June 2016 Infinity Gaming Magazine

InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE SUMMER 2016

PONTUS LINDWALL SPECIAL INTERVIEW

WIG & APP

WINNERS GAMING + ARTICLES + business + global + ONLINE + NEWS+ APPS + AWARDS + etc

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SUMMER 2016

24 HAIL CAESAR Fall of an empire

10 PONTUS LINDWALL Chairman Betsson

WIG 7 All the winners & photos revealed

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

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6 EDITOR NOTES Lana welcomes you to the Summer edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.

8 OUR WRITERS Meet our feature writers, the superb writers on our rosta.

10 MR CHAIRMAN Pontus Lindwall Interview

12 THE 7TH WIG AWARDS

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All the evenings fun

24 HAIL CAESAR Christina Thakor-Rankin article

THE APP AWARDS All the winners and photos

28 APP AWARDS The second annual awards event

ARE TABLETS DEAD? Paul Swaddle article

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36 WELL HEELED WOMEN Liz Karter latest article

38 DATA CENTER Adding Value

41 NEWS & MORE NEWS from the gaming industry

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The line-up of win Women in INFINITY GAMING

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nners from the 7th Annual n Gaming Awards INFINITY GAMING

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A note from the editor CONTACT US Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK Tel: +44(0)1543 478 889 PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK

The summer holidays & relaxation is round the corner.

PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®

Lana Thompson - Editor

Welcome to the summer edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine and what an amazing time at the WIG & APP Awards Welcome to the magazine and what

Awards among the future for the com-

an edition we have for you, firstly the

pany and a look back over his career.

amazing women that attend the Women in Gaming Awards, congratulations to all

How our team manage to put out all

of you whether you have won an award

this and still fill the magazine with the

or not you are all winners, well done to

very latest news and articles is amaz-

you all. Then we had those innovative

ing, many thanks to our superb team of

geniuses that make the Apps and rec-

contributing writers Christina Thakor-

ognising them with the APP Awards, the

Rankin, Liz Karter and the App Man Paul

future is right here.

Swaddle.

For both events we had the highest

Well I’m off for a summer holiday and

ever participation in nominations, both

wish you all a wonderful time and catch

events were truly “feel good” ceremo-

you all very soon.

nies and it is an honour to meet some of the industries most talented people, an

Enjoy the magazine.

inspiration to us all.

So, “To Infinity and Beyond!”

However apart from those amazing people and companies we have the excel-

Regards,

lent Pontus Lindwall, Chairman of Bets-

Lana

son speaking to Colin Thompson about his own award for Outstanding Contribution to Gaming at the recent IGA

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The Editor

Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91

Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com

PREMIUM CASINO GAMES www.playngo.com

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SUMMER 2016

Infinity Gaming Magazine Contributing Writers A magazine is only as good as the content inside and with some of the leading specialists within the gaming industry. With specialised articles covering customer service, the gaming law, new prducts, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted to showcase our superb line-up of contributing writers.

Christina Thakor-Rankin Christina is Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, a specialist betting and gaming consultancy, delivering a range of services including licensing and compliance (incl. regulation, money laundering and social responsibility), business start-up, training and strategic reengineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and established multi-national operators and providers, gambling regu-

lators, law enforcement and government agencies, media, and specialist interest groups and associations within the sector, in both established and emerging markets across the world.

www.1710gaming.com

Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling Liz Karter is a specialist in gambling and women and has worked as a therapist in gambling addiction since 2001. Liz is also author of the book “Women and Problem Gambling” published in March 2013.

In January 2010 having worked with all leading UK problem gambling treatment agencies, and having successfully established the first UK groups for women with gambling addiction, Liz launched Level Ground Therapy. A treatment service in the City of London, Level Ground specialises in meeting the individual needs of women with gambling addiction.

Throughout her career Liz has been regularly consulted by the media regarding her specialisation and has made frequent national TV and radio broadcasts including This Morning, Radio 4 You and Yours and Women’s Hour and given numerous national newspaper and magazine interviews.

Paul Swaddle - CEO Pocket App A self-confessed ‘gadget geek, Paul Swaddle has been working at the leading edge of mobile technology for the past 15 years. He co-founded Pocket App in 2011 to bring the creative and technical development elements of mobile technology together under one roof.

This unique approach continues to differentiate Pocket App in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.

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Working across a range of communications disciplines such as acquisition, loyalty, retention and customer development, Paul understands the importance of a strategic and coordinated marketing approach, particularly between on and off-line communications. In the past decade he has enabled brands as diverse as Kellogg’s Fruit Winders, Barclays and Loaded magazine to get the best out of mobile.

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Interview with Pontus Lindwall Chairman Betsson Colin Thompson sits down with Pontus Lindwall following his award for Outstanding Contribution to Gaming at the recent 9th IGA Awards.

Pontus thank you for talking to us today, as Chairman of Betsson how involved are you still in the day to day activities of the company?

Yes, especially looking at the com-

Short answer is No. I enjoy life as it is.

panies which I started and all these

I want to work hard, because only then

people

these

can I appreciate when I do something

beyond

else, like vacations and stuff. I would

started.

become a nutcase shortly if I did not get

now

companies, what

I

working that

expected

is

with well

when

I

I am still very much involved in the operation of the mother company, the listed entity, but not in the operational companies in Malta and elsewhere.

You were recognised at the International Gaming Awards with the Outstanding Contribution Award, was it a surprise?

the challenge of working.

Although you have been given the award do you think there is more that Pontus Lindwall will be contributing to the industry in the future?

How much is your family a part of your success with Betsson?

They are a good part of the success. My wife has supported me since we met

I hope so. And I think so! I am still 100%

which was when the company was a

in this industry and I have lot’s of ideas,

three person start-up. My kids support

and now also some experience, so I am

me in their ways, they think the gam-

That was really a surprise and a fantastic

sure that I will continue to contribute in

bling business is cool.

one!

different ways.

How did you feel looking back at your life so far on screen at the awards, was it some what surreal?

With so much success is it not tempting to just retire and enjoy life more?

