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Konami Gaming and Xailient Demonstrate Major Expansions to SYNK Vision at Las Vegas Global Gaming Expo
Konami Gaming Inc. and Xailient announced that SYNK Vision, the world’s only player facial recognition solution for Electronic Game Machines (EGM), has been expanded to provide instant recognition of casino players at table games. Konami will be demonstrating the solution at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas from October 8-10, 2024.
In 2023, the launch of SYNK Vision revolutionized player tracking and harm minimization by offering instant login capabilities for both carded (known) and optionally anonymous (unknown) players — eliminating the need for player loyalty cards, or other method of logging onto the player tracking system. Leveraging privacy-safe facial recognition technology from Xailient, Konami’s SYNK Vision addresses challenges such as identity fraud, duplicate player records, and gaps in player tracking data, even for anonymous users. By employing proprietary, secure facial recognition methods, SYNK Vision enables de-identified tracking of all players—whether carded or anonymous — closing loopholes in anti-money laundering procedures since all players are tracked and facilitating anonymous bonusing. Importantly, SYNK Vision is not limited to gaming environments; it can also recognize and reward players in non-gaming areas, offering a comprehensive solution that enhances the overall guest experience across various settings.
With the addition of SYNK Vision table games support, casinos can benefit from seamless player tracking at table games (both carded and refused name), for a consistent player experience across the property. SYNK Vision for tables uses smart cameras to detect players seated at the tables, integrating with the player ratings system to streamline operations and ensure accurate data entry. Artificial intelligence (AI) helps the casino staff by automating the tasks of player identification and player identity verification, removing opportunity for human error and speeding up the player experience from sit-down to buy-in.
“Table games staffs’ jobs keep getting harder, SYNK Vision returns the staff to their core role in customer service and entertainment faster. Staff enjoy interacting with players, but sometimes find the role of policing IDs, tracking AML an impediment to building rapport. This table game extension of SYNK Vision helps keep the fun,” said Tom Soukup, senior vice president & chief systems product officer at Konami Gaming Inc.
Smart cameras process AI inside the camera itself, instead of transmitting video for processing in servers or the cloud, and can easily be installed into EGM or on tables. This decentralized approach processing, known as “Edge AI”, dramatically reduces the costs associated with AI systems because existing networks and servers do not need to be upgraded. This approach also improves security and privacy.
Lars Oleson, chief executive officer of Xailient, said: “Edge AI is a game changer. Casinos can roll out this technology without major infrastructure upgrades, reducing cost, risk, and hassle. The bottom line is we can affordably deliver enhanced customer experience without sacrificing customer privacy. Together, we are setting the stage for the next generation of gaming experiences.”
SYNK Vision emphasizes secure identity management and harm minimization, ensuring a safer, more responsible, and personalized casino experience.
“In the Asia Pacific market, and Australia, under new regulatory constraints in particular, players’ secure and unique identity becomes key to good operational governance of casinos. Whether to ensure identity linked to AML transactions or identity of players redeeming promotional activity, SYNK Vision exclusively provides casinos with best practice technological solutions,” said Gerard Crosby, senior vice president & chief games product officer at Konami Gaming and director of Konami Australia Pty Ltd.
Jay Bertch, senior vice president & chief commercial officer at Konami Gaming, said: “Cards have known friction points, but the anonymous (or unknown player) is likely far larger than we can measure. Consider the situation that a player left their card in their room and are meeting friends for dinner. Will they play while they wait? Or, since they aren’t earning points, do they distract themselves with their phone? SYNK Vision removes that impediment to customer experience by enabling the player to ‘card-in’ via facial recognition.”
SYNK Vision is revolutionizing casino industry standards for harm minimization, secure identity management, and responsible gaming—realized through close strategic partnership between Konami Gaming and Xailient. SYNK Vision is testament to shared industry dedication to innovation and enhancing the overall casino experience.
G2E attendees are encouraged to visit booth #1256 at The Venetian Expo on October 8-10, 2024 to explore SYNK Vision and more Konami releases.
Two proven game technology companies are joining forces in what promises to be a devilish collaboration that disrupts the iGaming industry.
Design Works Gaming (DWG) and Bluberi Gaming announced an exciting partnership that will bring together DWG’s chart-topping LuckyTap™ mechanic and Bluberi’s top-performing titles.
Fueled by a unique mix of creativity, innovation and undeniable player appeal, Bluberi has made waves with their iconic games, including their breakout hit Devil’s Lock™.
