Industry News
How casino offers evolved throughout the years
Gambling has always been an innate behaviour in humans. It can be traced as far back as in Egyptian civilization where the first dice was discovered, in Chinese gambling houses, or in the life and death amphitheatres of Rome among others. Gambling provides a lot of incentives for companies to make money, as well as providing entertainment and a chance to win big for gamblers. Most governments understand the benefits that it can bring, and this is why they license and regulate casinos. On the other hand, the gambling market is very competitive, which is why casinos have to come up with offers to attract new customers, as well as retain their existing ones. With technological advances continuing to shape the gambling market, casinos now realize the need to employ effective marketing strategies to tap into this multi-billion market. Here are the types of casino offerings and how they continue to evolve.
Prize giveaways
Gambling is in itself is a risky affair. It is not uncommon to hear stories of how some gamblers have lost huge amounts of fortune through gambling. On the other hand, we will often see stories of people who have made a fortune out of gambling. While a player will be enticed by the idea of having fun and a chance to win, the casino needs to attract new customers if they are to exist in this market characterized by cutthroat competition. One such marketing strategy that has continued to work for casinos is through prize giveaways. Some casinos may offer incentives such as a chance to win cars, go on destinations, or win cash prizes among others. These giveaways may be earned by playing particular types of games.
Welcome bonuses
Welcome bonuses have been in place for a long time in brick and mortar casinos, with this trend continuing to thrive in online casinos. Welcome bonuses are a way for casinos to welcome new customers. Almost all renowned casinos offer this type of incentive to new customers. New customers can use this offer to get to know the casino and even stand a chance of winning. It is thus no surprise to see casinos competing with each to offer the most lucrative package to its customers. While casinos will offer different types of welcome packages, the most common offer is to match your deposit amount up to a certain percentage. When looking for the best welcome bonus, it is important to go through the terms and conditions so you can know what to expect.
Jackpots
One of the ways casinos attract customers is giving them the opportunity to make huge winnings through jackpots. The history of jackpot winnings can be traced back to 1870’s when it was used in a poker game known as “Jacks or Better.” If a player in this game did not have cards that could beat a pair of tens, then they were required to pass. If no one had “jacks or better,” the hand was to be re-dealt, resulting in the pot growing. The term “jackpot” was first used as a slang term meaning trouble with the law. However, it started being used more figuratively to mean winning a big prize. Casino jackpots are similar to lotteries, with the allure of walking away with a mammoth payment being a major attraction. Casinos usually offer two types of jackpots; fixed or progressive jackpots. Fixed jackpots usually have a fixed amount that does not change. Progressive jackpots on the other hand continue growing until someone wins it. Most casinos share progressive jackpots, which means that a person playing a particular game in one online casino will have access to the same jackpot as a person playing that particular game in another casino. This means that these types of jackpots can grow very quickly, making them very lucrative.
Drinks and food
While this may not be possible in online casinos, this trend remains popular in brick and mortar casinos. Casinos often offer their customers these types of offers to keep them happy when they are engrossed playing their favourite games. One of the advantages of this offer is that customers will not be distracted looking for something to eat or drink.
Free spins
Free spins have become one of the most commonly used marketing strategies for casinos to attract and retain customers. You can use them to test games, and some instances even stand a chance of making winnings if you fulfil certain terms and conditions. One of the reasons why free spins are attractive to customers is that players can use them without risking their own money. Most casinos usually offer free spins when they introduce new games. This is to allow customers try them out before committing to playing them with their own money. Today you can get free spins with no deposit and win real money.
Cashback bonuses
When playing games at casinos, players aim to make as much money as they can, while also minimizing loses. This is why some casinos offer their customers cashback offers. This is a type of refund where a player gets back some money if they have lost. Cashback offers are usually some type of percentage of cash a player gets back when they lose. Casinos usually run promotions on specific types of games that customers will be eligible to get this bonus. An advantage of this kind of offer is that customers can enjoy their favourite games with reduced risk. Most of the casinos offer a limit to the amount a customer will receive if they qualify for a cashback reward.
Loyalty programs
With the huge number of online gambling options, casinos are always aiming to keep their existing customers happy. This is why most of them have loyalty programs to reward their loyal customers. Most casinos have a system where customers can earn bonuses depending on how much they play and spend on the casino. These points can then be redeemed for a number of rewards such as free spins, cash, or prizes among others.