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For all those budding entrepreneurs out there wanting to make it big, what is it or how is it that you know what will be a success in the

SUMMER 2016

There is definitely growth in the market.

There are so many countries who are at different stages of their development curves. UK and Nordics are several years ahead of southern Europe, who in turn are several years ahead of other parts of the world.

PONTUS LINDWALL Receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award at the recent IGA9 Awards.

future and go for like online gambling?

into has been slower than expected.

Sweden got computerized and Internet-

And a few never took off. But in general

connected very early. The second factor

I think you can say that most companies

is that the state monopoly educated the

Actually I think you never know exactly

or projects seems to need around 5 - 7

swedes in gambling and brought it to

what will be a success. But there are

years to prove themselves. So patience

their living rooms through aggressive

some elements that you can look for,

is essential.

TV-marketing. By doing that, gambling

like existing customer behaviour (or customer needs) and scalability. If these components exist, then there are good chances to create a success.

Has there ever been any businesses you have done that has not worked out and been successful?

became normalized, and not something

Why is Sweden such a hot bed for success in the online gambling market?

I think there are two factors. The first one is that Sweden was early on technology and infrastructure. There was a political reform in the late 90:s with tax

Yes, I would say all business I have gone

shady.

So many mergers and acquisitions have taken place over the last 18 months but mostly not Swedish involved, is there a reason Swedish suppliers and operators like to go it alone?

subsidiaries for home computers. So

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Pontus Lindwall Special Interview

I think there is quite a lot going on with

When I started there was no Internet

M&A in the Nordics. Betsson has been

pioneers around who had made it big

acquiring several companies and so has

yet. So I looked at people who had built

our Nordic competitors. There was one

other companies, with big visions, and

other large deal that was released early

who had built them fast. As I got to know

May. So there are lots of activity going

John Wattin (later on the board for Cher-

on in the Nordics.

ry, NetEnt and Betsson) I was impressed with what he had done in the 80’s.

Is there anything Pontus Lindwall is working on now that could be the next big business for him?

No, I tend to concentrate hard on the companies I am engaged in, which is

There is definitely growth in the market.

There are so many countries who are at

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I hope they will remember me as dypossible. And also that I have always be-

How do you look at the online gambling business now, would you say it is a capacity or is there still growth in the market?

these companies are big business so I

Who are the business men or women that you most admired when you were starting out in the world, who inspired you most?

When you finish your career when ever that is Pontus, how would you like to be remembered by those who worked for and with you?

namic, with the view that nothing is im-

mainly Betsson and NetEnt. But both can’t say that I miss out on that.

growth.

lieved that it must be fun to work. I want my people to work hard, but also to be able to have fun, that is a combo I like.

Before we let you go, what is the future for Betsson more of the same to come or something very special?

different stages of their development curves. UK and Nordics are several years

In a way it is more of the same to come,

ahead of southern Europe, who in turn

but, the same means innovation every

are several years ahead of other parts of

day, so I still believe that the future will

the world. So there is lots of space for

be “very special!”

WIG NEWS

SUMMER 2016

Women in Gaming Awards make their mark with a celebration of diversity

T

he 7th Women in Gaming

industry influencers. Organised

of the company’s employees. Leading

Awards - the established and

by Clever Duck Media, the Women

by example in helping them prioritize

most prestigious programme

in Gaming Awards has gathered

their work / life balance.

recognising inspirational women

resounding support from Visionary

within the gaming industry took

sponsors and companies of all sizes

Outstanding Contribution Award

place Friday 20 May at the Jumei-

since launching back in 2010.

went to Nicola Hodgson from Crown

rah Hotel in London to celebrate

Melbourne Australia who spent 25

diversity, inclusion,

years in the industry

leadership and

internationally.

excellence.

Full list of Winners The Women in Gam-

2016 Women in Gam-

ing (WIG) Awards

ing Awards http://

has been created

gaming-awards.com/

to highlight the

wig/wig-winners/

exceptional women

wig-winners-2016/

working in the gaming based industry,

Thank you to all

role models that

of the sponsors

show it is an indus-

that supported the

try that offers excit-

Women in Gaming

ing career opportu-

Awards 2016: Play’n

nities for women on

Go, Playtech and

both a National and

NetEnt who is aiming

Global basis.

to achieve 50/50 Gender diversity by

Clever Duck Media organisers of the

On the evening awards were present-

Women in Gaming Awards said they

ed by Britain’s got Talent Voice over

had more than 300 nominations and

artist Darren Altman who brought

Nominations for 2017 Awards will

entries across 16 categories and it

laughter to the lively evening with

open in February 2017 on official

was a hard job for Judges to decide

his voice comedy routine.

webpage http://gaming-awards.com/

on a shortlist as all deserving award entries.

2020 across all departments.

wig/ Industry Pride of the year Award went to Frida Östberg, she is responsible

The WIG event showcases the

for coordinating NetEnt’s employee

achievements and innovation of

Health and Energy program, Frida

women in gaming, identifying new

draws on fifteen years’ experience as

role models and promoting further

an international athlete and Olym-

dialogue around diversity among

pian to serve as a role model for all

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WOMEN IN GAMING AWARDS WINNERS 201 01

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07

02

05

08

03

06

09

01

02

03

Industry Pride of the Year

04

B2B Excellence Award

07

Hidden Talent of the Year

Frida Östberg

Ebba Arnred

Mayan Eisner

NetEnt

Play’n GO

Scientific Games

Outstanding Contribution

05

Employee of the Year

08

Industry Achiever

Nicola Hodgson

Cari Blomquist

Elizabeth Dutton

Crown Melbourne

IGT

Playtech

Affiliate Manager of the Year

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Excellence in Customer Service

09

Innovator of the Year

Janine Jules (right)

Johanna Johnstone & Team (R)

Lydia Barbara

Leo Vegas

Caesars Entertainment UK

Microgaming

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16 - THE AMAZING WOMEN OF THE YEAR 10

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11

14

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15

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Star of the Future Anastasia Muljajew Tipico

17 10

11

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Inspiration of the Year

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NetEnt Marieanne Carmody Weir

Mr Green

Aspers Group

14

Sales Manager of the Year

Kelly Kehn

Marina Bogard

Initial Rewards

IGT

Leader of the Year (Land Based)

15

Fayan Pourisa

Leader of the Year (land based)

Therese Carlzon

Leader of the Year (iGaming)

Team of the Year

Marketing Excellence Award B2C

Marieanne Carmody Weir

Sofia Edbom

Aspers

Amaya Gaming

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CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT UK Caesars team at the Champagne Reception

Cheers to all the ladies

ASPERS TEAM

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PLAY’N GO Ebba Arnred center

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LEO VEGAS

NETENT

The Leo Vegas girls with a perfect pose

AMAYA GAMING The ladies from leading poker operator, PokerStars.

