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f you’re like me, you’re right chuffed for Global Gaming Expo this month, at the Venetian Expo Center in Las Vegas. It’s been a bastion of strength on the trade-show circuit for two decades and betrays no signs of fatigue.
Would that the same could be said for attendees after four days of intense gaming-industry activity. G2E can really wear you out, what with seminars in the morning, show-floor glad-handing all afternoon and the inevitable parties at night.
That being the case, I humbly present my Survival Guide to Global Gaming Expo, over 20 years in the making. These few tips can make your G2E experience more livable. For starters …
Find the footwear vendor. G2E without a pair of new, massaging-gel insoles is unthinkable. So seek out that remote corner of the floor where they sell products that relieve the agony of the feet. Remember, you’re going to be pounding the pavement (or concrete) for four days straight.
Eat often. There’s a dedicated pavilion for food and beverage … but that’s not all. I well remember how popular the Nathan’s Hot Dogs booth was when it was in the middle of the show floor, and justifiably so. Free food is your friend.
Locate the massage chairs. At least in days of yore, a distant but popular niche on the floor was the booth hawking massaging armchairs. You’ll gratefully sink into one of these, eye mask at the ready, after a long day of pressing the flesh.
Caffeinate! How is one to get through a day at G2E without one, perhaps several glasses of soda or cups of coffee? Fortunately, the meeting rooms are generously stocked in this respect. Consider it essential fuel for the day ahead.
Bonus rounds. One can waste a great deal of time at a show punching buttons on new, prospective slot machines, hoping to trigger the bonus round (which is where it’s at, nowadays) or entertainment content. Don’t be shy about buttonholing an exec to get the machine set to go into bonus mode immediately, all the better to evaluate it. You’ll thank me later.
Your lanyard is your friend. Not only is it your ‘open sesame’ to the show floor, it also doubles as a handy receptacle for the business cards you are going to accumulate like snowflakes. Don’t worry about sorting and systemizing them until the show’s over. You’ll have plenty of time then.
Sleep, damnit! Yes, there’s no shortage of diversion at G2E, but if you’re going to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for that Bill Miller keynote speech, get your 40 winks. Las Vegas is designed to be inimical to rest, but give it the old college try.
And with that, I’ll leave you to finish packing and generally psyching yourself up for a week of the most intense Big Gaming activity imaginable. I’ll see you at The Venetian.
5 Hands Across the Ocean A landmark security conference is coming to London. By Richard Marcus
6 Once They’ve Seen Paris (Las Vegas, That Is) Caesars Entertainment Regional President Sean McBurney talks about the resort’s remodel. By Ryan Slattery
14 A Little More California Valley View Casino is connecting with guests and team members. By David Ross
20 How Blackjack Would be Played … … if it was my casino. By Al O’Grady 23 A Winning Partnership A complete guide to the IxBet affiliate program.
27 Smoking and Mirrors The fight for clean air in American casinos continues. By David McKee 30 Reaching the Summit Eman Pulis, creator of SiGMA Group, is a man with many plans. By Peter White
34 Ready, Set, Go for G2E Jurgen de Munck, Marco Herrera, Alfredo Moreno and Alex Stiglich chat with Casino Life ahead of this year’s Las Vegas showcase.
38 A New Era Interblock is set to revolutionize casino entertainment at G2E 2024.
42 Honoring Passion and Philanthropy Soft2Bet CEO and founder Uri Poliavich is saluted as Leader of the Year by the SBC Awards.
45 Unlocking Academic Insights A pathway to enhanced industrial innovation. By Raymond Chan 42 6 27
Editorial Policy: The views and opinions expressed in Casino Life remain principally the views of contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers.
The publishers wish to avoid inaccuracies and, whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is accurate, no liability is accepted by the editor or publishers for errors or omissions, however caused.
Unless otherwise stated, articles appearing in this publication remain the copyright of the publishers and may not be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written consent.
TGuest Comment: Richard Marcus
Hands Across the Ocean
A landmark security conference is coming to London. By Richard Marcus
his is a debut event in the UK/Europe after three highly successful conferences in Las Vegas. Its overall objective is to help educate the table games, surveillance, security and compliance sectors of the gaming industry. It combines the most integral elements of what we’re seeing with what we’re going to see in the coming years.
We will discuss new and continually developing technologies gaining footholds in land-based casinos that are used within multiple sectors of the industry. There is heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence, facial recognition, enhanced video surveillance and electronic gaming machines. We will also show how these new technologies are optimizing marketing and safer gambling/positive play strategies, and how they contribute to the evolution of behavioral science used in customer experience planning.
We offer a terrific presenter’s roster of experts headed by keynote speaker Simon Thomas, the CEO of the London Hippodrome Casino and a board member of the European Casino Association (ECA). After Simon enlightens us with his vision of the current state of affairs in the UK/European land-based casino industry, a true dream team of experts will follow and take us on a three-day industry learning experience unparalleled not only in Europe but anywhere.
These experts from both sides of the pond are the most recognized leaders in their domain and include Ted Whiting, the corporate vice president of surveillance and asset protection at MGM Resorts International, an international go-to guy who is the most recognized casino-surveillance executive in the world.
By bringing in presenters at the top of the industry from different casino jurisdictions, attendees will not only learn the best ways to direct and run their
operations but also have a look at how casinos in other countries tackle similar issues. They will perhaps adopt some new strategies that were previously unfamiliar to them.
Sharing the iconic Hippodrome Casino with us will be the ECA, which is not only supporting the event but will also be holding its annual Security & Safety Workshop in conjunction. I am very proud and honored that the ECA has chosen to change its original venue for this workshop and join up with our conference. This marks the first time that the ECA is conducting one of its internal events with an outside organization such as the GTGC/GGPC-Euro. I am really looking forward to this combined effort and to establishing a long-term relationship with the ECA.
Hope to see you at the Hippodrome, November 18-20!
Visit the event website: https:/globaltablegames protection.com/euro-gtgc-ggpc/
Richard Marcus
Once They’ve Seen Paris (Las Vegas, That Is)
Caesars Entertainment Regional President Sean McBurney talks about the resort’s remodel. By Ryan Slattery
It’s been 25 years since Las Vegas unveiled its Paris-themed resort with its half-size replica (540 feet) of the Eiffel Tower, a two-thirds scale Arc de Triomphe and a Montgolfier hot-air balloon—which doubles as a marquee, and right now needs a touch up and coat of paint.
Paris-Las Vegas opened on September 1, 1999 at a time when Las Vegas was busy building themed resorts—mere months after The Venetian and a year after Bellagio. While the two others aimed more towards a convention-heavy and luxury crowd, ParisLas Vegas targeted a mid-range clientele.
In recent years, Caesars Entertainment has sought to remake the property. The company has collaborated with celebrities such as Lisa Vanderpump on a sexy, sophisticated cocktail lounge; Martha Stewart chose the property as the place to open her very first restaurant; a new Nobu restaurant debuted and a fast-service Bobby Flay burger joint was added as the property ditched its buffet. And there’s more on the way as Dominique Ansel will soon open a Parisianstyle café.
But perhaps the most exciting news coming from the property as it celebrates its silver anniversary is the remodel of the resort’s Versailles Tower. Caesars
sank more than $100 million into renovating 756 guest rooms and added 38 balcony rooms facing the Las Vegas Strip.
