CASINO
Welcome... Victory disease
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Editorial:
Editor in Chief : David McKee dmckee6@comcast.net
Editor EMEA: Damien Connelly damien@outsourcedigitalmedia.com
Columnist: Raymond Chan ymrchan@hotmail.com
Victor H. Royer
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t’s a Japanese term for believing oneself invincible, buying into your own hype, etcetera.
The casino industry seems to have caught a bad case of it, judging by the vast disconnect between the self-congratulatory nature of Global Gaming Expo and sharp rebuffs handed out by United States voters on November 5.
Seven gambling-related questions were on ballots and only one clearly prevailed. There was one equivocal victory and five outright defeats. Coming after several election cycles in which the industry had run the table, it was a wakeup call.
Some say it was merely a cyclical phenomenon, overdue pushback against a fast-growing industry. Perhaps it was a knee-jerk reaction to the ubiquity of gambling in contemporary U.S. society. And just maybe the industry didn’t play a winning hand well with voters.
The first discussion to have is, What went wrong? And after that? What could we have done better?
In previous cycles, the industry’s message of concrete (pardon the pun) investment, well-paying jobs and generous tax outlays has resonated with all but a few pockets of resistance. But that rarely cut the ice with the 2024 electorate.
Voters revoked a casino in Arkansas, as well as slot routes in Maryland and Illinois. They removed an industry tax break in Colorado and shot down a proposed casino in Missouri.
The most high-profile race was also in the Show-Me State, where sports betting passed … but with a majority that grows slimmer by the day. (The votes are still being counted.) At best, out of over two million ballots cast, sports betting will eke out a 3,995-vote victory, probably much slimmer than that.
The electorate in Missouri is clearly skeptical of a sales pitch (seemingly faultless at the time) that stressed raising funding for education. But a poor or nonexistent job seems to have been done countering a barrage of negative messaging that emphasized potential gambling addictions. Play rope-a-dope in politics at your own peril: Just ask outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris.
When it comes to messaging, morning-after studies should start with Petersburg, Virginia, where a Cordish Gaming casino was welcomed with 81 percent support. Whatever sales job Cordish did, it was faultless, obviously.
Getting four-fifths of the voters behind something normally as controversial as a casino is unheard of. Indeed, in nearby Richmond, an expensive casino was voted down twice, in part due to suicidally inept campaigning by the proponents and partly due to NIMBY fears that were never sufficiently allayed.
I’m not saying the industry should whimper like a beaten cur. But it needs to acknowledge the obvious public fatigue, learn from it and sharpen its talking points to further accent the positive and confront the negative.
David McKee Editor
This year was a ‘teaching moment’ and we can all learn from it.
Westward Ho!
Century Casinos looks to exit Europe and increase its presence in North America. By
David McKee
At a time when many in the casino industry and on Wall Street are waxing cautious about the coming year, Century Casinos is upbeat. It recently forecast a 10 percent revenue upsurge for 2025. This confidence seems at least partly justified by new, Century-built product in certain of its markets, but there may be more to the story. And who better to ask than CEO Peter Hoetzinger?
Casino Life recently sat down with Hoetzinger, with the recent U.S. presidential election (which he discussed) fresh in mind. It’s a time of flux, not just politically but for Century itself, which has made significant capitalreinvestment commitments to its U.S. properties. It’s also ramping up in Canada and attempting to make a polite exit from Poland, although the market is making that difficult. (Yes, Hoetzinger very candidly explains that, too.)
In the U.S. and Canada, Century’s modus operandi has been that of a fixer-upper, finding challenged properties and reversing their fortunes. It has already done this twice in Missouri and will soon endeavor to do so in Maryland. Although the stock price has languished at bargain levels, Hoetzinger has a plan for that as well. With confidence such as his, Century’s future looks firmly charted.
Century is projecting a 10 percent revenue increase for 2025. What gives the company so much optimism?
2024 was a truly transitory year for us. We integrated two newly acquired properties, the Nugget in Reno, Nevada and the Rocky Gap Golf Resort in Maryland. Our elevated capex program caused construction disruption at some properties, especially in Nevada and Missouri. We have successfully completed that program in the fall, culminating in the November 1 opening of the new land-based casino resort in Caruthersville, Missouri. That new facility, plus the new hotel we opened earlier this year in Cape Girardeau, Missouri – coupled with all other improvements we have made throughout our portfolio – gives us optimism to grow revenue and EBITDA in the years to come.
What challenges and opportunities does the regional casino market present at this point?
Our casinos are positioned well to take advantage of several opportunities in the regional casino market. The properties are focused on creating amenities, promotions and entertainment that have value for a broader range of customers.
In Missouri, our two casinos are extending their reach and attracting new guests from areas beyond a short drive. The addition of the hotel at Cape Girardeau, and the new casino and hotel at Caruthersville are already creating additional visits from new and existing customers. In Caruthersville there is substantial opportunity to reach even
Our exposure in Eastern Europe (Poland) seems to disturb the investment story for some. We have been working on a sale of that business for quite some time. But even though the results in Poland are satisfactory, the war in neighboring Ukraine presents a challenge to that sale process."
deeper into Tennessee, where no commercial casino competition exists within that state.
While the commercial gaming environment is stable, the unchecked expansion of illegal slot machines in some of our markets remains a challenge. To counter these challenges, the regulatory authorities need to step in. But also the regional casinos must ensure that the gaming experience at our casinos must be far more than the basic experience of playing a game in a convenience store. Our casinos must diversify offerings to attract a broader audience and continue to leverage data analytics to build more personalized marketing strategies.
What else are you planning to do to raise your stock price?
The performance and results of our properties will ultimately be the major factor in the development of the stock price. In addition, we are working on lowering our cost of capital on our Term Loan B from SOFR +600. On the investor relations side, we recently got a very favorable research (initiation) report from Craig-Hallum Capital Group. With that, four analysts (Macquarie, Stifel, JMP, Craig-Hallum) cover Century and all have a “Buy” rating on the stock.
Do you feel the market undervalues Century and why?
Our exposure in Eastern Europe (Poland) seems to disturb the investment story for some. We have been working on a sale of that business for quite some time.
in Poland are satisfactory, the war in neighboring Ukraine presents a challenge to that sale process.
How is Century Caruthersville performing in its first month as a totally revamped casino-hotel?
The first month of operation at the new casino at Caruthersville has exceeded expectations. The volumes over the grand opening weekend were phenomenal and we expect the casino at Caruthersville to pick up significant market share.
What are your plans for its sister property in Cape Girardeau?
In light of the new casino opening in Caruthersville, the Cape Girardeau property has performed exceptionally well in November. The property continues to focus on creating remarkable experiences for customers with high-level amenities, such as The Riverview Hotel and Beacon 53 restaurant. The property has experienced success in bringing new customers to the property with unique entertainment offerings and the new fullservice Starbucks that opened in August.
But even though the results
Co-CEOs Erwin Haitzmann (left) and Peter Hoetzinger
Staying in Missouri for a moment, will Century be able to capitalize on the legalization of sports betting there?
With the passing of sports betting in Missouri, our Cape Girardeau casino has the opportunity to create a new experience for customers to not only place retail bets, but to also watch sporting events and play casino games in a social environment. At Caruthersville, the new casino was designed with a sports bar that can be easily adapted for a similar experience. A top-tier retail sports book brand could also create additional engagement opportunities for the property. From an online standpoint, our two Missouri casinos each have an opportunity to partner with established, successful online operators to generate immediate additional revenue.
In Maryland, revenues at Rocky Gap Resort have trended downward ever since Century took over. How do you plan to reverse that?
At that property, in particular, revenue has been challenged by lack of retail play and a slow low-end customer. We have started to market the Rocky Gap Casino & Golf Resort to the metro areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with promising initial results.
Has your Cripple Creek casino been affected by new products and new management in that area, and how so?
Our Century Casino & Hotel sits directly across the street from a newly built, 300-plus room hotel. We are benefiting, on the gaming as well as the F&B side, from the additional volume of people in town. Cripple Creek has traditionally been a place where people like to walk up and down Bennett Avenue, the main thoroughfare, with casinos on both sides of the road.
