NEWS
Casino vendors team up to tackle tech projects
Sometimes, you just can’t do everything yourself
As the technology that powers gaming both online and off becomes ever more sophisticated, suppliers are turning to partnerships and acquisitions to bring together the expertise required to build today’s systems. For example, consider a recent three-way tie-up involving JCM Global, noted for its bill validators; Leap Forward Gaming, which has a range of wireless technologies including the PlayPal cashless payment system; and TechFirm, a developer of payment systems for mobile phones such as the Mobile Wager Wallet, which has already worked with JCM on other projects. The three are getting together to create a system allowing casino customers to conduct transactions via mobile phone at gaming devices whose bill validators are capable of handling both physical currency and mobile e-money. JCM Global President Aki Isoi predicted: “Just as ticket in/ticket out changed the industry, we believe this technology will also be a game- changer.”
IGT is buying a lot more than a social gaming product. It’s getting a route into a new market
Said Ali Saffari, Leap Forward’s CEO: “TechFirm is clearly a leader in the mobile payment field and consumer use of mobile phones as digital wallets is spreading rapidly worldwide. We believe Leap Forward’s new casino cashless technology will help expand financial inclusion to the many global casino patrons who are mobile subscribers and will usher in a new era of cashless gaming solutions.” Another joint venture for Leap Forward sees it working with FutureLogic, the manufacturer of thermal ticket printers
and promotional couponing systems, to link the latter’s Gen2 and Gen3 printers and its PromoNet system to Leap Forward’s wireless technology. Said John Hilbert, Vice President for Systems Development and Strategic Technology Alliances at FutureLogic: “This
strategic alliance will provide a wireless solution for issuing and redeeming promotional coupons linked to real-time game play for carded and non- carded players.” The first fruit of the partnership is expected early this year. Sometimes, though, obtaining access to a new technology is so critical that a complete takeover of the company which owns it is required. That seems to have been the reasoning of International Game Technology (IGT), which is to acquire Double Down Interactive, developer of the DoubleDown casino on Facebook, for up to $500m depending on performance. With 4.7m monthly active users, the DoubleDown casino is one of Facebook’s most popular amusements. But IGT is buying a lot more than a social gaming product – it’s getting a route into a new market for its content.
“As technological innovations increasingly influence consumer behaviour, social dynamics are quickly transforming entertainment and gaming experiences everywhere,” said Patti Hart, CEO of IGT. “The addition of Double Down launches IGT into a leadership position in social gaming, extends our global reach through new mediums, and leverages our expertise in game development. We intend to drive meaningful value from this rapidly growing distribution platform that reaches a new, but complementary, demographic of gamers.”
SUN RISES Slots generated $2.4bn in revenue for Pennsylvania’s casinos last year, nearly six per cent up on 2010. The biggest growth among the venues that were open throughout 2010 was 16 per cent, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
GREEK GIFT Apex Gaming is now licensed to provide its Pinnacle and Dual Slim Line cabinets to Greek casinos, as well as its Multi Magic Classic games package.
GOING DUTCH Interblock’s G4 Organic Virtual with its Horserace game has been installed at Holland Casino in Scheveningen for a three-month test.
COUPON DECISION Casino MonteLago in Henderson, Nevada is now using FutureLogic’s PromoNet promotional couponing system.
GETTING READY JCM Global’s iVizion bill validator and Intelligent Cash Box system have been ordered by the new Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.
FIJI FIRST Fijian authorities have granted operator One Hundred Sands the nation’s first-ever casino licence. It will develop a $290m resort on Denaru Island, creating 800 jobs.
LIVE DEBATE Authorities on the Isle of Man have begun a consultation process as they consider amending gaming regulations to allow live tournaments. The Department of Economic Development said they would bring economic benefits for sectors including hotels and aviation, by increasing the number of visitors.
NEVADA FIRST Table Trac has landed its first Nevada casino deal, with the Moapa Band of Paiutes. It will supply its CasinoTrac management suite.
GOING DOWN The economic crisis, illegal gambling and e-gaming are among factors blamed for a 20 per cent year-on-year drop in revenue at Greece’s nine casinos during 2011.
INBRIEF
DING-DONG Executives from Bally Technologies rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the firm’s 80th anniversary.
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