Home Blog Page 503

Emperor Entertainment boss’ son appointed as vice chair of satellite casino co.

0

Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd has announced the appointment of Alexander Yeung, the son of the group’s majority shareholder, as vice chairman of the board, executive director and chairman of the executive committee.

Emperor Entertainment operates satellite casinos in Macau, being Chaired by the wife of Albert Yeung – Semon Luk Siu Man.

In a company filing, the group notes that the appointment aims to utilize Alexander Yeung’s ‘years of experience in property investment and development as well as hotel operations and a wide range of management experience in various businesses covering entertainment production and investment, artiste management, film production, investment and distribution, cinema development and operations, financial and securities services, retailing of watch and jewelry, retailing and wholesaling of furniture as well as media and publication’.

The new position comes with a directors fee of some HK$100,000 per year ($12,840).

SkyCity appoints marketer Amanda Youell as new GM of Queenstown casino

0

New Zealand and Australia gaming group SkyCity Entertainment has announced the appointment of marketer Amanda Youell as the new head of its Queenstown casino, replacing former General Manager Jono Browne who left the role in December.

SkyCity appoints marketer Amanda Youell as new GM of Queenstown casino

Speaking of the appointment, SkyCity Hamilton GM Michelle Baillie noted that “Amanda is the perfect fit to lead SkyCity Queenstown into its next chapter. Over the past seven years, she has been instrumental in driving Millbrook Resort’s marketing efforts and spearheading sustainability initiatives, while also fostering strong relationships with the community”.

Youell served as the Head of Marketing & Sustainability Lead at Millbrook Resort for over seven years before joining SkyCity.

Speaking of her new role, youell noted that “Queenstown has been my home for many years, and I’m passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while supporting sustainable growth and strengthening ties with the local community”.

Originally from Australian, Youell moved to Queenstown in 2017.

She assumes the new role on February 10th.

Aristocrat Gaming introduces innovative NFL Triple Score slot game

0

NFL Triple Score is the latest game in Aristocrat Gaming‘s exciting NFL Slots franchise. The all-new slot game is on the MarsX™ Portrait cabinet and available now for immediate installation.

Aristocrat Gaming debuts NFL Triple Score

NFL Triple Score meets triple metamorphic. It is modeled after the globally popular Bao Zhu Zhao Fu™ family and enhances player-favorite mechanics like triple metamorphic. The game elegantly combines two industry-leading mechanics into one, all with seamless NFL branding.
 
NFL Triple Score is a multi-denom lines game with medium volatility with medium feature frequency, and like all games in the NFL Slots franchise, casino players can pick from all 32 NFL teams to play as their favorite team with team-specific graphics, symbols, and clips.

NFL Triple Score’s “Super” feature incorporates an unlockable rows mechanic, similar to that of Buffalo Ultimate Stampede™, where players are looking to collect Cash on Reel values to unlock additional rows and chances at more prizes. “Super Ultra” boosts random cash on reel values. “Super Double” splits cash on reel values into two symbols to help players unlock additional rows faster. “Super Extra” resets the spin counter to 4 instead of 3 for additional chances of collecting cash on reel symbols.  

All three can be combined for more exciting ways to play the feature. “Jackpot Kick” is a feature-in-feature where players pick footballs to earn credit prizes and a chance at jackpots, including the SSP Grand Jackpot that starts at $10,000.

Northern Mariana Islands House Committee looking to abolish casino commission

0

The Northern Mariana Islands House Committee on Gaming is drafting legislation that aims to dissolve the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) and enhance the powers of the Commonwealth Lottery Commission.

According to Marianas Variety, Committee Chair Rep. Ralph N. Yumul announced that the committee is reviewing existing laws related to both commissions.

The proposed bill would grant the lottery commission some enforcement powers currently held by the CCC, effectively rendering the latter obsolete.

Rep. Ralph N. Yumul
Rep. Ralph N. Yumul

Yumul emphasized that the legislation is part of a broader plan to expand gaming options in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Recognizing public resistance to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, the committee is considering internet gaming as a potential alternative, envisioning the CNMI as a hub for offshore gaming.

