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  • Zitro installs 40 Glare cabinets at Andorra’s first casino | Yogonet International

    Zitro installs 40 Glare cabinets at Andorra’s first casino | Yogonet International

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    Casino gaming provider Zitro has announced a new collaboration agreement with UNNIC Casino, the first casino to open in Andorra. The property has now added 40 GLARE cabinets to its gaming floor.

    Zitro describes its GLARE cabinet line as offering “a unique combination of high-quality graphics, immersive soundtrack, ergonomic design, and innovative features.” The cabinets feature some of Zitro’s most popular titles, including Mighty Hammer, Mega King, Link King, Link Me, 88 Link, Wheel of Legends, among others.

    The news comes a day after the company confirmed it has achieved the ISO 27001 certification for its Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). ‘This certification acknowledges the company’s commitment to protecting information and guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data of clients and employees,’ the company said in a statement.

    With this certification, Zitro can manage its information flows while avoiding potential threats and complying with current legal requirements. As a result, this ensures business continuity and offers added value to customers seeking secure and reliable gaming products, the supplier notes.

    Earlier this week, the provider also announced that the Mexican group Winpot has added more than 200 slots with the Mighty Hammer game theme to its casinos. Mighty Hammer is a 4-level progressive link multigame that, according to Zitro, offers ‘the perfect combination of players’ favorite features.’ 

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  • Slotegrator analysis: Is opening an online casino in Romania the first step to scaling a business? | Yogonet International

    Slotegrator analysis: Is opening an online casino in Romania the first step to scaling a business? | Yogonet International

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    Romania is a fully regulated gambling market with clear rules and licensing requirements. Success in this growing market will also give you a stable base from which to branch out into other markets as well. In his latest column, Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, shares insights on the benefits of opening an online casino in Romania.

    Romania’s iGaming potential is increasingly coming to the forefront. Online casinos and sportsbooks that set up shop in the Eastern European country not only have a valuable market at their fingertips, but they’ve also established a solid base from which to scale their business and expand into other markets.

    Here are a few reasons why Romania is a prime destination for online casinos and sportsbooks:

    • An ONJN license is a mark of quality. Romania’s National Gaming Authority, the ONJN, offers three types of licenses. A first-class license allows B2C operators to offer their services in the country, while a second-class license (which Slotegrator holds) enables B2B suppliers to offer their products in the market. The third-class license is held by the Romanian National Lottery. All three have earned a solid reputation in the eyes of players and software providers, providing a clear path to success for whoever holds one — players trust the ONJN seal, and payment service providers are happy to cooperate with brands holding the ONJN license.

    • A big and growing market. Romania is one of the most active gambling markets in Eastern Europe, with a total GGR of about €900 million per year. This is due to the country’s 20-million-strong population, 88% internet penetration rate, and economic health — Romania’s economy ranks 13th among EU countries in terms of GDP. Furthermore, gambling is considered a perfectly acceptable pastime, meaning there’s no cultural barrier between players and the good time they’re looking for.

    • Tech-friendly population. The Romanian audience is considered to be one of the most technologically literate in the world. Due to the widespread familiarity with technology, Bucharest is becoming something of a tech hub, with numerous iGaming companies setting up shop to take advantage of the Romanians’ embrace of innovation — and that attitude permeates the culture, players included.

    • Romanian players love bonuses. For many Romanian players, bonuses are a huge draw. Welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, friend referral bonuses, free spins, and free bets are all ample encouragement for Romanian players, simplifying marketing and promotion.

    • Responsible Gambling. The government has established a special fund to enforce certain rules aimed at preventing problem gambling. This is an important aspect of the gambling ecosystem, and in Romania, it is treated very seriously.

    When combined, all the factors listed above make Romania a fantastic choice for new entrepreneurs looking to launch their brand or established casinos looking to expand into exciting new markets. For newcomers, Romania presents a great opportunity to establish a solid base from which they can later scale their business and enter other markets.

    Leading iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator received a B2B license from the Romanian regulator ONJN in 2022, which allows the company to operate in the Romanian market and offer locally accredited Turnkey and White Label online casino and sportsbook platform solutions.

    To learn more about the Romanian market, watch the new video from Slotegrator Academy experts with the latest news and details.

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  • PopOK Gaming inks content integration deal with VirtualSoft | Yogonet International

    PopOK Gaming inks content integration deal with VirtualSoft | Yogonet International

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    iGaming content supplier PopOK Gaming has announced a new partnership with gambling software company VirtualSoft. The deal aims to provide VirtualSoft’s operators with high-quality online gaming offerings by integrating PopOK Gaming’s slots, live casino games, and instant games into the company’s platform.

    In a press release, PopOK Gaming described VirtualSoft as “an innovative online gambling software provider” whose sports betting and online casino solution offers “a state-of-the-art platform that integrates the best casino, virtual, pre-recorded and live casino providers worldwide.”

    As PopOK Gaming’s products, the supplier describes them as “meticulously designed with attention to detail,” ensuring that features, payout structure, animation, and other game elements are of the highest quality. 

    “This collaboration is a win-win for both parties and is set to provide players with an unparalleled iGaming experience filled with excitement, entertainment, aesthetics, and rewards,” PopOk stated.

    Luiza Melikyan, Business Development Executive at PopOK Gaming, said: “We have already demonstrated our commitment to building strong, win-win partnerships that benefit our partners, us, and, most importantly, game lovers. This collaboration is no exception – we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our vision of business relationships and our approach to iGaming are fully aligned.”

