Play’n GO, a leading global casino-entertainment provider, has formed a new partnership with bet365, a prominent operator in New Jersey.
This collaboration will bring over 50 of Play’n GO’s popular titles, including “Book of Dead” and “Rise of Olympus 100,” to bet365’s platform in the Garden State. This marks Play’n GO’s sixth operator partnership in New Jersey, further solidifying its presence in the U.S.
Play’n GO is now live in five US states and 30 jurisdictions around the world, with a mission to be live in every regulated market worldwide.
Magnus Olsson, CCO at Play’n GO
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO said: “Adding an operator of bet365’s caliber is always exciting and we’re looking forward to seeing our games live with them in New Jersey, one of our most important markets. It’s been a great year for Play’n GO in the US, and we’re proving that a sustainable, player-safety-led approach is the way to success in all regulated markets. We’re looking forward to many years of prosperity with bet365 in the United States, replicating our joint success back in Europe where our businesses first began working together.”
A bet365 spokesperson said: “We are proud to extend our partnership with Play’n GO into the New Jersey market. We’re determined to offer the best player experience in every market we operate in, and adding Play’n GO’s content to our platform is important to that mission.”
International Game Technology (IGT) has announced that it has renewed for another 4 years the multi-year retail sports betting agreement with FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company and an operating unit within Flutter Entertainment.
According to the agreement, IGT PlaySports™ will continue as the exclusive retail sports betting platform provider for FanDuel’s retail sportsbooks across North America starting September 1, 2024. IGT PlaySports and FanDuel have worked together since 2019, when FanDuel opened its first sportsbook in the U.S. at The New Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in New Jersey.
Christian Genetski, President of FanDuel
“For more than five years, IGT PlaySports’ team and technology have helped FanDuel’s retail sportsbook operation deliver a best-in-class customer experience while helping us maintain our position as America’s #1 Sportsbook,” said Christian Genetski, FanDuel President. “Given IGT’s experience as a global land-based casino supplier, we believe it offers the experience and capabilities we needed supporting our retail locations.”
“IGT PlaySports looks forward to supporting FanDuel as its exclusive retail sports betting platform provider in North America for four additional years,” said Joe Bertolone, IGT SVP of Sports Betting.“IGT PlaySports is committed to helping our customers realize the full potential of the retail sports betting market and differentiate their products through exceptional player experience and reliable technology.”
IGT PlaySports has been FanDuel Group’s exclusive retail platform provider in the U.S. since 2020. In addition to leveraging the IGT PlaySports platform, FanDuel Sportsbooks offer players a range of self-service betting technologies including the IGT PlaySports Kiosk and IGT PlaySports Pad. IGT PlaySports technology is currently powering 27 FanDuel Sportsbooks across 20 gaming jurisdictions.
The Star Entertainment Group reported a net loss of nearly AU$1.69 billion (US$1.16 billion) for the fiscal year ending June 30. Although this figure is better than last year’s AU$2.44 billion (US$1.68 billion) loss, the Australian casino operator is still facing cash flow issues and is considering selling some assets to raise funds. The group has been under strong regulatory scrutiny for its corporate governance and has noted a decline in trading performance.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
For global betting company 1xBet, Asia is a key market for several reasons. This is why 1xBet pays special attention to the Asian market and actively promotes its sports betting platform and the most popular gambling games on the continent.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority’s 8.0% secured notes due in 2026 have reached $99, the highest since early 2022, according to a CBRE dispatch.
Despite nearing par value, CBRE continued to rate these notes as Outperform as the company approaches a refinancing next year.
‘We are optimistic about this refinancing due to various strategies available to Mohegan and lower borrowing costs. The current yield on the ’26s is below 9%, which could help in refinancing efforts’, the brokerage added.
‘While our outlook differs from Mohegan’s ratings of B-/Caa1, we do not expect upgrades until a refinancing is confirmed or agencies reassess their ratings. These changes could happen if a new capital structure effectively protects the restricted group.’
