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Gavin Isaacs, Frank Legato Honored as Recipients of Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Memorial Awards Honoring Jens Halle and Peter Mead
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The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced today that Gavin Isaacs has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, and Frank Legato has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications.
AGEM previously announced the creation of this unique annual awards program to acknowledge the lasting impacts on gaming by Halle and Mead, two distinctive industry veterans who died unexpectedly in 2015. Honorees will be announced each year at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, and this year’s awards ceremony for Isaacs and Legato will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. at AGEM booth No. 3700 near the main entrance to G2E at the Sands Expo.
Currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Scientific Games, Isaacs, 54, has a long history of success and respect in the global gaming industry. Previously, from 2014-2016, Isaacs was President and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Games and a Board Director. Before joining Scientific Games in 2014, he served three years as the Chief Executive Officer of SHFL entertainment. Prior to that, Isaacs served five years as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bally Technologies. Earlier in his career, Isaacs served nearly eight years with Aristocrat Leisure Limited. During his tenure, he held key management positions, including General Manager, Legal and Compliance; General Manager, Marketing and Business Development; and Managing Director, Europe, before being named Americas President in 2003. Before joining Aristocrat, Isaacs was a partner with the leading Australia law firm DLA Phillips Fox.
“Few people in our industry’s history have traveled the world shaking hands, meeting customers and sharing his unique personality more than Gavin has during a distinguished career that has also taken him to the top leadership position at multiple respected companies,” said Tom Nieman, President of AGEM. “The nominating criteria strictly guide the selection of these awards every year, and Gavin’s general path and dedication to customer relations are very similar to the traits Jens displayed. I know Jens and Gavin were friendly competitors when they were both circling the globe and it gives AGEM great pleasure to honor both Gavin and Frank Legato this year.”
With a background in gaming dating back 35 years, Legato, 61, has served as Editor for Global Gaming Business (GGB) magazine since 2002 and is the leading voice for new slot titles and gaming technology from both the industry and player perspectives. His career in gaming journalism began as Associate Editor for Public Gaming magazine in 1984 and he launched and served as Editor of Casino Gaming magazine in 1985 before moving on to Casino Journal, where his focus on slot companies and their new offerings became renowned throughout the industry. On the player side, Legato started sharing his humorous tales with readers of first Atlantic City Insider and then Casino Player in 1997 and also guided Strictly Slots magazine and its focus on slot and video poker players. A sought-after speaker and trade-show moderator, Legato is also the author of two books on gaming, “How To Win Millions Playing Slot Machines… Or Lose Trying” and “Atlantic City: In Living Color.” He has a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
“When it comes to slot machines and relationships with game companies, no one can touch Frank,” said Marcus Prater, Executive Director of AGEM. “My personal history with Frank goes back to 1996 and I’ve witnessed a commitment to his craft that is unparalleled. He has certainly experienced and written about more slot titles than anyone ever and he does it with an understanding and wit that conveys the entertainment aspect of the suppliers’ place in this global gaming industry. And let’s not forget that Frank is a household name for slot players all over the country who have been reading his hilarious stories of success and misfortune for more than 20 years.”
Halle, a longtime Bally and Novomatic executive in Europe who was most recently CEO of Gauselmann Group’s Merkur Gaming based in Florida, died suddenly on May 20, 2015 at the age of 57. Mead, the founder and publisher of Casino Enterprise Management magazine, died suddenly in Las Vegas on June 24, 2015 at the age of 54.
Current gaming professionals were nominated for these memorial awards based on the following criteria that aim to capture the unique attributes displayed by Halle and Mead during their storied careers:
Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism
“Nominees must have experience working in the global gaming supplier sector for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Jens displayed throughout his working life: Professionalism, business success, international scope, attention to detail and timely follow-up; a willingness to ‘go the extra mile,’ both figuratively and literally; a sense of humanity in an oft-times cutthroat business; a recognition of the importance of a handshake and a fair deal for all; and a dedication to the health of the industry as a whole.”
Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications
“Nominees must have experience working in the mainstream media, gaming trade press or individual gaming company PR/communications for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Peter displayed throughout his working life: Quality reporting and communication with an emphasis on personal contact to generate ideas and gather information; taking risks and questioning the status quo; challenging the industry to consider new ideas; and identifying trusted partners to improve the overall product.”
Chief Executive Officer and President of Novomatic Americas Rick Meitzler and Global Gaming Business (GGB) founder and Publisher Roger Gros were the recipients of the AGEM memorial awards program in 2017. Ainsworth Game Technology founder and current Executive Chairman Len Ainsworth and then-Golden Entertainment Director of Corporate Communications and longtime Las Vegas Review-Journal gaming columnist Howard Stutz were the initial recipients of the AGEM memorial awards program in 2016.
AGEM is a non-profit international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, online technology, sports betting, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory agencies and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.
The current AGEM membership roster, 160 companies strong based in 22 countries, is a who’s who of the supplier segment of the global gaming industry: AGEM Gold Members: AGS, Ainsworth Game Technology, Aristocrat Technologies, Everi, International Game Technology (IGT), Konami Gaming, Merkur Gaming, NOVOMATIC Group, Scientific Games and Sega Sammy Creation. AGEM Silver Members: Action Gaming, Aruze Gaming America, Betson Enterprises, Casino Technology, Crane Payment Innovations (CPI), Gaming Partners International (GPI), Inspired Gaming, JCM Global, Ortiz Gaming, Quixant PLC, Suzo-Happ Group, TCSJohnHuxley, TransAct Technologies and Zitro. AGEM Bronze Members: Abbiati Casino Equipment, Ace Systems Mx, Alfastreet, Amatic Industries, APEX gaming, Atlas Gaming, Astro Corp., BetConstruct, Bingotimes Digital Technology, Cammegh Limited, Century Gaming Technologies, CG Technology (CGT), Cole Kepro International, DR Gaming Technology (DRGT), Euro Games Technology (EGT), Exacta Systems, FBM, Galaxy Gaming, Gamblit Gaming, GameCo, Gaming Arts, Gaming Support, Glory Global Solutions, Grand Vision Gaming, Incredible Technologies, Interblock USA, Jackpot Digital, Jumbo Technology, Matsui Gaming Machine Co., Metronia, Patriot Gaming & Electronics, PDS Gaming, RCT Gaming, Spintec, Table Trac, Weike Gaming Technology, Wells-Gardner Technologies, Win Systems and Worldpay Gaming. AGEM Associate Members: 3M Touch Systems, Adlink Technology, Advantech-Innocore, Agilysys, ArdentSky, Arrow International, Asimex Global, Atrient, Automated Cashless Systems, Automated Systems America, Inc. (ASAI), Axiomtek, BDO USA, British Group Interactive (BGI), Capco, Carmanah Signs, Catapult Global, CDC Gaming Reports, CMC Trading Engineering (International) Ltd, Comer Holdings, Comtrade Gaming, Cooper Levenson, Deloitte LLP, Digital Instinct, DiTronics Financial Services, Dominode, Duane Morris LLP, E4 Gaming, EFCOtec Corporation, Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, Elite Gaming Technology, Fantini Research, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, Fox Rothschild, G2 Game Design, Gambling Compliance, Gamesman, Gaming Capital Group, GAN, Ganlot, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Gasser Chair Company, Genesis Interactive Technologies, GET IN Global, Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazine, Global Gaming Group (G3), Greenberg Traurig, GSL Gaming Group, House Advantage, Howard & Howard, Impact Display Solutions, Intel, IPS, James Industries, James Industry Research Group, Jones Walker, JP Morgan Chase, KEY-BAK, Kiron Interactive, Kontron, Lazcano Sámano, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, Lightstone Solutions, Majestic Realty, Millennial Esports, NanoLumens, Nanoptix, Olsen Gaming / Spectronix, Outpost Creative, Patir Casino Seating, Plus Studios, Portilla Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar, Posiflex Business Machines, Proforma GPS, Regulatory Management Counselors (RMC), Rising Digital, RMMC, RSM US LLP, SAP, SCA Gaming, Sightline Payments, Southco, Southwest Manufacturing Services, Spin Games, StylGame USA, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Talent Associates, The Bright Group, The United States Playing Card Company, Touch Dynamic, Tournament One, TOVIS, TraffGen USA, Veridocs, Wells Fargo, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and Zebra Technologies.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

Leading games developer, Incentive Games is proud to announce the official launch of ‘Prize Matcher’ a daily free-to-play game for bet365 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This expansion marks a significant milestone in bet365’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, engaging gaming experiences for players in regulated U.S. markets.
