Infinity Gaming Magazine October 2021

InfinityGaming www.gaming-awards.com | ISSUE131

BGC JOINS IGA IN SUPPORT OF CHARITY

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11 DRAFTKINGS WALKS AWAY

18 CHU YOOK LIEW

14 ALI ATAM EXCLUSIVE

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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4 EDITOR NOTES Editor welcomes you to the latest edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.

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

08 IGT RETURNS

13 UPROAR AT CROWN SPEAKING YOUR MIND

36 BECAUSE YOU’RE YOUNG 42 ANDY COSGROVE ARTICLE

THE DASH GAME

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46 GAMBLING ISSUES

+ NEWS & MORE NEWS from the gaming industry

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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

In Partnership within

Good to be back

PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK

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

Lana Thompson - Editor

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

Welcome to the latest edition of the In-

This time we are delighted to partner

finity Gaming Magazine and as always

with betting and gaming standards

this time of year is event season, G2E

body the Betting and Gaming Council

Las Vegas went ahead, there were re-

(BCG) to help support charities and to

strictions but many said it was great

promote the work the IGA does in rec-

to be back. We spoke to IGT about the

ognising and rewarding those compa-

show, how the reaction to be in exhibi-

nies innovating and bringing positive

tions was and the general feeling for

change to the sector.

Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com

Now to the magazine and always our

Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com

future events.

Speaking IGT we have a superb article

superb writers give us their experience

from Jennifer Bowman, which is a must

and insight on the gaming industry

read, along with another amazing lady,

with contributions this month by, An-

Chu Yook Liew, this lady picked up the

drew Cosgrove, Lynn Pearce de Freitas,

Industry Pride of the Year. It was a very

Teresa Tunstall and Tim Cullimore.

emotional time and Chu tells us what it is like to win and how the support was

Of course we got all the latest news

amazing. Then we have Ali Atam from

covered from Australia, Asia, Macau, Eu-

Videoslots giving us an exclusive inter-

rope and all over North America.

view.

So much going on and not mentioned that we now have launched the char-

As always- “May the Force be with you”

ity focused 2022 International Gaming

- Star Wars

Awards (IGA) taking place on the 31st January 2022 at the amazing Savoy Ho-

Regards,

tel in London.

Lana

Nominations are now open and full details can be found on the website and always FREE to enter.

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The Editor

Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com

Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com

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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 products, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted to showcase our superb line-up of contributing

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 re-engineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and

established multi-national operators and providers, gambling regulators, 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

Teresa Tunstall – Independent Gaming Consultant After many years of working in casinos in the UK and on USA ships as a croupier and inspector, Teresa turned from ‘poacher to gamekeeper,’ spending 16 years with GamCare, who offer help and support to those who develop problems with their gambling.

Working closely with the betting and gaming industry, She developed strong links delivering Social Respon-

sibility and Problem Gambling training around the world, Teresa now works independently consulting on all issues relating to Social Responsibility and Problem Gambling.

To contact Teresa regarding consulting please email:

Andrew Cosgrove - Slots Guru Andrew Cosgrove is a seasoned slot operations veteran and certified project manager with over 24 years of hands on experience in Latin America and the Caribbean. Andrew has worked on both the operator and supplier side of casino slots and continues to help clients succeed and exceed customer expectations.

Andrew can be reached at andy.cosgrove@hemingwaycasinoconsulting.com or see http://hemingwaycasinoconsulting.com/

Lynn Pearce de Freitas Lynn has extensive senior management experience in online gaming. She is an experienced, data-driven, commercially focused, strategic marketing leader. She has over 15 years of proven success in gaming, from land-based casinos, to online gaming companies offering sports betting, poker and casino, live casino and Esports. Lynn has many start-ups under her belt

and is now co-founder and CEO of a start-up igaming company, Mobius Interactive Ltd, headquartered in Vancouver BC Canada.

Tim Cullimore From dealer to CEO in the U.K., Europe and North America, Tim has pretty much seen it all in Casino gaming. For over 40 years, from running slot rooms which needed to frisk for guns to the Ritz in Mayfair, arguably the most luxurious casino in the world, Tim has never stopped challenging what we think we know about casinos.

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Tim is a well-respected Consultant to the gaming industry, encompassing project management and operational analysis, as well as representing and advising some key manufacturers within the industry. Tim is a renowned conference speaker and also proud to be visiting lecturer at the University of West London College of Hospitality and Tourism.

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IGT Celebrates Return to G2E Global gaming leader IGT lived up to its “It’s Game Time!” G2E theme this year in Las

T

he Company’s sprawling boothwelcomed guests with next-generation solutions for land-based casinos and the evergrowing iGaming and sports betting segments, whileCompany representatives were energized by the opportunity to convene in person at an industry event. In addition to debuting new products, IGT won multiple awards, and hosted entertainment icon Vanna White as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Wheel of Fortune slots.

“G2E 2021 was a highly productive show for IGT,” said Ken Bossingham, IGT SVP Sales. “We utilized G2E as a platform to connect with customers, unveil new products such as the

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Peak65 and DiamondRS cabinets and content and demonstrate next-generation innovations such as Resort Wallet with IGTPay and the CrystalFlexsolution.”

As G2E attendees entered the exhibit

hall, many took a straight path to IGT’s always-exciting G2E booth. In a booth packed with innovations for every casino gamingsegment, there was something of interest for all G2E attendees. Among the many standouts were the Peak65 and DiamondRS

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cabinets, the Resort Wallet and IGTPay

dynamic content and multi-game op-

also much buzz in this section of the

modules of the IGT ADVANTAGE casino

tions. IGT’s Double Top Dollar, Fortune

booth related to sports betting industry

management system and the award-

Coin Extra and Pinball were among the

veteran Joe Asher joining IGT as Presi-

winning CrystalFlexsports and gaming

first games showcased on this stunning

dent of Sports Betting.

solution.

hardware.

Making its global trade show debut,

In the PlaySports area of IGT’s booth,

in IGT’s G2E booth was when Wheel of

the Peak65 cabinet was a must-see at-

crowds gathered to experience the Crys-

Fortune hostess and entertainment icon,

traction in IGT’s booth. With a 65-inch,

talFlex – IGT’s CrystalBetting Terminal

Vanna White, hosted a celebrity slot

progressively curved display, dual bash

with multi-game content. The unique

tournament that included a $15,000

buttons and advanced lighting, sound

product won “Best Consumer-Service

prize pool. The tournament was held on

and ergonomics, the colossal cabinet

Technology” in the Global Gaming Busi-

IGT’s all-new Wheel of Fortune Spin &

was a highlight of IGT’s G2E showcase.

ness Gaming & Technology awards.

Win slot tournament solution as part of

The Company demonstrated new Wheel

The private carroldelivers the ultimate

theongoing celebration of the 25th an-

of Fortune, Megabucks, The Price is

VIP betting and gaming experience

niversary of Wheel of Fortune slots.