CBRE analysts also believe investor interest in Mohegan will remain strong due to upcoming refinancing opportunities and corporate events.
CBRE analysts have recently improved the operator’s outlook thanks to progress in its South Korean project, which is ramping up revenue faster than expected.
INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, South Korea
Mohegan’s INSPIRE integrated resort in South Korea has helped boost the company to achieve the highest quarterly net revenues in its history, reaching $504.16 million in the second quarter of 2024.
Australian casino operator, The Star Entertainment Group, reported a net loss of nearly AU$1.69 billion ($1.16 billion) for the fiscal year ending June 30th.
This loss follows the company’s decision to reduce the value of its venues, citing challenging trading conditions and recent regulatory changes expected to negatively impact earnings.
The company also hinted at potential asset sales to raise cash, acknowledging liquidity concerns stemming from current trading levels, ongoing remediation efforts, and regulatory costs.
Despite the significant loss, it represents an improvement from the AU$2.44 billion ($1.68 billion) loss reported in the previous financial year.
The Star remains under regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding corporate culture and governance. The company acknowledged that trading performance worsened during the second half of the fiscal year, a trend that has continued into the current year.
According to its unaudited preliminary financial report, the company’s revenue for the year reached AU$1.68 billion ($1.16 billion), a 10.2 percent decline year-on-year, while EBITDA fell by 45 percent to AU$174.7 million ($120.2 million).
The Star operates its flagship casino in Sydney, New South Wales, and holds gaming licenses in Queensland, where it recently launched The Star Brisbane, a new casino resort that is part of the AU$3.6 billion ($2.5 billion) Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development.
As part of its liquidity strategy, The Star noted that further equity contributions would be needed for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project. Additionally, the company is exploring the sale of non-core assets, including the remaining Treasury venue assets, valued at over AU$300 million ($206.4 million).
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, Star Entertainment
Recently, The Star sold the leasehold interest in the Treasury Casino building in Queensland for AU$67.5 million ($46.3 million). The Treasury Casino closed just days before the opening of The Star Brisbane, although the Treasury Brisbane hotel remains operational.
Treasury Brisbane Casino, The Star Entertainment
Ongoing sales processes for the Treasury hotel and car park are expected to conclude in the second half of fiscal 2025. The company also identified approximately AU$100 million ($68.8 million) in annual cost savings, expected to be implemented by March 2025.
Capital expenditures for maintenance will be reduced to AU$80 million in fiscal 2025, excluding AU$37 million allocated for remediation projects. By the end of August, the company held AU$130 million in cash and secured a commitment from lenders for a new debt facility of up to AU$200 million.
The Star also announced that trading of its shares on the Australian Securities Exchange will resume on Friday, September 27th, 2024, after being halted since August 30th.
MGM and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) have joined forces to introduce a cutting-edge MICE capacity-building initiative. The program is designed to provide current and aspiring professionals in Macau’s MICE sector with essential skills and up-to-date knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving environment.
With Macau moving forward with its goal of economic diversification, the MICE industry has emerged as a crucial pillar for sustainable growth. As a company deeply rooted in Macau, MGM actively supports Macau’s “1+4” economic diversification strategy by providing innovative and high-quality MICE services.
The Company strongly believes that the future of the MICE sector lies in the seamless integration of smart technologies and sustainable practices.
PATA is a non-profit membership association that promotes the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration with PATA represents one of the many initiatives by MGM to contribute to Macau’s vision of becoming a world-class destination for conventions and exhibitions.
Under the theme of “MGM & PATA Forum – The Future of Tourism, Hospitality and MICE”, the program kicked off on September 24 at MGM COTAI. Distinguished guests who were invited to officiate the opening ceremony include Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Elaine Wong, Director of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); Vic Lam, Chief of the Division of Tourism, MICE and Commerce of the Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of PATA; and Dr. Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM.
