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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
Latest News
New Title Boosts Player Engagement and Solves Liquidity Challenges with Bitcoin Lightning Network
THNDR, a trailblazer in skill-based peer-to-peer (PvP) gaming solutions, announced the launch of its latest title, Blackjack, now available on its B2B PvP platform. Designed for iGaming operators and aggregators, this classic game with a skilled twist leverages THNDR’s cutting-edge betting liquidity network and instant payment settlements to redefine player engagement, retention, and monetization in the iGaming industry.
Underlying the new Blackjack title, THNDR’s tech addresses long-standing pain points for operators, including player liquidity gaps and slow payout processes. By tapping into THNDR’s cross-operator liquidity network, the game ensures players are matched instantly, eliminating unfilled wagers and keeping the action flowing. Coupled with real-time payouts, operators can offer their players PvP games in any currency while benefiting from behind-the-scenes settlement with zero delays or chargebacks.
“We’re thrilled to bring a skill version of Blackjack to our PvP platform,” said Desiree Dickerson, CEO and Co-Founder of THNDR. “This isn’t just another game, it’s a powerful re-engagement and monetization tool for operators. By blending skill-based competition with our innovative tech, we’re delivering a solution that keeps players engaged longer, boosts retention, and opens access to a broader market of new users.”
Unlike traditional casino-style Blackjack, THNDR’s version rewards strategy and decision-making, appealing to a growing demographic of competitive players seeking more than chance-based entertainment. Early partners include BetOpenly, Speed Wallet, Maincard, Telobet, and more.
For iGaming operators and aggregators, the benefits are clear:
- Instant Liquidity: Players connect across THNDR’s betting network for a nearly 100% match rate.
- Enhanced Monetization: Instant payouts encourage higher spending and user trust.
- User Acquisition: Skill-based games allow licensed operators to reach a wider market.
- Seamless Integration: The platform can be integrated with just a few lines of code and works with any currency.
The post New Title Boosts Player Engagement and Solves Liquidity Challenges with Bitcoin Lightning Network appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Altenar is launching a series of free online webinars with helpful tips and advice for operators to gain a better understanding of how to maximise the potential of their sportsbook.
In the webinars titled ‘Behind The Bet’, experts from across Altenar’s departments will present their thoughts on a range of topics aimed at educating the audience and helping them optimise their sportsbook offering.
As a leading sportsbook provider in regulated markets around the world, Altenar’s products are tailored to the demands of various regions and are developed based on the localised expertise of the team.
Account managers already play an important role in the business development of existing clients but ‘Behind The Bet’ will allow both current and potential customers to improve their understanding of various markets, regulations and sportsbook products.
The webinars will be held in English, Spanish and Portuguese to cater to the needs of a global audience, with the presentations followed by a question-and-answer session.
The first edition of Behind The Bet will focus on one of the hottest topics in the iGaming industry as Altenar’s Head of Licensing and Regulatory Compliance Magno Neiva and Sales Manager Frederico Caputi discuss the legal landscape in Brazil.
Charlie Williams, Commercial Director at Altenar, said: “The newly regulated market has opened up exciting opportunities for iGaming companies, but there are also many regulatory challenges to overcome in order to maximize market potential. Altenar’s success in highly regulated markets across the globe, and in South America, positions us to deliver a flexible range of products and services to help our clients grow in Brazil.”
Magno Neiva, Head of Licensing and Regulatory Compliance, said: “The Brazilian iGaming market is evolving rapidly, presenting exciting opportunities for operators and providers alike. As one of the most dynamic and promising regions in the industry, Brazil is at the centre of innovation and the new regulatory advancements are shaping the future of online betting and gaming in South America.
“Altenar is proud to be part of this journey, bringing its expertise and cutting-edge solutions to a market that is poised for significant growth.”
This webinar, the first in a series, could not have chosen a more relevant market to explore. Through this discussion, Altenar aims to showcase how its advanced sportsbook and gaming solutions can help businesses thrive in this fast-moving environment.
The first edition of Behind The Bet will be held in Portuguese and takes place on March 12 at 11am (Brazilian Standard Time).
The post Altenar offers sportsbook advice with ‘Behind The Bet’ webinars appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SPRIBE, the developer behind the number one crash game in the world, Aviator, has added yet another UFC superstar to its roster of brand ambassadors with Tom Aspinall promoting the game to his fans around the world.
Aspinall is the interim UFC heavyweight champion, actively defending his title and solidifying his place as one of the most dominant forces in MMA today. His championship mindset aligns perfectly with Aviator’s commitment to working with the best, ensuring fans experience the thrill of elite competition.Aspinall will take part in a number of campaigns promoting Aviator to UFC audiences worldwide. He joins other Aviator brand ambassadors like Alex Pereira, Johnny Walker and Merab Dvalishvili.
These brand ambassador partnerships form part of a wider marketing deal between SPRIBE and UFC, which sees Aviator branding appear in and around the Octagon for UFC Fight Nights and Pay Per View events. It also established an athlete ambassador fund for agreements such as this.
The deal will help to build even more momentum behind Aviator, the original crash game now available at more than 4,500 online casinos and with more than 42 million active players a month placing upwards of 350,000 bets per minute.
Its popularity comes down to the simple and easy-to-understand increasing curve format and the high-risk/high-reward gameplay. Aviator is also multiplayer with tons of social interaction built into the experience including a chat function and real-time leaderboards.
David Natroshvili, Founder & CEO at SPRIBE, said: “Tom is one of the toughest and most celebrated fighters in the UFC right now and we are excited for him to join our ranks as an Aviator ambassador.
“He has a large and loyal fanbase that we are certain will love the thrills that Aviator provides and look forward to working with Tom on a number of campaigns over the coming 12 months.
“These brand ambassador deals, and our partnership with the UFC and other sports franchises, show our commitment to ensuring Aviator remains the number one crash game on the planet and that as many people as possible get to play it.”
Tom Aspinall, UFC interim heavyweight champion and Aviator Brand Ambassador, added: “Taking flight in Aviator is just as thrilling as stepping into the Octagon on fight night so I’m excited for my fans to experience what the game has to offer.
“The team at SPRIBE have some great campaigns planned for the coming months which I’m excited to be a part of as we work together to ensure that Aviator really takes flight.”
The post Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion to promote world’s number one crash game to his fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
New Title Boosts Player Engagement and Solves Liquidity Challenges with Bitcoin Lightning Network
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