Lead Partner Honoring leading companies, breakthrough up-and-comers and the most dynamic individuals, who have made their mark within gaming in the Americas over the past year SHORTLIST l a s vegas 20 23 SHORTLIST 10TH EDITION 10th Edition
The past 12 months have seen tremendous growth for the industry - H1 2023 became the gaming industry’s strongest half ever, and Indian gaming revenue for FY 2022 was the highest in history.
Sports betting also continued to grow with Ohio and Massachusetts joining the roster of states with legal sports betting early this year, and Vermont, North Carolina, and Kentucky legalizing sports betting more recently.
The industry just doesn’t slow down, which is why every year we look forward to celebrating the achievements of operators and suppliers at the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas.
YOUR HOST
This year’s event is extra special for us as it marks the 10th edition of the Awards. On behalf of our entire team I would like to thank all the companies who believed in our event from the very beginning, and continue to support it to this day.
The Global Gaming Awards have become the most prestigious Awards in the industry, and we ensure we maintain this reputation year after year. These are the only Awards that give a reason why each company and individual is nominated and if that’s not enough, we have a stellar panel of 100 senior industry executives choosing the winners.
There are quite a few high-profile CEOs on the Panel that have been involved in the process for a decade now. We know how much time it takes to lead some of industry’s biggest companies but they still ensure they take time out of their schedules to vote, which really means a lot to us.
As always, the voting process is independently adjudicated by KPMG in the Crown Dependencies to ensure fairness and transparency, so another thank you goes to Micky Swindale and the rest of the KPMG team involved in the adjudication.
While we prepare to announce the winners on October 9, I would like to highlight that nomination alone is a fantastic achievement so congratulations to all companies and individuals that were shortlisted this year. We look forward to celebrating with you in Las Vegas!
Gary Roudette CEO, Players Publishing
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WELCOME
As the Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas marks its 10th year, BetConstruct takes immense pride in once again assuming the role of Lead Partner for this remarkable occasion. The event stands as both a yardstick for the accomplishments of victors and a platform to acknowledge the tireless dedication exhibited by all individuals throughout the past year. In an industry demanding relentless determination, it’s gratifying to embrace an evening where colleagues and rivals gather to mutually commend the fruits of their labor.
The Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas serve as a perfect prelude to the Global Gaming Expo, not solely due to their timing just before the commencement of G2E, but also due to their ability to set the tone for the entire week, infused with an atmosphere of anticipation and dynamism. Beyond being an inaugural networking opportunity for attendees to explore potential ventures and collaborations, it also offers a chance for self-assessment against industry peers, as they are adjudicated by a panel of distinguished judges who stand as luminaries within the field.
While numerous award ceremonies populate the calendar, few can rival the prestige held by the Global Gaming Awards, a distinction attributed to the
rigorous independent adjudication carried out by KPMG and the infl uential backing of Gambling Insider . As the industry expands, so does the prominence of the awards ceremony, with reputable gaming industry insiders slated to attend, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of winners across the categories, each category boasting the shortlisted candidates. A victory in a category is undoubtedly an esteemed achievement, yet even a nomination is a testament to noteworthy accomplishments.
The upcoming 2023 Global Gaming Awards promises an exhilarating atmosphere, particularly in the wake of the maturing US market. While these awards are global in scope, the United States commands a more substantial presence within the minds of both judges and nominees, as the nation’s burgeoning sports betting sector emerges onto the scene.
We extend our heartfelt well-wishes to all participants of the 2023 Global Gaming Awards. To the eventual victors, congratulations are in order for your triumphs, coupled with hopes that your success fuels a spirited competition that propels the
WORD
FROM THE
GLOBAL GAMING AWARDS
LEAD PARTNER
gaming industry to new heights. For those present, luck is wished upon not only for the awards ceremony, but also for forging fresh opportunities during the ensuing days at G2E. With sincere anticipation, we look forward to meeting in October and witnessing the collective strides that lie ahead.
Jasmin Hakobyan Head of Regional Business Development, BetConstruct
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WORD
THE FROM
AWARDS ADJUDICATOR
My very first trip to G2E was in 2014 to attend the very first ceremony of then newly established Global Gaming Awards. I was there to deliver in person the final element of KPMG’s engagement to act as independent adjudicator to the then newly established Awards – the final ‘on the ground’ check against our own record of category winners – and to attend the awards ceremony to ensure that the right recipient is announced and presented with each award.
bearer of very good news to lots of industry legends over the years.
is in person.
I distinctly remember my rendezvous with Julian Perry & Gary Roudette in the lobby of the Venetian the day before the Awards, to check the winners list and plan for the ceremony. We were all pretty nervous and excited about what was to come, and my nerves increased several-fold when they said that they wanted me to actually come on stage and announce the winners
The Awards may now be 10 years old, but what remains unchanged since day 1 is our approach to the voting and adjudication process – we review the GGA’s system and tools for collecting votes (and ensuring judges cannot vote in categories where they have a conflict), check that the winner & runner-up in each category has been determined correctly based on votes cast, and select a random sample of judges whom we contact to check that the votes recorded for them in the system are a complete and accurate reflection of their voting.
KPMG’s commitment to and involvement with this sector is, I believe, unparalleled and that is why we have so welcomed the opportunity to support the Global Gaming Awards for the past decade. The combination of a thorough selection process, a highly distinguished panel of judges, and the organisers’ commitment to independent verification of the judges’ decisions, means that any company or individual that makes it to the final shortlist should be extremely proud –especially in this 10th Anniversary edition!
those nerves melted away
say, my favourite client job.
But as soon as the show got underway, and we heard and saw the delight and celebrations as each winner was announced, those nerves melted away – and so began a beautiful relationship and, I can easily say, my favourite client job. With the expansion of the Awards to London and now Asia, I have had the privilege of being the
the privilege of being the
Official Adjudicator
Micky Swindale Partner, KPMG Global Gaming Team
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As we approach G2E 2023, the American gaming industry is on pace to accomplish the remarkable feat of breaking our annual revenue record in back-to-back-to-back years. The energy and excitement around this momentum will be felt throughout the expo and we can’t wait to kick off the show.
This year’s Global Gaming Awards nominees represent much of the industry leadership that is driving gaming’s
unrelenting success and the anticipation around G2E 2023. From land-based and online casino gaming to sports betting and digital payments, each company and individual on this year’s shortlist is advancing gaming through innovation.
Since 2014, the Global Gaming Awards have celebrated gaming’s top companies and executives, and this year will be no different. I’m proud that many American Gaming Association
CONGRATULATIONS
FROM THE
AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
members continue to be finalists for these prestigious awards, and I wish every shortlister the best of luck when the winners are announced this October at G2E.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees and finalists!
Bill Miller President and CEO, American Gaming Association
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LAST THE ON REFLECTING
Mariya Savova
AWARDS.COM 8
Event Manager, Global Gaming Awards
GLOBALGAMING
THEN AND NOW
As we reflect on 10 years of the Global Gaming Awards, we realize how much the gaming industry in the US has changed. When we first started the Global Gaming Awards, sports betting was only legal in Nevada and now, 5 years after PASPA was overturned, more than 30 states and Washington DC have legalized sports betting in mobile, retail or both forms.
Sports betting is already regarded as part of mainstream sports culture in the US, with leagues, teams, media brands and more getting involved. We have just seen sports apparel and collectibles company Fanatics launch its mobile sportsbook, and sports media giant ESPN is gearing up to launch ESPN Bet, operated by PENN Entertainment, this fall.
On the land-based side, two Tribes (both previous Global Gaming Awards winners) recently made history - The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians became the first Tribe to own and operate a casino in Las Vegas, and The Seminole Tribe of Florida - the first Tribal operator on the Las Vegas Strip. The Seminole Tribe also made history in 2019 when it opened the world’s first guitar-shaped hotel, which deservingly
won a Global Gaming Award shortly after.
Elsewhere, in 2020, Downtown Las Vegas’ first casino-resort built from the ground up in four decades, opened its doors - that is of course Circa Resort & Casino, which is already a two-time Global Gaming Awards winner.
Outside of Las Vegas, Bally’s is building the first fully integrated resort in the center of a major city within the United States (Bally’s Chicago), and over the last few months we saw amazing bids from various operators for three downstate New York casino licenses.
Away from the US, we have seen Ontario establish a regulated sports betting and iGaming market, Puerto Rico launch mobile sports betting, more operators launch in key LatAm markets such as Argentina, Peru and Mexico, and Brazil introduce sports betting legislation.
Meanwhile, on the supplier side, we have seen cashless payments technology revolutionize the gaming industry, which is why three years ago, we dedicated one of our categories to this supplier vertical.
Each year we review the Global Gaming Awards categories to ensure they reflect the industry at this moment in time and while some categories were
dropped and others added, there are a few companies that have been hugely successful at our event throughout the years.
MGM Resorts International has won at least one Global Gaming Award every year, with a total of 14 awards won so far. It is closely followed by Aristocrat with 13 awards and IGT with 11.
THE AWARDS PROCESS: WHAT’S BEHIND THE SCENES IS SO IMPORTANT
2014 saw the first ever Global Gaming Awards event, held at The Venetian Las Vegas. This year we are excited for the Awards to return for a milestone 10th edition.
While the rules and procedures of the Global Gaming Awards have remained the same throughout the years, the event, just like the gaming industry, has gradually evolved year after year.
Each year we gather self-nominations from companies and we ask independent industry consultants and experts for their recommendations before putting together the Shortlist. And each year, this process gets harder and harder as there are so many companies and individuals that deserve to be recognized.
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Unfortunately, we can’t do that as we have very clear rules: only 10 nominees in all company categories and 25 nominees for American Executive of the year. This ensures our Awards truly reward the best of the best which is why we always say that nomination alone is a huge achievement. Every company and individual is always nominated for a reason, which you can read in this magazine. We give companies a chance to submit a short supporting statement, which, together with the nomination reason, is seen by the Judging Panel.
And speaking of the Judging Panel - what a panel we have! Throughout the years our Judging Panel has grown from 50 to 100 senior industry executives. Each of them dedicates time to cast their votes for a winner and a runner-up across all categories they can vote in, so a huge thank you goes to every single one of them.
their votes for a winner and a runner-up across all
Only one executive per company is invited to participate in the Judging Panel and should their company be nominated in a particular category, they are excluded from voting in said category. What we often say to the Global Gaming
In 2018 we launched the Global Gaming Awards London which reward suppliers and operators from the EMEA region, and two years ago we launched the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific.
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“What we often say to the Global Gaming Awards winners is that it’s not us saying you are the best, it is the industry doing so”
AWARDS.COMGLOBALGAMING 2014 2015 2016
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THE JUDGING PANEL
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CARSTEN KOERL CEO & Founder Sportradar MANDI HART Head of Product Sightline
LUANN PAPPAS CEO Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
JOHN ACRES Founder & CEO Acres Manufacturing
ZAK CUTLER President of Global Gaming Paysafe
CLEVE TZUNG CEO Passport Technology
DR LAILA MINTAS Co-Founder & CEO PlayEngine Inc.
DEBRA NUTTON Executive Coach and Gaming Consultant
JOHN CONNELLY Global CEO Interblock Gaming
RENATO ASCOLI CEO Global Gaming IGT
BRYAN BENNETT COO Betfred USA Sports
TIM MINARD CEO Eclipse Gaming
RICK MEITZLER President & CEO Novomatic Americas
CECILIA WACHTMEISTER CCO Kambi
HECTOR FERNANDEZ CEO Aristocrat Gaming
JUSTIN CARTER SVP Regional Operations PENN Entertainment
SIOBHAN LANE CEO - Gaming Light & Wonder
JEAN VENNEMAN COO Gaming Arts
MELANIE CHASE HESKETT General Manager Indigo Sky Casino
100
AMY HOWE CEO FanDuel
JUDGES
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KIMBERLY VAN AMBURG CEO Casino del Sol
MELINDA COFFIN CEO Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
LARA FALZON President & COO Bragg Gaming
VALERIE SPICER Founding Partner Trilogy Group
LAURA STENSGAR CEO Coeur d’ Alene Casino Resort and Hotel
JENNY HOLADAY President Encore Boston Harbor
JOHN DOMINELLI Founder & CEO NRT Technology
RAY PINEAULT CEO Mohegan
MARY CHEEKS President & General Manager Jamul Casino
ROBERT CINELLI General Manager Sycuan Casino Resort
DANIEL KUSTELSKI CEO & Co-Founder Chalkline
SHEILA MORAGO Executive Director Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
TODD CRAVENS President & CEO Galaxy Gaming
KELCEY ALLISON SVP Play Synergy
DAVE KUBAJAK SVP JCM Global
TRISTAN SJOBERG Executive Chairman TCSJOHNHUXLEY
CHRIS HARRISON Industry Head Google
CHRIS WIENERS Managing Director Velvix
CHRISTOPHER JUSTICE CEO Pavilion Payments
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DERIK MOOBERRY CEO Zitro USA
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CATHRYN LAI CCO OpenBet
MARINA BOGARD Managing Director, North America Betsson Group
PETER ARCEO Chief Gaming Officer The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
STANDFORD LE CEO & President Snoqualmie Casino
ANTHONY RABITO President & CEO FABICash
ANGELA SHEFVELAND Gaming Operations Manager Treasure Island Resort & Casino
ANNA SHAHBAZYAN Regional Director, Latin America BetConstruct
DAN SCHREMENTI President of Gaming Incredible Technologies
ANNA SAINSBURY CEO & Chairman GeoComply
ALLIE EVANGELISTA President Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
ALEX DIXON CEO Q Casino & Dubuque Racing Association
EVE KOLAKOWSKI President & CEO Rymax
MARK LARSON CEO & Founder Dynamic Gaming Solutions
ALAN FELDMAN Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming UNLV
ANDREW BURKE CEO Bluberi
BROOKE FIUMARA Co-Founder & Co-CEO OPTX
JANIE DILLARD Senior Executive Director of Commerce Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
CAMI CHRISTENSEN President & General Manager Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
ANDY WHITWORTH CEO White Hat Studios
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MARK JULIANO EVP & Chief Gaming Officer Baha Mar
JUDGES
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RYAN DEUTSCH Assistant General Manager Boot Hill Casino & Resort
PAT DAVIS Presidnet & CEO BCLC
LEIGHTON WEBB VP and GM, iGaming and Sports Betting PayNearMe
STEVE ELLIS General Manager Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
MICHAEL WARD VP Strategy & Business Development Cherokee Nation Entertainment
LANA RIVERA President Graton Resort & Casino
STEPHEN CRYSTAL Founder and CEO SCCG Management
SETH SCHORR CEO Fifth Street Gaming
MICHAEL CARPENTER CEO Ruby Seven Studios
SAVERIO SCHERI COO Agua Caliente Casinos
JACE BALDOSSER Casino Manager Blue Lake Casino Hotel
JAVIER DE LA ROSA SVP Operations & General Manager Spokane Tribe Casino
MONICA CUARTAS Executive Director Big Bola Group
MATTHEW MINGRONE General Manager Eagle Mountain Casino
PATRICK DUGGAN Sr. Director of Slot/ HRM Optimization Churchill Downs Incorporated
GARY PALMER President & CEO Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
SIM BIELAK President of Global Gaming & Amusement SUZOHAPP
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SAL SEMOLA CEO Gun Lake Casino
JUDGES
CHAD HOEHNE President & CEO Table Trac Inc.