Guests invited to the MGM & PATA Forum – The Future of Tourism, Hospitality and MICE
During the opening ceremony of the event, Dr Iwan Dietschi said, “The recent recognition of Macau as the ‘Best Convention City in Asia’ for the second consecutive year highlights the city’s world-class MICE infrastructure and ability to deliver exceptional event experiences, and I am confident that through this program co-organized with PATA, MGM will continue to help strengthen Macau’s position as a global leader in the MICE industry.”
Addressing the opening ceremony, Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “This event is a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside MGM and with support from government agencies such as MGTO, IPIM, and the Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, PATA is committed to equipping industry professionals with the tools and strategies needed to stay competitive. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and excellence, we are positioning ourselves to thrive in the future.”
The capacity-building program took place from September 24 to 26 and drew nearly 330 participants, including government officials, MICE practitioners, members of the PATA Macau Chapter, university students, professors, staff members of Macau’s integrated resorts, as well as MGM team members.
Sina Bunte, Founder of Digitalmind.events
The invited MICE experts included Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of PATA; Pavnesh Kumar, Director of Sustainability and Research of PATA; Sina Bunte, founder of Digitalmind.events; and Adeline Larroque, founder of Ennov-Solutions, who delivered lectures on a wide range of topics, such as marketing strategies for MICE events, the integration of artificial intelligence into the MICE industry, and sustainable practices in event management.
The trainers also held a discussion session on the emerging trends, technologies, and practices in international hospitality and tourism. Participating in these talks enabled local MICE stakeholders to learn about the latest advancements in the industry and enhance their event organization skills.
Play’n GO dares players to brave the inferno and uncover untold treasures in the newest slot adventure, Kingdom Below. Set in the blistering heart of Hell, Kingdom Below challenges players to join Ignis, the fearsome ruler of the underworld, in a quest for mystery prizes and hidden treasures.
In this treacherous 5×4 grid slot, the line between danger and reward blurs, offering thrill-seekers a chance to face the flames and emerge victorious with the spoils of the inferno.
The Kingdom Below is a domain where every spin inches you closer to untold riches – or closer to the searing grasp of defeat. With the mischievous Beast, Ignis’ loyal companion, overseeing every reel, players will find themselves battling to navigate Hell’s fiery challenges.
The Beast, loyal to Ignis, swoops down to snatch up Grab Symbols from the reels, adding their value to your winnings. With a swift flick of his tail, he may even collect additional rewards from Below, ensuring your stake in the underworld’s riches grows ever larger. With bonus features such as the Slide n Grab, and the Free Spins with its accompanying Pick a Fire bonus, which enhances each spin with special effects like multipliers, players are sure to embrace the heat of this devilish kingdom.
Fans of dark, thrilling adventures like Rich Wilde and the Tome of Insanity (2024), and those who’ve enjoyed titles steeped in myth and legend such as the Rise of Olympus series, will find Kingdom Below a captivating experience. The game’s richly detailed world and challenging mechanics are reminiscent of other Play’n GO titles that push the boundaries of storytelling in iGaming, making it a must-play for slot players.
Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Kingdom Below is a fiery addition to our lineup, blending intense gameplay with a captivating narrative. The Beast is a character that players won’t soon forget, and we’re excited for everyone to experience the thrill and danger that comes with venturing into the depths of this fiery domain.”
SkyCity Entertainment Group has confirmed it has been penalized NZ$4.16 million ($2.6 million) for historic breaches of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing obligations.
The proceedings, filed in February, were for non-compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CTF) Act 2009 by SkyCity Casino Management Limited (SCML).
SCML is a subsidiary of SkyCity and holds its casino operator’s license for operations in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown.
This action followed a review that identified several failures by the casino between February 2018 and March 2023.
In an announcement to the NZX on Thursday, the casino operator confirmed that the High Court had imposed a civil penalty of NZ$4.16 million, which is to be paid to the Department of Internal Affairs within 15 days.
