Greeting this flush year was the unending march of technology and the international growth of the land-based casino market, ensuring that casino suppliers were kept busy, adapting their products as they met market demand. New products were introduced that have become hits with players. As well, new markets were entered. In Europe, there was industry growth in Greece, Ukraine, and Lichtenstein, among other countries. The continent of Africa, too, is shaping up to have huge potential for the growth of the industry in coming years.
Certainly, if this last year was any indication, next year is going to be even busier as the pandemic is increasingly left in the rear-view mirror and, with increasingly thorough rates vaccination, people begin international travel in earnest.
This year’s first contestant is TCSJOHNHUXLEY, which has had a very active year indeed. The company prides itself as a leading manufacturer of end-to-end gaming solutions and services. Its technological specialty ranges across a number of areas, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY makes products as diverse as roulette wheels and gaming tables to shufflers and LED surface technology. In addition to its products, this year saw a number of accomplishments for the manufacturer: it was chosen by SJM Holdings to supply the new casino-resort, the Grand Lisboa Palace, in Macau. Finally, is made inroads in Africa, producing a variety of products for the Palm Beach Casino in Tanzania.
The next contestant, the International Game Technology (IGT), brings to the table its long experience, deep pockets, and considerable resources. IGT is indeed an industry stalwart and among the most trusted of the end-to-end casino suppliers. The group has a performance-tested content portfolio that drives play in countries across the world. IGT can boast that its VLT and Peak hardware families are among the most popular and high-performing cabinets in the entire EMEA. Among the highlights of the year were an expansion of IGT’s position in Romania, a successful entrance into the into the Ukrainian market, a successful launching of IGT Advantage in Greece. IGT, through these maneuvers, is doing what it can to set the industry standard for omnichannel content, casino systems performance and cashless gaming.
Interblock is another casino supplier that had a flagship year, rife with new products and an acceleration in technology for the electronic tables segment. The group’s Stadiums and Universal Cabinets – with their advanced modularity and content library – are helping drive revenue for casinos while offering players a safe way to play. The goal which Interblock seeks to fulfill is to use its extensive product portfolio to offer more ways to achieve an increased handle and house advantage while reducing operating expenses.
The next contestant, SUZOHAPP, is well regarded for the sheer range of products it offers. Over 50,000 are on offer, covering gaming, amusement, and sports betting products that serve casino operators. These include LCDs, locks, coin/bill/reel mechanisms, buttons/decks, etc. During the industry-wide crisis of the pandemic, SUZOHAPP can be commended for launching the Personal Protection Line, which was aimed at helping casinos and amusement centres meet new regulation so that they could reopen and operate safely and securely with a minimal risk to players.
Scientific Games, the next contestant, is another group which straddles the world with its presence. One of its strong suits is, in fact, this ubiquity, which provides a modicum of familiarity and predictability that players appreciate. They manage to balance this familiarity with innovation and differentiate, keeping things interesting. 2021 saw a fairly active year for Scientific Games. Most prominently, it was able to make a push into the Ukraine market, deploying its electronic gaming machines, tables, and progressive jackpot products in what are some of the country’s most high-profile casinos, a group which includes Slots City, Storm Ukraine, and Billionaire Casino.
Alfastreet, the leading manufacturer of multi-player electronic gaming equipment, is the next contestant. The company’s multi-player series of product include different models of automated electronic roulette terminals such as Wiky and SL, Royal Dorse mechanical horse racing as well as a plethora of other offerings. Its most recent product launch was one that is sure to add comfort to the player while enhancing the experience overall: a VIP chair especially and uniquely designed to provide maximum comfort while playing at a casino.
The Novomatic AG Group has a global breadth comparable to some of the biggest companies on this list. This next contestant has branches in over 45 countries and exports high-tech electronic gaming equipment and solutions worldwide. As one of the biggest international producers and operators of gaming technologies and Europe’s largest video lottery terminals, Novomatic is fully active in all aspects of the gaming industry. Of recent highlights, September 2021 saw the company expanded its already considerable footprint in Greece by installing 34 machines at the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, one of Europe’s largest casinos.
Zitro’s slot games are known the world over. There are several reasons why players like to go for our next contestant. Their line of Link products have had an excellent run, winning it fans across the board. Lately, the company – which made its name as a world-class producer of video bingo – has become a multi-faceted casino supplier and enjoyed a rapid global expansion. The past year has seen some notable highlights for Zitro. It was able to display its top-performing machines at the opening of the Gran Casino Fuerteventura, and saw its footprint in Greece expand as its machines were added to the roster of Regency Entertainment-owned casinos in that country.
Our next contestant Merkur Gaming, like many companies on this list, can boast an extensive portfolio that is multi-faceted and popular among players. Uniquely and significantly, its offerings of games are often country-specific. Merkur Gaming’s highlights of 2021 include the supplier entering the re-opened Ukranian gaming market and promised to assist Ukraine in its creation of a strong, socially responsible and well-regulated gaming industry within its borders.
The final contestant for the list is the inimitable Euro Games Technology (EGT). The group can make the proud claim of being among the most progressive forces in the gaming industry. It produces high-performing and attractive slot machines that are considered ‘trendy’ by users. Its jackpot systems are known for their mysterioso aesthetic. In addition to these favorites, the company produces video lottery terminals and casino management systems. As for 2021 highlights, the company is proud to report that it enlarged its footprints in Lichtenstein, Spain, and France.
The Casino Supplier of the year award is sponsored by Sporting Solutions.
Sporting Solutions is a leading supplier of the highest quality pricing, trading, risk management and platform software to the global sports betting industry. With over 20 years experience, we supply the most respected and recognised tier one operators, lotteries and casinos around the world.