While the bill will not explicitly authorize online gaming, it will empower the lottery commission to determine suitable gaming types within the CNMI. Yumul noted the need for a model from the US that could be adapted for local use.

Regarding the current limitations of the CCC, Yumul stated that its effectiveness is compromised due to its ties with the only casino licensee in the CNMI.

Commonwealth Casino Commissioner Chair Edward C. Deleon Guerrero and Commissioner Mario Taitano have indicated they will await the draft of the bill before commenting further.

Emirates Esports Federation announces worldwide tender for new league franchises

0

The Emirates Esports Federation (EEF), in partnership with ITW Universe, has officially launched an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the acquisition and operation of elite franchises in the upcoming E-Gaming League (EGL).

This initiative aims to attract global investors, eSports teams, sports franchise businesses, and high-net-worth individuals, further solidifying the UAE’s role as a prominent hub for digital entertainment and economic growth.

The E-Gaming League was described as aiming to redefine the eSports landscape by offering a ‘sustainable, inclusive, and competitive platform’ that encompasses multiple gaming genres.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation, remarked on the significance of the EGL franchise model, stating, it is “not just a framework but a transformative platform” that ensures stability, fosters global collaboration, and unlocks unparalleled opportunities for long-term investment.

“eSports has grown beyond virtual entertainment to become a mass sport that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. With EGL, we are not just hosting games—we are shaping the future of the digital economy”, he added.

Saeed Ali Al-Tahir, General Secretary of the EEF, echoed these sentiments, calling the EGL franchise model a pivotal moment in eSports development.

“Our vision is to position the UAE as the world’s premier hub for competitive gaming and to drive economic growth, cultural exchange, and limitless opportunities for the next generation,” noted the official.

Gaming to help Macau economy see “moderate growth” in 2025

Macau is on a promising path to economic recovery in 2025, with ‘moderate growth’ expected for this year, primarily fueled by heady external demand and a strong gaming industry, a recent report by the city’s de-facto central banking authority says.

For the first three quarters of 2024, Macau’s economy achieved impressive double-digit growth of 11.5 percent, recovering to 86.3 percent of the levels seen before the pandemic in the same period of 2019.

According to the ‘Monetary and Financial Stability Review’ report by the Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM), the gaming sector played a crucial role in this recovery, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) experiencing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 41.8 percent in the first half of the year.

Despite the high base effect, GGR continued to thrive, recording a 13.9 percent expansion in the third quarter of 2024.

The growth momentum for mass market and VIP baccarat receipts escalated by 14.8 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively. Notably, the mass market surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 7.1 percent when compared to the same quarter in 2019.

The overall increase in service exports also contributed positively, rising by 1.3 percent. Following the deduction of service imports, net service exports edged up 0.6 percent, adding 0.4 percentage points to GDP growth.

Visitor spending has maintained its upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace. After a rebound of 218.7 percent in 2023, visitor spending, measured by exports of tourism services in GDP accounting, grew at an annual rate of 14.5 percent in the first three quarters of 2024.

Notably, spending on gaming services rose by 28.4 percent, while non-gaming services saw a slight decline of 6.1 percent. However, spending on non-gaming services still exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 14.0 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

The ‘recreational, cultural, gaming, and other services’ sector, employing the largest share of the population, increased by 2.5 percent year-on-year, reaching MOP20,500 ($21,127), while ‘financial activities’ were reported at MOP22,000 ($22,673).

Macau

Looking ahead, Macau’s gaming sector is expected to continue driving economic recovery, supported by sustainable tourism and increased non-gaming investments.

External demand is projected to remain strong, bolstered by enhancements in tourism amenities tailored to evolving consumer preferences.

Moreover, the central government’s stimulus policies introduced last September are expected to gradually improve consumer sentiment in mainland China, further benefiting Macao’s tourism and gaming sectors.

