Gaming Arts, LLC and Evolution, through its dedicated land-based slot games partner Bluhare Studios, announced a landmark collaboration to adapt a select group of Evolution’s most celebrated online slot titles for the land-based Class III gaming market. This partnership combines proven game mechanics, strong brand recognition, innovative features, and Gaming Arts’ suite of high-performance MOD EX cabinets to deliver products designed to meet the expectations of today’s land-based casino players.

The first wave of releases is scheduled for Q4 2025 in North America and will be available across Gaming Arts’ latest cabinet line-up: the MOD EX J55, MOD EX 227, and MOD EX 337. Four titles will lead the launch, each carrying a strong legacy in online gaming along with exciting new enhancements for the casino floor.

Divine Fortune has been a global standout since its debut, ranking as the number one title for Evolution in the United States. Performing well in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and in all states it can be found online. It’s no surprise it has inspired successful online sequels such as Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. Now, this player favorite will make its long-awaited land-based debut. Developed in collaboration with Gaming Arts, Divine Fortune Ascensionbuilds on the success of the original with a fresh twist, introducing an all-new three-pot perceived persistence feature designed to heighten engagement.

Starburst, released in 2012, is one of the most recognizable slot titles in online gaming history and Evolution’s top performer globally. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, it has remained a staple for over a decade, inspiring sequels such as Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy. Starburst Supernovareimagines this classic with a multiplayer-enabled format, launching as part of a two-game multi-pack. Both titles will feature a new perceived persistent bonus mechanic that culminates in a hold-and-spin feature, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already proven brand.

This collaboration also creates new opportunities for integrated marketing campaigns across both online and land-based platforms, reinforcing brand engagement and building stronger connections with players.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Evolution team, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gambling markets.  This partnership allows us to work with two of Evolution’s most celebrated titles and bring them to a brand new player base”, said Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer, Gaming Arts.

“Bringing these iconic titles to land-based casinos represents a major step forward for Gaming Arts,” said Rob Ziems, CEO of Gaming Arts. “This collaboration goes beyond simply combining Evolution’s exceptional game brands with our latest MOD EX hardware. We are working closely with Evolution to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play while also innovating and modernizing them to create fresh, engaging experiences that will truly resonate with today’s casino players.”

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, said: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction; from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift. This collaboration allows us to bring our world-class IP to the incredibly talented team at Gaming Arts, and watching them work their land-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”

At this year’s Global Gaming Expo, NOVOMATIC will unveil a slate of products designed to turn heads on the casino floor and, more importantly, drive measurable returns for operators. The portfolio balances spectacle with substance, showcasing the company’s dual commitment to entertainment and profitability.

Cabinets with presence

Taking center stage is the U.S. debut of the DIAMOND X™ 1.55J Quattro, a cabinet that has already earned international acclaim and is now poised to reshape the North American market. Its sweeping 55-inch J-curved UHD display, paired with an immersive TouchDeck™ interface and integrated sound system, delivers a cinematic experience. When deployed in four- and six-bank configurations, the DIAMOND X™ 1.55J Quattro becomes a floor-dominating anchor designed to draw players from across the room.

Alongside it, NOVOMATIC presents the V.I.P. X™ cabinet series, a family of machines built as much for spectacle as for player comfort. The lineup includes the V.I.P. X Royal™ 1.85, V.I.P. X Dream™ 2.43/3.43, V.I.P. X Lounge™ 2.32, and the commanding V.I.P. X Galaxy™ 2.65. With oversized UHD screens, ambient lighting, and luxury seating, these cabinets push the boundaries of what slot entertainment can look like. The V.I.P. X Galaxy™, with its dual 65-inch displays, swiveling TouchDeck™, and fully integrated “Viper” lounge chair, redefines centerpiece design for extended play.

Games built for performance

On the content front, NOVOMATIC is placing a spotlight on RISING TREASURES™, a Multiple Feature suite on the NOVO LINE™ platform. By layering Free Games, Xtra Spins, and Prize Upgrades into one package, it delivers the kind of variety that keeps players engaged and operators confident in performance.

Also making its debut is ULTRA BOOST™ LINK 3 Treasures, the latest extension of a player-favorite franchise. Its three-pot bonus mechanic, paired with a dynamic reel-matrix feature, offers a blend of frequent wins and long-term jackpot anticipation, striking a balance between accessibility and thrill. Rounding out the lineup are fresh titles like XTENSION LINK™ Evolution and Piggy Prizes – Wish of Riches, broadening the company’s already diverse library. NOVOMATIC Americas has built notable success in Puerto Rico’s Street Market and continues to place a strategic emphasis on Street Market VGTs overall. Through its “Street Smart” focus, the company is committed to delivering localized, performance-driven game content that supports operators.

“Our focus is clear: deliver innovation that performs. The cabinets we are launching, the content we are expanding, and the systems we are advancing are all designed to give operators a tangible advantage on their floor. At G2E, we’re not just showing products – we’re showing a strategy built for lasting operator profitability” said Jakob Rothwangl, Managing Director, NOVOMATIC Americas.

Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales and Product Management at NOVOMATIC AG, adds: “At G2E 2025, we are showcasing the full breadth of NOVOMATIC’s innovation power – from cabinets with iconic design to premium game content and future-ready systems. What makes our portfolio stand out is not only the visual and entertainment value, but the way it consistently translates into strong performance for our customers.”

