Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos announced their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCI’s cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behavior, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering personalized guest experiences like never before. This bold move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.

This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, where the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and world-class service will create an unmatched environment for entertainment and hospitality in the region.

Morgan Fritzinger, Director of Marketing for the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos, said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is truly a game-changer for our host and marketing departments, and we’re confident it will not only optimize our operations but also enhance the quality of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we’re poised to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Minnesota market. This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, said: “We place immense value on partnerships that are built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to innovation. Our collaboration with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos exemplifies this kind of relationship. From the very beginning, we have been deeply impressed by the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos team’s dedication, their passion for excellence, and their relentless focus on delivering extraordinary guest experiences. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved together and even more excited for the future. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks in the Minnesota market, and I am confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the gaming and hospitality industry.”

Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced a major upgrade to its mobile sports betting platform with the launch of a universal digital wallet on the Caesars Sportsbook app in Nevada. This enhancement streamlines the wagering experience for sports bettors who visit Nevada, enabling them to manage funds and Caesars Rewards credits in one place, with seamless access across 19 jurisdictions where Caesars Sportsbook offers mobile sports wagering.

With this update, users in Nevada can experience added convenience, with all funds and rewards immediately visible and available after logging in. Caesars plans to add universal wallet functionality to more North American jurisdictions where it offers mobile sports wagering in the future.

“We’re always looking for ways to make things easier and more seamless for our players. The launch of our universal wallet in Nevada is a significant step forward and a long-anticipated enhancement that brings greater convenience and connectivity to our mobile app. With this update, sports bettors who visit Nevada and our world-class destinations on the Las Vegas Strip or beyond can enjoy a consistent experience wherever they go, with their account, funds, and rewards all in one place, just as it should be,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.

Customers 21 and older who sign up and are verified for a Caesars Sportsbook mobile account in Nevada can use the app when they return home or travel to any jurisdiction where the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app is live and sign in with their universal set of login credentials. Similarly, customers who already have an existing Caesars Sportsbook mobile account from another state can use their universal wallet in Nevada, once it’s validated at any in-person Caesars Sportsbook location in Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and many more.

Universal wallet functionality is currently available through Caesars Sportsbook in 19 jurisdictions, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Since its launch in 2021, the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app has continued to enhance its user experience through regular updates and feature expansions. The app currently features a comprehensive sports wagering menu that includes same-game parlays, player props, futures, and live in-play betting markets. Sports fans can enjoy livestreaming of thousands of events, including NFL games, within the Caesars Sportsbook app. Available to users aged 21 and older, the platform reflects Caesars Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and a high-quality, regulated sports betting experience.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the 2025 inductees into the Gaming Hall of Fame, recognizing three individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the legal gaming industry:

• David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure

• Ann Simmons Nicholson, Founder and CEO, Simmons Group

• Charles Lombardo, Former Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations at Seminole Hard Rock Gaming, and former Senior Vice President of Slot Operations for Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas.

“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who’ve shaped today’s gaming industry. David, Ann, and Charlie have each made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming, and we’re proud to recognize their impact,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

“This year’s inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry. The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify excellence and enduring influence – and these three couldn’t be more deserving of this recognition,” said AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022).

Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of industry legends who have driven the commercial and tribal gaming industry forward. The Class of 2025 will be formally inducted at an invitation-only ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.

This year’s selection committee members include:

• Mike Palm, VP, Operations, Circa Resorts

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• Anika Howard, CEO, Wondr Nation

• Ryan Comstock, COO, Ainsworth and Chair, AGEM

• Debi Nutton, Industry Consultant and Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024

• Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus, International Center for Responsible Gaming

• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, IAGA

• Lauren Bates, VP, Sales, Light & Wonder and Chair, Global Gaming Women

• Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute

• Mike Rumbolz, Chairman, AGA

About the 2025 Inductees

David Berman, Co-Head of Macquarie Capital, Americas and Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure

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David Berman has more than three decades of experience in gaming mergers & acquisitions and capital markets, having led more than 100 mergers & acquisitions worth more than $125 billion and helped clients raise more than $215 billion in debt and equity. He founded REGAL Capital Advisors, a gaming-focused advisory firm acquired by Macquarie in 2011, and previously held senior roles at Credit Suisse, CIBC World Markets, and Oppenheimer & Co. Berman currently serves on the Board of Leaders at USC’s Marshall School of Business and is Treasurer of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.

Ann Simmons Nicholson, CEO and founder of Simmons Group

Ann Simmons Nicholson is an expert in strategic planning and organizational consulting. Over her 40-year career, she has worked with nearly every major gaming company, supporting more than 60 property openings, expansions, and acquisitions. Her expertise spans human capital strategy, leadership development, organizational culture, and executive coaching, and her firm has provided training to more than 27,000 gaming professionals globally. A dedicated community leader and advocate, she has served on board including United Way of Southern Nevada, Global Gaming Women, and Noah’s Animal House.

Charles Lombardo, Former Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, and former Senior Vice President of Slot Operations for Caesars Palace, Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas

With more than 50 years of experience in slot operations and game innovation, Charles Lombardo has helped define the modern casino experience. He has held senior leadership roles at Caesars Palace, Bally’s, Paris Las Vegas, and Seminole Gaming, where he led the development of Class II and III gaming standards, pioneered groundbreaking slot technologies, and helped shape state and tribal regulatory frameworks. Today, he continues to consult on game development and casino openings and serves as a special gaming advisor to Seminole Gaming. Lombardo was the first-ever inductee into the Eilers Hall of Fame for Slot Operations.