Monthly Archives: November 2016

Do PokerStars deserve the EGR Operator of the year award?

After PokerStars wins the EGR Operator of the Year award for the third successive year, Lee Davy, shares player opinion and questions justification of the award.

When not writing about poker, I am helping people quit alcohol through my company Needy Helper. I have been working hard to understand my customer, provide them with the value they crave and grow my business. A friend suggested listening to the This is Your Life podcast with Michael Hyatt.

I listened to five or six episodes. Instead of feeling positive and accruing new ideas to introduce into my business – I came away with a nasty taste of distrust.

Each episode was carefully designed to manipulate the listener into purchasing a particular product. In one sense, this is a good thing. Hyatt understands the worldview of his customer. He provides training courses, webinars and books that solve some of his customers biggest issues. He then sells these through his carefully choreographed podcasts.

Anti-DFS bill resurfaces in Illinois

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) websites are in for a final fright before November ends after a bill, which aims to make their operations in Illinois, has surfaced.

According to Legal Sports Report, the anti-DFS bill, penned by Rep. Scott Drury, has finally been assigned to a committee after sitting idly for months.

Drury’s H 6586 provides that a person “commits gambling ehen he or she knowingly establishes, maintains, operates, or offers an Internet site, smartphone application, or orher similar electronic or digital media or communication technology that permits a person to play a game or skill for money or other thing value by means of the Internet, smarphone application, or other similar electronic or digital media or communication technology, or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment,  or election by means of the internet, smartphone application, or other electronic or digital media or communication technology, or knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates a fantasy sports contest that permits a person to play the contest for money or other thing of value.”

If the proposed bill becomes a law, DFS operators in Illinois maybe charged with misdemeanor for first offense and a felony on a second offense.

Goa casinos sail on choppy waters amid demonization surprise

The casino vessels in Goa are on the verge of sinking, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetization surprise.

Several weeks ago, the Indian government announced that they are scrapping 1,000 and 500 rupee notes as part of its anti-graft and corruption crackdown as well as to flush out tax evaders in the country.

The sudden announcement left many sectors stunned, especially the casino vessels moored off the shores of the state of Goa. According to the Times of India, the limited availability of cash has forced many offshore casinos to shut down their operations temporarily.

A casino employee told the news outlet, “The business has been low ever since the announcement was made and has not improved till now.”

VIGE2017: Announcing VIGEN Area and Sessions – Vienna International Gaming Expo Networking

November 2016 –  the organizers are proud to announce out the latest addition to Vienna International Gaming Expo 2017, which will take place between 20 and 22 March 2017 at the Austria Center Vienna. VIGEN is the title which we have given to the Networking Area which will be found on the Expo Floor and the Sessions that will take place in Vienna around the event to maximize your experience during the conference and during the days you are in Vienna.

The VIGEN Area can be found on the Expo Floor located right at the entrance to the Expo Hall.

The networking sessions will be announced in time and we promise that you will only walk away with unique experiences and deals.

Below you will find some suggestions about how you can maximize your attendance at the VIGEN Networking sessions.

VIGE2017: Announcing VIGEN Area and Sessions – Vienna International Gaming Expo Networking

November 2016 –  the organizers are proud to announce out the latest addition to Vienna International Gaming Expo 2017, which will take place between 20 and 22 March 2017 at the Austria Center Vienna. VIGEN is the title which we have given to the Networking Area which will be found on the Expo Floor and the Sessions that will take place in Vienna around the event to maximize your experience during the conference and during the days you are in Vienna.

The VIGEN Area can be found on the Expo Floor located right at the entrance to the Expo Hall.

The networking sessions will be announced in time and we promise that you will only walk away with unique experiences and deals.

Below you will find some suggestions about how you can maximize your attendance at the VIGEN Networking sessions.

VIGE2017: Announcing VIGEN Area and Sessions – Vienna International Gaming Expo Networking

November 2016 –  the organizers are proud to announce out the latest addition to Vienna International Gaming Expo 2017, which will take place between 20 and 22 March 2017 at the Austria Center Vienna. VIGEN is the title which we have given to the Networking Area which will be found on the Expo Floor and the Sessions that will take place in Vienna around the event to maximize your experience during the conference and during the days you are in Vienna.

The VIGEN Area can be found on the Expo Floor located right at the entrance to the Expo Hall.

The networking sessions will be announced in time and we promise that you will only walk away with unique experiences and deals.

Below you will find some suggestions about how you can maximize your attendance at the VIGEN Networking sessions.

