Interblock showcases AMUSE at G2E Las Vegas 2024

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AGBrief Editorial

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September 13, 2024

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Interblock showcases AMUSE at G2E Las Vegas 2024

Interblock, a premier innovator in luxury electronic table gaming, is excited to confirm its presence at G2E 2024, scheduled from October 8th to 10th 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.

For almost three decades, Interblock has pioneered Electronic Table Games (ETGs), 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.

The Star: 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 amusement-style 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.

Interblock, G2E as Vegas 2024 — _{Universal Cabinet Immersion}

Booth Highlights: 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.
Standalones: 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 500x, cementing its place as a player favorite.
Aruze: Following Interblock’s acquisition of Aruze’s ETG 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, offering players a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

John Connelly To Speak at G2E Education Series

Interblock, Global CEO John-Connelly — John Connely, Global CEO for Interbock

Interblock’s innovations don’t stop at the booth. John Connelly, Global 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 9th, from 11:40 AM to 12:30 PM 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 [email protected] or visit www.interblockgaming.com.

Fueled by rising guest occupancy and a surge in visitor numbers, the sector’s total receipts soared by 136.4 percent year-on-year, totaling MOP37.93 billion ($4.75 billion). On the expenditure side, excluding depreciation and interest, hotels spent nearly MOP29.84 billion ($3.74 billion) in 2023, marking a 41.1 percent increase from the previous year.

These expenses included MOP14.2 billion ($1.78 billion) in operating costs, MOP12.14 billion ($1.52 billion) in employee compensation, and MOP3.41 billion ($427 million) for goods purchases and commissions—an area that saw a significant 125.2 percent jump.

Despite rising costs, the sector achieved a remarkable turnaround, moving from a deficit in 2022 to a surplus in 2023, largely due to Macau opening up and eliminating its pandemic-related restrictions in early 2023.

In addition, the number of budget accommodation establishments in the gaming hub reached 43, up by nine from 2022. These establishments saw their receipts rise by 301.6 percent, while expenditures increased by 108.1 percent, resulting in a gross surplus of MOP24 million ($3 million).

According to a filing with the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), Baynes originally joined SkyCity in 2015 as an executive manager at SkyCity Darwin, remaining until the company sold its stake in the casino in 2019. From 2020 to 2023, she served as General Manager of the Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin, before returning to SkyCity in 2023 as Hospitality General Manager at SkyCity Adelaide.

Commenting on the appointment, SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said: “I’m delighted that Avril has agreed to lead our team in Adelaide on a permanent basis. She has led our improvement initiatives in Adelaide over the past five months and will continue to prioritize these while working closely with our regulators.”

SkyCity’s Adelaide casino license is currently under investigation by South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling Commission, with a report from Justice Brian Martin expected by December 31st.

Nazara Technologies Limited, India’s leading publicly listed diversified gaming and sports media company, has announced the acquisition of a 47.7% stake in Moonshine Technology Private Limited (Moonshine), the parent company of PokerBaazi, India’s top online poker gaming platform, for INR 832 crores through a secondary transaction.

Nazara to invest INR 982 Cr in online Poker gaming platform ‘PokerBaazi’ — PokerBaazi team: Puneet Singh, Co-founder; Navkiran Singh, Co-founder & CEO, PokerBaazi; Rishabh, Advisor, PokerBaazi; and Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies

Additionally, Nazara will inject INR 150 crores in primary capital into Moonshine via compulsory convertible preference shares.

PokerBaazi is India’s largest online poker platform, driving over 85% of Moonshine’s net revenue, while its fantasy sports platform, SportsBaazi, contributes 12%. PokerBaazi had ~340,000 monthly active users as of May 2024.

The company’s success is attributed to its dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team, led by Founder & CEO Navkiran Singh and Co-Founders Puneet Singh, Varun Ganjoo, Avneet Rana, and Anirudh Chaudhry, whose combined efforts are driving the transformation of India’s poker ecosystem.