ANIKA HOWARD CEO Wondr Nation
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NICK NALLY CRO Continent 8 Technologies
RICHARD SCHWARTZ CEO Rush Street Interactive
JACOB CLAESSON CEO North America Evolution
CHARLIE SKINNER President Marker Trax
KEVIN NEPHEW President & CEO Seneca Gaming Corporation
RICKY TROMP Director of Casino Operations Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino
ADAM WIESBERG General Manager El Cortez Hotel & Casino
OLIVER BARTLETT Director of Gaming BetMGM
RICHARD CAMMEGH Managing Director Cammegh
BRUCE JONES Vice President Casino Operations Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
JENNIFER INNES Managing Director Betting Jobs
RICKARD VIKSTRÖM Founder & CEO Internet Vikings
BROOKS PIERCE President & CEO Inspired Entertainment
ANDREW CARDNO Co-Founder & CTO Quick Custom Intelligence
KELLY CARPINO CEO Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma 100
SHIMON AKAD COO Playtech
JUDGES
DAVID LOPEZ CEO AGS
DEREK STEVENS Owner & CEO Circa Resort & Casino
CHRIS BEVILACQUA Co-Founder & CEO Simplebet
ROSSI MCKEE Vice President CT Gaming
LAND-BASED OPERATOR of the year
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
XXxxx
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
BALLY’S CORPORATION
WYNN RESORTS BOYD GAMING
CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
PENN ENTERTAINMENT
MOHEGAN
Sponsored by:
XXxxx
THE CORDISH COMPANIES
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 jurisdictions around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.
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LAND-BASED OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
MGM Resorts reported record Q1 adjusted property EBITDAR for Las Vegas Strip Resorts up 41% YOY to $836m; its seventh consecutive quarterly record. The company’s regional properties also continued to report consistently strong profit. MGM Resorts also made a significant step forward in its international expansion after, in April this year, it achieved the landmark approval of its development plan for an integrated resort in Osaka, Japan.
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL
In the past year, Hard Rock officially arrived on the Las Vegas Strip after completing the $1.075bn acquisition of the operations of the Mirage Hotel & Casino. The integrated resort will undergo rebranding and renovation later on and Hard Rock will add a guitar-shaped hotel to the Vegas skyline, the plans for which were approved by Clark County in March. Hard Rock is also due to arrive in the historic city of Deadwood this year with the Rocksino by Hard Rock scheduled to open in August. Elsewhere, the company continued its international expansion by breaking ground on the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
WYNN RESORTS
Operating revenues from Wynn’s Las Vegas operations were $586.8m for Q1 2023, an increase of $145.6m from the same period last year. Adjusted Property EBITDAR from Las Vegas properties for Q1 was $231.6m, and table games win percentage for the first quarter of 2023 was 24.3%. Outside of Vegas, Encore Boston Harbor reported a $25.5m year-on-year increase in operating revenue to $216.3m, and 21.7% table games win. Over the past 12 months, Wynn Resorts also dedicated a lot of time to its international expansion by meticulously concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island which once opened, will feature the UAE’s first casino. The designs for the $3.9bn IR were revealed earlier this year.
CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED
Churchill Downs reported record revenue of $559.5m for Q1 2023, beating Wall Street expectations. The revenue hike was driven by its live and historic racing segment, which was up 194% year-on-year. Q1 net income was $155.7m - a significant rise from last year’s $42.1m. Additionally, wagering from all sources on the 149th Kentucky Derby Day program set a new record of $288.7m which is the highest recorded number yet. Earlier this year, CDI secured a site in eastern Daviess County, outside of the Owensboro city limits, to build its previously announced historical racing machine entertainment venue as an annex of Ellis Park Racing & Gaming.
MOHEGAN
For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, Mohegan reported consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $102.1m. Net revenue for the quarter grew by more than 13% year-over-year. The tribal operator’s Ontario properties - the Fallsview Casino Resort and the Casino Niagara, launched retail sports betting, following deals with Kambi and SUZOHAPP. In the past 12 months, Mohegan also partnered with the Soloviev Group to bid for a casino in Freedom Plaza, NYC. Elsewhere, the company is gearing up to unveil Mohegan INSPIRE - its $5bn luxury integrated resort in South Korea which is scheduled to open this year.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
Caesars delivered a strong Q1 marked by a new adjusted EBITDA record in Las Vegas - $533m compared to $400m a year ago. Results in the company’s regional segment remained consistent with prior quarters. In March this year the largest North American gaming operator brought the historic Horseshoe brand to Las Vegas after completing a year-long transformation of Bally’s Las Vegas to Horseshoe Las Vegas. Most recently Caesars opened a temporary casino in Columbus, Nebraska while the construction of the permanent Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino is underway.
BALLY’S CORPORATION
For Q1 2023, Bally’s Corporation’s Casinos & Resorts segment saw continued momentum, generating record revenues of $328.8m and Adjusted EBITDAR of $105.1m. In April this year the company completed the upgrade of its flagship Bally’s Twin River in Rhode Island, and the company’s Kansas City expansion is to conclude in July. Elsewhere, the city of Chicago approved the proposed plan for Bally’s Chicago Casino, as the company is gearing up to open its temporary casino at Chicago’s Medinah Temple this summer. And over in Las Vegas, Bally’s reached an agreement with the Oakland A’s to site its new ballpark on a portion of the current Tropicana Las Vegas property, bringing MLB to Las Vegas.
BOYD GAMING
Boyd Gaming reported first-quarter 2023 revenues of $964m, up 12.0% from the same period last year. The company’s Nevada segments delivered outstanding performances, as increased tourism in southern Nevada and growing play from core customers helped drive record first-quarter EBITDAR and operating margins in both Las Vegas Locals and Downtown Las Vegas segments. In the Midwest & South segment, Boyd Gaming revealed that core customer play grew year-over-year. At the beginning of this year Boyd unveiled a few features of the $50m property-wide renovation project of The Fremont in Downtown Las Vegas. The property now has new dining options, a FanDuel-branded sportsbook and updated casino floor space.
PENN ENTERTAINMENT
PENN generated first quarter revenues of $1.67bn and Adjusted EBITDAR of $478.2m marked by strong performance in the Northeast. Retail performance was driven by growth in the older demographic and strong VIP play. PENN revealed that its database grew by over 350,000 members in the first quarter of this year, representing a 13% increase year-overyear. Another highlight for the company was the launch of its enhanced and rebranded customer loyalty program, PENN Play™.
THE CORDISH COMPANIES
The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand is one of the premier entertainment brands in the US. It was recently revealed that the Live! Casino Pittsburgh which opened in 2020, infused over $155m into state and local economy during its second year of operation. Earlier this year the company acquired Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel in Bossier City, Louisiana and shortly after, it revealed plans to transform the property into a world-class Live! casino resort and entertainment destination. Last year, the company was selected by the City of Petersburg, VA as development partner for a proposed world-class gaming entertainment destination.
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DIGITAL OPERATOR of the year
FANDUEL BETMGM
DRAFTKINGS
CAESARS SPORTSBOOK & CASINO
JACKPOCKET
RUSH STREET
INTERACTIVE
BETR BET365
POINTSBET USA
Sponsored by:
Bragg Gaming Group, licensed and operational in regulated markets in North America, Europe and Latin America, is an online gaming content and technology supplier that offers a full turnkey solution for online and omni-channel iGaming operators, including a state-of-the-art PAM platform, comprehensive managed services, and Fuze™, an award-winning engagement and gamification toolset. Bragg’s extensive content portfolio includes exclusive content from Bragg Studios: Atomic Slot Lab, Indigo Magic, Wild Streak Gaming, Spin Games and Oryx Gaming; titles built on Bragg’s RGS by “Powered by Bragg” partner studios; and thousands of online casino games on Bragg’s HUB from other popular game studios.
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DIGITAL OPERATOR OF THE YEAR
FANDUEL
For Q1 2023 FanDuel posted a 92% increase in revenue to $1.36bn, underscored by a 147% growth in sportsbook revenue and 43% revenue growth in iGaming. During Q1, FanDuel added over 1.5 million new customers and it cemented itself as the sports betting market leader in the US with 50% sports market share. FanDuel became the first and only sportsbook to offer wagering on horse racing alongside traditional sportsbook wagering with a single account and single wallet, allowing customers to wager on the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks, and all the races from Churchill Downs on Oaks and Derby Days. In September last year, the company launched FanDuel TV and its new OTT platform FanDuel TV+, the first linear/digital network dedicated to sports wagering content.
DRAFTKINGS
For Q1 2023, DraftKings reported revenue of $770m, an increase of 84% compared to Q1 2022, driven primarily by efficient acquisition of new customers, product innovation driving higher hold percentage, decreased promotional intensity in more mature states, and continued healthy customer retention. Monthly unique paying customers increased 39% to 2.8 million. In March this year, DraftKings launched the DK Horse app, its first horse racing product, in 12 states, allowing eligible customers to access pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. The DK Horse app was developed in partnership with Churchill Downs Incorporated.
CAESARS SPORTSBOOK & CASINO
For Q1 2023, Caesars’ digital business produced $238m in net revenue. During the first quarter Caesars launched mobile sports betting in Ohio and Massachusetts, with Ohio becoming EBITDA positive as of March, just 3 months after launch. In July, Caesars Sportsbook’s mobile sports betting app accepted its first bets in Puerto Rico. Last summer the operator partnered with NYRA Bets to launch the Caesars Racebook app in Florida and Ohio. Most recently, Caesars revealed that for Q2 2023 its digital business achieved EBITDA profitability, with sports betting hold improving 180 basis points versus last year, and iCasino volume increasing 27% year over year. The operator will be launching its standalone iCasino app later this year.
BETR
Betr is the fastest growing sports betting media brand in the US and the world’s first microbetting app that offers fans a new way to engage with sports. With its simple and intuitive user interface, Betr appeals to the mass market casual sports fan who has never bet on sports before. The company successfully launched sports betting in its first state, Ohio, in January, setting a US online sports betting record for fastest launch from company founding to a fully licensed & regulated real money betting product. It demonstrated strong audience to product conversion there, as it estimates to have already organically converted over 20% of its media audience in Ohio to its betting product. In May, Betr also launched real money gaming in Massachusetts, together with its micro-parlay product Scripts.
BET365
Over the past 12 months, bet365, which is arguably the world’s largest online sports betting operator, launched in 4 new US states - Colorado, Ohio, Virginia, and Iowa. Previously the company only operated in New Jersey. bet365 became an official sports betting partner of the Washington Commanders and an exclusive mobile sports betting partner of the Cleveland Guardians. Last year bet365 also launched in Buenos Aires after securing dual licenses, granted by the Provincial Institute of Lottery and Casinos (IPLyC) and city regulator Loteria de la Ciudad (LOTBA).
BETMGM
BetMGM reported a strong financial performance in FY2022, with $1.44bn in net revenue surpassing its $1.3bn projection. In H1 this year, the operator turned profi table. Factors that contributed to BetMGM’s growth include product improvements, reduced customer acquisition costs and a better bonus strategy. Over the past year, BetMGM launched sports betting in three states and Ontario. In 2022, BetMGM was the market leading iGaming operator in the United States with an estimated 29% market share in four states. Most recently, BetMGM became the first operator to launch mobile sports betting in Puerto Rico, in partnership with Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort. It also became the Boston Red Sox’s first sports betting partner.
JACKPOCKET
Jackpocket is the first licensed third-party lottery app in the United States, providing an easy, secure way to order official state lottery tickets. By helping players participate in the lottery from the convenience of their smartphone, Jackpocket also helps state lotteries drive incremental revenue to fund essential state programs. In the past 12 months Jackpocket made its debut in the states of Arizona, West Virginia, Idaho, Nebraska, and Massachusetts, meaning that it now operates in 16 states + Washington D.C. In March this year, Jackpocket expanded its offering to desktop. In July, the company partnered with television personality Scott Rogowsky for its first live game.
RUSH STREET INTERACTIVE
During this year’s first quarter, RSI made great strides towards profitability with much improved Adjusted EBITDA performance. The operator reported $162.4m revenue, a 20% YoY increase, driven by more than 100% growth in Latin America and new markets launched in North America after 2020. Both online casino and sports betting segments reported growth, however, RSI noted that a particular highlight is its increased casino market share in Ontario, Colombia and West Virginia. In April, RSI’s BetRivers brand launched Michigan’s most exciting online slot tournament - the BetRivers Michigan Million. RSI also extended its proprietary squares engine to basketball, driving strong improvement in average bet size and more than doubling same-game parlays as a % of total bets. Last summer, RSI successfully launched its RushBet online casino & sportsbook in Mexico.
POINTSBET USA
PointsBet USA is a leader in live betting in the US. Late last year the company enabled a homepage feature of NFL Lightning Bets on the PointsBet app, leading to a 108% increase in Lightning Bets handle and 184% increase in unique customers using the product week over week. During week 5 of Sunday Night Football, NFL Lightning Bets were the most popular live markets and third highest in terms of handle. In May this year, PointsBet launched its horse racing product, PointsBet Racing, in 25 states - a market access reach which ranks in the top two among sports betting operators and top five among US horse racing apps. In June this year, PointsBet USA was sold to Fanatics Betting & Gaming for $225m after DraftKings also showed interest in the company. A rebrand to “PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience” is currently occurring.
Originally, Barstool Sportsbook & Casino was the tenth shortlisted operator in this category, however, due to recent developments, it was withdrawn. We look forward to ESPN Bet’s official launch and to seeing what it will achieve in the next 12 months.
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LAND-BASED PRODUCT of the year
PICK2WIN CRAPS
Interblock
NEPTUNE SINGLE STRATUS SIGN PACKAGE
Aristocrat Gaming
KASCADA DUAL SCREEN
Light & Wonder
OPTX AI OPTX
TRUE PICK ROULETTE
Incredible Technologies
ENTERPRISE PLATFORM
QCI
CASINOTRAC CMS
Table Trac, Inc.