Advertisement

Beyond the reel

NOVOMATIC’s G2E presence extends well past slot machines. Novo Unity™ Pro, the company’s flagship Electronic Table Games platform, allows multiple live, automated, and virtual games – from Roulette and Baccarat to Poker and Blackjack – to be played through a single terminal. For operators, it is a way to expand game variety without expanding footprint.

For the systems sector, NOVOMATIC presents the NOVOVISION™ Casino Management System, a modular suite of applications built to handle the complexities of modern gaming operations. From biometrically supported cashless gaming and real-time analytics to sophisticated player tracking and loyalty dynamics, NOVOVISION™ equips operators with tools to run smarter floors and cultivate deeper player engagement.

A market statement

Together, the DIAMOND X™ 1.55J Quattro, the V.I.P. X™ series, RISING TREASURES™, ULTRA BOOST™ LINK 3 Treasures, Novo Unity™ Pro, NOVOVISION™, and localized game content for Puerto Rico reflect NOVOMATIC Americas’ strategic vision: uniting design and technology to captivate players, empower operators, and build a lasting competitive edge in rapidly evolving markets.

Join us at the NOVOMATIC booth #1259 in Las Vegas to experience firsthand what’s new, what’s trending, and what’s redefining the future of gaming worldwide.

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, and the Department is reminding fans to play it safe with tools like Check Your Bet, self-exclusion, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline.

With the football season underway, the Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department”) is warning Arizonans about the growing risks of unlicensed online casinos and sportsbooks. September also marks Responsible Gaming Education Month, making this an important time to remind fans that if you choose to play, play it safe by choosing a regulated operator.

Regulated gaming offers important consumer protections, helping ensure fair play, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience. The Department has seen an increase in consumer complaints about unlicensed gambling operations in recent months, a trend expected to intensify as football season kicks off and the busiest event wagering period of the year begins. Common issues include unfair or misleading terms, difficulty withdrawing winnings, and accounts being frozen without explanation, often after a withdrawal request.

“Responsible Gaming Education Month is the perfect time to remind Arizonans that while legal, regulated gaming options are available to all Arizonans ages 21+, there are also deceptive operators eager to take advantage of fans during football season,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, age verification, and offer no consumer protections, which puts Arizonans at risk. That’s why the Department is promoting resources to give every Arizonan the tools they need to make informed choices and play responsibly.”

To help protect Arizonans, the Department has launched a new Responsible Gaming website and is spotlighting three key resources this month:

• Check Your Bet– If you choose to participate in gaming, opting for legal, regulated operators is the best way to protect yourself. Playing responsibly means knowing your operator is licensed and that you meet Arizona’s legal gaming age of 21+. This online resource helps Arizonans confirm they’re using a legal site, which helps protect against fraud, identity theft, and other risks.
• Self-Exclusion Program– A free, confidential program that allows people to voluntarily limit their access to Arizona’s regulated gaming. The statewide self-exclusion program was established in 2004 for casinos and expanded in 2021 to include retail sportsbooks, event wagering platforms, and fantasy sports platforms. More than 550 Arizonans enrolled in the last fiscal year, and over 11,000 have chosen this option since the program began.
• 1-800-NEXT-STEP – A confidential, 24/7 helpline for anyone seeking support right now, whether for themselves or someone they care about. The helpline connects Arizonans with caring professionals who can provide immediate assistance, low and no-cost treatment referrals, and financial counseling.

These resources, along with more tips and tools, are available at the Department’s new webpage: gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming.

Top 5 Signs of an Unlicensed Gambling Site

The Department urges Arizonans to be cautious and watch for these warning signs that a site or app may be fraudulent or unlicensed:

1. No Responsible Gaming Protections – Licensed operators are required to provide responsible gaming tools, including age verification to ensure no one under the age of 21 can play, deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion options, and access to the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline. If you don’t see these tools, it’s a red flag.
2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers – Promises of “guaranteed wins,” oversized bonuses, or “risk-free” bets are common scam tactics.
3. Trouble Getting Paid and No Dispute Resolution – Unregulated sites often delay or deny withdrawals, with little to no process for resolving disputes.
4. Unusual Payment Methods – Sites that only accept cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards instead of secure, standard payment options are a major warning sign.
5. Copycat Branding or Poor Site Quality – Some fraudulent sites impersonate legitimate Arizona casinos or sportsbooks, using misspellings, broken links, or look-alike names to trick players into downloading their app or visiting their site.

“Licensed operators in Arizona are required to provide responsible gaming safeguards. When people play on unregulated sites, those protections are missing and people are more vulnerable,” said Elise Mikkelson, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling. “That’s why Arizona’s helpline exists: to ensure every Arizonan has access to the support they need. With more than 11,000 Arizonans choosing to enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program since it began, it’s clear that no one is alone in taking steps to protect themselves. And if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available.”

How to Report Suspicious Gambling Activity, Fraud, or Identity Theft:

Advertisement

Arizonans who believe they may have encountered an unlicensed or suspicious gambling site are encouraged to report it directly to the Arizona Department of Gaming. Reports help the Department investigate and take action to protect consumers statewide. If you find a website, app, or business that claims to offer legal gaming in Arizona but does not appear to be licensed or authorized by the Department, follow these steps:

1. Document the website URL, app, business name, and any promotional materialsassociated with the platform or operator.
2. Report itto ADG at [email protected] and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or by visiting azag.gov/consumer.
3. Cease activity on the platform and monitor financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
4. If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): for help in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov, and for help in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov.

The Department takes complaints about all illegal gambling seriously. Reports can be made anonymously.