Playtech and MGM Resorts International announced a strategic partnership that will offer new and unique live casino content to operators in the iGaming industry.

Streamed directly from the gaming floors of two of MGM Resorts’ most iconic Las Vegas Strip properties, the live casino content, branded as “MGM Live,” will be available for licensing in regulated markets worldwide, outside of the US.

The live casino offering will include single and double-zero roulette and baccarat games. These games will be broadcast live from the casino floors at both MGM Grand and Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

As the partnership evolves, the plan is to broaden the portfolio with exclusive access to a variety of Playtech games, branded TV game shows, celebrity-hosted trivia shows, and the one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for which Las Vegas and MGM Resorts are known.

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“The launch of this new and exciting live casino offering, in partnership with Playtech and directly from Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, furthers our strategic vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment company. This collaboration amplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences and expands our global reach to our customers. We believe the content, celebrity talent and sophisticated gaming experience that we will offer – all from the trusted and highly reputable brands of MGM Resorts – will be unmatched in the industry,” Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts, said.

“We are thrilled to partner with MGM Resorts, a world-renowned gaming and entertainment brand. This alliance combines the strength of MGM Resorts’ global prestige with Playtech’s extensive international market knowledge and innovative games. As a leading technology provider in regulated markets, we are delighted that this partnership is pioneering a new live entertainment category and product offering for players in these regulated territories. Our alliance is built on a shared vision to create an innovative and unique customer experience alongside our commitment to safer gambling. Both Playtech and MGM Resorts are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of player protection and ensuring our offerings are enjoyed responsibly,” Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer at Playtech, said.

Interblock Gaming, the developer and supplier of luxury Electronic Table Games (ETGs), has installed its award-winning Smart Pit at Boomtown Casino Biloxi, a PENN Entertainment Inc. property.

This state-of-the-art gaming setup, prominently positioned at the casino’s entrance, went live on Tuesday, June 11.

To celebrate the innovative addition, Boomtown Casino Biloxi will host a Grand Opening event on Thursday, June 27 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, exciting giveaways, and a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 3:30 pm, marking the official launch of the Smart Pit.

“We are thrilled to partner with Boomtown Casino Biloxi for the launch of our Smart Pit technology. This installation marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize the gaming experience, combining advanced technology with traditional gaming elements to enhance both player engagement and operational efficiency,” John Connelly, CEO of Interblock, said.

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The Smart Pit at Boomtown Casino Biloxi provides players with an unmatched gaming experience, featuring Live Craps, Dual Roulette, and two Blackjack tables. This cutting-edge setup merges the excitement of traditional table games with the advantages of sophisticated technology. The chip-less technology ensures seamless play and accurate payouts. Players can anticipate immersive gameplay with interactive dealer experiences, a variety of side bets, and the thrill of participating in multiple games simultaneously. The Smart Pit is designed to appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers, guaranteeing a captivating and enjoyable gaming experience for all.

Barry Regula, VP and GM of Boomtown Casino Biloxi, said: “We are excited to launch Boomtown’s EZ Play Zone, powered by Interblock’s Smart Pit solution. The EZ Play Zone offers our guests the convenience and flexibility of wagering electronically on Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps while still having the fun and camaraderie of interacting with a real dealer and other guests.”

Interblock’s Live Craps transforms the traditional game by allowing players to step into the shooter’s role, adding the excitement of live dice recognition for a truly immersive experience. Dual Roulette heightens the action with two synchronized, color-coded wheels, offering up to 120 spins per hour for a fast-paced and engaging game. For Blackjack enthusiasts, the Smart Pit tables include a variety of thrilling side bets, making each hand more exciting and interactive than ever before. This innovative setup allows players to enjoy more game time, quicker rounds, and smarter gameplay, redefining their casino experience.

“Once again, PENN Entertainment’s properties on the Gulf Coast are proud to be the first to offer cutting-edge gaming technology with the first regional installation of an integrated Smart Pit suite. In addition to being the first to offer linked multi-property table games baccarat progressive jackpots and the first property in Mississippi to offer cashless gaming at Hollywood Gulf Coast, we are now the first property outside of Las Vegas to offer Smart Pit blackjack, roulette, and craps,” Tosha Tousant, VP of Casino Operations at Boomtown, said.

“The launch of Smart Pit at Boomtown Casino Biloxi showcases our commitment to transforming the gaming landscape. By integrating advanced technology with classic table games, we are setting a new industry standard. This innovation is a game-changer that both players and dealers will enjoy,” Jeff Kowalchuk, SVP of Innovation at Interblock, said.

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The Smart Pit also enhances the dealer experience, making operations more intuitive and streamlined. The system’s dealer console provides clear instructions, reducing the need for extensive training and enabling a broader hiring pool. Dealers can manage multiple games simultaneously, increasing efficiency and player interaction. This user-friendly approach ensures that new dealers can quickly adapt and thrive in a dynamic casino environment.

Mandy Ladner, VP of HR at Boomtown Casino Biloxi, said: “Smart Pit opens the door to new potential team members who may have been intimidated by the handling of cash, chips, and the requirement to perform real-time calculations as a ‘live’ dealer. Now, if you are interested in a career in the fun, fast, and social environment of the casino, you don’t need months of dealer’s school and practice to break in, just a great personality and desire to entertain and delight our guests.”

Utilizing Actionable Insights to Redefine the Future of Employee Experience 

ComOps, a leading customer experience (CX) and professional service solutions provider for the hospitality and casino industries, today unveiled its accelerated Employee Experience (EX) Solutions in partnership with Medallia, a pioneer in experience management. This collaboration is poised to transform employee feedback, a crucial yet frequently underestimated asset for improving a company. By harnessing employee insights, organizations can streamline operations to foster a more productive and satisfied workforce.

The partnership with Medallia enables ComOps to integrate Medallia’s advanced experience management platform into its suite of services, providing clients with unparalleled insights into employee satisfaction and engagement. Drawing on ComOps’ strong foundation in EX, the program includes a suite of services from implementation to program management to advisory services. Notably, the EX surveys feature a transparent, tiered structure based on the number of employees, ensuring flexibility and scalability for organizations of all sizes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Medallia to bring these innovative solutions to our clients,” said Robert Levine, CEO of ComOps. “Our combined expertise will allow us to deliver actionable insights that drive meaningful change, improve employee engagement, and boost operational efficiency. When you realize that less than half of organizations quickly take action based on employee feedback, this presents an enormous opportunity to build employee trust and foster innovation.”

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George Polyard, Vice President of Customer Experience at ComOps, added, “Emphasizing Employee Experience has been shown to boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve retention rates. Additionally, research indicates that satisfied employees are more inclined to deliver superior service, an essential factor for industries heavily dependent on customer service.”

The new Employee Experience Solutions by ComOps are designed to address the unique challenges faced by various industries, including hospitality, healthcare, and commercial operations. By leveraging Medallia’s powerful analytics and ComOps’ strategic expertise, organizations can expect to see notable improvements in employee retention, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction.

ComOps is officially unveiling the Employee Experience Solutions at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), the world’s largest, longest-running hospitality technology event, June 24-27, 2024. Attendees can stop by ComOps at Booth #817 for more information.

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