Right and Gong Xi Fa Cai games on the

and gives players a comfortable space

super-sized hardware. IGT’s DiamondRS

to place pre-game and in-game sports

“There was significant excitement and

was an equally impressive component

wagers, watch multiple live sporting

activity in IGT’s booth throughout the

of the Company’s G2E portfolio. The

events simultaneously, and enjoy the

three-day event,” noted Bossingham.

new mechanical reel cabinet is backed

legendary Game King X® content bun-

“We received positive feedback from

by IGT’s leading pedigree in mechanical

dle, which includes player-preferred

our customers about our entire portfo-

reel slot content and melds many play-

slots, keno and video poker games... For

lio and we’re highly motivated to get

er-preferred classic stepper elements

added player enjoyment, the solution

IGT’s latest growth-driving products

with future-forward technologies such

is equipped with a headphone jack and

onto their gaming floors.”

as IGT Diamond Glass that allows for

mobile device charging port. There was

Perhaps the most star-studded moment

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GAMING NEWS

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DraftKings Walks Away From Entain

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raftKings has announced it will NOT be making an offer for online gambling company Entain, initially DraftKings made a tentative offer of £16.4 billion but had not made an official offer.

In response Entain had offered to extend the offer period till November however DraftKings has now stated it will not be coming back with that firm offer.

Rumours will now swirl that MGM Resorts is set to come back in since their failed bid earlier this year with an £8 billion offer for their partner in the US with the BetMGM brand.

To do so many observers believe it would have to be £17 billion.

In announcing their decision DraftKings said: DraftKings confirms that, following further analysis and discussions with

the Entain board of directors, it will not make a firm offer for Entain.

Commenting on this, Jason Robins DraftKings CEO, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board said: “After several discussions with Entain leadership, DraftKings has decided that it will not make a firm offer for Entain at this time. Based on our verticallyintegrated technology stack, bestin-class product and technology capabilities and leading brand, we are highly confident in our ability to maintain a leadership position and achieve our long-term growth plans in the rapidly growing North America market.”

As a result of this announcement, DraftKings is bound by the restrictions under Rule 2.8 of the Code for six months following the date of this announcement.

Code, DraftKings reserves the right to set aside the above statement and the restrictions in Rule 2.8 of the Code in the following circumstances: *With the agreement of the board of directors of Entain; *Following the announcement of a firm intention to make an offer for Entain by or on behalf of a third party; *following the announcement by Entain of a “whitewash” proposal (as described in Note 1 of the Notes on Dispensations from Rule 9 of the Code) or a reverse takeover (as defined in the Code); or *where the Takeover Panel has determined that there has been a material change of circumstances.

For the purpose of Rule 2.8 of the

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GAMING NEWS

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Uproar At Crown Over Exec Pay-outs

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ho would want to be the chairman of Crown Resorts at present? With the company having to fight off multiple enquiries regarding suitability of holding a gaming license in three jurisdictions Jane Halton the acting chairperson is again under fire.

This time it is about payments to departing executives of Crown from shareholders. In the 2021 financial year Crown paid out some A$20 million to former executives which includes A$9.6 million in golden handshakes.

Angered shareholders who have already seen their investment in the embattled company plunge have voted by 31% in proxy votes against the payments but Halton has said the money was contracted on departing executives and there is no way of not paying out.

Halton said that the payouts were un-

der “longstanding contracts” however she said the board was reviewing future agreements such as these. “What I can tell you is that people were looking for an explanation of these termination payments,” said Halton.

Ziggy Switkowski is due to replace Halton as permanent chair however Halton refused to let reporters ask questions of the proposed chairperson who is a former nuclear scientist and veteran non-executive director.

The proposed new chairman has to be rubber stamped by regulators, but with the company battling questions over its suitability to operate under allegations in Melbourne and Perth along with Sydney of money laundering and involvement in organised crime.

Crown Resorts recently announced its annual results showing a net loss of A$261.6 million (US$191.3 million), this is compared to a profit of A$79.5 million the year before. The company

said that the COVID pandemic and enforced closures seriously affected the companies business to trade.

At the same time with the inability of Crown to secure a casino license with their new Sydney resort because of regulatory failings and its casinos in Perth and Melbourne under scrutiny to retain their licenses for the same reasons.

It also said that the offer to acquire the controlling shares of James Packer

by Oaktree Capital worth some $2.3 billion has been rejected by Crown and discussions have ceased.

It has been a very difficult period for the Australian casino operator with enquiries into its business practices across its entire casino estate, the company said it hoped that 2022 would see a turnaround in its fortunes both financially and with the ongoing Royal Commission investigations.

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Interview with

Ali Atam

Chief Marketing Officer Videoslots Ali many thanks for speaking to the Infinity Gaming Magazine, you are the Chief Marketing Officer at Videoslots how long have you been with the company and what is it like working for Videoslots?

see. It’s a good company to be part of.

Of course, we have also expanded into more regulated markets including Swe-

The Company is ten years old this year, what are the major changes the company has seen over that time?

den, United Kingdom, Denmark, and Italy. We’ve also added some great innovative features which have really led the industry, like Battle of Slots and Wheel of Fortune. But there have been

Been working with Videoslots for 5

There has been a tremendous amount

brand new sites too, such as ournew Mr

years now, It’s a great place to work

of growth in those ten years. For a start,

Vegas casino, which had an amazing

with lots of like-minded people. There’s

the content and product offering has

start as well as Sportbook vertical.

always good team spirit. Although num-

exploded. Today we are offering over

ber of employees grow by the day, I

6000 games just on Videoslots and this

believe we still maintain that ‘’Family’’

number is increasing each day.

feeling in the company which is great to

In what regions in Europe and elsewhere are Videoslots most popular?

Nordics and the UK are our strongest markets. We are also increasing our popularity in Central Europe and emerging markets in Asia.

Videoslots works in a very competitive marketplace, what sets the company apart from its rivals?

I believe it is the dedication of customer service and the quality of the product and offerings. We’ve worked long and hard to improve not just our customer offering but also our customer service,

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15 along. Hopefully there are more in the

Ali Atam - Videoslots

pipeline!

As we close in on the end of 2021 how would Videoslots consider the year business wise, has it been a success given the difficulties?

Undoubtedly, we have launched the sportsbooks and sister site Mr Vegas and Videoslots goes from strength to strength. There are many things to forget about the last 12 months or so, but we shouldn’t lose site of the tremendous progress we have made as a company. So in short, I would say ‘’quite’’ a successful year.

For 2022 is there anything you can tell us that the company has planned to offer their customers?

Lots and lots more games, which will come as no surprise but will hopefully still excite our many loyal customers.

There will be plenty of innovation too.

We are looking forward to launch in the new regulated markets we are working on and push our sportsbook product which we have very high expectations.

whether that is a comprehensive selec-

as well as stick to our road map of re-

tion of all the latest games, additional

leases by and large. It was a real team

fun features or making sure they’re safe

effort and hopefully we’re emerging on

and secure. We believe in our product,

the others side bigger and better than

and we always wanted to show our

ever.

players that they don’t really need to go anywhere else.

On a personal level the company is based in Malta, how difficult has the last 18 months been and is life in the office getting back to normal now?

Before we leave you Ali, you have been in the industry since 2007 with different companies, how does the way Videoslots work compared to others, what is the work ethic with the company?

