Oser Communications Group
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH NIGA
Las Vegas Thursday, July 22, 2021
Where Does Great Design Come From?
Customized, Competitive Workers Compensation for Casinos
Where does great design come from, and what does it mean? Gary Platt Manufacturing’s dedicated design team – true artisan craftspeople – answer these two questions frequently. We have been creating unsurpassed seating for more than 20 years for a variety of industries including casino, hospitality and office. The brands we work with are one of our main inspirations. We always consider casino branding to be unique, and know it is the result of investments in time, energy, and money spent to create an environment that each casino’s customers can enjoy and relate to. Our experts in handcrafted design create unique products that are inspired to reflect each casino’s individual brand promise, not something that is cookie-cutter. Our team works closely with each property and their design
Tribal gaming entities have many considerations when protecting property, employees and covering liability exposures, especially since they are not a one-size-fits-all risk model. Casinos need to work with a trusted broker on key risks and design an insurance program around those risks. Property, liability and workers compensation policies should be uniquely crafted to protect tribal assets, while considering cultural preferences. A Tribal Workers Compensation (TWC) program should be selected without sacrificing the ability to determine its level of coverage. Tribal gaming entities can avoid the fraud and abuse that’s prevalent in state systems through a sovereign TWC program. There are several workers compensation carriers serving tribal gaming entities, so your broker should provide multiple options to ensure you aren’t paying too much. It’s a best practice to get a new quote annually.
By Ed Abadie, Head Designer, Gary Platt
BOOTH #1417
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Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Announces Appointment of Ray Pineault
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), developer of awe-inspiring integrated entertainment resorts (IER) worldwide, has announced the appointment of Ray Pineault as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In this role, Pineault will oversee all day-to-day operations for MGE, including ongoing brand growth and continuing to ensure MGE delivers unmatched personalized services and memorable guest experiences. This marks a truly exciting new chapter for the company as it successfully navigates out of the pandemic and through the ever-evolving world of integrated entertainment and the digital gaming landscape. Pineault has been acting as Interim CEO for MGE since March 31, 2021. “I want to congratulate fellow Tribal member Ray Pineault as he assumes the role of President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment,” said James Gessner, Jr., Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe and MGE Management Board. “We are tremendously lucky to have someone of Ray’s caliber, experience and intellect taking on this role. His grasp of our organization and all its moving parts across nine worldwide properties is unmatched. Having someone with these abilities come from Continued on Page 9
By Tina Duncan, Business Development Manager, AMERIND
BOOTH #1402
Continued on Page 9
Vector Solutions Launches Vector LiveSafe Alert
Vector Solutions, a leading provider of software solutions for learning, operational readiness, workforce management, and risk reduction, has launched Vector LiveSafe Alert, an innovative emergency notification and mass communications platform designed to make it easy for organizations to communicate with their employees to build a safer, more informed workplace. Vector LiveSafe Alert provides a powerful, easy-to-use mass communications tool to operations, facilities, or safety managers to notify employees across channels of incidents ranging from routine technology downtime to an active shooter emergency. By opening the lines of communication, organizations benefit from a more informed workforce that can better respond to potentially damaging or costly situations. Organizations utilizing Vector LiveSafe Alert can reach employees everywhere by delivering customized broadcast messages to employees in their channel of choice when it matters most, avoid message fatigue by segmenting employees by groups, physical location, and organizational hierarchy, and improve deliverability by accessing a delivery results report to see who received messages successfully, as well as who did not and why. Continued on Page 9
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Thursday, July 22, 2021
Gaming News
Face Recognition Solutions from Cognitec Cognitec’s highly specialized 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 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 of these components play an important part. Making them work together, and supporting their continuous operation
Midax Uses Lockdown as an Opportunity While others furloughed their production staff, Midax decided to double down on the opportunity to develop its product range strategically, building on its pre-existing platform of the Tribal One loyalty and fleet programs, integrated into player points databases. Midax expanded its mobile app to handle order ahead, at the c-store and on the way to the c-store, delivery and pickup at the grocery store, enabling users to pay with player points on their mobile device and enjoy built-in frequency rewards at the c-store, grocery store and QSR. The next step is mobile order at the slot machine, so Midax can turn servers into expeditors. Midax has agreed with hospitality