How are your casinos in Alberta performing and are there any impending changes in that market that will help Century?
In 2024, all our operations in Alberta performed in line with our expectations. The introduction of sports betting and iGaming is currently being discussed in Alberta and could be approved by the end of 2025. This could be a good growth opportunity, and we are
getting prepared with the implementation of popular sports bars at our casinos in Edmonton and St. Albert.
How are your casinos in Poland faring?
Our seven casinos in Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow, Katowice, Lodz and Bielsko-Biala are performing according to our expectations. But in an effort to fully focus on North America, we have decided to exit that market and sell our Polish operations.
Whether in Europe, Canada or the U.S., how do you find gambling consumers to be right now? Confident? Wary? Free-spending? Cutting back? Historically in the time leading up to a presidential election, many of our U.S. customers are more cautious, due to uncertainty about future economic conditions. In Missouri in particular, our casinos are located in areas where the winning candidate was more heavily favored. Our results in November would seem to show that the election outcome has likely boosted regional consumer confidence. Whether this is from policy expectations or just that customers increase spending when their views seem validated, the results are positive.
Overall, regional gaming customers are often seeking an exceptional experience such as a weekend getaway or an evening of entertainment at a location within driving distance. Providing differentiated levels
of the experience at various price points has proven successful in maintaining engagement with a broader base of customers.
Does Century have a ‘typical’ customer profile? To whom do you market your products?
Our regular customers are generally from the regional area within a couple hours’ drive. Some of our casinos are also located near interstate highways and at significant river-bridge crossings. These traveling customers are generally from the states of the upper Midwest or the mid-South and are looking for a place to stop for a few hours or overnight. Our new hotels and amenities have also expanded the reach for customers that are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer day trip, particularly for those out of nearby
metro areas. This growth is evident at our Cape Girardeau property, which is experiencing a significant increase in visitation from guests living over 125 miles from the property.
Most of our guests are middle-aged to older adults in the 45-65 and older range. These guests typically have more time and disposable income to spend at our properties. Customers of all ages are attracted to reasonably priced leisure activities in a fun and social environment. The introduction of more electronic table games, the addition of diverse entertainment acts, and the social-worthy experiences in our hotels and restaurants have been successful in attracting new younger customers.
While many of our loyal casino guests still prefer direct-mail contact and messaging through traditional advertising, many of our new customers – particularly those attracted to the properties by our hotel, restaurants and entertainment – are often more easily engaged through digital media. Our
teams see our engagement strategy continuing to evolve as potential customers shift to more AI-driven applications.
What are your goals for Century over the next one to three years?
In 2025, we will fully focus on completing the integration of the new properties and optimizing the return on the investments we put in throughout 2024. That will drive free cash flow, which will also be enhanced by significantly lower capex spend next year. With that, we will improve our balance sheet and leverage ratios. From 2026 on, we see ourselves becoming busy again on the M&A side, trying to acquire mid-size operations (generating between $20 million and $75 million in annual EBITDAR each) that somewhat lack full attention from current ownership, thus providing significant upside potential.
Thank you, Peter.
Paint it White
Understanding the White Paper for the UK casino landscape. By Edwin Ford
The draft proposals, within the White Paper, were first introduced for consultation in April 2023 and the findings of which, came into the public domain in May 2024. It was designed to review and implement a series of updates to the somewhat outdated 2005 Gambling Act. Originally it emerged as a response to the substantial growth in the onlinegambling landscape. That is a sector that still is continuing to grow in both size and innovation. This, at the time, was not seen or anticipated by its regulative authors.
In over a decade little has changed in the casino land-based sector and operators are still playing catch-up with their online counterparts. However, change could be on the cards, as the proposed reform is aiming to modernize the current, outdated framework, which governs said brick-and-mortar casinos, with a target to balance innovation with economic growth.
With the land-based casino sector poised for transformation, below is a snapshot of the reforms the operators are currently gearing up, hopefully to implement in 2025.
Slot Machines
Currently there are two types of casino licenses, those that originated under the 1968 Gambling Act and those created by the Gambling Act of 2005. The 1968 Act casinos currently can only operate 20 machines. The anticipated change is to bring said 1968 Act casinos in line with the Small Casino Category of the later-licensed 2005 Act operations. This will bring greater coherence to the casino-licensing system by allowing 1968 Act casinos of a certain size to have the same gaming-machine allowance as Small 2005 Act casinos, subject to the same machine-to-table ratio of 5:1. All of these operations must meet the size requirements, proportionate to their overall size and non-gambling area.
Sports Betting
Also, to fall in line with their online counterparts, all
brick-and-mortar casinos will be allowed to offer betting, which was previously restricted to the 2005 Act casinos only. However, since we await how this will be implemented with the current size restrictions including nongaming zones, it is probable that such an offer will be via self-service kiosks.
Introduction of Cashless Payments
Recognizing a significant shift to digital transactions, the government is set to approve the rollout of cashless-payment options for gaming machines. This would be approved with the proviso that safeguards such as account verification, spending limits and friction mechanisms are put in place to minimize impulsive spending
To date, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has been working closely with stakeholders to finalize the technical details of these reforms. The rollout of cashless-payment systems is advancing, with operators adopting technology that meets new regulatory standards. A trial phase for these systems, focusing on customer safety and ease of use, has so far shown promising results.
Support for Smaller Operators
Initiatives to support regional casinos, such as grants and reduced fees, may come into play as part of Labour's commitment to economic inclusivity.
The UK Gambling White Paper has ushered in a new era for land-based casinos, particularly those operating under the 1968 Gaming Act. By increasing slot machine limits and revising operational ratios,
Edwin Ford
the reforms aim to rejuvenate the sector, fostering competitiveness and innovation. As these changes take effect, the government’s focus will remain on balancing economic benefits with its commitment to responsible gambling. Despite progress, challenges remain. The recently announced Statutory Levy, intended to fund gambling-harm prevention, is to be imposed on all UK licensed entities. Previously this funding was based on voluntary contributions to raise the now-quoted target of more than £100 million, this imposed levy will be based on a percentage of net revenues.
With all the positives, there is always a price – and smaller industry players have argued that this will need to be calculated proportionally. The Labour government has however given a hinted response that it will review (and possibly revise) the levy on a pro rata basis, thus to ensure fairer imposed contributions from both the online and land-based operators.
The UK Gambling White Paper represents a turning point for the land-based casino sector. As the reforms continue to roll out into 2025, their success will depend on balancing modernization with player safety and addressing the concerns of operators. The Labour
MINI BIO
Edwin is a highly motivated, flexible and results-driven senior executive with extensive experience in strategy, sales, business development and commercial operations, developed through over a four-decade career in the gaming industry. Training, working and supervising in casino operations to an executive level , spanning over 15 years, he also operated and was a shareholder of several software-development and supply houses, leading development and deployment of new technologies across international markets.
He displays a skill set transferable to almost any business sector, experienced in consulting with the ability to drive any organisation to realize its goals.
In recent years he has handled licensing applications for several companies with a 100 percent success rate. After 46 years in the industry his passion for the sector is still strong.
government’s emphasis on enhanced protections and fair contributions will likely shape the next phase of this transformative journey. For the land-based casino sector, this is not just an opportunity to evolve but a chance to redefine its role in the UK’s gambling ecosystem.
So You Want to Be a Blackjack Dealer?
A veteran teaches you the tricks of the trade. By Al O’Grady
hat do you do for a living? Do you like your job? Are you looking for a career change? If so, have you ever thought about being a blackjack dealer? Before you get caught up in the lights, glitter, and excitement and make a mad dash to the casino’s HR department, I can give you the positives and negatives of this occupation. For those of you that have no desire whatsoever to make this a career choice, you might have a better understanding as to what we dealers must go through after reading this.
WWhy?
The first question I must ask you is, why would you want to do this? What motivates you? Is it the money? Sorry. I hate to burst your bubble but we are not getting independently wealthy doing this. Every casino is different as to how it pays its dealers, but in North America most dealers are like waiters. We make an hourly wage either at or little above minimum wage
and then rely heavily on tips to make a livable wage. If the patrons are generous, we can do well. If they are cheapskates, we can struggle to make the rent or buy groceries.