Videoslots and the people who work

The company won the Best Slots Operator Award at the recent International Gaming Awards in September, how special is winning the award for the company?

here have a great work ethic.

Every company is different, but I think the balance is right here. We work hard but we also realize that we work in the entertainment industry, so we’re not

It always great and an honour to win an

averse to having a bit of fun now and

award at the IGA and it is a real pat on

again. At the risk of sounding like a

Everyone has been in the same boat

the back for the team who have put in

recruitment consultant, it’s a brilliant

and we managed remarkably well as a

a lot of hard work. To be recognized by

place to work and I’d strongly recom-

company. It was hard not seeing friends

your industry peers is very pleasing too.

mend it to anyone who has the chance!

and colleagues but there were lots of

There’s a lot of dedication behind the

people worse off than us. We managed

scenes that people don’t see, so it gives

to maintain excellent levels of service,

everyone a boost when an award comes

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GAMING NEWS

Online Gambling Operator License Suspended

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Connecticut Launch Online Gambling

BGO Entertainment has had its UK gambling license suspended by the Gambling Commission following a review of the protection offered to customers by the online gaming operator.

The gambling Commission said on its website: The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of BGO Entertainment Limited (operating licence no 039533-R-319369021) as it carries out a review under section 116 of the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act).

The review and consequent suspension follows concerns that activities may have been carried out contrary to the Act, not in accordance with conditions of their licence and that the Licensee may be unsuitable to carry on the licensed activities. Failing to protect consumers was a key consideration in the suspension decision.

Pursuant to section 118 (2) of the Act (opens in a new tab), the Commission has determined to suspend the above operating licence.

We have made it clear to the operator that during the course of the suspension, we expect it to focus on treating consumers fairly and keeping them fully informed of any developments which impact them.

In accordance with the suspension BGO has closed its UK operation and stated on its website: “We’re working with the Gambling Commission to resolve this situation quickly.”

Customers in Connecticut will be allowed to play online games as the soft launch to online gambling in the state. From tomorrow 750 lucky gamblers will take part in the 7-day soft launch and will be able to take part in sports betting and over 100 casino style games.

Three operators have been granted licenses to operate in the state which are Mashantucket Pequots Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe along with Rush Street Interactive and their PlaySugarHouse.com brand.

Both tribal operators are using DraftKings and FanDuel operating systems to offer sports betting, on the launch Michelle H. Seagull from the Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner said: “We appreciate the hard work of our licensees and their teams, as well as the team at DCP, for their diligence in ensuring these platforms are compliant with the regulations approved by the legislature,” And went on to say.

“As long as no issues arise, we have told the licensees they may move forward with the 7-day soft launch required in the regulations. Once the soft launch is complete, online gaming will open statewide.”

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Interview with Chu Yook Liew Creative Director & Design Studio Manager at Greentube “An event that made me feel like I was at the Oscars, we were strangers in a room, yet united with cheers of support from one table to the next. “

Ali many thanks for speaking to the Infinity Gaming Magazine, you are the Chief Marketing Officer at Videoslots how long have you been with the company and what is it like working for Videoslots?

Been working with Videoslots for 5 years now, It’s a great place to work

Chu many thanks for talking to us and firstly can we start by saying congratulations on receiving the Industry Pride of the Year at the recent Women in Gaming Diversity Awards (WIGD), were you expecting the award?

with lots of like-minded people. There’s always good team spirit. Although num-

Thanks so much for the pleasure of be-

ber of employees grow by the day, I

ing considered and the privilege of win-

believe we still maintain that ‘’Family’’

ning! As a nominee in the Positive Role

feeling in the company which is great to

Model of the Year category, I was hoping to win an award at the event. However, I certainly didn’t expect to even be considered for Industry Pride of the Year.

It’s a great honour.

You received so many endorsements from colleagues regarding your support and encouragement for them, is that something you have always tried to do?

It warms my heart hearing about the positive endorsements from my dear colleagues! Support and encouragement is something that is subconscious

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19 Would working for Disney have been your dream job?

It would definitely still be a dream job!

The movement and the tricking of the eye that is animation still feels magical to me. The beauty that can be created from something so simple as a sequence of images is profound.

Now at Greentube for more than 6 years, you must like it there, what is it like working for the company?

As clichéd as it sounds, it’s like working with family and friends. While part of a large, multinational group, our team is close-knit and supportive of one another. The environment strikes a perfect balance between being comfortable while also encouraging teams to hit ever-higher targets, allowing employees to develop and achieve.

Does Greentube support their women and help them achieve their ambitions?

I’ve enjoyed a range of roles at Greentube, as a graphic designer, UI/UX de-

Chu Yook Liew at the WIGD Awards

signer and, currently, creative director.

I’ve enjoyed observing a similar journey taken by many women here at Green-

and comes naturally to me. It’s so im-

adjusting to a society that encouraged

tube, so I can definitely confirm that

portant to grow and develop in life, no

and valued personal opinion was a chal-

Greentube values and supports women

matter what industry or role we are in.

lenge for me.

and their ambitions.

You came from a very challenging background, can you tell our readers a little of your early life?

Your skill is in graphic design and prior to Greentube you worked for many different design companies, but your love when a child was Disney, did that inspire you to take up graphic design?

You got very emotional when you were named Industry Pride of the Year at the WIGD Awards, what were you thinking about?

I think every individual has a story of challenge to tell that is unique to them.

As an Asian female who was born in

I will tell you exactly what was going through my mind in the hope that it

Malaysia, the quiet expectation was to

I think it would be fair to say that graphic

might entertain! I was thinking of how

choose a field that offered job security.

design was a second choice when I real-

to break the news to my supporters

Art and design were definitely frowned

ised that working at Disney was not go-

about not winning the Positive Role

upon and I grew up thinking creative

ing to be a reality! It is important to find

Model of the Year award. I didn’t even

and personal expression were an act of

satisfaction in life. When you are able to

realise there was one more award to go

rebellion. The saying ‘out of sight, out of

do something you love and thrive at, for

and I’m ashamed to say I was distracted

mind’ comes to mind, especially for an

a living every day, you are in a very for-

and in mid-composition of an SMS on

introvert such as myself. My family mi-

tunate position.

my phone when I heard Colin recount-

grated to Australia for a better life and

ing something that sounded so familiar

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21 familiar to me. I realised he was telling

I’m an eternal optimist and can’t help

my story to the crowd! It was the effect

but reflect on the positive advance-

of this, and thinking about the incred-

ments for women in our industry. I re-

ible kindness of my supporters and

member starting out as a design intern

the great raconteur that Colin is, that

and I often reminisce about those days

brought tears to my eyes.

while in my current position as a creative director. Working alongside fellow

It was your first time at the WIGD Awards, what did you think of the awards program?

female leads at Greentube, I can attest

I kept thinking to myself how difficult it

Having won the award and attending the WIGD would you recommend more women to take part and see the support and inspiration the event creates?

must be to organise such any event, especially during a pandemic, let alone an event that made me feel like I was at the Oscars! I loved being a part of a collec-

that I am a part of an encouraging environment for women to work in.

tive celebration of women, diversity and inclusion. We were strangers in a room,

Absolutely! It’s definitely something I’m

yet united with cheers of support from

still raving about, from the warmth of

one table to the next.

the welcome to the inspirational speakers and the genuine affection in the

What are your thoughts about women working within the industry, do you think it is a good environment for women to work in?