To find out more about everything happening on the property, we caught up with Sean McBurney, regional president of Caesars Entertainment. Here’s what he told Casino Life.
Over the past couple of years, there has been a major reinvestment into Paris-Las Vegas. Tell us how the property changed.
We’ve opened several restaurants and bars — Vanderpump à Paris, Nobu, The Bedford by Martha Stewart and Montecristo Cigar Bar — to complement the already-extraordinary lineup of culinary options, including Gordon Ramsay Steak, Mon Ami Gabi and the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. We also redesigned the Caesars Race & Sportsbook. Most recently, we renovated the Versailles Tower rooms and suites.
Tell us about the Versailles Tower renovation. We invested more than $100 million into renovating the Versailles Tower, including redesigning the rooms, enhancing the exterior and building a pedestrian bridge. The new rooms are inspired by an elegant Parisian apartment and they look great. We also
created balcony rooms with amazing views of the Strip.
Most Vegas properties don’t have balconies. What led to that decision to add them?
The Versailles Tower is in the heart of the Strip, so adding balconies allows guests to see the iconic resorts and landmarks along Las Vegas Boulevard, and experience all the action during special events. The view is stunning.
How many rooms have balconies and how large are they?
The Versailles Tower features 38 standard rooms with 55-square-foot balconies. The size of these rooms starts at 420 square feet.
Was there an event in mind, such as Formula 1, that led to the balcony builds? How are you positioning these rooms for the upcoming race? With prime views of the Strip, the balcony rooms will be popular for special events throughout the year — from the Las Vegas Grand Prix to holidays like New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July. F1 fans can experience the exciting energy the race brings to Las Vegas Boulevard without leaving their rooms.
Sean McBurney, Regional President, Caesars Entertainment
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The Versailles Tower is already performing above expectations. In terms of return on investment, what are expectations for the tower?
Whenever we have an opportunity to enhance a guest’s experience, we seize it. The Versailles Tower offers some of the best views in the city.
The Paris resort and Horseshoe are tied at the hip, and the renovated tower emphasizes that relationship. How do you see them fitting into the market and working together?
Guests at Paris and Horseshoe Las Vegas have convenient access to a variety of experiences at both resorts. The properties are connected by a walkway on the casino floor, which includes many of our destination restaurants and bars. We will soon have a pedestrian bridge for visitors staying in the Versailles Tower as well.
With Ramsay, Flay, Nobu, Vanderpump and Martha Stewart, there is a heavy presence of celebritybacked restaurants. Why are they so successful?
Caesars Entertainment values its celebrity partners and Paris-Las Vegas is lucky to have so many within steps of each other. Not only do our guests get to experience iconic dishes from their favorite chefs and
restaurateurs, but our amazing food and beverage team also prides itself on spectacular service that makes visitors want to keep coming back.
Some of the newer restaurant additions are Vanderpump and The Bedford. Why did you take the property in that direction and partner these two stars?
Who doesn’t love Lisa Vanderpump and Martha Stewart? These talented powerhouses know how to achieve hospitality excellence. From the moment guests walk into their restaurants, they are transported to a carefully curated dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else. We love the energy and vibrance their restaurants bring.
Montecristo Cigar Bar is also new. How has that elevated the former Napoleon space?
We’ve seen great success with Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars Palace and we wanted to introduce this incredible experience to our guests at Paris-Las Vegas. Cigar fans can choose from more than 300 brands. Montecristo is a great lounge to enjoy a cocktail pairing or watch your favorite team on the 16-foot-by-nine-foot LED TV wall with a group of friends.
A new Dominique Ansel concept has been announced. What can you tell us about the project?
Dominique Ansel Marché marks our second concept with the Cronut creator. I’m a huge fan of Chef Ansel’s work and can’t wait for this opening because it will be unlike anything he has done before. Just like the sidewalk markets in France, Dominique Ansel Marché will feature his signature bakery goods like croissants and Cronut pastries. Our guests can also enjoy madeto-order crêpes, savory items like rotisserie chicken and potatoes, seasonal fresh fruit tarts and cakes, ice cream, and more.
September 1 marks the resort’s 25th anniversary. How are you planning to celebrate the occasion? We’re celebrating 25 years of Paris Las Vegas with a variety of food and beverage, spa, wedding and attractions offerings. Through mid-September, guests can enjoy a special anniversary cocktail and prix fixe menus at several of our restaurants and bars. Other anniversary experiences include a massage and facial at Voie Spa & Salon, a special wedding package and $25 Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck tickets. It’s the perfect time for visitors to experience all our incredible offerings.
Lisa Vanderpump and friend
A Little More California
The San Pasqual Tribe, specifically the San Pasqual Casino Development Group Inc., has always been very supportive of Howard and his team. “We have a group of tribal members who are not afraid to reinvest,” said the GM. “If we do need it, we present it to the board. Every Monday we meet. I don’t think they have ever turned us down for anything we thought was important enough to bring to them in 19 years."
Valley View Casino is connecting with guests and team members. By David Ross
California has more tribal casinos than any other state and San Diego County has more than any other county in the Golden State. At or near the top of any listing of the best casino hotels in San Diego County is Valley View Casino & Hotel, set in the small, picturesque and rural community of Valley Center. It proudly lists itself as “San Diego’s Favorite Casino.”
The resort recently completed a $50 million renovation. This small but luxurious hotel has always been renowned for its floor-to-ceiling windows and 520-square-foot, deluxe rooms with awesome vistas of Palomar Mountain— which is often covered foot to crown with snow in winter months. The rooms feature no parking fees, no resort fees and no taxes. The hotel’s unique infinity pool also has sweeping views of the mountain range.
Recent renovations included 65,000 square feet of additional casino floor, which has consistently earned the title “Best Slots” for San Diego County.
Bruce Howard, who has twice been general manager of Valley View Casino— the second time for the last 19 years—has a philosophy that seems to work very well: “We keep putting money back into the business and doing a little more for our team members.”
The San Pasqual Tribe, specifically the San Pasqual Casino Development Group Inc., has always been very supportive of Howard and his team. “We have a group of tribal members who are not afraid to reinvest,” said the GM. “If we do need it, we present it to the board. Every Monday we meet. I don’t think they have ever turned us down for anything we thought was important enough to bring to them in 19 years.
“I love the tribal members. I love the team members. We’ve gotten the chance to do it the way that my 40 years of experience taught me how to do it,” says Howard.
One instance would be the emphasis on food and beverage. The casino’s flagship fine-dining restaurant, the Black & Blue Steakhouse & Lounge— where you’ll find decadent steaks and seafood with a 3,300-gallon seawater aquarium in the background— recently underwent a “sea change.” As Howard puts it, “Our Black & Blue Steakhouse is pretty much all-new. Our entire menu is new. The makeup of the restaurant is new. A little more sophisticated and a little more modern, but still everyone can feel
at home in summer clothes. Or you want to put on a jacket or you want to put on some jeans and a nice T-shirt, you’re all fine. It’s probably one of the finest steakhouses I’ve been involved with—and as you know I grew up at Caesars Palace. I was the food and beverage director there before moving on to operations.”
Black & Blue has been favorably compared to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, with one reviewer exclaiming it was “but a little cheaper price-wise.” It’s famous for its surf and turf. The cowboy ribeye is more than enough beef for most hearty eaters.
