Latest News
Konami Gaming and Xailient Demonstrate Major Expansions to SYNK Vision at Las Vegas Global Gaming Expo
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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.
Latest News
Grover Gaming announces $1.05 billion sale of charitable gaming assets to Light & Wonder, Inc.
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Grover Gaming, Inc. and G2 Gaming, Inc. (together, “Grover Gaming”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its charitable gaming assets (“Grover Charitable Gaming”) for a total consideration of up to $1.05 billion to Light & Wonder, Inc. (“Light & Wonder,” or “L&W”)
The total consideration of the sale consists of the following:
- $850 million cash, payable upon closing of the transaction and subject to customary purchase price adjustments
- Contingent cash consideration of up to $200 million, subject to the achievement of certain financial targets through 2028
Privately owned by Garrett Blackwelder, Grover Charitable Gaming was founded in 2013 and currently has an installed base of over 10,000 leased electronic pull-tab units across five U.S. States (ND, OH, VA, KY, NH) operating under a recurring revenue model.
Grover Charitable Gaming has developed long-standing and persistent relationships with charitable customers in the states that it operates, underpinned by a dedicated local team of service technicians and relationship managers.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Blackwelder will collaborate with Light & Wonder to help drive the continued success of the business over the next four years.
The Company expects the transaction to close during the second quarter of 2025, subject to required regulatory and other approvals and customary closing conditions.
Post acquisition, Light & Wonder will operate the business with a combination of Grover Gaming and Light & Wonder employees.
“Grover Gaming is a leading player in charitable gaming, a category that has experienced significant growth in recent years,” said Matt Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Light & Wonder. “This transaction complements our position as the leading cross-platform global games company by adding another compelling regulated adjacency to our profile.”
“Importantly, there are exciting incremental revenue opportunities to be realized by leveraging Light & Wonder’s proven land-based gaming content to a new and loyal customer base. We look forward to continuing to partner with Grover Gaming’s customers, building on its strong dedication to customer service,” Mr. Wilson concluded.
“I am very thankful for all of our Grover Gaming teammates and how hard they work every day,” said Garrett Blackwelder, CEO and Founder of Grover Gaming. “I’m also grateful for our customers’ loyalty over the past two decades. We realize without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Light & Wonder is an ideal partner for us, given our similar company cultures and dedication to innovation and customer service.”
“The real winners are the charities and fraternals in these markets, because of the exciting game content L&W brings to the table,” said Kevin Morse, Chief Development Officer of Grover Gaming. “We are excited to see Charitable Gaming taken to a new level.”
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is serving as legal advisor to Grover Gaming in connection with the transaction.
View original content: prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases
Canada
Wyzia Renews Canadian Partnership With Betty
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Wyzia, the pioneering Canadian online payment solutions provider for regulated markets, is celebrating the renewal of its highly successful ongoing partnership with Betty, Ontario’s premier online slots casino.
This partnership, which began in 2023, is key to Wyzia’s expansion across North America. It supports players of Betty, an online casino catering to female players whose business is supported by Wyzia’s innovative, secure, and robust payment management solutions.
Wyzia is at the forefront of Canada’s fintech landscape, pioneering seamless online payment solutions for regulated markets. Its innovative platform connects merchants directly to all Canadian financial institutions, simplifying transactions and empowering businesses with reliable, efficient financial tools.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate a year of working with Betty with the renewal of our agreement,” said Guy Fietz, Group CEO at Wyzia. “Our collaboration has not only expanded our reach but enhanced the payment experience for Betty’s growing community of players.
“We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration and driving further innovation in the online gaming industry.”
Betty is the only platform created specifically for Ontario slot players. In 2024, Betty has enjoyed unprecedented growth, with a tenfold increase in net revenue since January and over 1000% growth in active players across Ontario.
By fostering a fun, safe, and supportive environment, Betty has harnessed the power of the female gaming audience to create a unique online casino experience. Betty focuses on transparency, community-based play, and gamification of the traditional slot experience.
This player-focused model has allowed Betty to stand out from other services, resulting in phenomenal growth and the ability to retain female players at a rate three times higher than their male counterparts.
Additionally, Betty automatically processes 99% of withdrawals, so players quickly receive their funds, a crucial benefit for online slot players.
“Our partnership with Wyzia has been instrumental in providing our players with a seamless, fast, and secure payment experience,” said Chavdar Dimitrov, Founder and CEO at Betty. “We are excited about the growth we’ve achieved together and are committed to delivering even better services to our community in the future.”
Latest News
Aaron Mollura Becomes Director of Marketing & Promotions at Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino
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Aaron Mollura has become the Director of Marketing & Promotions at the recently opened Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino.
Mollura will be looking to establish the new resort as the premier entertainment destination in South Central Florida, while attracting guests from both coasts of the state.
“Aaron has extensive experience in the casino industry, so we’re happy he’s joined the team. He’s going to be a tremendous asset going forward,” said General Manager Marty Johns.
Mollura started his casino career in 2004 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in the Players Club. After a stint as Player Development Manager (he oversaw all casino hosts), he transferred to the former Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield, Ohio where he was the Director of Marketing. He helped make it the number one property in Ohio.
In 2017, Mollura moved to the Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he held the positions of Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Food & Beverage. He oversaw the property’s sale and its construction expansion from a riverboat to a fully land based casino.
Three years ago, Mollura relocated back to Cape Coral, Florida and worked as Vice President of Marketing for a consortium of 38 home service repair providers around the country.
“I knew I missed the casino industry, so when I saw the opportunity at Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino, I just had to pursue it. It’s an exciting time for sure,” said Mollura.
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