awards
Bally’s Chicago Casino Wins Better Business Bureau’s 2024 Torch Award for Ethics

Bally’s Chicago Casino has won a 2024 Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Chicago and Northern Illinois. The award recognizes Bally’s Chicago’s commitment to fair, honest and ethical business practices.
“It is an honor for Bally’s Chicago Casino to be recognized by the Better Business Bureau as an organization that exemplifies excellent business ethics in our very first year of operations in Chicago,” said George Papanier, President of Bally’s Corporation.
The BBB’s Torch Award honors companies that demonstrate the highest level of ethical standards and trust with customers, business partners, shareholders and the communities in which they do business. This year, the award was presented to only seven businesses in the Chicago region. An independent panel of reviewers assessed applicants in four areas: character, culture, customer and community.
Bally’s Chicago Casino earned the Torch Award for Ethics in the “500-1,499 employees” category by demonstrating how it operates with integrity, care and trustworthiness.
Since the September 2023 opening of the temporary casino at the Medinah Temple in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Bally’s Chicago Casino has welcomed over 1.4 million visitors, trained more than 200 students in its dealer school, hosted job and vendor fairs, and contributed to the community through charitable giving and volunteerism.
Bally’s Chicago Casino has also largely exceeded hiring goals at the temporary casino:
Total jobs: 655 (91% full-time)
Minority: 535 (82% – exceeds 60% target)
Women: 309 (47% – exceeds 45% target)
Veterans: 12 (2% – below 5% target)
Persons with disabilities: 59 (9% – exceeds 5% target)
Chicago residents: 460 (70% – exceeds 50% target)
Bally’s Chicago Casino has also built strong relationships with its vendors and partners, including those involved in the demolition and construction of the future casino, hotel and entertainment destination on the former site of the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
Since opening its temporary location at the Medinah Temple in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in September 2023, Bally’s Chicago Casino has organized community engagement events, worked with workforce development organizations, hosted vendor fairs – including a diversity vendor fair – and begun demolition in preparation for a Fall 2026 opening.
“This recognition would not be possible without the dedication of our entire team and our collective commitment to our Bally’s values,” said Papanier.
awards
Amusnet Nominated for Casino Supplier of the Year: Latin America at the 2025 SBC Awards

Amusnet is proud to announce its nomination for Casino Supplier of the Year: Latin America at the prestigious SBC Awards, taking place during the SBC Summit Americas on 14 May 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Organized by SBC, the awards recognize and celebrate expertise and excellence across the sports betting and gaming industries.
This renowned nomination highlights Amusnet’s growth and regional impact across Latin America – one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving gaming markets worldwide.
“Being nominated and recognized as one of the key players in one of the most dynamic gaming regions is a strong affirmation that we are on the right path,” said Daniel de los Rios, LATAM Head of Marketing, Commercial, and Account Management at Amusnet. “We will continue to strengthen our presence, contribute to the growth of the industry, and elevate the player experience across Latin America.”
Amusnet’s success in the region is driven by a dedicated regional team, a deep understanding of local industry dynamics, and a strong focus on culturally relevant content and localized player experiences. With over 180 certified games in Brazil alone, strategic partnerships with top-tier operators, and high-impact campaigns, the company has built a portfolio that resonates strongly with players across the region. The company currently maintains an active presence in Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and other key markets, collaborating with leading operators who share its commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
The SBC Awards Americas ceremony is a key highlight of the SBC Summit Americas, taking place from 13–15 May 2025 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. This major industry gathering will host over 10,000 professionals from across North, Central, and South America, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring current developments in sports betting and iGaming. Amusnet will actively participate in the SBC Summit Americas, engaging with industry leaders, presenting its newest releases and top-performing products, and continuing to strengthen its presence in the region.
The company is honored to be recognized among the region’s top providers and looks forward to celebrating the industry’s achievements at this year’s SBC Awards Americas.
awards
Quick Custom Intelligence Joins Theo Awards as Silver Sponsor, Expanding Support of Casino DMA’s Mission

Casino Direct Marketing Association (Casino DMA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing casino marketing through education and connection, is proud to announce that Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has signed on as a Silver Sponsor of the upcoming Theo Awards. This new sponsorship marks an exciting expansion of QCI’s support for Casino DMA’s mission and programs.
“Marketing for casinos is a unique challenge, blending creative artistry with data science,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at QCI. “We’re grateful to Casino DMA for the opportunity to sponsor this event and eager to hear the stories that emerge. It’s this kind of sharing that makes our industry stronger.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome QCI as a sponsor,” said Steven Paci, president of Casino DMA. “Their commitment to innovation and excellence in casino marketing perfectly aligns with our goal of elevating and celebrating the work of our industry’s brightest minds.”
awards
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at East Coast Gaming Congress

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International (HRI) and Hard Rock Digital and Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC). Allen accepted the award in a ceremony at ECGC, the longest-running gaming conference in the United States, in his hometown, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Allen is the seventh person to receive this award in the nearly 30-year ECGC history. ECGC honored Allen for his nearly 45-year career which has made him one of the most influential leaders in the global gaming and hospitality industry. During Allen’s tenure, Seminole Hard Rock and HRI have demonstrated exceptional hospitality and financial performance, setting industry benchmarks with their success.
Responsible for all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations at the Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF) since 2001, Allen has guided the development of Seminole Gaming into one of the world’s most successful casino and integrated resort operators, with seven casino locations throughout Florida, including the world’s first Guitar Hotel, which opened in October 2019.
Allen led STOF’s 2007 acquisition of HRI, the first of a major international company by a North American Indian Tribe, which has expanded its global presence from 46 to nearly 80 countries and over 300 locations including Hard Rock cafes, hotels, casinos, Rock Shops and live music venues.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard-working team at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, whose dedication and passion have driven our success. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Seminole Tribe of Florida for their continued leadership and am proud of what we have accomplished – from expanding our global footprint, to innovating in the gaming and hospitality industries, and forming incredible alliances with icons in entertainment and sports. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence. Thank you to the East Coast Gaming Congress for this incredible honor,” said Allen.
Allen has led the evolution of the hospitality company that is synonymous with music entertainment to also include sports entertainment, while maintaining its deep-rooted music history. Over the last few years, Hard Rock has established strategic partnerships among the greats of Formula 1, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and local sports teams. In addition, Allen was instrumental in ushering in a new era of gaming in Florida with the introduction of craps, roulette and sports betting to Seminole Hard Rock hotels and casinos.
For the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, Allen is serving on the Miami Host Committee Board of Directors alongside a diverse group of leaders in business development, sports management, event planning and community engagement. In 2020, Allen launched the joint venture Hard Rock Digital, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Additionally, Hard Rock partnered with the Miami Dolphins ownership to brand Hard Rock Stadium and become the first casino brand to achieve NFL stadium naming rights based on Hard Rock’s perception as a hospitality and entertainment company versus just a casino company.
The American Gaming Association inducted Allen into the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024 for making significant contributions to the industry. The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) recognized Allen as a 2023 Unity Gala Honoree for his exceptional service to MWBE contractors. In 2020, Allen was inducted into the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla. Junior Achievement of South Florida named Allen a Business Hall of Fame Laureate in 2019.
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