Commenting on the development, Nitish Mittersain, CEO of Nazara Technologies, said: “This investment in Moonshine Technology represents a significant step in our journey to strengthen Nazara’s position as India’s dominant diversified gaming platform. PokerBaazi has not only emerged as the undisputed leader in online poker gaming in India but also set new standards in user engagement, innovation, and overall experience.”

“We’re excited to join forces with Navkiran, Puneet, and the entire Moonshine team, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the poker landscape in India. Together, we look forward to driving growth in this space and taking Indian gaming to new heights, both domestically and globally.”

Navkiran Singh, CEO & Founder of Baazi Games (MTPL) also shared his views, “As the Indian gaming sector continues to grow, we firmly believe that partnering with Nazara Technologies is the right step toward advancing the nation’s gaming ecosystem. This partnership will also contribute to our aim for global expansion in the gaming space. With the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s recognition of the gaming sector’s role in shaping India’s $1 trillion digital economy, we are confident that our combined efforts will foster innovation, create new jobs, and further India’s place in the global digital economy.”

What distinguishes BETBY’s Bet Builder is its exceptional flexibility. The latest version enables players to choose not only classic markets and common statistics like corners and bookings, which are common across all betting platforms, but also markets that depend on extensive statistical data. These include a range of options from offsides and shots on target to throw-ins and total shots at goal.

This enhanced flexibility allows players to combine multiple Bet Builder selections within a single match, spanning 11 sports, including four disciplines from esports.

Sergey Tsukanov, Chief Product Officer at BETBY, commented: “This development reflects our dedication to providing our partners with the Sportsbook features they need to enhance their offerings. Our updated Bet Builder not only enhances the player experience but also creates new revenue opportunities for operators by attracting a wider audience. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation to ensure a unique and profitable experience for our partners.”

BETBY will be exhibiting its premium sportsbook solution and services at the upcoming SBC Summit in Lisbon. To find out more about Betby, visit booth C640.

Good morning. Ban it, ban it again, ban it even more. Senators in the Philippines aren’t yet content with the Executive Order that is set to ban POGOs, even though it could be just two weeks away. The legislators aim to future-proof the ban from coming administrations by altering laws to ensure that they can’t make a resurgence in the country. Meanwhile, Macau’s next Chief Executive has met with the gaming industry, urging “healthy development”. In Thailand, the nation’s new Prime Minister is urging economic growth, including casino complexes.

What you need to know

Senators are still pushing bills to future-proof the ban on POGOs, despite an Executive Order expected within two weeks.
Macau’s sole Chief Executive candidate urges the gaming industry to adopt “healthy, orderly, and sustainable development” at a recent meeting.
Thailand PM gives first policy address, official statement highlights benefits of entertainment complexes for the economy.

On the radar

Bloomberry expects 5-10 years for the third casino in Cavite.
Thai PM faces calls for her removal, adding uncertainty to casino plan.
Angel Group constructing a new card-centric factory in Macau.
US sanctions for Cambodian tycoon Ly Yong Phat for human trafficking.

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Senators push POGO ban bills, EO expected in 2 weeks

While an Executive Order officializing the ban on offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in the Philippines should be issued within just two weeks, senators in the Philippines are still pushing for legislation that will future-proof the ban from the following administrations. Meanwhile, PAGCOR aims to maintain BPO operations, noting that they do not accept bets, and maintain the onshore industry.

Corporate Spotlight

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1xBet: The most popular gambling games and slots in Asia

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.

Industry Updates

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QTech Games boosts its premium platform with Naga Games.

MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Speaking of the sanction, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith noted that “Today’s action underscores our commitment to hold accountable those involved in human trafficking and other abuses, while also disrupting their ability to operate investment fraud schemes that target countless unsuspecting individuals, including Americans.”

A recent Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) by the US government indicated that there were ‘abuses in Cambodia, including in the towns of O’Smach and Ko Kong, in particular’.

