Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Latest News

America First in Canadian Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara Bid

Published

on

Under, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s new plans, Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara’s leases are up for grabs. Both casinos will be bundled together for a 20-year lease deal. Originally five companies expressed their interest in taking over the lease. Out of the five bidding companies, only two were Canadian. These two companies, are the Great Canadian Gaming Corp and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd.  Heading up the American charge is Hard Rock Café International Inc., Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Mohegan Sun Inc. However, despite strong bids it was reported by Globe and Mail that only the US companies remain in the running. Meaning that for at least the next 20 years Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara will be under US management.

What does this mean for the city of Niagara?

Currently, both casinos are owned by the government of Ontario. Through the government, they are both run by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. This means that the government have a say in the day to day running of the casino. It also means that they are responsible for the future planning and costs associated. In the past, this has been a very profitable relationship. Not only for the government, but also for the city.

Since December 1996, the OLG netted revenue of $124.7 million for the city of Niagara. Revenues which of course were raised from payments. These payments are made to “thank” the city of Niagara for being the host city. Currently, payments to the city from the OLG are made quarterly. In June 2018, the city of Niagara received $7,393,429 in hosting payments. In addition to these payments, the casinos are also the largest employer in the city. This provides further revenue to the city. Although, no new lease-holder deal is finalised it is likely that the ‘host’ payments will continue.

However, just as the two casinos bring money, they also cost money. This is because as government operations, the government is liable for costs. As you can imagine, the running and upkeep of a casino is not cheap. This means dipping into tax payer money. Speaking about this in an interview OLG President Stephen Rigby said the lease sale ““Will make future capital costs of developing, expanding, improving and maintaining the Niagara casinos the responsibility of a service provider — so public money is no longer used to cover these costs.”

What does the future hold for Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara?

Despite, being the prize at the end of a bidding war the future of both casinos is assured. One thing that is for sure is that they will no longer be Canadian run. That privilege will now pass to one of the three remaining US bidders. According to sources the OLG will base their final decision on the bidders’ experience in gaming development. Of which, all of the three remaining contenders have plenty. Especially, when it comes to online gaming operations. Online gaming in Canada is a strong and fast growing industry. Figures on Canadian casino review website Casinos.co suggest that over 70% of Canadians have gambled online in the last year. It is highly likely that all three companies will be looking to negotiate on online gaming.

Another area of the casinos, all bidders will be looking to expand and build upon is loyalty schemes. Something, which Hard Rock and Caesars Entertainment Corp can easily incorporate into their existing schemes. This has raised some concerns with the OLG, who fear that both casinos will lose their high-rollers to Las Vegas. Something, which would have a seriously negative effect on Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara.

Unfortunately, as no deal has been reached there is no concrete plan for either casino. Nobody, besides the OLG knows for sure what terms and conditions will be attached. For Fallsview Casino, and Casino Niagara any future without Canadian ownership will be bittersweet.

Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Latest News

Wizard Games brings back unique pay-as-you-see mechanics in Digipays

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

NeoGames S.A subsidiary Wizard Games has brought back its fan-favourite visible payout mechanics where combinations of digits are awarded, in the latest release Digipays.

The 3×3 slot offers extremely basic payout mechanics, with no paying symbols on the reels apart from blank diamonds or numbers. Two consecutive digits on the same payline will award the number that it reflects. For example, if the numbers 0 and 1 land on the last two reels, players will win 1x. If 1 lands on the first column, followed by two 0s, they will win 100x.

Digipays offers a respin feature if the golden coin lands on the third reel. This awards three respins, where any number landing becomes sticky for the duration. Wins are awarded after every respin, without the count resetting.

In addition, players can boost their chance of triggering the respins via an increased stake feature. The title is the latest by Wizard Games to use this unique and popular mechanics, following high-performing Teddy’s Tavern and Bier Haus Riches.

Megan Easey, Director of Operations at Wizard Games, said: “This visible digits combination pay mechanics has proven to be a firm favourite with players, with its incredibly easy to understand payouts ensuring that every spin triggers excitement.

“With our respins mode offering significant chances of big wins on all three reels, we’re confident that Digipays will be another bold, popular addition to our slot offering.”

The post Wizard Games brings back unique pay-as-you-see mechanics in Digipays appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Uncover the gold in 3 Oaks Gaming’s 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Distributor unleashes Magic Pots feature in Irish-themed title

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has unveiled its latest slot, 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win, featuring an Irish-inspired makeover of its popular 3 Pots mechanic.

In this 5×3 title players will be greeted by the friendly Leprechaun, serving as the game’s Wild Symbol. The path to big wins is illuminated by the shimmering Gold Clover Bonus Symbols; amassing a minimum of six of these symbols sets the stage for the Hold & Win round.

The powerful Magic Pots feature is poised to transform respins into a cascade of epic rewards. As the Red, Green, and Purple Special Bonus Symbols land they fill the corresponding clover pot metres. When full, players will be transported to the Bonus Round with a matching booster – Double, Mystery, or Collect – with the potential to activate all three simultaneously.

During the Hold and Win round’s respins, Mystery Symbols could unveil a Jackpot – Mini, Minor, and Major. To claim the coveted x5,000 Grand Jackpot, players must fill the entire screen with Clovers.

Players can trigger the Free Spins game with three Scatter Symbols, during which Wild Symbols carry a x2 multiplier.

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “With mesmerising graphics and meticulous attention to detail, 3 Clover Pots is designed to captivate and immerse players with a wide range of features.

“We’re excited to introduce this latest addition to our collection and eagerly anticipate its success amongst our esteemed partners.”

The post Uncover the gold in 3 Oaks Gaming’s 3 Clover Pots: Hold and Win appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Wazdan grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Admiralbet

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Wazdan, the gain-focused developer behind some of the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences, is set to raise its profile in Bosnia and Herzegovina after partnering with leading brand Admiralbet.

The first batch of Wazdan’s high-performing slots to have gone live with the operator includes player-favourites such as Sizzling Moon™, 9 Coins™, 9 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition, and Magic Spins™ with further titles to be announced in the coming months.

Admiralbet players are now able to enjoy a much-strengthened selection of games that offer Wazdan’s engagement-boosting mechanics, including Cash Infinity™, Collect to Infinity™ and Hold the Jackpot.

This latest European expansion follows several similar partnerships for Wazdan in a first quarter which has seen a significant level of commercial growth following its recent rebrand and consistent game release roadmap.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is the latest territory to see us grow our influence in.

“We’re enjoying an incredible rate of growth now, backed by a rock-solid games portfolio and welcoming major partners like Admiralbet just elevates that success. We’re confident we have the best possible ally in the country thanks to this development.”

Admiralbet’s Online Casino Manager, Nikola Zakic, said: “Admiralbet is a company that strives for constant improvement and development to keep up with world standards.

“Gaining access to Wazdan’s products furthers that strategy fantastically well. It gives us a range of games that we know our players will enjoy and maintains our place as a leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The post Wazdan grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Admiralbet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.