Category: News

Merkur Gaming has celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its Peruvian office. This was a joint commemoration between business partners, clients and employees. Gauselmann Group’s Management Representatives were also present to rejoice this milestone, which involved a ceremony at Lima’s exclusive Country Club Hotel.

Country Director for Merkur Gaming Perú, Ronald Diaz, opened the event with a statement that embodied the business venture’s headway and accomplishments: “Year by year, we’ve managed to reinforce our brand appearance and improve our results.

“This has allowed Merkur Gaming to establish itself as one of the leading providers of gaming machines and games in the Peruvian market over the past ten years.”

He went on to say in his opening speech: “This successful development is mainly thanks to all of our qualified employees who give their best day by day and have made a significant contribution to today’s success.”

Throughout the event, several employees were awarded for their individual efforts in helping to build the status of the Peruvian office. One individual to be recognised for his instrumental efforts from the start was Tomás Mieles, who was responsible for the business development phase.

Chief Executive, International, Athanasios Isaakidis commented: “Merkur Gaming Perú has developed exceptionally well in the past ten years and has contributed enormously to the continued expansion of our business in the promising and future-strong gaming market in Latin America.

“Reflecting on all the unforgettable highlights of the past years together with our clients and business partners makes this celebratory event truly enjoyable.” 

The anniversary ceremony closed with a party that continued well into the early hours of the morning.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/23307/merkur-gaming-per-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-since-opening-office

International Game Technology (IGT) has announced a partnership for IGT PlayDigital with online gaming service provider Microgame. 

The deal will allow IGT PlayDigital to expand its reach within the Italian market, with Microgame being a key player in the online gambling industry in Italy, providing software, technologies, products and services to operators. 

Through this partnership, Microgame will distribute IGT PlayDigital’s casino game library, such as Treasures of the Pyramids, Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds. 

Microgame CEO Marco Castaldo commented on the deal: “IGT has a rich history of providing best-in-class content across a variety of gaming channels in Italy, and Microgame is excited to now offer our operators and their players IGT PlayDigital’s highly engaging casino games. 

“The inclusion of PlayDigital’s iGaming content strengthens our overall portfolio and complements our solutions so that we can continue to grow within the Italian market.” 

IGT President of iGaming Gil Rotem added: “This partnership with Microgame enables IGT PlayDigital to amplify our casino portfolio on a broader scale and continue offering Italian players some of the most compelling digital games in the industry,” 

“The demand for iGaming continues to grow at a rapid pace and with IGT PlayDigital’s experience and deep understanding of the Italian gaming market, we are uniquely positioned to support Microgame in its portfolio expansion opportunities.” 

Last week, IGT announced that it had launched Puerto Rico’s first casino-led sportsbook at Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino, implementing its technology and services to the casino, and helping to expand its own sports betting footprint.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/23140/igt-announces-partnership-with-microgame

The Global Gaming Awards are the most trusted and prestigious Awards in the gaming industry, recognising and rewarding the strongest performers across the previous 12 months.

There are three Global Gaming Awards events a year.

The first event of the year is held in London, usually in early February, and rewards success achieved by operators and suppliers across Europe and Africa.

Our second event rewards companies who have been successful across the Asia region.

The flagship Global Gaming Awards event is held in Las Vegas every October and recognises the most successful companies and individuals from the Americas region.

Companies are always nominated on merit and the reason for their nomination is made public in the official Shortlist magazine. It is also seen by the Judging Panel, together with a supporting statement, during the voting process.

A panel of C-level executives from the industry decides the winners, with KPMG in the Crown Dependencies monitoring the entire voting process to ensure full transparency and fairness.

General rules include: every company category has a consistent number of nominees across the Shortlist; only one person per company is allowed to participate in the Judging Panel; any judge who is working for/associated with a company which is shortlisted, can only vote in the categories in which said company isn`t nominated.

For up to date information on this year`s Global Gaming Awards events, visit https://www.globalgamingawards.com/

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/connections/1245/global-gaming-awards

• Casino win: $280.3m (+2%).
• Internet gaming win: $155.3m (+18%).
• Sports wagering gross revenue: $96.0m (+47%).
• Casino investment alternative tax (IAT): $8.2 (August 2023), $58.7m (YTD).
• Economic development tax: $366,679 (August 2023), $3.89m (YTD).
• Sports wagering handle: $725.8m (August 2023), $6.47bn (YTD).

New Jersey’s gaming industry demonstrated continued resilience in August 2023, with growth across all major sectors. Casino win recorded a modest but steady increase, while internet gaming win and sports wagering gross revenue surged to new heights.

This robust growth reinforces the industry’s ability to adapt to changing dynamics, as proven with the Covid-19 pandemic and the legalisation of sports wagering in neighbouring states.

