G3 Newswire

US – Metric Gaming and JAMBOS reach collaboration agreement

2019-12-19T13:48:04Z

Metric Gaming has partnered with JAMBOS to collaborate across a variety of projects. While the emphasis of the partnership is to capitalise on opportunities presented by the emerging US market, both companies recognized a commercial potential to the partnership on both sides of the Atlantic.

Martin de Knijff, CEO at Metric Gaming, commented: “We aim to work with leaders in their respective fields and in JAMBOS, Metric has partnered with very best. JAMBO’s track record of capitalising on unique opportunities identified through astute sports analytics fits seamlessly with Metric’s ethos and the partnership is already creating new opportunities we are excited to capitalise on.”

This announcement follows recent news of Metric Gaming’s partnership with US based company Sports IQ to provide a one stop service for US sports betting products to the industry in early 2020.
With the repeal of PASPA in May 2018, individual states across the US have been introducing legislation to allow legal sports betting. This has created a flurry of US centric activity across the industry as domestic and international operators jostle to get a foothold in the nascent market.

Commenting on the partnership, Michael Schwimmer, CEO at JAMBOS, added: “We have been actively looking for the right partner to collaborate with in this space and we have been impressed by the possibilities of Metric’s modern technology platform. We are thrilled to be able to leverage our unique expertise in this industry and are excited by the potential of this partnership.”

Greece – Social security issue threatens Greek casinos

2019-12-19T13:04:10Z

Greece’s Unified Social Security Institution (EFKA), which was established as a single entity in January 2017 with responsibility for the country’s National Pension, Health Care and Social Security Benefits, is demanding that casinos pay outstanding employee social security contributions. Letters have been sent to casino managers across Greece estimated in the millions of euros, according to the head of the federation of Greek casino employees.

Media reports claim the amount owed by the casinos in social security contributions is close to €100m with Club Hotel Loutraki owing €18m. It is only two years since Loutraki was forced to close its door after the government claimed it owed tax. That case is ongoing after the casino appealed.

The three casinos owned by Konstantinos Piladakis in Thrace, Corfu and Rio are believed to owe social security contributions whilst Hyatt Regency’s casinos in Parnitha and Thessaloniki are believed to be fully paid up.

Many casinos in Greece are already in a precarious financial state, with calculations suggesting that the payment of the dues could lead to the closure of multiple locations in the country. It is believed that the only casinos without debt are those of Parnitha and Thessaloniki, which pay staff salaries and social security contributions without fail. Florina casino in northern Macedonia, which opened in November, is also debt-free.

The EFKA is involving its powers with threats of temporarily suspensions of operating licences to any casino that fails to pay off its dues to the social security fund within 60 days. Casinos such as Loutraki, Rio, Alexandroupoli, Corfu, Rhodes, Syros and Porto Carrras are all expected to struggle in the New Year if the EFKA goes ahead with its threats.

Caption: Club Hotel Loutraki

Malta – Play’n GO release Wild Frames

2019-12-19T11:46:26Z

Play’n GO have announced their final release for the year with their latest slot title, Wild Frames.

Wild Frames is a stylish slot based on the classic casino chic of Vegas. The game has plenty of hallmarks and throwbacks to the classic days of casino in everything from its aesthetic design, to its use of timeless symbols such as lucky 7’s and Golden Bells on the reels.

The game places particular focus on Wilds, with most of the game’s main features based around their Wild symbols and the ‘frames’ they create on the grid to allow players to increase their wins. Random Wilds can randomly be added to a player’s non-winning spins.
Wild Frames marks the end of a year for Play’n GO which saw them release a record number of slots into the market and experience more success in the industry than ever before.

The slot specialists have made it quite clear that they are already aiming to outdo this landmark year in 2020. CEO Johan Törnqvist commented: “We are very excited about Wild Frames; it has a familiar feel about it due to the classic design, but it brings an exciting and engaging concept to a player’s session which anyone new or old to gaming can enjoy.

It’s a great game to end a great year, but we’re not resting on our laurels. 2019 was amazing, and now the challenge is to step it up a level for 2020, it will be tough, but we know we can succeed.”

Finland – Veikkaus strengthens its commitment to responsibility with new guidelines

2019-12-19T11:38:57Z

Finnish gambling operator Veikkaus has said it will continue to ‘vigorously implement its responsibility development measures during the coming year’ with the Board of Directors approving new guidelines at its December meeting.

During 2020, Veikkaus will, among other things, promote mandatory identification in slot machines and other games, significantly reduce the number of distributed slot machines, estimated at approximately 3,500, and implement a new, more responsible marketing strategy.

