International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) announced that it has officially begun its limited operation of the casino at its New Coast Hotel property in Manila. The company is set to officially take over full casino operations from the PAGCOR on May 11.

The Board is pleased to announce that on 9 May 2024, the Group has commenced its limited operation in the Casino, the Group will officially take over the entire casino operation with effect from 11 May 2024 and will be the operator of the Casino under the Provisional License.

IEC statement

This announcement comes after IEC was awarded a provisional casino license by the Philippine regulator on September 27, 2023. The former company now aims to turn New Coast Hotel into a proper integrated resort.  

For context, the casino at New Coast was operated by the PAGCOR’s Casino Filipino brand. During that time, IEC served a supporting function, helping the operator improve the overall gaming experience.

Under its provisional casino license agreement, IEC will pay a monthly fee to the PAGCOR. For the month of May, IEC will have to pay PHP 60 million.

IEC Will Implement Robust AML and CTF Measures

IEC’s official announcement noted that the group has established new internal control procedures and measures that would prevent instances of non-compliance and fraud. This includes an AML and CTF program that seeks to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, allowing IEC to remain compliant.

The program, according to IEC, has been designed with high ethical standards and robust know-your-costumer principles in mind. It will also ensure that officers and employees are aware of their responsibilities and will guarantee cooperation with the AMLC and PAGCOR.

IEC added that it has formed an AML committee consisting of at least three members that would formulate a comprehensive and risk-based AML and CTF program that conforms to the law. The committee will oversee the program’s implementation and will report the casino’s compliance status to the board.

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Light & Wonder, a prominent player in cutting-edge gaming solutions, has been selected to manage the Michael J Gaughan Airport Slot Concession slot floors at Harry Reid International Airport. The company’s innovative systems offering will replace the existing solution for over 1,100 slot machines across multiple terminals, ushering in a new era of enhanced gaming experiences.

Travelers Will Enjoy a World-Leading Gaming Experience

The comprehensive solution provided by Light & Wonder will not only cover the replacement of the current system but also extend to managed services, offering robust support for the Concession’s IT operations. This agreement includes powerful infrastructure management, access to state-of-the-art technology tools, and round-the-clock support to minimize downtime.

Patricia Ross, general manager of Michael Gaughan’s Airport Slot Concession, Inc., noted that choosing Light & Wonder as a systems provider was rooted in their dedication to next-level customer support. Harry Reid International Airport presents a unique challenge, but Light & Wonder’s substantial expertise should enable it to bolster engagement and provide lasting value.

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond leading-edge technology and supports our goal of delivering an exceptional player experience.

Patricia Ross, Michael Gaughan’s Airport Slot Concession, Inc. general manager

This agreement marks a significant milestone for Light & Wonder as its technology is poised to power the slot floor at the seventh busiest airport in the nation. It underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to constant innovation and providing solutions that exceed expectations. Light & Wonder’s exclusive content will be vital to drawing in the diverse audience present at this location.

Light & Wonder Aims for New Heights

This development extends Light & Wonder’s impressive 2023 momentum, heralding a successful start to the new year. The company recorded stellar Q3 results, celebrating revenue growth for the tenth consecutive quarter. While iGaming remains the cornerstone of Light & Wonder’s offerings, traditional offerings remained a robust vertical, bolstered by rising machine sales in North America and Australia.

Expanding to Harry Reid International Airport should further bolster Light & Wonder’s physical presence in the USA, proving that the supplier can fulfill even the most demanding orders and paving the way for new partnerships. President of Global Systems and Service at Light & Wonder, Jon Wolfe, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to redefining the gaming experience.

Our systems solution is designed to elevate casino hospitality and improve customer service to deliver an unparalleled level of player satisfaction.

Jon Wolfe, Light & Wonder president of Global Systems and Service

Light & Wonder’s new solution should go live in terminals throughout Harry Reid International Airport in Q2 of 2024. Passengers can anticipate an upgraded and seamless gaming experience, setting a new standard for airport entertainment. Success here can have significant long-term benefits for the company, leading to similar deals with other high-profile airports.

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MGM Resorts International has demonstrated a clear and unfaltering commitment to creating robust and sustainable gambling experiences, not least through the introduction of the GameSense responsible gaming program and championing public awareness companies such as the American Gaming Association-led Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly, which has sought to educate the public on the dangers of excessive betting in the age of regulated sports wagering.