PEAK65 CABINET
IGT
KONETIC
Konami Gaming
LUSH
Passport Technology
Sponsored by:
Founded 25 years ago, Continent 8 Technologies is an award-winning, multi-jurisdictional, global network solutions provider that connects, manages, and secures its customers’ most valuable information. The company has data centres and strategic points of presence in over 95 connected locations spanning Europe, the Americas and Asia, and is expanding rapidly. The scale of our global connected network puts it among the top 20 best-connected in the world. Its carrier-grade network powers many of the biggest brands in iGaming, as well as companies in the finance, payment processing and public services industries. For more information about Continent 8’s world-class products and services, visit www.continent8.com
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LAND-BASED PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
PICK2WIN CRAPS - INTERBLOCK
With Pick2Win Craps, Interblock has created a revolutionary way to play craps that entertains the most avid players, while also attracting new players to this unique game concept. The player is offered to choose which two out of three-color distinctive dice generators covered with a shutter will provide the game result. Another option enables the player to use the mechanical buttons on the ETG terminals to trigger two out of three dice generators. Pick2Win’s versatile gameplay and visually stunning presentation make it a true game-changer. It can be played as a standalone game or in a Stadium configuration.
NEPTUNE SINGLE STRATUS SIGN PACKAGEARISTOCRAT GAMING
Blazing the trail once again, Aristocrat introduced a completely unique take on signage with the Neptune Single Stratus Sign Package. Featured on the hottest products in the market, Jackpot Carnival and Lighting Buffalo Link, the industry-leading dual-tiered signage offers customers never-before-seen customization options including LED infills that integrate into the game, multiple messaging opportunities, multidirectional messages (clockwise, counterclockwise) and more.
KASCADA DUAL SCREEN - LIGHT & WONDER
The Kascada Dual Screen is an expansion on the success of the Kascada portrait cabinet. It has two high-definition 27-inch displays, lightning-fast game play, ambient lighting and crisp, custom multi-channel sound, creating an experience that players love. Since its launch, the cabinet has remained one of the topperforming new cabinets in the premium category and has significantly outperformed most portrait cabinets, a mantle that not many multi-screen cabinets can carry.
OPTX AI - OPTX
OPTX AI models are designed for casino operators and utilize advanced modeling algorithms to distill large amounts of data down to precise action. An example is predicting a player’s future worth. Compared to traditional methods, this model reduces prediction errors by 30%. Another example is the slot simulator which runs thousands of floor combinations to suggest optimal configuration, reducing the number of moves, and boosting the overall impact net of cannibalization.
TRUE PICK ROULETTE - INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES
Class 2 True Pick Roulette is an industry-first product for Electronic Table Games (ETG). Although the terminal is powered by bingo, emulating a single ball call and single pattern win, the player experience is no different than a Class 3 ETG Roulette table. All active bingo cards are displayed for players, but the interface allows easy and intuitive betting. The innovative, yet simple-to-play software has made True Pick Roulette a standout on Tribal casino floors.
ENTERPRISE PLATFORM - QCI
QCI’s Platform aligns player development, marketing and gaming with powerful real-time operational tools. It is currently operational in 115+ casinos in North America and beyond, and supports operators managing $22bn+ in annual gross gaming revenue. Earlier this year QCI released version 5.2 of the platform, which includes 200 new features and enhancements. This new version introduces advanced predictive algorithms for customer forecasting, as well as integrated communication tools including voice, mass text and mass email capabilities. In March this year, QCI agreed to supply the Enterprise Platform to Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming’s casino properties in the US, Canada and Punta Cana.
CASINOTRAC CMS - TABLE TRAC, INC.
The CasinoTrac CMS is a full-featured, unified, and highly secure casino management system providing end-to-end, cutting edge functionality to operators and patrons alike. It provides real-time insights, analytical data, and all operational tools to more than 300 land-based casinos across the Americas and beyond. In the past 12 months the system was installed in a number of properties across the US including two in Northern Nevada - the Comstock Casino in Carson City and the Silver Springs Nugget Casino in Silver Springs.
PEAK65 CABINET - IGT
IGT’s largest cabinet, the Peak65 brings player-favorite themes like Wheel of Fortune High Roller and Megabucks Mega Vault to life on a massive 65-inch ultra-high-definition LCD screen, with a progressive curve and a multi-touch display. The commanding cabinet features intelligent lighting, a dynamic player panel, inductive charging and bench seating for two. A centerpiece on the gaming floor, the Peak65 cabinet is a top performing large form factor cabinet.
KONETIC - KONAMI GAMING
Konetic is a mobile application that drives real-time data to casino floor staff, so they can discover and respond to customer needs in moments, for optimal service and efficiency. The app includes a seamless online workflow for Dispatching, Attendant Pays, Jackpot Processing, Cash Can Processing, TITO Redemption, Progressive Signs Monitoring and more. Konetic equips floor personnel with service alerts from anywhere on the property, through a permissioned mobile device.
LUSH - PASSPORT TECHNOLOGY
The Lush platform provides land-based casinos with a fully customizable loyalty solution. As the industry’s first HTML5, cloud-based loyalty and rewards platform, operators can customize a near unlimited number of branded interactive games, drawings, promotions, and dynamic tier-based rewards through an easy-to-use, secure web portal. Also, as the gaming industry’s first, Lush introduced the only fully integrated online loyalty marketplace: The Lush Earn & Shop Portal. In the past 12 months Lush arrived at Jamul Casino, The Point Casino & Hotel, Lake of the Torches Resort Casino and The Lizzie Gaming Resort to name a few.
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DIGITAL PRODUCT of the year
BETBUILDER
OpenBet
FUZE
Bragg Gaming
V-PLAY WOMEN’S SOCCER
Inspired Entertainment Inc
9 COINS Wazdan
AVIATOR
Spribe
FUSION
Pariplay
LIVE CRAPS
Evolution
POWERBUCK$
IGT PlayDigital
SPRINGBME
BetConstruct
LICENSING & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM
OneComply
Sponsored by:
Anaxi is Aristocrat Leisure Limited’s dedicated online Real Money Gaming and Customer Experience Solutions business. Founded in 2022, Anaxi creates destinations where players can enjoy the excitement of online Real Money Gaming with confidence. Powered by the world’s greatest gaming content and the creativity of over 800 passionate people, Anaxi is on a mission to become the most trusted name in online RMG, globally. Anaxi: Experience Entertainment.
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DIGITAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
BETBUILDER - OPENBET
OpenBet’s pioneering BetBuilder product helped redefine sports betting in 2022 by delivering record-breaking samegame parlays at the biggest US sporting events. BetBuilder saw OpenBet process more than 3.76 million same-game parlay bets during Super Bowl LVII, totalling $66.7m in stakes and reporting 145% overall growth YoY. It also enjoyed recordbreaking engagement during World Cup 2022 with more than 50% of BetBuilder stakes coming from bettors in the US and 108 sportsbooks deploying the product.
FUZE - BRAGG GAMING
FUZE is Bragg’s game-changing engagement toolset, designed to enhance the player experience, boost online casino operator KPIs, and increase player lifetime value, all from a single platform. Following the tremendous success of FUZE in the casino sector, the offering recently expanded to sportsbook, enabling operators to leverage event-driven betting demand with targeted gamifi ed promotions which punters can track in real time. The highly-configurable sports betting promotions help operators promote specific sporting events, allowing punters to compete with each other and boosting wagers.
V-PLAY WOMEN’S SOCCERINSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT INC
Inspired is a global leader in Virtual Sports, with over 14 sports live in 30 countries. To coincide with the Women’s EURO 2022 tournament, Inspired became the first and only supplier to bring a Virtual Sports Women’s Soccer game to the market. Featuring all the amazing qualities of V-Play Soccer 3: unparalleled graphics, animations and life-like players. Key features include up to 8 goals per game, international and domestic team pools, over 30 betting markets and more than 50 teams.
9 COINS - WAZDAN
9 Coins is a top-performing slot loved by players in North America. Combining unique math models and a fast-paced gameplay, the title generated impressive results in regulated markets across the globe, increasing the number of unique active players by 163%, game rounds by 248%, and bet sum by 265%. It also introduced the Cash Infinity feature that boosts player engagement and retention, delivering proven results to operators.
AVIATOR - SPRIBE
Spribe’s fl agship Turbo Game, Aviator, has engaged players throughout the LATAM market. It has been a huge hit with players at 100+ online casinos across Brazil, Columbia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Paraguay, Ecuador and Bolivia. It is one of the most sought-after titles among Gen Y/Z players, and it is capable of handling over 2,000 bets per round, making it the ideal title for operators that experience high traffi c at peak times. Aviator is also the top casino game in Brazil, and demand for it has remained high over the past two years.
FUSION - PARIPLAY
In the past 12 months Pariplay continued its expansion across the Americas after obtaining licenses in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Buenos Aires, and Panama, to name a few. Pariplay’s Fusion platform offers 14,000+ games from 120+ suppliers, with easy integration. In 2022, it achieved 12+ billion bets, 10+ million players, and €563m ($605m) GGR. Pariplay executed 66 new integrations, launched 4,600+ games, and entered 11 new markets. Testimonials from operators Play Alberta and Codere praise its innovative games, extensive content, and customer engagement.
LIVE CRAPS - EVOLUTION
Evolution’s Live Craps offers a unique online version of a classic land-based favorite. This is the first live online Craps game in the US and it shot to extreme popularity immediately after launching. It is now available to players in NJ, PA, WV and as of May this year - Michigan. The game is beautifully adapted to online play to appeal to both experienced and novice players. It makes a complex game more accessible to new players thanks to built-in features and tools.
POWERBUCK$ - IGT PLAYDIGITAL
IGT PlayDigital’s unique position offers omnichannel games with player affinity and familiarity, widens the player base, and gives new revenue opportunities for operators. The success of the POWERBUCK$ brand in Canada shows incredible performance numbers, adding to IGT PlayDigital’s leading position in prestigious slot rankings. The latest title, POWERBUCK$ Wheel of Fortune Latin Getaways, adds to a diverse portfolio that engages both land-based and online players. The game gives players the opportunity to earn riches on every spin with the amazing Ca$hLink feature, which instantly awards prize values.
SPRINGBME - BETCONSTRUCT
BetConstruct’s innovative SpringBME platform provides operators with a comprehensive solution to launch and manage their gaming businesses. SpringBME offers a wide range of functionalities, including gaming and betting products, content, services, and industry news, all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard. Operators can easily enable other BetConstruct products and integrate third-party providers with a single click, as well as order marketing, legal, and other services. SpringBME ensures that operators have full control over their business by providing a time-saving management infrastructure.
LICENSING AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM - ONECOMPLY
OneComply, now part of GeoComply, has quickly changed the game for licensing and operational compliance management. It centralizes, organizes and activates all of a company’s licensing and compliance data, including key person, corporate entity and occupational/product licensing – enabling organizations to streamline and automate the application creation process and instantly track the status of all licenses and compliance issues for multiple business entities, license types and jurisdictions. Casino properties in Nevada, California and Washington State have already deployed OneComply’s platform.
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We’re LIVE, REAL and READY to entertain. anaxi.com Experience Anaxi
LAND-BASED INDUSTRY SUPPLIER of the year
Sponsored by:
INTERBLOCK
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES
SPRIBE, an acclaimed game provider established in 2018, revolutionized the iGaming industry with innovative game vertical - crash games. With exponential growth, SPRIBE’s games are now featured across 2,000+ operators worldwide. The company flagship “Aviator” game gained popularity among Gen Y and Z, boasting a whopping 10+ million monthly active players. The revolutionary “Aviator” remains a #1 crash game choice for casino operators. Alongside Aviator, SPRIBE is devoted to constantly extending its portfolio through novelty games, including turbo games, poker, and slots, as well as developing new iGaming products. All of them inhibit innovative features, robust quality, and compelling designs.
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IGT
LIGHT
KONAMI GAMING
& WONDER ZITRO ARISTOCRAT GAMING
EGT
EVERI AGS
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LAND-BASED INDUSTRY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
IGT
IGT is a leading casino supplier with a diverse portfolio that drives operating results. IGT’s offering includes top-performing games and cabinets, including the highly successful Prosperity Link. The company also owns a commanding share in video poker. IGT is growing in key international markets including LatAm. IGT PlaySports remains a premier B2B sports betting solution, while the company is also building its cashless footprint via Resort Wallet with IGTPay and ADVANTAGE CMS which were deployed at a number of properties throughout the past 12 months.
ZITRO
Zitro’s strong game portfolio has conquered players around the world. The company currently offers a wide selection of cabinets and a constantly renewed game library, to provide an engaging experience for players, while also driving growth for casino operators. In the past 12 months Zitro significantly increased its presence in LatAm by installing 200 machines at Mexico’s PlayCity Casino, and another 200+ slots at Winpot Group. The company also installed the successful Mega King at Big Bola venues and at CIRSA’s Mexican casinos, while 50 GLARE cabinets arrived at casinos in Peru following a deal with Grupo Oscorima.
KONAMI GAMING
Konami Gaming has been a driving force in delivering fresh entertainment and memorable player experiences to casinos - in the form of original game content, convenient mobile solutions, top omnichannel slots, cashless technology, and real-time casino systems reporting with transformative potential. In the past 12 months Full House Resorts announced it is expanding Konami’s SYNKROS casino management system to the sixth gaming destination in its portfolioAmerican Place, while Rush Street also selected SYNKROS for its newest property - Rivers Casino Portsmouth. Konami also developed the industry’s first BattleBots slot machine, which was installed at Silverton Casino Hotel.
EGT
EGT is a global supplier of gaming products (cabinets, games and jackpots) and one of the fastest growing suppliers in the gaming industry. The company’s slot cabinets stand out with their stylish, elegant and comfortable design and its games are designed to entertain and retain players. In the past 12 months EGT significantly broadened its reach in Latin America. The company’s Bell Link quickly became a bestseller in Panama and is installed in a number of reputable casinos in the country such as Royal Marriott, Star Bay, CIRSA, Codere, Sortis, Golden Lion.
AGS
Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, a vast portfolio of table products, real-money gaming platforms and content, highly rated social casino solutions, AGS offers an unmatched value proposition to casinos. The company’s high-performing Spectra UR43 cabinet and the Orion Curve Premium both continue to be hugely successful. The Curve Premium installed base increased by over 10% on a quarterly basis in Q1 2023 and grew by more than threefold versus 2022. As for table products, AGS installed base expanded by more than 225 units on a quarterly basis in Q1 2023 to a record 5,278 units, led by an over 100 unit increase in Bonus Spin Xtreme progressive.