The casino also has a very popular, all-you-can-eat buffet for Players Club Blue Card members. It features Maine lobster flown across the continent. If you like live music, the Main Stage bar has live entertainment just about every night until 2 a.m.
I sat down recently with the general manager for a few minutes to talk about what’s new. Howard credits the resort’s success during those 19 years to “1,030 teammates for most of that time—along with a fabulous advertising and marketing company [InnoVision Marketing Group]. But I think we have always been able to connect to our guests, and connect to our team members, in a little more personal way and a little more specific way.”
The emphasis on food and beverage, says Howard, means that “We are known far and wide as having the finest offerings in casinos for all different types of food. We’ve concentrated in the last six to eight months on improving all of those restaurants—both through all-new menus, a little more seasonal on all the menus, some renovations on two of our premier restaurants. Our all-day restaurant—The Café—went through a renovation about three months ago. It was followed right on its heels by what we consider the finest finedining restaurant in San Diego, as do the readers of the Union-Tribune newspaper, who gave us some nice awards recently.”
Valley View Casino in November 2023 was given the annual Top Workplace Award and national honors for “Employee Appreciation” and “Professional Development” by the Union-Tribune. Six hundred employees participated in the survey, according to Tribal Gaming & Hospitality, which reported: “With their very impressive 62 percent overall response rate and an outstanding 82 percent satisfaction rating, Valley View Casino & Hotel’s team members have spoken loud and clear about their positive experiences within the organization.”
Among the renovations were two additional bars. “We were asked by our guests who really like our
video poker machines—and there are a lot of singles, either widows or widowers or whatever may be the case in San Diego—and many single people like to sit at a bar, rather than at a table by themselves. They like mingling with fellow guests, mingling with our bartenders and cocktail servers,” said Howard. “We’re now up to six bars, which is a good number for a 100,000-square-foot casino. We are up to 2,030 of the latest and greatest slot machines. Our slot floor is very dynamic, very upbeat. All of the latest manufacturers equal in my opinion to anybody in California or the Las Vegas Strip.”
Valley View was the first San Diego casino to unveil a roulette game, called Richer Roulette, a variation on the traditional game. It’s not actual roulette, because in California roulette is based on cards, not a rolling ball. But it brings the feel of a Vegas roulette game with the Richer Bonus side bet—which adds to the excitement. For those who like their gaming without tobacco smoke, Valley View also has a non-smoking casino space with 400 slot machines and a nonsmoking video poker bar.
“We keep putting back money in the business and we keep doing things for our team members,” said Howard. “We just opened a $20 million administration building. For years our team—a lot of whom don’t
work in the casino—were using mobile units. We now have a beautiful office building that houses 100 team members—from finance, from human resources, from security, from gaming, and from food and beverage. That opened up about six months ago as well.”
Next on the list is a “brand-new, team-memberspecific parking lot,” said Howard. “So, instead of parking on level one of our six-story public garage, we are now going to be able to give back the first floor of our garage to our guests. This will open up 200 more spaces for them, which we need at least two to three times a week. That will help us and help concentrate all of our team members in one secure area, with a covered parking for them. That will open in midSeptember.”
Additionally, they remodeled the hotel rooms over to the last room. That’s been done in little steps. “We do one quarter at a time,” said Howard. “One quarter we did the lobby. One quarter we redid the carpeting. One quarter we redid all the furniture. All the bedding is new now.” He says, “I get comments all the time that people cannot believe that this hotel is 15 years open.” He gives kudos to the team headed by Howard Silver, vice president of food and beverage, “and our hotel team, our tremendous leadership team. It’s a beautiful hotel and everybody likes it.”
The hotel remains “boutique” with 96 oversized rooms that are 520 square feet and 12 which are 1,000 square feet. “We haven’t added a new hotel tower but we’ve been concentrating where most of our customers are, in the casino and bar, and in doing more for our team members,” he said. “Getting them a new garage has been very exciting.”
Howard started at Valley View Casino in 2003 and was then in 2007 offered general managership of a new resort on the Las Vegas Strip. He was general manager of the pre-opening, until the financial crisis of the Great Recession hit and he was among those let go.
Coincidentally the general manager who had replaced Howard in 2007 at Valley View had moved along as well. The board of directors called and asked him to come back “and the timing was just right.” Howard adds, “It was two years and one day after leaving when I was asked to come back. I have been here 19 years but it’s been a total of 21 years, if that makes any sense. I have the distinction of being the sixth and eighth general manager of the same casino.”
Valley View is a special place to Howard. “What’s
special is the openness of our board of directors,” he said. He and his CFO are the only non-tribal members of the board and have the same voting rights. “So maybe it’s the trust factor that makes it so special,” he concludes. “Maybe it’s the understanding of my responsibilities to the 1,030 team members, 150 owners and three million guests a year that makes it feel special.”
He muses, “I’ve been fortunate enough to be at 11 casinos and I’ve loved them all. But my first and my last will always be the two best. I was at Caesars Palace for 11 years, then I traveled all over the country and then was at Valley View for the better part of 19 years—and this will be the last one for me. The first and the last were the best for me for a lot of the same reasons.”
Howard experiences a “good feeling everywhere in the building. Everybody trusts me and I trust them, and we give everybody a lot of support. People like Ric Militi and Alanna Markey [of InnoVision Marketing Group] of our advertising division, started their own company, and today made us their only casino client in California. And they bring 60 and 70 other clients that they have. So I take trust very seriously.”
Trust, he says, “is really an allowance for the executive team and the leadership, and the board of directors just gives us support. We have a group of tribal members and owners who are not afraid to reinvest.”
That’s not always the norm, whether among tribal or commercial gaming. “A lot of people decide to always put things off. We don’t do that here. It’s a different feeling here. I love the Las Vegas Strip. Caesars will always be near and dear to my heart— but I’m a small-town and small-business kind of guy, and not necessarily for the public corporation. It’s more of a family business.”
Howard lives close to work in Valley Center. “People ask me how far away I am from work and I say ‘I’m three songs away,’ I listen to three songs and I pull in! Valley Center is booming with the addition of 700 homes but it still has that quaint, quiet, picturesque feel to it, and it’s just been a great place for my wife and I to live for all these years.”
Would he call Valley View a “local casino” rather than one marketing to Los Angeles and the greater Southern California market? Howard answers, “It is local, it’s just that our locale is defined as 50 to 60 miles. Whereas in Las Vegas, local is always 10 or 12 miles. So we do draw from three directions.”
He points out that there isn’t much east of Valley View except the desert. “But we do draw from the south, we do draw from the north and as far as Orange County, and a good demographic for us is outside San Diego County, places like Temecula.”
Howard adds, “We’re very proud of the fact that we draw from the south too, where there are probably five casinos. To people driving here, we’ve got a great draw from the west. From San Marcos, Oceanside, all those areas. But I try to take the best of what I call ‘local casinos,’ which is values and great food, and with my experiences of the Las Vegas Strip, where people do want things certainly sophisticated.
“But yes, we’re a local casino, within an hour in all directions. It’s a 20 minute drive to find locals in Vegas. We’re a pretty good draw from everywhere within 90 minutes of us.”
Howard concludes, “It’s a fun, relaxed place and in that sense a little more local, less formal. We were a little more formal on the Strip. Everybody at Caesars wore a dark suit and white shirt, plain tie, and here we get to hobnob with the guests. They like that. A little more casual, in a good way. A little more California.”