Are
you looking for a career and not just a job?
Perhaps moving into casino management as a pit boss or higher. Starting out as a dealer would give you excellent experience to move up in the industry. If that is your main goal and you have time on your side, you might want to consider being a dealer for five years. If you have not moved up at all, you might want to reconsider your career choice.
In casual conversation at dinner parties when people ask me what I do, they are intrigued when I tell them that I am a blackjack dealer. But I also tell them that for me dealing blackjack is not work. I tell them that I turn cards, I move chips and I count to 21. I make it clear that the work is standing all day and the physical strain
on your feet, back, neck and shoulders, dealing with boredom, and dealing with jerks. That is the work.
The Requirements
This is not a typical Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 job. When you are starting out, you will get the worst shifts. You will be working nights and weekends, as that is the busiest time for the casino. Those hours can put a strain on relationships with your significant other. If you are a parent with young children, it can be tough getting home at 5 a.m. and your little one wants breakfast at 7:30. For everyone’s sake, I hope you have a solid family support system that can make it work.
How are your arithmetic skills? If you struggled in math class, this might not be for you. If you have trouble adding six or seven cards together, how are you going to calculate a blackjack payout of a $45 bet at 3:2 odds? What is the answer? You do not have the luxury of using a calculator. If you did not know it was $67.50 or could not get that in three seconds or less, you might want to think about doing something else. How are you affected by profanity? People will swear at the table. I am not condoning a player’s ignorance, but it is part of the atmosphere. Personally, I can act like a drunken sailor with the best and worst of them, and I can raise the bar and act professionally with the highly cultured. I can adapt to the situation. But if someone is dropping “F” bombs constantly, you must emotionally divorce yourself and figure out if they are swearing at you or at the situation. Ninety-nine percent of the time it is at the situation and you must let it go. For that one percent of the time, you cannot take matters into your own hands. You must defer to your supervisor and let him handle it.
How do you like someone looking over your shoulder constantly? A supervisor and a pit boss make the rounds watching all the tables. There are times when they will stop at your table to watch a few hands. You must perform not only for the players but for the boss as well. Even when the supervisor is not there, there is overhead video surveillance monitoring your every move. Dealers make mistakes. It happens. It is only human nature to feel slightly awkward when someone is watching you like a hawk.
The Upside
This job is not all doom and gloom. There are some workplace benefits. I take pride in doing a decent job. I was truly fortunate to have been blessed with
an excellent math mind. The regulars are constantly amazed at how I can do a complex math calculation quickly and accurately. I have earned their respect and sometimes an extra tip. I know basic strategy inside and out. Again, an extra tip is usually forthcoming when I give them winning advice.
If job security is important to you, this career is something that could appeal to you. I have yet to see a casino go broke. You could have a job for life. Even if your local casino shut down for whatever reason, there are plenty of casinos in North America (and the world for that matter) that are always looking for good dealers.
When I was a kid growing up, I did not dream of becoming a blackjack dealer. I do not think any kid does. I was going to be either a professional athlete or pilot. Somehow life got in the way. There were many twists and turns in my path. This is my fourth career and, at this stage of my life, it is a job and nothing more. I come to work; I do my job to the best of my ability and I go home.
Why did I become a blackjack dealer? I lost my previous job when I was 55. Now what do I do? I have a gambling streak in me; I am good at math and I am a people person. This seemed like a simple solution, given all things going on in my life at the time. However, this is a short-term solution to help pay the bills until I can find something better. In the meantime, blackjack anyone?
And don’t forget to tip the dealer.
Al O’Grady
On the Elizabeth Line
Countdown to the London Casino & Gaming Show 2025. By Peter White
ll trade shows should have so passionate an advocate as Nick Harding. As he explains in the following interview, he was summoned out of retirement to help jump-start the London Casino & Gaming Show. Intended as a cozier, quieter alternative to ICE Barcelona, it provides bespoke charm with all the attractions of being in London still. It’s quite a gear-shift for Harding from the coffee business, but he sounds perfectly caffeinated and ready to go. His conversation with Publisher Peter White has been edited for clarity. They began with current events in the United Kingdom, where the long-awaited White Paper on Gambling has survived a change in administrations and parties at 10 Downing Street.
AHow will the British government’s White Paper on Gambling affect the industry?
With the proposed relaxation in casino rules for the land-based sector published in the White Paper, in
April 2023, operators are actively gearing up and making alterations to their 1968 Act premises, to accommodate the proposed increase from 20 to 80 slot machines, on a ratio of five-to-one slots per live table, based on premises, size permitting. This proposed change opens the door to more slot machine suppliers to enter the UK market and offer the operators more of a mix. Therefore, the timing of the London Gaming Show is the opportunity for new suppliers to exhibit their wares direct into this soon-tobe-growing market.
What has been the feedback to date?
The most recent ‘mood music,’ in the form of a speech given by Baroness Twycross (the UK gambling minister) to the Gamble Aware Conference, was positive with regard to the casino sector. She described the current changes to regulation being requested by casino operators as ‘modest.’ As such, it is difficult to imagine that these changes to machine
numbers and sports betting won’t be implemented early in 2025. The timing of the LCG show couldn’t be better, and the exhibition will provide a great showcase for manufacturers and suppliers.
How has 2024 been for you?
Officially, I retired at the beginning of lockdown, from full time work anyway. Since then I have been involved in a number of different businesses as an advisor or NED. One of these was a UK business growing and then selling coffee, which was fascinating.
A year ago, I was asked to join the newly restructured National Council of the trade association BACTA for a two-year term. Last spring, BACTA asked me to become the ‘Ambassador’ for the new London Casino & Gaming Show. That has now morphed into the position of vice chair of the company that owns the new show, EAG Ltd. So I have been quite busy and enjoying every minute.
Congratulations on your recent appointment. Thank you. I have been involved with BACTA now for over 30 years and it is an organization that is very close to my heart. There is a sort of familial atmosphere in gaming businesses and associations that I haven’t encountered elsewhere, which makes them different. We have our squabbles and disagreements, like any family, but when the chips are down people rally round. Then, we definitely punch above our weight. At present, the whole gaming industry seems to be under attack from ‘the anti-lobby,’ who would like to see us closed down completely. They don’t acknowledge our legitimate position in the UK entertainment sector. Collectively we employ around 100,000 people and pay billions into the exchequer. We care very much about our social responsibilities, too.
Launching a new exhibition is never easy, though you have a fabulous, well-established venue that the casino industry is familiar with – along with partnering in the EAG show and the Social Immersive Entertainment show
I suppose the short answer would be, Yes! But seriously, when we heard that ICE had decided to move to Barcelona, we felt that there must still be an appetite for a London show. We put out feelers in the UK and European casino sector, and there clearly was
an appetite, so we set to it! In an ideal world, you need 18 months to plan and execute a new show. We had about half that but, as I have said before, we like a challenge. We have been pleased with the response from the large manufacturers and we are delighted to have been able to introduce a bit of theatre in the form of the UK Dealer Finals.
We are still getting enquiries from smaller, peripheral exhibitors, so I am happy that we are creating a real springboard in this inaugural LCG 2025 show. Of course, a lot of potential exhibitors had already signed up for ICE but we are hoping that they will consider us a serious option for 2026. I still feel personally that London has a lot more going for it than Barcelona. Whilst we are not trying to go head-to-head with ICE, nevertheless we do intend to present something which is more boutique, bijou and ambient, and which is on the Elizabeth Line.
Novomatic UK has one of the biggest booths at the London Casino & Gaming Show. Phil Burke has stated that the timing for the expo is perfect, as it is ahead of much-anticipated legal changes, which will potentially see UK casinos being able to increase from 20 slots to 80.
Timing is everything. Yes, the mood from government seems to be that license changes to casinos licensed under the 1968 Gaming Act will see a significant increase in machine entitlement. Naturally this will mean a significant increase in the market for machines in the UK. Phil is absolutely right: The LCG show will be the last exhibition in the UK before those changes
Nick Harding
are announced and, as such, machine managers are going to be eager to see what might be on offer and, I imagine, will be thinking about provisional orders ahead of the regulatory changes.