Funding Evidence-Based Approach in Responsible Gambling

Commenting on the latest contribution which features a $360,000 tranche to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), BetMGM said that it was committed to ensuring that RG practices are observed. MGM, said SVP & chief compliance officer Stephen Martino, was committed to supporting ICRG’s critical work around RG best practices.

The ICRG has been one of the most forward-thinking research institutions that has been working on responsible gambling and problem gambling research since it was established in 1996, and it has been one of the main drivers of an evidence-based approach in understanding gambling and informing public policy on how to minimize harm from the sector.

Commenting on the donation, ICRG president Arthur Paikowsky, thanked MGM Resorts for the ongoing support that will now allow the company to conduct research over two years. The money will be used to understand, prevent, and address risks stemming from the gambling industry, Paikowsky noted.

Ongoing Efforts Needed to Achieve Results

“We salute MGM Resorts for supporting our research that will answer the many questions we have about the impact of gender on gambling disorder and address the health risks of casino employees,” Paikowsky said and noted that the ICRG remained grateful to the company’s long-standing and ongoing support of the research body.

The ICRG received backing from various gambling industry leaders in October, with another $180,000 allocated to the organization’s various research initiatives. Earlier in 2023, GeoComply, a geolocation and fraud-prevention specialist, also funded ICRG’s research on the self-exclusion program and its efficiency.

As gambling is becoming better regulated, this has called attention to allocating more resources to gambling harm prevention and a better understanding of gambling addiction in the first place to prevent harm to consumers.

Some states have surprisingly overlooked responsible gambling as a prerequisite for setting up gambling shops. Washington D.C. for example even reduced the funds allocated to responsible gambling initiatives, which could have long-lasting implications on vulnerable consumers.

There is also a cultural difference between responsible gambling practices in places such as the United States and the United Kingdom, and the rest of Europe, for example. Some jurisdictions have been rolling in very strict restrictions to limit the potential harm for consumers whereas the United States is only now beginning to get a better feel of the issue, with ICRG’s funding and MGM Resorts International’s continuous support a contributing factor.

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Malta’s Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has slapped a hefty fine of €222,736 ($244,085) on Trannel International Limited, a subsidiary of the Kindred Group, for significant lapses in compliance with regulatory standards. 

FIAU Exposes Trannel’s Risk Analysis Shortcomings with Critical Compliance Deficiencies

The FIAU’s investigation revealed that Trannel had failed to conduct proper risk analyses for a substantial number of clients whose deposits exceeded €2,000, as mandated by law. Critical deficiencies in Trannel’s CRA methodology were identified, with a lack of a system to connect multiple customer accounts, reported Television Malta’s TVM News. Each account was assessed independently, disregarding the broader context of a customer’s overall activity.

In a proactive response to the compliance examination, Trannel rectified the deficiency by implementing an automated risk assessment model tied to account registration. Despite these corrective actions, the FIAU emphasized the gravity of the lapses in Trannel’s compliance measures.

The regulatory body highlighted instances where Trannel’s risk assessment heavily favored transaction risk over other crucial pillars such as customer and geographical risk. Inappropriately rated profiles accounted for 40% of the reviewed player profiles, neglecting factors like deposit amounts, transaction speed, and payment methods.

High-Value Player Profiles Unveil Trannel’s Inadequate Scrutiny of Financial Red Flags

Two specific player profiles drew attention due to Trannel’s failure to scrutinize transactions adequately. In one case, a player deposited €3.5 million ($3.8 million) within 18 months, engaging in non-closed loop transactions with discrepancies in declared income. 

The second case involved deposits exceeding €350,000 ($383,548) in three months, questionable income sources, and third-party e-wallet transactions. Trannel neglected to gather essential information to substantiate these players’ financial activities.

Furthermore, Trannel fell short in fulfilling record-keeping obligations, with 70% of player profiles lacking necessary documentation from open-source intelligence obtained from the internet. 

Malta is not the only jurisdiction where Trannel has been experiencing challenges. In June, Norwegian gambling authorities received legal affirmation as the Borgarting Court of Appeal rejected Trannel International Limited’s appeal against a compulsory fine of NOK 1.2 million ($108,600) per day. 

The legal dispute began in 2019 when Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, urged Trannel to cease operations in the country, leading to rejected appeals, a suspension, and subsequent fines, with the recent court decision signaling the end of Trannel’s legal battles in Norway. 