It is also intended to develop more effective accountability solutions together with authorities and adverse actors.

Pekka Ilmivalta, Director of Responsibility at Veikkaus, said: “Responsible gaming measures have been planned and will continue to be numerous in the coming year. We will be involved in the planning of this work, for example, with those dealing with gambling problems, as well as gambling addiction experience experts.”

The actions are part of Veikkaus’ new strategic plan, where responsibility plays a very important role. A safer and more responsible gaming environment will underpin everything in the future, as CEO Olli Sarekoski said at a media conference on the last day of October.

Veikkaus has also decided to renew its reporting. It will be standardised so that in the future the volume of all game groups will be described through the game margin, ie the losses of the customers. It is the profit from gaming activity minus the winnings paid to the players.

The new practice is consistent with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). A similar reporting model is used by two Nordic national gaming companies, Svenska Spel in Sweden and Danske Spil in Denmark.

Regina Sippel, Chief Financial Officer of Veikkaus, explained: “Reporting through gaming has already been used in casino and table games. Veikkaus reports on the future development of the economy and the disadvantages of gaming simultaneously, twice a year. Economic research is commissioning Veikkaus to conduct a study on the development of gaming handicaps. At the same time, we will continue to monitor more closely the success of our gaming prevention measures.”

The new reporting policy will be implemented for the first time in Veikkaus’ 2019 Annual and Sustainability Report, which will be published in February to March 2020. Responsibility will continue to play a significant role in Veikkaus’ management’s performance-based reward model in 2020, as well as in 2019.

Veikkaus management’s performance rewards include, among other things, evaluating the effectiveness of operations. It has a weight of 40 per cent and is measured by operating expenses as a percentage of gross margin. Veikkaus’ corporate responsibility measures for 2020 also have a downward effect on earnings, estimated at around EUR 50 million for 2020.

Veikkaus’ total revenue is estimated to fall in 2020 to the same level as the three gambling companies (Veikkaus, RAY and Fintoto) in 2014. At that time, the total amount was EUR 963 million and the lottery tax was E205m.

US – IDEAL launches new Consumer App at IAAPA

2019-12-19T10:50:48Z

The team at IDEAL made full use of the IAAPA Expo that took place in Orlando, Florida, between November 18 to 22 to prove the difference this company makes in the software solutions segment.

IDEAL is an expert in this field and IDEALONE is the system that does it all and includes solutions such as Point of Sale, Cashless Systems, Online Event booking and ticketing software.

IDEAL has taken its software a step further and launched its new Consumer App at the IAAPA. This allows customers to manage multiple Fun Cards including Balance Checking and Funds Top Up, Check Redemption Points Balance.

The App will allow users to securely store their payment card details which makes topping up their game cards faster and easier, our Card Manager feature will enable parents to see the status of their family’s cards and allow them to top them up too.

Furthermore, IDEAL also showcased its Mobile POS (MPos) that enables simple Food / Ticket Ordering from a Tablet and can also interface with a Kitchen printer or Kitchen Display System alleviating the need for taking food orders manually and removing tickets from the kitchen.

Unattended purchase of food or entrance tickets is another new feature for IDEAL ONE, self-serve ticketing and food ordering via our Kiosk is a fast and easy way for guest to make a purchase and reduces queues, wait times and labour.

The new booth layout reflected the innovative prowess and future-oriented solutions. Modern and customer-centric, visitors could intuitively immediately find what they were looking for.

John Vallis, Vice President, International Business Development at IDEAL, said: “We were extremely pleased with our participation at IAAPA 2019, our new look booth was very busy during the show and we got more sales leads than ever before. I think this is due to the depth, breadth and modularity of our system. Venues are looking for more than just a cashless system and a POS these days – they are looking for a fully integrated solution which can connect their business with their customers to provide a better experience, whether that is purchasing tickets online or in property, making birthday party / event bookings, ordering Food & Beverage or using our CashlesSystem to play games or access rides, IDEALONE really is One system that does it all!

David Goldman, President & CEO at IDEAL, added: “It’s an exciting time for IDEAL as we continue to invest in and develop our products for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry. Our expansive portfolio of products is designed to take the operator and guest experience to a whole new level. The launch of our new App was very well received at the show and we will continue to build on this momentum and grow with our customers”.

US – Scientific Games awarded lucrative contract by Pennsylvania Lottery

2019-12-19T10:47:29Z

Scientific Games has announced that the Pennsylvania Lottery has awarded the them a new contract for iLottery online/mobile games following a highly competitive procurement process. Scientific Games launched the Lottery’s iLottery programme in May 2018 and through the new contract will continue providing iLottery technology, online/mobile games and services for seven years with three additional one-year renewal options.