The London Casino & Gaming Show will provide specialist suppliers such as Uniforms by John Marks the opportunity of showcasing their products and services to the UK and to overseas casino operators. Are there specific sectors that currently are not represented in the supply and service sectors that could greatly benefit from involvement with the show? Ideally we would like to see a mosaic of small, medium and large suppliers to the casino industry. Historically, small suppliers are wary of the cost of getting involved in a trade exhibition. We would like to change that and make our show and our offer as diverse and inclusive as possible. We are still able to do special introductory deals to smaller suppliers. Obviously there is still time for them to book some space or possibly share some space with other smaller exhibitors. We should all think outside the box.
How are numbers on pre-registration and can those that register for the London Casino & Gaming Show also get into the other events? Numbers year on year are comfortably up which, given the economy, is very reassuring. Yes, of course, visitors to any of the three component shows will have full access to the other adjacent areas. It may be that some casino operators see equipment and ideas in both the sister exhibitions that might fit nicely into their existing offer.
What are some of the aspects of the London Casino & Gaming Expo that you are looking forward to most?
I suppose that it may sound a bit glib to say, All of it, but as this is new territory for me – given that I have spent many years as a ‘visitor’ – the whole process of establishing a brand-new show has been intense. The opportunity to work with exhibition veterans like Martin Burlin and Nikki Lazenby has meant that every day really has been a ‘school day.’ If I have to pick one part of the show, I would say that the ‘UK Dealer of the Year’ finals’ are going to be a lot of fun and fascinating to watch.
Seven Days in Bangkok
How ESL and 1xBet popularize esports in Asia
sia is one of the biggest esports regions on the planet and, at first glance, it does not need additional promotion. However, in reality, everything is different. Except for two giants, China and South Korea, other Asian countries are not spoiled by hosting major tournaments. That is why the participation of such prominent operators and their partners as ESL and 1xBet in the process is so important.
AESL’s history
ESL's roots go back to the previous millennium, when (in 1997), the Deutsche Clanliga launched its own esports competition. The Cologne-based organization was doing just fine and, in 2000, it received its current name, the Electronic Sports League.
ESL organized tournaments, provided technical support and even published an esports magazine. The company was one of the first to realize the importance of media coverage and began broadcasting esports matches online with experts,
commentators and high-quality studios. At the same time, the esports game-streamers community began to form, which attracted an increasing number of fans to the industry.
Having started with the Counter-Strike championships, ESL gradually expanded its portfolio to Dota 2 and other esports disciplines, including Rainbow Six, StarCraft II, Battlefield 4, World of Tanks, and many others. Today, it hosts a series of major tournaments worldwide, such as ESL Pro Tour, ESL One, Intel Extreme Masters, DreamLeague, etc.
In 2020, ESL successfully merged with DreamHack, another famous esports company. In 2022, Savvy Games Group (SGG), owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, announced the acquisition of ESL and FACEIT for an impressive $1.5 billion. The combined esports giant was named ESL FACEIT GROUP and became a dominant player in the global esports market.
As a result, in 2023, ESL FACEIT GROUP reached approximately 225 million esports fans, conducted 522 million hours of live broadcasts and received
over 3.8 billion interactions on social media, streaming services, and other online platforms.
ESL Counter-Strike tournaments
The first ESL One series tournament was held in the summer of 2014 in Frankfurt, so the series celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. The first significant competition was ESL One Katowice 2015 – a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive major, in collaboration with the game developer Valve. At that time, the championship became the largest event in esports history, attracting a record 100,000 visitors to the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, and more than one million views on Twitch. Two years later, the company held another major, ESL One: Cologne 2016, at the legendary Lanxess-Arena in its hometown.
The next big tournament was the Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022, held by ESL and Intel. It was the first ESL championship with the participation of a new partner — global betting company 1xBet. The parties announced their collaboration in March 2021 and, in November 2022, the 1xBet logo appeared for the first time in the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro stands. With 1xBet’s support, the IEM Rio Major 2022 prize pool exceeded $1 million for the first time. However, 1xBet invested more than just money in organizing IEM Rio Major 2022 – the new partner used its indispensable experience in organizing such events and provided large-scale media support. The betting company’s army of players, who had previously bet mainly on football and other classic sports, turned their attention to esports. It didn't take long to see the result – the Jeunesse Arena stands were overcrowded and the number of online viewers broke all records.
ESL Dota 2 tournaments
The main tournament of the year, The International, in Dota 2, is traditionally held by Valve in collaboration with PGL, so ESL focused on majors and regular competitions of the ESL One Dota 2 series. In 2023, 1xBet became the series partner and again helped to attract a new audience. Together, they held two super-successful Dota 2 tournaments (ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 and ESL One Birmingham 2024) and announced a third one – ESL One Bangkok 2024.
It is where an exciting trend begins to emerge.
Whereas ESL's big championships were previously held primarily in Europe and America, the focus has now shifted to Asia. Of the last three ESL One Dota 2 tournaments, only one was in Europe (Birmingham) and two in Asia (Malaysia and Thailand). It would not have been possible without the growing esports audience in the region, something ESL and 1xBet have been working hard to achieve.
It is worth learning more about ESL One Bangkok 2024. The organizers will invite 12 of the world’s best Dota 2 teams, one of which will represent Asia. The tournament matches will be held from December 9 to 15, and will see the final playoffs stage games at the Royal Paragon Hall in the very center of the Thai capital.
ESL One Bangkok 2024 will be a real esports celebration. In addition to the competitive program, ESL and 1xBet have prepared several activities for fans, including a Cosplay Showcase. All visitors can dress up as their favorite Dota 2 hero and demonstrate their talent for transformation to the audience on stage.
Partnership with 1xBet
As we can see, the partnership with 1xBet has benefited not only tournament operator ESL but also ordinary esports lovers. The former has increased all important commercial and media indicators, and the latter have received an invaluable opportunity to attend major competitions.
You, too, can become a 1xBet partner and start making money online if you join the 1xBet Affiliate Program. At the moment, 1xPartners unites over 100,000 members worldwide. In turn, the 1xBet website and mobile apps are visited by more than three million passionate players every month.
The 1xBet Partners program offers participants a lifetime commission of up to 50 percent for each attracted client to the 1xBet platform. A wide line, maximum odds and generous bonuses from 1xBet lead to up to 65 percent of registered users making their first deposit. The more active your players are, the more commission you will receive within the 1xBet Affiliate Program.
We hope that after the successful ESL One Bangkok 2024, ESL and 1xBet will pave the way for other major esports tournaments in Asia. The number of esports fans here is off the charts and it is impossible to find a more appreciative audience.
Painting the Town Bluberi
The game-maker showcased a new product at Global Gaming Expo 2024. By Victor H. Royer
ice President of Product Management & Marketing Christian Smith has led Bluberi’s product vision and go-to-market strategies since February 2024. With over three years at Bluberi, including prior roles as senior director and director of product management, he has played a pivotal role in driving product innovation and market expansion. Before joining Bluberi, Smith spent nine years in the gaming industry, holding various leadership roles in product management and sales, gaining extensive expertise in gaming solutions.
VBluberi presented several new products at Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. Please tell us about these games and their newest features. We unveiled several exciting new games, each showcasing innovative features designed to enhance the gaming experience. First up is Timber Jack Going Wilder, which serves as the launch title for the Beacon+ cabinet. This game is particularly special to Bluberi, as Timber Jack has been a part of our portfolio for nearly 15 years, enjoying significant success in Class II. Now, we’re bringing it to the Class
The Bluberi booth at G2E 2024
III market with modern mechanics.
One standout feature is the “when will it end” mechanic, which keeps players on their toes by not revealing how many times they might receive a particular prize. In this game, prizes can extend from the reels into the topper, adding to the excitement.
Next, we have Jackpot Shot, the second launch title for the Beacon+ cabinet. This game exemplifies our design philosophy at Bluberi, combining familiar mechanics with lesser-known or underutilized mechanics. Jackpot Shot features triple pot fillers and employs mini reels to build cash prizes, offering a unique “what you see is what you get” payout structure that resonates with players.