Chief executive Jason Walbridge stated that SkyCity is aware of its responsibility as a casino operator to “combat money laundering and terrorism financing.”
“This is a responsibility we take very seriously. We will continue to upgrade our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems to ensure we meet both our regulatory obligations and the expectations of the communities in which we operate.”
John Sneyd, general manager for regulatory services at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), expressed satisfaction in reaching a settlement.
“Casinos can be an attractive way for criminals to launder proceeds of crime. We cannot take the risk that criminals might choose New Zealand casinos as a way of cleaning their dirty money. Casinos must have robust processes in place to protect them from misuse.”
“We are satisfied that SkyCity admitted responsibility for their significant failings alongside their continued improvement to meet their AML/CFT obligations to make sure breaches like these don’t happen again.”
In addition to the DIA case in New Zealand, SkyCity has faced penalties in Australia for similar issues.
In May, SkyCity reached an agreement with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to pay a civil penalty of AU$67 million ($46 million). This also pertains to historical AML/ CTF failings at its land-based casino in Adelaide.
In June, the Federal Court of Australia approved this agreement to resolve civil penalty proceedings and ordered SkyCity to cover Austrac’s costs of AU$3 million ($2 million).
These settlements negatively impacted SkyCity’s financial performance in 2024. Last month, the company reported a loss of $88.3 million for the year.
Konami Gaming and Xailient announced that SYNK Vision™, the world’s leading facial recognition solution for Electronic Game Machines (EGM), has been upgraded and expanded to provide real-time recognition of casino players at table games.
Konami will be demonstrating the solution at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas from October 8 – 10, 2024.
In 2023, the launch of SYNK Vision revolutionized player tracking and harm minimization by offering instant login capabilities for both carded (known) and optionally anonymous (unknown) players — eliminating the need for player loyalty cards, or other methods of logging onto the player tracking system.
Leveraging privacy-safe facial recognition technology from Xailient, Konami’s SYNK Vision addresses challenges such as identity fraud, duplicate player records, and gaps in player tracking data, even for anonymous users.
By employing proprietary, secure facial recognition methods, SYNK Vision enables de-identified tracking of all players—whether carded or anonymous — closing loopholes in anti-money laundering procedures since all players are tracked and facilitating anonymous bonusing.
Importantly, SYNK Vision is not limited to gaming environments; it can also recognize and reward players in non-gaming areas, offering a comprehensive solution that enhances the overall guest experience across various settings.
With the addition of SYNK Vision table games support, casinos can benefit from seamless player tracking at table games (both carded and refused name), for a consistent player experience across the property. SYNK Vision for tables uses smart cameras to detect players seated at the tables, integrating with the player ratings system to streamline operations and ensure accurate data entry.
Tom Soukup, SVP & Systems CPO, Konami Gaming
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps the casino staff by automating the tasks of player identification and player identity verification, removing opportunity for human error and speeding up the player experience from sit-down to buy-in.
“Table games staffs’ jobs keep getting harder, SYNK Vision returns the staff to their core role in customer service and entertainment faster. Staff enjoy interacting with players, but sometimes find the role of policing IDs, tracking AML an impediment to building rapport. This table game extension of SYNK Vision helps keep the fun,” said Tom Soukup, SVP & Systems CPO at Konami Gaming, Inc.
Smart cameras process AI inside the camera itself, instead of transmitting video for processing in servers or the cloud, and can easily be installed into EGM or on tables. This decentralized approach processing, known as “Edge AI”, dramatically reduces the costs associated with AI systems because existing networks and servers do not need to be upgraded. This approach also improves security and privacy.
Lars Oleson, CEO of Xailient said, “Edge AI is a game changer. Casinos can roll out this technology without major infrastructure upgrades, reducing cost, risk, and hassle. The bottom line is we can affordably deliver enhanced customer experience without sacrificing customer privacy. Together, we are setting the stage for the next generation of gaming experiences.”