    The news comes after the company announced the launch of its newest online slot, Wild Queen, where players are invited to immerse themselves in “an exhilarating adventure across the African Savannah”.

    Players will encounter an array of mystery symbols to help them “make the right choices and win big.” The game’s designers have crafted lions, traditional treasures, sacral totem masks and drums, ‘transporting players to the heart of the south of the continent.’

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  • Betr to expand beyond microbetting and launch core markets in time for March Madness | Yogonet International

    Betr to expand beyond microbetting and launch core markets in time for March Madness | Yogonet International

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    Betr, the sports betting company co-founder by Simplebet founder Joey Levy and influencer Jake Paul, announced Wednesday an expansion beyond microbetting with the launch of core markets allowing for pre-match and in-play betting for a team to win and by how much, and over/under on total points.

    The rollout of core markets will begin just in time for March Madness with a 0% margin on pre-match core markets for all NCAA tournament games, providing bettors “with industry-best payouts for their bets on Betr.”

    Joey Levy, Founder and CEO of Betr, said of the expansion: “We deliberately launched with only microbetting to one: launch as soon as possible, enabling us to learn from and iterate our product experience according to real user data and feedback. And two: establish ourselves as the company, product, and brand synonymous not just with instant gratification betting, which we believe will be the future of this industry, but to also be synonymous with doing things differently.”

    “Now that we have done this successfully, we are putting Betr on a path to establishing betting market coverage product parity with incumbent operators, which will include the gradual and methodical integrations and launches of core markets, parlays, props, and many of the other betting experiences consumers can find elsewhere,” he added.

    Joey Levy and influencer Jake Paul, Betr's co-founders

    The launch of core markets comes on the heels of Betr’s Ohio launch and the upcoming expansion into Massachusetts and Virginia, where Betr’s real-money betting app will soon be available for iOS and Android users. The company’s launch on January 1st in Ohio marked the fastest launch from company founding to a fully licensed and regulated real-money online sports betting product in U.S. history.

    In addition to offering a 0% margin on core pre-match markets for the NCAA tournament, Betr will be celebrating March Madness with a “Beat Derek’s Bracket” challenge, where users can go head-to-head with Derek Sullivan, who has gained notoriety in the betting community for his abysmal betting record.

    The winner of the free-to-enter tournament will win $1,000. Social media standouts Handshake Bets and the rest of the Betr team will also be taking over Ohio, covering games at the Dayton and Columbus first-round sites.

    “I am also happy to share that this initial set of core markets will be powered by Simplebet, who has been a key technology partner to Betr to date. The core markets on Betr will be the first launch of Simplebet-powered core markets on any platform, so we are excited to be at the forefront of their innovation efforts as they continue expanding their suite of product offerings,” Levy concluded.

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  • Pragmatic Play to exhibit as Premium sponsor in GAT Expo Cartagena | Yogonet International

    Pragmatic Play to exhibit as Premium sponsor in GAT Expo Cartagena | Yogonet International

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    iGaming content provider Pragmatic Play is set to undertake the third installment of its Missions program across Latin America through a “comprehensive” involvement in the GAT Expo Cartagena event, set to take place on March 29-30 at the Las Américas Convention Center in Colombia.

    The supplier’s Spaceman character, which the company described as “hugely popular among Latin American players,” will be the face of the latest stop on the 2023 calendar of events.

    As well as being a Premium sponsor of the show and occupying prime space on the exhibition floor, the company’s Vice President of Latin American Operations, Victor Arias, will be involved in another panel as a guest speaker, sharing his industry insight.

    “Aimed to further boost its position as a leading brand in the continent, Pragmatic Play’s 2023 LatAm Missions itinerary is designed to complement its efforts to twist, transform and elevate its gameplay experiences,” the provider noted.


    Victor Arias

    Arias commented: “GAT Expo represents another opportunity for Pragmatic Play to leverage its platform in the region and engage in dynamic interaction with its partners, friends, and followers. We’ve established a solid base for ourselves in LatAm, and events like these allow us to sharpen our focus on localization and further growth.”

    As it moves forward in the region, the company also expands its gaming portfolio. Earlier this month, the provider announced the release of its latest title, called Jasmine Dreams. 

    The game features “dazzling multipliers and nudging wilds” and sets “an exotic atmosphere.” Played across 5×3 reels, opulent symbols adorn the reels, from gold rings to overflowing treasure chests, which must form a matching combination across the title’s 20 paylines to award a win.  

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  • Sportradar wins six-year rights cycle for global ATP data and betting streaming | Yogonet International

    Sportradar wins six-year rights cycle for global ATP data and betting streaming | Yogonet International

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    Sports technology provider Sportradar has been selected as the successful bidder for the global ATP data and betting streaming rights starting in 2024. The selection follows an extensive RFP process led by Tennis Data Innovations (TDI). The parties will now work to agree and finalize contractual terms in preparation for the new rights cycle, starting from January 1 next year.

    The RFP process was initiated by TDI in January 2023 and saw five bidders submit detailed proposals across multiple rounds for a six-year rights cycle beginning in 2024. The process took to market rights that have grown significantly in value over more than a decade, a press release notes.

    The process followed the setup in 2020 of TDI as a specialist joint venture vehicle of ATP and ATP Media to oversee the development and commercial management of all data and betting streaming products for the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour.

