News July/August 2026
Temin Joguncic claims EDC title Land-based operations
After two days of intense competition, the European Dealer Champion 2026 came to a climactic conclusion with Temin Joguncic, Germany, Casino Baden-Baden, being named the Champion of 2026. Te event, held at Casino Baden-Baden, saw
Robin Stepanek of Casino Stuttgart named runner- up and Manon Martire of Casino de Monte-Carlo finish in third place. Commenting on the awards, the ECA said: “We warmly congratulate all participants in this year’s event and extend our sincere gratitude to Baden-Württembergische Spielbanken, host of the competition, to the dedicated EDC sponsors for their continued support, and to the tournament organisation teams at Casino Baden-Baden and the ECA for their outstanding efforts.” Organised by the European Casino Association
Macau decline due to World Cup Operator News
Macau’s casinos will take a hit from the World Cup, with Citigroup expecting a 10 per cent decline in revenue in June and a five per cent fall in July before a ‘swift recovery driven by a strong post-tournament event calendar.’ Citi analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau
highlighted that Euro 2024 saw daily averages drop by 17 per cent lower than the average for the
Appointments BetConstruct AI CEO
BetConstruct AI has appointed Lena Yasir as its new CEO. Yasir brings 20 years of global iGaming expertise, with a proven track record in B2B commercial strategy, international expansion, and scaling high-performing teams across regulated and emerging markets. Yasir, said: “BetConstruct AI is a highly respected and successful company in the iGaming industry, and I am proud to be joining the business at such an exciting time.”
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(ECA), the European Dealer Championship brings together the best casino dealers from across Europe and highlights the skill, precision, professionalism and elegance that define the dealer profession. Te 2026 edition focused on American roulette and Black jack, with contestants assessed in key areas including hospitality, technical skills and game control.
year. Citi said: “We anticipate a swift GGR recovery immediately after the tournament, in mid-July, led by a busy calendar of star- studded concerts and events – including renowned K- pop groups Babymonster, TWS and Enhypen, Taiwanese singer Zhao Chuan, and the NBA China Games featuring the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.“Tis strong non-gaming lineup should attract visitors and stimulate spending, ensuring a return to positive GGR growth for the rest of the year.”
Appointments Board changes at AGT
Ainsworth Game Technology has confirmed the resignations of Danny Gladstone, independent non-executive Chair of AGT, and Mark Ludski, company secretary of AGT. Te company has further announced that Graeme Campbell has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board; Lynn Mah, AGT’s chief financial officer, has been appointed as interim company secretary and Andrew Kabega has been appointed as interim joint company secretary.
Appointments IGT appoints Ramsey
IGT has announced the appointment of gaming industry veteran Patrick Ramsey to the Board of Directors of the parent of IGT and Everi, Voyager TopCo GP. Ramsey brings extensive experience spanning gaming operations, technology, product strategy, and business transformation. Widely respected across the industry, he has advised and led organisations through periods of growth, innovation, and market expansion.
PENN opens new Hollywood Casino Operator News
PENN Entertainment has opened a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus. Te $100m, 203-room hotel features 183 standard rooms and 20 luxury suites, a full-service bar and restaurant – Te Hill Eatery & Lounge, conference rooms, fitness center and an outdoor seating terrace. In addition to the hotel, Hollywood Casino Columbus will also introduce an expanded high limit table games room and speakeasy bar in the third quarter of 2026. PENN estimates the overall expansion will add 150 new jobs at the property. In 2025, PENN opened an all-new land-based casino
in Joliet, Illinois and a new hotel tower at M Resort Spa Casino Las Vegas. PENN will open the new Hollywood Casino Aurora and another relocation to a new land- based property in Council Bluffs, Iowa is anticipated to open in 2028, each pending regulatory approvals.
Participants also competed in dedicated side
events showcasing chip handling, card handling and mathematical accuracy. Sandi Brataševec, President of the Management
Board of Hit Group, officially accepted the handover for the organisation of the European Dealer Championship 2027, which will be hosted in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.
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