Lastly, we introduced Honey Bomb, a new journeybased, hold-and-spin game with a fresh art package. Each of these titles is crafted to appeal to players while leveraging new technologies and mechanics, ensuring a fresh, exciting gaming experience.
What are the latest innovations in Bluberi cabinet designs?
Bluberi showcased two exciting innovations in cabinet design at G2E: the Beacon+ and the Beacon+ Lighthouse. The Beacon+ aims to be the most tech-friendly cabinet on the market. Key features include a design that eliminates components behind the monitor, allowing for easier access and maintenance without the need to remove the monitor.
Additionally, it introduces a removable player-tracking tray, enabling casinos to install tracking brackets externally, streamlining the process. The button deck has been simplified to just two screws and two cables for quick replacement, and the CPU is conveniently placed in the door for easy access by technicians.
As a variant of the Beacon+, the Beacon+ Lighthouse takes cabinet design to the next level by incorporating innovative light and sound elements. This unique configuration features a powerful, lowfrequency speaker that celebrates wins audibly, ensuring that players feel excitement throughout
the casino floor. Visually, the obelisk tower enhances the aesthetic with backlighting that complements the Beacon+, creating an engaging environment for players. Together, these innovations redefine the gaming experience, making it more accessible and immersive.
Which do you think are the standout games and products
Bluberi showcased at G2E 2024?
Bluberi showcased an impressive lineup of innovative products at G2E that caught the attention of attendees and industry insiders alike. Among these, a few standout games and concepts truly set the stage ablaze.
Dancing Pots emerged as a highlight, marking Bluberi's first collaboration with a third party. This game introduces a captivating hold-and-spin bonus mechanic dubbed “bookending.” Cash balls on opposite ends of the screen can trigger cash balls in the center. The design is aimed at creating
Christian Smith, Vice President of Product Management & Marketing, Bluberi
Timber Jack Going Wilder game on the Beacon+ cabinet from Bluberi
more frequent blackouts, a feature that excites players by eliminating visible win ceilings. As players spin, the anticipation builds, culminating in a rewarding wheel that promises substantial prizes.
Raging Red is another standout game as it reimagines the popular Devil’s Lock brand, diverging significantly from its predecessor. This game embraces a fresh aesthetic and introduces a compelling "when will it end" mechanic that keeps players engaged. With a focus on activated cash-on-reels, Raging Red offers a dynamic experience that feels familiar yet distinctly innovative, ensuring it resonates with both new players and fans of the original.
Bluberi Titles offered For Sale:
• Timber Jack Going Wilder
• Jackpot Shot
• Atomic Duck
• Raging Red
• Dancing Pots
• Berry Bucks
• Shen Shu
• Pirates Lock
Bluberi Titles offered For Lease/ Participation:
• Devil’s Lock All In
• Honey Bomb
• Shoot for the Loot
In the gaming industry, manufacturers often refer to a segment of their products as “premium.” Which are those that Bluberi presented at G2E 2024?
Bluberi also made a splash with its triple pot games, particularly Berry Bucks and Shen Shu. Before entering this segment, Bluberi did thorough research and has adeptly adapted to market demands. Berry Bucks stands out with its vibrant graphics and charming characters, featuring adorable berries with googly eyes that add a playful touch to the gaming experience.
Shen Shu, on the other hand, emphasizes mechanics, offering unique bonuses tied to each pot. When combined, these bonuses create energetic gameplay, especially with the newly introduced, triple pot meter. This feature not only tracks individual pot bonuses but also signals when all three pots are set to hit, delivering the ultimate thrill players seek.
Which Bluberi titles are available for lease, sales or participation?
The Beacon Elite (Devil’s Lock All In, Honey Bomb and Shoot for the Loot) are available only as lease or participation. The remainder of our product is available as lease, sales, or participation.
Our Beacon Elite product line is Bluberi’s entry into the premium-market space. Devil’s Lock All In, launched in April 2024, was showcased, along with upcoming titles, Honey Bomb and Shoot for the Loot.
In which jurisdictions is Bluberi currently licensed? Where can we anticipate new licensing in 2025? Bluberi has made significant strides in expanding its licensing footprint, currently holding a license in approximately half of the jurisdictions across North America. This milestone is particularly noteworthy as 2024 marked the company's first placements in Canadian provinces — a key achievement for a company with its roots in Canada. Looking ahead, Bluberi anticipates additional provinces will come on board soon, further solidifying its presence in the Canadian market.
As we look to 2025, Bluberi plans to launch in several important new jurisdictions, signaling an ambitious growth strategy. The company is not only focused on expanding its reach within the U.S. by exploring secondary markets but is also actively seeking opportunities in international jurisdictions. This strategic expansion reflects Bluberi's commitment to long-term growth
Timber Jackpot Shot game on the Beacon+ cabinet from Bluberi
The Honey Comb™ game on the Beacon Elite cabinet from Bluberi
and its vision of becoming a significant player in the global gaming landscape. With these developments on the horizon, stakeholders can expect Bluberi to continue to evolve and thrive in the competitive gaming industry.
Please tell us about the latest innovations for the Bluberi Digital and iGaming divisions of the company. Bluberi is actively advancing its digital and iGaming divisions, with a strategy that is currently being refined. The company has established a strong partnership with a reputable online distributor, which is instrumental in delivering Bluberi’s games to both the U.S. and European markets.
As the digital-gaming landscape continues to evolve, Bluberi is poised for significant growth in this sector. The company anticipates that its digital and iGaming strategy will develop rapidly in the coming years, paving the way for exciting new innovations and offerings.
Which games and products for the international market will Bluberi feature at the ICE convention in Barcelona in 2025?
Bluberi is at the cusp of expanding its reach into the international market, viewing it as the next frontier for growth. While the company does not plan to exhibit at the ICE convention in Barcelona in 2025, it is committed to attending and actively engaging with the global gaming community.
In general, how would you sum up the current market and future for Bluberi in Las Vegas and elsewhere in the world?
At Bluberi, we view the current market as being fundamentally driven by players. Our core philosophy revolves around building games that resonate directly with them. This begins with creating comfortable hardware, accompanied by clear messaging and graphics that are
bright, vibrant, and fun — elements that enhance the overall casino experience.
Our approach is rooted in extensive market research, ensuring that every game we develop is either aligned with current trends or leverages proven mechanics from the past. We maintain a rigorous process, from early prototypes to in-depth play analysis after launch, allowing us to continually refine our offerings.
Looking ahead, Bluberi is committed to expanding into new jurisdictions around the globe. Our unwavering focus on creating enjoyable experiences for players positions us well for success in diverse markets. With our dedication to innovation and quality, we are confident that Bluberi will thrive as we grow with great games in Las Vegas and beyond.
Finally, what would you consider to be the highlights of G2E 2024 for Bluberi? The highlight of G2E 2024 for Bluberi was undoubtedly our innovative pod demos. We took a fresh approach to showcasing our games, recognizing that, with a long event like G2E, attendees often feel fatigued. To address this, we created comfortable spaces within our pods, complete with chairs where customers could sit and relax for about 30 minutes. Our brand ambassadors enhanced the experience by offering drinks, water and even phone-charging cables, creating an inviting atmosphere that casino operators typically don’t encounter at such events.
This unique setup allowed us to foster a more engaged and relaxed environment, enabling attendees to fully immerse themselves in our unique storytelling and game mechanics. Overall, we believe this approach led to clearer communication of our message and a deeper connection with our audience, making G2E 2024 a standout experience for Bluberi.
The Raging Red game on the Beacon+ cabinet from Bluberi
The Pirate’s Lock game on the Beacon Lighthouse cabinet from Bluberi
What the Duck?
… and other new games from Konami. By Victor H. Royer
ashina Lazcano is the director of marketing and communications for Konami Gaming, and has worked in integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations for over 12 years. CDC Gaming Reports listed her among its inaugural “Women Rising in Gaming” and Global Gaming Business magazine named Lazcano in its list of “Women Who Shine.”
TAt Konami Gaming, Lazcano is responsible for Konami Gaming’s online marketing, PR, social media, brand management, advertising, and strategic campaigns across North America and abroad. She has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Konami presented several new games at Global Gaming Expo. Please tell us about these games and their newest features.