How Blackjack Would Be Played … … if it was my casino
By Al O’Grady
n my last article I was writing about the state of the game of blackjack with the continuous shuffler. Despite what you might think of it, it is making inroads into more and more casinos for two reasons. Time is money and the continuous shuffler means there is no downtime while the dealer is either manually shuffling the cards or changing the decks from an automatic shuffling machine.
IIf there is no downtime, then more hands are played. More hands played means more money for the casino. Money talks and everything else walks. The other reason for the continuous shuffler is that it puts an end to card counters. If cards are constantly put back into the mix after every hand or every other hand, the true count will always be zero and will not present any
advantageous situations for counters. I have a simple solution for both but somehow no one asked me. This led me to think, what if it was my casino? What would blackjack look like that could appease everyone?
Well, I’m glad you asked me. Let us start with the continuous shuffler. Plain and simple, get rid of it. No one likes it. Not the players, not the dealers, no one except for senior management for the reasons I already mentioned.
Casino management must be careful not to get caught up in its own success. It wants to maximize profit but if it is at the expense of customer satisfaction then it is shooting itself in the foot. It is forgetting about Business 101. Give the customer what she wants. If the customer is not seeing value, she will go elsewhere. Management’s greed and arrogance will
get the better of them and it will eventually show in the quarterly report.
So how do you address the downtime issue and increase the number of hands played per hour if there is no continuous shuffler? Simple, you have two shoes. The dealer uses shoe number one to play the game. When all the cards are dealt from shoe number one, the dealer continues playing with shoe number two.
There is no interruption whatsoever and no downtime. The casino will have one dedicated employee responsible for collecting old cards, having them shuffled and have them reinserted into the shoe for the table. This dedicated employee would serve several tables or the entire pit. Problem solved.
What about card counters? Let us face it, a casino is a multi-million-dollar industry and it is not going to let anyone cut in on its action. But instead of wiping out card counters, I say welcome their action and let them try to beat the casino.
Do not turn away business. Dangle a carrot and let them try to beat you at your own game. Here is the caveat. Change the game to the point where the situations are so marginal for a counter that, even if she were a successful counter, her profit margin would be incredibly slim.
This could be done three ways. First, since I have solved the problem about going back to shoes and getting rid of the shuffler, you need to combat the counter by giving her a smaller window of opportunity. Normally, when the dealer inserts the cards into the shoe, he kills about one third of the deck by inserting a cut card. During the game, when he pulls out the cut card, the round is finished and a new shoe is introduced.
Now here is the revision. Instead of killing one third of the deck, kill one half. This limits the counter’s opportunity in two ways. It gives less time to create a favorable count and, secondly, if there is a favorable count, there are fewer hands to be played before hitting the cut card.
Secondly, change the ratio of the minimum and maximum betting ranges at the table. Usually there is a 20:1 ratio between the minimum table bet and its maximum. For example, if you are at a $10 table, the minimum is $10 and the maximum is $200. At a $25 table, the minimum bet is $25 and the maximum is $500. Simply change the ratio to 4:1 or 5:1, making the maximum a nice round number. For example, a $10 table would have a $50 maximum and a $25 table
would have a $100 maximum.
Card counters bet the minimum when the count is low or negative and bet significantly higher with positive counts. By narrowing the ratio, you lower the amount a counter could win in a profitable-count situation.
Finally, narrow profitable situations even more with a rule modification. Do not allow double downs after a split but allow the player to split as much as she wants. Most casinos only allow three splits allowing the player to play four hands. Let them re-split as much as she wants.
Also, when splitting aces, forget giving them only one card. Allow the player to play a full hand, but do not allow double downs and allow them to re-split aces if they get another ace after the split. Fairness is a two-way street and there must be give and take on both sides.
These of course are suggestions from a dealer’s perspective. Do you think they will ask me? We both know the answer to that question. Profits will dictate policy. The only way the casinos will change its practice is if the players stop playing. The casino will get the point and reconsider the way it does things.
I do have a warning for industry officials. Do not let greed get the better of you. Yes, you need to maximize profits, but if you squeeze the customer too much she will go elsewhere. Casinos are not too big to fail. Unfortunately, greed is getting the better of the industry and that is showing up with the latest trend in Las Vegas casinos. That is paying blackjacks 6:5 instead of 3:2. I will have a lot to say about this in my next article. Good luck at the tables and do not forget to tip the dealer.
Al O’Grady
A Winning Partnership
A complete guide to the 1xBet affiliate program
nternational bookmaker 1xBet introduced its affiliate program 1xBet Partners in 2016. Thanks to many undeniable advantages, the program almost immediately gained popularity among potential partners. It also received recognition from the professional community, winning a prize at the SBC Awards.
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Partners note the 1xBet Partners user-friendly interface and the simple registration process, which takes a few minutes and requires a minimum document set. The main advantages of the 1xBet Affiliate Program include:
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EDUCATION OCTOBER 7–10, 2024
EXPO HALL OCTOBER 8–10, 2024 THE VENETIAN EXPO, LAS VEGAS
G2E is the catalyst for gaming - fostering innovation and driving growth by convening the global industry to define tomorrow. CONVENING GAMING
Smoking and Mirrors
The fight for clean air in American casinos continues. A political analysis by David McKee
either side seems inclined to budge in the battle between United States casinos and their employees over the practice of permitting smoking during gambling. In the middle are politicians under pressure from the casino industry and seemingly loath to take a stand one way or the other.
NThe most acrid battlefront has been Atlantic City, scene of several years of sustained activism by Americans for Nonsmokers Rights (ANR), as well as by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE). Anti-smoking activists were given hope when New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he would sign a smoking ban if it reached his desk. However, over time it became plain that Murphy would not take any action beyond signing a bill, let alone pressuring the Legislature to make his wishes become law.
The present year has seen a series of retrenchments by Murphy. In a recent appearance on the radio, he seemed to waffle over whether smoking should be outlawed or not. Pressed to take executive action, he replied, “it would probably be struck down during the first 24 hours.”
Murphy’s interviewer was not satisfied with that answer, revisiting the question by saying, “Do you think casino employees have a right to breathe clean air at their workplace like every other person that works indoors? Do you think casino workers have a right to safety?”
Murphy proceeded to back away from his previous stance(s), adopting casino industry talking points by saying, “There is the other reality that you’re going to have an impact on business. That doesn’t mean it trumps the health issue. In fact, it could never do that. But folks have to go into this with their eyes open. Again, this is back to union jobs. If those fears [of casino closures] are well-founded, that’s also a jobs question that’s at play here.”
The casino industry has long used the specter of job losses and casino closures to keep the Legislature at bay where its no-smoking exemption was concerned.
Having apparently abandoned the health issue, Murphy put the onus on Garden State conservatives by saying the minority party would have to step up.
ANR President Cynthia Halley was unimpressed by Murphy’s diffident stance, responding, “There is little comfort in knowing that the governor will sign a bill if it reaches his desk. We urge him to take it a step further and use his position to push for legislative action that protects his constituents and prioritizes casino workers’ health while they still have it.”
Also feeling irked was activist and dealer Lamont White, who fumed that Murphy “keeps saying he’d sign a bill if it reaches his desk, but he hasn’t done anything to advocate on workers’ behalf for that bill to get there. The governor is putting the corporate interests and their perceived profits ahead of our health.”