Culture and Equality Minister Anette Trettebergstuen noted that the court’s ruling aligns with the Norwegian exclusive rights model, while Atle Hamar, director of Lotteritilsynet, anticipates Trannel’s complete withdrawal from the Norwegian market.

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The famous International Game Technology (IGT) rapidly grows across the biggest markets in the world – and now it’s a turn for the expansion to the Italian market. The company partnered with Microgame, one of the leading platform providers.

Expanding game library

The focus will be put on IGT’s PlayDigital casino game library. Microgame will get the rights to distribute it to a range of operators in Italy, almost 50 of them, so the fans of the most popular Italian operators will get a unique chance to try some of the most popular games in the world.

Among the titles that will be included in the offering are hits such as Treasures of the Pyramids, The Big Easy, Da Vinci Diamonds, and Cleopatra.

Marco Castaldo, CEO of Micrograme, commented on the recently established partnership, saying: “IGT has a rich history of providing best-in-class content across a variety of gaming channels in Italy, and Microgame is excited to now offer our operators and their players IGT PlayDigital’s highly engaging casino games. The inclusion of PlayDigital’s iGaming content strengthens our overall portfolio and complements our solutions so that we can continue to grow within the Italian market.”

As Gaming Intelligence reports, Gil Rotem, a President of iGaming at IGT, said: “This partnership with Microgame enables IGT PlayDigital to amplify our casino portfolio on a broader scale and continue offering Italian players some of the most compelling digital games in the industry. The demand for iGaming continues to grow at a rapid pace, and with IGT PlayDigital’s experience and deep understanding of the Italian gaming market, we are uniquely positioned to support Microgame in its portfolio expansion opportunities.”

Industry leaders

The recent report about the shares shows that the shares of International Game Technology plc closed 1.65% lower than they used to be. On Monday, they were $26.49.

International Game Technology is a Las Vegas-based company that offers a range of services, including lottery, gaming machines, sports betting, and digital services. The company is present in more than 100 countries on six continents.

Microgame is an online gambling company from Italy. Its premium gaming offering allows its numerous partners and players to choose what’s best for them and customize the offering so they can enjoy it the best. Also, the advanced gaming platform operated by the company makes the gaming experience smooth and secure. This multi-channel platform and secure and flexible system are among the main reasons behind the company’s success.

Source: “IGT Partners Microgame In Italy”. Gaming Intelligence. November 14, 2023.

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La Française des Jeux (FDJ) has completed its acquisition of Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI). Valued at over $400 million, the deal will expand FDJ’s presence in Europe and turn it into a major international company.

The deal was originally announced this summer when FDJ unveiled its plans to acquire PLI’s entire share capital.

PLI is the exclusive operator of Ireland’s National Lottery. The gambling company is set to operate the lottery for at least the next eleven years, with its current deal set to expire in 2034. For reference, the operator acquired the 20-year National Lottery license in 2014.

PLI also recorded a GGR of $427.6 million (current conversion rates) in 2022, donating approximately $279 million to over 4,000 deserving causes. FDJ, on the other hand, recently posted its latest report, highlighting Q3 revenue of $620.5 million and year-to-date revenue of $1.99 billion.

PLI Is Looking Forward to Enhancing the Irish National Lottery

FDJ’s chair & chief executive officer, Stéphane Pallez, commented on the agreement, saying that it marks an exciting new chapter for the French company, allowing it to step into the international spotlight. FDJ is ambitious to become an international powerhouse and cement its position as a leading gambling and lottery company.

According to Pallez, FDJ and Premier Lotteries Ireland share the same vision as they both want to provide players with recreational and responsible gaming offer to players in Ireland.

PLI’s chief executive officer, Andrew Algeo, also shared his thoughts, saying that this deal is a monumental moment for his company. He believes that the current acquisition will prove beneficial to both companies and the Irish lottery sector.

Algeo thanked PLI’s shareholders whose support has allowed the company to flourish and grow steadily and sustainably. He said that he is looking forward with FDJ on creating an Irish National Lottery that is better than it has ever been.

Speaking of M&A activity, FDJ recently confirmed the finalization of its acquisition of the leading online horse racing and sports betting operator, ZEturf Group. The acquisition of a horse racing company also highlights FDJ’s desire to diversify its product offering and revenue streams.

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A lucky Texan woman has turned an airport gambling session into a $643,434.31 payday. Referred to as Brittany by the airport’s official X account, the woman will now return to her state richer than before.