The gaming industry’s success in New Jersey also translates into substantial tax contributions. Casino investment alternative tax and economic development tax obligations reached a combined $8.57m in August 2023, highlighting the industry’s positive impact on the state’s economy.

The sports wagering industry continued to attract a significant amount of wagers, with the total handle reaching $725.8m in August 2023. This figure represents a 47% increase year-over-year, demonstrating the growing popularity of sports wagering in New Jersey.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/22500/new-jersey-gaming-revenue-up-13-to-5316m-for-august

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has released an advisory paper, requesting that all advertisements for gambling products cease immediately across all platforms.

Five main avenues have been listed in the advisory paper, those being newspapers, television channels, online news outlets, online advertisement companies and social media platforms.

Attached to this latest advisory were three previous statements, all released by the Ministry within the last 14 months.

Kshitij Aggarwal, Ministry Deputy Director of Digital Media, explained in the statement: “The above-mentioned Advisories clearly mention that betting and gambling is an illegal activity and hence advertisements/promotion of such activities directly or indirectly on any of the media platforms fall foul of various statues, including under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Press Council Act 1978, etc.”

It may be noted that recently, the Central Government has taken action against a network of agents who had collected substantial money from users of gambling apps and subsequently funneled the funds out of India.

In this regard, it may be noted that advertisements of gambling or betting platforms not only pose significant financial and socio-economic risk for the consumers, especially youth and children, but also have links to money laundering networks, thereby threatening the financial security of the country.”

The advisory continued to explain that there had been a noticeable increase in advertising around major sporting events, such as cricket tournaments.

With a number of major international cricket tournaments approaching, the Ministry has released this advisory letter as a reminder to organisations, emphasising that ‘the Government would be constrained to take appropriate action under the various statues’ if any further advertisements are shown.

This announcement comes only a week after the Maharashtra Government, one of the largest states in India, repealed its 1976 Casinos Control and Tax Act and effectively banned casinos in the region.

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/22282/ministry-of-information-and-broadcasting-requests-gambling-advertising-ban-in-india

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has introduced a new regulatory framework for offshore gaming licensees.

PAGCOR has introduced a new regulatory framework to address illegal activities linked to offshore gaming operations in the Philippines.

PAGCOR’s Assistant VP for Offshore Gaming Licensing, Jessa Fernandez, expressed in a recent Senate Committee Hearing that under the new framework, all licensees and service providers were declared under probationary status and were directed to re-apply until 17 September 2023.

The new regulatory framework has been in effect since July 2023.

Fernandez said: “All service providers who are accepting bets are required to apply for a licence.”

Furthermore, she also stated that PAGCOR will evaluate the owners of operators, and will hold them liable if they are involved with any illegal activity.

Fernandez added: “Entities with findings of activities outside their granted licence or accreditation will not be granted a licence under the new framework. Likewise, licensees or service providers who shall not re-apply, or were granted licence within the given period shall be endorsed for cancellation.”

Aside from implementing a new regulatory framework for offshore gaming, PAGCOR has instituted reforms that will impose stricter sanctions on all aberrant licensed offshore gaming operators and service providers.

Among other reforms that are now in effect, Fernandez said further reforms will be: “Submission of reports to enforcement agencies for investigation and verification of findings; enhanced coordination with relevant government agencies; and stricter implementation of regulations and imposition of heavy penalties to licensees and service providers who violated existing regulations.”

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/22047/pagcor-brings-in-new-regulatory-framework-for-offshore-gaming

The Chicago Department of Planning and Urban Development has officially accepted the proposed site plan for Bally’s Chicago Casino.

The mixed-use entertainment area’s construction is scheduled to start in late 2024. Over 3,000 full-time employments are expected to be created because of the $1.7bn development.

Renderings of Bally’s Chicago’s future permanent casino resort have also been made public.

A casino, food hall, restaurants, a theatre, an event space, a museum and exhibition area, VIP sections as well as a 500-key hotel are all part of the new casino resort development, which takes advantage of the urban riverfront site.

The more than 10 acres of outdoor space include a park for the neighbourhood, which will allow different programs like farmers markets and art fairs.

Joyen Vakil, Bally’s Senior VP of Design and Development, said: “Inspired by the city’s interplay – grit and grandeur, structure and the organic, historically-charged and cutting-edge – the design of Bally’s Chicago creates a sense of wonder and adventure accessible to everyone.

“The plan is focused on bringing in nature and wellness through the addition of numerous public plazas and parks.”

Several minority-owned enterprises with a presence in Chicago are part of the development team. The project’s master plan was created by SCB (Hotel, Rooftop Restaurant, Spa and F&B Venues) in association with V3 Companies, Gensler, and Site Design Group.