The Pennsylvania Lottery’s iLottery programme is the most commercially successful iLottery online/mobile launch in North America to date. Total sales for the Lottery’s digital games topped $342 million as of May 2019, the one-year anniversary of the programme. That mark significantly surpassed any previous iLottery launch in the industry’s history and hit $642 million in December 2019.

The best-selling online/mobile games in Pennsylvania are Monster Wins, Foxin’ Wins, and Volcano Eruption, with the Grumpy Cat game debuting in April 2019. Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director, Drew Svitko, commented: “Our iLottery games have proven a fun, new way to play the Pennsylvania Lottery. Selling lottery online is a big part of our effort to modernize the lottery, appeal to new customers and meet our players where they already are, which is online, while generating new funds to benefit older Pennsylvanians.

“Sales of these new digital products as well as sales for our instant and draw-based games at Pennsylvania Lottery retailers grew beyond all expectations over the last year.”

Svitko said that the Lottery has experienced another record-breaking year. With $4.5 billion in total retail sales led by $3 billion instant scratch game sales, fiscal year 2018-19 was its eighth consecutive year of more than $1 billion in transfers to benefit older Pennsylvanians.

“We thank the Pennsylvania Lottery for its trust in our iLottery technology, games and expertise to drive the most profits for programs benefitting older Pennsylvanians said Pat McHugh, Chief Executive Lottery for Scientific Games. “Beyond the tremendous growth of instant and draw games, our iLottery partnership has generated significant incremental revenue. Scientific Games will continue to invest in innovation that keeps the Lottery relevant to consumers, and ultimately maximizes its returns to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

The Company’s new iLottery contract includes implementation, operation, maintenance and support of the iLottery solution and services, iLottery and web application, and web-based presence. Scientific Games also provides responsible gaming controls, a powerful Customer Relationship Management (CRM) suite and resources to enhance player engagement, and an affiliate programme that benefits Pennsylvania Lottery retailers. As part of the affiliate program, the Pennsylvania Lottery’s more than 9,800 retailers are incentivised for every player they register for the iLottery programme.

Spain – Madrid to see 22 new betting premises open before ban kicks in

2019-12-19T10:40:47Z

Despite the Governing Council of Madrid agreeing to a decree that will temporarily suspend the opening of any more gambling venues, President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has confirmed that 22 new venues will open before the ban kicks in.

The suspension, which should be approved soon, will only last a year with the executive government using it as an opportunity to study the effects of gambling expansion on the community.

The gambling industry supports 15,000 jobs in Madrid. The 22 new venues are expected to open before the end of the year.
Gambling businesses in the region have increased by 125 per cent since 2014, with 678 facilities registered, including bingo halls, casinos and betting shops.

President Ayuso announced that the measure comes after detecting a “public health problem” due to the proliferation of gambling venues, of which “there are 678 in Madrid, a much higher average than in the country.”

Portugal – Habanero set to make debut with Casino Solverde

2019-12-19T10:22:01Z

Habanero has gone live in Portugal for the first time after agreeing a deal with Casino Solverde. The country’s largest online casino operator has integrated the supplier’s portfolio of certified slots, including Santa’s Village, Wild Trucks, and Mount Mazuma.

The deal caps a year of expansion for Habanero, which has seen it rapidly extend its reach across multiple global jurisdictions and regulated markets.

Arcangelo Lonoce, European Head of Business Development at Habanero, commented: “We pride ourselves in creating immersive casino content well-suited to a variety of players. Signing with a highly-respected operator such as Casino Solverde demonstrates the success of our approach. Entering another key market also typifies our plans for expansion across the world’s leading territories and I am confident that our games will be as popular in Portugal as elsewhere.”

Américo Loureiro, Director at Solverde, added: “Habanero has a proven track-record of producing innovative slot and table games, and we’ve no doubt that the supplier’s premium content will be a hit. Partnering with high-quality providers such as Habanero reinforces our reputation as Portugal’s leading operator, and we look forward to a productive commercial relationship.”

Austria – Novomatic and Inspired sign Virtual deal as part of NovoPrime Sports development

2019-12-19T10:21:02Z

Inspired Entertainment and Novomatic have signed a deal to incorporate a suite of Virtual Sports as part of Novomatic’s next-generation sports betting platform, NovoPrime Sports, which provides a leading array of sports betting products and services.