Brittany was visiting Nevada when she tried to test her luck by playing a slot by the Las Vegas terminal’s A Gates. She quickly realized that it was her lucky day as she hit a huge jackpot.

Harry Reid International Airport published a photo of the lucky woman, which shows her standing next to the machine. In addition to showing the sum Brittany won, the photo also makes it clear that the slot she was playing was the Wheel of Fortune game manufactured by International Game Technology (IGT).

Even if the airport interviewed the woman about her plans for the money, no information was disclosed on X.

Brittany Is Not the Only Harry Reid International Airport Visitor to Hit a Jackpot

Brittany is not the first Harry Reid International Airport visitor to try out the airport’s slot machines and emerge richer. This year alone saw two other players win jackpots of over a million dollars.

The first of the two jackpots was hit in late June when an unidentified player won a whopping $1.3 million. The lucky gambler was also playing one of IGT’s slot machines available at the airport.

Tweeting news about the jackpot, the airport said: “That’s one way to end a vacation — as a MILLIONAIRE.”

Less than a month later, another player at the airport won $1.2 million. The player also opted to remain anonymous.

The success is not only for the players as the operator behind the airport’s slot machines, Airport Slot Concession, continues to enjoy a lot of success. The operator’s 2022 revenue, for example, exceeded the billion-dollar milestone. In the meantime, the Harry Reid International Airport itself earned over $34 million in revenue from the machines.

IGT continues to change the lives of gamblers across North America and beyond. In August alone, the company’s Megabucks and Powerbucks slot machines delivered three life-changing jackpots to three lucky customers in the region.

On August 8, a Las Vegas player spun the reels of Megabucks Gold Forge to earn a monumental jackpot of $10,159,321. On August 16, a customer in California hit a $3,278,372 jackpot while playing Megabucks Mega Vault. Finally, on August 26, a Powerbucks Arctic Gems player in British Columbia, Canada, earned a jackpot of CAD 1,462,837.

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The Spanish National Police, in collaboration with the Spanish Tax Agency, Europol, and INTERPOL, have dismantled an extensive organized crime network implicated in match-fixing of sporting events and leveraging technology to manipulate bookmakers’ odds.

International Table Tennis Bets Uncover Vast Sports Match-Fixing Network

This operation, which has been ongoing since 2020, initially came to light when Spanish law enforcement agencies detected a series of suspicious online bets being placed on international table tennis tournaments. As their investigation unfolded, they uncovered a sophisticated criminal network primarily consisting of individuals from Romania and Bulgaria.

The core of their illicit activities involved corrupting athletes to manipulate match outcomes outside of Spain. Once these arrangements were settled, the group’s operatives within Spain inundated online bookmakers with a deluge of bets.

What set this syndicate apart was its ability to outpace bookmakers in obtaining match information. Using advanced technology, they gained access to live video feeds directly from stadiums, arenas, and pitches worldwide. This edge allowed them to place bets with unrivaled certainty, maximizing their profits. In contrast, bookmakers relied on slower satellite feeds and relays for the same events.

The criminal network’s tentacles extended to various global sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Nations League, German Bundesliga, ATP, and ITF tennis tournaments. Despite reaping substantial rewards, the syndicate managed to evade detection by adopting multiple identities and accounts.

Among those apprehended was an individual affiliated with a prominent bookmaker who colluded with the syndicate to validate their online bets, further implicating the industry in this web of deceit.

INTERPOL’s Crucial Role in Unraveling Global Match-Fixing Network

INTERPOL played a pivotal role in this operation through its Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, mobilizing the INTERPOL Match-Fixing Task Force (IMFTF) and employing its extensive global policing resources. 

Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL’s secretary general, commented on the operation, saying: “Organized crime groups will exploit the tiniest of gaps given the opportunity. In this case, we’re talking about a 20- or 30-second advantage that led to significant gains.” 

Stock emphasized the importance of such operations and reaffirmed INTERPOL’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies worldwide.

IMFTF specialists joined Spanish authorities during house raids, facilitating the extraction and analysis of data from seized devices and cross-referencing information across INTERPOL’s databases.

This collaborative effort led to the blocking of 47 bank accounts and 28 payment gateways across multiple countries. Seized items included mobile phones, satellite dishes, signal receivers, cash, counterfeit banknotes, credit and debit cards, identification documents, and prepaid SIM cards. In other news, 17 arrests have been made in Spain in connection with match-fixing allegations involving a soccer club president and players conspiring to manipulate betting results.