LIGHT & WONDER
Light & Wonder is a leading cross-platform global games company. Casinos are reinvesting in their floors as players want more modern, immersive game content. To respond to these needs and the demand for next-generation content, over the past 12 months Light & Wonder created a robust pipeline of new games. In March this year L&W’s portfolio of products (including its casino management system, 500 slot games and 50 ETGs) was installed at Parx Casino’s newlyopened Pennsylvania property. More recently, the company entered into an agreement with Shift 4 to boost its popular cashless gaming solution AToM.
INTERBLOCK
Interblock is a global leader in developing and supplying electronic table gaming products. Its multi-player gaming devices set industry standards and provide the ultimate in luxury interactive experiences. Interblock’s exclusive collection of gaming products delivers superior product performance, innovative features, and unprecedented entertainment. The company’s stadium technology connected patrons to casino floors in ways never before seen, offering a unique resort experience where players can interact within a social environment. Interblock’s latest innovative products include Pick 2 Win Craps and Live Craps, Smart Pits. Bonus Wheel Roulette which made its debut in 2022, remained a customerfavorite since its launch.
ARISTOCRAT GAMING
Aristocrat is at the forefront of the industry with incomparable investment in innovation, top-ranking games, revolutionary mechanics, and groundbreaking sports partnerships and licenses. At present Aristocrat is gearing up to release the year’s mostanticipated game - the NFL-themed slot. Other highlights from the past 12 months include a multi-year event partnership with F1 Las VegasGrand Prix.
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES
Incredible Technologies entered 2023 with a refocused vision on its land-based gaming products. After a year of pandemic-related challenges, Incredible Technologies has realigned its operations to produce proven products the market demands. In 2023, the company debuted Prism Element, the second cabinet in the Prism product line. In addition to Element, Incredible Technologies installed the industry’s first-ever Class II Electronic Table Game. The company’s innovation brings a true roulette playing experience to Class II-only markets.
EVERI
Everi is a premier provider of cross-platform casino gaming content and products, financial technology, and player loyalty solutions. The company’s gaming equipment and systems revenues increased 15% to $32.1m in Q1 2023 compared to the same quarter last year. In April this year Everi’s highly anticipated Dynasty Vue cabinet debuted at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. Also this year, Everi launched its mobile app technology at all nine Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos in Oklahoma. Core functions of the Everi Mobile App include tie-ins to Everi’s CashClub Wallet for cashless gaming, extensions of the operator’s loyalty program, property content management tools, and marketing opportunities - all designed to optimize casino guests’ experience.
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DIGITAL INDUSTRY SUPPLIER of the year
EVOLUTION
PLAY’N GO GEOCOMPLY
WHITE HAT STUDIOS
CONTINENT 8 TECHNOLOGIES
INTERNET VIKINGS
DESIGN WORKS GAMING GREENTUBE
IGT PLAYDIGITAL SPORTRADAR
Sponsored by:
Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), a global entertainment and content creation company with over 7,500 employees working in more than 20 locations across the globe. Aristocrat Gaming is the leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of Class III games as well as Class II Innovations for Native American casinos and emerging markets. The company’s mission is to bring joy to life through the power of play. Its values are rooted in creativity and technology, and the company has a rich history of innovation that has shaped the gaming industry over many decades. For further information, visit the company’s website at www.aristocratgaming.com.
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DIGITAL INDUSTRY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
EVOLUTION
Evolution provides the widest and most innovative choice of online live casino & RNG games in North America and beyond. The supplier is now live in every state with regulated iGaming. Last year Evolution launched its fourth US live casino studio, serving the Connecticut market. During this year’s Q1 the company reported a 56% growth in its North American business. Also during Q1, Evolution launched its first timed jackpot functionality in parts of North America - a new concept in the region that adds to the excitement for players.
GEOCOMPLY
GeoComply is the provider that 99 percent of operators rely on to operate legally. It enabled every operator launching in every new market in 2022-23. It also provided tech for regulators in every new market, as well as data to lawmakers for bills in Kentucky, Missouri & more. GeoComply is leveraging technology to boost KYC pass rates from 50 percent to over 90. In the past 12 months the company announced its first acquisition - of licensing and compliance provider OneComply.
CONTINENT 8 TECHNOLOGIES
Continent 8 powers 85% of the 20 biggest operators in the US market including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, PointsBet, Bally’s Interactive. The company is live in 26+ states with a first-to-market strategy, thanks to 25 years of gaming and regulatory experience. The company is committed to providing its full range of hosting, connectivity & security services in each regulated state and in April this year cut the ribbon on the expansion to its Atlantic City Data Center, providing further capacity for operators.
GREENTUBE
Greentube’s vast product portfolio includes classic slots, video bingo games, video poker games, table games, social casino gaming and much more. In the past year the company continued its North America expansion after securing licenses in Ontario, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. It also further enhanced its content creation capabilities in the US through a joint venture with emerging studio Flamingocatz and the acquisition of US development studio Present Creative. Greentube signed a number of key partnerships in North America with BetRivers, BetMGM, and Entain while also growing its LatAm reach following deals with Solbet (in Peru and Ecuador) and LatamWin (in Mexico and Chile).
SPORTRADAR
Sportradar offers operators everything from full business solutions to essential content like data, odds, statistics, and video streams to all-round marketing and management services. The company is the preferred data and odds supplier to sports betting market leader FanDuel. Sportradar recently achieved a third consecutive quarter of US growth after its US segment revenue grew 55% y-o-y in Q1 2023. A highlight for the company from the past year was expanding its hugely popular ad:s paid social media advertising solution to Snapchat, allowing Sportradar to connect sportsbook operators with customers amongst the app’s audience of 375m active daily users.
PLAY’N GO
Play’n GO’s game portfolio has been built with an entertainment-first mindset over the past 15 years, and this has served operators well in the last year as an increasingly recreational player cohort enters the industry in lower stake, higher regulated markets. The US has been one of Play’n GO’s biggest success stories of the past 12 months. Play’n GO has gone from not being active in the US market at all, to gaining licenses and going live with operators in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Connecticut, all while enjoying a successful year north of the border in Ontario.
WHITE HAT STUDIOS
White Hat Studios’ journey began by acquiring content from four very different but well established European studios. The company brought its games portfolio to the US, which includes RNG table games and jackpot slots, and includes over 100 titles. White Hat’s iGaming content went live in Michigan first and in the past year the company launched in three more states - Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In just over a year, White Hat Studios managed to partner with some of the biggest operators in the US - FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, Rush Street, Hard Rock, WynnBet, Barstool, to name a few.
INTERNET VIKINGS
Internet Vikings provides hosting solutions to online gaming and sports betting enterprises throughout the USA and worldwide.In the past 12 months Internet Vikings signed a number of partnerships in the US and significantly expanded its reach in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company also moved into Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Maryland. In September last year Internet Vikings became the first iGaming & online sports betting hosting provider to acquire a registration from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and earlier this year it was vendor registered in New York, and became the first sports betting hosting provider fully licensed in Arizona.
DESIGN WORKS GAMING
Design Works Gaming (DWG) is the studio behind many of the highest performing games in the regulated US online casino industry. The Scottsdale, Arizona firm behind the iconic LuckyTap™ range of games is raising the bar in regulated states including New Jersey, Michigan and Connecticut. High profile partnerships with Tier 1 operators have ensured its games are reaching a wide audience across the country. Highlights for DWG from the past year include expanding its partnership with DraftKings to Connecticut, launching its content with Rush Street Interactive in Pennsylvania, and delivering its titles to both Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Tropicana Online Casino in New Jersey.
IGT PLAYDIGITAL
With a global presence in North America, LATAM, and other regulated markets, IGT PlayDigital offers a complete, omnichannel casino and sports portfolio that includes premium iGaming content and technology, as well as top-tier sports betting hardware and solutions. A single API integration with IGT’s aggregation platform provides access to more than 8,000 games from a wide variety of suppliers, as well as robust player engagement and loyalty tools, such as jackpots, tournaments, and data solutions. PlayDigital generated $209m in revenue in 2022 (up 27% yearly).
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SPORTSBOOK SUPPLIER of the year
OPENBET
SPORTRADAR
KAMBI
ALTENAR
AMELCO SUZOHAPP
NOVOMATIC IGT PLAYSPORTS
BTOBET BETCONSTRUCT
Sponsored by:
Founded in Stoke-On-Trent, England, in 2000, bet365 has never done ‘ordinary’. We believe every sport should be epic. That’s why we offer an ‘In-Game’ experience which covers over 78 sports and over 780,000 live streams to 90 million customers. Our online betting brand is powered by a world-class proprietary product and over 7,000 employees across the globe. In addition to our market leading sports product, we host an exceptional range of gaming content across our Casino, Games, Poker and Bingo platforms. Cultural and linguistic zones are serviced globally using geo-specific content and 22 different languages, 26 deposit currencies and 50 payment methods.
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SPORTSBOOK SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
OPENBET
In 2022, OpenBet processed 43% of all US bets made in regulated markets and celebrated 58 launches, further reinforcing its place as a market leader in the US. OpenBet achieved 100% uptime at all major sporting events which took place in the past year. The company took 200 million bets across all channels during the World Cup 2022, and took a record 13.6 million bets during the Super Bowl LVII. Earlier this year OpenBet also announced it will expand its responsible gaming capabilities and naturally its support to the betting industry with the acquisition of RG, AML and fraud technology specialist Neccton.
KAMBI
Kambi is the trusted partner to operators in 21 states and Ontario including Mohegan, Unibet and Rush Street. The quality of Kambi’s product, including state-of-the-art AI-driven trading capabilities, underpins commercial momentum outstripping that of any rival supplier - having agreed a new partnership with tier one operator, Bally’s Corporation, in 2023. Earlier this year Kambi announced that it will power the launch of Nebraska’s first sportsbook at WarHorse casino. The supplier also entered Puerto Rico after signing a long-term partnership with LMG Gaming to provide its sportsbook to LMGG’s ApuestaPR betting brand.
SUZOHAPP
SUZOHAPP launched its complete sports betting ecosystem to help sportsbooks make a seamless transition to the retail space. SUZOHAPP has been working to help ease the burden of hardware by offering a self-service ecosystem to customize the entire betting cycle, from buy-in to payout. This ecosystem is beneficial in helping operators maximize their returns by automating the complete betting cycle, and by creating an engaging environment for lucrative in-play betting. Earlier this year SUZOHAPP’s sports betting terminals were installed at the first sportsbook inside an NFL stadium - Fanatics Sportsbook at FedExField. The terminals also arrived at Mohegan’s Niagara properties.
IGT PLAYSPORTS
IGT is powering sports betting at more than 90 gaming venues across the US. The IGT PlaySports platform is one of the most influential technology stacks in the US and Canadian sports betting market. The platform’s proven versatility, scalability, and market-readiness provide crucial benefits for operators, especially those that require quick installations. In the past 12 months, IGT deployed its retail and mobile PlaySports Technology at Treasure Bay Casino in Mississippi, it entered New Mexico by powering sports betting at Santa Ana Casino Hotel, and it signed a threeyear contract extension with the Rhode Island Lottery to continue running the Sportsbook Rhode Island app, amongst other highlights.
BETCONSTRUCT
With a focus on flexibility and customization, BetConstruct offers a comprehensive solution that caters to the diverse needs of operators. Its platform seamlessly integrates with third-party systems and supports a wide range of betting products and virtual sports. Whether operators prefer a turnkey, white label, or iFrame solution, BetConstruct’s sportsbook platform provides a comprehensive omnichannel offering, including mobile and native iOS/Android solutions. One of the standout features of BetConstruct’s sportsbook is its retail integration, which combines Cashier Bet Capture, self-service betting terminals, and mobile bet capture solutions.
SPORTRADAR
As a global leader in sports data and technology, Sportradar provides a breadth of tools and services to sportsbook operators that is unrivaled in the current US sports betting ecosystem. Sportsbooks know they can rely on Sportradar for any service they could possibly need, ranging from fast, accurate sports data to efficient customer acquisition. 98% of all US sportsbooks run on Sportradar data and at present, the company has obtained 44 sports betting supplier licenses across North America.
ALTENAR
Altenar’s sportsbook solution is globally recognised. Recent releases and improvements to Altenar’s sportsbook offering include its mobile app, new and improved features like cashout and early payout, a data-driven intelligence platform, and the implementation of widget technology to the frontend to improve user experience. In the past 12 months Altenar significantly strengthened its position in LatAm after going live with Winpot in Mexico (both online and in retail locations), with MiCasino across Chile and Peru, and with Vinnare Group in Colombia. In April, Altenar also signed a sportsbook deal with GanaPlay which covers South American and Central American markets.
AMELCO
Amelco offers one of the most comprehensive end-toend platforms in North America which is now available in 14 states. Highlights for the company from the past 12 months include going live in Ohio earlier this year and enhancing its offering by partnering with microbetting supplier Simplebet. At a Massachusetts licensing meeting in the beginning of the year, it was revealed that Amelco will power Fanatics’ sportsbook.
NOVOMATIC
The NOVOMATIC ActionBook sports betting kiosk provides a turnkey, proven and ergonomic hardware solution with outstanding graphic capabilities. It easily integrates with the world’s best sports betting software and sportsbook providers. The table-top version NOVOMATIC ActionBook Compact and the multi-screen version NOVOMATIC ActionBook Plus deliver the perfect kiosk hardware solutions for all kinds of space and positioning requirements. Both are constantly growing their footprint in the US markets as more and more states legalize sports betting and casino operators seek to expand their offering.
BTOBET
BtoBet’s cutting-edge sportsbook platform, which is ISO 27001 and GLI-33 certified, is trusted by online and retail operators across 4 continents. It has a strong presence in key LatAm markets. In the past 12 months BtoBet secured regulatory approval for Ontario launch. Earlier this year BtoBet, in collaboration with sister-brand Aspire Global and Intralot do Brasil, announced the launch of LotoMinas - the first regulated iLottery and online sports betting solution for Minas Gerais, Brazil’s second largest state.