providers such as Agilysys and Micros to integrate its c-store applications into their systems for a seamless customer experience across the tribal property. Midax realized integration into the Comdata SmartDESQ, so that the Tribal One Fleet program can work at the truck stop. Drivers can earn points through this integration that they can spend inside the store, using Tribal One’s Food services of order ahead and self-checkout. Most of the systems Midax now installs use: integration into the casino player points for tiered discounting, pay by points at the c-store and in the grocery store, order ahead mobile app, self-checkouts, in-house Fleet card
Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Selects VizExplorer’s Campaign Management & Player Development Solutions
VizExplorer, a leading provider of operational intelligence solutions for casinos, announced it has signed an agreement with Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton. Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) will install the campaignViz™ marketing and hostVizOps™ player development solutions at its newest gaming property, which opened in late March. Property executives are looking to advance its direct marketing and CRM initiatives to best serve its players in the competitive Las Vegas market. The marketing and host teams will benefit from a better understanding of player behavior and real-time data and insights to execute successful marketing and VIP strategies. VizExplorer’s campaignViz provides the marketing team with the ability to improve marketing by optimizing campaigns and player reinvestment strategy that drive the incremental visits and revenue. hostVizOps gives the casino’s host team a robust CRM tool with
mobile access to player data, real-time player notifications, and automated task management to streamline communication with and development of valuable players. These two tools work in concert allowing marketing to create and upload offers with campaignViz and see the offers seamlessly available to the host team when they interact with players. “We look forward to seeing the financial impact of VizExplorer solutions as we implement these products across our brand,” said Joe Hasson, General Manager at Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas. “VizExplorer has fantastic tools to help us execute our strategy and their team really understands our business.” “We look forward to partnering with the Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and enabling their team to build outstanding relationships with their customers,” said David Patent, CEO at VizExplorer. Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is the third Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment property to
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH NIGA Kimberly Oser Publisher Anthony Socci Vice President of Sales
and maintenance, need 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. Visit Cognitec at booth #1807.
both in the retail c-store and the truck stop and tribal member and employee discounts right at the pump. The work is paying off. Cougar Den’s John Schab said, “Midax’s Tribal One loyalty platform has allowed us to engage with our customers and better understand them. We use their Fleet program to increase our profits and reduce labor costs.” Ilani’s Taylor Morelli said, “We use Midax and the program is great and works great with our pumps and registers. Even better, their techs are super quick to help when we wanted to customize the setup.” sign with VizExplorer. MGE joins more than 60 other tribal entities currently using the VizExplorer platform. VizExplorer will exhibit in booth #1723. Request a product demonstration during the conference at www.viz explorer.com/events.
About VizExplorer VizExplorer is a leading provider of operational intelligence (OI) solutions to the gaming industry. VizExplorer software lets businesses analyze live, fastchanging data and take immediate action using a single toolset. VizExplorer’s applications and tools help enterprises address slot recommendations and optimization, marketing campaign management, CRM and customer service, and service and dispatch management. VizExplorer is headquartered in Las Vegas. For more information, go to www.vizexplorer.com.
About Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a state-of-the-art lifestyle casino operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), master developer of awe-inspiring integrated entertainment resorts (IER) worldwide. Mohegan Sun Casino Las Vegas signifies the first tribal casino presence in the prestigious Las
Yasmine Brown Production Manager/Art Director AJ Flick Senior Editor Jeanie Catron Associate Editor Susan Stein Customer Service Manager Marcos Morhaim Senior Account Manager Tara Neal Director of Operations Hannah Stefanovich Show Logistics & Distribution Enrico Cecchi European Sales Gaming News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2021 All rights reserved. Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300 European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy www.osercommunicationsgroup.com
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Pechanga’s Alvin Gines said, “We have been using Midax for almost a decade for all in-house fuel payments. It just works!” Visit Midax at booth #1409.
