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Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo
The 16th European Dealer Championship, hosted by Holland Casino at its Venlo operation proved to be a hugely popular event, where 37 dealers from 21 European countries gathered to demonstrate their exceptional skills before the EDC judges.
Three days of intense tournament competition culminated in Noemie Serra of Casino de Monte-Carlo being crowned the European Casino Association’s Dealer of the Year. Jamie Cummins from London’s Crown Casino took the runners-up spot, with Asa Ekerot from Casino Copenhagen securing third place.
As well as taking home their trophies, the winner scooped a grand prize of €5,000. The second and third place finishers were awarded €3,000 and €1,500, respectively. In addition to the main prizes, there were another five Skill Challenges, each offering a prize of €500 for the winners, showcasing the diverse talents and expertise of the competitors.
- Best Mathematician: Jamie Cummins, Aspinalls
- Best Chipping: Tsvelan Kritonov Yanchev, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
- Best Cutting Chips: Noemie Serra, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
- Best Pushing Stacks: Stefano Samperi, Casino Malta
- Best Card Handler: Marco Skorjanic, Casino Innsbruck, Austria
The finals, which followed intense national heats, brought the crème de la crème of Europe’s casino dealing professionals to Venlo for the skill-based competition to demonstrate their astute decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and seamless ability to balance chip management, mathematics, and engaging social interactions.
The dealers were evaluated by a dedicated panel of impartial international judges, each an experienced professional dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the gaming industry. The EDC jurors played a vital role in evaluating participant performances, thoroughly examining game control, communication, and technical skills.
Erwin Van Lambaart, Chairman of the ECA, said: “It has been a huge honour for Holland Casino to host the 16th European Dealer Championship in Venlo. I’d like to thank the team behind the scenes for their tremendous efforts in organising and hosting this prestigious event, and I’d like to thank the event’s sponsors without whom it simply wouldn’t happen. It has also been a great honour to be able to celebrate the amazing craftsmanship of live dealing. This event is a showcase offering a glimpse into the passion, professionalism, and hospitality that define the experiences of guests at our member casinos daily. Our dealers and croupiers must be recognised as the most vital ingredient at the forefront of customer interaction. They are the very essence of the land-based casino industry, and we really have celebrated the ‘best of the best’ in the field here in Venlo. This event gives us an opportunity to honour these skilled professionals, to highlight the remarkable achievements of our dealers and to say thank you for making live casino gaming what it is today.”
Hermann Pamminger, General Secretary of the European Casino Association (ECA), remarked: “This year’s has been a truly phenomenal event. I would like to thank all the sponsors of this year’s competition who made it possible to stage this international celebration of land-based gaming talent. The ECA extends its gratitude to these leading companies from the European gaming industry for their continued commitment to the European Dealer Championship, ensuring its success and growth into the future.”
The winner, Monaco-born Noemie Serra, said: ‘Being a croupier is the best job in the world. I am so thrilled to take home the top prize. I came through the dealer school for Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco in 2018 and have worked there ever since. It was an honour to represent them in this competition. My father also works as a dealer for SBM, so I suppose you could say that being a croupier is in my blood. The tournament has been intense and exhausting, but all the competitors have been so supportive throughout the event.’
Runner-up Jamie Cummins of Crown London said: ‘It is a huge honour to finish second in this prestigious event. I’ve loved every second of the event and my time with the other dealers. Since starting out at Genting Casino in Luton, it has always been a dream of mine to work in Mayfair, which I achieved with Aspinalls and Crown. Doing so well in this competition is right up there, though. I was at the tournament in London a few years ago, which was an outstanding event, but this one has topped even that. I’d advise any croupier anywhere in Europe to have a go at this dealer championship. It’s an incredible experience.’
Second runner-up Asa Ekeret from Casino Copenhagen added: ‘I’m thrilled to have been recognised at this event. It has been tiring and gruelling, but just as in my job in Copenhagen, the other dealers have been amazingly supportive and encouraging. We’ve picked each other up and kept each other going. It’s been an amazing experience.’
The European Casino Association is excited to announce Grand Casino Lichtenstein as the next distinguished location for next year’s European Dealer Championship 2025, which will run from June 16 to 19.