“I realised he was telling my story to the audience! It was the effect of this, and thinking about the incredible kindness of my supporters that brought tears to my eyes.”

room. We were all each others’ cheerleaders that night.

Are there more women within Greentube that you feel should deserve being recognized for their achievements?

I can think of a number of women who would be very deserving nominees, due to the contribution and impact they have made within the company, their strength of character and the inspiration that they are. I look forward to putting their names into the mix next year.

One final question Chu before we let you go, now you have attended the WIGD will you be back next year to see who may receive the award?

Without a doubt. I am already looking forward to being part of next year’s cheer squad!

Suporting each other at the WIGD Awards

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GAMING NEWS

23

Georgia To Debate Gambling For 2022

C

ould the eighth most populous state in the US be considering entering the gambling world and allow their citizens to gamble? For decades lawmakers and religious groups have opposed any form of gambling in Georgia except for the state lottery but things could be changing.

At present in the US only five states remain without any form of gambling whatsoever, they being Hawaii, Vermont, Kentucky, Utah and South Carolina. Most are controlled by conservative lawmakers and influenced by strong religious groups who oppose any forms of gambling.

However Georgia may be breaking free from that group and for the first time in a long time has gambling on the agenda on the 10th January 2022 when the General Assembly’s reconvention will begin for the year. The legislative session will last four months and those in favour of bringing gambling to the

state are looking to convince their colleagues of the benefits of gambling for the state.

All the major operators will be observing closely to see how the session plays out with MGM Resorts, Wynn, Caesars and Bally’s all saying that any positive movement towards gambling will be most welcome and would definitely move to be involved.

Indeed Georgia is not only the 8th largest state in terms of population it also has the countries largest airport with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, making Georgia a potential visitor destination hotspot should casino resorts be permitted.

Supporters of gambling point to the fact the residents are already gambling illegally online and the state are missing out on tax dollars by ignoring the fact.

State Rep. Ron Stephens is a supporter of bringing gambling to the state and believes that for the first time in a very long time the state has a good chance of legalising gambling even thou all previous attempts have failed.

He believes the tide of opposition is weakening in Georgia as more US states join in allowing gambling and online gambling within their borders. He is not alone with state professional sporting teams such as the Atlanta United, the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks all support bringing sports betting to Georgia.

Come January the debate will start in Georgia, it will not be a fast decision and a lot of negotiations will be taking place to convince all involved parties, but for the first time in a long time the possibility of Georgia allowing any form of gambling apart from the lottery is a distinct possibility.

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The DASH GAME in search of the perfect Dashboard

By Lynn Pearce de Freitas

A

ccording to a recent Gartner report, BI dashboards have become hugely popular, and the number of people using them in organizations is “accelerating massively”. One of the reasons for this, other than the need to cut out silos and have reporting for all teams in place, is that the cost of these BI tools is a fraction of what it was 10 years ago, as competition amongst BI vendors and the shift to the cloud grows exponentially.

I have been looking for the ultimate dashboard for quite a while now, researching the possibility of having

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all my reporting in one high-level, visual space, which can be drilled down by various departments within the company, from C-Level all the way through to Customer Service staff to measure their KPIs and performance on a daily basis.

A number of the bigger companies that I have worked in always had Business Intelligence analysts running queries to analyze the data for most of the business insights, which we as managers would use to optimize our business processes, and the marketing teams would use to take a deep dive into daily, weekly and monthly

marketing campaigns, using the information to capitalize on revenue opportunities which would not have been possible to see otherwise. This BI function of updates to the dashboard allowed the teams to measure and analyze their activities to make data-driven decisions on a daily basis and was an integral part of the workday.

However, working as a consultant with start up businesses over the past few years has taught me that in order to be truly competitive, you need to have real-time agility. We need to be able to respond as

25

quickly as possible to emerging events and opportunities, with datainformed actions. The traditional BI model no longer makes the grade, the holy grail is getting as close to realtime as possible.

And so I started my Dash Game! I first went through all my current pain points to see what I really needed from a company-wide dashboard, that could give access to all divisions, with levels of security inserted, keeping corporate governance top of mind, as I knew I would need to add external vendors in as well as internal staff. In addition, I needed the dashboard to be cloud-based, and I wanted to free the data from silos, plus make it look visually appealing and easy to use for all staff members, including investors, who only needed to see the high-level view of the real-time analytics. I also

needed to include our Google suite of tools, alongside the CMS, CRM, affiliations, performance, email marketing, sms, push notifications, loyalty and gamification platform, including numerous apps. Doing research was a huge task, not for a lack of options, but because of the multitude of platforms offering different levels of realtime analytics and interactivity. The more I researched, the more I realized that what I was actually looking for was a more tactical dashboard, which would be able to tie in directly with the business goals, KPIs and metrics, and which would help the various teams to determine what they were doing was working, or not, and make changes as soon as they saw the need to do so.

After much searching, I realized that I was not going to find the perfect

all-in-one dashboard, so narrowed down my choices to the following5 Dashboards, which allows investors a high-level view, through to customer service staff to give hem the insights they need on a daily basis.

My top 5 dashboardsservicing small to large enterprises, in no particular order of preference: 1. Qlik is an end-to-end cloud platform for real-time data integration and analytics.

For 11 consecutive years, Qlik has been named as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Analytics and Business Intelligence Platforms. In addition, users ranked Qlik Sense #1 in 11 categories, including business value, customer experience and product satisfaction in the large

INFINITY GAMING

26

INFINITY GAMING

Article by Lynn Pearce de Freitas

international BI vendors peer group.

2. Tableauis an integrated BI and analytics solution that helps to analyze key business data and generate meaningful insights. The solution helps businesses to collect data from multiple source points such as SQL databases, spreadsheets, cloud apps like Google Analytics and Salesforce to create a collective dataset.Users can create interactive maps and analyze data across regions, territories, demographics and more.

3. Grow Softwareis a cloud-based business analytics and reporting solution suitable for small to midsize organizations. The solution allows users to create customizable dashboards for monitoring business workflows and key activities.It supports connection

with Salesforce, Dropbox, Google Analytics, Twitter, MySQL, among hundreds of other sources. Grow brings real-time data into the dashboard, allowing users to view trends as they occur and share information with their team.

4. Salesforceis a completely managed Cloud-based software solution, offered on a subscription-based payment. Salesforce helps organizations to perform Lead Management, Invoice Processing, Account Management, and Customer Support through their all-in-one solution. Data in Salesforce can be expressed as Reports and Dashboards that aid the senior management to track the progress of activities and make decisions based on them.

27

5. Cyfeis a cloud-based all-in-one dashboard application for small to midsize businesses that enables users to monitor all marketing channels including SEO, SEM, email marketing, web analytics, social media and more.

It supports a variety of monitoring widgets including Salesforce, Google AdWords, Google AdSense, Bing Ads, Campaign Monitor, Mixpanel and more.Key features include pre-built widgets, Push API, real-time reports, data exports, TV mode, white labeling and branded reports and dashboards.