Prize Matcher builds on the success of previous free-to-play games, offering an exclusive experience tailored for bet365’s audience.
Now available to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania via the Casino and Sports products, Prize Matcher provides an exciting opportunity to win prizes by collecting symbols throughout the week. Each day, players can reveal three tiles, collect symbols, and claim rewards. Every Monday at 5pm local time, the game’s grid resets, delivering fresh opportunities and surprises.
A particularly exciting feature is the ‘Diamond’ symbol. Players who uncover this rare gem will receive an instant prize (no symbol matching required).
Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, commented, “Expanding Prize Matcher into New Jersey and Pennsylvania is a major milestone for Incentive Games and a testament to our strong partnership with bet365. We take pride in creating innovative, free-to-play experiences that enhance player engagement. This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge products that drive customer retention for our clients.”
A bet365 spokesperson added, “Once again, our partners at Incentive Games continue to raise the standard for innovation with the launch of Prize Matcher. We’re confident that our customers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will enjoy a fantastic free-to-play gaming experience!”
Players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can access the game via the following websites:
- NJ: casino.nj.bet365.com/promotions/us/prize-matcher
- PA: casino.pa.bet365.com/promotions/us/prize-matcher
New and eligible customers only. Your Bonus Bets are non-withdrawable. Any returns from Bonus Bets wagers will be added to your Withdrawable Balance, but the Bonus Bets wager is excluded from any returns. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Max. prize, time limits, bet/game restrictions, and T&Cs apply.
You must be over 21 to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Significant Offer Terms and Conditions
· Promotion runs from 05:00 PM local time on April 7, 2025 until 04:59 PM local time on July 28, 2025. The promotion is divided into weekly periods. Each weekly promotional period will begin at 05:00 PM local time on Monday and end at 04:59 PM local time the following Monday. Once the weekly promotional period has ended the grid will reset.
· You can reveal up to three tiles on your grid each day by clicking them. Unused reveals will not carry over to the following day. You are not guaranteed to win a prize in any promotional period. Your prizes will be credited automatically. In the event that your prize is not credited automatically, it may take up to 72 hours from the end of the corresponding promotional period for your prize to be credited.
· Your Bonus Bets will expire 7 days after they are added to your Bonus Bets balance. If additional Bonus Bets are added to your Bonus Bets balance within this 7 day period, the total Bonus Bets balance will expire 7 days after the last addition.
· To claim your Bonus Bets, go to the Account menu on Sports, choose My Offers and click Claim. You will have seven days to claim.
· Cash prizes must be accepted within 7 days of crediting and will be added to your withdrawable balance. Any unaccepted cash prizes will be removed after 7 days.
· You can claim your Spins by logging in to your Casino account and clicking Accept on the pop-up. Alternatively, navigate to Casino in the Sports app and click Accept on the pop-up. Spins must be accepted within 7 days. Once accepted, you will have 7 days to use your Spins. Spins can be used on Book of Claddagh, Book of Sekhmet Deluxe and Chamber of Alchemy and are valued at $0.10. Any unused Spins will removed 7 days after claiming.
· $10 Casino Bonuses must be accepted within 7 days. Once accepted, you will need to wager the bonus once on eligible games before you can withdraw your bonus funds and any winnings from them. The bonus can only be used on the following games: Sticky Stacked Fire 7s, Cash Eruption and Lightning Blaze. If the wagering requirement has not been met within 7 days of acceptance of the bonus, any funds held in the Bonus Funds balance will be removed. A bet on a single game round cannot exceed $1.