Gensler is designing the casino, museum/exhibition space, theatre/event centre, F&B venues, river walk, south park and public realm.

The construction combines green space, venues for arts and entertainment and upscale hospitality spaces.

Vakil said: “We are confident that this team will bring to life this one-of-a-kind urban space. The exciting design celebrates Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto–a city in a garden–and creates a dynamic public realm on site.”

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/21080/ballys-chicago-casino-gains-approval

Bally’s will be the debut National Media Rightsholder and Exclusive Fantasy & Gaming Partner of MiLB.

Live video feeds and exclusive gaming content will be broadcast across Bally’s digital platforms.

Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation Board of Directors, said, “This exciting partnership presents a remarkable opportunity for Bally’s, MiLB, and the league’s teams to come together and collaborate on delivering an exceptional experience for MiLB’s more than 30 million fans across 120 teams and ballparks.

“With a rich legacy of innovation, Bally’s is dedicated to leveraging its expertise to elevate engagement and create truly immersive experiences that are sure to captivate and delight MiLB fans.”

The recently announced Bally Live platform will also be included in the partnership.

This means both fans watching games from inside the stadium and remotely through live streams will be able to share chat rooms and watch party features.

Players who participate in these immersive tools, such as trivia and predictor games, will be able to earn redeemable Bally Bucks.

Kenny Gersh, EVP, Media and Business Development for MiLB, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to have Bally’s Corporation as an Official Partner of MiLB.

“Since assuming operations of Minor League Baseball in 2021, we’ve focused on growing the reach and awareness of our impressive young prospects and iconic MiLB teams.

“Bally’s Corporation will be a critical partner for us in achieving that goal, providing extensive distribution of live MiLB broadcasts and enhancing the fan experience with fun and predictive free-to-play, fantasy, and real-money games that uphold the integrity of the sport.”

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/20641/ballys-corporation-announces-partnership-with-minor-league-baseball

Rolling Hills Casino & Resort in Corning, California, will deploy Acres’ Cashless Casino technology application, a component of its Foundation platform.

Acres noted that it expects Cashless Casino to go live at the casino in the first half of 2023, with the latest deployment resulting in the technology solution being available in 10 US states at a total of 22 casinos, across almost 31,000 slot machines.

“We always support the approach to deploying innovative technologies to provide our players with a great gaming entertainment experience, and Acres’ Cashless Casino application furthers this focus,” said Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Tribal Chairman Andrew ‘Dru’ Alejandre.

“The deployment of Cashless Casino on our gaming floor will allow us to further improve our guest experience by providing players with a seamless, easy-to-use cashless funding option.”

Acres added that its Cashless Casino application works on any slot machine or table game, with casinos needing only to provide a mobile app and select a payment processor to deploy it. The app then becomes the user interface, ensuring that branding is fully compatible with the rest of the operator’s player-facing options.

Rolling Hills General Manager Steve Neely commented: “Cashless Casino will help us increase our engagement with players while also providing us with operating efficiencies.

“The easy and quick implementation timing for Cashless Casino was a key factor in our selection of this technology for our cashless gaming functionality, and we look forward to working with the Acres team to bring this new feature to our players in early 2023.”

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/19958/acres-cashless-casino-to-be-deployed-at-rolling-hills-casino-resort

Yggdrasil and ReelPlay have partnered to deliver the latter’s latest release; Festival 10K Ways.

The game features the Chinese lucky charm symbol Fu, with the 6-reel, 10,000 ways slot offering wins up to 10,000x by way of the Bonus Respins feature. It aims to ‘bring good fortune’ to players wanting to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The game is the latest title that contains ReelPlay’s proprietary IP to be produced as part of the YG Masters portfolio. This follows on from releases Arr! 10K Ways and Bananaz 10K Ways.

“This celebratory slot promises to offer good fortune to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in this beautifully designed Asian-inspired release,” said Yggdrasil Head of Product & Programmes Stuart McCarthy.

“With up to 10,000 ways to win and thrilling chains of explosions to further post-payout potential, we fully expect ReelPlay’s latest 10K Ways game to be a huge hit with operators and players alike.”

As is the case with all YG Masters titles, the latest release is powered by Gati, Yggdrasil’s technology that enables partners to employ the standardised development toolkit to produce content, followed by quick distribution.

ReelPlay CEO David Johnson commented: “Festival 10K Ways is the latest instalment in our proprietary 10K Ways franchise. The 10K Ways series has fast become recognisable and trusted by operators and players alike. 

“Festival 10K Ways is a simple yet infinitely re-playable game offering exciting features and solid mechanics, wrapped in a sensitively considered and best-in-class production of art, animation and sound.”

Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/19781/yggdrasil-and-reelplay-partner-for-new-release