    David Lampitt, TDI CEO, said: “Sportradar has been chosen as the best partner to deliver against our growth ambitions due to its combination of product capabilities, global reach, and an innovative commercial model that preserved our ability to share in the continued growth of this market.”

    “The competitive nature of this process, as well as the compelling, successful bid from Sportradar, reflects the incredible value of ATP content. We look forward to forging a successful partnership together,” he added.


    David Lampitt, TDI CEO

    Sportradar is a sports technology company that aims to provide immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors worldwide. The company has been a supplier of official ATP Tour, and Challenger Tour secondary data feeds since the start of 2022 and boasts a roster of partnerships spanning professional sports.

    “Sportradar’s commitment to product innovation for the downstream market and unrivaled development in advanced technologies such as computer vision and AI, in addition to its integrity services, were key considerations in the selection process,” a press release highghlights.


    Carsten Koerl, Sportradar CEO

    Carsten Koerl, Sportradar CEO, said: “We are delighted that TDI has selected Sportradar as the successful bidder to support the enormous growth of the sport of tennis. The capabilities and global scale of our offerings will provide betting operators with innovative, best-in-class products and tech-savvy tennis fans a richer, more immersive experience that only Sportradar can deliver.”

    “Our expertise in developing advanced technologies, including computer vision and AI, which create advanced analytics and data visualization, will drive new, compelling ways for fans to engage with tennis while also safeguarding and upholding its integrity,” he concluded.

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  • Lawsuit over “gray market” VLTs could influence sports betting legalization in Missouri | Yogonet International

    Lawsuit over “gray market” VLTs could influence sports betting legalization in Missouri | Yogonet International

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    Last week, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Missouri alleging corruption and racketeering on the part of an operator of “gray market” lottery machines, a gas station chain owner, and several other individuals. Local media points out the suit could have political implications for the ongoing push to legalize sports betting in the Show Me State legislature, as this issue has become increasingly linked to the regulation of these controversial machines.

    The lawsuit was filed on March 3 in Missouri’s Western District federal court on behalf of seven Missourians who allege they have played Torch Electronics‘ machines on several occasions and lost money from them. The suit outlines an alleged corruption scheme between the company, which owns and operates slot machines across the state, and its owner Steven Miltenberger.

    The suit also names Warrenton Oil Company, which owns gas and convenience stores across the state which often house the machines; and Mohammed Almuttan, a St. Louis-area convenience store owner-turned-informant who has previously been sentenced for his role in a contraband conspiracy scheme, and his brother Rami Almuttan, who was also involved in the scheme.

    The suit alleges that “an enterprise promoting and engaging in illegal gambling exists among Torch and Miltenberger and the owners of the convenience stores, gas stations, bars, restaurants, and other places of public accommodation where Torch’s slot machines are installed and operated in the State of Missouri,” as reported by the Springfield News-Leader.

    The machines, which Torch refers to as “No Chance Games” in that players can view the result of the game before playing, have proliferated throughout Missouri and other states in recent years. There are currently no state regulations surrounding them.

    Although it could initially seem unlikely, the issue might have implications for the legalization of sports betting. Legislators in Jefferson City have long been attempting to legalize sports betting in Missouri, but often have done so by linking their proposals with the regulation of video lottery terminals (VLTs).


    Senator Hoskins

    That is the case with Senator Denny Hoskins, a Republican from Warrensburg, who has proposed that legislation to legalize sports betting should be linked to the legalization of VLTs run by Torch and other companies in the state. Hoskins maintains that the legalization of VLTs could generate even more revenue.

    Lawmakers have been divided on the prospect of legalizing gaming machines like VLTs. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to advance one bill to legalize sports betting without the inclusion of VLTs, while the other bill, proposed by Hoskins, was voted down. However, Hoskins has made it clear that he will not support the legalization of sports betting without the addition of VLTs.

    Casino operators may be closely watching the recently filed lawsuit, as it could have a major impact on the ongoing discussions about sports betting and VLT legalization in the state. Leaders from both chambers and major political parties have expressed a desire to pass sports betting legislation this year, but it remains uncertain if a compromise can be reached.

    The legislature returns from spring break on Monday, March 20; the annual legislative session ends in early May.

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  • AGS posts revenue up 16% to record $82M in Q4, driven by growth across all business segments | Yogonet International

    AGS posts revenue up 16% to record $82M in Q4, driven by growth across all business segments | Yogonet International

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    Gaming manufacturer and supplier PlayAGS announced Thursday its results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2022. For the three-month period ended December 31, the company posted record revenue of $81.7 million, marking the eighth quarter in which quarterly sequential revenue growth was delivered in all segments, an increase of 16% year-over-year. As for the full year, AGS posted $309.4 million in revenue.

    David Lopez, AGS President and CEO, said: “Our record-setting fourth quarter results reflect the accelerating returns we continue to realize on investments made into our R&D, sales, and product management teams over the past several years. Looking ahead to 2023, I see a set of company-specific growth catalysts forming within all three segments of our business that should allow our recent operating momentum to continue.”


    David Lopez, AGS President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Total revenue in Q4 also improved by approximately 4% over the $78.3 million delivered in Q3 2022. EGM revenue increased by nearly 17% year-over-year, paced by EGM sales revenue growth of over 40% and the achievement of quarterly record domestic EGM gaming operations revenue. Global EGM sales topped 1,000 units for the second consecutive quarter and reached the highest level achieved since Q4 2019.

