May/Jun 2022

Editors Letter

Spring is the season for growth. Look outside: the buds are sprouting on the branches of trees, the grass is getting greener, the days longer. Just as the flowers bloom, so blooms the spirit of optimism in our hearts. But the weather – the turning of the world – is not the only thing prompting change around here. Just look at Canada.

In this issue we celebrate developments in our industry, especially the growth of new markets. First and foremost among these is Ontario, a province whose size easily matches any of the US’ largest markets, and which saw iCasino and single-event sports betting go live at the beginning of April. The success of the launch is seen as a harbinger for other great things coming out of the north.

We also take a look at the move to bring online casinos to the State of New York. In many ways, 2022 has been the year of New York, which saw a phenomenal debut of online sports betting in January. With the coming of iGaming (a bill is due to be introduced next year), this trajectory is set to continue.

And with the growth of the industry comes the efflorescence of marketing. Another facet that we investigate in this issue addresses this question: what is the most effective way to advertise in this fledgling industry? Besides this, there are reviews: the Indian Gaming Conference & Tradeshow, ICE London, and the newly-refurbished El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Finally, there are the moves for suppliers and operators as they jostle for a place in the North American gaming landscape: the European companies Amelco and Relax Gaming that have trained their sites on our fair shores, while we also hear from Circa and The Innovation Group in an insight-packed issue. So sit back and enjoy the ride. We hope you don’t get too dizzy.

In The Magazine
What is next for esports

Gaming America looks to the future of esports betting, asking what's next for the vertical in a changing landscape.

Sit back and Relax

We spoke with Simon Hammon, Chief Product Officer at Relax Gaming, to discuss the company’s designs on the North American market, and how experience in Europe can prepare a brand for this new frontier.

“We are in scale mode”

Gaming America caught up Reid Rooney, CEO of Betsperts, to take a look at the fantasy sports and sports wagering platform.

Viewpoints: Casino Management Systems

For our inaugural Viewpoints segment, we take a look at the current state of casino management systems in US gaming.

A brief meditation on life after PASPA

Sometimes monumental change can happen both gradually and suddenly. Cameron Saunders of Gaming America takes a look back at life since PASPA’s 2018 overturning in the hope of gaining perspective.

Talking sports, talking media

Three experts discuss the importance of media partnerships between sportsbooks, teams and leagues.

Turning tides

We hear from Mike Vanaskie, Vice President, International Development at The Innovation Group, on whether the Caribbean is the next land-based opportunity for US operators.

El Cortez honors its history while looking forward

This downtown Vegas icon is the only standing casino on the National Register of Historic Places; today, it looks to the future.

iGaming state of mind

With mobile sports betting in New York a roaring success, we look to the future and consider what iGaming could look like in the Empire State.

Marketing gone mad: too much per customer?

As operators spend mountains of cash on customer acquisition, Gaming America speaks to industry experts to find out if this apporach is sustainable.

“The Old Vegas style is out”

Gaming America sat down with Brandon Walker, Head of Amelco USA, to discuss the company’s designs on the American market and why he thinks Las Vegas-style odds are diminishing.

The sun rises on the West Coast

Cameron Saunders of Gaming America made it out to the West Coast in April, to report on the Indian Gaming Association tradeshow. It was a joyous occasion, marked by relief that things were getting back to normal and much optimism for the future.

Maple leaf marvel

The road to a legalized iGaming and single-event sports betting market in Ontario was a long one. To celebrate its launch just over a month ago we look back on what led to legalization, speaking with Paul Burns, CEO and President of the Canadian Gaming Association.

Las Vegas’ winners and losers

Over the past six months, regular Gaming America contributor Oliver Lovat been compiling research into customer behavior in Las Vegas, following up from his 2011 research into Strategic Competitive Advantage in Las Vegas’ casino resorts.

Land-based dreams

Gaming America sat down with Allie Evangelista, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. The Virginia property is aiming to become a premier destination in the Southeast.

Brazil’s winding path to regulated gambling

Stephen A. Crystal, Founder and CEO, SCCG Management,looks at the tumultuous history of Brazilian gaming.

ICE looks to America

ICE had a European vibe this year, but that did not stop Gaming America from finding the best upcoming American products as we produced a slew of video interviews with industry experts.

Back and bigger than ever

With the Global Gaming Awards in Las Vegas fast approaching, we preview what exactly makes these Awards special, from the sheer spectacle to the fair and equal judging process.

Vegas sportsbooks continue to set the bar

Is online betting the deathknell of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Vegas or a new beginning? Gaming America takes a look from the top.

Product Reviews
Product Review: Roulette Xtra - TCSJOHNHUXLEY

Roulette Xtra is an exciting new game offered exclusively from TCSJOHNHUXLEY that combines the traditional game of roulette with a thrilling random multiplier bet.

Product Review: Eclipse Gaming Systems - Big Shake Carnival

Step right up and try your luck on this classic penny arcade machine brought to life for the casino floor.

Product Review: Aruze Gaming: Go Go Claw

Part of Aruze Gaming’s Active Play game line, Go Go Claw Cash Grab reimagines the player’s casino experience. In this unexpected blend of arcade and casino-style play, a physical claw is used to attempt to place one of the prize balls in the collection bin, where (hopefully) a jackpot is unveiled.

Product Review: BLAST Bingo Management System (BMS)

BLAST Bingo Management System (BMS) provides operators with the functionality to highlight new games and upcoming events; and a customizable carousel to tailor their entertainment center offerings (including food and beverage specials and embedded short promotional or community videos).

Product Review: CM-300 Ticket Redemption Kiosk

CasinoMoney's CM-300 is the latest in ticket redemption technology combining fast transaction processing, ATM service with EMV certification, precise payouts, bill-breaking and banking cash access services within a single, self-service destination on the gaming floor.

Product Review: IGT - DiamondRS

International Game Technology (IGT) showed off a range of products at the most recent Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention (IGA) in Anaheim, one of which was an exciting and innovative gaming machine.

Product Review: Shark Trap

Shark Trap is a GLI-approved, high-tech shuffling machine, offering a table game platform that will increase productivity, reduce card costs and attain never-before-realized levels of game protection.

Product Review: OPTX - The Next Generation in Casino Operations

The OPTX platform ingests and simplifies all the information from multiple internal and external data sources to provide operational functionality for marketing, campaigns and events, player development, slots and artificial intelligence, in a single easy-to-use platform.

Product Review: Narcos Mexico Slot - Red Tiger, Evolution

Based on the hit TV series, Narcos Mexico, this latest game from Red Tiger brings players a world of fast money and dangerous vices.

Product Review: Ocean Phoenix by Gaming Arts and Jumbo Technologies

First revealed in 2021, Ocean Phoenix features a seven-foot-long gaming console to accommodate six different players

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