concepts into inspired hospitality and entertainment design for its esteemed clients. These include commercial hospitality and entertainment giants such as Caesars Entertainment, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Hyatt Hotels and Hilton Hotels, and more than 45 Indian gaming enterprises. As the industry collectively navigates a new era of wellness and safety needs, HBG Design is at the forefront in the development of creative design solutions that will lead to overall healthier and safer environments for guests. The HBG Design team has been steadily working with its clients to reimagine the casino and hotel experience through innovative design strategies where the first touchpoint for every guest provides a sense of well-being, both physically and mentally. HBG Design’s in-house team of architects and interior designers work side by side to approach hospitality and entertainment design as a collaborative, cohesive process, as showcased in the firm’s recent and upcoming project openings. Each design brings to life a vibrant concept uniquely tailored to the owner’s specific vision. The new 1.2 million-square-foot Desert Diamond West Valley Casino Resort in Glendale, Arizona offers guests a multi-sensory experience rooted in the inspiration of the dynamic Sonoran Desert landscape. On the 75,000-squarefoot casino floor, dozens of illuminated overhead fins dazzle with sparkling colors whenever a jackpot is hit. Among the amenities are five uniquely designed restaurants and two eye-catching feature bars—the Edge Bar and the two-story Rock Bar. At Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, California, the firm’s $226 million, 500,000-square-foot expansion features a 300-room hotel tower and striking new casino and F&B amenities, creating an array of revenue-generating opportunities that fulfill a need for more distinct cross-generational experiences. In the coming months, HBG Design eagerly anticipates project openings of the Oaklawn Racing and Gaming hotel and casino expansion in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the 459-room hotel and casino expansion at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California and the new Canopy by Hilton hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. For more information, visit hbg.design. 56

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lobal gaming leader IGT continues to innovate across the depth and breadth of its impressive product and solutions portfolio. The company’s Peak hardware series represents a focal point of IGT’s slate of new product introductions. The sleek, functional and performance-tested PeakBarTop cabinet recently was launched in casinos across the U.S. Backed by an extensive library of the most popular video poker games of all time and a range of new and proven slots, keno and roulette games, the PeakBarTop is the ideal way for operators to modernize player experiences and to introduce cashless gaming-enabled technology to the bartop environment. Another recently launched product from IGT’s portfolio is the PeakSlant49 cabinet. With a progressively curved, 49-inch display and a range of other tech-advanced features that enhance the player experience, IGT’s PeakSlant49 cabinet is an IGT innovation bright spot. Fortune Coin Boost! was the first game made available on the PeakSlant49, to be followed by a strong content pipeline that includes titles such as Bubble Blast Link and Dragon Lights. IGT customers soon will experience the unveiling of the eye-catching and performance-driven PleakSlant32 cabinet. With three full HD, seamlessly integrated screens, the PeakSlant32 offers an immersive backdrop for gripping game graphics and the option for synched dynamic attract content in the unit’s top box. This cabinet also is supported by a range of compelling core video games such as Wolf Run Gold, Wu Dragon and Treasure Box. Another anticipated cabinet from IGT’s Peak hardware family is the PeakSlant with Wheel—a vibrant, wheel-topped variation of the PeakSlant49 cabinet designed specifically for Wheel of Fortune game content including the cabinet’s launch title, Wheel of Fortune Mystery Link. The compact Peak Terminal from IGT’s electronic table games portfolio will round out highlights from the compelling Peak hardware portfolio. In the postCovid-19 era, this single-user ETG unit has become more relevant than ever as it enables operators to offer a range of popular table games in an environment that accommodates social distancing while reducing table games labor costs. IGT is leading the cashless gaming revolution with its turnkey, full-service Resort Wallet solution. As a module to the company’s leading IGT Advantage casino management system, Resort Wallet is a flexible technology that affords operators three variations of the cashless offering and helps ensure the safety of guests and employees by reducing the need for cash handling. The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the relevance of digital gaming technologies, and IGT’s PlayDigital organization is answering the call. With a proven library of PlayCasino games made available via the company’s PlayRGS solution, IGT is ready to help its customers accelerate digital gaming growth and reach new players. Similarly, IGT continues to expand its sports betting market leadership with its PlaySports platform and range of intuitive, self-service betting technologies. IGT can help operators of any size or type to create a successful, custom sports betting enterprise. To learn more about these and other IGT innovations, visit IGT.com.