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GAMING NEWS

29

Playtech Confirm Agreement With Aristocrat

P

laytech the igaming software company have this morning announced they have recommended the sale of the company to their shareholders for a consideration of £2.1 billion, that represents a 58% premium on the current share price of Playtech.

Commenting on the Acquisition, Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, said: “This transaction marks an exciting opportunity in the next stage of growth for Playtech, and delivers significant benefits to our stakeholders, including our customers, our shareholders and our incredibly talented people.

This deal has the potential to enhance our distribution, our capacity to build new and deeper relationships with partners, and bolsters our technological capabilities. The combination of our two companies builds one of the largest B2B gaming platforms in the world, with the people, infrastructure and expertise to provide our custom-

ers with a truly best-in-class offer across all areas of gaming and sports betting.”

Commenting Trevor Croker, Chief Executive Officer of Aristocrat, said: “The proposed combination would bring together Aristocrat’s world-class gaming content, customer and regulatory relationships with Playtech’s industryleading global online RMG platform (B2B) and European B2C footprint.

The Combined Group would offer a broad portfolio of end-to-end solutions for gaming customers around the world, as well as seamless player experiences, underpinned by a shared focus on responsible gameplay and innovation.

Additionally, the business will be ideally positioned to unlock sustainable shareholder value by seizing opportunities in the fast-growing global online RMG segment as they continue

to open up, particularly in North America.

The recommended offer is a full and fair value and reflects the strategic potential of the combination in a global gaming sector that continues to migrate online, as a result of technology and entrenched consumer-driven change.

Adding Playtech’s talented team with Aristocrat’s established strengths and momentum will create a true industry leader in the global online RMG space, particularly in terms of our B2B capabilities.

The proposed acquisition continues Aristocrat’s approach of investing in medium to long-term growth and we are extremely excited by the opportunities that this will bring for our shareholders, people, customers and players.”

INFINITY GAMING

30

Jennifer Bowman Speaks Her Mind Industry professional Jennifer Bowman talks to the Infinity Gaming Magazine about her life and tips on living your life

I

fortunate

early twenties in Las Vegas and the

with the series of acquisitions who will

throughout my career in gaming and

have

been

incredibly

wonderful thing that I was taught from

be your boss or colleagues next, there

have been able to take advantage of

the very beginning is that the industry

is also a very tight-knit community. For

multiple opportunities as they have

is very small, there are so many peo-

me, that translated to an opportunity to

arisen to be able to build an interest-

ple who you will work with throughout

get to know the gaming community and

ing history and experience base within

your career so not only is it important to

with my natural curiosity, it was a won-

gaming. I entered the industry in my

never burn a bridge as you never know

derful way for me to learn the lingo and gain exposure to many departments and facets of the industry.

I believe

that there is an incredible amount of opportunity for anyone who wants to learn something new and put the work in required to master their crafts; this is especially true in gaming. This was how I became so interested in mentorship, thought leadership and idea-sharing communities. I have always believed that knowledge is best leveraged when shared. It makes the good of the whole stronger, rather than making one person more “powerful” by being the one in the know.

INFINITY GAMING

31

Jennifer Bowman

We are often asked what we would pass

For me personally, I believe that life

life which happily funds the adventure.

on to others at the beginning of their ca-

is not about a work/life balance and a

It is not so much a balance of work/life

reers and for me it stems from five basic

50/50 split and I think that is a danger-

for me, but an approach to how I seize

tenants. The first, protect your social

ous myth that especially was taught to

each day fully and in the way that I will

media and web profile fiercely, it will

women as they were growing in their

find the most fulfilment. This then in

live on forever. The second, become

careers in previous decades. Instead, I

turn allows me to be a better leader to

money savvy and if you aren’t seek out

was taught by a wise mentor about the

my team and face each day with the fo-

professional assistance so that you are

concept of eight forms of wealth: Love,

cus where I can be the most productive.

taking full advantage of all the benefits

Family & friends, Adventure, Finances,

of building your own security within a

Business, Health, Mental Growth and

I have been able to grow my career by

quickly changing world. .

Thirdly, be

Spirituality. I look at my life as each of

finding what is interesting to me and

flexible and open -minded as the most

these being a fuel cell needed to run

being willing to relocate when there is a

interesting and innovative ideas are

the machine of my life and I prioritise

new role available leveraging my skills

frequently the most unique that oth-

which are the most important to me but

in a new field or department of exper-

ers might scoff at initially. Fourth, be

knowing each must never be complete-

tise. My ability to travel frequently and

proud and protective of your network

ly empty. And then I build my goals and

relocate, as required, has given me ex-

and never burn a bridge and help oth-

daily schedule to reach my goals based

posure to over 100+ countries in which

ers to build their network across your

on what activities will help me to re-

we do business, and I have lived in three

trusted connections. Finally, and most

plenish the fuel cells across these eight

countries. Through these experiences I

importantly to me, work closely with a

levels. For me, adventure is something I

have gained unique background of

few mentors both inside and outside of

crave and I love, so it is always very high

working in roles that were North Ameri-

your industry and field of expertise.

priority along with my work/business

ca/USA-focused as well as

INFINITY GAMING

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33 basis and I am so inspired by communities of WIGD that lift others up, find opportunities to open their network to those that can benefit and always pull up a chair for another woman to join the conversation at the table.

ABOUT JENNIFER Jennifer Bowman is a Marketing professional with over 20 years in the gaming industry. She began her career with Anchor Games in the compliance department based in Las Vegas. The IGT acquisition allowed for Jennifer to relocate to the Reno area where she worked extensively with cross functional groups implementing ERP software solutions.

Seizing an opportunity to join the International division, she moved to Amsterdam In 2006 as the Product Manager for International Casino Products overseeing and crafting go to market activities for all markets outside of the USA and Canada. Currently residing in overseeing the product management

looking at challenges I face with a fresh

London, U.K. she is responsible for the

and marketing strategy for everything

perspective.

global marketing operations, marketing

outside of the USA and Canada. The

automation and sales enablement tech-

ability to seamlessly navigate the geo-

I was completely shocked and flab-

nology platforms. Additionally, she con-

graphical and cultural nuances of work-

bergasted to be honoured with the

tinues to lead marketing teams across

ing with a multicultural, multinational

Outstanding Contribution award at

Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and

team is something that I have cultured,

this year’s Women In Gaming Diversity

Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) and

and I thrive on the diversity I encounter

Awards. It feels incredible to be seen

thrives on the complexity of leading

every day. Diversity and Inclusion ini-

and to have my efforts and contribu-

multi-national,

tiatives are so incredibly important for

tions to the industry be acknowledged

across geographic boundaries. Jennifer

gaming as the diversity of our employ-

in any way and at this level it was in-

is currently the IGT Ambassador to the

ees, customers, operating geographies

credible and a tad overwhelming. There

U.K. chapter of The United Nations Glob-

and the players we serve is among our

are so many talented individuals who

al Compact —Target Gender Equality, an

greatest assets. . I am incredibly proud

work feverishly each day to build their

active member across women in gaming

to be actively involved in Women in

careers to a level of success that they

initiatives, and mentor to many inside

Gaming initiatives and mentor many

have defined and shape our industry

and outside of the gaming industry.