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INITIAL REWARDS Kelly Kehn winner

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KELLY KEHN

NETENT TEAM Celebrating two awards

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WHO IS THAT GUY? The Amaya Gaming girls seem to know....

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THE SALSA After party begins

NICOLA HODGSON

FRIDA OSTBERG

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We are the Champions!

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SUMMER 2016

Hail Caesar – the fall of an empire

By Christina Thakor-Rankin

T

he speculation surrounding the fate of Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Interactive Entertainment continues to gather momentum, in what could be the final and very dramatic closing chapter in the history of one of the gambling industry’s most iconic brands.

For many industry observers and commentators, the fall of Caesars, has been on the cards for a while now. Since 2014 in fact, when Caesar’s announced: “We experienced negative operating cash flows of $386.8 million for the six months ended June 30 2014, and we expect to experience negative operating cash flows for the remainder of 2014 and the foreseeable future, and do not expect that our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to repay our indebtedness in the long-term and we will ultimately seek a refinancing, amendment, or restructuring of our debt, or if necessary, pursue additional debt or equity offerings.”

In view of the above, the surprise is that what now seems to be the inevitable, has not happened sooner. So what happened to bring this once great empire (formerly

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known as Harrah’s) and which boosts a massive 68,000 employees across its estate of 50 casinohotels across the world, including the iconic Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, to its knees?

An empire that started with Bill Harrah opening his bingo parlour in Reno, Nevada in 1937, and saw it become the first casino company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1973. Following Harrah’s death, the business was acquired by Holiday Inns 1980, who in 1990 formed The Promus Companies as part of a restructure to support the sell-off of the Holiday Inn hotel business.

In 1995, Promus Companies decided to split the business into gaming and non-gaming divisions, the gaming division consisting of 16 casinos, was renamed Harrah’s Entertainment. The next 10 years saw continued expansion, culminating in 2005 with the acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. adding both casinos and cruise ships to its growing estate. 2005 also saw expansion overseas into Spain, Slovenia, the Bahamas, followed by the acquisition of London Clubs International in 2006 and the Macau Orient Golf

club in 2007.

In 2006, Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital, private equity companies, cut a deal to buy Harrah’s (later re-branded as Caesar’s in 2010) at a time when Vegas was enjoying a boom period in tourism and development, and loans and investment cash a mere formality. Unfortunately, whilst the deal was cut in 2006, it was not closed until 2008 -

An empire that started with Bill Harrah opening his bingo parlour in Reno, Nevada in 1937, and saw it become the first casino company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1973.

SUMMER 2016

almost two years later and in the shad-

manage their finances the bottom line

time, you cannot fool them forever, and

ow of a global recession looming on the

seems to be that this is yet another cau-

the last year has seen a growing num-

horizon, resulting in the new acquisi-

tionary tale of how not all that glitters is

ber of disgruntled creditors finally say-

tion coming with a significant amount

gold within the world of gambling.

ing enough is enough. The net result has

of debt, reportedly in excess of $20 bil-

been the filing of lawsuits, accusations

lion. Since then the Company has been

Whilst Caesars continued to post rev-

of asset stripping, and questioning the

trying desperately to play catch-up.

enues, the starkest sign of its perilous

legality of transferring assets to newly

position was in 2013 when Las Vegas

created subsidiaries, which sit outside

During the intervening years, a com-

Sands (which had been investing fur-

of the reach of the creditors, and at-

plex blend of financial deals, corporate

ther afield in places like Macau) made a

tempts to force the company into bank-

re-structuring, an IPO in 2012, closing

profit of $2.3bn, whilst Caesars posted a

ruptcy earlier this year to prevent it im-

down venues in Atlantic City, Missis-

loss of $2.9bn. Despite this, the compa-

plementing a rescue and recovery plan.

sippi and London and cutting staff have

ny continued to spend money it prob-

seen Caesar’s stave off the inevitable

ably didn’t have on projects which have

In a bid to avoid bankruptcy, Caesars

but ultimately, no amount of smoke,

failed to live up to expectation such as

has proposed a restructure of the busi-

mirrors and financial re-structuring can

its High Roller observation wheel, a gi-

ness write off its $10bn debt and re-

hide the fact that Caesar’s owes more

ant Ferris wheel on the strip, and head-

duce its annual interest payments from

money than it makes.

liners such as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey

$1.7bn to a more manageable $450m.

and Elton John for its Colosseum shows.

To implement this Caesars would have

Without entering into a detailed analy-

to raise (contribute) around $4 billion in

sis of how large global corporations

It seems that whilst you can fool some,

use complicated company structures to

or even all, of the creditors some of the

cash, debt and equity.

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SUMMER 2016

The fall of an empire

There are a couple of hurdles to getting

Whilst the land business seems to be

see the attraction and value in say Poker

the plan across the line. The first is the

teetering on the edge of collapse, Cae-

Stars, or a land based operator wanting

issue of pending lawsuits against the

sars Interactive Entertainment, despite

to spend to own the rights to one of the

parent private equity companies Apollo

having faced its own challenges, is ac-

most valuable gambling events in the

and TPG which are estimated to be any-

tually doing rather well comparatively

world. One might also see the attrac-

where in the region of between $5 and

speaking.

tion of an online operator paying to buy

$12 billion.

their way into the US online gambling Aside of being one of social casinos

market in New Jersey and Nevada by

The second is the issue of a debt-lad-

success stories, and operating on-line

taking over an existing entity. One has

en business having $4 billion to put

gaming platforms in New Jersey and Ne-

to wonder however, whether a portfo-

towards its rescue plan, when there is

vada, Caesars Interactive Entertainment

lio which consists of nothing more than

little chance of any sane investor want-

owns what is possibly poker’s most

social games, popularity of said games

ing to throw good money at a business

valuable global asset – the World Series

notwithstanding, is worth anything

which is not only losing money by the

of Poker. Initial reports however suggest

close to $4 billion, and if so who.

day, but could be wiped out entirely if

that any deal or acquisition of Caesars

the disgruntled creditors have their way.