The implementation of the ‘one-trip-per-week’ and ‘multiple-entry’ permits in January 2025 is anticipated to sustain momentum in external demand.

January’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) in Macau reached MOP18.25 billion ($2.27 billion), a decrease of 5.6 percent year-on-year. The figures reflect a marginal increase of 0.3 percent compared to December, while only amounting to 73.1 percent of January 2019 levels.

Macau GGR January 2025

‘With strong fundamentals in fiscal and external balances, Macau is well-positioned to guard against potential global economic uncertainties. As the base effects normalize following the rapid rebound of the past two years, the economy is expected to advance at a moderate pace in 2025, continuing to highlight the resilience and significance of its gaming industry’, the report adds.

Playson expands its presence in Brazil through strategic partnerships

0

Playson, a top digital entertainment supplier, has secured its entry into Brazil, further reinforcing its Latin American position.

The landmark move signifies a major milestone for the award-winning game studio as it enters one of the world’s most eagerly anticipated regulated iGaming markets.

Playson’s successful pathway, granted by The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), sees its creative portfolio, including the top performing Hold and Win and Hit the Bonus series, now available to the country’s diverse player base through licensed operators such as Entain, Brazino777, Betano, Superbet, EstrelaBet and Novibet.

Playson’s expansion into Brazil strengthens its rapidly growing LatAm presence having recently penned a distribution deal with Light & Wonder to provide its extensive game portfolio to players across the region. The company’s reputation of delivering immersive gaming experiences complemented by feature-first mechanics, positions it as a leading LatAm supplier.

Tamas Kusztos, Chief Commercial Officer at Playson, said: “We are delighted to have successfully entered the Brazilian market and look forward to building on our established LatAm reputation, with players across the region resonating strongly with our dynamic offering.”

“It is credit to departments across the entire Playson team who worked tirelessly to make this entry possible. Now it is time to ensure Brazilian players have access to some of the very best iGaming content available on the market.”

Slotegrator highlights what defines an iGaming brand’s reputation

0

Reputation is paramount in the dynamic iGaming industry. A robust brand image is key to earning trust from operators, players, and partners. But what constitutes an iGaming brand’s reputation? Slotegrator, a leading iGaming solutions provider, highlights the essential pillars that build a company’s credibility.

A company’s reputation is so important, it’s valued on their financial statements as an intangible asset. Potential clients’ and partners’ view of your company determines how much business you’ll be able to do and how much success you’ll be able to achieve. 

1. Powerful and reliable products

Nothing says more about a brand than its products. 

Online casinos and sportsbooks need powerful, flexible software they can rely on. Payment processors need to carry out countless transactions without a hitch; players won’t trust a brand if there’s a hiccup every time they try to make a withdrawal. Games need to be thrilling and transparent, as well as keeping up with standards when it comes to visuals. 

A robust platform lies at the core of any iGaming brand’s reputation. The platform powering a brand needs to guarantee smooth operation 24/7, and should come with technical B2B support and account management. Operators need the capacity to deliver enticing bonuses, adapt their frontend for different markets, and analyze their players’ behavior down to the smallest detail in order to provide an engaging gaming experience. 

A stable and scalable platform not only ensures smooth operations but also strengthens an operator’s reputation by delivering an exceptional user experience.

Slotegrator’s Turnkey online casino solution, designed to meet these demands, offers an advanced technical solution. With KYC, Casino Builder, Anti-fraud, Business Intelligence, and Bonus Modules, the platform streamlines essential daily operations, allowing operators to concentrate on the strategic and creative aspects of managing a casino.

William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, believes in the product power as well: ”A genuine brand is built on the foundation of a high-quality product. Once the product itself is established—when we have a clear understanding of its positioning, strengths, development strategy, and promotion—we can then focus on the next essential element: PR, advertising, and communication with the target audience.

In this process, we address three key areas: B2B, B2C, and internal corporate communications. Our guiding principle across all these facets is to ensure that expectations not only match reality but ideally deliver added value.

Moreover, as affiliates, we consider a potential partner’s market reputation crucial. Every brand we work with is a long-term partner, and a strong reputation is a key factor in our decision to collaborate.”

