Press Releases
Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases July 2018 Index
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LAS VEGAS, Aug. 07, 2018 – The AGEM Index increased in July 2018. The composite index finished the month at 565.39 points, a gain of 19.02 points or 3.48 percent, compared to June 2018. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the 34th consecutive month and has climbed 141.46 points, or 33.37 percent, since July 2017.
During the latest period, eight of the 13 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price. Five manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month.
The major stock market indices also saw gains during the month. The S&P 500 reported a month-to-month increase of 3.60 percent to 2,816.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 4.71 percent to 25,415.19, while the NASDAQ increased 2.15 percent during the period to 7,671.79.
Positive contributors to the July 2018 AGEM Index included the following:
- Crane Co. (CR) contributed 9.88 points due to a 13.03 percent increase in stock price to $90.57.
- Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) reported a 4.21 percent increase in stock price to AU$32.20, contributing 9.67 points.
- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) contributed 6.35 points due to an 8.78 percent increase in stock price to $25.28.
Selected negative contributors included the following:
- With its stock price falling 6.91 percent to ¥5,250, Konami Corp. (TYO: 9766) contributed negative 6.97 points.
Infographics accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8b503cd-1e63-4f6a-9c91-9cd9d1b25c1d
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e391db4-f614-4da1-a612-f9b4fb5cf98c
During July, International Game Technology PLC (IGT) released its second quarter results. During the quarter that ended on June 30, 2018, IGT generated $1.2 billion of consolidated revenue, a decrease of 1.5 percent from the second quarter of 2017. Despite the decrease in revenue, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 4.2 percent on a year-over-year basis, reaching $442 million for the second quarter. This improvement in performance is attributable to strong worldwide lottery performance. Adjusted EBITDA margins also improved by 2.0 percent on a year-over-year basis, growing from 34.8 percent for the second quarter of 2017 to 36.8 percent for the second quarter of 2018.
Agilysys Inc. (AGYS) also released its results for the first quarter of its fiscal year 2019, which ended March 31, 2018. During this quarter, Agilysys generated net revenue of $34.0 million, an increase of 0.5 percent from the $33.9 million in the prior year. Agilysys also achieved a gross profit of $17.9 million during the first quarter, up 7.3 percent from $16.7 million in the first quarter of the prior year. Gross profit margins grew by 3.4 percent on a year-over-year basis, increasing from 49.2 percent to 52.6 percent. Adjusted EBITDA grew on a year-over-year basis from $1.6 million to $3.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margins also grew from 4.8 percent to 9.2 percent over the same time period.
Scientific Games (SGMS) released its results for the second quarter of 2018. Scientific Games experienced strong year-over-year revenue growth, with revenue rising 10.2 percent from $766.3 million to $844.7 million. Revenue growth during this period was primarily driven by $50.6 million of revenue from NYX, which was acquired during the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA also rose 8.1 percent on a year-over-year basis, growing from $314.8 million during the second quarter of 2017 to $340.4 million during the second quarter of 2018. Despite this growth, Adjusted EBITDA margins declined slightly on a year-over-year basis, dropping from 41.1 percent for the second quarter of 2017 to 40.3 percent for the second quarter of 2018.
PlayAGS Inc. (AGS) experienced strong results during the second quarter of 2018. On a year-over-year basis, total revenue increased by 45.4 percent, growing from $50.1 million to $72.8 million, and adjusted EBITDA grew by 40.2 percent from $26.1 million to $36.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA margins did decrease on a year-over-year basis from 52.1 percent to 50.2 percent, which management mainly attributed to equipment sales accounting for a greater percentage of total revenue.
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 and Zitro
AGEM Bronze Members: Abbiati Casino Equipment, Ace Systems Mx., Alfastreet, Amatic Industries, APEX gaming, Astro Corp., Atlas Gaming, 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, PariMAX, Patriot Gaming & Electronics, PDS Gaming, RCT Gaming, Spintec, Table Trac, Weike Gaming Technology, Wells-Gardner Technologies, Worldpay Gaming 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, BDO USA, 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, 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, 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, Tournament One, TOVIS, TraffGen USA, Veridocs, Wells Fargo, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and Zebra Technologies
CONTACT: For More Information, Contact: Marcus Prater, Executive Director P.O. Box 50049, Henderson, NV 89016-0049 702.812.6932 | [email protected]
Source: Press Releases Published on European Gaming Media Network
News
AI, Regulation, and Brand Power: SOFTSWISS 2026 Trends Report Reveals Where Industry is Heading
SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has released its 2026 iGaming Trends Report, developed in partnership with NEXT.io. The fourth edition of this annual study provides a data-driven roadmap for operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders as they prepare for the next phase of industry evolution.
The report is based on a survey of over 350 iGaming professionals and the AI-driven analysis of more than 120,000 media headlines, making it one of the most comprehensive overviews of the global iGaming landscape to date. It combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, including independent analytics from Kantar, one of the leading research agencies, and internal insights from 30 SOFTSWISS experts.
Covering key global regions and industry domains, including marketing, regulation, technology, responsible gambling, cybersecurity, and AI, the 2026 iGaming Trends Report offers an in-depth look at the factors driving market transformation:
- AI Goes Operational: The perceived importance of AI scored 8.41/10 in 2025, up from 8.15 the previous year, with 56% of surveyed companies listing AI integration as one of their top three business priorities.
- Brand Over Bonus: Influencer marketing dominance has dropped by 10 percentage points since 2023, while brand reputation and trust now play a bigger role than bonuses in player acquisition.
- Marketing Reinvented: Operators are shifting their focus from performance-only tactics to brand-led ecosystems. iGaming companies are now tracking brand equity metrics, such as Top of Mind and Purchase Intent, as strategic KPIs.
- Regulation Reshaped: New markets, including Brazil, Finland, and France, are transitioning to competitive licensing models, while countries such as the UK and Lithuania are introducing tighter advertising controls.
- Responsible Gambling 2.0: AI-based tools are being deployed to identify at-risk player behaviour in real-time, a step now expected by regulators in jurisdictions, including Ontario and Greece.
- Cybersecurity as a Core Metric: Phishing incidents have increased by 180% since 2023, while 35% of smaller operators report inadequate cyber resilience, highlighting the growing connection between trust, compliance, and player retention.
This year’s edition introduces a new Microtrends section, exploring early-stage shifts and emerging ideas with near-term potential. This dedicated chapter highlights the smaller signals shaping tomorrow’s market opportunities.
Each microtrend is supported by real-world examples and regional case studies, illustrating how forward-looking operators and suppliers can capitalise on these developments before they reach mainstream adoption.
The report also includes a regional outlook developed by NEXT.io, covering Europe’s recalibration, North America’s measured growth, South America’s compliance-driven execution, and Asia’s controlled innovation model.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, comments: “In recent years, the sector has moved into maturity. What now matters is disciplined profitability, operational resilience, and the ability to deliver durable player value. This fourth edition reflects that shift. We examine the macrotrends reshaping the sector, the micro-level tactics and technologies that improve performance, and a regional outlook developed in partnership with NEXT.io. Taken together, these chapters provide a structured view of what will shape 2026 and the decisions it asks of operators, suppliers, and partners.”
In support of its ebook, SOFTWISS will present the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit on 5 November 2025. A four-hour event will take place from 12:00 to 16:00 on the People, Partners & Performance Stage, featuring keynotes and panels with leading global industry experts.
Last year’s edition of the Trends Report attracted significant industry attention, with over 13,000 downloads, confirming its value as one of the sector’s most respected analytical resources.
Operators and industry professionals can download the 2026 iGaming Trends Report here.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
Bulgaria
SOFTSWISS Gets Certification for Its Jackpot Aggregator in Bulgaria

