Gambling in the USA
REN Payments Platform from Euronet Worldwide, Inc. to Power Marker Trax™ Digital Casino Marker Management System
Euronet Worldwide, Inc., a leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, announced it will license its REN payments platform (REN) to Marker Trax, LLC, of Las Vegas for use in the company’s cloud environment where it will provide transaction processing and other core functionalities for a ground-breaking digital casino marker management system.
The project expands REN’s use cases from traditional financial services into the gaming market where casino patrons are forecasted to spend $516 billion globally and about $150 billion in the North American market in 2021.1 Part of this expenditure includes markers (casino credit) that offer convenience to patrons while increasing “coin in” amounts at electronic gaming machines and overall gross gaming income for casinos.
Marker Trax is a first-of-its-kind, regulatory-compliant and cashless alternative to the traditional casino marker. In addition to convenience for players, Marker Trax provides casinos with the tools to manage marker underwriting and repayments, ensuring money remains with the casino by tracking the marker in the patron’s digital account and collecting funds at the end of each gaming session.
The Marker Trax solution includes a mobile app and website that casino patrons use to apply for a marker and obtain a credit decision within minutes, replacing a manual marker-issuing process casinos have historically used that is time-consuming for patrons and labor intensive for casino cashiers.
After refining its concept in recent years, Marker Trax recently received approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Many prominent casino operators have committed to the Marker Trax program following the successful implementation of the solution at other casinos in California and Nevada. Marker Trax now is turning to Euronet and REN to deliver its digital marker management system to the broader North American and global casino market.
Once fully implemented in the Marker Trax cloud environment, REN will provide scalability for a growing user base and transaction speed for enhanced user experiences. REN will also power many key features in the Marker Trax solution including patron identity verifications, underwriting, payments processing, settlement, reporting and the enablement of communications between Marker Trax and disparate credit bureaus, payment gateways and bank systems.
“Our digital marker management system has been extremely well received by both casino patrons and operators in our initial rollout to the market,” said Gary Larkin, Chief Strategy Officer at Marker Trax. “Traditional markers reach about 1% of patrons but we see the potential to expand the availability to a majority of players through the convenience of our mobile digital marker system. As an emerging and fast-growing company, we also are extremely excited to be the first to leverage the fintech-enabling technology of REN in a new market vertical like gaming that needs an innovative platform to support its rapid transformation to a cashless environment.”
In addition to its improved settlement procedures that ensure marker funds are repaid to the casino, the Marker Trax system supports responsible gaming initiatives with the transparent management of each marker.
“When we searched for new vertical markets to apply REN, the gaming industry was high on our list as long as we could identify an innovator who saw the same opportunity for disruption,” said Kevin Caponecchi, Executive VP and CEO, epay, Software and EFT Asia Pacific Division. “With Marker Trax, we found the perfect partner for breaking into a new industry and the flexibility of REN fits perfectly into their plans for expanding the product offering over time as casinos push toward cashless gaming.”
Besides physical casinos, the REN-powered Marker Trax solution will be available to online casinos and sports betting operators that deliver gaming options through Web applications and smartphone apps.
Development of the REN-powered Marker Trax solution is underway with initial versions expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favorite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features, and bonuses.
“We have been humbled by the incredible global fanfare Dragon Link has received over the years but are never ones to rest on our laurels. The teams have been working tirelessly on a follow-up that brings together all the player-favorite elements in a new and exciting way with Phoenix Link as the proud result. We were thrilled to partner with Yaamava’ to premiere Phoenix Link with flair, excitement, and celebration,” said Victor Duarte, executive vice president of product for Aristocrat Gaming.
Phoenix Link players will enjoy the game’s additional denominations, configurations, and jackpots on each of the launch game theme titles. Gameplay features include Hold & Spin, Free Games with multiplier wilds or twin spin reels, Phoenix Mystery trigger, and more new bonus twists. Phoenix Link is available on the Neptune Single cabinet.
“Yaamava’ is thrilled to host yet another world premiere in gaming with the launch of Phoenix Link by Aristocrat Gaming. Our Club Serrano members are already raving about this captivating extension of the player-favorite Dragon Link. It’s a great addition to the Yaamava’ gaming floor,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, said.
Gambling in the USA
NOVOMATIC shines at G2E 2024: A street smart showcase of innovation and engagement
In line with its commitment to innovation, NOVOMATIC unveiled several ground breaking product launches that left a significant impact on the gaming industry. The V.I.P. X™ cabinet series emerged as one of the main attractions, highlighting models such as the V.I.P. X Royal™ 1.85, V.I.P. X Dream™ 3.43, and the V.I.P. X Lounge™ 2.32. The crown jewel of the presentation was the V.I.P. Galaxy™ 2.65, setting a new benchmark for luxury cabinets with its perfect blend of comfort and state-of-the-art gaming technology. Featuring high-definition screens and immersive sound systems, the fully adjustable lounge design promises an unparalleled gaming experience, leaving customers eager to introduce these innovations onto their gaming floors.
The unveiling of a new LED wall as part of the DIAMOND X™ series, including the DIAMOND X™ 1.55J, showcased the U.S.-style designed Piggy Prizes title. The modern and interactive design sent a clear message: NOVOMATIC Americas has fully arrived, enhancing its reputation for premium entertainment experiences.
