Gambling in the USA
Hard Rock International Unveils Groundbreaking PlayersEdge Program To Change Casino Culture
Brand launches first comprehensive gambling literacy and education program designed by a US-based gaming company, for North American and international markets
With the introduction of PlayersEdge, Hard Rock International is evolving gaming floor culture by changing how casino-goers learn about and manage their gambling.
The new branded program is the first in the US to apply a comprehensive education strategy to meet the needs of all gamblers — from new and casual players, to seasoned regulars and anyone at-risk for or experiencing problems.
Starting with game facts and casino etiquette, PlayersEdge also helps players understand their own behavior, identify risks of gambling, and develop positive play habits. For those whose gambling has gone too far, PlayersEdge offers the assistance of voluntary self-exclusion and referrals to professional help and counseling services.
While responsible gambling messages have become common in the industry, casino guests often tune them out, believing its information is “not for me.” PlayersEdge speaks differently to people, using the lively voice of casino gamblers to attract their attention.
The program – to be implemented across all Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming casino properties – piques intrigue, with a tone that for most messages is positive, fun and entertaining. For people seeking help, the tone is supportive and non-judgmental.
“We built PlayersEdge by listening to gamblers. We want to communicate the right information by appealing to how they actually think and behave in casinos,” said Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility for Hard Rock International. “By understanding the risk profiles and experience levels of different player types, we can segment and target information more precisely, bringing a new focus on preventing problems before they start.”
Informed by independent research and expert perspectives, PlayersEdge will become a prominent feature of Hard Rock gaming environments. A mix of media, including print, digital, web, social and live activations, will provide a regular stream of fresh information.
To change the culture of gaming, Hard Rock wants to increase gambling literacy while inspiring honest conversations about slot machines, table games, and other gaming experiences. “We want players to become confident and to talk openly about gambling—with each other, their families and their friends. We want dialogue on what’s healthy and fun, and what’s risky. Our employees are critical to this change,” Mr. Pellizzari said.
The segmentation strategy behind PlayersEdge is also the foundation for new training and culture-building programs rolling out at Hard Rock.
More than 15,000 guest-facing employees will receive “Frontline Fundamentals”, an online training that explains the signs of player behavior seen on the gaming floor. They learn how to interpret those signs and provide the right information. As concerns for guests become more serious, these employees learn how to escalate responses.
Training is expanded for supervisors and managers, who also attend an intensive “Supervisor Support” classroom module. Role-playing and real-life scenarios teach these more senior personnel how to effectively interact with and support distressed gamblers. This training is created and co-delivered with trained clinicians and problem gambling experts from the Florida Council for Compulsive Gambling.
To reinforce the foundations set by training, each casino property has established teams and leaders to help drive the priority that responsible gambling is part of exceptional customer service.
Through PlayersEdge education, employee training and culture-building, Hard Rock is working to appeal to all players’ interests and curiosities so they can better understand and manage their gambling.
When players have the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, to self-reflect, and to recognize and act upon growing risk concerns, then our casinos can build a healthy base of customers who gamble safely and return to our properties year after year. For more information and to learn more, please visit PlayersEdge.org.
About Hard Rock®:
With venues in 76 countries spanning 262 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops® and Cafes – Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s most valuable collection of music memorabilia at more than 83,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. In 2019, Hard Rock International was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best Large Employers, Forbes Magazine’s Top Employers for Women and No. 1 in J.D. Power’s 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains. Hard Rock destinations are located in the world’s greatest international gateway cities, including its two most successful flagship properties in Florida and home to the world’s first Guitar Hotel® in South Florida, where its headquarters are located. The brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida.
SOURCE Hard Rock International
Gambling in the USA
Aristocrat Interactive™ to Showcase Innovative iLottery Solutions at NASPL 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show
Aristocrat Interactive™, the Real Money Gaming (RMG) division of Aristocrat, today announced its participation as a Level II Sponsor at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show.
NASPL, the leading trade association representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, serves as a platform for collaboration, research, standards, and best practices that drive the future of the industry. Taking place September 8–11, 2025 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Ontario, Canada, the event, themed “Here to Play”, will gather lottery leaders from across North America to explore the evolving future of the industry.
Aristocrat Interactive will be showcasing its latest innovations for the iLottery sector through an interactive booth setup, one-on-one director’s dialogue sessions, a product and services showcase, and more. Attendees will get a first look at new eInstant titles, featuring fresh game mechanics and the business’s first cross-over game with its iGaming & Sports division. Aristocrat Interactive will also highlight its successful omnichannel solutions, which connect retail and online play to enhance player engagement and experience.