SOFTSWISS, a leading technology provider for iGaming, has further solidified its presence in the European market by securing certification for its Jackpot Aggregator in Bulgaria.
The iGaming market in Bulgaria is experiencing significant growth, attracting new businesses despite stringent domestic regulations. The market is projected to generate 168.70 million euro in revenue by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 5.42%. The number of users is expected to reach 377.3 thousand by the same year, further highlighting the sector’s momentum.
In line with this growth, SOFTSWISS announces that its Jackpot Aggregator has received certification from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), ensuring it meets all technical requirements for use in the Bulgarian market. With the new certification of the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, Bulgarian-licensed operators can integrate this advanced engagement tool into their casino offerings.
In May, SOFTSWISS successfully entered the Bulgarian market through a partnership with Topwin.bg, which implemented the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator, and the Sportsbook.
“We are seeing a strong surge in interest in our jackpot mechanic, fueled by the growing demand for engagement tools in the market. That’s why we are committed to further developing the Jackpot Aggregator, enhancing its features, and expanding into new markets. Certification for the Bulgarian market is a clear testament to our ambition and drive for expansion. We are actively working on obtaining certifications in other jurisdictions,” comments Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
SOFTSWISS has several international and national licences and certifications, including a South African licence acquired through the purchase of a majority stake in Turfsport. The company recently announced its plans to become the first certified software provider in Brazil.
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.
Latest News
Are slots losing popularity?

