SEPT OCT 2023

Editor's Letter

As Las Vegas gears up for not just one but two big gaming-related events (G2E in October and its very own Formula 1 Grand Prix in November), let's not forget that gaming in the US has plenty to offer outside Nevada.
Indeed, with properties like MGM National Harbor, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Encore Boston Harbor and many more displaying the very best of regional gaming, the main focus of this issue looks east of Nevada: to New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Reporting the monthly numbers for both states at Gambling Insider has almost become an exercise in 'spot the difference' during 2023, as the two states vie for what are effectively local bragging rights. As our Facing Facts section shows, the two states have both had individual months to savour this year, with a betting person perhaps not able to call which state will post the higher revenue for any given month. In our cover feature, we assess both states and their pursuit of greatness, speaking to operators, suppliers and consultants to find out more about the workings within.
Elsewhere in this edition, we hear from regular contributor Paul Sculpher (twice) on various issues affecting the UK market – not least the Gambling Act White Paper. Regular contributor Ranjana Adhikari and her team at IndusLaw also return with an update on the Indian market. A newcomer to our list of contributing guests is Daniela Guerreiro, who goes into impressive detail on the AML issues currently facing Macau.
Away from our guest editorials (a list that also includes John Connelly, E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, Miles Baron and more), we preview the 10th Global Gaming Awards Las Vegas ceremony. Looking back on the Awards since their inception in 2014 (and the birth of the London event in 2018, as well as the Asia-Pacific event in 2022), we highlight some of the major dates – and victories – that helped make this Awards journey so special along the way.
So to all readers, we hope you enjoy this issue as always – and to those attending G2E, we'll see you there!

TP, Editor

In the Magazine

Facing Facts: New Jersey Vs Pennsylvania

In keeping with our cover theme, Gambling Insider compares statistics from New Jersey and Pennsylvania in July – and from January to July – as the neighbouring states tussle to outperform one another.

Taking Stock: New Jersey & Pennsylvania operators

Gambling Insider tracks operator prices for companies who operate in New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania, tallying with this issue’s main cover theme. Stock prices are taken across a six-month period (March 2023 to August 2023) – and from the close of the first available date of the month.

Pursuit of Greatness: New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Outside of Nevada, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are two of the strongest hubs within US gaming. Gambling Insider explores both neighbouring markets, the remarkably similar numbers they have been posting and what the future holds for both.

Miles Baron: The full 90 minutes

Miles Baron, CEO of the Bingo Association, speaks to Gambling Insider Editor Tim Poole about the impact of the White Paper on the UK land-based bingo sector – and why we are only at “half-time” in the process.

Paul Sculpher & Melanie Ellis: A Sisyphean task

Regular Gambling Insider columnist Paul Sculpher, Director of GRS Recruitment, returns for our September/October issue – this time joined by Melanie Ellis of Northridge Law LLP.

Paul Sculpher & Michael Byrne: In the department we trust

Paul Sculpher is in action for his second column of our September/October issue, this time speaking with Michael Byrne from the Department of Trust about the pressing issue of affordability.

Daniela Guerreiro: AML measures in Macau

Daniela Guerreiro, Associate at MdME, discusses the prevention of money laundering in Macau casinos.

Ranjana Adhikari, Ruhi Kanakia & Shashi Shekhar Misra: New rules

IndusLaw's Ranjana Adhikari, Ruhi Kanakia & Shashi Shekhar Misra discuss the Indian gambling market, and how the country is making further regulatory developments as it looks to become the industry's next big hit.

Evoplay CEO Q&A: Crossover fusions

Gambling Insider speaks with Ivan Kravchuk, Evoplay CEO, about the pioneering of crossover fusions and what goes into the making of an online casino product.

E. Sequoyah Simermeyer: Substantial growth within Indian gaming

E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, Chairman of the NIGC, reflects on Indian gaming's highest revenue figures to date.

Roundtable: Building a platform

Gambling Insider takes a look at the world of platform providers with Soft2Bet, EveryMatrix, SoftGamings and Digitain.

Mridula Saini: The burgeoning use of AI in casino marketing

Mridula Saini, Chief Revenue Officer at Ikasi, highlights how the use of AI in casino marketing is helping player experiences and how this can lead to greater profits.

Mifinity CEO Q&A: Trust and transparency

Gambling Insider speaks with MiFinity CEO Paul Kavanagh, to discuss the popularity of eWallets, UX, keeping up with technology, key markets and the future.

Novomatic's Ryszard Presch Q&A: In constant motion

Ryszard Presch, Member of the Board at Novomatic, speaks to Gambling Insider about slot industry trends, Latin America, the Philippines and more

BtoBet MD: Keeping up with the times

Dima Reiderman, Managing Director at BtoBet, delves into the importance of AI automation in trading and risk management.

Pragmatic Play COO Q&A: 'Reel'-time growth

Irina Cornides, Pragmatic Play COO, looks ahead to a landmark release for the supplier and how the development of original franchises can hold the key to expansion, not just in the slots category but across the board.

Gibtelecom's Shaun Zammit Q&A: Up in the cloud(s)

Shaun Zammitt, Head of Sales and Account Management at Gibtelecom, speaks to Gambling Insider about its Cloud offerings, expanding in Asia and reaching more continents.

Final Word: Interblock Global CEO John Connelly

Interblock Global CEO John Connelly highlights the evolution of table games in the digital age and how this requires adaptation to remain relevant in the modern world.