Vegas market, featuring a 60,000-square foot gaming venue located within Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, a Curio Collection by Hilton. The property has over five acres of luxe upgraded outdoor space and pools, new world-class restaurants, lounges and bars, as well as 130,000 square feet of remodeled meeting, event and convention spaces. For more information, go to www.mohegansunlas vegas.com.
About Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) is a master developer and operator of premier global integrated entertainment resorts, including Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, Inspire in Incheon, South Korea and Casinos in Niagara, Canada. MGE is owner, developer, and/or manager of integrated entertainment resorts throughout the United States, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Nevada, Washington, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, as well as Northern Asia and Niagara Falls, Canada. MGE is also the owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information, go to www.mohegangaming.com. Continued on Page 9
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Gaming News
Former Rymax Sales Powerhouse Brings Wealth of Experience and Robust Client-Base Rymax, a leading loyalty marketing and rewards provider, welcomes back Alan Traiger as Vice President of Sales for the company’s Solution Sales Division. Alan is a well-established, highly successful industry sales executive, who contributed significantly to the early success of Rymax. He was instrumental in landing some of Rymax’s key accounts. “Throughout my first journey here I helped take a small growing incentive company into the world of casinos, events and online programs while bringing in major corporate accounts the likes of McDonalds, Coors Brewing, Coca Cola and many more,” said Alan. “My plan now is to grow the corporate side of the business for all types of loyalty, recognition, retention,
sales incentive programs by leveraging my existing relationships along with a creative and caring, customer-first approach.” Prior to his return to Rymax, Alan spent 10 years as President of IN Marketing Group, an Oakland, NJ-based full-service, incentive and loyalty marketing firm. He first joined IN Marketing as Vice President of Sales & Marketing in 2011 before taking over as President a year later. In his role as President, Alan oversaw operations of the firm, keeping his team focused on growing their clients’ businesses by delivering scalable, customizable programs at a cost-effective rate. In addition to 15 years of industry experience and superior sales and interpersonal skills, Alan brings with him a
CNIGA Membership Grows The largest regional tribal gaming association in the United States keeps getting bigger. Since late 2019, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association has grown from 34 member tribes to 39. This represents over one-third of all tribes in the state of
California. Joining the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, who re-joined CNIGA in late 2019, the following year saw the Tachi Yokut Tribe, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Berry Creek Rancheria of
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robust and impressive client portfolio, including organizations in the casino, insurance, manufacturing and food & beverage industries. “Alan is a fantastic salesman, a passionate marketer, and an exceptional leader. He truly understands what it means to engage, motivate and retain audiences both at an internal staff level as well as an external client level,” said Eve Kolakowski, President of Rymax. “He was an integral part of the history of Rymax. Now, as we evolve and I strive to take the company to new levels, I think it’s essential that he be part of our future.” Kolakowski took over as CEO of Rymax in early 2019 and has already begun a business transformation. The company is now nationally certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Woman’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC), a regional certifying partner of the Woman’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Under her direction, the company continues to grow its client base and expanding
its unmatched rewards portfolio to offer new product categories. This decision to realign with Alan Traiger is the next step in a comprehensive business transformation sure to create an unstoppable force in the incentive industry. Alan’s son, Brett Traiger also joined the organization this month, in the capacity of National Sales Manager for Rymax’s Casino Sales Division.
Tyme Maidu and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians come back into the CNIGA fold. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians have re-joined CNIGA, while the Tejon Indian Tribe have become members for the first time. “We are incredibly pleased and honored to bring more tribal governments into this great organization,” said CNIGA Chairman James Siva. “Tribal governments need a strong, unified voice on gaming issues, and CNIGA provides a forum for tribal voices to be heard in the halls of
power. Each tribe brings a unique perspective, therefore bringing greater knowledge to the whole.” CNIGA was founded in 1988 and is comprised solely of federally recognized tribal governments and associate members who are dedicated to the tribal government gaming industry. CNIGA is dedicated to the purpose of preserving and protecting Indian gaming on federally recognized Indian lands. It acts as a planning and coordinating agency for legislative, policy, legal and communications efforts on behalf of its members and serves as an industry forum for information and resources.