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CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM of the year
MGM REWARDS
XXxxx
CAESARS REWARDS
MGM Resorts International
PENN PLAY
XXxxx
Penn Entertainment
UNITY
XXxxx
Hard Rock
AE PLAYER REWARDS
XXxxx
Caesars Entertainment
LIVE! REWARDS
XXxxx
The Cordish Companies
PLAYER PAYBACK
XXxxx
J&J Gaming
MY|REWARDS BOARDING PASS
Accel Entertainment
XXxxx
RUSH REWARDS
XXxxx
Rush Street Gaming
Sponsored by:
Station Casinos
XXxxx
XXxxx MOMENTUM Mohegan
Interblock stands as a global leader in luxury electronic table gaming products, boasting three decades of innovation and craftsmanship. The Company’s reputation shines through prestigious awards such as the “Table Game of the Year” honor at the Global Gaming Awards Asia Pacific 2023, showcasing their unwavering commitment to quality and invention. Spanning over 250 jurisdictions, Interblock’s curated electronic gaming tables offer unmatched performance and unforgettable player experiences. With a legacy of inventive prowess, their commitment to excellence shines, cementing Interblock’s role as a trendsetter in the global gaming sphere.
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CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
MGM REWARDS - MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
Last year MGM Resorts deployed its revamped loyalty program nationwide, seamlessly integrating gaming and non-gaming spend. In addition to their Tier status benefits, members can unlock new rewards by achieving required Tier Credits within the Tier Earning Year. Rewards include dining credits, air travel credits and even complimentary cruise. Recently MGM Resorts unveiled a partnership with Marriott International and, as part of it, from October this year the 40 million members of MGM Rewards can link their accounts with Marriott Bonvoy and receive select member benefi ts.
PENN PLAY - PENN ENTERTAINMENT
Earlier this year, PENN unveiled its rebranded and significantly enhanced customer loyalty program, PENN Play™. The new program greatly expands the ways the company’s 26 million loyalty members can earn and redeem rewards across PENN’s properties and online gaming brands - Barstool Sportsbook & Casino, HollywoodCasino.com and PENNPlaycasino.com. Members can enjoy access to new perks and experiences with partner brands, including Live Nation and Choice Hotels. The rebrand also includes enhancements to PENN’s dedicated rewards program honoring active-duty military, veterans and first responders. PENN Heroes features more rewards and recognition, including a PENN Play tier upgrade and discounts across hotels, dining and shopping at PENN locations.
UNITY - HARD ROCK
Unity by Hard Rock is a true global loyalty program. It lets members earn and redeem points for fantastic rewards and of course enjoy exclusive benefits while gaming, staying, shopping, dining and doing what they love at over 150 participating Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock casinos, hotels, cafes and rock shops across the world. Members can redeem their Unity points for meals, Free Play on their favorite slots, for hotel stays and upgrades, and merch at the Rock Shop. X tier members can look forward to their Unity X Annual Trip Benefit during which they enjoy a 3-night complimentary VIP experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, home of the iconic Guitar Hotel, or Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
AE PLAYER REWARDS - ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT
AE Player Rewards brings casino-style rewards and loyalty to the challenging landscape of distributed gaming. By rewarding participants with exclusive cash and prize giveaways and access to special events like the popular AE Prize Patrol, this program is proven to increase player retention and loyalty. AE Player Rewards has grown exponentially, with a 175% YOY increase in average daily check-ins and 41K new participants since 2022. AE Player Rewards features three Membership Status Levels, monthly cash giveaways, quarterly status-level giveaways and Instant Win opportunities.
RUSH STREET GAMING - RUSH REWARDS
Customers at any Rivers Casino property can easily and automatically earn tier points for playing slots, table games and electronic table games, video poker, and when placing on-site wagers at a BetRivers Sportsbook. Rush Rewards benefi ts include monthly mail offers, free slot play, food and beverage comps, discounted room rates, to name a few. In March this year Rush Street Gaming announced a partnership with cruise line giant, MSC Cruises. As a result of this partnership, Rush Rewards members at all Rivers Casino locations can receive an annual cruise benefit that applies to most of MSC’s sailings worldwide - Gold level members benefit from a discount on a cruise while Platinum and Black level members can get a complimentary trip.
CAESARS REWARDS - CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
Caesars Rewards is a fully connected ecosystem where members can earn and redeem credits on gaming, hospitality, dining, nightlife, entertainment, and shopping at over 50 destinations and through the Caesars Sportsbook app across the US. With more than 65 million members, it is the largest loyalty program in the gaming industry. In addition to exclusive benefits and member rates at all Caesars Rewards destinations, members also get access to invitation-only events, and oncein-a-lifetime experiences thanks to an extensive collection of sports, entertainment, celebrity chef, and travel partnerships.
LIVE! REWARDS - THE CORDISH COMPANIES
In March this year, The Cordish Companies rolled out the reimagined Live! Rewards program for all its Live! casinos. The program enhances the guest experience with rewards for staying, playing and dining at Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland and Philadelphia, Live! Casino Pittsburgh, and PlayLive! Online Casino. New in 2023 is Live! Experiences, a benefit exclusively for Chairman’s Club members who will be able to select from a variety of unique curated experiences which only Live! can provide, including exclusive events and out-of-state adventures. In May the company also introduced the new Veterans Gold Tier to support and honor those who are currently serving or have served the country.
PLAYER PAYBACK - J&J GAMING
Now in its 3rd year, Player PAYBACK® continues to reward patrons. Earlier this year, J&J Gaming enhanced Player PAYBACK. The addition of four-tiered rewards brings more perks to loyal patrons including bonus points for gear, extra entries into sweepstakes and early access to new J&J releases. Each level is dependent on the number of check-ins per quarter and unlocks additional perks for patrons to enjoy. From increasing patron count by 66%, to awarding 140,000+ prizes valued at over $1.6m in 2022 alone. It’s clear that J&J and partnering locations focus on rewarding players every day.
MY|REWARDS BOARDING PASS - STATION CASINOS
Station Casinos’ 5-tiered loyalty program is a favorite amongst Vegas locals. Members can redeem their points in restaurants, movie theaters, bowling centers, spas & salons, hotels, showrooms, bars & lounges. All members who have reached Gold level or above can exchange their hard-earned points for the ultimate treat - cash. In March this year, Station Casinos launched STN Charms, an extension of its Boarding Pass casino loyalty program that rewards members with NFTs. Customers can buy and sell charms on the STN charms website.
MOMENTUM - MOHEGAN
Players at Mohegan properties earn Momentum Dollars which they can later spend on dining, premium brand shopping, hotel stays, spa treatments, partner benefits and more. The Momentum program also rewards customers’ level of play with Personal Achievement Awards that may include Free Slot Play, Match Play or other valuable rewards. Last year Mohegan and FanDuel launched Momentum to MoheganSunCasino.com, the Mohegan Sun Casino app and FanDuel Sportsbook app, the fully integrated, real money online gaming experience for residents and visitors to the state of Connecticut. In June this year, in celebration of being in Las Vegas for two years, Mohegan Casino Las Vegas inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, partnered with Virgin Voyages to give new Momentum members the ability to play and earn a Virgin Voyages cruise on their first visit.
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PROPERTY - NORTH AMERICA of the year
CIRCA RESORT & CASINO HORSESHOE LAS VEGAS
HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO AT SAN MANUEL
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORT - DURANT
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA
SYCUAN CASINO RESORT
BALLY’S TWIN RIVER LINCOLN
Sponsored by:
Light & Wonder , Inc. (along with our subsidiaries, “Light & Wonder”) is a leading cross-platform global game company focused on creating games that players love to play wherever they love to play them, be that land-based casino, online or on mobile. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada with more than 6,000 employees across six continents, we create content, hardware, table games and systems that connect iconic titles across any place or channel. By turning games into expansive entertainment, Light & Wonder keeps thrilling players with characters and stories for endless fun.
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PROPERTY - NORTH AMERICA OF THE YEAR
CIRCA RESORT & CASINO
Circa delivers an experience built on the original principles of old-school Las Vegas hospitality honoring the Golden Age of the city. It has the glamor of vintage Vegas enhanced by cutting-edge technology and modern luxuries. Guests go there for the bestin-class entertainment and of course for the property’s standout amenities - the Stadium Swim and the world’s largest sportsbook, home to a 78-million-pixel screen and a viewing capacity for 1,000. Circa continues to upgrade the property every year - last year it added a 35,000-square-foot meeting and convention space and recently it deployed Amazon’s Alexa Smart Properties technologies in all its rooms and suites. It also recently announced a partnership with FullTime Fantasy Sports to host the Fantasy Football World Championships and the Las Vegas Fantasy Championships.
HARD ROCK CASINO NORTHERN INDIANA
In October last year, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary, opened its expanded gaming floor, adding 65 new machines across 1,240-square feet of gaming space adjacent to the Fresh Harvest eatery. The casino now has over 1,700 slot machines and 80 table games. The added gaming space enables the property to offer slot machines with the latest advancements in gaming technology, along with more room for a mix of popular classic games and better sight lines to the casino’s live entertainment and music memorabilia displays. June this year marked the 21st consecutive month that Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana outpaced the other 11 casinos in the state and brought in the highest amount of revenue.
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
Foxwoods is the Northeast’s largest premier resort casino. The past year was a significant year of innovation, evolution and development for the property, as it unveiled its new High Stakes Bingo Hall with 2,200+ seats, opened its newly renovated Expo Center, significantly upgraded and expanded its dining offering, and reached an agreement with Great Wolf Resorts to bring one of their beloved indoor water park resorts to Mashantucket, CT. The property’s casino offers the most comprehensive array of games in the region and has over 2,900 slot machines across four floors. On average, Foxwoods takes $27m-$30m a month in slot revenue.
CHOCTAW CASINO & RESORT - DURANT
A couple of years ago, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts invested $600m to expand its Durant property and ever since has experienced an explosive growth. The property’s casino floor offers over 7,400 slots; 100+ tables offering a variety of popular games; a poker room with over 25 tables at the Sky Casino; a racebook with wall-to-wall TVs and three self-service terminals; and more. Last year, the operator enhanced the overall gaming experience with the launch of Choctaw Slots, a free-to-play gaming experience for the social casino segment featuring more than 100 casino favorites, including slots, video poker, blackjack, keno, and more.
SYCUAN CASINO RESORT
Sycuan Casino Resort has become a community landmark and one of San Diego’s premier casino and resort destinations. It boasts a newly expanded casino floor with more than 2,300 slot machines and 54 table games. In 2022, Sycuan welcomed San Diego Padres Pitcher Joe Musgrove as its first MLB ambassador. This year, Sycuan re-signed Musgrove for a further two years. As part of the agreement, the MLB All-Star pitcher will make exclusive casino appearances and participate in community events. Earlier this year Sycuan Casino Resort also became the exclusive US home of Cage Warriors (Europe’s Leading MMA Organization) for 2023.
HORSESHOE LAS VEGAS
At the end of last year, Caesars announced it is bringing the legendary Horseshoe casino brand back to Las Vegas. Following a year-long transformation, the former Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino reopened as Horseshoe Las Vegas with a renovated exterior, new entertainment and F&B options, and a reimagined casino floor. A new feature that stands out is The ARCADE - a 7,000-square-foot venue illuminated by bright neon lights offering a multi-sensory experience. It features more than 80 supersized games, including classics like Skee-Ball, air hockey, Rock the Rim and an epic claw machine, Big One Extreme. Players are transported into immersive adventures via virtual reality with games like King Kong and Mission Impossible. Additionally, the property features a first-of-its-kind 4,900-square-foot World Series of Poker Hall of Fame Poker Room, bringing tournament-style poker to The Strip year-round.
YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO AT SAN MANUEL
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is Southern California’s luxurious gaming destination. It is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry by continually exploring new and innovative ways to improve the gaming experience. This commitment is reflected in the casino’s ongoing efforts to bring first-to-market games with mind-blowing themes, game-changing features and groundbreaking technologies that elevate guest experience. This year, throughout the month of March alone, six game titles from leading suppliers IGT, AGS, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, Bluberi and Everi made their world debut on the Yaamava’ casino floor. In addition to its exceptional gaming offerings, the property also boasts a variety of other amenities for guests to enjoy.
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Located in Temecula Valley’s wine country area, Pechanga Resort Casino offers luxury and comfort, as well as a massive 200,000 square feet of gaming space which features 5,400 slots and 152 table games, a non-smoking poker room with 38 tables, and an ultra-modern, 700-seat bingo facility. In October last year the property announced a multi-year partnership with the LA Clippers that makes it the exclusive tribal casino of the team. Pechanga also teamed up with the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club making it the first and only California resort & casino to join forces with the team. Both partnerships reaffirm the property’s commitment to foster relationships with a diverse portfolio of sports teams and to deliver unique events and experiences for guests.
LIVE! CASINO & HOTEL PHILADELPHIA
Since its grand opening in 2021, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has transformed the South Philadelphia Stadium District into a one-stop destination to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, world-class gaming, memorable entertainment, premier dining, and well-appointed hotel accommodations. The property’s casino floor offers over 2,000 slots, 140+ live action table games, a stylish poker room with 29 tables and a FanDuel Sportsbook. Last year the property celebrated its first anniversary and revealed that during its first year of operation, it contributed more than $325m to the local and state economies.
BALLY’S TWIN RIVER LINCOLN
In 2021 Bally’s broke ground on a $100-million expansion at its flagship Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, Rhode Island. In April this year, the property officially opened 40,000 square feet of new gaming space which adds 355 slot machines, 57 table games, 27 stadium-style games, and a first-class, high limit gaming area to the casino. Additional property enhancements, which were unveiled this year, include a new contemporary food hall, which provides seating for 150 guests, including an exclusive private dining area with exterior views, a cigar lounge, and the region’s largest Korean-inspired spa.
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PROPERTY - LATAM & CARIBBEAN of the year
CASINO METRO ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND
HIPÓDROMO DE PALERMO
FOXWOODS EL SAN JUAN CASINO AT FAIRMONT EL SAN JUAN
SORTIS HOTEL, SPA & CASINO
BAHA MAR
CASINO DEL MAR AT LA CONCHA RESORT
HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA
CROC’S RESORT & CASINO CASINO BUENOS AIRES
Sponsored by:
The NOVOMATIC AG Group is one of the biggest international producers and operators of gaming technologies and employs around 23,900 staff worldwide. Founded by entrepreneur Professor Johann F. Graf in 1980, the Group exports high-tech electronic gaming equipment and solutions to about 100 countries and has locations in about 50 countries. The Group operates around 214,000 gaming terminals and video lottery terminals (VLTs) in its about 2,100 plus gaming operations as well as via rental concepts. Through its numerous international subsidiaries, the NOVOMATIC AG Group is fully active in all segments of the gaming industry and thus offers a diversified Omni-channel product portfolio to its partners and clients around the world. This product range includes land-based gaming products and services, management systems and cash management, Online gaming and social gaming solutions as well as sports betting solutions together with a range of sophisticated ancillary products and services.