Interactive Entertainment would not

The sale of Caesars Interactive Enter-

include the online gaming platforms

tainment in part or in whole may prove

In light of the above it is perhaps no sur-

or the WSOP – raising the question of

to be irrelevant, for it seems like the

prise then that there are rumours that

whether the social gaming proposition

future of the business lies not in the

Caesars Entertainment Corp. is consid-

alone is worth anywhere near as much

hands of a white knight but the current

ering the possible sale of Caesars Inter-

as $4 billion.

creditors, who have the power to agree

active Entertainment (CIE) (possibly the

or decline any plan and the ultimate

only part of Caesar’s worth having right

This would effectively be a re-sale of

now), at a potential sale price of around

Playtika, which Harrah’s initially bought

$4 billion.

a 51% stake in for between $80 and $90 million back in 2011. One could

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irony of et tu Brute.

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SUMMER 2016

APP AWARDS WINNERS 2016 - THE AM 01

04

07

02

05

08

03

06

09

01

App of the Year

04

Betsson Jackpots App

02

Best App Company

Best App Design Leo Vegas

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07

Mecca Bingo

05

Pilot Games

03

Best Bingo App

Best Casino App

Lottoland

08

Mr Green

06

Best Free to play App Duel by PokerStars

Best Lottery App

Best Poker App PokerStars

09

Best Slots game App Betsson Jackpots App

SUMMER 2016

MAZING GAMING APPS OF THE YEAR 10

10

11

Best Social gaming App Mobile Strike

11

12

Best Sports betting App Playtech

12

Innovative App of the Year Mr Green Ltd

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SUMMER 2016

MR GREEN Mr Green ladies enjoying the drinks reception

SYLVIA DIETZ Along with the IGT Team arrive for the awards drinks reception

THE AWARDS Everyone had their eye on the awards but only the select few were lucky to receive this year.

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SUMMER 2016

MR GREEN Those Mr Green ladies just want to have fun!

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SUMMER 2016

Are Tablets Dead?

Infinity Gaming Magazine contributing writer Pocket APP CEO Paul Swaddle

Paul Swaddle

Has the Tablet had its day after just six years?

Six years after the release of the iPad,

these big brands not having any imme-

If we take a closer look at the market,

a once booming market is on the verge

diate plans in this space, does this mean

it becomes clear that tablets are now

of a massive shift, one that not many

that consumers don’t care about tablets

a commodity. With perfectly adequate

predicted. For those who visited Mo-

anymore?

tablets now available for less than

bile World Congress, the world’s largest

£100, little to no differentiation be-

mobile conference earlier this year, you

Cannibalised by large screen smart-

tween devices and a saturated market,

had a better chance of spotting the odd

phones

it’s becoming increasingly harder for

person wearing Google Glasses than any new tablet devices.

companies to make a profit on them.

The shift away from tablets can be in part explained by the ever growing

According to the recent industry analy-

rate of smartphone adoption, and with

sis conducted by IDC, the tablet market

the introduction of larger devices, now

was down by as much as 10.1%, last

known as the phablet, it seems that

year, with an estimated 206.8 million

many users are more than happy bing-

tablets shipped. That’s down from 230.1

ing on Netflix via their plus-sized mo-

million shipped in 2014. These stats are

biles. The first Samsung Galaxy had a

a bit better if you look at other research

5.3 inch display, meaning that what was

numbers, which estimate that 224.3

considered at the time to be a phablet

million tablets were shipped in 2015,

is now an average sized mobile device.

compared to 242.2 million in 2014—a

So big phones have become a norm and

decline of only 8.1%.

are often seen as a deterrent for anyone considering the purchase of a tablet -

I can remember how folks were excit-

it’s just easier to deal with one device

ed about the Nexus 7, but this year, it

instead of two.

seems big electronic companies aren’t

The shift away from tablets can be in part explained by the ever growing rate of smartphone adoption, and with the introduction of larger

even trying to release new tablet devic-

With an estimated 50% of Android tab-

es. Excluding Lenovo’s attempt at get-

lets shipped last year featuring a 7inch

ting into the lower end tablet spectrum

display, the threat of larger screen

and Huawei’s launch of the Matebook

smartphones is a clear factor in the de-

(which technically isn’t a tablet), tablet

cline of tablet sales.

binging on Netflix via

Usage patterns

their mobiles.

devices weren’t even mentioned by the likes of Samsung, Sony, HTC or LG. With

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devices, now known as the phablet, happy

SUMMER 2016

With the introduction of the iPad, no-

coming demise of laptops. However,

visible in the early adopter groups.

body was sure how often users would

the industry didn’t anticipate the rise in

want to upgrade their tablets - would

smartphone screen size, which in turn

On the other hand, what’s left to intro-

the pattern be closer to a smartphone

has resulted in tablets looking more

duce? Larger screen resolutions; haptic

or an elongated cycle, more reminiscent

like a luxury device and making laptops

feedback; personalised tablets aimed at

of laptop usage cycles?

hard to resist.

specific demographics such as children or gamers? There is no clear upgrade

Now we seem to have a better under-

Google’s recent introduction of its

direction within this market, which can

standing of this industry, as identified

Chromebook range and new lower

easily change with the introduction of

by Apple’s own Tim Cook, the usage cy-

price point for entry level notebook

interconnected homes or perhaps a

cle of iPads is `longer than an iPhone,

devices have hurt tablet sales across

shift from the current consumer focus

probably between an iPhone and a PC.`

established Western markets, with con-

to target schools and businesses with

Chances are, you have a tablet at home

sumers opting to replace their laptops

tablet devices.