Rescue appeared to come from an unlikely quarter: the legislative GOP, previously seen as supporters of smoking casinos. A sizable faction came over to the
Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey
anti-smoking side, promising action in the next session. However, despite the stated support of most of the Democratic caucus, the majority has been unable to move a smoking ban an iota in the last two years. Indeed, one Democratic ‘compromise’ would have actually increased the amount of smoking in Atlantic City’s gambling halls and enshrined it in perpetuity.
One possible reason casino bosses in Atlantic City have so stubbornly clung to secondhand smoke and cigarette-puffing patrons is the fear of New York City. Although casinos in the Big Apple will not even be selected until 2026, when they are built they will (by law) be smoke-free abodes.
Already Atlantic City’ signature industry is projecting a 30 percent revenue hit from New York. Take away those Gotham patrons who prize clean air foremost and one will have a very emaciated Boardwalk player base. Smokers are the one constituency on whose loyalty Atlantic City can count.
Even so, the Boardwalk may be operating on borrowed time. Smoking prevalence among U.S. adults now stands at 13 percent and is even lower among much-coveted Generation Z. A Normington Petts poll of New Jersey citizens in 2023 found the Garden State populace 74 percent in favor of smoke-free casinos, saying they were much likelier to visit one. Only 20 percent of constituents would seek out a smokingfriendly casino.
These numbers didn’t escape Hallett’s notice. “Right now is a prime opportunity for Atlantic City casinos to end the outdated business practice of allowing indoor smoking. In addition to reducing problem gambling – no state has a higher rate of
problem gambling than New Jersey – and protecting the well being of their employees, casinos would make themselves more competitive with an overwhelming majority of guests who don’t want to visit a smokefilled casino,” she evangelized.
The writing may be even further on the wall when it comes to the economic pros and cons of smokers. Both MGM Resorts International and Caesars
Entertainment have been reported to be phasing out smoking-enabled hotel rooms, mainly due to the additional costs of keeping them clean. While Las Vegas itself remains a stronghold of smoking, higher labor costs (and contractually mandated more-frequent room cleanings) make the smoky hotel room a luxury that the biggest companies can evidently no longer afford.
However, any step taken by the industry toward cleaner air is usually accompanied by some retrograde motion. For instance, Boyd Gaming had no sooner taken over a Norfolk, Virginia, casino project from the Pamunkey Tribe that it announced that smoking in the casino was a condition of going forward.
For its part, Boyd touted “advanced ventilation” that would create the illusion of a smokeless casino. Boyd is following the lead of Rivers Portsmouth nearby, which opted to for a smoking-enabled casino in spite of vocal patron discontent.
As Boyd spokesman David Strow put it, “Smoking is permitted in casinos under Virginia law, so we plan to offer that option to our guests. However, we will be mindful of the comfort of all of our guests, and install state-of-the-art air treatment systems to minimize the impact on the gaming floor.”
The indefatigable Hallett rounded on Boyd with a blast: “The engineers who design ventilation systems have repeatedly told casinos to stop claiming that they protect casino workers and guests from dangerous secondhand smoke. They remove odor, not carcinogens and otherful harmful chemicals. Ventilation might sound like a reasonable solution, but it’s far from it. Boyd Gaming executives should know better.”
Considering that the same Boyd had strong-armed Shreveport, Louisiana leaders into bringing back smoking in that city’s casinos, the question about whether or not they knew better remained an open one. However, the Norfolk disagreement neatly broke down on familiar battle lines, with the industry maintaining that bigger and better HVAC systems will do the trick. To opponents, the industry is merely blowing smoke.
Cynthia Hallett, President, Americans for Nonsmokers Rights
Reaching the Summit
Eman Pulis, creator of the SiGMA Group is a man with many plans. By
Peter White
For every niche, there is a trade show. Ten years ago, Eman Pulis saw such a niche for the iGaming industry and founded SiGMA Group. The stronghold in the Mediterranean was an apt coming-together place for an industry that can seem evanescent and stateless. Four years later, Pulis turned his attention to emerging blockchain technology and began the AIBC Summit. Nor is he stopping there, as Casino Life Publisher Peter White discovered when they met. So persuasive is Pulis, evidently, that he’s expanding SiGMA even into gambling-averse Sri Lanka. His conversation with White follows.
How did you get into the exhibition sector and how come it is in the gaming industry?
The journey began in 2014 with the launch of SiGMA. As Malta was fast emerging as a hub for the gaming industry, we saw an opportunity to showcase this dynamic sector to the world. SiGMA aimed to create a powerful networking environment and a platform that could unite the industry under one roof.
As interest in Malta as a blockchain hub grew, we saw a chance to bridge emerging technologies with iGaming, leading to the launch of the AIBC Summit in 2018. Since then, we’ve expanded our mission, supported by eight main pillars, including events, play, investment, media, ADR, brokerage, poker tour, and the SiGMA Foundation. Although the Covid-19
pandemic presented challenges, it also accelerated our growth, leading to the establishment of our media arm, SiGMA Play, the SiGMA Foundation and seven global conferences, including our latest in Sri Lanka for SiGMA South Asia.
The SiGMA Foundation is incredibly successful at raising staggering amounts at the auction-evening events.
Launched amid the Covid period and rapidly gaining momentum, our charitable arm is now closely connected with the SiGMA audience. The auction at our awards ceremony has become a powerful tool, enabling clients to give back to projects supported by the Foundation. In 2023, we raised over €200k for impactful projects, including school construction and women's empowerment in Ethiopia, cleft-palate surgery for children in Colombia and housing initiatives in the Philippines. Our latest auction at the SiGMA East Europe Awards in Budapest raised an impressive €83,500, further advancing our charitable efforts. In 2025, the Foundation will support the extension of a new hospital in Peru, an MMA sports center in Brazil, in collaboration with Centurion FC, and a community center for the Batiawan community in Zambales, Philippines. The Foundation will also align itself with the SiGMA Poker Tour in 2025, where a percentage from every buy-in at a designated tournament will be donated.
Eman Pulis, creator of the SiGMA Group
After many years of opening new conferences and exhibitions, will there be more or are you now in a period of consolidation and growth? Are you concentrating on developing further each show in size and reach into related sectors of the gaming industry in each individual event?
With the emergence of exciting new markets and favorable projections for growth in the years to come, we’re continuously keeping an eye on emerging regions and exciting developments in the sector. Our focus now is on consolidating and expanding our existing events, enhancing their reach, and ensuring we meet the high quality our delegates have come to expect. We’re looking forward to new ventures, such as the launch of SiGMA South Asia in Sri Lanka in 2025, and the expansion of the SiGMA Poker Tour into Asia and Europe in 2025.
Which of these shows do you see as having your biggest growth potential?
Our shows have demonstrated significant potential for growth, each with its own unique qualities that resonate with different audiences. The biggest growth potential lies in the ability to tailor each event to specific market demands while maintaining the uniqueness of its experience. By focusing on creating unique, high-value experiences tailored to specific demographics and industries, we can drive consistent growth, allowing us to attract a diverse and growing audience base.