    During the fourth quarter, domestic EGM revenue increased approximately 8% year-over-year to a record $46.8 million. Meanwhile, the premium game footprint saw a nearly 60% increase year-over-year. Other highlights of the quarter include table products revenue seeing a 19% increase to $3.7 million.

    The business’ net income during the period was a record $2.5 million, compared to a net loss of $9.1 million in the prior year period, driven by strong year-over-year revenue growth and continued organizational focus on operating expense efficiency, which were partially offset by slightly higher interest expense. The fourth quarter of 2022 was the third in a row that the company produced a positive net income. 

    Additionally, total Adjusted EBITDA was $37.3 million, compared to $32.3 million in Q4 2021; while total Adjusted EBITDA margin compressed modestly to 45.6% from the  45.9% achieved in Q4, 2021, largely a function of operating leverage realized on the 4% sequential increase in total revenue.

    Kimo Akiona, AGS Chief Financial Officer, added: “We exited 2022 with net leverage inside of 4.0x, consistent with the expectations articulated at the start of the year. As we move forward into 2023, our organization remains squarely focused on maximizing free cash flow and further reducing the amount of leverage on our balance sheet.”

    As for the full-year 2022 results, the $309.4 million in revenue was up by 19.2% compared to 2021, a majority of it generated by the EGM business, which saw a 19.6% rise. Revenue from table products was $14.9 million, up by 25.6%, while revenue from the interactive segment was $10 million, a slight rise of 1.8%. Gaming operations revenue totaled $223.8 million, and equipment sales made up the remainder of the revenue at $85.6 million.

    See AGS’ investor presentation with Q4 results here.

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  • FanDuel unveils NHL’s Boston Bruins partnership amid Massachusetts sports betting launch | Yogonet International

    FanDuel unveils NHL’s Boston Bruins partnership amid Massachusetts sports betting launch | Yogonet International

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    As US online gaming giant FanDuel launches its sportsbook app in the state of Massachusetts, which saw its online sports betting market debut today, the company is also announcing a new multi-year partnership with the NHL’s Boston Bruins, who named the brand an Official Sports Betting Partner. 

    As of Friday, sports fans who are at least 21 years of age in Massachusetts can now place wagers on FanDuel’s online sportsbook. Customers who sign up for the FanDuel Sportsbook, deposit at least $10, and place a bet of at least $5 will automatically receive $200 in sportsbook Bonus Bets.

    Mike Raffensperger, Chief Commercial Officer at FanDuel Group, said: “Massachusetts is home to some of the most passionate fan bases across the country, and we’re excited to enhance their viewing experience with the launch of the FanDuel Sportsbook app. Bruins fans are the true embodiment of that passion, and we look forward to supporting the team this season and beyond.”

    As an official sports betting partner of the Boston Bruins, FanDuel will be permitted to use the Boston Bruins’ marks. Additionally, FanDuel will have signage on dasher boards inside the TD Garden and the NHL’s new digitally enhanced dasher boards. The two will also partner together on digital and social media content, including homepage takeovers and other exclusive content on Bruins and FanDuel social channels.

    Glen Thornborough, Chief Revenue Officer of the Boston Bruins, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome FanDuel to the Bruins and TD Garden family. With the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts in January 2023, it’s an exciting time to be partnering with an industry leader in FanDuel.”

    Massachusetts becomes the 19th state where FanDuel offers mobile sports betting, joining Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

    Six sportsbook apps went live on Friday at 10 a.m. in Massachusetts, about 40 days after legalized sports wagering launched on a retail basis at the Bay State’s three casinos.

    Industry stakeholders and insiders expect Massachusetts to be among the most competitive and lucrative online wagering markets in the United States. Lawmakers estimate that legal sports betting could generate around $60 million in yearly tax revenue for the state and $70 million to $80 million in initial licensing fees, which must be renewed every five years. 

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  • Missouri: Bill opening the door to potential Osage River casino in discussion at House | Yogonet International

    Missouri: Bill opening the door to potential Osage River casino in discussion at House | Yogonet International

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    A Missouri House committee considered a bill Wednesday that would put a constitutional amendment before voters to expand casino gambling. House Joint Resolution 23 would put a measure on the ballot that, if passed, would allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to grant a license for a casino on the Osage River. 

    Bill sponsor Rep Jeff Knight cited projections that a casino in the Lake of the Ozarks area could net about $100 million in revenue annually. The gaming commission taxes 25% of casinos’ revenue, which means the state would take in about $25 million a year, as reported by the Columbia Missourian.

    Mayor Dennis Newberry of Lake Ozark, a city of 2,000 along the Osage River considered the most likely site for a casino, said the city needs about $25 million in capital improvement projects it cannot afford, blaming few local taxpayers and a lack of “meaningful reinvestment” in the city’s hospitality industry in 40 or 50 years. The $2.5 million his city would secure in casino tax revenue yearly would bring his community “many opportunities,” noted Newberry.

    Krista Watts, one of Lake Ozar’s aldermen, said that when she attended a state municipal league convention, the only four representatives in the room who said they were not struggling to generate revenue had casinos in their communities. She noted that a casino would also benefit the seasonal Lake Ozark economy by creating more year-round jobs. 


    Lake of the Ozarks

    The Osage Nation is vying to build a casino in Lake Ozark, but HJR 23 does not affect their development directly because Native American tribes are not subject to state law, notes the cited source. Kimberly Pearson, CEO of the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise Board, said the Osage have purchased land in Lake Ozark and have started the process of clearing it for development.