and you mainly use it for browsing the

rather than investing in a luxury tablet

internet, watching Netflix or some light

which does pretty much everything

It is becoming clear that tablets are fac-

reading during family time. Tablets have

their shiny smartphone can.

ing a tough time, however they can still

become a shared family device, with

make a comeback if companies analyse

relatively light usage and software up-

So where’s the innovation or the way

the usage patterns closely and address

grades keeping the devices current, the

forward?

the current market’s needs. Tablets

need to replace them is declining.

need to clearly differentiate from both When looking at all the tablet devices

smartphones and laptops, providing us-

Laptops are a tougher rival than pre-

available on the market, it’s hard not to

ers with a distinctive, personalised ex-

dicted

notice the iterative approach in their

perience. That said, if nothing changes,

improvements on previous models.

tablets will be further cannibalised by

With the rapid success of the iPad and

New tablets genuinely lack exciting and

the increasing rate of smartphone adop-

subsequent Android tablets flooding

innovative features, which in turn are

tion and forever sit on the shelf next to

the market, many pointed to the up-

a significant upgrade factor, especially

other luxury goods.

INFINITY GAMING

33

34

SUMMER 2016

Pennsylvania vote down igaming bill but fight goes on

Pennsylvania lawmakers voted down

gambling.

the iGaming bill in the House of Representative but the “no vote” which

“I didn’t do this because I was pro any-

was 107-81 could get another chance

thing but business,” Payne stressed.

very soon as it was connected with the expansion of video gaming terminals

Payne said that he has held a whopping

(VGTs) in the Keystone State. So Rep.

47 meetings and hearings for online

John Payne the sponsor of the online

gaming over the past year and a half.

gambling bill says it could go again

“Nobody on this floor can say they want

next time on its own and as soon as this

to wait until they have more informa-

week for a vote.

tion. We’ve had enough hearings, and I’m asking for a ‘yes’ vote.”

The state which has almost 13 million residents and currently has a land

Most observers say that unless online

based gambling market worth $3 billion

gambling is legalised this year before

annually has a $50 billion black hole in

John Payne stands down next year then

state pensions and John Payne believes

it could be a long wait for another op-

online gambling could help plug some

portunity.

of that hole and not just for internet

INFINITY GAMING

SUMMER 2016

Senior executive at Caesars leaves for Google As Caesar Entertainment continue to

cloud services and devices, according to a source familiar with the company.

struggle and fight in bankruptcy court one of its senior executives has left to

Shaukat joined Caesars in 2012 before leaving for his new role with Google.

join Google. Tariq Shaukat, the Chief Commercial Officer for Caesars Entertainment Corp. Has been nabbed by the internet giant to help the companies push to offer more B2B services. Mr Shaukat will become Google’s President of Enterprise Sales.

Earlier this month, Amit Singh, the head of Google’s enterprise app business, jumped over to run business operations for the company’s virtual reality effort.

Shaukat’s role will be an expanded one, overseeing sales for enterprise apps,

SJM lower gaming table requirement for new resort SJM Holdings Chief Executive Ambrose

Parisian Macao from Sands China Ltd;

So Shu Fai said the company is planning

MGM Cotai from MGM China Holdings

to apply for “400 to 500” new live gam-

Ltd; and Grand Lisboa Palace.

ing tables for the under-construction Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai.

Last year Studio City operated by Melco Crown Entertainment and Phase 2 of

Previously the firm had said it would

Galaxy Macau were both given 250 ta-

look at asking for 700 tables but that

bles each when opening their new re-

figure has dropped and the new appli-

sorts.

cation will be put in once the completion of the new resort is nearing com-

Mr So said on Friday that SJM Holdings

pletion.

would wait for the government’s table allocation for Grand Lisboa Palace be-

Grand Lisboa Palace is scheduled to

fore looking into the possibility of shift-

be completed by the end of next year,

ing tables from some of its other Macau

but in 2014 when SJM executive break

casinos to the Cotai property. The latter

ground on the construction it said that

scenario would be in case SJM Holdings

they will apply for 700 tables and some

did not receive enough new gaming ta-

1,200 slot and gaming machines.

bles for Grand Lisboa Palace.

However many analysts believe that

The SJM Holdings chief executive told

SJM along with the other the other re-

reporters that it was still “hard to pre-

sorts being built in Cotai will be given

dict” whether the Grand Lisboa Palace

250 tables each, which will include

project would face any construction de-

Wynn Palace from Wynn Macau Ltd;

lays.

INFINITY GAMING

35

36

SUMMER 2016

Well Heeled Women

Liz Karter

What are you wearing? A familiar question asked by women fourteen to fifty and beyond when faced with the dilem-

From receptionist sacked from her job

in pavement cracks and with excessive

ma of dressing for a prestigious event

at PwC because she refused to wear

use damage our backs and we pay the

such as the glamorous Women in Gam-

heels, to the actress Julia Roberts going

price for a Manolo Blahniks in pinched

ing Awards. Delighted to be invited to

barefoot across the red carpet in rebel-

toes and blisters.

the awards evening I imagined the chal-

lion against the dress code at Canne

lenging sartorial choice facing most of

which included a high heels, women

So, do we wear our high heels because

us women would be do we dare a full

seem to be shunning the stiletto, see-

we masochistic tendencies? Is our self

length gown or the trusty little black

ing it as a sexist statement. This on the

esteem so low that we imagine our-

dress? Hot media stories this month

one hand (or foot..?) is understandable.

selves unattractive unless our height is

would lead us to consider carefully our

Images which portray women as sexual

enhanced? For the mature, intelligent

choices in the footwear department. It

objects use high heels as uniform. So

women gathered at the Women in Gam-

seems to be all about shoes and the sig-

are high heels disempowering? To a

ing Awards, I imagine the answer would

nals they give out about status, power

some degree at least physically so; we

be almost certainly not. Can, then, wear-

and sexism.

cannot run (well) in heels, they get stuck

ing high heels be empowering or a

INFINITY GAMING

SUMMER 2016

statement of status and power? Many

by her relapse and in her slippers.

women describe feeling empowered by

ther make us happy or very unhappy.