What are the most popular games? What iGaming providers have achieved the greatest success? SOFTSWISS, an innovative company providing a complete ecosystem of comprehensive software solutions, shares valuable insights across regional markets.
The analysis presented is based on the Game Aggregator data spanning the second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023.
Europe
Slot games remain popular in Europe, even though they lost around five p.p. during H2 2022 and H1 2023. Despite this decline, their market share still exceeds 80% among the other gaming categories. In contrast, card games improved their position by almost four p.p.
The top five most popular game categories underwent minor changes in Q2 2023. The Total Bets Sum in Craps games saw a substantial increase, growing 2.7 times in comparison to the previous quarter. This boost in performance secured the fifth position for this type of games in the top rankings, displacing casual games.

Gates of Olympys, Big Bamboo and Midas Golden Touch emerged as some of the most popular games during the past year. Notably, the landscape of top games exhibited significant variations from quarter to quarter.
In the European gaming sector of 2022-2023, top-performing game providers include Amatic, Amusnet (EGT), BGaming, Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Push Gaming, and Relax Gaming. Their positions in the rankings experienced subtle shifts from quarter to quarter.
Asia
The top five most popular game categories in Asia have exhibited a consistent trend since the final quarter of 2022. Slot games hold a prominent position in the asian gaming landscape, with their market share exceeding 80% compared to other categories.

Gates of Olympys claimed the title of the most popular game in Asia in Q4 2022, and has maintained its leading position since. Meanwhile, another popular game, Bonanza Billion, has experienced fluctuations in its rankings within the top five since the end of the previous year. The Total Bets Sums of Aviator increased twofold during the first half of this year, propelling the game into a leadership position. In contrast, the once-popular game, Hot Fruits, lost its foothold in the top rankings during the second quarter of 2023.
As for the most successful game providers in Asia, it should be noted that Evolution, Pragmatic Play and BGaming have continually jostled for positions within the top five over the past four quarters under review. Play’n Go and Amatic ceded their places in the rankings to 1spin4win and Amusnet (EGT), with the latter heading the list in Q2 2023.
Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, comments: “The popularity of the Aviator game can be explained by simple interface and fast payouts. What sets it apart even further is its distinctive gameplay mechanics, which significantly differ from other crush games in the market. Notably, Aviator provides players with the illusion of “control” over the game, adding an extra level of excitement and intrigue.”
Latin America
The top five of the most popular game categories in LatAm have remained consistent over the last year, with almost 60% of these categories dominated by slots.

The current top five most popular games are as follows:
Roleta Brasileiri – 8.27%
Aviator – 5.97%
Gates of Olympus – 5.24%
Sweet Bonanza – 3.44%
Crazy Time – 3.14%
Notably, Aviator surged to the top in Q4 2022, experiencing a significant increase in the Total Bets Sum, nearly 170 mln euro more in comparison with the previous quarter. This success propelled its provider, Spribe, from the tenth place in Q3 2022 to the fourth in Q2 2023, displacing Play’n GO from the top five. Other providers, specifically Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Playtech, and BGaming, remained in the top with minor shifts in their rankings over the past year.
The top five most popular games account for approximately 25% of the Total Bets Sum across all games in Latin America, while in Europe and Asia the same covers around 10%. Another noteworthy market trend is the displacement of slots with roulette, and the growing preference for live games.
Carla Dualid, Regional Business Development Manager at SOFTSWISS in LatAm, comments: “Players in Latin America in the context of online gambling may differ from players in Europe in several ways. Most Latin American players bet through mobile devices and prefer online play. Local casino slot players tend to place small but regular bets, which distinguishes them from European online casino players, who, in turn, bet less frequently, but wager larger sums on slots. Speaking about the LatAm market, we should keep in mind that Brazil is the most active player in it. Such factors as economic potential, increasing Internet penetration, mobile accessibility, and regulatory changes are making the Brazilian market more attractive for operators.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,400 employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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