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Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases May 2018 Index
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LAS VEGAS, June 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The AGEM Index continued to grow positively in May 2018, building upon last month’s encouraging trends. The composite index finished the month at 554.05 points, a gain of 22.72 points or 4.28 percent, compared to April 2018. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 32nd consecutive month and has climbed 163.87 points, or 42.00 percent, since May 2017.
During the latest period, seven of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price. Six manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month.
The April performance of the AGEM Index paralleled the three major stock market indexes. The S&P 500 reported a month-to-month increase of 2.16 percent to 2,705.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 1.05 percent to 24,415.84, while the NASDAQ increased 5.32 percent during the period to 7,442.12.
Positive contributors to the May 2018 AGEM Index included the following:
- Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:ALL) contributed 24.94 points due to a 12.01 percent increase in stock price to AU$30.04.
- Scientific Games Corporation (SGMS) reported an 11.26 percent increase in stock price to $59.30, contributing 8.34 points.
Selected negative contributors included the following:
- With its stock price falling 11.78 percent to $24.94, International Game Technology PLC (IGT) contributed negative 8.25 points.
- Konami Corp. (TYO:9766) reported a 5.02 percent decrease in stock price to ¥5,110, contributing negative 3.99 points
Infographics accompanying this announcement are available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a7d82a9-872e-4ac4-81df-f6241262ae80
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/456cf91e-6c5d-4db6-8c4f-85508ef4bc16
During the past month, Agilysys (AGYS) released results for its fiscal year ending in March 2018. Net revenues decreased by 0.2 percent from the prior year, dropping $318,000 to $127.4 million. Gross profit increased by $632,000, or 1.0 percent. The increase in gross profit is attributable to a $950,000 decrease in the company’s cost of goods sold. During this fiscal year, the company achieved a gross profit margin of 50.6 percent, up from 50.0 percent in the prior year.
TransAct Technologies (TACT) released its first quarter results for the three months ending March 2018. During this period, net sales decreased $1.8 million, or 12.9 percent, on a year-over-year basis to $12.2 million. Despite the significant drop in net sales, gross profit margins improved substantially on a year-over-year basis. For the first quarter of 2018, the company’s gross profit margin was 47.9 percent, up from 43.5 percent for the same period last year. In May, the company reached an agreement with Asia Pioneer Entertainment Limited to distribute TransAct’s ticket-in, ticket-out printers in Macau, the Philippines, Taiwan and China.
Gaming Partners International Corporation (GPIC) also released its quarterly results for the period ending March 2018. Revenues decreased by 1.2 percent on a year-over-year basis, dropping from $18.9 million to $18.7 million. Additionally, gross profits decreased from $5.8 million to $4.9 million, a 15.2 percent decline. As a consequence of this decline, the company’s gross profit margin also fell to 26.4 percent to 30.8 percent. Operating income fell dramatically during this period due to a substantial uptick in research and development expenses. Research and development expenses increased from $300,000 for this period last year to $1.0 million this year. This increase was due to payments made to BrainChip Holdings Limited and Xuvi, LLC for the joint development of a table management and analytics platform. This platform will be designed to improve the efficiency of table games, reduce the risk of fraudulent behavior and provide player behavior analysis.
Since its initial public offering, PlayAGS Inc. (AGS) has delivered strong financial performance, as demonstrated by the company’s financial results for the first quarter since it completed the offering. On a year-over-year basis, total revenues increased 35.8 percent, growing from $47.8 million to $64.9 million. Operating income, however, remained largely flat due to a $17.0 million increase in operating expenses, which largely consisted of a $6.5 million year-over-year increase in selling, general and administrative costs, a $3.5 million year-over-year increase in cost of equipment sales and a $3.3 million year-over-year increase in research and development expenses. Additionally, the stock has been so popular that the company completed a secondary public offering in May 2018.
The AGEM Index
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) produces the monthly AGEM Index that comprises 13 global gaming suppliers throughout the world. A total of eight suppliers are based in the United States and are listed on the NYSE, Nasdaq or OTC market, while two trade on the Australian exchange, one on the Tokyo exchange, and another trades on the Taiwan OTC exchange. The index is computed based on the month-end stock price (adjusted for dividends and splits) of each company and weighted based on approximation of market capitalization. Market capitalizations for manufacturers trading on foreign exchanges have been converted to US dollar-equivalents as of month-end for comparability purposes. The AGEM Index is based on a 100-point value as of January 2005.
About AGEM
AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, lotteries, and components for the gaming industry. The Association works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Through political action, tradeshow partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM and its member organizations have assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a positive business environment.