Konami Gaming’s new Bingo Frenzy Stampede
celebrated its world debut, industry premiere and market launch during G2E 2024 with a prominent display – front and center in the Konami booth. This original series combines a popular slot-credit prize mechanic with a five-in-a-row bingo bonus feature, allowing players to win random credit prizes, multipliers and jackpot prizes with colorful paint daubs from the game’s bingo-dauber character.
This year’s event also marked the industry debut of All Aboard across every Dimension slot machine form factor, including stacked-screen Dimension 27 and Dimension 43x3. Other never-before-seen slot series featured at G2E 2024 included What the Duck, Double Envelopes, Mighty Mayan Chief, Firedrake and many more.
Konami also presented some interesting surprises for their latest cabinets. What are the latest innovations in Konami cabinet designs? Our award-winning Dimension line of slot machine
cabinets is providing solid performance across a mix of form factors. Within the past year, we launched a new, large-format machine called Dimension 43x3. It features three 43-inch monitors in 4K ultra highdefinition (UHD), stacked to a height of nine feet tall. It also includes a custom-engineered button interface, with dual classic-spin buttons and generous surface space for drinks, phones, and other personal effects.
Additional player conveniences include dual wireless-smartphone charging pads, a USB port, and a built-in handbag hook. And because Dimension 43x3 is available to operators as for-sale or lease, properties can use the machine as they require for their unique product mix.
Which do you think are the standout games and products Konami showcased at G2E 2024?
Konami’s G2E 2024 display showcased three key areas: iGaming, Synkros casino systems and traditional land-based gaming, including Class III, Class II, VLT, and historical horse racing (HHR). Guests encountered new developments across all these areas. In iGaming, Konami continues to expand its popular slot content online, with record titles for omnichannel distribution including K-Pow! Pig, Dragon’s Law Fortune and many more.
In the Synkros area, we celebrated the G2E debut of an all-in-one, digital drink-ordering system called Synkros Drink System, along with high-demand innovations spanning facial recognition, artificial
intelligence, mobile technology, system-delivered jackpot progressives and anti-money laundering compliance. In the traditional land-based gaming sector, Konami debuted its most creative Dimension content to date.
Which Konami titles are available for lease, sales or participation?
Bingo Frenzy Stampede is currently available for lease participation. Our world-famous All Aboard slot series is available for both lease participation and for sale. The remaining balance of our current library is available for sale.
In the gaming industry, manufacturers often refer to a segment of their products as “premium.” Which are those that Konami presented at G2E 2024?
Bingo Frenzy Stampede, BUZZR, K-Pow! Pig and Double Envelopes were among the premium lease participation products featured in the
Tashina Lazcano, Director of Marketing & Communications, Konami Gaming
Bingo Frenzy Stampede games from Konami
Konami booth at G2E 2024. And our All Aboard slot series is available for both lease participation and for sale.
Please tell us about the latest innovations for the iGaming division of the company.
Konami’s iGaming division has seen significant growth in 2024. Today we have a robust library of playerfavorite land-based games for deployment via online social and for-wager sites, with popular classics like China Shores and Adorned Peacock, as well as new hits like All Aboard and Dragon’s Law Fortune. This is achieved through our remote-gaming server (RGS), which integrates with most popular back-end systems used by today’s online gaming operators.
This year during G2E, K-Pow! Pig was among Konami’s featured omnichannel game releases for both online and land-based gaming. This original, linked-progressive series was displayed at G2E on our award-winning Dimension 49J machine, as well as in the iGaming section of our booth, with HTML5 delivery – compatible across smartphones, tablets and
desktop devices. For our partners with both landbased and online sites, this omni-channel approach is central to reaching today’s casino players with cross-platform gaming opportunities, whenever and wherever they prefer.
Which games and products for the international market will Konami feature at the ICE convention in Barcelona in 2025?
Konami is headed for ICE 2025 with a number of high-demand releases for a wide array of markets. Our iGaming display at Stand #2L38 will feature hit slots for online for-wager and social enjoyment, including Dragon’s Law Fortune, Fortune Mint, K-Pow! Pig, and
For the latest casino-systems innovations – spanning facial recognition to anti-money laundering (AML) compliance – guests can visit Konami Stand #3H60, where we’re showcasing top options for today’s landbased casinos from Konami’s award-winning Synkros casino management system, plus proven land-based slot series like Lucky Honeycomb Fortune and Charms Full Link.
What the Duck, Double Envelopes, Mighty Mayan Chief and Firedrake games from Konami
The K-Pow! Pig game from Konami
In general, how would you sum-up the current market and future for Konami in Las Vegas, and elsewhere in the world?
Konami Gaming is in growth mode – increasing investment in people, products and partnership to help drive meaningful value to our global customer base. We’ve achieved positive market reception in diversified sectors, including iGaming, HHR, Class II and VLT, where we plan to continue expansion. And Konami is pleased to be celebrating year-over-year Synkros growth for three straight years, with highprofile product launches extending from the Las Vegas Strip to Asia and beyond.
Finally, what would you consider to be the highlights of G2E 2024 for Konami?
The feedback from Konami customers at G2E 2024 has been expressly positive. Throughout show hours, we connected with casino operators who are excited about the creativity and continued value Konami is delivering across its games offering. Our Synkros systems team likewise has encountered optimism toward the latest technology opportunities and enhancements coming to casinos. This quality time and feedback from customers is one of the greatest highlights.
The Synkros casino-management system from Konami
The K-Pow! Pig and Dragon’s Law Fortune games for iGaming from Konami
Gaming in Everi Way
Everi leadership highlights its new products and renewed energy. By
Victor H. Royer
At Everi, Vice President of Product Management Caitlin Harte oversees the organization’s product roadmap to ensure it supports the goals and strategy of the business, as well as market and customer needs. Harte and her team manage the lifecycle of new products and features, from conceptualization to launch. This is done in coordination with Everi’s gaming studios, hardware, technology, gaming operations, marketing and sales teams.
Harte joined Everi in January 2022 as director of product management. She brings to the business more than
12 years of extensive product-management and marketing experience in the gaming industry.
Everi develops game content, machines and systems to serve its land-based, iGaming and bingo constituents. Everi is also a leading innovator and provider of trusted financial technology solutions that power casino floors, improve casinos’ operational efficiencies, and fulfill regulatory compliance requirements. In addition, it develops and supplies player loyalty tools and mobilefirst applications. These drive increased patron engagement for its customers and venues in the casino, sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries.
The Everi staff at G2E 2024
Dynasty Luna with Powerball Power Play game, from Everi
At the recent Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, Everi presented several new games. Please tell us about these games and the latest innovations in Everi cabinet designs for video games. Everi introduced Dynasty Luna at G2E 2024. Dynasty Luna is a new, premiumbanked, video product that features a custom, 36-inch-square main display and a 49-inch, J-shaped display positioned above the main screen. Vibrant trim lights run seamlessly from the floor to the top of the cabinet, surrounding both displays. Pod configurations feature stunning custom signage and uniquely designed wedges, making it impossible to miss. Dynasty Luna will release in the first quarter of 2025 with Powerball Power Play, a brand-new take on the iconic lottery game.
Everi has a strong presence in the stepper market – the “reel” gaming platforms. Which new games, cabinet designs and features were introduced at G2E 2024?
We introduced several new for-sale, stepper games at G2E 2024. These build on our success in the highdenomination, three-reel, mechanical segment. Triple Jackpot Signature Series, Wild Stacks Deluxe Series, Super Jackpot Signature Series, and Super Nudge Series are available now, with Top Notch Series set to release before the end of 2024.
Caitlin Harte, Vice President of Product Management, Everi
Smokin’ Hot Diamonds and Smokin’ Hot Rubies, and the Black Diamond Super Spin and Crystal Star Super Spin stepper games from Everi
Top Notch Series stepper games from Everi
We also introduced Player Classic Spin, a limited-release, for-sale extension of the Player Classic Signature family of cabinets with an eye-catching mechanical wheel. Player Classic Spin is available now with launch themes Smokin’ Hot Diamonds and Smokin’ Hot Rubies. Black Diamond Super Spin and Crystal Star Super Spin are set to follow.