About Rymax Headquartered in Pine Brook, NJ, Rymax has revolutionized the Incentive Industry making it simple, effective, and most importantly, rewarding. As the largest national manufacturer’s representative in the incentive industry, Rymax provides clients with access to over 450 brand name rewards, a robust recognition and rewards portal, MaxSite™, award-winning reward fulfillment and a dedicated account team to service all loyalty marketing needs. For more information, go to www .rymaxinc.com or call 800.379.8073.
2021 Best of Show
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Gaming News Gary Platt (Cont’d. from p. 1)
team to create the perfect chair design that is unique to the customer. What does “design” mean to Gary Platt? It means comfort, quality, and durability. We are never satisfied until each of these three elements perform in perfect harmony. There is a science to designing comfort. Every chair we design includes our exclusive cold-cured foam. The meticulous manufacturing process ensures consistency in the shape, density and quality of each chair. In addition, it is highly elastic and retains its firmness even after years of use. We take an ergonomic approach from the curve of the seat to the lines and curvature of the back, and the AMERIND (Cont’d. from p. 1)
AMERIND’s Tribal Workers Compensation Program Tribal Workers AMERIND’s Compensation product is an alternative to state programs and empowers tribal entities to take full control of their workers compensation program. The AMERIND Workers Compensation program maintains the tribe’s sovereignty and is tailored to offer maximum effectiveness while reducing overall claim expenses. The product is customized, competitively priced and reliable. Insuring through AMERIND eliminates the need to comply with state law. Similar to state workers compensation programs, benefits include
Mohegan Gaming (Cont’d. from p. 1)
within our Tribal membership makes this day all the more meaningful. Today is a proud day for the Mohegan Nation.” After 20 years of service to the Mohegan Tribe, including serving as President and General Manager of the brand’s flagship property, Mohegan Sun Connecticut, and most recently as Chief Operating Officer of MGE, Pineault brings a wealth of legal and business knowledge with him to the CEO role. In this role, Pineault will be responsible for the overall success of MGE where, in alignment with the Tribal Vector Solutions (Cont’d. from p. 1)
“Empowering organizations to deliver the right message to the right people at the right time is part of Vector Solutions’ mission to provide intelligent software solutions that make communities safer, smarter, and better,” said Vector Solutions CEO Marc Scheipe. “Vector LiveSafe Alert takes this mission one step further by providing organizations a best-in-class mass communications tool that can be used both for crisis Mohegan Sun Casino (Cont’d. from p. 4)
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq.
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density and feel of the upholstery, providing the player with the most comfortable experience possible. We also keep slot floor staff in mind while designing our chairs. We want to ensure the mobility of our chairs is as easy as possible with correct weight proportions, balance, base alignment and handle placement. Of course, if our work doesn’t last, the design doesn’t matter, so our teams handcraft each chair with an eye to the highest level of quality. The most minute details are important – how the upholstery lays, the base attaches, unblemished finishing, perfect stitching, decorative nails and more. Every element is carefully placed to strike the perfect balance between form, function and durability. Our product is extremely durable in
the casino environment, allowing us to provide a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the overall structure of each chair. In a high-usage, 24/7 casino environment, you can be confident that your Gary Platt chairs will be durable and comfortable many years into the future. Not every design team can say their work is patented. Our designers have earned many patents, including U.S. Patent No. D829458 for our Monaco chair design and U.S. Patent No. D847549 for our Epic Frame, which is known globally for its versatility and durability. These patents are a real compliment to our team, and they speak loudly to our one-of-a-kind seating solutions, and symbolize our dedication to our customers. Most recently, we received U.S.