Lawmakers reopening debate to legalize casinos in Japan

The ball is finally rolling on Japan’s long-drawn-out bill to legalize casinos.

According to a Bloomberg report, Japanese lawmakers are reopening the debate on the stalled IR Promotion bill, with “the possibility the legislation will be passed as soon as next month.”

Members of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) still needs the support of its coalition partner, the Komeito, which has previously signaled that it is not opposed to debate on the bill. According to the news outlet, the group is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday “to discuss their stance.”

The ruling party had tried to get the IR Promotion bill added in the official legislative calendar in early November, but they were blocked by minority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).  The bill needs to be added in the official agenda, which is set by a committee composed of members from different political parties, before it can be debated.

Pokerstars named ‘Poker Operator of the year’

PokerStars named best poker operator for third consecutive year.

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – November 2016 – PokerStars last night won the ‘Poker Operator of the Year’ award at the EGR Operator Awards 2016 in London, making it three years in a row that the world’s largest online poker brand has claimed the headline poker category. Amaya Inc. (Nasdaq: AYA; TSX: AYA) and PokerStars were shortlisted across five awards in total.

The EGR Operator Awards, which is hosted by industry news publication eGaming Review, took place last night at the Honourable Artillery Company gardens in East London. The awards mark one of the most important dates in the gaming industry calendar and attract hundreds of industry professionals from the world’s leading online gaming firms, who gather to celebrate operational excellence and commercial success in the sector.

“Winning the Poker Operator of the Year for the third year in a row is great testament to the passion and hard work that people across the business put into making PokerStars the best poker site in the world,” said Severin Rasset, Director of Poker Innovation and Operations. “We always think about our players first and we are committed to keep it that way.”

Pokerstars launches poker and casino games in Portugal

Portuguese players can now benefit from PokerStars’ trusted game and fund protection under locally regulated rules.

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – November 2016 – Poker and casino games have been launched in Portugal on PokerStars, an Amaya Inc. (Nasdaq: AYA; TSX: AYA) brand, following receipt of a local license to offer such games in the country. The license was granted pursuant to Portugal’s recently developed and implemented local, independent regulatory and licensing regime.

PokerStars will maintain the very highest levels of player fund protection by segregating Portuguese player funds under trust agreements, as is done in all markets where PokerStars offers its products. In the meantime, while Portugal remains a closed liquidity poker market, PokerStars intends to actively work with applicable Portuguese authorities to help further develop and enhance the Portuguese regulatory framework for poker, including, without limitation, through the promotion of shared liquidity.

“We are very happy to offer the world’s leading online poker brand to Portuguese players under a local regulatory framework that ensures rigorous consumer protection and gaming integrity,” said Eric Hollreiser, Vice-President of Corporate Communications for Amaya. “This approval demonstrates our commitment to the responsible growth of online gaming by supporting local regulation that protects players, creates a viable marketplace and provides revenue for local governments.”

VIGE2017: EiG startup winner – Martin Cagalinec (1SpinMillionaire) to speak about their recent innovation – The life-changing experience in online gaming

November 2016 –  the organizers are proud to announce that Martin Cagalinec (1SpinMillionaire) will give a presentation about their award winning recent innovation – “The Life-changing Experience in Online Gaming” during the Innovation Talks panel on Day 2(21.03.2017) at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2017.

Martin is the Co-founder & CEO of 1SpinMillionaire, the Product which has won the EiG startup this year in October in Berlin.

Every year, selected LaunchPad start-ups exhibit in the EiG Start-Up Village on the Expo floor. If you are a start-up with limited marketing budget, EiG is a great promotional platform to build relationships with potential future customers and to find investors, in attendance at the show. You can find more details on the EiG website…

Martin Cagalinec has over 8 years of experience in the online gaming sector as content provider and operator. He is a highly proficient individual specializing in gaming systems, innovations and strategy. During his study of Design on Academy of Fine Arts he founded independent Slovak web digital studio – Sven Creative. From previous position as the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer in Danubesoft, fast growing company focusing on software innovations, Martin spent last year working on new innovative platform not only for the gaming industry.

Gaming Laboratories International reaches 2.5 million testing and certification milestone

LAKEWOOD, N.J. (November 29, 2016) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) has been the leading land-based, iGaming and lottery testing and certification laboratory for over 25 years. Because of the company’s work with more than 475 jurisdictions in 20 locations around the world, GLI recently reached an incredible milestone – they have now tested and certified 2.5 million gaming machines, devices and systems.

