Latest News
AZ Billions Launches World’s First Alphabet Lottery with a MIRACL Authentication

The world’s first alphabet lottery, AZ Billions, launches today, Wednesday, August 9, energizing the lottery market with an innovative new letter-based concept and using the single-step, passwordless, multi-factor authentication, MIRACL as its login of choice.
AZ Billions is a brand-new lottery, uniquely using letters instead of traditional numbers in this exciting new game. And, as an online first experience, it is vital that the player experience is as clean and friction-free as possible, which is why selecting the smoothest multi-factor authentication available is key to maximize player enjoyment.
“After years of hard work, we are delighted to be launching AZ Billions today,” the Chief Executive Officer for XHL, Craig Austin, said. “We love the idea of using letters instead of numbers for a lottery game and seeing it coming to life is fantastic. We’re also delighted to be partnering with MIRACL to ensure all players have the most secure yet smoothest login experience from the start. Want to give it a go? Why not try AZ Billions out for yourself; you might get lucky.”
MIRACL is the fastest, single-step, passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the market. Unlike other multi-factor authenticators, it only requires one step for the user to authenticate, thus play is seamless and any loss of revenue due to clunky login alternatives is entirely reduced. With a proven login success rate of 99.9%, it makes MIRACL an ideal solution for this innovative and dynamic new lottery.
“MIRACL is fast becoming the authentication system of choice for online lotteries so it’s great to be partnering with AZ Billions as its launches this great take on the ever-popular lottery,” the Chief Executive Officer for MIRACL, Rob Griffin, said. “We’ve witnessed the incredible financial impact our single-step multi-factor authentication has provided other global lottery providers and it’s inspiring to see AZ Billions integrate our technology from its launch. Huge congratulations to AZ Billions for launching today and we look forward to supporting in any way we can to give its players the smoothest login experience possible.”
MIRACL eliminates the need for outdated security practices such as passwords, SMS Texts, push notifications and key-cards. The use of true two-factor authentication coupled with the latest Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) patented technology means no personal data is stored or transmitted and there are no ‘honey-pots’ of data exposed to attack, ensuring MIRACL Trust is completely GDPR friendly too. With a simple two second login via PIN or biometric, MIRACL customers see login success rates as high as 99.997%.
Conferences
Merkur Group to Exhibit its Gaming Innovations at G2E in Las Vegas

Merkur Group has confirmed its participation at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2025 in Las Vegas.
From October 7 to 9, 2025, the internationally successful gaming expert from Germany, together with its sister companies and strategic partners, will exhibit its extensive portfolio of premium jackpot systems, captivating games, and state-of-the-art cabinets at stands 3353 and 3650.
“The G2E has long been one of the most important industry events for the Merkur Group – especially because it provides us with an ideal opportunity to welcome our international customers, in particular from Latin America, into the Merkur World and to foster personal interaction. Since receiving our manufacturing and distribution license for the State of Nevada just a few months ago, the show has taken on even greater significance for us. I am confident that G2E will play a key role in strengthening existing relationships, establishing promising new contacts, and driving our business activities in the North- and South American market with a future-oriented approach,” said Dominik Raasch, Management Board Member of Merkur Games.
This will be achieved in part through an impressive product showcase, the centerpiece of which will undoubtedly be the company’s latest content portfolio. Among the highlights, the German gaming powerhouse will present the Link Overdrive jackpot system – first unveiled at ICE 2025 – which has been winning over players with its high-frequency Jackpot feature, free games with additional Diamond Reels, and its distinctive Big Reel feature. Another standout is the brand-new Link Palace Linked Progressive Jackpot System. Featuring a total of four different games, it invites guests into diverse gaming worlds where they can encounter Wild Reels, Free Spins, and Symbol Boosts as they play for substantial rewards.
Having become a true player favorite in its home market of Germany – thanks in large part to its thrilling Hold & Spin Mechanic – the Jackpot Feature Dragor is now set to make its international debut as Merkur Gaming brings this highly popular, adrenaline-charged System to the global stage. Another promising content highlight in the German company’s portfolio will be the successful M-Prime multigame package. Distinguished by its clear, user-friendly menu design and highly intuitive player interface, M-Prime also delivers an even more immersive gaming experience through the addition of new game titles, harmonized soundscapes, and cohesive win animations.
Merkur Gaming will highlight its content creations on its latest cabinet family, Mod Ex. This innovative line stands out for its unique modularity, enabling customers to configure the monitor, body, and base entirely according to their operational needs and the preferences of their players. At G2E, the Mod Ex 332 and Mod Ex J55 will be on display. In addition, Merkur Gaming will feature its content on the internationally acclaimed Zonic Trio, which continues to impress operators and players alike with its ergonomically arranged 31.5-inch Full HD screens.
As in previous years, Merkur Gaming will be joined by additional subsidiaries and strategic partners of the Merkur Group at the booth with the iconic laughing sun. Building on last year’s success – Gaming Arts presented itself together with Merkur Gaming at a joint stand for the first time at G2E 2024 – the Las Vegas-based partner will once again be part of the expansive Merkur World. Among others, Gaming Arts will showcase its two brand-new products, “Glory of Giza” and “Eternal Riches”, at this year’s fair. Each title features two individual games, presented on the Mod Ex J55, delivering fresh and exciting content for operators’ gaming floors.
Moreover, the cash handling experts from GeWeTe will make an impression in Las Vegas with their machine-optimized solutions for banknote and coin validation, dispensing, and recycling, while the software supplier Bede Gaming will give guests exciting insights into its high-performance gaming platform. Also returning to the Merkur exhibition space is strategic partner and Slovenian ETG specialist Spintec, showcasing an extensive portfolio of electronic table games. Their latest Charisma line features a diverse range of automated, virtual/video, and live games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, and Sic Bo. Recognized as the Best ETG in Asia and proven to be a top-performing ETG in Western Europe and LATAM, Charisma has set new benchmarks for excellence in electronic table gaming.
“The anticipation for G2E is immense. Engaging with industry colleagues, customers, and long-standing partners during the event, and presenting our latest product developments in such a distinguished setting, is a valuable opportunity for us every year. I am confident that G2E 2025 will once again be a resounding success – not only for us but for the entire industry,” says Dominik Raasch.
Gambling in the USA
MGCB Wins Platinum dotCOMM Award for “Mini Me” Responsible Gaming Commercial