What makes the difference is whether

wearing high heels. The association for

Another young woman I am working

we feel that we have truly made our

such women is with wearing heels and

with at my Level Ground practice was

free and authentic choice. Within my

the professional aspect of themselves.

suffering high anxiety and stress. Hav-

practice I currently have two seemingly

They walk tall, with confidence, feel

ing worked with me to get her self con-

very different women. One is a stay at

posture is improved and for those, like

fidence back and feeling mentally, emo-

home married mum of three, the other a

myself, who are of a diminutive stature

tionally and physically a lot fitter she

single career woman. Each is in therapy

heels can make one feel literally more

told me she could not wait to put on a

for their gambling addiction because,

on a level when in meetings with male

dress, her high heels and head to a club

despite their very different lives, they

colleagues. If at work we are strong

to show everyone that she was well and

have the same problems. Each is feel-

and capable then being dressed in our

truly back in charge of her life. Her heels

ing stressed and depressed at having

professional attire elsewhere gives us

were a part of her power statement.

succumbed to their life circumstance

positive associations with being able

because of family and social pressures.

to problem solve and manage the most

When we think about it, to wear the

The secret heart’s desire of the stay at

difficult scenarios. Recently, a success-

heel or not to wear the heels may be

home mum is to put on her heels and go

ful, professional woman I am treating

a very contemporary question, but our

out into the world of work and build a

for her gambling addiction telephoned

fascination with the meaning of foot-

career. The unspoken longing of the sin-

me in tears, having had a middle of the

wear goes back decades and is present

gle career woman is to have a husband

night relapse. Amongst other therapeu-

in fairy tales, stories and myth. The Red

and stay at home; she would give up all

tic strategies I advised her most strongly

Shoes, Cinderella’s glass slippers, the

she has to be barefoot and pregnant.

to get up, have a shower, get dressed in

ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz. Pow-

her favourite suit and high heeled shoes

erful song from Nancy Sinatra telling us

So ladies, I would say we should not lis-

and go to work and to stay dressed in

that “These boots are made for Walkin”

ten to what we are told about what we

her work clothes whilst sorting out her

and the phrase “kept barefoot and preg-

should or should not wear on our feet.

damaged bank balance that evening.

nant” being a warning statement for

If your heels make you happy and you

She contacted me later to say that it

what lies ahead for the woman who al-

feel empowered then go girl! If you are

had worked like a charm; dressed in a

lows herself to give away her share of

happier at home in your slippers, then

way which she associated with feeling

the power balance in a relationship.

all power to you. After all, nothing is as

powerful she was able to manage not

So what should we choose is we are to

emancipating, attractive and empower-

only a day’s work but felt much more

walk the path of happiness through life?

ing as being our authentic self.

on top of her emotions and irrational

Years of experience of listening to what

thoughts than she would have been had

makes women happy has taught me that

she stayed at home, deeply saddened

being barefoot or in killer boots can ei-

INFINITY GAMING

37

38

SUMMER 2016

The added value of a multi-service provider to the gambling industry

The gaming market should reach $99.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2015. The gaming industry is constantly growing and at the cutting edge of innovation. But how can an IT provider find his place in this field? This is the question that Datacenter.eu, colocation, cloud, IP transit and connectivity provider, will examine deeper.

Gaming has evolved a lot these last couple of years with the boom of online industry.

Gamers now have the possibility of using a large variety of devices and are no more bound to their consoles, as it has previously been the case. They can play

Another important asset of cloud com-

from everywhere and from any device

puting is its impact on accessibility and

they wish, whether it’s a smartphone,

availability. Thanks to the flexibility and

smart TV, console, laptop, tablet and so

scalability of the storage, gaming com-

on. This evolution is possible thanks to

panies make sure that players can log

cloud computing which offers a con-

into their account and access all their

tinuous and immediate access for both

saved contents. They do not have to

players and developers, with the free-

think on how they could save and pro-

dom to access it from everywhere.

tect their games anymore, they can play their favorite games anytime without

Indeed, developers have the possibil-

having to use the same device, from any

ity to host games into the cloud and

place which makes it much more pleas-

to modify it instantaneously. Changes

ant and easier. This is clearly a key point

are immediate for players, all around

of the player’s satisfaction.

the world. Games run mainly from the cloud, instead of being downloaded lo-

Cloud computing also enables multi-

cally, which reduces the storage foot-

ple game content. As a matter of fact,

print on player’s devices and enables

back then gamers could only play one

IT engineers to do upgrades in a much

single game at a time. However with

easier and faster way.

cloud computing, it became possible to play multiple games at once, thanks to

INFINITY GAMING

SUMMER 2016

39

several ways created for accessing. This clearly adds value to the gaming experience. Undoubtedly, cloud computing is a win-win affair: thanks to this new way of content delivery, it helps increase the revenues of gaming companies and players have a better and much more diversified experience, play from everywhere, without the need to care about transporting their console or how to save their data. Moreover, the last developments in data security helped to protect their identities.

According to these reasons, cloud computing is revolutionizing the gaming industry by modifying the game access, the ways to play and above all storage.

However, to be efficient it is important to select the good provider, who offers the best suitable solution. We at Datacenter.eu understand the gaming culture, their patterns of consump-

Based in Luxembourg, at the center of

mid-air. Players are expecting a smooth

tion, as well as the issues and needs of

Europe, we provide flexible and reliable

game. This is the same in the middle of

game companies.

solutions. From public to private or hy-

a gambling, the odds in a bet can vary

brid cloud, we deliver custom-made so-

from one second to the other. Regarding

lutions which benefits are cost optimi-

the importance of connectivity, Data-

zation, unlimited storage capacity, full

center.eu provides an ultra-low latency

control of the data, high security, OPEX

to provide the best service possible. We

model, etc.

are interconnected to the major Internet backbones, with connections to hun-

We deliver a unique offer of multi-tier

dreds of exchange partners allowing us

datacenters, from Tier II to Tier IV, mean-

to provide this low latency, high speed

ing that we provide the highest security

and redundant internet access. Thanks

of the data existing with the best SLA

to our IP transit capacity, we make sure

ever. This is particularly important in the

that the business of our clients will be

gaming industry or even the gambling

as efficient as they want.

industry. Within the data protection we offer, redundancy is the best existing

Our experience of more than fifteen

solution. Imagine what the losses of a

years, which includes companies from

single minute downtime of a gambling

the gambling field and with our high

site can cause. In our tier IV datacent-

skilled and certified engineers, Data-

ers, if one way is down, another one

center.eu is able to deliver and follow

will take over, if one piece is broken, an-

up the solution which suits best your

other one will take over. The security is

needs.

maximum.