    While some oppose an Osage casino in Lake Ozark because it would not have to pay taxes, potentially giving it an advantage over a possible state casino, Pearson said the Osage would make up what they are not paying in taxes with charitable donations to the community. 

    Rocky Miller, a former state representative from Lake Ozark, backed a previous version of the bill but said he was against Knight’s version because it would enshrine gambling license provisions in the state constitution. Miller, who is Native American, also said the assertion that the Osage would take away from the community was “insulting.”

    Several Lake of the Ozarks-area residents testified against the bill for fear of a casino bringing crime. Rep. Josh Hurlbert, R-Smithville, and Rep. Jamie Johnson, D-Kansas City, said they do not believe the three casinos in the Kansas City area have created any additional crime in their districts.

    For his part, Rick Moss, former mayor of Lake Ozark, said he believed a large casino would attract customers more easily than local businesses and drive them out of the market.

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  • Crypto firm Bakkt partners with Caesars; earns naming rights of Planet Hollywood Casino’s theater | Yogonet International

    Crypto firm Bakkt partners with Caesars; earns naming rights of Planet Hollywood Casino’s theater | Yogonet International

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    Crypto technology company Bakkt Holdings announced Thursday a partnership with US casino giant Caesars Entertainment. As part of the deal, the live entertainment venue at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Zappos Theater, will be renamed Bakkt Theater, and the companies will collaborate to allow Caesars Rewards members to redeem their credits through Bakkt Crypto Rewards, pending regulatory approval.

    “Bakkt and Caesars will continue to explore and innovate around Bakkt’s existing suite of cryptocurrency solutions. Additional details on this offering and the timeline for rollout will be shared soon,” the parties stated.

    Bakkt’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Mark Elliot said: “As today’s customers grow to be increasingly savvier online, we look forward to offering new crypto options to millions of Caesars’ customers. We’re thrilled to solidify our relationship with Caesars with the naming of Bakkt Theater and the integration of Bakkt Crypto Rewards into the Caesars Rewards program.”

    As the digital economy continues to evolve quickly, Bakkt and Caesars partnered to ensure their customers have “a seamless experience, both online and through more traditional customer retention methods.” 

    Megan Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Loyalty and CRM with Caesars Entertainment, said: “We are constantly looking for new and unique ways we can expand the wealth of benefits associated with Caesars Rewards. We look forward to exploring how Bakkt’s crypto offerings will differentiate Caesars Rewards and help us continue to be the leader in this space.”

    Through this relationship, the Bakkt brand will come alive in Las Vegas as the namesake for The Strip’s newly renamed Bakkt Theater, which has been hosting entertainment in Las Vegas since 2013. Bakkt and Caesars will share additional details on forthcoming crypto offerings “soon.” 

    Jason Gastwirth, President of Entertainment for Caesars Entertainment, added: “Bakkt Theater showcases the best in live entertainment and experiences to match the extraordinary talent roster the venue features. We’re pleased that Bakkt recognizes the unique destination we’ve created at Planet Hollywood, and we are excited to have them join us in the venue’s next chapter.”

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  • Ainsworth to showcase 30+ cabinets at the Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow in California | Yogonet International

    Ainsworth to showcase 30+ cabinets at the Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow in California | Yogonet International

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    Ainsworth Game Technology announced Wednesday it will showcase more than 30 gaming cabinets across Class III and Class II markets at the annual Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow on March 29-30 at the San Diego Convention Center.

    Deron Hunsberger, Ainsworth President – North America, commented: “Our focus at the show will be on sharing with our valuable Tribal partners some new game concepts and strategies aimed at improving low denomination performance on casinos floors.”

    “Ainsworth has invested heavily in R&D over the past year, and we believe new Linked Progressive titles like Treasure Spirits, Ca$h Stacks Gold, Ultra Shot and Grand Fortune represent significant progress in our ability to attract players,” he added. 

    The new Grand Fortunes series will make its North American debut at IGA. These two companion titles – Wild Wins and Temple Riches – offer player-selectable multi-denomination play with the chance to win a Linked Progressive Jackpot, instant bonus prizes up to 800x, and the Hold ‘n Stack Feature. 

    Grand Fortunes will follow the recently released Treasure Spirits and Ca$h Stacks Gold game series that also offer the Hold ‘n Stack Feature as part of a bonus that can award a Standalone Major Jackpot and a Linked Grand Jackpot. 

    Ultra Shot, a two-game series scheduled to be available in North American casinos in Spring 2023, similarly provides a player-selectable multi denomination experience on a Linked Progressive title. These two games – Tiger and Panda – offer the Ultra Shot Feature, which gives players a three-level Coin Collection bonus. New games will be available on both the A-STAR Curve XL and A-STAR Curve cabinets. 

    Ainsworth Chief Technology Officer David Bollesen said: “The games we will showcase at IGA will give a snapshot of the step forward Ainsworth has taken in improving the overall sight of our games, the overall sound of our games and the general action-packed experience of our games. We’re excited to be able to share our work with Tribal gaming operators.” 

    Elsewhere in Ainsworth’s 1,500-square-foot booth, the company will showcase new titles like Fai Cai Coins, a 243-ways Linked Progressive series with multiple bonus levels; Falcon Cash and Coyote Bucks, a pair of low denom “Win Before” Progressive titles based on Ainsworth’s High Denomination games; and Cash Attack and Prime Time, new high limit three-reel games offering a persistent state bonus feature.