GLI Vice President of Compliance and Quality Assurance Christine Gallo said, “We are very grateful to our loyal customers for trusting in GLI and our ability to deliver high-quality testing and certification services to the gaming industry. Having successfully tested and certified 2.5 million gaming machines, devices and systems thus far, we have put together the industry’s largest database of approved gaming equipment that we can reference. We are proud of this accomplishment, and we are looking forward to maintaining this momentum for future growth.”

On average, GLI issues more than 120,000 equipment certifications each year. The company’s large certification database allows its suppliers to quickly and easily transfer gaming equipment from one jurisdiction to another, saving testing costs and time-to-market. In addition, more than 130 jurisdictions accept GLI certification letters exclusively, which makes doing business with the company extremely beneficial. GLI-exclusive markets encompass over 100 casinos operating over 200,000 gaming devices.

After a client receives a certification report from GLI, they may apply for use of the Gaming Labs Certified® mark. This mark shows that the product tested has passed the most challenging tests and meets specific standards. The unique mark provides the public with a level of confidence and integrity in the product that is unmatched in the gaming industry.

Casual Connect Europe 2017 in Berlin: First insights

Berlin, GERMANY – November 25th, 2017 – Casual Connect Europe 2017 will be held in Berlin, Germany, on February 7–9 by Casual Games Association, an international trade organization for the videogames industry. Over 2000 professionals from all parts of the gaming industry, including 170 high-class speakers will gather at the new location, the Station Berlin. Additionally over 120 developer teams will showcase their newest projects at the Indie Prize Showcase as part of the conference.

“We are thrilled to be back in Germany again and hosting Casual Connect in Berlin this year,” says Jessica Tams, Managing Director of Casual Games Association. “Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule with speakers from all over the world as well as discovering the talent Europe has to offer.”

Casual Connect is a professional conference created to support the mass-market game community by gathering top developers, publishers, distributors and others involved in related industries for networking opportunities and useful lectures created by a board of industry members. Catch a look at the latest speakers at http://europe.casualconnect.org/content.html.

This year Casual Connect will offer nine different tracks in four lecture halls with 170 speakers. Among others, featured speakers include: Andrew Sheppard, CEO, Gree International Entertainment; Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO, CCP; Petri Ikonen, Creative Director, Electronic Arts; Baris Ozistek, CEO, Netmarble EMEA; Tommy Palm, CEO, Resolution Games; Stephen Jarrett, VP of Game Design, King; Clark Stacey, Co-Founder & CEO, Wildworks; Wilhelm Taht, Executive Vice President, Games, Rovio Entertainment; Ryan Chaply, Esports Program Manager, Twitch; Barbara Medvedieva, Product Owner, Murka; and Michael Fuller, VP Global Digital Business Development, Hasbro.

Casual Connect Europe 2017 in Berlin: First insights

Berlin, GERMANY – November 25th, 2017 – Casual Connect Europe 2017 will be held in Berlin, Germany, on February 7–9 by Casual Games Association, an international trade organization for the videogames industry. Over 2000 professionals from all parts of the gaming industry, including 170 high-class speakers will gather at the new location, the Station Berlin. Additionally over 120 developer teams will showcase their newest projects at the Indie Prize Showcase as part of the conference.

“We are thrilled to be back in Germany again and hosting Casual Connect in Berlin this year,” says Jessica Tams, Managing Director of Casual Games Association. “Attendees can look forward to a packed schedule with speakers from all over the world as well as discovering the talent Europe has to offer.”

Casual Connect is a professional conference created to support the mass-market game community by gathering top developers, publishers, distributors and others involved in related industries for networking opportunities and useful lectures created by a board of industry members. Catch a look at the latest speakers at http://europe.casualconnect.org/content.html.

This year Casual Connect will offer nine different tracks in four lecture halls with 170 speakers. Among others, featured speakers include: Andrew Sheppard, CEO, Gree International Entertainment; Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO, CCP; Petri Ikonen, Creative Director, Electronic Arts; Baris Ozistek, CEO, Netmarble EMEA; Tommy Palm, CEO, Resolution Games; Stephen Jarrett, VP of Game Design, King; Clark Stacey, Co-Founder & CEO, Wildworks; Wilhelm Taht, Executive Vice President, Games, Rovio Entertainment; Ryan Chaply, Esports Program Manager, Twitch; Barbara Medvedieva, Product Owner, Murka; and Michael Fuller, VP Global Digital Business Development, Hasbro.

Caesars Entertainment announces parking program for Las Vegas properties

New initiative will help ensure a convenient parking experience for all visitors while also improving infrastructure

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2016 — Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) today announced that it will launch a paid valet and self-parking initiative intended to improve the parking experience for guests, local residents and Total Rewards loyalty program members at eight of its nine Las Vegas properties.  The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will not be included in this program and implementation dates will vary by location.