Patent No. D861405 for our Tesla chair design. This was an exciting project to work on and the finished product is a standout. Tesla’s unique wing-style back gently hugs players, while parallel lines of stitching on the back accent the wingback design, and the stitching pattern is mirrored on the seat. We also created the Tesla model to have an abundance of customizable features, including base, legs, finishing, upholstery and a fully customizable back. Let’s create ideas together, and let’s put our team’s unsurpassed designs to work for you on your floor.
medical expenses, lost wages, death benefits and disability benefits. AMERIND provides online access to real-time claim information, an experienced claims team with the expertise, deductible and self-insured retention (SIR) options.
tive, AMERIND is very competitive with larger insurance companies. A policy costs less than the competitors, making it an easy choice,” he continued. “AMERIND serves a niche market – tribal governments and businesses. Tribes Protecting Tribes – it’s a motto that describes them well because they are so engaged in Indian Country. They always approach our discussions with the attitude that we’re all in this together. They want to vet your needs and then make good decisions.”
ucts designed to fit the needs of Indian Country. Founded in 1986 as an act of unity among more than 400 tribes, AMERIND is the only 100 percent tribally owned insurance provider. The New Mexico-based AMERIND has saved tribes millions of dollars – all while strengthening Native American communities and economies and elevating tribal sovereignty. AMERIND also provides access to employee benefit solutions and strategic planning for broadband deployment by tribal governments and business enterprises throughout Indian Country.
Making Good Decisions for Indian Country Dan Kain, business executive with the Puyallup Tribe, said he knew from his first meeting he had shared values with AMERIND. “The tribe retained AMERIND over a decade ago based on AMERIND’s ability to provide the best coverage and rates, and, more importantly, its ability to protect the tribe and its assets,” Kain said. “From a cost perspec-
Council, he will create, communicate, and execute a global vision, strategy, and direction for the company, drive the company’s culture, values, and behavior, build a high performing executive team, and allocate capital to the company’s priorities. He will also drive the operational results of all MGE owned and affiliated properties – through overseeing the effective development, implementation and measurement of all strategic business plans including capital and operating budgets, marketing, technology, people, operations, development, and legal. “I have dedicated my career to ensuring the success of Mohegan
communications and everyday use.” Vector LiveSafe Alert is part of the Vector LiveSafe Platform, a leading mobile platform for emergency notifications, risk management, and safety communications. For more information on Vector LiveSafe Alert, visit www.vectorsolutions .com/solutions/vector-livesafe/alert.
AMERIND Is Your 100% Owned and Trusted Insurance Partner An AM Best A- (Excellent) rated company, AMERIND offers a comprehensive line of affordable insurance prodGaming & Entertainment, and I look forward to the immense growth, development and accomplishments we will achieve in this next chapter together,” said Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGE. “I am grateful to the Mohegan Tribe for this opportunity and will work tirelessly to uphold our values and traditions, both here in the United States and in the communities around the world in which we operate.” About Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) is a master developer and operator of pre-
Visit Gary Platt at booth #1417. For more information, call 800.969.0999 or go to www.garyplatt.com.
Visit AMERIND at booth #1402. For more information, go to www.amerind .com or call 505.404.5000.
mier global integrated entertainment resorts, including Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, Inspire in Incheon, South Korea and Niagara Casinos in Niagara, Canada. MGE is owner, developer, and/or manager of integrated entertainment resorts throughout the United States, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, as well as Northern Asia and Niagara Falls, Canada, and Las Vegas, Nevada. MGE is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information, go to www .mohegangaming.com.
About Vector Solutions Vector Solutions is a leading provider of award-winning, intelligent SaaS solu-
tions that help organizations and individuals operate at the highest level and prepare for more challenging workplaces and environments. Providing industryfocused solutions that connect information and technology, its unique product set includes training management, continuing education (CE), compliance training, workforce scheduling, safety management, and more. Its extensive online and mobile training library features carefully curated world-class content to meet the unique needs of profes-
sionals in the industrial, engineering, education, and public safety industries. Reaching approximately 22 million users and more than 21 thousand clients worldwide, Vector’s mission is to serve everyday heroes by delivering intelligent software solutions that empower them to make safer, smarter, better decisions. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a fiveacre desert pool oasis including a multifunctional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu,
Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including
The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, go to www.virginhotelslv.com.
For more information, go to www .vectorsolutions.com.