2. Licensing and compliance

Some operators view compliance as optional, but the truth is, they haven’t done their homework. Having a license is foundational for a successful brand. 

Not only are operators without licenses are exposed to unsustainable consequences, they limit their own growth opportunities.  

Obviously, non-compliant operators risk fines and jail time. Of course, many won’t be headquartered in their target jurisdiction, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. Governments and banks are constantly stepping up their efforts to combat cross-border gambling, meaning your site can be blacklisted and banks can refuse to process transactions that involve your brand. 

Licensees, on the other hand, not only have secure locations for their servers, they don’t have constant legal threats on top of everything else they have to worry about. 

Additionally, operating with no license limits your partners. All of the top-flight software and service providers in iGaming, including major payment processors and game developers, will flat-out refuse to cooperate with unlicensed operators. If you can’t cooperate with the biggest names in iGaming, that’s already a red flag in experienced players’ eyes (who already don’t trust unlicensed brands, often opting for more secure, compliant casinos and sportsbooks).

Finally, holding a license instantly communicates your credibility and establishes your commitment to responsible gambling, which helps the industry’s reputation as a whole. 

Slotegrator holds SQL and Isle of Man certifications, while its API is officially certified for Lithuania and Georgia. The company also assists operators in obtaining licenses in key jurisdictions, helping them navigate complex legal frameworks. 

3. Innovation and market adaptability

Industry leaders hold innovation next to their heart. 

The iGaming sector is constantly evolving, and brands that embrace new technologies instead of just relying on the tried and true are the ones that stand out. 

By its very nature, disruptive technology has always been at the center of iGaming. Every new wave of tech that comes out only proves that to be true. Mobile gaming, blockchain, AI, and gamification were all adopted by players in the iGaming space as soon as they were released into the world. By staying ahead of new trends in tech, brands not only enhance the player experience but also establish themselves as industry pioneers. 

Slotegrator continually integrates the latest advancements in areas like AI, blockchain, and gamification, as well as seeking out partnerships with other brands that share the same values and drive to innovate. 

4. Industry events and thought leadership

Companies in the gambling sector raise their profile by attending exhibitions and other events, as well as using industry publications as an outlet for their latest insights. 

Conferences and expos are perfect opportunities for iGaming brands to give attendees a close-up look at the company. They’re chances to showcase solutions, boost brand awareness, and connect with potential partners and clients. 

There’s nothing more valuable than hard-worn knowledge from real experience. Brands establish themselves as thought leaders by sharing what they’ve learned, not just with those they meet at networking events, but through industry publications. By sharing their insights into best practices and their predictions for the near future, iGaming companies can bolster their reputation while driving the whole industry forward. 

Year in and year out, Slotegrator makes waves at all major conferences and expos in the iGaming industry, presenting its innovative solutions at ICE, SiGMA, and the SBC Summit, to name a few. In addition to displaying its business and software solutions to attendees, Slotegrator representatives make countless connections during global networking events. 

5. Commitment to excellence

Every iGaming brand strives to be the best. It’s in their DNA. 

When iGaming brands provide the absolute highest standards of quality through top-notch solutions and personalized support, they establish their reliability and set themselves apart. It’s not enough to churn out the same tired old solutions; iGaming brands should always be looking for new ways to elevate the world of online gambling. 

Slotegrator prioritizes excellence in product development and customer support, ensuring that the company’s partners and clients always receive the utmost standards of quality. 

An iGaming brand’s reputation is not built overnight – it requires a combination of trust, innovation, and industry engagement. From cutting-edge platforms and regulatory compliance to innovation and event participation, Slotegrator exemplifies what it takes to stand out in the competitive iGaming landscape. As the industry evolves, maintaining a strong reputation will remain the key to long-term success.

NOVOVISION Casino Management Solution celebrates success at ICE Barcelona

0

The year started excellent for the NOVOMATIC systems unit: After successful recent installations with renowned customers in Portugal and the UK, the NOVOVISION™ casino management system celebrated its “best ICE ever” at the new show venue in Barcelona.