“Our priority is to ensure that our hotel guests, local residents and Total Rewards loyalty members have an improved parking experience,” said Bob Morse, President of Hospitality at Caesars Entertainment. “Guests who stay, game and shop at our resorts have said that parking spaces and valet services have become increasingly scarce, so we believe that implementing a paid parking program while also investing in LED parking guidance systems will help address these issues.”

Local residents with proper identification and Total Rewards loyalty members rated Platinum and above will continue to self-park for free. Complimentary valet will also be available for all Total Rewards loyalty members rated Platinum and above.

Caesars Entertainment announces parking program for Las Vegas properties

New initiative will help ensure a convenient parking experience for all visitors while also improving infrastructure

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2016 — Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR) today announced that it will launch a paid valet and self-parking initiative intended to improve the parking experience for guests, local residents and Total Rewards loyalty program members at eight of its nine Las Vegas properties.  The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will not be included in this program and implementation dates will vary by location.

“Our priority is to ensure that our hotel guests, local residents and Total Rewards loyalty members have an improved parking experience,” said Bob Morse, President of Hospitality at Caesars Entertainment. “Guests who stay, game and shop at our resorts have said that parking spaces and valet services have become increasingly scarce, so we believe that implementing a paid parking program while also investing in LED parking guidance systems will help address these issues.”

Local residents with proper identification and Total Rewards loyalty members rated Platinum and above will continue to self-park for free. Complimentary valet will also be available for all Total Rewards loyalty members rated Platinum and above.

Graham Weir on responsible gambling

In this interview with CalvinAyre’s Rebecca Liggero, Graham Weir of Ladbrokes tells us how gambling operators may help prevent players from becoming problem gamblers. 

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Graham Weir on responsible gambling

In this interview with CalvinAyre’s Rebecca Liggero, Graham Weir of Ladbrokes tells us how gambling operators may help prevent players from becoming problem gamblers. 

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Champick.Com – New, innovative daily fantasy football platform from liepaja, latvia expanding globally

To support exponential growth, CHAMPICK is looking for talented developers, graphic and UX designers in our Liepaja and Riga offices, who are passionate sports fans and are eager to work in a global setting.

A new Latvian daily fantasy football platform CHAMPICK (www.champick.com) has entered Georgian, Hungarian and South African markets by signing strategic partnerships with local media companies to boost product growth. Several well-developed countries in different continents are in advanced stages of negotiation to soon become partners too.

CHAMPICK fantasy platform with an industry first scalable business model, was launched in May 2016 and after a successful BETA product test has acquired 30 000 users and is now expanding internationally by signing strategic partners globally, and continuing product improvement and mobile app development.

Quote from CHAMPICK CEO, Eriks Nelsons: “I’m glad that after the hard work of the last 12 months we have proven our business model and received positive feedback from fantasy players and strategic partners all around the world.

Champick.Com – New, innovative daily fantasy football platform from liepaja, latvia expanding globally

To support exponential growth, CHAMPICK is looking for talented developers, graphic and UX designers in our Liepaja and Riga offices, who are passionate sports fans and are eager to work in a global setting.

A new Latvian daily fantasy football platform CHAMPICK (www.champick.com) has entered Georgian, Hungarian and South African markets by signing strategic partnerships with local media companies to boost product growth. Several well-developed countries in different continents are in advanced stages of negotiation to soon become partners too.

CHAMPICK fantasy platform with an industry first scalable business model, was launched in May 2016 and after a successful BETA product test has acquired 30 000 users and is now expanding internationally by signing strategic partners globally, and continuing product improvement and mobile app development.

Quote from CHAMPICK CEO, Eriks Nelsons: “I’m glad that after the hard work of the last 12 months we have proven our business model and received positive feedback from fantasy players and strategic partners all around the world.

NetEnt’s Guns N’ Roses awarded as best Game of the Year

The 12th annual EGR Operator Awards welcomed the biggest professionals from the world’s leading online gaming firms, as NetEnt walked away with the highly-coveted trophy.

NetEnt’s Guns N’ Roses was shortlisted alongside 12 other popular games but defeated the competition to collect the award.

The spectacular rock slot is one of the company’s most successful game launches ever and has proven to be immensely popular among players. NetEnt invested heavily not only to capture the spirit of the brand but also into the technical architecture to showcase the very best HTML5 productions online.

For the second year running, NetEnt have won Game of the Year at the esteemed event after success with Spiñata Grande™ back in 2015.