· All prizes won from the New Jersey Prize Matcher must be used when you are located in the state of New Jersey.
· This offer is only available to new and eligible customers.
The post appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
New football tournament is part of iGB L!VE’s London iGaming Week
iGB L!VE will be underscoring its status as one of the industry’s most popular business, networking and social igaming events this year following confirmation that it has teamed up with the LatAm Media Group to stage the first London LMG Futbol Experience.
Taking place on Friday 4th July at the BallerZ Dome in Bluewater, the live-streamed 6-a-side tournament will be played on a state of the art 5G pitch with games officiated by fully qualified referees.
With free transportation provided to and from ExCeL London, a journey which takes less than 35 minutes, the day’s activities will run from 1pm – 10pm and comprise a host of networking opportunities and events including lunch and a prize giving cocktail reception as well as a post-match poker tournament.
Expanding on the day’s activities, Agustin Cikes COO and Jorge Gomez, CEO of LatAm Media Group said: “This will be the 14th LMG Futbol Experience with previous editions being staged in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Spain. The mix of competition and camaraderie sits at the heart of the LMG Futbol Experience and we are looking forward to bringing the excitement and competitive fun of our Latin American events to London. To be able to hold the tournament alongside iGB L!VE represents a true milestone.”
Welcoming the opportunity to deliver another high profile event as part of iGB L!VE’s London iGaming Week, Global Portfolio Director Naomi Barton noted: “London is the birthplace of igaming so it’s totally appropriate to hold a prestigious industry tournament in the country which was the birthplace of football!
“It’s fantastic to able to work with LatAm Media Group to celebrate the relocation of iGB L!VE to London and create a series of social events to complement all the business lead generation and networking activities that will be available on the iGB L!VE show floor. July’s edition will not only be the largest iGB L!VE on record but also the most valuable and inspirational for our customers, as the event continues to provide an ultra-professional environment in its new London home, right at the heart of the igaming community”.
To enter a team in the LMG Futbol Experience and/or take advantage of the tournament branding and sponsorship opportunities contact Agustin Cikes at [email protected]
iGB L!VE (2nd– 3rd July, ExCeL London) will welcome a projected 15,000 igaming and affiliate pioneers, helping businesses throughout the online gaming ecosystem to navigate an ever-changing landscape via networking opportunities, cutting-edge innovations and crucial market knowledge-sharing. To register for the first edition of the show to be held in London visit: igblive.com
The post New football tournament is part of iGB L!VE’s London iGaming Week appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
AGS Grows Slot Strategy Team with the Addition of Dan Marcus as Vice President of Product Management
AGS (NYSE: AGS), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced the appointment of Daniel “Dan” Marcus as Vice President of Product Management. Marcus will report to Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Slots, and work together with Jackson Floyd, Vice President of Slots, to tackle strategic objectives across the slot products business.
In this role, Marcus will serve as a critical bridge between AGS’ R&D and Sales teams, aligning product strategy and execution across departments. He will lead the full lifecycle of AGS’ slot portfolio—from roadmap development and market release planning to product catalog management and sales enablement. He will also oversee cross-functional alignment across engineering, business development, and marketing to support go-to-market readiness. His responsibilities include managing AGS’ slot footprint throughout North America.
“Dan is a strategic product leader with a deep understanding of both the operational and analytical sides of the gaming business,” said DeDeaux. “His ability to connect product vision with market needs makes him the right person to help accelerate our momentum. As we scale our portfolio and expand into new markets, Dan’s leadership will be critical to driving the next phase of AGS’ growth.”
With over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, Marcus has held leadership roles at IGT, Bally Technologies, DraftKings, Hard Rock Digital, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Harrah’s Entertainment. He has consistently led high-impact initiatives across product development, performance analytics, and go-to-market strategy. His past work includes overseeing commercial strategy for IGT’s premium segment and founding Bally’s performance consulting group.
The post AGS Grows Slot Strategy Team with the Addition of Dan Marcus as Vice President of Product Management appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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