women and men in the industry and

into one that is more inclusive and rep-

Frequently she is called upon to speak

outside of the industry. I think by lend-

resentative of our communities. I work

on panels regarding marketing in the

ing my unique perspective to others as

tirelessly alongside so many inspiring

digital age and her enthusiasm for live

they navigate their career obstacles and

women and leaders who are allies that I

events is infectious. Jennifer spends her

help develop them their growth plans,

feel the impact of initiatives of diversity

free time hiking, sailing and travelling

it grows me as not only a leader, but

and inclusion groups on a daily basis. I

the world and her favourite trip to date

helps me identify additional opportuni-

see the difference that D&I efforts are

is her time well spent in Antarctica.

ties for personal growth. It is important

making in my daily work life in the way

to me to sit on panels regarding mar-

that my unique, authentic voice and

keting in the digital age and work with

management style is now not only em-

thought leadership groups to reinforce

braced, but celebrated. I have so many

my knowledge and ensure that I am

women tell me their stories on a daily

multi-cultural

teams

INFINITY GAMING

GAMING NEWS

35

BGC Launches “Take Time To Think” Campaign

S

tandards body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging customers to use the wide range of safer gambling tools offered by its members.

The BGC’s commitment to raising standards, the ‘Take Time To Think’ campaign will replace ‘When The Fun Stops, Stop’ as the regulated industry’s key safer gambling message.

It follows extensive customer research, as well as engagement with academics, Government stakeholders and operators on the most effective way of encouraging responsible betting.

While ‘When The Fun Stops, Stop’ was successful in helping to address problem gambling, the BGC believes ‘Take Time To Think’ will be even more effective by encouraging customers to pause and consider the safer gambling tools operators provide – such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion – to help them moderate their play and stay in control.

The BGC has worked with broadcasters and online platforms to deliver the multi-million pound campaign, which has been funded by BGC members William Hill, Entain, bet365, Gamesys, Flutter, Betvictor, Betway, Kindred, Playtech, Betfred, PlayOjo, Betsson and Microgaming.

It will be launched with a series of TV adverts showing customers pausing mid-play before considering whether to use safer gambling tools.

Operators will also adopt the ‘Take Time To Think’ messaging across their online and retail businesses.

BGC members already ensure that at least 20 per cent of their TV and radio adverts are safer gambling messages, while it is estimated that around two million customers – around one in five – already use deposit limits.

Conor Grant, chief executive officer of Flutter UK and Ireland, said: “Our brands have been at the forefront of innovative campaigns to raise awareness and promote customer usage of safer gambling tools for a number of years.

“Together with the wider industry, we are pleased to support the BGC’s Take Time to Think campaign, which aims to positively impact awareness and usage of the range of safer gambling tools available to customers.”

Grainne Hurst, director of corporate affairs at Entain, said: “Ensuring our customers have an enjoyable experience when playing with us is our highest priority and we are pleased to support the Take Time To Think campaign as an important initiative, which encourages customers to take full advantage of the safer gambling tools that are available to manage their gaming.”

Mark Pearson, director of corporate affairs at Betfred, said: “It is essential that the industry present a consistent message and everyone works together to promote safer gambling.”

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our members have signed up to this fantastic campaign.

INFINITY GAMING

36

Because you’re young

By Tim Cullimore

W

e’ve just moved house, and when unpacking the stuff that had been stored in the attic of our old home for some years I came across a box of old photographs from when I worked on the cruise ships as a dealer all of 35 years ago. I remember well of course the broad outlines of the couple of years I spent working in the Caribbean, Alaska and New England but it was the details that brought me up short.

Of course, the face of the hundreds of people I worked with brought back some fantastic memories, but putting names to them all was another matter. How is that I spent some the best nights of my life in the bars of San Juan, Puerto Rico, but cannot remember the faces, never mind the names of some of the people I’m drinking with.

But what is remarkable are the stories that came flooding back. When you are for maybe six months living in quite cramped conditions you often hear the same tales over and over again, but somehow they never seemed to become boring.

The English shop manager for instance who returned home after one ship-

INFINITY GAMING

board contract to find his parents had moved without telling was on the on the face of it was rather tragic but made us laugh long and hard each time he told it. Or my cabin mate who had gone out partying the night before taking his flight from the U.K. to join the ship in Fort Lauderdale and found on arrival that he had packed his brother’s clothes instead of his own.

I found a photo of my attempts to learn water skiing near Acapulco, which reminded me of the sad story of a passenger who was very ill so that ship had docked six hours earlier than planned in Acapulco, and although we were very concerned for the passenger, this gave us the change to get off the ship and hit the clubs for an extra night. I’m afraid the fate of the passenger was soon forgotten.

And then the bars we frequented regularly, but on different islands, or even in different countries! But to us it was like going down to our local pub or bar. The fantastic Southport Raw Bar in Fort Lauderdale, or the bar at Lime Tree Beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I ask myself; did we ever do any work?

Which brings to my point, that I value very much the day I was given the change to be a dealer. It opened up whole new worlds for me, gave me the chance to travel to places I would never have dreamed of, and introducing ways of life I never thought possible (West Palm Beach and the San Blas Islands in one week? Where else would you get that opportunity).

37

So I was pleased to see that one of London’s leading and busiest casinos is advertising for trainee dealers. I wondered how the life of a dealer would compare nowadays to that which we lived back in the day. I am sure working conditions are a vast improvement on what we did back in the 70s and 80s. Less hours worked on the tables, better protection against abuse, no smoking of course in the workplace, and generally a greater understanding of the welfare of the staff. I compared the salaries

of today’s dealers with that of 40 years ago and when taking inflation into account they are remarkably similar. I always felt pretty well off when first starting out, so I hope the new dealers feel the same, although there a lot more things to spend their hard-earned wages on now than back when I started.

I would recommend the career to anyone, especially as the chance to travel is still very much alive, and working in the U.K. casino industry must be

still exciting, especially in London.

But cities such as Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leicester are far more vibrant today than before, so I would think that working shifts, especially at night, would be more enjoyable rather than less, due to the opportunities for leisure activities after work, which hardly existed on the past. I just question whether today’s young people would like to work out of normal hours, and I can’t see dealing and (PTO)

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Tim Cullimore Article

working from home being an option any time soon, so we as casino managers must find a way to attract the best and brightest of the present generation.

But the career paths that are afforded the gaming staff in out neighbouring countries such as France and Germany still seem to be missing the U.K. Also, the chance to remain a dealer or supervisor but earn good salaries is limited here, which is not the cases in Europe and the States, a point I have touched upon in previous articles.

Although my managerial colleagues in London and elsewhere may not thank me for it I would strongly encourage any young person looking for a new direction and challenge to

39

be trained in the U.K. as a dealer and then look for the opportunities to travel and work elsewhere in Europe or around the world. U.K. dealers are valued for their professionalism, as well as their capacity for partying.

After all the parties in the Officers Bar (O.B.) never got properly started until the casino staff arrived.