Building on this momentum, Aristocrat Interactive recently launched the New Hampshire Lottery’s new digital platform, signed long-term contracts with the Michigan Lottery and the Massachusetts Lottery, and secured a two-year extension with its NeoPollard Joint Venture in North Carolina—where Aristocrat Interactive provides the iLottery platform. These partnerships underscore Aristocrat Interactive’s commitment to helping lotteries deliver engaging digital experiences and sustainable growth.
“NASPL always sets the table for engaging discussions that can advance our customer-driven strategies to drive real digital growth for lotteries,” said Chris Shaban, Managing Director, iLottery at Aristocrat Interactive. “We’re looking forward to another opportunity to showcase Aristocrat Interactive as a solidified, future-ready unit with global gaming expertise.”
Attendees can connect with Aristocrat Interactive at Booth #209 and meet the team for one-on-one discussions in Room #205. Aristocrat Interactive will also hold a showcase on Wednesday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m. at its booth.
For more information about Aristocrat Interactive and its iLottery solutions, please visit aristocratinteractive.com.
Gambling in the USA
Scientific Games Introduces Obsidian, All-Black Holographic Lottery Scratch Games
Premium Instant Scratch Game Innovation Adds Luxury and Uniqueness at Retail with Exclusive Play Experience
Scientific Games announces Obsidian, its latest breakthrough in instant scratch game innovation. A revolutionary addition to the global lottery company’s holographic product offerings, Obsidian will debut at the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries 2025 Conference taking place September 8 to September 11 in Ontario, Canada.
With 18 unique design concepts, Obsidian games feature a dramatic combination of all-black tones and holographics to create a sleek, glasslike appearance. Named after naturally occurring volcanic rock, the Obsidian line offers a bold, ultra-premium look and scratch experience.
Obsidian is one of a number of new product designs from Scientific Games to be unveiled at NASPL 2025. The new products were developed by Scientific Games’ Innovation and Discovery teams at its metro Atlanta global headquarters, the largest lottery instant game production facility in the world. Obsidian games will also be produced at the company’s Canadian and UK facilities.
“Our game innovators have followed holographic trends on high-end luxury items and were inspired to create fresh, new games centered on value proposition design for our lottery partners,” said Danielle Hodges, Senior Director, Global Product Innovation & Development for Scientific Games. “At a time when the market basket average is increasing, holographic games allow lotteries to differentiate their games by adding a touch of luxury and uniqueness. In sneak previews of Obsidian with several lotteries, the response we’ve received is pure excitement.”
The company continues to lead the industry in scratch game innovation, using holographics to heighten retail appeal and create immersive player experiences.
Scientific Games, the world’s largest creator, producer and manager of lottery instant games, offers more than 100 strategic enhancements for its world-leading scratch products. The company’s products represent 70% of global instant game retail sales.
Innovating products and solutions that move the global lottery industry forward since 1973, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries around the globe, including nearly every North American lottery.
Obsidian™ is a trademark of Scientific Games, LLC. © 2025 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Gambling in the USA
ETPL APPOINTS LONDON-BASED OAKVALE CAPITAL AS EXCLUSIVE INVESTMENT BANKER TO LEAD CAPITAL RAISE AND GROWTH STRATEGY
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), an ICC-approved T20 league co-owned by Abhishek Bachchan and backed by Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, has appointed Oakvale Capital as its exclusive investment banker.
“Oakvale’s deep expertise in sports finance will be a game-changer for ETPL’s long-term vision. We look forward to working closely with their expert team to help bring our event to fruition,” said Warren Deutrom, CEO, Cricket Ireland.
“Oakvale is one of the leading London-based investment banks in the sports and gaming ecosystem. Their sector depth, global network, and track record advising rights-holders, clubs, and technology platforms make them the right partner for ETPL as we scale,” said Saurav Banerjee, Co-owner and Director, ETPL.
“We’re excited to support ETPL’s bold and innovative approach to cricket. The vision to elevate the sport in Europe with a premium, differentiated offering aligns well with Oakvale’s strategic focus in global sports properties,” said Sandford Loudon, Partner, Oakvale Capital.
Blending world-class cricket with a distinctively European experience, ETPL aims to redefine the sport through elite talent, immersive fan experiences, and data-driven innovation. In addition, KPMG in India has been appointed as ETPL’s strategic advisor.
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