Industry News
IGT Demonstrates Market Leadership and Momentum Across Gaming Product and Solutions Portfolio at G2E 2023
International Game Technology PLC (IGT) announced that it will present a vast portfolio of gaming, iGaming, and sports betting solutions in the Company’s impressive booth at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2023, Oct. 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nev. Featuring more than 200 innovations and covering 19,000-plus square feet, IGT’s G2E showcase will clearly reflect the Company’s commitment to performance, quality and innovation, highlight its leadership as a technology-first omnichannel solutions provider and embody its G2E theme: “We’ve Got Game”.
“Backed by the momentum of several sequential quarters of strong Global Gaming performance, IGT is incredibly excited to connect with our customers at G2E and demonstrate how we’re leveraging key strengths and partnerships, in combination with next-generation technologies to propel their growth and shape the future of gaming. IGT’s focus on product performance, player satisfaction and the power of omnichannel gaming experiences will be evidenced in our G2E portfolio and by solutions such as Mystery of the Lamp, our MESA 4K ETG terminal, new Wheel of Fortune games and so much more,” Renato Ascoli, CEO of Global Gaming at IGT, said.
“Over the last 12 months, IGT PlayDigital has consistently delivered the highest-quality content, maintained operational excellence and sharpened its market-attunement strategies to drive our customers’ performance and profitability to the highest levels. G2E will be an important platform for IGT PlayDigital to demonstrate how we’re well-positioned for the future and how we plan to fuel the next chapter of our customers’ growth through our award-winning PlaySports team and technology, vast omnichannel content portfolio and highly sophisticated content aggregation and delivery platforms,” Enrico Drago, CEO of IGT PlayDigital, said.
Of the hundreds of innovations in IGT booth 3659, some of the most anticipated products will include:
Star-Studded New Licensed Game, Whitney Houston Slots: A collaboration with the Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, IGT’s all-new Whitney Houston Slots game will garner a standing ovation on the G2E floor. Rich with player-favorite game mechanics such as Stacked Wilds, Cash on Reels, lock and respin and persistence features, the Whitney Houston Slots game engages players with iconic Whitney Houston imagery and entertains with chart-topping hits such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “So Emotional,” and “How will I Know”. The game will debut on a new state-of-the-art form factor that is sure to attract attention from every corner of a gaming floor.
Captivating, Performance-Tested Multi-Level Progressives (MLP): IGT will propel its undeniable momentum in the MLP category with standout games across its premium and core game portfolios. The player-favorite Mystery of the Lamp MLP game will be a focal point of IGT’s premium portfolio and will accompany other exciting games, including Regal Link and new base game themes, Ji Xiang Ru Yi and Xi Chu Wang Wai, for the award-winning Prosperity Link MLP. From the core segment, IGT’s MLPs Kitty Glitter Grand, Samurai 888 Spin and the high-performing Magic Treasures game will all be on display.
New Spin on Wheel of Fortune Slots: G2E attendees can look forward to the iconic beckoning of “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” as IGT celebrates its extended relationship with Wheel of Fortune and new omnichannel games. From the Company’s premium portfolio, Wheel of Fortune Big Money Week will make its trade show debut. The wide-area progressive game is housed on the towering Peak65 cabinet and includes a compelling persistence feature with a growing coin stack that can help players trigger the beloved Wheel Bonus. G2E will also be a showcase for the Wheel of Fortune Diamond Deluxe game and IGT PlayDigital’s Wheel of Fortune Triple Red Hot 7s Gold Spin.
Player-Preferred High-Limit Games and Hardware: As a long-time leader in high-limit slots, IGT is doubling down in this segment, giving it a dedicated section within its G2E booth. A must-see product will be a new, high-limit version of the DiamondRS cabinet with new stepper games Double Diamond Deluxe and Triple Double Gold Doubloons. Also, in the high-limit zone of IGT’s booth will be compelling high-limit core video game bundles featuring proven game themes such as Stinkin’ Rich, Cats and Wolf Run, and the legendary Game King and All Star Poker video poker games.