Groundbreaking Progressives and a Robust VGT Lineup
NOVOMATIC introduced a variety of THUNDER CASH™ GOLD Progressives featuring new titles like Charming Lady’s Boom Coins™ and Red Amazon Explosion™. The Globe Link™ Xtension Volume 1 & 2 also attracted considerable interest, marking a significant impact with several new themes. The excitement surrounding these progressive games was palpable, bolstered by innovative math models and enticing bonus structures.
The VGT product range received special emphasis, particularly with the Street-Smart-themed area dedicated to highlight the themes and flexible assortment of cabinet styles for markets in Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Georgia. This dynamic showcase reinforced NOVOMATIC’s commitment to providing leading solutions in performance and player appeal within the VGT sector. Featuring both NOVOLINE™ and Magic HD customer favorite themes, this area showed the new game mixes on DIAMOND X™ 2.32, BLACK EDITION II 3.27 & BLACK EDITION II 1.49J, V.I.P. X Lounge™ 2.32 and FUNMASTER 2.27. Specifically in Illinois, featuring the Magic HD game mix consisting of the Overlay Magic Play Lock & Spin feature, and the new Poker3™ multi-hand video poker mix. NOVOLINE™ games were shown on the Black Edition II 1.49J cabinet with popular games like ULTRA BOOST™ and Money Party™ themes. Georgia Skill showed three new game titles in the Magic HD mix while more new titles lined the streets of the NOVOMATIC booth.
Advancements in Sports Betting and Casino Management
In addition to its product line, NOVOMATIC showed their cutting-edge sports betting kiosks including the ActionBook™ Edge 1.43J, and ActionBook™ Plus 2.27 models. With advanced graphics and rapid processing capabilities, these kiosks offer operators unmatched flexibility and performance. The premiere of the award-winning NOVOVISION™ casino management system was another highlight, leveraging biometric technology for enhanced player recognition and streamlined operations. Already acknowledged as a ‘Best CMS/Software Product’ at the European Casino Awards, this system generated significant buzz regarding its potential to revolutionize the gaming landscape.
Industry Recognition for Creative and Commercial Success
The combination of NOVOMATIC’s innovative product launches and captivating booth design earned widespread acclaim. The company was recognized for its Street-Smart booth, praised for creativity, interactivity, and the memorable experiences it fostered. Industry experts and attendees alike hailed NOVOMATIC’s presence at G2E 2024 as one of the most impactful.
Alexander Merwald, CEO at NOVOMATIC Americas, stated, “G2E 2024 was an incredible success for NOVOMATIC. We were proud to showcase the V.I.P. X™ cabinet series – Our ‘Street Games, Street Smart’ focus resonated strongly, as we demonstrated how our tailored solutions meet the real-world needs of both casino and VGT operators. The response from customers reaffirmed NOVOMATIC’s position as a leader in delivering innovation, performance, and market-specific strategies for North America.”
Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales, and Product Management at NOVOMATIC AG, added, “The product diversity and innovation showcased at G2E 2024 have been enthusiastically received by both operators and players. Our V.I.P. X™ series and extensive range of progressives reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering premium solutions to the global market.”
With new partnerships established and product placements secured at G2E 2024, NOVOMATIC is primed to expand its market presence across North America. The success at this year’s expo signifies a vital step forward in the company’s mission to set the standard for gaming entertainment.
Gambling in the USA
Century Casinos Announces Opening Date for New Land-Based Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville, MO
Century Casinos Inc. announced that its new land-based casino and hotel in Caruthersville, Missouri will open on November 1, 2024.
This news follows the Missouri Gaming Commission’s approval to transfer the Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville gaming license from a temporary pavilion to the new land-based location.
The new Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville will have 599 slot machines and nine live table games, a 50% increase in gaming positions compared with the temporary location. The number of hotel rooms will double to 74. The construction of this new land-based casino and hotel started in December 2022 and will be finalized on time and on budget with an estimated project cost of $51.9 million, which has been funded by VICI Properties Inc. (VICI). VICI will own the real estate improvements associated with the Caruthersville project, which will become part of the Company’s triple net master lease agreement with subsidiaries of VICI. Annual rent under the lease will increase by approximately $4.2 million.
The opening of the new land-based casino will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event at 11:30 a.m. Central Time on Friday, November 1, and a flurry of activities over the opening weekend.
-
Latest News5 days agoLeading Brazilian Lottery Operator Grupo da Sorte Selects Optimove as CRM Marketing Solution to Accelerate Growth through Personalized Journey Orchestration
-
Latest News4 days agoBetRivers Introduces PropPacks, an Innovative Feature for the NBA Season
-
Latest News3 days agoProntoPaga Transforms its Operating Model in Brazil to Ensure Risk-Free Transactions
-
Compliance Updates3 days agoBrazilian Ministry of Finance and IBIA sign sports betting integrity agreement
-
Latest News2 days agoCarnival Corporation & PLC Fleet Go “All-In” With Galaxy Gaming’s Galaxy Table Games Progressives
-
Latest News2 days agoBrazilian Ministry of Finance and Sportradar Join Forces to Strengthen Integrity of Sports
-
Gambling in the USA1 day agoPhoenix Link by Aristocrat Gaming Now Lighting Up Casino Floors
-
Latest News1 day agoPanel on the benefits of regulation in the Mexican iGaming market