Enter DWG — the team behind the proprietary LuckyTap™ mechanic. Known for blending simplicity with explosiveness, DWG’s games consistently top the charts and deliver next-level engagement.
“Devil’s Lock has always topped our favorites list when we hit the casino floor as a team. And just a few months ago, as we were trying our luck with the Devil, inspiration struck. We knew we could turn up the heat and reimagine this fan-favorite as a high-voltage LuckyTap™,” said founder and CEO of DWG Troy Zurawski. “Bluberi brings the legendary IP, and we bring the power of LuckyTap™.”
This partnership kicks off a new era for both companies—one where creative chaos reigns and boundaries are pushed. Together, DWG and Bluberi are cooking up gameplay that’s bold, mischievous and unruly.
“Partnering with Design Works Gaming marks a new milestone in iGaming for Bluberi’s iGaming strategy,” said Scott Richards, VP of Commercial Strategy at Bluberi. “DWG’s LuckyTap™ is a proven game-changing technology that pushes boundaries and resonates with Bluberi’s approach to developing unique gaming experiences. Our teams share a passion for pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable player experiences. We can’t wait to unveil what we’re creating together.”
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) reported that, a little more than a year after having implemented the law that regulates the online sector, it has been able to reduce by 40% the offer of illegal games in digital platforms and applications.
In a public statement, the Executive portfolio in charge of regulating gambling also highlighted that, thanks to the inspection work, 15% of the illegal websites “have left the Peruvian market” and that “payment methods providers and financial entities have been contacted to block services to unauthorized operators”.
Based on this, Mincetur highlighted that “Peru has managed to position itself as a regional referent in the integral regulation of gambling” and that, through the normative framework, it was possible to “protect the consumer, guarantee transparency in the operations and promote the formal and sustainable economic development”.
The Ministry highlighted that with the implementation of Law No 31557, which regulates sports betting and online games, “the country became the third country in Latin America to establish clear regulations for this activity”.
“Since its entry into force in February 2024, 60 technological platforms have been authorized and 280 linked service providers have been registered, as well as the accreditation of nine international certification laboratories,” Mincetur said.
In this regard, the Ministry stated that “this regulation has made it possible to formalize the digital sector, promoting an environment of trust for both operators and users.” At the same time, it has allowed “new investment opportunities, boosting the digitalization of entertainment and strengthening the country’s tax collection”.
ToonieBet, Soft2Bet’s flagship online casino and sportsbook for Ontario, has officially launched its sportsbook on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The platform is tailored specifically for local players, offering a dynamic betting experience with a broad range of sports events and competitive odds. The platform also features personalised promotions and loyalty rewards designed to match the preferences of Ontario’s diverse betting community.
The sportsbook uses official data feeds, ensuring players have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information on top local and international sports events. Additionally, the platform offers live broadcasting with real-time match analytics, allowing users to make informed betting decisions as events unfold. Integrated with MEGA and advanced player account management features, the operator is committed to delivering a seamless and responsible gaming environment that enhances the overall player experience while supporting local sports initiatives.
As part of this launch, the platform has also introduced a Sportsbook section on its official website, expanding its portfolio and bringing more choice to its growing customer base. With access to over 85,000 live events each month and more than 70,000 pre-match events across a wide range of sports, players now have even more ways to bet on what they love. Soft2Bet’s Canadian brand invites all players to explore its standout online casino and the full spectrum of sports betting, all delivered through a fast, secure, and fully localised platform.
Since its debut at the end of 2024, ToonieBet has offered a fast, fair, and secure online casino and sportsbook experience, fully localised for Ontario’s vibrant gaming market. The Apple App and Google Play additions further enhance accessibility, bringing ToonieBet’s premium entertainment to players on the go.
Additionally, this milestone complements the operator’s recent partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, which made ToonieBet the Official Online Casino Partner of the team. The partnership includes in-arena branding, digital promotions, and fan engagement initiatives like social contests, allowing ToonieBet to connect with Ontario sports fans in exciting ways and offering chances to win team merchandise and tickets.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Soft2Bet’s Chief Product Officer, said: “As Soft2Bet continues our rapid growth, we are excited to provide Ontario players with access to ToonieBet’s sportsbook which is now available on the Apple App and Google Play Store, offering seamless access to a customised experience tailored for the province’s passionate gaming community.”
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