SUPPLIERS IN FOCUS
Konami Gaming Licensed by UAE
Konami Gaming, Inc. announced successful completion of Gaming-Related Vendor Licensing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key emerging market for commercial gaming.
Konami Gaming is among the first in the industry to be awarded a gaming vendor license by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), an independent entity of the UAE federal government with exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license and supervise all UAE commercial gaming activities. Konami has been awarded official license to serve the UAE’s developing gaming market.
“Since Konami Gaming’s inception, our global growth has been achieved with an unwavering commitment to compliance,” said Tom Jingoli, president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming, Inc.
“As the United Arab Emirates expands its economy to the regulated commercial gaming space, Konami is dedicated to supporting this market with the same integrity, innovation, and excellence we bring to all 431 gaming jurisdictions we serve worldwide,”
Aristocrat’s Phoenix Link Launched in Puerto Rico
Phoenix Link, one of Aristocrat Gaming’s newest hit games, has been launched in Puerto Rico by the Jackpot del Encanto link, available at 17 casino locations throughout the commonwealth. The arrival of Phoenix Link was marked with a celebratory ribbon-cutting event at Casino Metro in San Juan.
As the next evolution of the international hit game Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favorite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features and bonuses. Players will enjoy the game’s additional denominations, configurations, and jackpots on each of the launch game theme titles. Game play features include Hold & Spin, Free Games with multipliers and other popular game mechanics.
Yaamava’, Palms and AGS Celebrate First-Ever Dual Property World Premiere of AGS Mariachi Fortunes Trio
Gaming supplier AGS partnered with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Southern California and Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas to debut its newest slot family, Mariachi Fortunes Trio, in a first-of-its-kind, bi-state world premiere.
On July 22, each property hosted a launch celebration inspired by one of the game’s two energetic themes. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino showcased Fiesta de los Vivos (festival of the living) in a vibrant daytime event, while Palms Casino Resort brought Fiesta de las Calacas (festival of the skeletons) to life with a nighttime celebration. Both themes are now live at both properties, inviting guests to explore the dual worlds of the living and the departed through thrilling gameplay.
The premiere transformed both casino floors into lively Mexico-style plazas with themed slot banks, folklorico dancers, live mariachi bands, decorated street carts, and larger-than-life visuals that brought the game’s festive setting to life.
Inspired Entertainment Partners with Jogo de Ouro in Brazil
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems and solutions, announced a new partnership with Jogo de Ouro, a Brazilian-based sportsbook and casino operator, to bring Inspired’s slot titles to its players.
This partnership signals a major step forward in Inspired’s growth strategy, as the market expands during its new era of regulation. With this launch, Jogo de Ouro’s players in Brazil will now have access to Inspired’s rapidly expanding catalogue of online slot content.
Jogo de Ouro will feature regular content releases from Inspired, giving its players access to a variety of new experiences, including proven, high-performing global hits. The portfolio blends iconic classics, innovative features, and seasonal favorites, all designed with high-impact mechanics that drive both engagement and retention.
Gaming Arts LLC Appoints Robert Ziems as Chief Executive Officer
Gaming Arts LLC announced the appointment of Robert Ziems as chief executive officer, effective July 18.
Ziems, brings decades of leadership experience across both privately held companies and multibillion-dollar publicly traded corporations. His most recent role was chief business and legal officer at AGS, where he oversaw strategic legal and business initiatives. Prior to that, Ziems served as president of Aruze Gaming America, demonstrating a deep understanding of operational excellence and product innovation in the gaming sector.
As CEO, Ziems will lead Gaming Arts’ continued innovation in casino gaming technology, enhance customer engagement, and drive key expansion strategies.
Eclipse Names Mike Trask Chief Product Officer
Eclipse Gaming Systems announced the appointment of Mike Trask as chief product officer. Trask brings a diverse background and extensive knowledge to lead the next evolution in game development for Eclipse.
Trask is a gaming industry veteran with nearly 15 years in product strategy and marketing. Most recently, he spent nearly a decade at Ainsworth Game Technology in various roles, including head of studio and vice president of product strategy and marketing. Trask was instrumental in the creation of the successful San Bao & San Fa series of slots that have been top performers in Class III, Class II and historical horse racing markets.
Prior to his time at Ainsworth, Trask served in key marketing roles with Scientific Games and Bally Technologies. His new role at Eclipse heralds a continued commitment to creating games to serve the company’s tribal gaming partners. The company is anticipating the extensive expansion of its catalogue with the debut of several new games before the end of the year, along with a new cabinet, the Callisto.
Ainsworth Realigns Product, Sales Teams
Ainsworth Game Technology has undertaken a critical realignment within its sales, marketing and product management functions in its continued efforts to transform itself as a top industry supplier and increase stakeholder value.
Key appointments have been made, with long-term Ainsworth veterans being promoted to leadership positions in the sales department.
Chris Calitri, a veteran of the racing and gaming industry with over eight years at Ainsworth, has been promoted to director of historical horse racing (HHR), where he will oversee the commercialization of the company’s HHR system and portfolio of games.
Gary Fairchild, who has held roles of increasing responsibility at Ainsworth for over nine years, with over 17 years in the industry, will now serve as regional sales director, West for the company, and Jack Valadez, with over 20 years of experience on both the operator and manufacturing sides of the industry, will serve as regional sales director East.
Lesley Hodges, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, will take on the role of senior director of marketing, while Jeannette Lima, with over eight years in varying roles at Ainsworth, has been promoted to director of product management and strategy.