AGEM Index
The AGEM index and overview is prepared by Applied Analysis (AA). AA is a Nevada-based advisory services firm providing consultation services for public and private entities. The company utilizes extensive experience in economics, information technology and finance to provide a wide range of services, including urban economic consulting, financial advisory services, market analysis, public policy analysis, hospitality industry and gaming consulting, and information system and technology consulting.
AGEM Membership Roster
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, William Hill US and Zitro
AGEM Bronze Members: Abbiati Casino Equipment, Alfastreet, Amatic Industries, APEX gaming, Astro Corp., BetConstruct, Bingotimes Digital Technology, Cammegh Limited, Century Gaming Technologies, Ceronix / GETT, 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, Intervision Gaming, Jackpot Digital, Jumbo Technology, Matsui Gaming Machine Co., Metronia, PariMAX, Patriot Gaming & Electronics, PDS Gaming, RCT Gaming, Spintec, Table Trac, Vantiv Entertainment Solutions, Wells-Gardner Technologies and Win Systems
AGEM Associate Members: 3M Touch Systems, Adlink Technology, Advantech-Innocore, Agilysys, AMD, ArdentSky, Arrow International, Asimex Global, Atrient, Automated Cashless Systems, Automated Systems America, Inc. (ASAI), Axiomtek, British Group Interactive (BGI), Capco, CardConnect, Carmanah Signs, Casino Screens, 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, Gaming Specialized Logistics, GAN, Ganlot, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Gasser Chair Company, Genesis Interactive Technologies, GeoComply USA, GET IN Global, Global Gaming Group (G3), Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazine, Greenberg Traurig, 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, Olsen Gaming / Spectronix, Outpost Creative, Passport Technology, Patir Casino Seating, Plus Studios, Portilla Ruy-Díaz y Aguilar, Proforma GPS, Regulatory Management Counselors (RMC), Rising Digital, RMMC, RSM US LLP, SAP, SCA Gaming, Shenzhen General Lottery Technology Co., Sightline Payments, Skilled Game Development, Slot Constructor, Southco, Southwest Manufacturing Services, Spin Games, StylGame USA, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Talent Associates, The Bright Group, The United States Playing Card Company, Touch Dynamic, Touch Embedded Solutions, Tournament One, TOVIS, TraffGen USA, Veridocs, Wells Fargo, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and Zebra Technologies
For More Information, Contact: Marcus Prater, Executive Director P.O. Box 50049, Henderson, NV 89016-0049 702.812.6932 |
Source: European Gaming Media
Latest News
SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement
SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.
This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.
Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.
The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.
“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.
Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.
Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
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THE EVOLUTION OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND – FROM PROHIBITION TO A DIGITAL BOOM
Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exquisite chocolates, and financial prowess, is also home to a turbulent gambling landscape that has undergone significant changes throughout its history. Once considered immoral and prohibited on religious and social grounds, gambling in Switzerland is now steadily embracing change and adapting to modern times.
THE HISTORY OF SWISS BETTING
Over the centuries, the Swiss have dabbled in various forms of betting. The first Swiss casino opened in the 19th century, quickly establishing itself as a vital social and cultural hub. However, this golden era was short-lived, as just a month after the opulent Interlaken Casino’s debut in 1859, the Cantonal Government imposed a blanket ban on all forms of gambling.
Despite this prohibition, the Swiss ingeniously continued their gambling activities by wagering on a game known as “petits-chevaux”, involving miniature metal horses racing on a small circular track.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Switzerland began to slightly relax its gambling prohibitions, signaling a shift away from the long-standing moral stigma attached to gambling. Nonetheless, even with new legislation in place, the ban wasn’t fully overturned, allowing only limited-stakes casino gambling.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
As time progressed, the digital age brought forth online forms of betting, including sports betting, which led Swiss punters to spend substantial amounts abroad.
Motivated by both economic considerations and the rising number of gambling addicts, Swiss politicians decided it was time to modernize their outdated gambling regulations.
In January 2019, the Swiss government introduced a new Gaming Act that legalized online betting for the first time while blocking all foreign operators. The primary goals of the new gambling law were to enhance protection against gambling addiction and ensure a portion of gambling revenue was allocated for public welfare, all while adapting to the challenges of the digital era.
Consequently, Switzerland now boasts one of Europe’s strictest gambling regulatory frameworks, allowing only two public operators, Swisslos and Loterie Romande, to provide sports betting services. Similarly, online casino services are exclusively offered by licensed brick-and-mortar casinos.
To date, nearly 400 domains have been added to the official list of blacklisted sports betting operators, and Swiss telecommunication service providers automatically block these domains using DNS blocks.
While domain blocking is a deterrent measure, it has its limitations. Technologically adept punters can easily bypass these blocks using VPN clients. At the same time, blacklisted operators persistently seek ways to provide their services to Swiss customers, often resorting to frequent domain name changes.