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Kambi

Market-Leading Sportsbook Experience

ith a range of partners including Penn National Gaming, Seneca Gaming Corp. and Rush Street Interactive, Kambi is the industry’s leading independent provider of sports betting and technology services, powering more than 20 operators on six continents. Through its data-driven sportsbook core and flexible technology, Kambi not only provides a market-leading land-based and online sportsbook experience, but also acts as an incubator for operator innovation and differentiation. Coupled with its range of empowerment tools, enabling operators to control crucial player-facing elements, Kambi has built an impressive track record of springboarding visionary sportsbooks to success across the globe. Kambi’s fully managed services encompass a broad range of offerings, from a front-end user interface and odds-compiling to customer intelligence and risk management, built on and delivered through a robust, in-house-developed software platform. The Kambi sportsbook has been proven to elevate the whole casino’s bottom line, helping to enhance returns across gaming and hospitality, and futureproofing growth by attracting a new generation of players. The Kambi kiosk has proved transformative to how players like to bet in the U.S. With more than 600 in operation across the country, Kambi kiosks generate more than 75 percent of wagers at partner casinos. Furthermore, Kambi’s unique Bring-Your-Own-Device technology allows bettors to view lines and construct bets anywhere, before placing them at the casino by scanning a QR code—enabling on-property sports wagering to be conducted in a contactless manner. Integral to its work is Kambi’s long history in sports trading and its dedication to the highest levels of corporate probity and sports integrity. Listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm First North, Kambi operates in an ethical manner, ensuring it only conducts business in markets where gambling isn’t prohibited and employing sophisticated risk processes to detect signs of sports manipulation at the earliest stages. Kambi’s team is made up of more than 850 sports fans across seven global locations, including a fast-growing Philadelphia office which opened its doors in early 2019. For more information, visit kambi.com.

Konami Gaming Inc.

Positioned for Lasting Success

onami is committing its time, resources, knowledge and energy toward a strong industry return through compelling new entertainment and leading-edge technology. The company’s world-class development teams continue to drive top product releases to the gaming floor. An expanded line of Dimension slot cabinets from Konami is arriving to casinos for the first time this year, as well as entirely new systems technology like Marker Trax cashless slot markers, SYNK31 Title 21/Anti-Money Laundering and more. “Konami has always led with a focus on R&D, and we believe that is the best place to focus our attention today, to position Konami, its customers, and its employees for lasting success,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president and chief operating officer. New Dimension: Konami has readied three unique Dimension cabinets for a 2020 launch. First shown at G2E 2019, Dimension 49J has shown strong success with the premiere of its premium debut series: All Aboard. The game has captured the interest and imagination of players with its larger-than-life LED merchandising and symbol-driven All Aboard feature, which offers the chance to claim increasing credit prize symbols up to nine times in the same bonus. Dimension 27 also is arriving to casino floors this year, with three 27-inch monitors in 4K ultra high-definition, as Konami’s newest core cabinet. It gives players the chance to enjoy special-edition SeleXion multi-game packs filled with certified original Konami classic titles. Dimension 49 will round out the year by revealing its own release pipeline of portrait-screen game content. “From Dimension 49J’s pipeline of premium entertainment to Dimension 27’s strong SeleXion mix of proven Konami classics, our goal is to bring longterm business value to operators while bringing enduring entertainment value to the player,” says Jingoli. “Konami is prioritizing proven content—spanning Quick Strike, African Diamond, China Shores and more—to make the most of the latest cabinet hardware.” Systems Strength: In terms of casino systems technology, Konami’s awardwinning Synkros is in the midst of record-breaking growth. Casinos that use Synkros are activating new system-delivered tools for game sanitation, cashless wagering and touchless authentication to tackle present challenges quickly and completely. “Touchless, cashless and automated solutions are advancing player convenience and engagement in our space, now more than ever,” says Jingoli. “Each of the casinos we serve has a unique strategic approach to the road ahead. That considered, Konami remains especially dedicated to shared cooperation, flexible support and true partnership.” For more information, visit gaming.konami.com.