Covid Hangover.

It seems the medium to long term effects of the Covid pandemic are starting to be seen in the land-based industry with casinos for sale across Europe. Major and minor companies is having to divest themselves of some of their properties to shore up their bank balances. Some recent acquisitions have returned to the

market as companies who were previously very positive about their new purchases are seeing that a closed casino is ruining their overall financial situation.

The irony of course is that only the profitable parts of the company have any value, so some of the largest operators is having to sell their best assets, or they are at least thinking about it. I predict that the map of the European casino industry will look very different in 2 years’ time to what it is today. Investors with the patience and funds to weather the present storm will be very well placed to snap up some bargains.

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GAMING NEWS

41

Lindwall To Stay As Betsson Boss Pontus Lindwall at the IGA Awards

P

ontus Lindwall will now remain as the companies CEO and not step as was the plan when he walked back into the role in 2017.

The founder of the company was due to step down once a thorough search for a suitable candidate had been concluded, however Betsson the Stockholm-listed company has announced that, “it would not be a good time” to change the leadership.

Lindwall founded the company but then stepped back only to be called back to the role in 2017 as the company said it “needed the back

on track” strategic transformation Lindwall would bring.

Johan Lundberg the Chairman of Betsson said, “We have had several discussions with Betsson’s main stakeholders, the Betsson management team, Betsson employees, as well as many of the largest shareholders and based on those discussions the current Board does not believe that it would be good to change leadership now. The company need to focus on all important work that lays ahead, such as for example the unexpected Dutch situation.”

Dutch KOA online gambling regime licence and it is now thought Lindwall will make it his top priority to gain the license.

In other related news Betsson announced their Q3 trading update showing a rise of 3% in quarterley revenues compared to the same period in 2021.

The company showed an increase in sports betting but a decline in online casino revenues during the period.

Betsson recently failed to gain a

INFINITY GAMING

42

Slot Management 101:

Controlling a stage boundary

You got your project approved and started your first stage of work.

Progress is good and you’re almost ready to start the next stage, but before the next stage can be authorized, you need to review everything with the project board. So how do you do that?

By Andy Cosgrove

A

fter receiving project approval, you gave yourself a much deserved pat on the back and congratulated all those involved for a job well done. So far, your first stage is going as planned and within the constraints for time, quality and cost. As a project manager you’re fully aware of the need to breakdown your project into manageable stages that are easily controllable and where risks and issues can be dealt with quickly before the infamous scope creep takes over and before you even start work on another stage.Put another way,it’s essential to review progress and ensure that everything is going to planbefore your project

INFINITY GAMING

for introducing a new set of procedures designed to improve customer service response times turns into yet another totally unnecessary refurb of your already over the top VIP area!

The main reason for the controlling a stage boundary process is to enable the project manager to provide the project board with sufficient information to review current status, approve the next stage, review the updated project plan, and confirm the continued validation of the business case.

The following is a list of activities designed to effectively manage a stage boundary, and are carried out toward the end of each management stage: Plan the next management stage -

The stage plan for the next management stage is carried out towards the end of the current stage. Planning is not a task done in isolation and should include as many stakeholders as possible such as the project board, project assurance and team managers. The more people involved in the planning phase, the more robust the plan will be. It is also recommended to produce a team plan in parallel with the stage plan as this gives the project manager a good idea of what is achievable at a team level. The following actions should be taken under consideration to keep your next stage on track:

43

• Review the components of the PID as it may be necessary to consult with the project board regarding any required changes

recommend the following actions:

• Produce the project plan for the next management stage

• Update the issue and risk registers

• Revise the project plan to reflect (amongst other things) the actuals from the current stage, forecasts from the next phase, implications of any issues and risks, and any changed or extra products that have been sanctioned by the project board.

• Update the quality register for planned management activities

• Update the issue and risk registers if necessary

Update the project plan – The project board uses the project plan to measure progress throughout the project’s lifecycle. The project plan is updated to incorporate the actual progress compared to the baseline and includes forecast duration and costs from the exception plan or stage plan for the next management stage. I

Update the business case– The business case is an essential part of planning the next stage as the project board will normally only authorize the next management stage if the project remains viable. External factors can inevitably cause project changes and the business case needs to reflect these changes and keep them

• Create, or update, project configuration records

• Check that the current stage plan is up to date

relevant to the project. As the project executive is ultimately responsible for the business case the project manager should consult with the executive when reviewing the business case in preparation for project board approval. Actions should include: • Check for changes in the risk appetite • Update the benefits management approach • Examine and review the benefits management approach, impact of approved changes and the project plan • Revise the business case and, if necessary, the benefits management approach • Review and update the issue and risk registers as necessary

INFINITY GAMING

Andy Cosgrove Article continued

45 • Review and, if needed, update the PID (project initiation documentation) • Produce the exception plan • If used, create / update configuration item records for the products to be produced by the exception plan • Update the quality register

Report management stage end – Just as important as gaining approval for the stage that is about to begin, is informing the project board of the results of a management stage that is ending so that progress is clearly visible to the project team. This is a great opportunity for the project manager to demonstrate the continuing ability of the project to meet therequirements of the project plan and business case andto assess the overall risk situation. This activity should be carried out as close as possible to the end of the management stage and include the following: • In the case of a stage plan, review the status of the business case and achievement of any benefits. Review the stage plan to ensure objectives have been met • In the case of an exception plan, it may be necessary to produce a report based on the activities to date.

Whether or not this is required will be determined by the project board • If appropriate, review lessons learned which is common for projects of a prolonged duration.

• Seek approval from the project board of the stage plan or exception plan • Review the communications management approach Produce an exception plan – It’s a common occurrence that a management stage will drift beyond the agreed tolerances and so no longer has the approval of the project board.

In this case the project board will request an exception plan in response to an exception report before the project can continue. Actions that should be taken are as follows:

Conclusion–Based on my experience, it’s impossible to plan for everything and it’s also not to helpful to plan to far ahead because change is inevitable and risks, issues and all kinds of external factors will alter the course of your project. Managing a stage boundary correctly is just as important as managing any project management stage and will help you plan the way forward more effectively, deal with any emerging issues and risks, save time and money, avoid the dreaded scope creep and allow your team greater focus. If the desired outcome of your project is introducing a new set of procedures designed to improve customer service response times, then managing a stage boundary correctly will help you achieve just that, on time and within the tolerances for quality, cost and scope. Or do you really want another VIP room refurbishment without telling your boss?

MY MINI-BLOG - Andrew Cosgrove is a seasoned slot operations veteran and certified project manager with over 24 years of hands on experience in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Andrew has worked on both the operator and supplier side of casino slots and continues to help clients succeed and exceed customer expectations.

Andrew can be reached at andy.cosgrove@henimgwaycasinoconsulting. com or seehttps://hemingwaycasinoconsulting.com/

• Update the issue register and the risk register

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46

Gambling issues

By Teresa Tunstall

T

he world of problem gambling is a complex one..However nowadays more is being done to help those that have issues when it comes to gambling and betting habits. In fact much more help is available from both self-exclusion through to reducing the stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. This is because they were considered to be the ‘crack cocaine of betting”; the industry is attempting to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit for a way of making betting and gambling fairer for those that have an addiction.