With the surge of unregulated online betting in Switzerland, the need for reliable resources such as BookiesBonuses, which help Swiss punters navigate the complex betting landscape and discover the best betting options has never been more critical.
THE FUTURE OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland’s gambling future remains uncertain due to stringent regulations that raise questions about their effectiveness and the pressing need for regulatory reforms that balance player protection with fostering a competitive and vibrant betting landscape.
While the intent behind these measures is to safeguard citizens, they have inadvertently limited options for Swiss punters. Consequently, a growing number of individuals have turned to international bookmakers known for providing a broader range of betting options, more competitive odds, and attractive bonuses.
In this ever-evolving industry, staying well informed about the latest developments, regulations, and the most reputable offshore bookmakers is crucial for those seeking the best sports betting experience. This knowledge empowers bettors to navigate the shifting Swiss betting scene and make well-informed decisions.
gaming
Disparities in Brazilian Gambling Market Expose Socioeconomic Inequities
The Brazilian gambling market is a dynamic and ever-growing industry that attracts individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
However, a closer analysis of the market by ENV Media reveals significant disparities, highlighting how certain segments of society are overrepresented while others are underrepresented. This article examines the distribution of active real money gamblers across different household brackets in Brazil and sheds light on the underlying socioeconomic inequities that contribute to this phenomenon.
The Overrepresentation of A-Level Households
Comprising only 2.9% of Brazilian households, A-Level households surprisingly make up 12% of the Brazilian gambling market. This overrepresentation raises questions about the factors driving individuals from these households to engage in gambling activities more frequently compared to their counterparts in other socioeconomic groups.
It suggests that A-level households may have a higher disposable income or a greater inclination towards risk-taking behaviour, making them more prone to participating in gambling activities.
B1-B2 Households are Overrepresented yet Underrepresented
While B1-B2 households constitute 21.8% of the Brazilian population, they make up a striking 40% of active real money gamblers in the country. This disparity indicates that individuals from B1-B2 households are significantly overrepresented in the gambling market compared to their representation in the general population. It implies that this particular socioeconomic group might have easier access to gambling opportunities or possess higher discretionary income, allowing them to participate more actively in the industry.
C1-C2 Households Have Near Representation
In contrast to the overrepresentation of A-level and B1-B2 households, C1-C2 households demonstrate a nearly proportionate presence in the Brazilian gambling market. Comprising 47.4% of the Brazilian population, they account for 48% of active real money gamblers. This alignment between the population distribution and the gambling market participation suggests that individuals from C1-C2 households are engaging in gambling activities in line with their demographic representation.
Socioeconomic Factors at Play
The observed disparities in the Brazilian gambling market can be attributed to several underlying socioeconomic factors. A-level households, characterized by their higher income and potentially greater disposable wealth, may find gambling more accessible due to their financial resources. B1-B2 households, although overrepresented, may face financial constraints that prevent them from participating more actively. However, their higher representation could indicate the allure of gambling as a potential means to improve their economic situation.
The overrepresentation of certain socioeconomic groups in the Brazilian gambling market underscores existing inequalities within the country. It highlights disparities in income distribution, access to disposable income, and opportunities for upward mobility. Such imbalances can perpetuate a cycle of socioeconomic disadvantage, as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be lured into gambling as a means to attain financial stability or escape their circumstances, further exacerbating their vulnerability.7JP
Addressing Socioeconomic Inequities
To address the disparities in the Brazilian gambling market and reduce socioeconomic inequities, a multifaceted approach is needed. Firstly, initiatives should focus on enhancing financial literacy and providing support to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about gambling.
One aspect that ENV Media has been working hard on pushing through its new casino brand, 7JP.com, is to focus heavily on responsible gambling practices. According to ENV Media’s COO, Shane Hand, it’s of vital importance that any and all brands that enter the Brazilian market have this front of mind.
“Previously, we have worked extensively in the Indian gambling market and one thing that become very clear is that it is of utmost importance to safeguard players, especially those who fall into the lower wage earning brackets. These individuals are the most vulnerable to developing unsustainable gambling habits. It’s extremely important that brands considering entering the Brazilain market focus on promoting awareness campaigns and implementing stringent regulations to protect such people”
Conclusion
The overrepresentation of A-level and B1-B2 households in the Brazilian gambling market, coupled with the near-representation of C1-C2 households, sheds light on the socioeconomic inequities that persist within the country.
While A-level households and B1-B2 households are overrepresented, this indicates that certain socioeconomic factors, such as income and accessibility, play a role in shaping gambling behaviours.
Recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial to fostering a more equitable society and ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than a path to socioeconomic distress for vulnerable individuals.
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