2020 PROGRESSIVE PRODUCTS PREVIEW P3

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2020 corporate profiles

Novomatic Americas J Carcamo & Associates

Passionately Building Brands

ompetition for consumer dollars is more intense than ever. Branding plays a pivotal role as businesses, large and small, attempt to differentiate themselves, not only from industry competition, but from new options. J Carcamo & Associates is a marketing consulting firm comprised of marketing and branding professionals with decades of executive-level operational experience with some of the world’s top casino companies, with the expertise of practice leaders from key firms supporting the industry. The company offers complete project management, with both strategic and tactical support. It partners with clients to build and position their brands, helping them reach potential customers during their “I want to know” and “I want to go” moments. For J Carcamo & Associates, brand development is not a job, it’s a passion. A brand is more than the colors and strokes of a pen that create a logo. It has a life and a heart that beats energy throughout the organization. J Carcamo works with clients to understand their vision and their customers, to develop the tools needed to bring this organism to life. Sometimes, even the most successful brands may need a jump-start— from a little cosmetic surgery to major surgery. J Carcamo helps rebuild and rejuvenate brands. Developing and breathing life into a brand requires passion. Keeping that brand alive requires love. Much like two people promise to love each other for a lifetime, team members and guests can do the same with a brand. Creative services need to scale for a client’s needs, and with the JCA Collaborative—a partnership with expert casino marketing specialists—a client has the best of the best without the high costs. J Carcamo is proud of its newest venture, Casino Marketing Boot Camp, which provides specific training in casino marketing. Virtual, small-group and custom-tailored for a casino’s demands, it helps clients create some of the strongest marketers around. For casinos ready to change their view of marketing, build an identity that resonates with consumers, and produce real ROI, J Carcamo is ready for the challenge. For more information, check out these social links: • Linkedin.com/company/j-carcamo-&-associates/ • Twitter.com/jccarcamo • Facebook.com/jcarcamoassociates/ • Instagram.com/juliacarcamo

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Driving Player Entertainment, Delivering Operator Value

ovomatic Americas continues to bring dynamic gaming products to the North American market in 2020. The virtual roadshow features gaming solutions that provide big player entertainment while delivering on the promise of being a full-service, value-added gaming solutions provider. In this digital preview, Novomatic Americas will feature an array of sleek cabinets, like the Panthera Curve 1.43, V.I.P. Lounge Curve 1.43, Novostar V.I.P. Royal 2.65, Executive SL 1.24 ETG, sports betting Novomatic ActionBook kiosks, Novo Rewards player loyalty kiosks, video gaming technology, play-for-fun online-mobile games via Greentube and an impressive progressive link lineup. Customers will see product lines featured with a variety of premium content, core content, systems and exciting new progressive products. A market leader in sports betting self-service betting kiosks in the U.S., Novomatic Americas has a winner in retail kiosk hardware as part of its ever-growing portfolio. Front and center, a new Thunder Cash link theme, Golden Seas, will enhance the popular multi-level jackpot offering and give operators a new product to add to the already exciting link. New progressive themed links will fill the Novomatic virtual trade show, in both the link and stand-alone types—all proof that Novomatic Americas is meeting the needs of its critical audience and delivering on its entertainment promise. The Money Party link, with Fruity Fruity and Juicy Juicy models, is quickly joining the booming Thunder Cash link on casino floors nationwide. Novomatic also is releasing a family of stand-alone progressive titles. The attractive mix of games, including Eternal Mandarin

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Ducks, Royal Crane and Noble Peacock across multiple cabinets for video slot players, is sure to attract a wide range of players. Dancing Tiger and Dancing Lantern’s desirable jackpot mechanics and entertaining trigger features will keep players laughing and playing while their jackpot pays. In addition, the Ji Deng Gao Zhao link will hit later in the year with Lucky Trail, a Pick&Win progressive whereby picking a lucky lantern can light up a good fortune. The Lucky Twist link with Lucky Twist MatrixDynamite Dragon and Lucky Twist WheelMoney Ki Neko will keep players’ luck high while entering the matrix or getting the wheels spinning. The Novostar V.I.P. 3.65 is a big hit in the Illinois VGT market. Attendees can experience the new VGT myACP for Illinois and soon, Pennsylvania. It is popular with widely dispersed route operators as an easily implemented tool for performance management, maintenance and the new Novo Rewards player loyalty module. For more information, contact sales@nomaticamericas.com.

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2020 corporate profiles Scientific Games

Systems, Solutions and Cutting-Edge Products

cientific Games is innovating and delivering the necessary systems, solutions and cutting-edge products that empower its casino partners to operate safely and efficiently and create a state-of-the-art gaming experience for their players. Solutions address the operating safety and efficiency challenges that casinos are facing, including social distancing and automated game sanitization modules, which allow players to reserve an EGM and the surrounding machines to become disabled. The module’s rules engine then identifies the games that require sanitization immediately. Players can experience cardless and cashless gaming through the Unified Wallet mobile application, and a seamless automated player gift fulfillment program with Player Boutique. Scientific Games’ latest electronic table game innovation, Quartz Hybrid, features an immersive 26.5-inch LCD HD flush-mounted player touch screen, and allows players to wager concurrently on up to eight games. The new MDX multi-deck shuffler shuffles one to 10 decks, eliminates edge sorting and sorts one to 10 decks. Scientific Games is pushing the boundaries of traditional table game play with Kyber, its augmented reality table game that combines eye-catch-