MESA 4K Electronic Table Games (ETG) Terminal: Following extensive player and operator focus testing, IGT’s revolutionary MESA 4K ETG terminal will make its global debut. Featuring a 27-inch ultra-HD display, the MESA 4K terminal enables players to play up to four different table games at once, as well as a mix of live and RNG games simultaneously. The terminal comes with many merchandising and configurability options, gives players user-friendly access to game statistics such as hot and cold numbers and provides roulette players with visibility to roughly 60% of the virtual roulette wheel, nearly twice the industry standard.
Elevated Player Convenience via New IGT ADVANTAGE apps: IGT has further enhanced its award-winning Resort Wallet with IGTPay cashless solution with must-see features Tip Ticket, which gives players the option to tip service staff with on-machine funds, and One Time Passcode (OTP), which elevates account security via a one-time account pin. G2E will also be the trade show debut for several IGT ADVANTAGE apps and on-machine conveniences that eliminate trips to kiosks and player loyalty desks. IGT will showcase its Gift & Go integration, which enables on-demand gifting in a slot machine’s service window or secondary display via IGT’s M5 content management technology. IGT will also spotlight additional self-service apps such as Beverage on Demand, iReserve, Taxable Accrual, Player Enrollment and more.
Omnichannel PlayDigital Game Content: With one of the strongest online game libraries in North America, IGT PlayDigital will spotlight new omnichannel games Prosperity Link and Money Mania, both acclaimed titles that have amassed significant player affinity in land-based casinos. The games will join IGT PlayDigital’s other omnichannel games such as Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin, the first and only omnichannel WAP jackpot in the US. IGT PlayDigital will also highlight the power and versatility of its engagement platform, which offers customers a suite of unique features such as cash drops, jackpots and tournaments to maximize the potential of every campaign.
As an end-to-end solutions provider, IGT will unveil performance-focused solutions across all its product lines. Additional innovations that will be represented in IGT’s booth will include:
- new titles to the Company’s industry-leading video poker portfolio with games such as Multipliers Rising video poker and Power Stacks Poker.
- the Company’s newest TournXtreme title, Stinkin’ Rich Tournament.
- the all-new VLT-focused Fort Knox Linked Jackpot game and IGT’s next-generation VLT systems technology, IntelligenEVO.
- the end-to-end PlaySports solutions, complete with self-service betting technologies such as the PlaySports BetPad and the CrystalFlex and PeakBarTop with Total Gaming software.
- a range of Washington CDS (Central Determination System) games and Class II games that build on popular game themes and incorporate player-favorite including Ji Xiang Ru Yi, Magic Wishes and Medusa Queen of Stone Cash Eruption.
- new Historical Horse Racing (HHR) games including Panther Pride, Tiger Pride and Game King video poker.
Industry News
The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) Announces 2024 International Gaming Summit in Washington, D.C.
The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) will hold its 41st International Gaming Summit Monday, May 27 through Thursday, May 30, 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.
As a premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the Summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other advisor delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming.
“We are looking forward to holding this year’s 41st Annual International Gaming Summit in Washington, D.C., and are pleased to announce an agenda that includes a specific focus on some of the key sports betting issues the rapidly expanding US market is facing. As part of this focus, we will bring together representatives from global sports betting operators, regulatory agencies, professional sports leagues and other experts to discuss how the industry’s sports betting stakeholders can better work together to ensure a sustainable, responsible sports betting environment that is built on best practices lessons learned from other markets,” John Stawyskyj, President of IAGA, said.
“Beyond our sports betting focus, our diverse agenda includes discussions on other issues of importance including the growing impact of fraud and cyber breaches on regulated operators, a look into the federal and state lobbying process, an update on what’s happening in other gaming markets outside North America, a deep dive into new technologies and how they might impact gaming and more. I look forward to welcoming our delegates to Washington and participating with them in lively discussions about these critical issues and more,” Stawyskyj added.