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PROPERTY - LATAM & CARIBBEAN OF THE YEAR
CASINO METRO - PUERTO RICO
Casino Metro is Puerto Rico’s largest casino (by square feet and number of slots), occupying a 23,000-square-foot area. It boasts 21 gaming tables and over 500 slots, many of which are exclusive to the property. In December last year Casino Metro launched retail sports betting with Caesars Entertainment. The Caesars Sportsbook at Casino Metro opened with three betting windows and 12 self-service betting kiosks. The newly renovated space also features more than 25 LED TVs and odds boards, bringing the ultimate sports viewing experience to San Juan. Casino Metro is also currently working on expanding the casino by 7,000 square feet.
HIPÓDROMO DE PALERMO - ARGENTINA
Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo has a large premises with a 1.5-mile long race track. In the casino inside the building, guests can enjoy over 4,500 slots spread across three rooms. The property constantly upgrades its gaming offering. Just recently, it added 600 new slot machines by leading suppliers, such as IGT, Zitro and Ainsworth. It also enhanced its ETG offering with the addition of Interblock’s Diamond Dual Roulette, Single Zero Roulette and Blackjack. Last year the Hipódromo de Palermo also opened its new BetWarrior Sportbar, the largest sports bar in LatAm.
FOXWOODS EL SAN JUAN CASINO AT FAIRMONT EL SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO
Located in one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic properties, Foxwoods El San Juan Casino offers world-class entertainment, complementing the resort’s well-appointed luxury accommodations and vibrant amenities. The luxurious 15,000-square-feet casino features nearly 300 slots and 14 table games. It offers the same rewards program as the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, with Foxwoods Rewards members having the same status in El San Juan that they do in Mashantucket, CT. At the end of last year Foxwoods El San Juan Casino celebrated a successful 1st year of operation, marked by big celebrations and charity tournaments.
SORTIS HOTEL, SPA & CASINO - PANAMA
The Sortis offers 391 high-design rooms, suites and apartments, fine dining, beautiful pool, a globally inspired Sports Bar and Lounge, to name a few amenities. It also boasts the largest casino in Panama, with more than 400 slots machines from leading suppliers (such as EGT, Ainsworth, Novomatic), classic and electronic table games, a VIP Poker room and the largest bingo hall in Panama City. The casino is also home to Panama’s first Aristocrat Lightning Link™ Lounge™. Earlier this year, the property modernized the gaming floor with the installation of over 80 high-quality IGT cabinets featuring a diverse USwitch multi-game library powered by IGT’s Floor Manager technology.
CROC’S RESORT & CASINO - COSTA RICA
Located in the vibrant Jaco Beach in Costa Rica, Croc’s Resort & Casino boasts an impressive Las-Vegas-style gaming space with something for every type of playertable games, slot machines, and a dedicated poker room. Sports fans can enjoy the Game On Sports Bar with the largest viewing screen at Jaco Beach, showing all the latest and most popular sports events from around the world. There is also a sportsbook with a wide range of betting options.
ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND - THE BAHAMAS
Stretched over a 7-acre lagoon, the world-class Atlantis Casino is an innovation in design. It boasts over 700 of the latest slots and 85 tables. Players can also enjoy Blackjack and Craps with a poolside and ocean views at The Cove Pool. Throughout 2023, Atlantis is rolling out multimillion-dollar renovations and exciting new partnerships throughout the resort – from a complete renovation of The Royal Towers to a reimagined Atlantis Casino and much more. In July, it was announced that Atlantis Paradise Island will host WSOP’s new live tournament poker series, WSOP Paradise, which will take place in December.
BAHA MAR - THE BAHAMAS
Baha Mar boasts the Caribbean’s largest and one of the region’s most luxurious casinos. It attracts both casual players and high-stakes rollers, offering over 18 types of table games and 1,140 slot machines, including traditional slot mechanical reels, video reels to progressives, video poker, and electronic table games ranging from $0.01 – $100. Sports fans can also enjoy the property’s William Hill sportsbook. The Baha Mar resort also offers the choice of three oceanfront hotels, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a number of fine dining options, and more. Earlier this year Baha Mar deployed QCI’s Platform across its slots, with the aim to make better strategic decisions and improve the gaming experience for guests.
CASINO DEL MAR AT LA CONCHA RESORT - PUERTO RICO
Located in the open lobby of La Concha Resort, Casino del Mar offers a relaxed atmosphere for first timers, casual players and high rollers. Customers can try their luck on hundreds of slot machines and various tables. Pulsating above Casino del Mar’s tables, plasma screens broadcast everything from the biggest games to breaking news and more. Last year the casino added a $3.5m BetMGM sportsbook, which was also Puerto Rico’s first regulated sports betting platform. As of June this year, Casino del Mar and BetMGM added mobile wagering to their offering.
HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Hard Rock Punta Cana provides the ultimate all-inclusive luxury experience with fabulous rooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, exhilarating nightlife, top-quality culinary options and the biggest casino in the Caribbean. The resort boasts a 4,459-square-meters casino, with over 400 player-favorite slots and video poker machines, a poker room and 25 tables (blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat) with limits to fit any style of play. There’s also an exclusive new gaming lunch for high-end play and individual gaming suites that house blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Guests at Hard Rock Punta Cana can now earn rewards as part of Hard Rock’s new global loyalty program - Unity.
CASINO BUENOS AIRES - ARGENTINA
Located in the Puerto Madero (Docklands) area of the Argentine capital, Casino Buenos Aires is the city’s biggest and most famous casino where players can enjoy a Las-Vegas-style experience. The casino has over 1,400 slot machines, over 120 tables, an exclusive Poker Room, a High Roller area. The Madero Poker room is the only one in Buenos Aires to offer live games and it is home to Argentina’s biggest poker tournaments. The property also offers lots of entertainment, a variety of food options and also has a shopping center. The casino also has an online platform where players can place sports wagers, and play popular online slots and Live casino games.
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PRODUCT INNOVATION of the year
WHEEL OF FORTUNE
SMART PIT Interblock
POWER PUSH LONG
DE XIYUE
Incredible Technologies
CASHLESS CASINO
Acres Manufacturing
GIFTING SOFTWARE
Gift & Go
AURA AML
NRT Technology
OMNICHANNEL WAP JACKPOT
IGT
COSMIC
Light & Wonder
CARDLESS CASH AT ATM
PayNearMe
THE MARKER TRAX CASINO MARKER SYSTEM
Marker Trax
GALAXY OPERATING SYSTEM
Galaxy Gaming
Sponsored by:
As a renowned gaming entertainment supplier, Play’n GO has gone from humble Swedish startup to iGaming powerhouse. Pioneers of the industry they were the first to recognise the potential of gaming on the GO and now boast a diverse and talented global team. Play’n GO consistently delivers engaging and innovative games, with a new title being released each week. Their dedication to a sustainable future of iGaming makes them the partner of choice in over 25 regulated jurisdictions. As well as their huge portfolio of titles, Play’n GO offer a selection of promo tools and back-end services to help operators provide the ultimate gaming experiences. Our games are what made us. We are game.
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PRODUCT INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
SMART PIT - INTERBLOCK
In October 2022, Interblock revolutionized the gaming industry with the unveiling of the Smart Pit - a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance security, reduce labor costs, and increase revenue for casinos. With a variety of games to choose from (including craps, roulette, blackjack and baccarat), operators can cater to more players, all while improving profitability. Live dealers, guided by Interblock’s Dealer Terminal, encourage play to triple decisions per hour, eliminating payout errors and increasing the house advantage/hold percentage. Smart Pits represent the future of gaming.
POWER PUSH LONG DE XIYUE - INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES
Power Push Long de Xiyue is captivating players across the nation with performance indexes over 3x house average. Power Push utilizes the unique physical movement of Prism VXP – the first core cabinet to incorporate mechanical movement into gameplay. A nostalgia-inducing coin-push bonus catches the eye of any passing patron as the physical screen moves with every push, simulating real-life physics. Bonus accumulation persistence always gives players something to root for.
CASHLESS CASINO - ACRES MANUFACTURING
Built on the game-changing Foundation platform, Cashless Casino is the industry’s only solution capable of both processing real-time data and conducting cashless transfers to and from any slot machine or table game, leaving player deposits outside the casino’s custody. Installed on 31,000+ machines, deployments show increases in play (22%) and visitation (18%), building brand loyalty and increasing revenue in an all-in-one cashless solution.
GIFTING SOFTWARE - GIFT & GO
With Gift & Go casinos can transform their continuity campaigns overnight. The company’s unique gifting software eliminates all the stock, storage and shipping challenges that a continuity campaign normally faces. Additionally, it eliminates the long lines that form at player rewards desks. Gift & Go’s software integrates directly into slot machines, so players can claim gifts directly from where they’re playing. Players can choose the most relevant rewards for them and customize their gift choice – giving them more reasons to play. The gifts are delivered straight to their homes via Amazon.
AURA AML - NRT TECHNOLOGY
In 2023, NRT released Aura AML, a next-level future-ready unifying platform that aggregates, tracks, and reports all financial transactions across the entire casino. This new purpose built technology was designed specifically for the casino industry and incorporates a unique case analysis methodology that streamlines data aggregation, allowing compliance teams to simply and easily track financial transactions on a case by case basis, increasing security and reducing the risk of fraud.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE OMNICHANNEL WAP JACKPOT - IGT
In May, IGT successfully introduced the first omnichannel WAP jackpot in the US via a Wheel of Fortune slots link in New Jersey, enabling players to spin for large-scale wins on games with combined jackpot liquidity between the land-based, mobile, and online versions of the game. Players in the Garden State can play the omnichannel WAP link online and on mobile devices via IGT PlayDigital’s Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold™ Gold Spin™ slots and in land-based N.J. casinos with IGT’s Wheel of Fortune $1 slots games in a variety of themes and has $500,000 jackpot reset value, among the highest in the State.
COSMIC - LIGHT & WONDER
Light & Wonder engineers created an industry-first lighting system with Cosmic. The cabinet’s diffused-fiber-optic tubes create a level of lighting control unseen in modern cabinet design. The 247 tubes that make up the lighting system can be independently controlled and synced to different game occurrences, giving unbelievable depth in curating a unique player experience. The company’s engineers also successfully fit a large portrait cabinet into a tight, 28-inch-wide form factor.
CARDLESS CASH AT ATM - PAYNEARME
PayNearMe’s Cardless Cash at ATM is a revolutionary way for players to instantly withdraw their winnings in cash at local ATMs - with nothing but their mobile phone. Players arrive at an ATM, key in their secret code and pin number, and confirm the amount of the withdrawal. Cash is dispensed, and the player receives a receipt. This payout method solves many challenges operators face, allowing them to meet changing player expectations, increase retention and improve operations.
THE MARKER TRAX CASINO MARKER SYSTEMMARKER TRAX
Marker Trax is a cashless, digital alternative to a casino marker. The product is the first of its kind to offer regulatorycompliant casino marker technology that takes inefficiency out of issuing advances and provides casinos with the tools to manage their casino credit underwriting and repayments. The company holds the only patent for technology that takes the gaming credit experience digital, and ensures credit lines are paid back at cash-out. With several key industry partners and compatibility with digital wallets and resort infrastructure, Marker Trax is elevating the player and operator experience to new heights.
GALAXY OPERATING SYSTEM - GALAXY GAMING
Earlier this year Galaxy Gaming launched its Galaxy Operating System (GOS) - the industry’s next-generation game management system, featuring innovative progressive jackpot options, striking LED sensors, and first-of-its kind digital tracking. GOS pairs Galaxy’s extensive knowledge of table games progressives with a modern approach to table management systems resulting in a dynamic and scalable operating system. The company transformed its renowned progressives with the world’s first Dynamic Progressive and first-ofits-kind digital tracking for Roulette and Craps.
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SLOT of the year
THOR’S THUNDER
Gaming Arts
JACKPOT CARNIVAL
Aristocrat Gaming
HUFF N’ MORE PUFF
Light & Wonder
MEGA KING
Zitro
FORGOTTEN TREASURES
Velvix
BIG SHAKE NEON
Eclipse Gaming Systems
PROSPERITY LINK
IGT
ALL ABOARD
Konami Gaming
DEVIL’S LOCK
Bluberi
COMBO CASH
Everi
Sponsored by:
Table Trac, Inc. develops and offers a complete suite of casino management solutions ranging from the Company’s patented table game management system TableTrac to CasinoTrac CMS, with functionality covering all casino resort operations and requirements. In 1995, Chad Hoehne founded Table Trac, Inc., because he realized a need and opportunity. In 1999, TableTrac™, received the industry’s first patent for automated table game management. In 2005, CasinoTrac™, became the full-featured, industry-first Class II & III hybrid online Casino Management System. To date, nearly 300 casinos operate CasinoTrac, in 13 countries around the world.
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XXxxx
SLOT OF THE YEAR
THOR’S THUNDER - GAMING ARTS
Thor’s Thunder is a beautifully designed game with robust, fast, dynamic and entertaining character-driven gameplay. This actionpacked base game Cash on Reel instantly pays to player when Thor lands on the middle reel. There are up to 25 free games with Thor permanently fixed to the middle reel. These 4 levels of fast hitting jackpots are scaled by the player’s bet, with a top award of 2000x the player’s bet. Thor’s Thunder is offered on the sleek VertX Grand cabinet. A variety of placement configurations are available including round 3-pods, 4-pods and back-to-back 4-packs, 6-packs, and 8-packs, triangular and rectangular 6-pods, and 2-pack and 3-pack placements.
JACKPOT CARNIVAL - ARISTOCRAT GAMING
Jackpot Carnival, which is a game originally released a few years ago, was brought back with new functions and features. It remained the top new premium game for 4 months. Jackpot Carnival, available on the Neptune Single Cabinet, is paired with Aristocrat’s player favorite titles Buffalo, Timberwolf, and Power of 88. The Clown features returns alongside an all new Hammer Bonus which replicates one of the test-your-strength hammer contraptions at carnivals.
HUFF N’ MORE PUFF - LIGHT & WONDER
The chart-topping Huff N’ Puff franchise returned to huge success. With an added Wheel feature, Huff N’ More Puff gives players a gripping chance at multiple Free Games features, credit prizes, or one of the two progressives. The game’s fun aesthetic and thoughtful take on Hold & Spin mechanics have players flocking to it regularly. Huff N’ More Puff debuted in the #1 spot in the Top Core Game category.
MEGA KING - ZITRO
Featured on the ultra-slim Allure Glare cabinet, Mega King is a multi-game progressive link offering 4 unique game titles, colorful themed graphics, and the popular bonus link that players love. Players can activate the “energy boost” feature, which transforms into a higher frequency of prizes and grants access to the bonus jackpot. Mega King is hugely successful across international markets and is a huge hit across LatAm. Hundreds of cabinets of the multi-game were installed in the past 12 months across Big Bola, Grupo Caliente, and Winpot venues in Mexico.