On the premium-mechanical front, we presented notable brands on our Player Classic Reserve cabinet, including Money Maker Press Your Luck and Powerball Wild Jackpots. Disco Inferno is a new, internal brand for Everi. It brings the fun with a large disco ball in the overhead display and classic gameplay mechanics, all set to the classic dance hit “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps.
Everi also revealed a premium banked version of Player Classic Signature with a new and unmissable overhead sign. Launch themes include beloved arcade games Skee-Ball and Pop-A-Shot, both featuring interactive, top-screen bonuses paired with classic Eighties audio.
Which do you think are the standout games and products Everi showcased at G2E 2024?
In our premium segments, Powerball Power Play on the new Dynasty Luna cabinet showed well at G2E 2024, as did Cosmic Wheel Link and Hi-Score on Dynasty Sol Sync, and Cash Machine Lock and Cash Machine Inferno on Dynasty Dynamic. Several of our forsale video titles including 888 Drums Eternity, Wasabi Lock Sushi Cat, and Tasty Trio, received praise from customers and slot influencers alike.
Manufacturers often refer to a segment of their products as “premium.” Which are those that Everi presented at G2E 2024?
Besides the premium-mechanical titles I highlighted earlier, Powerball Power Play and Casper Triple Fright were presented on the new Dynasty Luna cabinet. New premium games featured for the Dynasty Sol Sync product line include an updated take on a
player-favorite brand, Shark Week On Location, and Cosmic Wheel Link, which utilizes the classic hold-and-spin game mechanic to build a wheel. Zoltar Master of Mysteries, and Cash Machine Inferno and Cash Machine Lock – highdenomination, gambler-style, video slots paired with the player-favorite Win What You See mechanic – were featured on the video-mechanical banked product Dynasty Dynamic.
Please tell us about the latest innovations of the Everi digital and iGaming divisions of the company. Here I’ll ask Senior Vice President of Everi Digital Marshall Adair to step in and he’ll explain our focus on iGaming at Everi:
Thank you, Caitlin. Everi Digital is excited to launch an online version of the casino-floor favorite Press Your Luck: Whammy Wilds, based on the iconic game show that offers a $100,000 jackpot opportunity. This represents the largest jackpot prize in the company's iGaming history.
At G2E 2024, we introduced online versions of our high-performing, land-based, three-reel games Cash Machine Jackpots and Triple Jackpot Gems Deluxe,
Powerball Wild Jackpots and Money Maker Press Your Luck stepper games from Everi
Skee-Ball and Pop-A-Shot stepper games from Everi
as well as Off The Hook Good Ol' Fishin' Hole, part of a new genre of instant-win games, plus the arcadestyle game Stellar Bounties, which will be available soon for online, real-money gaming. All these online games will be showcased at ICE 2025 in Barcelona.
In general, how would you sum up the current market and future for Everi in Las Vegas, and elsewhere in the world?
Harte: G2E 2024 showed that the gaming industry is more competitive than ever. Because of that, we are filled with optimism based on positive feedback received from both customers and players at the show. We have recently made meaningful changes within our game-development organization that enable us to focus on creating the right products with the right resources at the right time.
We have a renewed energy that is squarely aimed at making the best games possible through an infusion of new talent and robust processes. We are also expanding our footprint into other markets, having recently entered the Illinois VGT market with our first multi-game pack. We are on track to release our first games in the Australian market in early 2025.
Finally, what would you consider to be the highlights of G2E 2024 for Everi?
G2E is an opportunity to showcase our commitment to pushing boundaries, igniting imaginations, and creating unforgettable gaming experiences for players, which was reflected in the two new cabinets and exciting content we presented. I believe one of the key highlights from the show was hearing from customers and slot influencers that Everi is meeting players where they are at, in terms of delivering key game features and mechanics. I believe we’ve struck a nice balance in terms of content diversity that will appeal to a wide variety of players.
Cosmic Wheel Link and Hi-Score on Dynasty Sol Sync, and Cash Machine Lock and Cash Machine Inferno on Dynasty Dynamic and Wasabi Lock Sushi Cat on Dynasty Sol games from Everi
Marshall Adair, Senior Vice President of Everi Digital
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Headed for Warmer Climes
CEO Marco Herrera and some of the top minds at DR Gaming Technology speak with Casino Life
he inaugural ICE Barcelona is fast approaching and companies are gearing up accordingly. That is nowhere more true than at systems and jackpot developer DRGT. However, several of the DRGT brain trust kindly took the time to speak with Casino Life ahead of the expo. We sat down with CEO Marco Herrera. He was joined by Managing Directors Andreas Duller, Duncan Pollock and Laurence Herbots. Their respective remits are Austria, Africa and Belgium. Their remarks have been edited for clarity and length.
TGentlemen, thanks for your time. A new venue, a new city, a new country and many new customers — is that what ICE 2025 means to DRGT?
Herrera: Indeed! Barcelona is luckily not new to me, having spent five years working there previously. But for sure it is a new city for most and – dare I say? – a warmer one, even though we’re in the throes of winter. [laughs]
Seriously though, we couldn’t be happier with how 2024 has turned out for us as a group, both here in Europe and in Mexico, too. Duncan has some great opportunities on the horizon for our Johannesburgbased business and we look forward to realizing several of them during the next year. So yes, exciting times. I am thankful I was able to join the team when I did. (Herrera joined DRGT in September 2024.)
Andreas, you were recently licensed in Bulgaria and have now done a deal with Efbet, correct?
Duller: Yes, we secured our supplier license in Bulgaria in November and will soon start rolling out our management-system solution to their 58 gambling halls, sports bars, and casinos. These comprise around 2,500 machines. We’re also developing a wide-area progressive jackpot for Efbet
Speaking of licenses, Laurence, you were recently licensed in France as well?
Herbots: You’ve been doing your homework. Our roots are in Europe and we’re present there in a number of countries, enjoying significant market share in several of them. In fact, we are the market leader by some margin in our home country of Belgium, as well as Switzerland, and enjoy a strong presence in the likes of Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia and Ukraine. As a result, we have several existing partners who also operate in France, so the pursuit of this opportunity made perfect sense.
Herrera: Add to that the fact that our sister company, Infiniti, has just been awarded the license to operate Grasse Casino in Alpes-Maritimes, which they are on track to open in January. We’re perfectly poised to aggressively pursue market share in France.
Duncan, Marco mentioned some African opportunities. Can you speak to those?
Pollock: Based in Johannesburg, our stronghold remains South Africa, but we do have a decent spread of partners in specifically Botswana, Ghana, Kenya and the Seychelles. That said, where we are currently seeing growth opportunities is in the widening of the gaming sector in Botswana, the general economic growth in Ghana, the expansion of the bingo market in South Africa, along with the recently publicized plans to explore historical horse racing (HHR) as a new segment in the South African market, too.
Herrera: In my experience, HHR has grown dramatically in certain jurisdictions of the United States. We are of the view that similar opportunities exist on the southern tip of Africa as well.
To realize these opportunities though, you really need to remain ahead of the pack. What can visitors to Fira Barcelona expect to see at booth 3D35?
Herrera: Our ‘Player First’ design mantra continues to drive our product development and augmentation. As such, our three key product showings at ICE will focus on exactly that, in addition of course, to our class-leading jackpots (as alluded to by Andreas), our cashless technology, and our marketing and bonusing solutions.
What are those three products, Andreas?
Duller: Our new drFloorManager software was launched at G2E in October and has since been augmented, following feedback from numerous operators. The solution affords operators the ability to see in real time, with a simple mouse hover over their casino floor map, how various slots and tables are performing, and who’s playing at them. Historical data is also available through this user-friendly Web application. It is a great tool to identify and reward players, as well as to easily view and assess actual game performance.
You can’t manage what you can’t measure, right?
Pollock: Exactly! It is that measuring of gameplay performance that then led to the development of drAnalytics, a further Web-based application that, at its core, is aimed at providing operators the easiest and most intuitive way to both understand their players, and the products they offer them. With customizable dashboards, simple comparison
Marco Herrera, CEO, DR Gaming Technology
Andreas Duller, MD, Austria, DR Gaming Technology
functionality, autocomplete formulae and live previews to name but a few, this tool truly drives business intelligence.