Perfectly integrated in the comprehensive NOVOMATIC product portfolio, but also as a standalone solution, NOVOVISION™ has become a CMS force to be reckoned with. 

Visitor interest was accordingly high at the NOVOVISION™ sector of the NOVOMATIC stand as international operators took a deep dive into the manifold functionalities that combine casino management, efficiency optimization, and player satisfaction in one powerful and yet highly scalable CMS solution. The system was presented at ICE in two distinct set-ups, showcasing the different functionalities and choices for club operations and for casino venues. A biometrically supported NOVOVISION™ access installation with elegant flap gates served as a divider between the two demo-venues. 

Especially the casino side focused on a high-traffic architecture with options for TITO, Cashless or biometrically supported wallet solutions, highlighting detailed player tracking and attractive loyalty functionalities across a player journey that is highly individualized, appreciative and fully compliant with Responsible Gaming protocols. 

A highlight in both demo set-ups was the triple version of a highly accessible new self-service station demonstrating its uses as a loyalty kiosk, as a promotional service point and as a Self-Registration Terminal (SRT), that turns customer registration into an intuitive, fast and secure self-service. The new NOVOVISION™ SRT uses 32” Full HD screen with PCAP touch that serves as an intuitive customer interface with customized language selection and clear menu navigation.

It can be equipped with a customized registration set-up according to the individual operator preferences and prevailing regulatory requirements, fully satisfying detailed player tracking or anonymous play environments with a variety of optional components such as OCR document scanner, ID card reader, camera, QR code printer and more.

Another popular product premiere was the NOVOVISION™ panorama picture-in-picture feature that transfers the PTM player interface to the bottom game screen to enhance the usability, along with any other streaming content inserts. But also, the sophisticated NOVOVISION™ tournament solution as well as the latest functionalities for in-depth BI, jackpot management and powerful loyalty features  drew large crowds.  

Jens Einhaus, Head of Sales and Marketing NBS, said: “I am not exaggerating when I say that this was the best ICE ever for us. Many factors have added to that. Apart from the excellent new location in Barcelona, the superb venue and well-planned show layout according to industry sectors as well as the new stand, it is definitely our product that is now attracting a lot of attention.”

NOVOVISION Casino Management Solution celebrates success at ICE Barcelona

“And the reason is quite simple: it is an excellent solution for today’s and tomorrow’s CMS requirements. While many legacy casino management systems are approaching end-of-life and lack support for modern loyalty and jackpot programs, NOVOVISION™ has been developed from the ground up, by operators for operators. As a visionary state-of-the-art CMS platform, it is the sustainable and future-proof choice for operators who now need to assess whether their current CMS can comply with the increasingly complex gambling regulations. And, NOVOVISION™ has been designed as a solution.”

3 Oaks Gaming secures Romanian certification for upcoming market launch

0

3 Oaks Gaming, a top iGaming content distributor, has received certification for over 50 of its high-performing slot games from Romania’s National Gaming Office (ONJN), opening the door to the country’s regulated iGaming market.

This latest certification from the ONJN marks another pivotal step in the company’s strategic expansion across Europe, further extending the reach of its content.

With regulatory approval secured, 3 Oaks Gaming will soon offer a comprehensive portfolio of games to licensed operators in Romania, including popular titles such as Coin UP: LightningSun of Egypt 4, and 3 Hot Chillies.

The development reflects 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing commitment to meeting the highest compliance standards while delivering exceptional gaming experiences. Following similar successes in the UK and Portugal, the company’s entry into Romania reinforces its dedication to expanding its global footprint in key regulated markets.

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Securing certification for our games in Romania represents an important milestone for 3 Oaks Gaming as we continue to extend our reach across Europe. This achievement demonstrates our focus on providing engaging, compliant, and high-quality content to new markets.”

“Romania is a vibrant and growing market, and we are eager to collaborate with local operators to bring our diverse range of games to players in the country.”