To know more about us: It is also very important to benefit of a great connectivity. Nothing is more

www.datacenter.eu

annoying for a gamer than hitting the jump button and then getting stuck in

INFINITY GAMING

Some might see this as a fruit salad...

IF YOU SEE WHAT WE SEE, You belong with us - vegasmaster.com

GAMING NEWS

SUMMER 2016

Dutch MP questions KPMG on Curacao online gambling

D

utch Member of Parliament

want to know of you.”

KPMG itself. I would take a close look

Ronald van Raak has asked

A large part of the online gambling

at the activities of the KPMG people

the Chairman of KPMG’s

companies operate through the local

in the Dutch Caribbean, starting with

Board of Directors Albert Röell about

telecommunication company UTS,

UTS.”

the role of the firm in the illegal gam-

which is owned by Curaçao Govern-

bling industry in Curaçao, according

ment.

to reports from the Daily Herald.

The MP said that he directed himself to Röell because so far the response

“And, what happens to be the case:

of KPMG Dutch Caribbean had not

Van Raak asked the question in an

KPMG Dutch Caribbean is active in

been reassuring.

open letter published on the Dutch

UTS in many ways,” said Van Raak.

news and opinion website The-

“It is my understanding that KPMG

“They deny having connections with

PostOnline. The Member of Parlia-

people provide technical support,

gambling bosses like Corallo, but at

ment (MP) said that KPMG often

management consultancy services,

the same time declare that they have

served as an external consultant for

they carry out research and sales

severed all ties with him last year.

government-owned companies in

activities and audit the books of

You can rest assure, we will continue

Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten and

UTS. The UTS boss came from KPMG,

with our own investigation.”

that he encountered the name of

which also has been the external ac-

KPMG in his quest to expose the il-

countant of UTS,” Said Van Raak who

Van Raak mentioned the large-scale

legal gambling industry, especially in

pointed out that the firm also did

investigation into the gambling sec-

Curaçao. Bellmark Casino, Zon Casino,

the external audit of the companies

tor in Curaçao and St. Maarten which

Neder Bet, Neder Gaming, Bit Casino,

of “dubious gambling entrepreneurs

the Dutch Government has started

Sports Bet are all gambling com-

like Francesco Corallo, who is also

with the assistance with the United

panies that are aimed at the Dutch

tied to the Sicilian mafia.

States and Italy. Referring to this

market and are registered in Curaçao.

investigation, which was the result

“This island appears to be the centre

” The MP mentioned KPMG’s Code

of an adopted motion of the Second

of hundreds of illegal gambling

of Conduct, recently established by

Chamber which was initiated by Van

companies that are active all over the

Röell, which states that the company

Raak and André Bosman of the liberal

world. The Curaçao Government has

is “open and honest” in its communi-

democratic VVD party, Van Raak

provided a small number of people,

cation and that “difficult situations”

advised Röell to be “candid” and

as holders of a master license, the

required a “candid” approach. “KPMG

to address the wrongdoings in the

opportunity to sell sub-licenses. This

writes nice words in the Code of

Dutch Caribbean.

takes place without solid checks and

Conduct about difficult situations.

supervision,”explained Van Raak in

I am afraid that we are dealing with

“That is far better than to wait for

his open letter to Röell.

an issue of a difficult nature. I would

what will surely happen anyway.”

very much like to know how deeply “Now I don’t have to tell you that a

involved your company is exactly in

lot of criminal money is laundered

the illegal gambling industry,”Said

through the gambling industry. You

Van Raak.

Courtesy of CuracaoChronicle

may be asking yourself: ‘That is so nice of you Mr. Van Raak to tell me

“KPMG has to perform checks for

this, but what is my part in that?’

fraud and corruption. It would seem

Well Mr. Röell that is exactly what I

a good idea to start checking within

INFINITY GAMING

41

GAMING NEWS

Genting UK annual figures disaster

SUMMER 2016

Rank Group pleased with results

C

asino operator Genting UK part of the global Genting gaming firm announced its 2015 results for its UK business showing a £56 million loss for the year.

Hit hardest was the companies London business which has four casinos and saw revenues drop by £100 million, although Genting saw a rise of visitor numbers to its clubs overall of 100,000 in the year customers spend was down 29% overall but a huge 64% down in London. The previous year saw London customers spend £285 per head this year £160.

London continued to drag down any results as provincial casinos actually saw revenues rise by 15% in its 43 casinos outside of London. But With London turning in a loss of £45 million and provincials losing some £10 million it all reads very bad for Genting UK. Peter Brooks, president and chief operating officer of Genting UK, said: “The focus of the group over the coming year includes strengthening the group’s position in the domestic business segment and improving business efficiency.

“In addition following the adverse effects of events encountered in Asia on the international business segment, the group has revised its marketing efforts and will be implementing additional strategies to reinforce this segment.”

The Rank Group were pleased with their results during the 19 weeks to May 8th showing total like for like revenues up 3% and total revenues up 2%.

Grosvenor Casinos saw LFL revenue up 4% and total revenue ahead 3%. For Mecca, these figures were 1% and -1% respectively.

“Rank is in a strong financial position, possesses market-leading brands with multi-channel distribution and has a clear strategy for sustained long-term growth,” the company said in a statement.

CEO Henry Birch commented: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance during this 19-week period. We have seen continued likefor-like revenue growth across all of our brands and the performance in our Grosvenor digital business has been particularly encouraging.

“During the period we launched our new digital platform which was delivered both on time and on budget. This is an important development for the Group and we look forward to the benefits the increased functionality will bring.”