FORGOTTEN TREASURES - VELVIX
Featured on Velvix’s premium CurlX cabinet, Forgotten Treasures is one of the company’s most unconventional slot titles. At face value, Forgotten Treasures has the look of a traditional pirate-themed slot game. With 40 lines, the game sees players chase the title’s single most exciting feature. The “free games” feature is activated by collecting five or more scatters, each containing a multiplier value listed on them. The player then gets to select the order the multipliers are awarded during the feature. This means the player can weigh all of the larger multipliers at the start of the free spins or decide to set the bigger action toward the end of the free game. For the first time, players are put in charge of their own destiny.
COMBO CASH - EVERI
Everi’s Combo Cash Series features two distinct base themes – Rockin’ Reels and Secret Treasures. Both themes introduce COMBO CA$H, a fun, new twist on the player-favorite Win What You See feature, which was made popular by Everi’s stepper games Cash Machine and Gold Standard Jackpots. In Combo Cash, players landing a “$” symbol in the base games will unlock the COMBO CA$H feature, which spins to award big prizes up to $20,500. The Combo Cash series is featured on Everi’s new Dynasty Vue cabinet.
BIG SHAKE NEON - ECLIPSE GAMING SYSTEMS
The Big Shake Neon slot game offers an unprecedented gameplay experience featuring an engaging arcade-style coin-pusher and perceived skill bonus that challenges and excites players. This 3-reel slot transforms the player experience as players take control of the coin wall chutes during the Rapid Fire Bonus to collect prizes. To add immersion, the player can choose their favorite soundtrack from three unique playlists to enjoy during gameplay on this ‘80s-themed game.
PROSPERITY LINK - IGT
IGT’s Prosperity Link is a high-performing MLP video slots game introduced in 2022 to global success, and consistently ranked in the top three on Eilers list of Top Indexing New Premium Games. The game integrates popular gameplay mechanics and achieved high scores in IGT’s extensive test bank program to deliver player excitement with multiple free games bonuses and the lock and respin bonus. Prosperity Link is available in four Asian-inspired titles packed with vibrant graphics.
ALL ABOARD - KONAMI GAMING
Since the debut launch of All Aboard Dynamite Dash and All Aboard Piggy Pennies, Konami has released nearly a dozen different versions of All Aboard - adding more original base games, high-denomination editions, and even an All Aboard multi-game edition. The All Aboard game series has demonstrated exceptional player popularity which continues to grow to date.
DEVIL’S LOCK - BLUBERI
The base game employs a five-by-three reel array, with 15 individual reels and 40 pay lines. The wild Devil symbol and his teasing laugh may appear anytime and unlock prizes and jackpots directly on reels. Any devil symbol landing on the reels can randomly unlock one of two “Pig Pots,” which each award six free games. Devil’s Lock is featured on Bluberi’s Novus Series b49 cabinet.
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PAYMENT SOLUTION of the year
AXES.AI
EVERI
CashClub Wallet
PASSPORT
TECHNOLOGY
SIGHTLINE
PAYNEARME
MoneyLine Platform
LIGHT & WONDER
AToM
CRANE PAYMENTS
INNOVATION
SC Advance
PAYSAFE
PAVILION PAYMENTS
VIP Preferred
FABICASH
FABIKiosk
Sponsored by:
The SiGMA Foundation has supported a number of causes, including an educational initiative in Ethiopia, where it helped set up kindergarten schools. It has also partnered with charities to extend its philanthropic work to Bataan in the Philippines. The project entails the renovation of a church roof, and the supply of a solar panel system that will supply the whole complex. Upcoming projects include a multi-sensory hall for the Jose Depiro Formation Centre and a housing initiative for the underprivileged in the Bataan area of the Philippines, as well as women empowerment projects in the Jimma Bonga, Ethiopia, which will finance an institution in which women will be able to improve their skill set through various training programs, and a program to reconstruct cleft lips and palettes for children in the Cartagena area of Colombia.
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PAYMENT SOLUTION OF THE YEAR
AXES.AI
Cashless is the heart of AXES FinTech. It is a fully autonomous solution that includes: KashMe - cashier app, a complete end-to-end virtual cashier station that manages casino cash flow and player operations, TiTo, SmartCard Cashless, KIKO/Kiosk, and Butler - AXES’ player engagement app and eWallet. In March this year AXES released its kiosk integration and its reporting app for the land-based global market. The kiosk integration kit allows any manufacturer of a kiosk to integrate seamlessly and in real-time to the AXES Fintech Platform.
EVERI - CASHCLUB WALLET
CashClub Wallet is a mobile digital wallet that extends cashless payments, allowing operators to offer their guests the option of cashless and contactless funding of electronic game play, including funding at the gaming device, as well as payments at the point of sale or online to fund sports betting or social gaming. As the most widely adopted land-based digital gaming wallet in the US, it is currently being deployed or active across 41 properties in 21 jurisdictions.
PASSPORT TECHNOLOGY
Passport’s product portfolio includes redemption kiosks, quasi-cash, check warranty, ATM, digital payments, cash and cashless integrations, casino automation, banksponsored transaction processing, to name a few. The company has securely and responsibly settled over $45bn in funds to casino floors across the globe. Earlier this year, Passport announced it will support Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas’ transformation by providing its full suite of payment and processing solutions.
SIGHTLINE
Sightline launched the 2nd generation of cashless technology, powered by Play+, at Resorts World Las Vegas with unprecedented functionality that included remote identity verification, biometric authentication, and a single digital wallet. The updated app was gaming’s first omnichannel wallet to include these features and has since become the gold standard, providing a simpler, more seamless user experience with enhanced security.
PAYNEARME - MONEYLINE PLATFORM
PayNearMe’s MoneyLine platform manages the full player payments experience for iGaming and sports betting operators. This single platform combines fast and easy deposits and payouts with powerful player engagements, built-in regulatory and security features and industryleading logic-based user flows that drive down operational costs, improve player satisfaction and reduce back office efforts around managing payments across vendors, channels and locations.
LIGHT & WONDER - ATOM
AToM provides players with a seamless and secure payment solution at table games by letting them access funds without having to leave their seats. There are no back-end or out-ofnetwork transaction fees charged by the player’s fi nancial institution. To access funds, players simply swipe their debit card and enter their PIN. AToM is certified, secure, and PCI compliant, ensuring not only quick but also safe access to cash.
CRANE PAYMENTS INNOVATIONSSC ADVANCE
By simply attaching a Bluetooth module onto an existing machine, the SC Advance Note Validator can become the easiest way to enable cashless payments, ensuring that a casino can be up and running with cashless in no time. As the gaming industry evolves to accept new payments, the SC Advance evolves alongside it, acting as not only a note validator, but the central hub for everything payment-related in the casino. Along with its 98% first-pass acceptance rate and the lowest jam rate in its class for both street-grade cash and TITO tickets, the SC Advance provides a consistently smooth payment experience for cash, cashless or whatever comes next.
PAYSAFE
Paysafe is the only payments platform allowing online gaming operators to connect to all the payment methods their players could ever need through a single integration. With 25+ years’ experience, Paysafe powers play and payments safely for operators in 26 US states plus every Canadian province, with a suite of products spanning card processing (Paysafe gateway), the recently revamped Skrill digital wallet, and Paysafecash eCash solution, alongside 3rd-party options.
PAVILION PAYMENTS - VIP PREFERRED
VIP Preferred is Pavilion Payments’ industry-standard e-check network, connecting 3 million users to more than 400 online and in-person gaming institutions after a one-time enrollment. Pavilion Payments observed a 46% year over year increase in VIP Preferred enrollment in the iGaming sector alone in 2022. Pavilion allows patrons to sign up using online bank credentials for faster and safer enrollment.
FABICASH - FABIKIOSK
In 2022 FABICash built the hottest new all-in-one TITO kiosk on the market called the FABIKiosk. Some of the many features include ATM processing, credit and debit advance, eCheck transactions, jackpot payout, TITO payout for coinless, and moving all funds directly to FABI’s eWallet, making it a true cashless solution. The FABIKiosk made its debut in January 2023 in Virginia state’s first brick and mortar casino, Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
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RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS of the year
HARD ROCK
INTERNATIONAL & SEMINOLE GAMING
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
MGM RESORTS
INTERNATIONAL PENN ENTERTAINMENT
IGT ENTAIN
THE CORDISH COMPANIES
THE SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.
Sponsored by:
SYCUAN CASINO RESORT
Euro Games Technology (EGT) is a worldwidе gaming manufacturer with headquarters in Bulgaria and representative offices in Europe, Africa, Asia, North, Central, and South America. EGT’s portfolio includes video slot games, gaming machines, multiplayer solutions, iGaming products, and casino management systems. The company’s international certificates from various regulatory agencies and testing laboratories, including GLI, SIQ, ISO, and SAP, guarantee the high quality and the compliance of its products with the requirements of different jurisdictions. EGT’s focus on the latest technologies has made it a highly appreciated partner globally. Its machines are currently installed in over 100 countries around the world.
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RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL & SEMINOLE GAMING
Hard Rock & Seminole Gaming have invested locally and globally across causes that matter most to the communities they operate in. Hunger relief, cancer and human trafficking prevention, DE&I, children’s hospice care, are championed. Notable achievements include: the annual PINKTOBER campaign which has raised more than $11m for breast cancer awareness to date; $6.8m raised to date, in partnership with WhyHunger, to combat global hunger and poverty, $9m raised by team members to support local communities. The Seminole & Hard Rock Women in Leadership program has also been working to increase women’s representation within leadership roles, currently exceeding the industry standard of 22%.
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” philosophy, MGM has committed to creating a more sustainable future, making a difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and the communities where it operates. In the past 12 months MGM became the first gaming company to sign the UN’s CEO Water Mandate, it partnered with Grant A Gift Autism Foundation to provide job placement for young adults on the autism spectrum, and with the help of its $500,000 contribution in 2021, saw the opening of Las Vegas’ first urban farming facility in the Historic Westside.
IGT
ESG-ratings leader IGT introduced Sustainable Play™, representing the company’s commitment to global sustainability leadership in gaming and celebrating dedication to its people and planet. IGT upholds 9 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adhering to the UN Global Compact. It is the only gaming vendor to receive Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) responsible gaming accreditation for 3 of its businesses. In 2022, IGT published a Sustainability Plan including a comprehensive set of targets and actions, and joined the Science-Based Targets initiative, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
THE CORDISH COMPANIES
The Cordish Companies has long embraced a culture of giving. Since the opening of Live! Casino Pittsburgh in 2020, it distributed nearly $21m in Local Share Account grants to municipalities and non-profit organizations throughout Westmoreland County. And since entering the Philadelphia market with Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, it has supported charitable organizations across the region, such as Philabundance, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, through cash donations and in-kind support from team members. Earlier this year, The Cordish Companies donated $750K to Rebuild Philadelphia towards the major renovation of Murphy Recreation Center. Thanks to this contribution Rebuild will finish the $4.5m project.
LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.
Despite not having properties in Las Vegas anymore, Sands is still dedicated to supporting the Nevada community. A few initiatives from this year alone include: $300K contribution to the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, bringing Sands’ total contributions to the fight to end youth homelessness with NPHY to more than $2.3m since 2014; $100K contribution through Sands Cares to Dress for Success Southern Nevada which will support the organization’s core program and its free workforce development services for women who are unemployed and underemployed; providing funding to expand The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada’s community health center into full-service medical clinic.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. Among its goals is a commitment to increase representation of women and people of color in leadership roles to achieve full gender and racial parity by 2025, the promise to reduce water consumption by 20% per square foot by 2035, and a pledge to divert from landfills 65% of all waste generated at the company’s properties by 2030. In the past 12 months Caesars donated $40,952 to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, $100K to the American Cancer Society, $100K to the Las Vegas Aces Foundation, to name a few. Also throughout 2022 Caesars team members volunteered more than 75,000 hours to help individuals & communities in a positive way.
PENN ENTERTAINMENT
PENN is committed to creating a culture of responsible gaming, being a trusted and valued member of its communities and acting with the environment in mind. In 2022, PENN expanded its STEM Scholarship Program in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, contributed $7.6m, and its team members volunteered 8,000 hours, to support local charitable organizations in the communities PENN serves. It also expanded its DE&I and sustainability efforts. In addition, PENN Interactive became the first US operator to voluntarily undergo the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check iGaming Accreditation, one of the world’s most comprehensive responsible gambling accreditation programs.
ENTAIN
In addition to its main global Foundation, Entain also operates a Foundation dedicated solely to the US. In 2022, a founding grant from Entain to the UNLV International Gaming Institute established a gaming and health initiative which, for the first time in the US, will combine scientific research with operational expertise to apply best practices in responsible betting and gaming, policy, and health. Entain also supports EPIC Risk Management in educating studentathletes and staff about the increased risks of betting and gamingrelated harm for elite athletes.
THE SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians works tirelessly to be a community leader for positive social change. For more than two decades it has made generous contributions to nonprofits and government agencies to make a difference in the Indian Country and the communities it serves through the San Manuel Cares program. Its gaming business arm, The San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority got involved in philanthropic initiatives in Las Vegas shortly after purchasing The Palms. Last year, the SMGHA awarded 30 Southern Nevada nonprofits with a total of $1.2m in grants, as part of its new Palms Cares community outreach program. Grants ranging from $5K to $250K were given to various organizations including Green Our Planet, Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, Opportunity Village.
SYCUAN CASINO RESORT
The Sycuan Casino Resort has become a philanthropic force in the Southern California community. Notable initiatives from the past few months include: $25K donated to San Diego Pride to ensure they can fulfill their mission in serving the LGBTQ+ community year-round, continued collaboration with the San Diego Blood Bank for the 7th Annual Padres Summer Blood Drive. Last year, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and Sycuan Casino Resort made a $1.1m donation to the San Diego Symphony – the single largest cash gift ever given to the Arts and Culture sector by a sovereign tribal nation in Southern California.