The O-Smach Resort has been under investigation for more than two years, finding that ‘Victims reported being lured to O-Smach Resort with false employment opportunities, having their phones and passports confiscated upon arrival, and being forced to work scam operations.’

Ly, the L.Y.P. Group, and O-Smach Resort are being designated as ‘foreign persons who are responsible for or complicit in, or have directly or indirectly engaged in serious human rights abuse’.

Similarly, the Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort, and Phnom Penh Hotel are designated for ‘being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Ly’.

The sanctions mean that ‘all property and interests in property of the designated persons […] that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC’. This also applies to entities 50 percent owned by the entities. They also prohibit financial institutions from engaging with the sanctioned entities.

Author and gaming expert Daniel Cheng indicates in a self-published article that the official’s one-hour speech focused on 10 key policies: ‘comprehensive debt restructuring, reductions in energy prices, equitable tax reforms, enhanced social welfare, improved healthcare, education reform, mega-project development, environmental protection, support for SMEs, and strengthened public safety measures’.

The expert notes that the government’s policy statement, published to the Royal Thai Government Gazette, ‘extensively covers the plan to create entertainment complexes’.

These are to serve as ‘man-made destinations offering a variety of attractions that appeal to both domestic and international tourists,’ including ‘hotels, resorts, shopping malls, casinos, theaters, and other entertainment facilities’.

The expectation is that these complexes will both create jobs and attract a large number of tourists, boosting the local economy and national growth.

The entertainment complexes fall under the ‘mega-projects’ classification, with the dedicated regions to receive heavy investments in infrastructure and urban planning.

They also aim to promote ‘Thailand’s creative culture as a major component of the tourist experience,’ indicates Cheng.

‘By leveraging Thailand’s soft power, the government intends to differentiate these entertainment complexes from others around the world by infusing them with local cultural heritage, thereby creating a unique selling point,’ indicates the author.

Thailand already benefits from extensive tourism due to its natural beauty and unique culture, with some 28.15 million tourists flooding in in 2023.

The focus will be on both ‘high-end luxury travelers’ and ‘mass-market visitors’, indicates Cheng, ‘providing a significant boost to GDP, and establishing Thailand as a premier destination for entertainment’.

In her overall address, the new Prime Minister called for cooperation with lawmakers, noting “we should come together and pursue creative politics […] we have to put the needs of the nation first,” cites Reuters.

“They do not accept any form of bets. The main thing that they do is serve as backroom operations of legitimate and big gaming companies based all over the world”. However, the official did indicate that members of the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement will visit three Special-class BPOs to evaluate their operations.

Bills still being pushed to future-proof the ban

Despite the assurance that the EO would soon be coming, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian indicated that he would continue his push with legislation against POGO operations, future-proofing the ban.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Philippines, POGO, Pogo ban — _{Senator Sherwin Gatchalian}

“We will clearly define what is POGO, what are the business associated with POGOs […] we will include all that in the law so that it will be institutionalized. Whoever is the sitting President, these POGOs cannot be allowed to operate again because there is already a law against them,” indicated Gatchalian, cited by the publication.

Gatchalian has also taken a focus on PIGOs (onshore gaming from local clients), claiming there are weaknesses in current regulations, particularly for opening accounts.

“Even minors can open an eGaming account using a fake name and age […] since you can provide a fake name, you can also do money laundering.”
Sherwin Gatchalian

Gatchalian questioned PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco whether integrated resorts’ shift into also providing eGaming would have a ‘cannibalization’ effect on land-based casino revenue. Tengco agreed that a certain affect would be seen on the gaming industry but that integrated resorts in the country would continue, both nationally and worldwide, due to a desire for in-person gaming.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Joel Villanueva are also seeking to prohibit all forms of online gambling, with Gatchalian looking to consolidate his proposed bill repealing the Act Taxing POGOs with theirs into one comprehensive bill banning all POGO operations.

Bad actors

The POGO issue has remained starkly in the public’s focus due to the ongoing saga surrounding ‘POGO mayor’ Alice Guo, who fled the Philippines but was apprehended in Jakarta and has returned to the country to face various accusations of illegality.