Now one thing that some members of the betting community are suggesting is that problem gamblers should be refunded their losses-- the suggestion being that if the betting industry didn’t do enough to help them in the first place, then they should suffer more than the people

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who have a mental health problem in the form of an addiction to something harmful. This was demonstrated in 2017 when 888 organisations were fined a record £7.8 million for failing to stop players who had self-excluded from placing bets. To illustrate this,. one customer was refunded £133,000 during this time!.

In advance of ‘Safer Gambling Week’ which happens soonand aims to raise

awareness of the dangers of gambling, recent evidence has revealed the scale of addiction across the UK, which soared during lockdown as people dealt with loneliness, isolation and boredom.

UK gamblers lost an astonishing £14.36 billion last year, compared with £8.36 billion a decade ago, with an estimated 207,000 Scots addicted or at risk of developing an addiction.

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A study published by Stirling University earlier this year showed that around one in six regular sports bettors started new gambling activities during lockdown. Of these, 5.4% male sports bettors started playing lotteries and 3.5% began betting on virtual sports and races.

Among female sports bettors, 6.8% started betting on virtual sports and races, 6.5% began playing lotteries, and 3.4% took up online bingo. Online betting on virtual sports or races showed a significant increase during this time.

It’s important to know and understand about marketing texts and emails..Gambling businesses should

only send out marketing texts or emails if people have given consent for them to do so. And to stop receiving marketing emails they should click the ‘unsubscribe’ link provided in the email. The industry should then stop sending marketing emails and by contacting the gaming business directly will also result in the discontinuance..

tober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month”?There is a clear relationship between violence and problem gambling especially during that month.

For some reason gambling opportunities increase which exacerbate risks for people developing gambling problems and therefore increasing the number of families impacted by violence in the home.

Because of its size USA Problem Gamblers are offered a multitude of support and help in most parts of their country. America has many problem gamblers with such issues, and its size adds to the dilemma. A place of interest in this connection is Nevada with Las Vegas being the Gambling Centre in the world, Were you aware that ‘Oc-

A National Research Council study, found that 25-50% of spouses of compulsive gamblers were abused. In another study, survey of 144 spouses of compulsive gamblers found 50% were physically and verbally abused and 12% had attempted suicide.

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Teresa Tunstall Article continued

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, is dedicated to providing its communities with reliable information and resources to help them understand problem gambling. Its vision is to work with all stakeholders to provide sustainable programs & services to reduce the impact of problem gambling in its State. They comment ’Since 1998, the Nevada Council has successfully partnered with the industry through our “When the Fun Stops” program that provides informational brochures and an employee training program to support your responsible gaming effort.’

Another state, Kentucky, divides its classes into three levels starting with, ‘Low Risk gamblers and casual gamblers,’ followed by ‘Problem gamblers playing by habit,’ and finishing with ‘Pathologic gamblers.’ Unique descriptive wording covering all issues of problem gambling in Kentucky.

The Council of compulsive gambling of Pennsylvania stated “While milions

of Americans plus hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling related problems, it’s important for everyone to know that help is always available.” They continued that problem gambling is any gambling, betting or wager that causes family financial, legal, emotional or other problems for the individual, their family or others. Gambling problems can be mild or quite severe and can worsen over time.

Wisconsin: Council on problem gambling:“The Wisconsin Counsel on Problem Gambling provides resources, public awareness and education on gambling disorders while maintaining strict neutrality on the issue of legalised gambling”..

After covering UK and USA I’m including the EU European Lotteries who have called for the EU Council to exclude explicit mentions of online gambling and betting services from the Digital Services Act (DSA).“The Court clearly confirmed on several

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occasions that restrictions in the gambling sector are justified for reasons of public order, public security, public health, as well as for the overriding reasons in the public interest, such as consumer protection, combating fraud, crime or squandering of money. The organisation acknowledged that while restrictions on the freedom of gambling services within EU Member States do exist, national legislation “combats crime and fraud” and protects gamblers in a way “that meets the requirements as set out in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU.” The European Commission underlined that the DSA would not contradict the e-Commerce Directive, which does exclude online gambling services from the legislature.

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GAMING NEWS

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Crown Resorts Hold On To License But Called A “Disgrace”

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he report into Crown Resorts behaviour has been made public calling the casino operator “a disgrace” with common practices within the company of “variously illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative”.

Ray Finkelstein the royal commissioner charged with compiling the report has come up short of taking the casino license from Crown Resorts in Melbourne, but instead placing a “special manager” in charge of overseeing the business and ensuring Crown return to acceptable standards of operating business.

If in the meantime or following the two year period the “special manager” named as former commissioner

with the state’s anti-corruption commission, Stephen O’Bryan, finds that Crown has failed to alter their practices the casino license will be removed.

The report came up short of taking away the license immediately as it was felt that the damage done to the local economy would have been too painful for locals with jobs.

Also Finkelstein said that both Crown group chair Helen Coonan and Crown Melbourne chief Xavier Walsh should resign and both have done so following the publication of the report.

increase fines for casino operators breaching the gaming control act from the current A$1 million to A$100 million.

In the report it was quite damning of the way Crown conducted the business by saying, ‘Within a very short time, the commission discovered that for many years Crown Melbourne had engaged in conduct that is, in a word, disgraceful.”

Billionaire James Packer still holds the majority shares within Crown, however currently there has been no response from Mr Packer on the findings and judgement of the inquiry.

The NSW government also said it would bring in new legislation to

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GAMING NEWS

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MGM Auction Off Picasso’s

G2E Asia Cancelled Till 2022LossesCovid-19

MGM Resorts has auctioned off five of its fa-

Reed Exhibitions the organisers of G2E Las Vegas and G2E Asia has announced their Asian focused event has been postponed until next year.

mous Picasso paintings that have sat for years in its Bellagio hotel and casino restaurant named after the legendary painter Picasso.

birthday on the 25th October.

The expo which was due to take place next month in Macau is the biggest such event in Asian for the gambling industry but with COVID-19 still disrupting business and travel in the region Reed has decided to cancel till late August 2022.

Thou five of the Picasso artists paintings are now sold

Below is the official announcement from Reed:

The auction held by Sotheby’s over the weekend at the Bellagio raised over $100 million, the auction took place just two days prior to the famous painters 140th

another twelve will remain and the MGM said that they wanted to make space for more diverse artists including women, people of colour, LGBTQ artists and artists with disabilities.

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia – the marketplace for the Asian gaming and integrated resort industry – will return to the Venetian Macao, from August 30 – September 1, 2022.

In a 2019 Public Library of Science study of 18 leading US museums it found that 85% of the artists on display are white and 87% are men.

Of the five paintings sold over the weekend the biggest price came for the Homme et Enfant which went

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 disruption and continued travel restrictions across Asia Pacific, G2E Asia has shifted its focus to 2022 to ensure we meet the show’s high expectations, which we share with our valued exhibitors and attendees

for $24.4 millioN

Thank you for your continued support of G2E Asia and we look forward to seeing you in 2022.

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