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AMERICAN EXECUTIVE of the year
CATH BURNS COO Anaxi
AMY HOWE CEO FanDuel
SAL SEMOLA CEO Gun Lake Casino
JOHN CONNELLY Global CEO Interblock
OMER SATTAR CEO & Co-Founder Sightline
HEIDI GRANT Executive Officer of Gaming & Hospitality Choctaw Nation
JOE LUPO President
The Mirage Hotel & Casino (Hard Rock Las Vegas)
DOUG FALLON Group Director of Content Bragg Gaming
JENNY HOLADAY President Encore Boston Harbor
LINDSAY SLADER SVP Compliance GeoComply
ANIKA HOWARD President & CEO WONDR NATION
RAY PINEAULT President & CEO Mohegan
Sponsored by:
The trusted partner to more than 40 operators including Bally’s Corporation, betPARX, Great Canadian Entertainment, and Rush Street Interactive, Kambi has a track record of proven excellence in online and on-property sportsbook provision, providing operators with the high-performance technology and regulatory certainty required to grow and out-compete the market. Founded in 2010, Kambi has spent more than a decade focused exclusively on the sports betting vertical, building a cutting-edge and data-led turnkey product that delivers a superior user experience and provides partners with the freedom to differentiate. Today, its services not only include its award-winning Complete sportsbook but also an increasingly open platform and a range of standalone sports betting services which enable operators to engage and excite players to build market-leading positions.
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ADAM GREENBLATT CEO BetMGM
JORDAN LEVIN CEO OpenBet
BENJIE LEVY Head of Penn Interactive and President & COO of theScore
RACHEL BARBER SVP & CTO, Global Gaming IGT
THOMAS A. JINGOLI EVP & COO Konami Gaming
SETH SCHORR CEO Fifth Street Gaming
SHEILA MORAGO Executive Director Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
DEREK STEVENS Owner & CEO Circa Resort & Casino
PETER ARCEO Chief Gaming Officer San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
ALEX DIXON CEO Q Casino and Dubuque Racing Association JASON ROBINS CEO, Chairman & Co-Founder DraftKings
MATT WILSON President & CEO Light & Wonder
KIMBERLY PEARSON CEO Osage Casinos
AMERICAN EXECUTIVE of the year
CATH BURNS COO ANAXI
Cath Burns has been with Aristocrat for over three years, establishing the Customer Experience Solutions (CXS) business enablement strategy and playing an instrumental role in the building of the third business pillar of the company - Anaxi, as it made an entry into online RMG. With 20+ years of experience in the global gaming industry, Cath was recently promoted as Anaxi’s Chief Operating Officer to lead the combined CXS and iGaming team to the next chapter of growth.
AMY HOWE CEO FANDUEL
As CEO of FanDuel, Amy Howe is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the company’s core commercial functions across its sportsbook, casino, racing and daily fantasy units. Within two years in the CEO chair, Howe has guided FanDuel to phenomenal growth. Under her leadership FanDuel cemented itself as the USA’s market leader in online sports betting and as of Q2 2023 holds 47% market share.
SAL SEMOLA CEO GUN LAKE CASINO
Sal Semola, the CEO of Gun Lake Casino, has a clear vision for the future of the Gun Lake Tribe and his leadership and forward-thinking approach will benefit the Gun Lake Tribe for years. A few recent examples include: a $300m expansion, with which Semola aims to create a world-class resort destination, and a $2.5m partnership which he signed with the Special Olympics of Michigan earlier this year, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community.
LINDSAY SLADER SVP COMPLIANCE GEOCOMPLY
Lindsay Slader has provided expert testimony on regulatory compliance, geolocation technologies, and her gaming industry expertise at several state and federal hearings throughout the years, and is frequently a public speaker on these topics. Slader has been a key member of GeoComply’s management team since its inception in 2011 and has held various roles within the company, the most recent ones being Managing Director-Gaming and as of June last year - SVP Compliance. Her leadership has been instrumental in making GeoComply the trusted provider of geolocation and compliance solutions for the online gaming industry.
JOHN CONNELLY GLOBAL CEO INTERBLOCK
John Connelly is a highly respected and proven leader, with over thirty years of experience in gaming and a distinguished track record of business development, innovation, and M&As. His extensive background within US and international markets has played a pivotal role in increasing Interblock’s market share, development, and profitability over the past 8 years. Under his leadership, Interblock has become a global market leader in the electronic table games segment while continuing to innovate and develop new technology, with the latest one being the revolutionary Smart Pit. Oaktree Capital’s acquisition of Interblock in June 2022 demonstrates John’s unwavering commitment to the company
OMER SATTAR CEO & CO-FOUNDER SIGHTLINE
Omer Sattar continues to be one of the leading innovators in gaming. Under his co-leadership, Sightline became Nevada’s first fintech unicorn and is leading the way in gaming’s digital transformation, developing the processes, systems, and network for a more modern payments infrastructure for the industry. He played a key role in the launch of the Las Vegas Strip’s first cashless casino, Resorts World Las Vegas, and the effort to allow remote ID verification in Nevada.
DOUG FALLON GROUP DIRECTOR OF CONTENT BRAGG GAMING
Doug Fallon is directly responsible for the rise of Bragg Studios brands in the US, including premium slots studio Wild Streak Gaming, founded by Doug in 2015 and acquired by Bragg in 2021, Spin Games and two new brands Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic. Doug’s success in slot game development for both land-based and online markets has also attracted multiple partners to the Powered by Bragg program including Bluberi, Sega Sammy Creation, Galaxy Gaming, Incredible Technologies, King Show Games and Gaming Arts.
ANIKA HOWARD PRESIDENT & CEO WONDR NATION
Anika Howard leads the digital entity of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. She develops the company’s overall mission and culture and leads the daily operations and ongoing initiatives, bringing a fresh approach to what’s next for the gaming sphere. Under her leadership, last fall WONDR NATION launched its professional managed services with the relaunch and rebrand of FoxPlay Social Casino. Together with her team, Howard also launched the youth-focused Wondr Smart Labs - learning centers that provide STEM-based learning, plus access to emerging technology, digital tools and technology resources. She is also an active advocate for building an inclusive industry - she is co-founder and co-chair of African Americans in Gaming and is on the Board of Global Gaming Women where she chairs the DEI Committee.
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HEIDI GRANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GAMING & HOSPITALITY CHOCTAW NATION
Heidi Grant has been an integral part of the Choctaw Nation gaming business and was instrumental in the growth and expansion of more than 22 casino renovations and new construction projects for the Tribe, including the recent luxury expansion at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant. In her current role as Executive Officer, she oversees four stand-alone casinos, three casino resorts with more than 2,000 hotel rooms, and 15 Casino Too locations, a family entertainment center, and an RV Park.
JOE LUPO PRESIDENT THE MIRAGE HOTEL & CASINO
After four years as President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City (where he delivered amazing results for the property), last year Joe Lupo was tasked to run the Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas as it transitions into Hard Rock Las Vegas. Under his leadership the property has already been driving up gaming volume by adding more slot machines, small pits and ETGs to the casino. Lupo also saw an opportunity to attract more locals to the property and introduced various incentives for them to visit The Mirage, such as free parking, discounts to spa packages and midweek performances.
JENNY HOLADAY PRESIDENT ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR
In 2021, Jenny Holaday became the first woman to run a casino in Massachusetts, and not just any casino but the Encore Boston Harbor - one of the most successful and popular destinations in the Northeast for hospitality, gaming and dining. She oversees all aspects of the casino, including finances, marketing, and sales. Under her leadership, the property has cemented itself as the market leader in the state, and in January this year successfully launched in-person sports betting.
RAY PINEAULT PRESIDENT & CEO MOHEGAN
Ray Pineault drives the overall success of Mohegan alongside the Tribal Council. He creates and executes the operator’s global vision, strategy and direction. Under his leadership, Mohegan increased its online presence with the launch of digital gaming in Ontario last year and is nearing the completion of its IR in Incheon, South Korea. Pineault was also instrumental in Mohegan being chosen by the Soloviev Group as the casino partner for the group’s NYC casino bid, which, if approved, will create an “entertainment district”, adjacent to the UN campus.
ADAM GREENBLATT CEO BETMGM
Adam Greenblatt is driving the evolution of BetMGM. He has managed to turn the company to profitability in H1 2023, a quarter earlier than originally projected. His expertise in omnichannel gaming puts BetMGM in prime position to capitalize on its partnerships with MGM Resorts International and Entain. After only 3 years, Adam’s leadership cemented BetMGM’s credibility in sports betting, with each BetMGM sportsbook market delivering positive contributions in Q2, and established the company as the market leader in iGaming, with 27% market share for H1 2023.
BENJIE LEVY HEAD OF PENN INTERACTIVE AND PRESIDENT & COO OF THESCORE
Levy leads all day-to-day operations at theScore, as well as strategy and corporate development across its integrated media and gaming businesses. He has been integral in leading the evolution of theScore into a technology driven, mobile-first company that uniquely integrates media and betting. Most recently, he spearheaded theScore Bet’s launch in its home province of Ontario in April 2022 where the operator took an early lead on competitors, and the milestone completion of its proprietary technology stack in July last year. Last year Levy assumed an additional role - Head of Penn Interactive, in which he oversees PENN Entertainment’s digital segment.
THOMAS A. JINGOLI EVP & COO KONAMI GAMING
For decades, Thomas A. Jingoli has been an active force in creating industry wide collaboration. He is an officer for the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and has served on the Board of Advisors for the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling; UNLV Board of Trustees; and Advisory Board for the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Jingoli also led Konami Gaming’s support as a founder of UNLV’s Hospitality Hall and the KONAMI Gaming Laboratory. He oversees all activities spanning Konami’s Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Customer Service Departments, and is therefore instrumental to the company’s success.
SHEILA MORAGO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OKLAHOMA INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Sheila Morago has worked in the gaming industry for over two decades now. She often speaks at industry events on Tribal gaming matters and together with OIGA, actively promotes the general welfare of the Oklahoma Indian Tribes, and educates Tribal, federal, and state governments and the general public on issues relating to Tribal government gaming. As the Executive Director of OIGA she has been the driving force in gathering thousands of executives in Tulsa to celebrate and advance the industry at the annual OIGA Tradeshow & Convention. Year after year, Morago ensures the show returns bigger and better. Last year, she was also appointed to the governing board of the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
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JORDAN LEVIN CEO OPENBET
Guiding the OpenBet team seamlessly through its acquisition by Endeavor, CEO Jordan Levin’s unrivaled leadership skills and M&A experience proved vital during the past year. Under his leadership, OpenBet increased its revenue by 28% in 2022, celebrated 58 launches and was the only provider with zero downtime during the Super Bowl LVII, remaining the market leader in the US and Canada.
RACHEL BARBER SVP AND CTO GLOBAL GAMING IGT
At IGT, Rachel Barber is involved in the development and deployment of all of IGT’s land based casino, VLT and lottery products and naturally, has been instrumental to the company’s success. She oversees the management of several hundred projects a year that span across application modernization, new hardware deployments and new systems products.
SETH SCHORR CEO
FIFTH STREET GAMING
A seasoned gaming and hospitality executive, Seth Schorr has been leading Fifth Street Gaming in serving the Hispanic and Latino community in the US for over 15 years now. In 2021, Schorr founded FSG Digital, a multimedia and entertainment brand focused on engaging the Latino audience in the USA and in Latin America. In early 2023, he opened the Ojos Locos Sports Cantina y Casino and accompanying Hotel Jefe in Las Vegas - the first casino in the United States created specifically for the Latino audience.
DEREK STEVENS OWNER & CEO CIRCA RESORT & CASINO
Over the past few years, Derek Stevens has played and continues to play a huge role revitalizing Downtown Las Vegas by bringing a new casino and sports betting experience, and as of last year - meeting and conventions. Under his leadership, Circa (as well as its sister properties, Golden Gate and The D) are constantly elevating the customer experience. Stevens is also the Founder of Circa Sports, which has a retail and online presence in Nevada and beyond and has made a name for itself with its large contests and by taking larger bets and welcoming the sharp bettors. Under Steven’s leadership Circa Sports is now one of Nevada’s leading sports betting operators.
KIMBERLY PEARSON CEO OSAGE CASINOS
At the end of last year, Kimberly Pearson was appointed CEO of Osage Casinos, becoming the first woman to lead the sevenproperty gaming and entertainment enterprise, which serves as the primary funding source for critical Osage Nation programs. Pearson has spent the majority of her career at Osage Casinos and has held various roles, including Executive Director and later COO. She played a critical role in the success of the organization over the last several years and was instrumental in the opening of three Vegas-style casino hotels. In her current role, her main focus is to build up on the momentum Osage Casinos has and position the business for growth.
PETER ARCEO CHIEF GAMING OFFICER SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Earlier this year Peter Arceo assumed the Chief Gaming Officer Role for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, after serving as the CMO, Casino COO and, most recently, General Manager of the Tribe’s flagship Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Southern California. As General Manager of Yaamava, his strong leadership helped the Tribe achieve its most ambitious gaming and hospitality expansion yet, including an expanded gaming floor, entertainment venue and hotel.
ALEX DIXON CEO
Q CASINO AND DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION
Alex Dixon leads a very unique property - the Q Casino, one of only two non-profit casinos in the country. Under his leadership Q Casino is now well positioned to begin a $75 million-plus renovation and expansion project which will transform the old greyhound racing area into usable space, as well as refresh and enhance what is offered on the casino floor. Dixon recently started a podcast series to shine a light on the evolution of Dubuque, to educate the region about its rich history in “communityfirst” and current day growth as a destination to live, work, and play. He also co-founded the African Americans in Gaming group as a professional support organization for allies and peers in the industry.
JASON ROBINS CEO, CHAIRMAN & CO-FOUNDER DRAFTKINGS
Jason Robins oversees DraftKings’ strategy and operations, while also driving financing and strategic initiatives. Under his leadership DraftKings’ reach continuously expands across numerous platforms through wide-ranging, forwardthinking strategic relationships. Robins has led efforts at DraftKings to work with policy makers and regulators to pass fantasy sports, sports betting and iGaming legislation. He positioned DraftKings as a top player in the US and led it to achieve a new milestone in Q2 2023 - reaching EBITDA profitability.
MATT WILSON PRESIDENT & CEO LIGHT & WONDER
Matt Wilson took over the CEO role at Light & Wonder at a time when the company was going through significant change, having divested its lottery and sports betting businesses and undergone a rebrand. He demonstrated impressive leadership, strategic vision and passion for the business, essentially leading Light & Wonder into a new era. Under his leadership, Light & Wonder had a pivotal year - it delivered operational success and double-digit growth across all business segments, and fully acquired SciPlay, further accelerating the company’s crossplatform strategy and creating a stronger platform for growth.
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EVENT SPONSORS Lead Partner Category Sponsors O cial Adjudicator Powered by Thank you to the teams at Gaming America and Gambling Insider, Micky Swindale of KPMG, and all executives who took part in the Judging Panel. Thanks also to BetConstruct for their unwavering support and to all category sponsors for believing in our vision. Copyright Players Publishing Limited, all rights reserved.
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cial voting adjudicator: KPMG in the Crown Dependencies.