Pioneering cashless payment innovators Koin and Marker Trax have appointed veteran legal counsel Mark D. Hemmerle as their new Chief Legal Officer. Hemmerle’s extensive executive experience marks a strategic move for both companies in furthering their market presence as they aim to expand their presence in new markets while retaining their trademark reliability and forward-thinking approach.

The Two Companies Strive for Enduring Success

Koin and Marker Trax are helmed by CEO Gary Ellis and offer innovative payment services primarily targeting the gambling sector. Koin boasts an extensive digital payments ecosystem, simplifying payment and cash-out activities. Meanwhile, Marker Trax introduces a cashless, regulatory-compliant casino marker technology, aiming to streamline issuing advances as it empowers casinos with efficient credit underwriting and repayments.

Hemmerle’s expertise at the intersection of emerging technologies and compliance aligns seamlessly with the companies’ dedication to revolutionizing cashless payments. His addition to the leadership promises to guide Koin and Marker Trax as they spearhead advancements in the gaming industry, particularly in deploying their B2C brand Moolah Play, and advancing cashless casino credit solutions.

Mark’s unique combination of gaming expertise and legal acumen makes him a key figure in guiding our company through this phase of exceptional growth.

Charlie Skinner, Marker Trax President

Koin and Marker Trax experienced substantial expansion in 2023, penetrating new markets like Philadelphia and Northern Nevada with their cashless credit and digital wallet solutions. The July partnership with Graton Casino & Resort highlighted the success of Marker Trax’s product as a sound way to ensure growth and sustainability within the gaming industry.

Hemmerle Is Well-Versed in Solving Compliance Challenges

Before joining Koin and Marker Trax, Hemmerle was the VP of Gaming and compliance Counsel at Shift4 Payments, another leader in commerce-enabling technology. He also boasts significant expertise within the gambling sector, working for high-profile casinos and providing consulting services. Hemmerle’s understanding of the industry makes him an invaluable addition as Koin and Marker Trax seek to partner with leading operators.

A June collaboration between Koin and prominent casino management technology company Table Trac demonstrated the necessity for somebody of Hemmerle’s caliber as it significantly expanded the company’s reach. The US presents a very challenging landscape, as keeping up with shifting regulatory requirements in each state demands a particular set of talents that is hard to come by.

The strategic hiring of Hemmerle signals a seamless transition into 2024, ensuring operational efficiency and sustained growth as Koin and Marker Trax seek to maintain momentum and secure new partnerships. His addition will foster continued innovation, marking a significant stride toward revolutionizing cashless payments in the gaming industry.

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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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