Casino Life and Sports Betting Operator were media partners for this year's SiGMA Americas, hosted in Sao Paulo. I attended representing both media and would like to say how impressed I was with the show. Although I cannot consider myself an expert on SiGMA exhibitions, your shows do by comparison seem to be more vibrant and fun for delegates, providing sightseeing trips and new locations for parties at amazing venues.
Absolutely! Known for offering excellent networking opportunities that go beyond the typical conference setup, we follow a “friends before business” mindset, bringing the perfect balance of work and play to our events. We organize a number of side events around the summit, including cultural activities, sporting events and exclusive iGathering dinners, all designed to foster deeper connections.
The upcoming SiGMA Europe summit, which is being held in Malta this year, will include activities such as the
SiGMA Cup & Paddle tournament by All-in Global, an MMA fight night with Centurion FC, a Fun Run in aid of the SiGMA Foundation, a golf tournament, an Ikigai Retreat, and a poker tournament — to name a few. The 10 Years of SiGMA party will be held at Sky Club, with international disc jockey DIASS.
SiGMA conference programs also have a dynamic mix of speakers tackling a broad range of what could be termed the ‘Hot Challenges and Opportunities’ for each individual conference location.
Our speaker lineup for SiGMA Europe includes individuals from the government and regulatory scene, such as: Silvio Schembri, minister for the economy enterprise and strategic projects in Malta; Charles Mizzi, CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority: Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority; and Plinio Lemos Jorge, president of the Brazilian National Association of Games & Lotteries. Well-known industry leaders such as: Mariusz Gąsiewski, CEE mobile
gaming and apps lead at Google; Joe Pisano, founder and CEO of Jade Group of Cos.; Dr. Jane Thomason, emeritus chair at the World Metaverse Council; Mark Blandford, partner at Burlywood Capital, as well as entrepreneurs and influencers Sara Al Madani, Ana Paula Saenz, Kim Feenstra and Dr. Sarah Jane Perri.
I understand the venue for SiGMA Europe has had further investment.
Yes, the Malta Maritime Hub (MMH) has undergone significant investment to enhance the experience for attendees. We’ve added a number of networking lounges, as well as a double-decker space above the registration area, featuring a lounge and balcony for better networking opportunities. We’ve also installed a new floor, set up additional parking zones in surrounding areas, and brought in brand-new entrance doors to streamline access and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Can you provide readers with an insight into what they can expect from this year's SiGMA Europe? SiGMA Europe is back and bigger than ever, breaking all records in 2024. This year’s event, which also coincides with SiGMA´s 10-year anniversary, will feature an incredible 1,000 sponsors and exhibitors, attracting 27,000 delegates and 550 speakers, making it the ultimate gathering for the global gaming community. Attendees can relax in five chill-out lounges, explore four mega-yachts transformed into booths, and enjoy massive outdoor exhibitor displays.
Three workshops and master classes take place on the 11th at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, specifically the Africa Pulse Workshop by iGaming Afrika, a master class on gaming and mental health, and an in-depth look at opportunities in the Italian market. These are open to premium and platinum ticket holders only.
Networking takes center stage with five sports side events, cultural activities and a special 10 Years of SiGMA party, along with exclusive, noexpense-spared dinners. The event also includes two prestigious awards ceremonies (focused on the B2B and B2C industries) and auctions, and a bustling food court, all set against the stunning backdrop of Valletta. Transport options will include a special bus and boat shuttle service which run throughout the days of the event. The ferry service includes pickup points in St. Julian’s and Valletta, operating every 50 minutes, while the SiGMA shuttle bus will travel
Hotel Excelsior and the Hilton Malta, running every 40 minutes between 9:30 and 18:00.
This November, we’re also flying 50 affiliates with great traffic and six operators to Marrakech for the retreat of a lifetime between 7 and 9 November. This exclusive retreat is designed to offer top-tier networking and unforgettable experiences; with hot-air balloon rides, desert-quad bike adventures, parties and dinners all on the agenda. We’ve rented a private Boeing 300 and a fleet of vintage cars to ensure the journey is as spectacular as the destination. Attendees will then head back to Malta for SiGMA Europe.
We’re also holding a press conference on the 11th of November at the Phoenicia Hotel Ballroom in Valletta from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, to unveil more details about the recently launched SiGMA Poker Tour. Stay tuned for more information.
between the venue and main event hotels: the Grand
drReportsBI
Ready, Set, Go for G2E
Jurgen De Munck, Marco Herrera, Alfredo Moreno and Alex Stiglich chat with Casino Life ahead of this year’s Las Vegas showcase
DRGT got off expo season with an attention-getting shift. Former CEO
Jurgen De Munck moved to the role of Group Executive Chairman and his former seat is now filled by Marco Herrera. A veteran of the systems and manufacturing sector, with prior experience at Bally Technologies/Scientific Games and Interblock, Herrera boasts a cosmopolitan resumé.. Previous postings have taken him to the United States, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia. Now Herrera adds Belgium to his passport, as he moves to DRGT headquarters as top man. He jumps in at the deep end, right at the start of show season: London, Barcelona, Lisbon – and now Las Vegas for Global Gaming Expo. His appointment seemed the logical place to start our conversation …
Let’s start with your latest news, a new CEO. Please tell us more.
De Munck: Well, I don’t think there’s much to add
outside of what was shared earlier this month with respect to Marco’s appointment. We have really been fortunate with the growth we have seen within our DRGT systems, jackpot and distribution businesses, which in turn have opened up casino-operations opportunities.
We managed the slots divisions of four Belgian casinos (of which Casino Oostende was one) between 2008 and 2013, subsequently acquiring the license to operate Casino Dinant in 2014, and ultimately winning the license tender to fully operate Casino Oostende in August 2021. Since then, our Infiniti Casino Group has opened a casino in Acapulco, México, won the license to operate Casino Grasse in France, and is currently busy developing further casinos in Mexico, including one in the upmarket Mexico City suburb of Polanco.
Herrera: Jurgen has been a busy man, hasn’t he? As I said when my appointment was announced, my core responsibility will be the ongoing growth of our DRGT
business, while Jurgen focuses on growing our casino operations. To that end, I’m excited to be attending G2E this year, and connecting with one and all from under the DRGT banner at Booth 4405.
Mexico seems a key market for the group.
Moreno: Without a doubt. Outside of the casino operations Jurgen mentioned, and in addition to our own casino-management system and jackpot technology, we are also APEX Gaming's official distributor in Mexico. We now have around 1,000 APEX slots on revenue share across Mexico and intend doubling that by the middle of next year.
… and I understand that has resulted in new offices and a new warehouse.
Moreno: Yes, quite right. We moved to new offices in Polanco in late August. They’re about a five-minute walk from the new Infiniti Casino Polanco that Jurgen referred to. In addition to that, we have also just acquired a new 1,000-square-meter warehouse, too. We have about 30 guys working out of the warehouse and our new, 890-square-meter offices house our finance and admin staff, design, and marketing guys, as well as our logistics, operations and legal departments.
De Munck: We have also now signed a further machine-distribution agreement with BW and we hope to start rolling these machines out shortly, too. Our former locale was just getting too cramped. We had to find new premises. A nice problem to have, we can’t complain … and the location at Calle Julio Verne 29, Polanco IV Sección is second to none.
Speaking of expansion, Alex, I read about your recent, full, systems and cashless install in Paraguay. Congratulations.