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Global gaming and entertainment company MGM Resorts International announced a new appointment strengthening its senior-level team. The company confirmed Thursday that it hired Daniel Yang, a seasoned expert with experience in multiple industries, to the role of chief customer and innovation officer. Becoming a part of MGM Resorts’ C-suite, he will help advance the growth and spearhead the efforts of the company’s global consumer success strategy.

In his new role, Yang will also focus on boosting profitability and growth on the “intersection of digital technology and the guest experience,” reveals MGM Resorts. Leveraging extensive knowledge and experience within different commercial sectors, Yang will play an important role in the future expansion of the company.

The new chief customer and innovation officer holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, he has an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Overall, Yang has a strong understanding of executing corporate strategies and long-term planning. Before becoming a part of MGM Resorts’ senior-level team, he held a chief strategy officer role with the leading gaming company, Aristocrat Leisure Limited. During that time, Yang oversaw strategic processes related to planning, corporate development and the execution of corporate strategies.

Additionally, his professional background includes senior-level roles with Viacom (currently Paramount). Yang is the co-founder and CEO of a mobile gaming startup and his extensive experience includes a strategy consultant role with Booz Allen & Hamilton.

Yang, Excited to Join MGM Resorts

Sharing his excitement, Yang said that he is delighted to join MGM Resorts at such an important moment in its growth. He acknowledged the importance of the company’s digital services and products that help deliver elevated experiences within different channels.

The new chief customer and innovation officer added: “The company and its leaders are driven to position MGM Resorts as the world’s premier gaming entertainment company, and the destination of choice for all their customer segments.” Finally, Yang said that he is looking forward to collaborating with his new colleagues at MGM Resorts and helping propel the company’s growth.

“Dan is a progressive, strategic thinker with a wealth of industry experience leveraging technology and digital strategies to enhance the guest experience in a truly meaningful and differentiating way.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, added that Yang brings a wealth of industry experience. Moreover, he said that the new chief customer and innovation officer will play a key role in elevating the guest experience for the company’s customers.

Hornbuckle predicted that Yang’s efforts will power the company’s growth and development of products. Finally, he welcomed the new executive to MGM’s growing leadership team.

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Royal Caribbean International, a company that provides cruise ship travels and hospitality services, including on-board casinos, has decided against smoking onboard. This decision impacts three Oasis-class ships that have seen their jazz clubs converted into smoke-free casinos. Royal Caribbean previously decided to suspend smoking across its other ships back when COVID-19 was around as a measure to improve air filtration and suppress the virus’ chances of spreading.

Building the First Three Oasis Ship Casinos for Royal Caribbean

This happened during the ships’ last service, and the Oasis of the Seas Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas are ready to welcome all players who are interested in playing in a smoke-free environment. Smokers may still light up, but outside the premises and on the designated areas of the ship. Trimline project manager Billy Morton, whose company took care of the refurbishment and redesign of the sections of the ships, had this to say on the occasion of the latest conversions:

It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Royal Caribbean on these conversions. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the work is delivered to the highest standards, and we are delighted with the results.

Trimline project manager Billy Morton

Each of the casinos has been called “Jazz on 4,” and they are advertised as clubs that feature a main show lounge. Royal Caribbean has done some meticulous planning to ensure that the redesigned spaces and areas would make sense and fit machines as well as sufficient amenities to make the experience rewarding for players.

The company has been also working with various third parties, including IT specialists and data experts to ensure that operations across the entire ship can continue as intended. Royal Caribbean is confident that the smoke-free casinos will lead to an even stronger customer experience and a greater level of satisfaction among customers staying onboard.

Casinos to Become More Permanent Part of the Cruise Experience

These three ships will now be the litmus test for Royal Caribbean. The company has other Oasis-class vessels it may experiment with, but for the time being, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and even the still-in-development Utopia of the Seas – are going to preserve their original look with no mentions of a casino.

However, the newest Oasis ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas already features a Golden Room by default, which is essentially the casino. In other words, cruise lines and the manufacturers of these ships may already be waking up to the fact that casinos could make a good hospitality experience for travelers on their ships. Royal Caribbean has also been expanding through some strategic purchases, including the buyout of Genting Group’s Endeavor cruise ship in 2022.

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