    Not to be overlooked is the North American debut of an improved Gambler’s Gold MultiGame Keno package. The Gambler’s Gold package now has significant upgrades. Improvements include the additions of the 2 to 20 Card Keno, Seahorse Keno, and the QuickSpin Super Sonic 7s slot to the nearly 20-game pack.

    Gambler’s Gold focuses on Keno by offering an array of bonus Keno experiences that give players to chance to win extra draws, Free Games, multipliers, and other bonus awards. It will be available in many Class III Tribal markets soon.

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  • Pragmatic Play unveils latest slot title Mochimon, featuring cluster-pay mechanic | Yogonet International

    Pragmatic Play unveils latest slot title Mochimon, featuring cluster-pay mechanic | Yogonet International

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    iGaming content provider Pragmatic Play announced Monday the release of its latest title, called Mochimon. The game adds the cluster-pay mechanism and introduces “a flurry of fun characters that bring big wins.”

    Played across 7×7 reels, the title is home to an array of vibrantly colored monsters that must form a matching cluster of five or more to award a win. These winning symbols are then removed from play and trigger a cascade of new symbols to fall from the top of the game board and generate additional opportunities to create more clusters. 

    Each winning cluster comes with an incrementally increasing multiplier attached to its position on the matrix. Beginning at a 2x multiplier, this value is doubled for each subsequent win the marked position is a part of to boost the winning potential.

    At least three scatter symbols are needed to award 10 free spins, with additional scatter symbols awarding more spins up to a maximum of 30. During the bonus round, players can enjoy increasing multipliers that remain active for any wins achieved and continually climb in value. Additionally, players can retrigger the bonus, “ramping up the excitement during gameplay.”

    According to the supplier, Mochimon matches the high-intensity action seen in recent titles like Cowboy Coins, The Dog House Multihold, and Wild West Duels, which reside among a collection of over 300 unique titles in Pragmatic Play’s award-winning games portfolio.  

    Pragmatic Play currently produces up to eight slot titles a month, while also delivering Live Casino, Virtual Sports , and Bingo games as part of its multi-product portfolio, available through one single API.

    Earlier this week, the provider announced a deal with XSA Sports, thus growing its presence in Brazil. Under the terms of the partnership, XSA Sports players will gain access to the provider’s slots, live casino, and virtual games.

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  • FansUnite seeking to raise $2M through private placement; Tekkorp agrees to invest | Yogonet International

    FansUnite seeking to raise $2M through private placement; Tekkorp agrees to invest | Yogonet International

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    Sports and entertainment company FansUnite has announced a non-brokered private placement of units of the company at a price of $0.08 per unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2 million. Investment firm Tekkorp Capital has already agreed to acquire 13.7 million units of the financing. 

    Matt Davey, Founder & Chairman of Tekkorp Capital, commented: “We are active investors in the sports and gaming industry and look for great businesses with strong leadership in market segments we like. Scott and his team at FansUnite tick all the boxes for us and we are happy to support them in their journey to grow the company and shareholder value for all investors.”

    Scott Burton, CEO of FansUnite, added: “This private placement offers us an opportunity to work with a strategic investor group consisting of top executives who have helped build and grow some of the largest gaming companies globally.”

    “They have expressed a strong interest to support our strategy in achieving our profitability and growth targets,” he pointed out. “To date, we have made great strides in maximizing cost efficiencies while executing initiatives to improve our top and bottom line.”

    Each unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the company, and one common share purchase warrant of the company. Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share at a price of $0.12 per warrant share for a period of 36 months after the closing date of the offering. 

    It is anticipated that the net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate working capital purposes. The company may pay certain finders a fee in connection with the sale of units to purchasers introduced to the company by such finders.

    The closing of the offering may occur in one or more tranches, the first of which is expected to close on or about March 9, 2023, and subsequent tranches as may be agreed by the company and the subscribers. Closing of the offering is subject to receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and will occur within 45 days from the date hereof.

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  • Quixant to showcase its latest gaming solutions at the upcoming Indian Gaming Tradeshow | Yogonet International

    Quixant to showcase its latest gaming solutions at the upcoming Indian Gaming Tradeshow | Yogonet International

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    After its latest showcase at ICE London in February, where it launched its QMAX Gaming hardware platform, gaming technology company Quixant announced it will be presenting its range of solutions at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention.

    The new hardware platform is powered by Intel and is highly customizable to suit a range of jurisdictional requirements. Quixant will also showcase its other platforms and new cabinets at IGA in San Diego, between March 27-29. Cabinets such as the Quantum and Qinetic, which are tailored for gaming and sports betting markets, will be on display.

    Eric Walla, VP of business development at Quixant, commented: “In addition to our traditional hardware and software solutions, we are now offering a comprehensive suite of software and integration support solutions, which will allow game designers to focus their efforts on developing the ultimate game content and player experience, as well as a collection of integration solutions.”

    “We would love to discuss this with manufacturers who are looking to expedite the time it takes to get their cabinets to market and deliver the ultimate player experience,” he added. 

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  • NY Senator Addabbo calls for further responsible gambling efforts as state explores iGaming expansion | Yogonet International

    NY Senator Addabbo calls for further responsible gambling efforts as state explores iGaming expansion | Yogonet International

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    New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. is calling for further promotion of responsible gambling amid Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and as the Empire State celebrates the results of a massively successful first year of legal mobile sports betting. “When the legislature works towards safely expanding and regulating gaming in New York, we must make sure that we protect residents from the dangers of excessive gambling,” Addabbo said.