The post Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Amino Fuels Next Frontier for Low Latency Enterprise Video and Digital Signage with Leading Betting Operator Paddy Power
Paddy Power deploys Amino H200 and Orchestrate in 500+ locations to display low-latency video, virtual games and customer information across UK and Ireland
Amino, a leading provider of enterprise video and digital signage solutions, today announces the deployment of its Amino H200 4K media player and Orchestrate remote device management platform across over 500+ locations in the UK and Ireland for Paddy Power, a sports betting and gaming division of Flutter Entertainment. Amino’s versatile solution dynamically displays multiple low latency video streams as well as live odds and pricing details within each store.
Paddy Power has migrated both satellite video content delivery and legacy customer information systems, which previously ran on PCs and servers, to a single commercial-grade system with purpose-built hardware and management systems. Amino’s H200 media player now displays low latency live sporting events and virtual sports betting, as well as information for live odds and pricing details across the entire Paddy Power estate. Amino’s Orchestrate cloud-based device management system enables staff to effortlessly provision new devices as well as schedule, update, diagnose and control installed devices remotely.
By enabling Paddy Power to migrate video content delivery from satellite to IP and replace expensive PCs and servers, the H200-Orchestrate solution has resulted in significant cost savings as well as operational efficiencies. Its power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability has also enabled single-cable installation and supported “out of sight” operation.
“The H200-Orchestrate solution from Amino checked all the boxes for us,” said Colm Codd, Head of Technology – Retail at Paddy Power. “Not only did Amino provide us with the hardware, but by using their powerful Orchestrate management platform and the expertise of Amino’s support team, we were able to deploy this cutting-edge solution faster and more efficiently than we anticipated, while generating genuine cost savings. We can now centrally manage all our in-store display configurations and applications to ensure that content is up to date, relevant and complies with regional regulations. We also believe that the enhanced retail experience we have created will lead to increased satisfaction for our customers.”
“The real-time, low-latency requirements of today’s betting shops are critical as expectations of the betting experience have skyrocketed over the last several years,” added Mark Carlisle, CEO of Amino. “Our low latency enterprise video and digital signage solutions are ideal for companies like Paddy Power because they provide a competitive advantage when every second counts. We are proud to help Paddy Power significantly enhance its customer experience.”
Amino’s powerful Orchestrate player management solution was recently named a finalist in the prestigious AV Awards 2024 in the Digital Signage Technology of the Year category.
The post Amino Fuels Next Frontier for Low Latency Enterprise Video and Digital Signage with Leading Betting Operator Paddy Power appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know
The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.
A Closer Look at Emerging Trends
- Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.
- Richer Personalization and Engagement
Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.
- Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion
The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.
- Enhanced Payment Solutions
With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.
Future Implications
The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain
AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.
Shifting Player Preferences
Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.
Regulatory Developments
The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.
Integrating Emerging Technologies
Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.
Final Thoughts
The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.
At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.
The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BETBY Launches “MAKE YOUR MOVE” Campaign Featuring Magnus Carlsen
BETBY, a leading sports betting supplier, has unveiled its latest marketing campaign, “Make Your Move”, featuring the legendary chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen as its brand ambassador. The campaign highlights the critical challenges operators face in the competitive iGaming industry – accessing innovative technologies and leveraging the expertise of the right people to achieve sustainable global success.
By partnering with Magnus Carlsen as the face of “Make Your Move”, BETBY seeks to motivate operators worldwide to take charge of their growth by selecting a reliable and forward-thinking sportsbook partner. In the campaign video, Carlsen is depicted strategizing and evaluating various scenarios before making the decisive move that secures victory, symbolizing the thoughtful decision-making required for success in the iGaming world.
Pierre Pulis, Head of Marketing at BETBY, said: “Magnus Carlsen embodies the precision, strategy, and vision needed to excel at the highest level – qualities that resonate deeply with BETBY’s mission. As a five times Chess World Champion and the Greatest Chess Player of All Time, his ability to anticipate, adapt, and make bold yet calculated moves mirrors the challenges faced by operators in the competitive iGaming landscape. With Magnus as the face of our ‘Make Your Move’ campaign, we hope to inspire our partners to make confident, game-changing decisions that lead to sustainable growth and global success.”
The post BETBY Launches “MAKE YOUR MOVE” Campaign Featuring Magnus Carlsen appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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