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has earned a 2025 Platinum dotCOMM Award—the competition’s highest honor—for its “Mini Me” commercial, part of the agency’s Don’t Regret the Bet responsible gaming campaign. The spot won top recognition in the Social Media Marketing – Use of Video category, honoring creativity and excellence in digital communication.
Developed to reach young adults ages 18-24—a demographic research shows is at heightened risk of gambling-related harm—“Mini Me” combines hand-drawn animation with live-action footage to deliver a lighthearted yet impactful reminder about making smart choices when it comes to gambling. The approachable tone was designed to engage without stigma or judgment, helping the message resonate with its intended audience.
In just six months, the video generated strong engagement across Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Gas Station TV (GSTV), and other digital platforms, including:
• 255,781 impressions
• 149,345 individuals reached
• 13,059 clicks—more than any other ad in the MGCB’s campaign
• On GSTV, 2.2 million+ impressions and a 100% completion rate, surpassing industry benchmarks by 10%
“Winning a Platinum dotCOMM Award underscores the effectiveness of our responsible gaming messaging. The ‘Mini Me’ spot was intentionally designed to speak to young adults in a way that is approachable, relatable, and memorable. This recognition affirms that our message is not only being heard, but also making an impact,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
The MGCB previously earned a Platinum dotCOMM Award in 2023 alongside King Media for the launch of the Don’t Regret the Bet integrated marketing campaign, which continues to expand its reach across Michigan.
Launched in March 2023, Don’t Regret the Bet aims to prevent gambling problems before they start and reduce the number of people in Michigan who develop a serious gambling addiction. The MGCB and King Media have collaborated on a wide range of responsible gaming messages reaching Michiganders across multiple platforms — including broadcast TV and radio, point-of-sale video ads at gas stations, digital billboards, social media, streaming services, and podcasts.
“We’re proud to see the ‘Mini Me’ spot recognized on an international stage. From the very beginning of our partnership with the MGCB, our focus has been on creating work that not only stands out creatively, but also makes a measurable difference in people’s lives. This award validates the power of that mission—and it inspires us to keep pushing forward in our shared commitment to prevent problem gambling before it starts,” said Coleen King, president and founder of King Media.
Latest News
Internet Vikings Supports Games Global with Transition to In-State VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Internet Vikings, a licensed hosting provider for the U.S. iGaming and online sports betting industry, has entered into an agreement with Games Global to provide in-state hosting infrastructure that addressed challenges and ensures a more reliable, modern, and fully managed solution.
Earlier this year, Games Global approached Internet Vikings to explore alternatives that could deliver improved stability, efficiency, and ease of management. After reviewing the options presented by Internet Vikings, Games Global chose their VMware Cloud – Fully Managed Infrastructure as a Service.
This solution provides benefits such as:
• Supports greater efficiencies for Games Global and the ability to run in-state hardware
• Modern technology ensures reliability, scalability, and efficiency
• Virtual resources, hardware, and connectivity are fully managed by Internet Vikings
• Immediate access and faster deployment
Internet Vikings implementation was completed in just two weeks, delivering a large-scale environment with speed and precision. Games Global expressed satisfaction with the modernized setup.
“To deliver world-class gaming content, we rely on both reliable infrastructure and a trusted partner. Internet Vikings offers a fully managed infrastructure solution, supported by a dedicated team that ensures all of our in-state infrastructure needs are met,” said Jen Cohen, Chief Information Officer at Games Global.
Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings added, “We built our in-state VMware Cloud offering to take full responsibility for performance, security, and scalability. This partnership is a perfect example of how the right infrastructure provider can remove complexity and deliver immediate results.”
The collaboration is running smoothly, with both companies reporting strong operational performance and integration. The partnership is positioned for continued growth over the coming years.
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