Zoe Ebling, VP of Interactive at AGS

In today’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape, the potential to deliver entertaining experiences across both digital and physical platforms has become a real advantage, especially in markets where land-based still reigns supreme. Suppliers that operate both in the land-based and online sphere, have a real competitive edge. This is something that AGS has recognised and therefore positioned itself at the forefront of omni-channel gaming. By combining the best of both worlds, innovative online offerings with the proven success of land-based gaming, AGS is setting new industry benchmarks that many competitors have yet to achieve.

Unique capability

Omni-channel gaming isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a specialized approach that bridges the gap between online players and brick-and-mortar players in environments where both exist. AGS’s strategy is built on the understanding that while many suppliers excel in either digital or land-based sectors, very few can successfully merge the two.

Having a portfolio that spans both realms allows suppliers to blend time-tested content with innovative digital features, resulting in a richer, more dynamic experience that drives player loyalty and boosts in-game engagement.

Traditional gaming floors have long been a cornerstone of player engagement, and AGS has built on this foundation by adapting its best-selling titles for the digital space. This approach is working particularly well in North America, where players are often already familiar with the games offered on the casino floors, and appreciate a similar experience on their digital devices. But the portfolio is also performing well in mature European markets where video slots are more prominent, highlighting the appeal that the flair of Vegas has around the globe.

Merging innovation with expertise

At the heart of AGS’s omni-channel evolution is its forward-thinking interactive studio. Operating as a distinct entity while enjoying robust support from the broader AGS infrastructure, the interactive team embodies the agile startup mentality that fuels rapid innovation.

This dedicated division has been instrumental in orchestrating coordinated efforts between online and land-based teams to deliver integrated solutions. One such example is the first-of-its-kind simultaneous launch of its Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey® game at Caesars Atlantic City and Caesars Palace Online Casino in 2024. This pioneering move has been followed by additional omni-channel event opportunities with other operators, underscoring the appeal and strength of having games live in both verticals at the same time.

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Through regular cross-departmental collaboration, the studio has now refined processes that allow for synchronised development timelines and optimised game placement strategies, ensuring that every launch not only meets but exceeds player expectations.

Shaping the future of gaming

The success of AGS’s omni-channel initiatives is more than just a series of isolated achievements, it signals a broader shift in the industry. As player preferences evolve and technology continues to advance, the integration of online and physical gaming experiences will become an increasingly important tool for operators and suppliers alike.

Despite hundreds of new online games being launched every week, many with innovative mechanics and features, there is still great value in the more traditional content offered on casino floors.

A large demographic of online players prefer this type of content, cementing the opportunities presented for land-based suppliers to venture into the digital realm, by bringing their proven classics to online casinos.

Although it still has its challenges, the expertise, time and resources invested into developing a game for cabinets indicates that the supplier really believes in the content and porting it online should be a natural part of that process.

For game developers operating in both the online and land-based spheres, the advantages are significant. This dual-market approach not only offers a competitive edge over online-only studios, but also ensures that titles originally popular in casinos continue to dominate the slot rankings for years to come.

Pollard Banknote Limited has congratulated the Maryland Lottery on the launch of its Back to the Future-inspired $2 scratch-off game. The lottery industry’s inaugural game featuring this licensed brand, available exclusively through Pollard Banknote, offers Maryland Lottery players a top prize of $10,000 and the opportunity to win cash prizes through second-chance draws.

Back to the Future is a legendary film from Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures that has remained immensely popular since its release in theaters in 1985. To celebrate this timeless film, the Maryland Lottery timed the launch of its scratch-off game to coincide with the film’s 40th anniversary, incorporating the commemorative “40” logo into the design. The ticket additionally features multiple iconic references to the trilogy, such as The Time Machine, OUTATIME license plate, and Doc Brown’s loyal dog, Einstein, evoking memories of these films among fans of all generations.

The Lottery’s comprehensive marketing campaign likewise leverages highly recognizable themes from the franchise to generate some serious gigawatts of excitement about the Back to the Future scratch-off, including point-of-sale posters, billboards, digital and social media ads, and radio spots. To make the most of this significant landmark, other lotteries are lacing up their high-tops and following in the Maryland Lottery’s footsteps by launching Back to the Future scratch-off games this year.

“Back to the Future hits a sweet spot for anyone who remembers the 1980s — or the 1950s, for that matter. It’s a timeless franchise that really resonates with Lottery players because it taps into the fondness for the past, but it can also help to engage people with the novelty of a new game. We’re thrilled to bring that nostalgia to life with the Back to the Future ticket,” Solomon Ramsey, Managing Director of Sales and Marketing at Maryland Lottery, said.

“Back to the Future is one of the most iconic franchises of all time and will help lotteries maximize player engagement and proceeds for good causes. We’re incredibly excited for the Maryland Lottery to launch the first scratch-off game based on this storied franchise, and the 40th anniversary is the perfect chance to reawaken the excitement of the original film,” Brad Thompson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pollard Banknote, said.

The St. Louis Cardinals and bet365 announced that they have entered into a multi-year marketing partnership that makes the leading sports betting brand the first-ever Official Mobile Sports Betting Partner of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The new sponsorship agreement includes advertising rights on the Cardinals radio broadcasts, Cardinals Insider TV show, cardinals.com, and signage at the ballpark that will be visible on television broadcasts, along with the use of the team logo and sponsorship of the team’s starting lineups at Busch Stadium.

As part of the new agreement, bet365 will also receive naming rights to the all-inclusive bet365 Bridge located on the second level in right-centerfield. The ticketed, outdoor seating deck includes reserved seats and an all-inclusive menu featuring ballpark fare, plus complimentary Budweiser, Bud Light and Coca-Cola products. Tickets to the bet365 Bridge for the upcoming season are on-sale now at cardinals.com/allinclusive.

“bet365 is proud to announce our partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. We are excited to bring a world class mobile sports betting experience to the Show-Me-State,” a bet365 spokesperson said.

“We are thrilled to welcome bet365 as the club’s official mobile sports betting partner. This partnership adds a new and exciting element to the fan experience which can be activated at Busch Stadium or any place that fans watch and follow Cardinals baseball,” Bill DeWitt III, President of the St. Louis Cardinals, said.