INFINITY GAMING

43

GAMING NEWS

SUMMER 2016

William Hill suffers revenue fall on latest results

W

illiam Hill’s results for the

Leicester result was ten times worse

16 weeks to April were

than any other time it had a major

worse than many expect-

payout.

ed showing a fall in overall revenues

football results.’

The bookmaker said it still expected its operating profit for 2016 will be

of 3% compared

between £260million

to the same period

and £280million, com-

in 2015. The most

pared to £291million in

disappointing part is

2015.

that the companies previously highly

Another announce-

successful online

ment from William Hill

business dropped

in what is thought to

11%.

be a move to boost the firms online busi-

The UK bookmaker

ness, Crispin Nieboer

also said that its

has taken over as full

Australian busi-

time online managing

ness saw revenues

director, having been

fall 22% over the

appointed on an interim

period from last year. William Hill

William Hill’s chief executive James

basis back in January.

did announce a profit warning back

Henderson said: ‘It has been a tough

in March, but with Leicester Football

start to the year in online, which is

Nieboer steps up to the role after

club winning the premier league

being impacted by both regulatory

previously serving as director of cor-

and Wiliam Hill paying out some

change and a gross win margin below

porate development and innovation

£3 million to punters along with a

normalised levels for the period

at William Hill.

disastrous Cheltenham has hit the

due to a disappointing Cheltenham

company hard, with it saying that the

festival and unfavourable European

Nugget Casino Resort sold

T

he Nugget Casino Resort has

invest $25 million in the next two

“This is a long-term investment

been sold for an undisclosed

years to renovate the Nugget’s two

opportunity for us. The Nugget is an

amount to Marnell Gaming

hotel towers and convention centre.

iconic property in a great location

following Nevada Gaming regulators

The 1,000 slot machines in the

and we hope to be here for many

approval of the sale.

casino will be also replaced.

years.

With the sale of the Nugget it adds

Anthony Marnell the CEO of Marnell

It has also been agreed that the

to the portfolio of the Colorado

Gaming Said, “We are ready to

name “The Nugget Casino Resort”

Belle and Edgewater Casino resorts

quickly invest the capital needed to

will remain with the new own-

in Laughlin, Nevada.

take the Nugget Casino Resort to the

ers along with its current events

top of its game.”

calendar.

Marnell Gaming says it wants to

INFINITY GAMING

45

GAMING NEWS

SUMMER 2016

Macau mid-term review positive for operators

T

he release of the long awaited report by the casino industry from the Macau government of its mid-term review on casinos and their impact in the gaming hub.

Overall the report which was published in Chinese and Portuguese reviewed the impact on four sections including economy, society / local, operations and contract fulfilment of operators and the junket industry.

In relation to the junket sector, Paulo Martins Chan, during the press conference confirmed the DICJ was looking into the possibility of setting up a database of people that owe overdue debts related to credit issued for gambling. “we consider this [a database] is viable,” said Chan.

However calls were made to regulate the junket sector more.

The report said, “Despite the positive role of junket promoters in the development process of the gaming industry, there are still bound to be problematic areas which need stronger regulatory effort in order to enable a healthy and orderly development of the industry.”

Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong also pointed out that the report “has nothing to do with the gaming concession renewal,” rather it focused on efforts made by gaming operators to add non-gaming elements to their offerings.

In the past we only looked at gaming revenue,” said Leong during the press conference, “We cannot

only depend on a small number of customers [VIP players] to generate most of the revenue. We need to have new clients,” he added.

Macau casino operator Sands China Ltd. was quick to respond to the gaming interim review announcement, affirming that they are “committed to contributing to the development of Macau into a world centre of tourism and leisure and to contributing to the successful diversification of Macau.”

In total operators were happy and also relieved by the mid-term review and echoed the comments of Sands China which say they too want to make Macau not just a gambling destination but a tourist destination and business conference location.

INFINITY GAMING

47

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www.empirecasinorecruitment.com +44(0) 1543 478 889

GAMING NEWS

A

SUMMER 2016

Betsson announce new VP Corporate Communications key and strategic appointment has been made at Betsson AB to strengthen its corporate management team, the company announced today.

.

Pia Rosin has been appointed Vice President of Corporate Communication as of 20 June 2016. Her role will encompass investor relations and financial communications for Betsson AB. Pia was previously Investor Relations Manager at Saab Defence and Security and has vast experience in corporate communications.

‘Pia will be creating a responsive and shareholderfocused investor relations function. She brings to the role a broad knowledge of our business from her time at Entraction as well as investor relations from her time at Saab. I am confident that she will quickly become an extremely valuable partner to our investor community’, Ulrik Bengtsson, President and CEO of Betsson AB, said.

Leigh Nissim becomes CEO of Nektan Nektan the online gaming technology provider have announced their new CEO as Leigh Nissim who will assume the role in July. Nissim leaves IGT where he has been Commercial Director for IGT’s interactive division.

Nissim is an industry veteran with over 11 years of experience with previous experience with St Minver and GTECH G2 prior to the IGT role.

Nektan said Nissim will take on his new role in late July, replacing interim chief executive and company founder Gary Shaw, who has held the role since David Gosen’s departure in January this year. On stepping down from the CEO job, Shaw will take on a different executive role as director of strategy.

“We’re delighted to be appointing someone of Leigh’s calibre and experience to Nektan during this period of high growth and development,” Nektan chair Jim Wilkinson said. “With his strong track record of successfully growing gambling businesses

across our product verticals and within regulated markets, Leigh’s appointment will help Nektan continue its growth momentum and capitalise on new distribution and product opportunities.

“The board is confident that Leigh’s digital and gaming pedigree, plus his financial background gained earlier in his career at Deloitte, will benefit the employees, customers and shareholders of Nektan as we enter the next chapter of our development,” he added.

Wilkinson also thanked Shaw for fulfilling “a crucial role” since Gosen’s departure.

“As director of strategy, Gary will remain focused on adding value to the company through his significant entrepreneurial skills, in particular helping to develop the considerable opportunities available to the company in Europe and in the US through its joint venture Respin,” Wilkinson explained.

INFINITY GAMING

49