    His remarks come as New York celebrates the early success of the legal sports betting market, which enjoyed a record-setting first year in 2022, collecting more than $1 billion in gross revenue and over $700 million in tax revenue, with a majority of funds earmarked towards education. While Addabbo celebrated these achievements, he also said lawmakers and the industry need to continue looking “at how we can help those with a gambling problem.”

    “Mobile sports betting has been a great new revenue source for the state and New York quickly became one of the most popular products in the country. Now that we have legalized and regulated mobile sports betting in our state, we are able to identify the people that may have or be in the process of developing a gaming problem,” Addabbo, who is Chair of the New York State Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, stated.

    “Through the safeguards on the apps, like freezing accounts, reporting and the self-exclusion option our hope is to reach these people before they become addicted and prevent them from the pitfalls of gaming addiction,” he added, noting he worked with problem gaming entities like the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) and the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to ensure safeguards were implemented ahead of launch.

    But while protections have been implemented in available mobile sports betting apps, as well as $6 million dollars in new funding for problem gaming education and treatment each year, the senator said that any expansion of gaming “cannot move forward without also bolstering gambling addiction prevention and treatment resources.” This pledge comes at a time at which the legislature looks at expanding gaming in New York with online casino options.

    “Aside from creating billions of dollars in revenue and educational funding for the state along with thousands of local jobs, the priority of identifying those individuals preferably before they have a gambling addiction and providing them with credible successful programs must be at the forefront of what we do legislatively with regards to gaming in New York,” Addabbo added.

    The senator isn’t the only voice that has called for further problem gambling prevention efforts as of late. For Problem Gambling Awareness Month, NY’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) – consisting of the New York State Gaming Commission, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling – is holding multiple events to drive attention to the issue.

    But NY stakeholders are also seeking to ramp up their efforts to tackle problem gambling in the Empire State through new rules. The NY Gaming Commission has recently introduced stricter regulations to limit sports betting ads targeting underage individuals; and for their part, state lawmakers are concurrently considering two responsible gaming bills: S1550 and A1056.

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  • FBI investigating ‘suspicious death’ of woman on Carnival cruise ship | CNN

    FBI investigating ‘suspicious death’ of woman on Carnival cruise ship | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The FBI is investigating the “suspicious death” of a female passenger onboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, the agency announced in a news release Sunday.

    The woman was found unresponsive during the ship’s February 27 voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, the FBI field office in Columbia, South Carolina, said.

    Medical staff and crew members attempted life-saving measures after learning she was unresponsive, but the woman was pronounced dead on the ship, the FBI said.

    “Both the deceased and her husband were debarked in Nassau and Bahamian authorities have already investigated the circumstances and are conducting an autopsy,” Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in a statement to CNN.

    “We are fully cooperating. This is a matter for authorities in the Bahamas and Charleston and we have no further comments,” said Lupoli.

    On March 4, when the ship returned to Charleston, an FBI team processed the passenger’s room for evidence, the FBI release states.

    The incident was isolated and there wasn’t a threat to any other passengers before or after the woman was found dead, the FBI said.

    The FBI investigates suspicious deaths of US nationals as well as “certain crimes on the high seas,” the release states.

    The incident remains under investigation, the FBI said.

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  • Indiana: Pokagon Band holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for Four Winds South Bend Casino hotel expansion | Yogonet International

    Indiana: Pokagon Band holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for Four Winds South Bend Casino hotel expansion | Yogonet International

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    The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and their Four Winds Casinos brand hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their 23-story hotel tower at the Four Winds South Bend property. 

    Pokagon Citizens and invited guests were in attendance to officially welcome the public to the expansion which features 317 rooms including 83 suites, Cedar Spa, Edgewater Café, Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center, an outdoor swimming pool on the third floor, and terraces with spectacular views.


    Cedar Spa

    The completion of this expansion marks the latest addition to the casino resort which opened in January 2018. An expanded gaming floor, which now spans 98,000 square feet and includes 1,900 slot machines, 27 table games, a new high-limit area, and an additional cage and cashier area, were unveiled in August 2022.  

    Commenting at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rebecca Richards, Tribal Chairwoman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, said: “The historical significance of South Bend to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, also known as Ribbon Town to our Tribe, cannot be understated. We have called this land home for hundreds of years and we are extremely proud to offer this incredible casino resort, with all of its new features and amenities, to our fellow residents in the community and the region.”

    “The continued success of our Four Winds Casinos and our ability to make a financial investment of this size would not be possible without the experience of our incredibly talented Four Winds Casinos operations team,” she stated. “We couldn’t be more proud of the result and are extremely excited for the public to experience everything Four Winds South Bend has to offer.”  

    Located on the ground-level promenade near the hotel lobby, Cedar Spa offers a variety of spa therapies including steam rooms, saunas, and vitality pools as well as separate lounges for women and men. Meanwhile, the Edgewater Café is located on the third floor of the hotel and features cuisine inspired by the sun and sea, including a daily brunch menu with options that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or midday treat, along with a dinner menu.

    Located on the second level, Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center is a 24,000-square-foot multi-use facility that has 16 meeting rooms, a ballroom with seating for 800, two pre-function bar areas, a business center and outdoor pre-function space. In addition to hosting large meetings, conferences, banquets and special events, Ribbon Town will accommodate concerts and live performances.