SYNK Vision emphasizes secure identity management and harm minimization, ensuring a safer, more responsible, and personalized casino experience.
“In the Asia Pacific market, and Australia, under new regulatory constraints in particular, players’ secure and unique identity becomes key to good operational governance of casinos. Whether to ensure identity linked to AML transactions or identity of players redeeming promotional activity, SYNK Vision exclusively provides casinos with best practice technological solutions,” said Gerard Crosby, SVP & Games CPO at Konami Gaming and Director of Konami Australia Pty Ltd.
Jay Bertch, SVP & CCO at Konami GamingGerard Crosby, SVP & Games CPO at Konami Gaming
Jay Bertch, SVP & CCO at Konami Gaming, emphasized, “Cards have known friction points, but the anonymous (or unknown player) is likely far larger than we can measure. Consider the situation that a player left their card in their room and are meeting friends for dinner. Will they play while they wait? Or, since they aren’t earning points, do they distract themselves with their phone? SYNK Vision removes that impediment to customer experience by enabling the player to “card-in” via facial recognition.”
Key features of SYNK Vision include:
Cardless Login: SYNK Vision provides players the ability to simply sit down at a slot machine or at a table game and automatically be identified and logged into player tracking without the need to remember, to insert, or present their magnetic player loyalty card.
Anonymous Player Tracking and Bonusing: SYNK Vision pioneers anonymous player tracking and bonusing, a feature that preserves player privacy while delivering personalized rewards and bonuses. This innovation creates a more inclusive and exciting gaming environment.
Advanced Harm Minimization Measures: SYNK Vision incorporates state-of-the-art AI algorithms to identify and address potential harmful behaviors on the gaming floor by tracking both known and anonymous players. This proactive approach enhances player safety and well-being by alerting staff to signs of distress and allowing timely interventions.
AML Tracking with Secure Identity Management: The partnership integrates cutting-edge technology to enable seamless anti-money laundering (AML) tracking of all players and secure identity management. This ensures regulatory compliance and safeguards against fraudulent activities, benefiting both casinos and players.
Easy Installation and Integration: SYNK Vision camera modules can easily be retrofitted into existing EGM, SYNK Vision cameras come pre-mounted for easy installation at tables, and because these are smart cameras network traffic and server requirements are minimal.
SYNK Vision is revolutionizing casino industry standards for harm minimization, secure identity management, and responsible gaming—realized through a close strategic partnership between Konami Gaming and Xailient. SYNK Vision is a testament to shared industry dedication to innovation and enhancing the overall casino experience.
G2E attendees are encouraged to visit booth #1256 at The Venetian Expo on October 8 – 10, 2024 to explore SYNK Vision and more Konami releases. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com.
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, invites players to the Colosseum in its latest slot, ‘Chained Fighters,’ where wilds pave the way to substantial rewards
With a backdrop of Ancient Rome, the 5×4 slot sees wilds land in stacks of up to four per reel to boost reward potential in the base game whilst multi-coloured gladiators make up the high-paying symbols.
Landing three or more scatters triggers up to 15 free spins. In every thrilling round of free spins, gladiators clash, ensuring intense battles as they fight when present on every spin — those who emerge victorious lock in as wilds, heightening the chances for bigger wins.
Additional free spin symbols can also land, awarding up to six extra spins, helping to create a big win potential of over 3500x.
In relevant jurisdictions, the Bonus Buy feature enables players to purchase direct access to 10, 12 or 15 free spins.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Our newest release Chained Fighters introduces the exciting Gladiator Clash feature, where gladiators engage in fierce combat, and the victorious ones transform into Locked Wilds, boosting the potential for big wins. Pairing a popular Roman theme with exhilarating mechanics, Chained Fighters is everything players look for in a slot and we expect it to be another standout hit in our portfolio.”