This agreement covers a wide range of Virtual Sports, including Soccer, Horse Racing, Greyhounds, Motor Racing, Trotting, Basketball and Football. Inspired will look to deliver new content throughout the course of the agreement. Inspired recently signed new agreements with the NFL Alumni for a new Virtual Football game and Jaromir Jagr for Virtual Hockey.

“We have a great relationship with Novomatic and we are very excited to work with them on adding Virtual Sports to their NovoPrime Sports platform,” said Lorne Weil, Executive Chairman of Inspired. “This partnership has a great deal of potential for Inspired, bringing our Virtual Sports to new geographies, customer verticals and distribution channels. It is a win-win for everyone involved, especially the consumer.”

“We are focused on developing the premiere global turnkey sports betting platform solution for retail and online and Virtual Sports perfectly round out our portfolio of offerings,” said Alan Bruce, Head of NovoPrime Sports. “The ultra-realistic graphics of Inspired’s Virtuals provide a higher frequency complement to real sports betting. We are particularly excited for consumers to experience their groundbreaking new Virtual Basketball game, which will help our customers create continual streams of betting content.”

UK – Merkur Gaming to showcase Avantgarde Max at ICE 2020

2019-12-19T10:15:56Z

Merkur Gaming will be showing its Avantgarde Max at ICE 2020, a product where ‘maximum performance meets maximum entertainment.’

The cabinet’s two or even three 31.5-inch full HD monitors set new technical standards that allow players to immerse themselves deeper than ever before into the game. The loudspeakers, that are mounted at console height, ensure an even more intensive gaming experience due to their improved transmission angle.

The Merkur Gaming motto in 2020 is ‘Opposites attract.’ Therefore, the Allegro Trio, which was already presented as a Slant Top Slim at the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE), is the ideal counterpart to the Avantgarde Max. It impresses due to its elegant design and powerful technology. The 9-mm in depth screens are practically frameless and thus create almost seamless transitions between the three 27-inch full HD resolution monitors.

The exciting linked progressive jackpot Treasure Link provides a real gaming adventure. This product highlight combines five brand-new games – African Glory, Dragon Marbles, Golden Silk, Joker Buffalo and Temple of the Nile – with an exciting entertainment concept. Each of the basic games has an individual bonus feature called Cash Games that gives the player the chance to win the Treasure Link’s Mini, Midi, Maxi and Mega jackpots.

The bonus feature innovation Rapid Thunder will also find its way into the hearts and minds of ICE visitors in a flash. The non-progressive jackpot allows big prizes to be won on five levels and brings the already familiar games Taco Tuesday, Land of Charms, Immortal Emperor, Immortal Princess, Baozang and Amulet of the Pharaoh to an entirely new level. “These new Merkur products show how the influence of the U.S. game design studio Sunshine Games has also reached Europe”, explained Athanasios ‘Sakis’ Isaakidis, Chief Executive International of Merkur Gaming.

With its latest release package, Merkur Gaming gains a variety of twelve new Games, including Wild Adventure Big 5 with The Lion King feature and the mystical Deep Forest. In 2020, Merkur Gaming will remain faithful to its longstanding success with game suites and will present the neon collection at ICE. The menus of the Merkur HD multigamers have been visually relaunched and are opening up new potential. The Merkur neon editions are now available in the colours purple, yellow, green, blue and red.

“We are keeping our promise and are consistently making new and successful gaming systems available to our customers. With a strong tailwind from development, we will continue this course at ICE 2020 also and will thus also serve other markets”, says Athanasios ‘Sakis’ Isaakidis.

At its stand, Merkur will also be exhibiting the Merkur Roulette – in both the theatre and hybrid versions. The Roulette has been developed in collaboration with Spintec. Due to its high quality, this premium product smoothed the Gauselmann Group’s entry into the market for electronic table games during this past year.

Merkur Gaming’s exhibition at ICE will be just as strong in the area of technical solutions as it is in relation to hardware and games. With MARS, the company will be presenting a well-thought-out monitoring and accounting system for the most diverse operations in the segment. Also in the important area of youth and player protection solutions, the Gauselmann Group is proving to be full of ideas and inventiveness. The right solution is provided for each operation location – ranging from the player-friendly PIN-Center De Luxe terminal solution with ID scanner and the convenient PIN 2 PLAY variant directly on the machine to mobile activation with Smart-PIN. In addition, machine activation with biometric youth protection check capability will be presented at ICE in the form of PLAY SAFE & EASY PLUS. This relies on a two-stage verification procedure. In the first step, the player’s age is determined with the aid of a camera and biometric face recognition. PLAY SAFE uses biometric face recognition with blacklists/whitelists both for player protection and also for youth protection.