“POGO Mayor” Alice Guo cited in contempt during Philippine Senate hearing

These include links to the Lucky South 99 operation, via Cassandra Ong, linking POGO operations in Guo’s area of Bamban and Porac – where the Lucky South 99 operation was located.

Ong, along with 53 others, is also facing accusations from Authorities that are also trying to prove links between Lucky South 99 and former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque has been held in contempt by a quad committee of the House of Representatives for failing to submit subpoenaed documents regarding his business and financial records. The documents are believed to be crucial in determining whether Roque had links to illegal POGOs.

Former Presidential Spokesperson among 12 named in DOJ immigration lookout order amid POGO probe

The PAOCC is now also investigating claims that there is a “mass grave” inside the Lukcy South 99 property in Pampanga, with authorities securing a search warrant to check the claims.

The meeting, held on the afternoon of September 12th, included key figures from the gaming industry, such as Pansy Ho, Chairperson of MGM China; Kenneth Feng, President of MGM Grand Paradise; and Lawrence Ho of Melco Resorts. Also in attendance were Wilfred Wong, Vice Chairman of Sands China; Grant Chum Kwan Lock, CEO of Sands China; Francis Lui, Vice President of Galaxy Entertainment Group; Linda Chen, President of Wynn Macau; and Daisy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of SJM Holdings.

Sam Hou Fai, Macau — _{Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive candidate}

In a previous candidacy announcement last month, Sam Hou Fai took a critical tone, pointing out that the gaming industry had experienced “barbaric expansion” and had a significant negative impact on society. The statement has caused some speculation about whether he will implement changes to gaming policy in the future.

As of Thursday, Sam Hou Fai is poised to become Macau’s next Chief Executive after securing an unprecedented 97 percent (386 nominations) from the 400-member Chief Executive Election Committee. This effectively prevents any other candidate from receiving enough nominations to join the election.

New Macau Chief Executive candidate unlikely to change overall economic orientations

In previous comments to AGB, top economist José I. Duarte indicated that the new Macau Chief Executive is unlikely to change the overall economic orientation of the gaming-focused city. However, the main challenge will lie in Macau’s push for ‘diversification’, something Sam’s predecessors were unable to achieve.

Interblock, a premier innovator in luxury electronic table gaming, is excited to confirm its presence at G2E 2024, scheduled from October 8th to 10th at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

The Star: AMUSE

The AMUSE lineup includes several innovative games:

Booth Highlights: Innovation on Display

John Connelly To Speak at G2E Education Series

Join Interblock at G2E 2024

Table of Contents

Macau’s hotel sector recorded a gross profit of nearly MOP8.16 billion ($1.02 billion) in 2023, with five-star hotels contributing almost MOP5.88 billion ($736 million), or 72 percent of the total.

Table of Contents

SkyCity Entertainment has appointed Avril Baynes as Managing Director of its Adelaide operations, following her role as interim Chief Operating Officer for Australia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

BETBY, a leading sports betting provider, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Bet Builder feature, aimed at enhancing the experience for sports betting enthusiasts worldwide.

Table of Contents

What you need to know

On the radar

PHILIPPINES

Corporate Spotlight

Industry Updates

Table of Contents

The United States has imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat, a Cambodian tycoon linked to illegal online gambling.

Table of Contents

In her inaugural policy address to Parliament on Thursday, Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra focused on financial stability and how to increase government revenue, including the development of mega-projects such as entertainment complexes.

Table of Contents

The Philippines’ Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission is expecting an Executive Order (EO) on the total ban of offshore gaming operations (POGOs) as soon as two weeks from now.

Bills still being pushed to future-proof the ban

Bad actors

Table of Contents

Macau’s unopposed Chief Executive candidate, Sam Hou Fai, has urged gaming operators to ensure the industry’s growth is maintained through “healthy, orderly, and sustainable development.”

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