Marker Trax, a leader in cashless payment solutions for the gambling industry, has announced the appointment of John Henderson as its senior vice president of operations.
As the company continues solidifying its cashless payments sector leadership position, Henderson joins the team to play a key role in leading strategic planning efforts, executing new operator and customer initiatives, directing pursuit of key performance indicators, and ensuring overall product and technology quality control. He reports directly to, and will work closely with, Marker Trax President Charlie Skinner.
Henderson is a seasoned, energetic industry veteran who brings to Marker Trax more than four decades of success in delivering technology-based business solutions, leading innovation-forward companies seeking to increase their industry footprints and to solidify their market shares.
“We’re cementing our leadership position in the cashless space, and John is the right leader, at the right time, to help guide us there. He has tactical expertise, and a long track record of success in the IT space. More than that, though, he’s always eager to innovate – which aligns perfectly with our philosophy and goals. We’re lucky to have him on board,” Charlie Skinner, President of Marker Trax, said.
Immediately prior to joining Marker Trax, Henderson served as chief information officer at WorldStrides, a global leader in educational travel services, and helped the company navigate a business and IT transformation program. Henderson has also held client partner roles at Accenture, IBM, and Cognizant, and has served numerous global brands including Choice Hotels, Hilton Hotels, MGM Resorts, Wynn, Disney, and Royal Caribbean.
“Every step of his career, John’s shown natural aptitude for client relationship management and large-scale systems integrations, and a keen, tactical eye for optimizing performance at all levels of an operation. At Marker Trax, we’re increasing our market footprint through continual innovation, and John’s tactical leadership will be of tremendous benefit to reaching our goals,” Skinner said.
Henderson’s addition caps a prolific run of recent accomplishments for the company. It recently unveiled its innovative consumer product, Moolah Play, secured renewed commitment from partner and global payments leader Euronet Worldwide Inc., and is introducing its cashless credit technology into more markets around the country.
Affinity Interactive has announced the appointment of Scott Butera as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Mr. Butera, who most recently led AI’s Sports Information Group (SIG) business, brings over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality, media, entertainment, and sports to the pivotal role. In his new capacity, Mr. Butera will set strategy and oversee operations of the Company’s diversified portfolio of casinos resorts across Nevada, Missouri, and Iowa. He will also continue to oversee all print and online media platforms, including Daily Racing Form.
Mr. Butera is an industry veteran who has a history of leading growth and innovation at numerous companies. As CEO of SIG, he led initiatives to develop retail and business products and optimize ecommerce sales for the Daily Racing Form. Under his leadership, SIG experienced significant growth in market share and revenue. Previously, Mr. Butera served as President of Fubo Gaming at Fubo TV Inc. He has also held CEO and President positions at MGM Resorts International, the Arena Football League, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Tropicana Entertainment, and Trump Entertainment, among others. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment banker for more than a decade, gaining valuable financial expertise that he later applied to strategic decision-making in the gaming industry. Mr. Butera has a B.A. from Trinity College, where he served as a Trustee, and an MBA from New York University.
“Scott’s operating acumen and deep knowledge of the gaming and entertainment industries have helped AI and Sports Information Group expand product offerings and improve the sports and gaming experience for consumers around the world. I am confident Scott will integrate seamlessly into this expanded role, and under his leadership, Affinity will achieve greater success, continuing to deliver world-class experiences to nearly 1 million users and guests across platforms,” James J. Zenni Jr., Chairman of Affinity Interactive, said.
“Affinity’s mission to elevate the gaming industry through advanced technology and unparalleled customer offerings – both across digital media platforms as well as in-person gaming – remains a driving force behind the business’ success. I am eager to collaborate with Jim and leverage my familiarity with the business as well as my passion for driving innovative change to execute on AI’s long-term strategic priorities,” Mr. Butera said.
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