Stiglich: Thanks. We’re quite excited about the recent install at Il Palazzo. Paraguay remains an emerging market for us all, so getting some traction there is extremely encouraging. The market is becoming quite competitive and I have no doubt that our 8.8-foot drScreenUltra player-tracking-interface units, our cashless- and cashier-management systems, and our player-loyalty suite will assist Il Palazzo in taking their player experience to the proverbial next level. Add to that our media-management solution and they really will be a formidable competitor in San Lorenzo.
Herrera: The flexibility our drMediaManager solution provides operators is really quite special and, as someone who is new to the company, I can highly recommend that operators pop by Booth 4405 to have a look firsthand. To be able to design, configure, and implement your own jackpots and jackpot themes, as well as schedule and deploy pictures, videos or streamed content to player-interface units and casino digital signage from your office PC is quite something.
Alex mentioned cashless. Alfredo, you are testing your updated player App in Mexico at the moment, correct?
Moreno: Correct. As I noted when we chatted last year, legislation in Mexico – and in other jurisdictions, too – allows players to fund their player accounts and cash out directly, to and from their personal bank accounts. It is much like any online gaming or sports betting transaction. Now that is really cashless isn’t it?
To that end, our drApp – a free-to-players application available for Android or iOS – links a player via their smart phone to any slot machine on the casino floor. That too will be on display at G2E.
You launched your web-based, businessintelligence reporting last year, too, I understand. That’s been tweaked and there are now some map add-ons, as a further NextGen App?
De Munck: Indeed! In addition to what, in our view, really is an extremely user-friendly interface that
Jurgen De Munck, Group Executive Chairman
Alfredo Moreno, MD, Mexico
Marco Herrera, Chief Executive Officer
Alex Stiglich, MD, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay
continuously evolves as technology allows, we’ll also be showcasing our new drFloorManager in Vegas. There, operators will be able now to see, with a simple mouse hover, how specific machines are performing, who’s playing at them, and then use that data to not only track performance, but push notifications, reward players and obviously see literally ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ on their casino floor. It’s all in in real time or across configurable dates and times as they see fit.
Stiglich: I concur. We’ve had a lot of interest in our new drReportsBI. Reports are often difficult to digest, whereas our NextGen solution is really easy on the eye and extremely intuitive. It’s a great add-on to what already, in my view, are some of the best reporting modules available.
Just before we end, one cannot chat with DRGT™ without mentioning jackpots, can one?
Herrera: You’re quite right. My background, outside of systems, also includes time in the slots-and-tables supply vertical. I can promise you one thing: DRGT stands back for no one when it comes to our jackpot offering. Our system-driven jackpots form part of our casino-management system, and as such, operate atop existing slot machines and games. Our patented drSMIB ‘mesh management’ network technology affords operators the ability to allocate, schedule, and configure stand-alone, local and wide-area jackpots in any manner thinkable. That is, without the need to buy any form of jackpot controller. That sort of flexibility and operational efficiency is second to none.
Moreno: … add to that the fact that we now are also able to supply best-of-breed LED signage, which will also be on display at G2E. We really do offer an extremely compelling, all-in jackpot solution. It encompasses the jackpots themselves, the signage, the CMS to configure the jackpots, and the media management software to design and schedule them, too.
Thanks, gentlemen. Any final comments?
De Munck: Perhaps just an add onto Alfredo and Marco’s jackpot comments, whilst not a jackpot per se, what continues to gain significant momentum are our reel bonus games. Configurable in the same CMS-style manner as our jackpots, these too can be activated, themed, and presented as and when casino managers see fit. They have a little activation bucket that shows players as they get closer and closer to triggering the game. Then once they have, the reel bonus games can offer raffle tickets, loyalty points, F&B vouchers, free play or cash as prize options. With the ability to theme them, these really are great promotional tools – and a fun addition around events or special times of the year like the festive season, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and the like.
drJackpots
New offices in Polanco, Mexico City
drScreenUltra
A New Era
Interblock is set to revolutionize casino entertainment at G2E 2024
nterblock, the global leader in luxury electronic table gaming products, is thrilled to announce its participation in G2E 2024, taking place October 8-10 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Visitors are invited to discover the company’s latest innovations at Booth 1239, where Interblock will once again set the stage for the future of gaming.
IFor over three decades, Interblock has pioneered electronic table games, bridging the gap between traditional table games and slot machines to introduce a new era of casino gaming. ETGs combine the thrill of live-action table games with the convenience and
engagement of electronic technology, transforming casino floors worldwide. This year, Interblock is raising the bar once again with AMUSE, a visionary product line designed to redefine entertainment on the casino floor.
Star of the Show: AMUSE
At the heart of Interblock’s G2E 2024 showcase is the highly anticipated AMUSE product line. Designed to bring a new dimension of amusement to the casino floor, AMUSE blends the excitement of amusementstyle gameplay with RNG-based wagering, offering a fresh and dynamic player experience.
The AMUSE lineup includes several innovative games:
• Marble Run, a gravity-driven betting experience where players wager on racing marbles, delivering high-energy thrills and unique gameplay.
• Free Fall Roulette, which reimagines the traditional roulette experience with pinball-style mechanics, allowing players to influence the ball’s trajectory for an interactive twist.
• Dragon Roulette, featuring a bonus stage with multiple ball launches, adds layers of excitement and unpredictability.
• Lucky Roulette, combining modern, 3D visuals with classic gameplay, offers a lucky-number multiplier feature for additional payouts.
AMUSE is poised to attract a broader demographic, and create new revenue streams for casinos, merging entertainment and gaming in a way that delivers a next-generation experience.
Innovation on Display
Alongside AMUSE, Interblock will showcase a wide range of products that have established it as a leader in the gaming industry:
• Smart Pit: After a successful debut at G2E 2023, Smart Pit returns with live dual roulette, live craps and live blackjack. This product integrates live dealer interaction with advanced automation, revolutionizing table game management by
improving efficiency, automating payouts and enhancing player engagement. Smart Pit has received numerous awards for its innovative design and operator-friendly features.
• Universal Cabinets: A cornerstone of Interblock’s product portfolio, the Universal Cabinet Series will feature blackjack, craps, and roulette, all enhanced by Immersion Technology. The series offers unparalleled customization and flexibility, allowing casinos to deliver visually stunning gameplay while optimizing player experiences.
• Stadium: Interblock’s award-winning Stadium will showcase MegaMania, Marble Run, Dual Roulette, Blackjack and Bonus Wheel Roulette. The Stadium is known for creating an electrifying social atmosphere, with versatile configurations that cater to both new and seasoned players.
• Stand-alones: Interblock will also introduce Frenzy Roulette, making its debut at G2E 2024. This game features continuous action with multiple balls, bringing a fresh twist to the classic roulette experience. Additionally, the booth will highlight Bonus Wheel Roulette, a dual-wheel game with immersive visuals and the potential for payouts up to 500 times, cementing its place as a player favorite.
• Aruze: Following Interblock’s acquisition of Aruze’s electronic-table-game assets, the booth will also feature Roll to Win Craps and Shoot to Win Craps, both of which combine the excitement of live craps with digital enhancements. They offer players a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
John Connelly to Speak at G2E Education Series
Interblock’s innovations don’t stop at the booth.