    Frank Freedman, COO of Four Winds Casinos, added: “Prior to the opening of our casino resort in New Buffalo, Michigan in 2007, the Pokagon Band had the vision to set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. Over the last 16 years, we’ve created unique destination experiences for our guests that continually raise the bar with new features, amenities, and attention to detail with a focus on excellent service.”

    “Today marks another important milestone as we continue to deliver on that vision and showcase the unique gaming and entertainment experience that the Four Winds brand is known for,” he stated.

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  • Hard Rock’s expected NY casino bid reportedly in doubt, says local media | Yogonet International

    Hard Rock’s expected NY casino bid reportedly in doubt, says local media | Yogonet International

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    Hard Rock International’s expected New York City casino is in doubt, according to local media reports. The renowned Seminole Tribe of Florida gaming and hospitality brand has been “complicated” by its business ties to Russia, sources told The New York Post.

    While the company has long been expected to announce an application for an NYC license as part of an ongoing casino race that will see up to three properties approved, this has yet to occur. Prior reports indicated Hard Rock was exploring a potential application with Mets owner Steve Cohen to build a casino next to CitiField in Willets Point, Queens.

    According to The Post, sources close to the bidding process say Hard Rock has not submitted a bid “because of the Russia connection” to the theme bar/restaurant and casino chain. The issue follows an executive order from Gov. Kathy Hochul that barred any state entity from contracting with a firm doing business in Russia after the country invaded Ukraine.

    “All Affected State Entities are directed to refrain from entering into any new contract or renewing any existing contract with an entity conducting business operations in Russia,” the order said. But Hard Rock has had two franchise restaurants in Russia — one in Moscow and the other in St. Petersburg, notes local media.


    NY Gov. Kathy Hochul

    In a statement this week, however, Hard Rock said the issue is now moot. “Hard Rock does not own or operate any property in Russia. The independently owned Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow closed months ago. The independent operator of the Hard Rock Cafe in St. Petersburg agreed to close operations on March 13,” a company spokesman said.

    In the meantime, New York reports indicate Hard Rock has been politically active: the gaming firm’s executives have contributed about $50,000 to Hochul’s re-election campaign to her executive order being signed. They later held a fundraiser for her, contributing at least $100,000 for her 2022, campaign finance records and reports retrieved by The New York Post show.

    Hard Rock also spent $110,000 lobbying state lawmakers on casino gaming prior to the order signing and at least $120,000 afterward, according to state lobbying records. As no deadline has yet been set for casino bids to be submitted, Hard Rock and other potential interested parties would still have time to submit formal proposals.

    In the meantime, other gaming operators are vying for one of three downstate casino licenses. Bally’s is betting on a casino on the Trump Organization’s public golf course at Ferry Point in The Bronx; Related Companies and Wynn Resorts announced a partnership for Hudson Yards; Las Vegas Sands is eyeing Long Island; landlord SL Green and Caesars Entertainment teamed up in Times Square; and a consortium is pushing for a gaming facility in Coney Island.

    The owners of the existing slots parlors at the Aqueduct race track in Ozone Park, Queens and Yonkers race track — Genting/ Resorts World and MGM’s Empire City — are expected to submit bids to expand their offerings to include table games; while Mets owner Cohen is eyeing a casino near the team’s stadium in Flushing, Queens.

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  • Macau casino revenue exceeds expectations reaching $1.3B in February | Yogonet International

    Macau casino revenue exceeds expectations reaching $1.3B in February | Yogonet International

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    Macau’s casinos saw gross gaming revenue of MOP $10.32 billion ($1.28 billion) in February, continuing the strong performance following the lifting of most border restrictions on 8 January. According to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the figure was 33.1% higher than the same month in 2022 when GGR was MOP$7.76 billion ($959 million). However, it was still 59% down from pre-pandemic levels.

    Although slightly lower than January’s MOP$11.58 billion ($1.43 billion), February was not aided by the Chinese New Year holiday, which contributed to the three-year high in the previous month. Analysts had forecast the figure to be closer to MOP$9.5 billion (US$1.17 billion), making the current result higher than expected. For the first two months of the year combined, GGR is up 55.3% year-over-year to MOP$21.90 billion ($2.71 billion).

    The change in performance for Macau’s casinos comes after the government announced the scrapping of almost all COVID-19 border restrictions as of January 8, including the removal of testing requirements for visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The city has also canceled all restrictions on entries to casinos, no longer requiring the presentation of health codes to enter the gaming facilities. 

    It also disposed of its mandatory hotel quarantine for foreign tourists, who currently need only provide a negative COVID test upon arrival. Ferry and bus services between Macau and Hong Kong resumed for the first time in almost three years. And late last month, Macau officials confirmed mask usage is no longer mandatory.

    Investment bank Morgan Stanley said in a recent note that it had raised its 2023 GGR and EBITDA estimates for Macau’s casino operators by 42% and 70%, respectively, citing better product mix and higher margins as Chinese customers return following the easing of border restrictions.

    Over the rest of the year, an increase in the number of hotel rooms in Macau after the opening of SJM Holdings Ltd.’s Grand Lisboa Palace, Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.’s Galaxy Macau Phase 3 and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.’s Studio City Phase 2 will be the major growth driver for tourism after the pandemic, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Angela Hanlee.

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