ing projections and object recognition technology. TableView with Chip Recognition utilizes table-based camera sensors and artificial intelligence software retrofitted onto existing tables to automate the collection of table game play activity. New slot products include the Kascada, the next generation of the top selling TwinStar J43, built on a legacy of revolutionary portrait cabinets. The Kascada will launch with games based on some of Scientific Games’ most celebrated brands, including Coin Combo, a progression of Duo Fu Duo Cai and Monopoly Money Grab, featuring one of the most successful slot themes of all time. A robust pipeline of proven content leveraging Scientific Games’ recent successes also is debuting, including new themes in the popular Super Colossal Reels, Drop & Lock and Ultra Hot Mega Link series. Also, a new Quick Hit Blitz Multi-game and Ultimate Fire Link Power 4 game are adding new dimensions to these red-hot series. New series featuring leading-edge game mechanics also will debut, including Kraken Unleashed, Powerball Superbank and 123 Wild, a series developed by the same studio that created 88 Fortunes and Dancing Drums, available soon on the sleek new TwinStar Matrix. The dazzling new TwinStar 5RM also will showcase an engaging new Locked & Loaded series, a mechanical reel adaption of the hit Lock It Link mechanic. For more information, visit scientificgames.com.

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SuzoHapp

Technology, Products, Partnerships

uzoHapp is a technology company with more than 50,000 gaming, amusement, sports betting, lottery and bingo products for casino operators and gaming OEMs. Products include LCDs, sports betting solutions, toppers, hoppers, locks, coin, bill and reel mechanisms and buttons and decks. SuzoHapp also is a software and hardware supplier of complete cash management solutions typically found anywhere from cashier cages to largescale back office operations. SuzoHapp is a global company with offices in 19 countries serving more than 25,000 customers with regional delivery, local support and quick cus-

tomization. Although products are the focus of the business, serving customers and helping to simplify sourcing is what SuzoHapp aims to do with every customer interaction. SuzoHapp knows its strength lies in its expertise, based on more than 30 years in the business, as well as its breadth of partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers. This year, SuzoHapp is honored to be on the shortlist of the 2020 Global Gaming Awards in the category of Land-Based Industry Supplier. For more information, please visit suzohapp.com.

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2020 G&T AwArds

High Tech = High Performance Winners of 18th Annual GGB Gaming & Technology Awards Announced By Patrick Roberts aming’s most respected technology awards were highlighted once again when the winners of the 18th Annual GGB Gaming & Technology Awards were revealed. The GGB Gaming & Technology Awards are the industry standard in the field, recognizing excellence in innovation and practical application in all gaming disciplines. More than 70 gaming products and services were entered into this important competition in 2019. “Once again, the nominations for the GGB Gaming & Technology Awards represented the best new products and services in the gaming industry,” says Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine, which administers the awards program. “As technology advances at a rapid pace, it’s often difficult for casino executives to stay current. The judges for the GGB Gaming & Technology Awards are some of the most dedicated and respected executives in the business, so their opinion carries a great deal of weight. The winners of this year’s edition beat out some amazing competition and demonstrated true innovation.” The awards were presented to the winners at the Global Gaming Expo in 2019 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. The 2020 awards will be presented virtually in an online webinar. Stay tuned for the date and time. Judges for the awards are: Claudia Winkler, president of GHI Solutions; Rob Russell, gaming analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C.; Frank Neborsky, general manager, the Downs at Albuquerque; Gerhard Burda, president and CEO, ESCAPES Advisory Services; Cliff Paige, slot director, South Point Casino Resort, Las Vegas; and Skyelar Perkins, corporate slot director, Choctaw Casinos. Nominations for the 2022 GGB Gaming & Technology Awards will open in May 2021, and include new products and services to be introduced in 2021 or 2022.

The 2020 awards will be presented virtually in an online webinar. Stay tuned for the date and time.

2019 WINNERS OF THE 18th ANNUAL GGB GAMING & TECHNOLOGY AWARDS Best Consumer-Service Technology GOLD MEDAL: IGT for IGT Advantage Player Experience Product Suite SILVER MEDAL: Everi for QuikTicket

Best Productivity-Enhancement Technology GOLD MEDAL: Gaming Analytics Inc. for GamingAnalytics.AI SILVER MEDAL: Casino Data Imaging for GlobalSuite Real Time Module

Best Slot Product GOLD MEDAL: Everi for Smokin’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel SILVER MEDAL: AGS for Starwall with Premium Orion Portrait

P3 PrOGrEssIVE PrOdUCTs PrEVIEw 2020

Best Table Game Product or Innovation GOLD MEDAL: NRT Technology Inc. for VL-PRO SILVER MEDAL: Shark Trap Gaming and Security Systems for Super Shuffler

Best Interactive Product GOLD MEDAL: Scientific Games for Open Gaming System (OGS) and Open Platform System (OPS) SILVER MEDAL: Konami Gaming, Inc. for SYNK Vision

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