John Connelly, CEO of Interblock, will deliver a presentation as part of the G2E Education Series, titled “The Evolution of Casinos: Merging Digital and Physical Gaming for Enhanced Engagement.” The session will take place on Wednesday, October 9, from 11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Titian 2303 at the Venetian Expo.
Connelly will share insights into how casinos can leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance player engagement and create seamless, omni-
channel experiences. Attendees can also expect an in-depth exploration of key trends, including the rise of iGaming, live streaming from casino floors and the future of land-based casinos.
Join Interblock at G2E 2024
Interblock invites industry professionals to visit Booth 1239 at G2E 2024 to experience the latest innovations set to transform the gaming landscape. For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact sales@interblockgaming.com or visit www.interblockgaming.com
Honoring Passion and Philanthropy
Soft2Bet CEO and founder Uri Poliavich is saluted as Leader of the Year by the SBC Awards
oft2Bet, the leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, announced that during the SBC Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 26, founder and CEO Uri Poliavich won the Leader of the Year award from SBC Awards a leading event organizer and publisher in the iGaming industry. Poliavich was selected for this honor based on his exceptional leadership, passion for innovation and dedication to philanthropy.
SPoliavich’s exceptional leadership has been at the core of Soft2Bet’s innovative spirit since he founded the company in 2016. With his clear strategic vision, and a commitment to fostering a cohesive team culture focused on growth and innovation, Soft2Bet has evolved from a small team into a leading global B2B/B2C iGaming company, developing revolutionary industry solutions. Over the past year, Soft2Bet has made significant investments and experienced massive growth with its innovative Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has
been proven to enhance retention and engagement.
Poliavich’s commitment to innovation extends beyond Soft2Bet. The company recently launched Soft2Bet Invest, a fund aimed at supporting growthstage and mature companies harnessing pioneering technologies in casual gaming, AI, and high-margin gaming software solutions. With an initial fund of over $55 million, Soft2Bet is looking to collaborate with companies and educate participants at G2E about its vision for revolutionizing the iGaming industry.
In 2020, Poliavich established The Yael Foundation – named after his wife – to support and build Jewish schools in the diaspora. The foundation, which fuels his commitment to business growth and success, currently supports nearly 13,500 children across 83 schools in 35 countries.
"It is a great honor to be named Leader of the Year and for Soft2Bet to be recognized for its innovation in mobile and casino entertainment by SBC,” said Poliavich. “This recognition highlights Soft2Bet’s
“
It is a great honor to be named Leader of the Year and for Soft2Bet to be recognized for its innovation in mobile and casino entertainment by SBC,” said Poliavich. “This recognition highlights Soft2Bet’s significant achievements in product development and global expansion over the past year, as well as our team’s commitment to raising the bar as a forward-thinking iGaming platform provider."
significant achievements in product development and global expansion over the past year, as well as our team’s commitment to raising the bar as a forwardthinking iGaming platform provider."
“Through our SBC Leaders initiative and events, leadership is something we like to highlight with our audience,” commented Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC. “It’s clear how much the Soft2bet employees have been inspired by Uri over the past 12 months, so he was an extremely worthy recipient of one of our Leaders of the Year awards. Here’s to another successful 12 months for the company.”
Now in its eleventh year, the SBC Awards recognize the achievements of operators, affiliates and suppliers across all major disciplines, including payments, marketing, platform providers, and data.
ABOUT SOFT2BET
Soft2Bet is a leading iGaming turnkey-solutions provider that delivers high-quality products and services for online gambling operators. The company is known for its Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has been proven to enhance retention and engagement. Soft2Bet has launched numerous successful iGaming brands and holds over 13 global licenses.
7,435 MEMBERS
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Transatlantic appeal
The London casino show is an ideal stop-over for North Americans
London casino show just ahead of ICE in Barcelona would be an “ideal stopping off point” for transatlantic visitors, said Nick Harding, the special ambassador for the upcoming London Casino & Gaming Show (January 14-16).
AJust back from a fact-finding mission to Las Vegas, Harding said that he had spoken to several leading operators during his trip and that they were all positive about the show, which is being held alongside the EAG amusement machine expo at ExCeL, finishing only four days ahead of Barcelona.
“Many of them like visiting London,” he said. “They are used to visiting London and ExCeL, and it has many more direct air connections with North America.”
Apart from that, the boutique London casino event, with its brick-and-mortar casino focus, would mean that much of the foot-slogging would be taken out of a European casino show visit. “The land-based
sector will be able to see all that they need in London, unencumbered by hundreds of online gambling booths.”
He added, “In conversation with a senior industry analyst, his view was that, given the scheduling of flights from the U.S. to Europe, it made a lot of sense for U.S. visitors to come into London for the LCG show and then get a regional flight to Barcelona on the following Sunday.”
Initial responses coming in from European operators, he said, also suggested that the London Casino & Gaming Show will get substantial footfall from continental land-based casinos.
For further information contact: nicola.lazenby@eagexpo.com
+44 (0)7787 217228
nick@spraylakesconsultancy.com
+44 (0)7970 148000
Unlocking Academic Insights
A pathway to enhanced industrial innovation. By
Raymond Chan
In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, the collaboration between the public and private sectors has become increasingly vital for fostering innovation. Universities, as hubs of research and knowledge, hold immense potential to drive industrial advancements. However, to effectively harness this potential, a strategic partnership is essential.
This article explores how leveraging university research can serve as a catalyst for innovation across various industries, highlighting the need for supportive government policies and changes in intellectual-property frameworks. By cultivating an environment where academic insights can seamlessly make the transition into practical applications, we can address pressing challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Prominent institutions like MIT have demonstrated the power of such collaborations, successfully translating cutting-edge research into groundbreaking technologies and business ventures. Their models not only showcase the effectiveness of public-private partnerships but also provide valuable lessons on structuring shareholder interests and intellectual property rights that benefit both academia and industry.
As we delve deeper into these successful case studies, we will uncover actionable strategies for enhancing collaboration, driving economic development and ultimately, transforming innovative ideas into reality. Through a comprehensive approach that includes policy adjustments and stakeholder engagement, we can create a robust framework that maximizes the impact of university research on industry innovation.
Innovation and MIT
During World War II, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) fostered strong partnerships with the federal government. This enabled the swift translation of innovative ideas into actionable solutions.
This collaborative framework led to the creation of key research laboratories, such as the Radiation Laboratory and Charles Stark Draper’s instruments lab. Draper's lab focused on developing advanced navigation systems, culminating in the Mark 14 gunsight, which significantly improved artillery accuracy. Meanwhile, the Radiation Laboratory advanced microwave radar technology, enhancing defensive capabilities against aerial threats.
As research by the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention & Innovation shows, MIT’s structured collaboration model not only addressed immediate wartime needs but also established a legacy of partnerships that continues to thrive. This history underscores how an institutional commitment to integrating research with real-world applications can drive sustained innovation across various fields.
The Future and Beyond
In conclusion, the example of MIT during World War II serves as a powerful illustration of how effective partnerships between academic institutions, government and industry can yield significant innovations. This model of collaboration has been replicated around the world, demonstrating that when
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.
diverse sectors unite, the potential for transformative advancements increases exponentially.
As we continue to explore and understand these patterns of cooperation, we can identify best practices and strategies that foster innovation on a global scale. The future holds immense promise for further discovery and application of academic research, and by embracing these collaborative frameworks, we can drive economic growth, and address the complex challenges facing various industries today.