And the third key product, Laurence?
Herbots: I guess it kind of closes the loop, in that the latest iteration of our player app now affords operators the ideal tool to leverage the outcomes of their drAnalytics reports to engage one-on-one with their players. It also provides a contemporary solution to drive cashless, tap-and-play gaming, player rewards, promotions and bonusing.
Laurence and Duncan referred to partners as opposed to customers. Can you expand on that, Marco?
Herrera: We consciously use that word, and it’s something in which I am a firm believer. It has served me well throughout my gaming career and none moreso than in the systems space. Now whilst I appreciate that it may sound rather contrived, it is
true: We both – service providers and operators –need to pull our weight, and really contribute to make any casino operation a success. To that end, I value relationships tremendously and believe that, through them, we’ll mutually take on significant learnings, then share them amongst one another, and in so doing ensure our joint success.
Thanks gentlemen. Do you have any final comments?
Herrera: Although I have attended many ICE Exhibitions during my time with Bally/Scientific Games, and more recently Interblock, this will be my first with DRGT and obviously a first for everyone in Barcelona. I am genuinely excited about the prospects the event itself and what it being hosted in Spain will bring. In my view, what Clarion has managed to achieve over the years is to build not only the world’s largest, but the planet’s premier gaming exhibition. There really is nothing like it and I have no doubt that the 2025 iteration will build on that legacy. We have managed to secure a great booth location next to Merkur. I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting old friends and business partners, making new ones, and realizing further opportunities together.
Laurence Herbots, MD, DRGT Online
Duncan Pollock, MD, Africa, DR Gaming Technology
A New Frontier
How cryptocurrencies and neobanks are reshaping the gambling industry. By Charlotte Ford, Fintech Insight Analyst
The rise of cryptocurrencies is reshaping the financial landscape, particularly within neobanks and digital-first institutions. As these fintech innovators embrace crypto, the gambling industry (both online and in physical casinos) is well-placed to benefit from this evolution. Here’s a look at how cryptocurrencies are becoming integral to banking and what this means for gambling operators, players, and regulators.
Crypto and Neobanks: A Natural Synergy
Neobanks are disrupting traditional banking with streamlined, tech-savvy solutions. Cryptocurrencies align perfectly with this ethos, offering:
Integrated Digital Asset Management: Neobanks are merging fiat and crypto capabilities into unified accounts, simplifying how users manage their funds across asset types.
Enhanced Security Protocols: Leveraging blockchain technology and cutting-edge security measures, neobanks provide robust protection against fraud and cyberattacks.
Customer-Centric Innovation: With userfriendly interfaces and seamless integration, neobanks cater to both crypto enthusiasts and beginners.
Compliance as a Priority: Collaboration with regulators ensures adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements while maintaining accessibility. These features position neobanks as ideal partners for industries like gambling, which prioritize fast, secure and frictionless transactions.
Charlotte Ford
The Gambling Industry and Crypto Payments
Cryptocurrencies offer several advantages for gambling operators:
Instant Transactions: Players can deposit and withdraw funds quickly, bypassing traditional banking delays. Crypto transactions reduce reliance on thirdparty payment providers, cutting costs and enhancing the player experience.
Global Reach: Cryptocurrencies transcend borders, enabling operators to attract international players without the complexities of cross-border payments.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
The integration of crypto into gambling requires careful navigation of regulatory frameworks:
AML and KYC Compliance: Operators must ensure that crypto transactions meet strict regulatory standards. Open-banking technologies can facilitate this by directly connecting to users’ bank accounts and leveraging blockchain’s transparency to detect fraud.
Responsible Gambling Measures: Crypto’s anonymity can present challenges for responsible gambling. However, using open-banking data, operators can assess players’ financial health, identify potential risks and implement spending caps.
Operational Advantages for Gaming Operators
The adoption of cryptocurrencies and open banking can transform gambling operations in several ways:
Streamlined Payments: Direct-to-account transactions eliminate the need for intermediaries, ensuring faster and more secure deposits and withdrawals.
Personalized Player Insights: Blockchain and transaction data allow operators to segment players, tailor experiences and identify VIP customers effectively.
Improved Trust and Transparency: Crypto’s immutable ledger builds trust, while open banking fosters data-sharing transparency between players and operators.
Challenges to Address
Despite the benefits, hurdles remain:
Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrency regulations differ by region, requiring operators to remain adaptable and well-informed.
Player Education: Many players are unfamiliar with crypto. User-friendly interfaces and clear communication will be essential for widespread adoption.
Market Volatility: The fluctuating value of cryptocurrencies can deter players and complicate accounting for operators.
The Future of Crypto in Gambling
As neobanks and fintech firms continue to integrate cryptocurrencies, the gambling industry has a unique opportunity to harness these innovations. From streamlining payments to enhancing player experiences, crypto-friendly banking solutions promise a more efficient, compliant, and secure future for gambling. By embracing these technologies, gambling operators can meet evolving consumer expectations and also position themselves as leaders in a competitive and dynamic market.
MINI BIO
Charlotte Ford is a bilingual professional fluent in English and French. She grew up between London and the South of France and has lived and worked in various international settings. She has experience in fintech, financial analysis, and data analytics, including roles such as Fintech Insight Analyst and Research Analyst, where she contributed to strategic initiatives and delivered actionable insights, developing expertise in customer data management and financial reporting.
With a strong academic background in economics, innovation, and ecological transition, Charlotte is passionate about using data to drive strategic decisions. A lover of dynamic environments, she is always eager to bring her analytical mindset and collaborative approach to new challenges!
SPORTS BETTING OPERATOR
Sports Betting Operator provides technology features, news and new product information, keeping online gambling companies up to date with the fastest growing gambling sector in the world
A highly regarded team of Internationally experienced journalists, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge in online and land-based gaming involving, legislation, e-commerce, responsible gambling along with the latest online operating systems and solutions.
IWhat Are Your Values?
Building
AI companies with vision. By Raymond Chan
n today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact to our society, the importance of a clear and positive vision cannot be overstated. Companies that prioritize a strong vision are better positioned to foster enduring success and drive innovation in this dynamic field.
The Foundation
At the heart of successful AI companies lies a robust core ideology or vision that grows on not mere profit motives but the value to the customers. This ideology guides decision-making and strategic directions, and organizations who follow it will also create a shared sense of identity among employees, fostering loyalty and commitment. For instance, companies like OpenAI exemplify how a strong foundational belief can inspire groundbreaking advancements in AI research and application, even during the period when senior management was in uncertainty with the board.
Adapting to Change While Preserving the Core
AI companies should also understand the importance of adaptability in response to rapid technological advancements and market shifts. This balance allows them to innovate continuously while remaining true to their core mission. For example, firms like Nvidia have evolved their product offerings from gaming to AI, embracing new technologies without losing sight of their primary goal: enhancing computational capabilities for machine applications.
Cultivating a Strong Organizational Culture
Companies that prioritize their vision often cultivate an environment in which employees feel empowered
to contribute ideas and take risks. This culture of innovation attracts top talent and drives creativity and collaboration. For instance, companies like Google AI foster a culture that encourages experimentation, leading to pioneering developments in machine learning.
Raymond Chan
MEMBERS
By focusing on core values and mission, organizations can withstand economic fluctuations and competitive pressures. The legacies of leading AI firms underline the notion that a well-defined vision is instrumental in achieving lasting impact and relevance in the market.
The Path Forward
As we continue to witness rapid advancements in AI, the emphasis on positive, visionary approaches will be crucial for companies aiming to thrive in this transformative era. By prioritizing vision, we can lay the groundwork for resilient AI organizations that drive sustainable growth in a positive way for our communities, and innovation across industries.
ABOUT RAYMOND CHAN
Raymond is a software engineer by profession with a track record in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. He co-founded two prosperous startups, TGG Interactive and Global Gaming Group in Asia, where he served as director and CEO to lead the customer intelligence and electronic gaming businesses from 2007 to 2018. Earlier in his career, Raymond was a founding member of the business intelligence team at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley and played a pivotal role in designing the TiVo customer intelligence system in Silicon Valley.