AGA
AGA Announces Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the legal gaming industry:
• Holly Gagnon, Board Member, Bragg Gaming Group
• Bill G. Lance, Jr., Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation
• Scott Olive, Principal & Founder, HRG Studios
• Timothy J. “Tim” Wilmott, Retired Chief Executive Officer, PENN Entertainment
“The Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes the individuals whose vision, innovation, and dedication have helped shape today’s legal gaming industry. Holly, Bill, Scott, and Tim have each left a lasting mark through decades of service and leadership. Their contributions have set a high standard for those who follow,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“This year’s inductees reflect the remarkable breadth of the gaming industry – from commercial and tribal gaming operators to suppliers. Each of them has helped advance gaming in significant ways, and we’re proud to welcome them to the Gaming Hall of Fame,” said AGA Chairman Lou Jacobs.
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of industry legends who have driven the commercial and tribal gaming industry forward. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted at an invitation-only ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this fall.
This year’s selection committee members include:
• Eric Schippers, SVP, Public Affairs & Government Relations, PENN Entertainment Inc.
• Mark Fulton, President, Cherokee Nation Entertainment
• Trevor Croker, CEO & Managing Director, Aristocrat Technologies
• Sherri Sosa, SVP, Human Resources, Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
• Mark Lipparelli, Chairman Emeritus, International Center for Responsible Gaming
• Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, IAGA
• Siobhan Lane, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Gaming, Light & Wonder; Chair, Global Gaming Women
• Dr. Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
• Lou Jacobs, Co-CEO, Delaware North; Chairman, AGA
About the 2026 Inductees:
Holly Gagnon, Board Member, Bragg Gaming Group
Holly began her 34-year gaming career on the opening team of Foxwoods Resort Casino in 1992, at the birth of modern tribal gaming in America. She went on to hold senior financial and operational roles at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International before serving as President and CEO of Pearl River Resort, CEO of Chumash Enterprises for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation for the Seneca Nation of Indians. Named NAFOA Executive of the Year in 2016, Gagnon is a recognized champion of tribal economic development. As a founding member of Global Gaming Women and Distinguished Fellow at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, she has helped develop more than 300 gaming executives. She currently serves as a board member of Bragg Gaming Group.
Bill G. Lance, Jr., Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation
Bill has served the Chickasaw Nation for decades in senior leadership roles spanning commerce, healthcare, and governance. As Secretary of Commerce for more than thirteen years, he oversaw more than 60 gaming, hospitality, retail, media, manufacturing, and tourism businesses employing approximately 7000 people. He also served as Administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, overseeing construction of the 370,000-square-foot Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma. Lance currently serves as Secretary of State, representing the Chickasaw Nation in civic, business, and governance capacities.
Scott Olive, Principal & Founder, HRG Studios
Scott is one of the most influential game designers in the history of the slot machine industry. His career spans more than three decades, beginning at Aristocrat Gaming in 1997, where he helped drive the adoption of penny and Australian-style slots in U.S. gaming markets. After co-founding True Blue Gaming in 2007, Olive established HRG Studios in 2012, where he went on to create some of the most commercially successful slot titles ever produced.
Timothy J. “Tim” Wilmott, Retired Chief Executive Officer, PENN Entertainment
Tim spent more than three decades as one of the gaming industry’s most respected operational leaders. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Penn National Gaming from 2013 until his retirement in 2019, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2013. Before joining Penn National, Wilmott served as Chief Operating Officer of Harrah’s Entertainment and Division President of its Eastern Division, holding a series of leadership positions at Harrah’s properties dating back to 1988.
The post AGA Announces Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Industry News
Wazdan schedules three-stage Network Promotion campaign for summer
The operator-facing series runs 29 June to 13 September and uses Mystery Drop and Mystery Multiplier Drop mechanics.
Wazdan will launch a summer-long Network Promotion series for partner casinos, running from 29th June to 13th September. The campaign is structured in three stages with breaks between each phase.
The promotion will use Wazdan’s Mystery Drop
and Mystery Multiplier
Drop mechanics. The supplier said the programme is designed to be easy for operators to activate and will be supported with marketing materials, including promotional assets, brochures and newsletter content for partners to use across their own channels.
Alongside the promotion, Wazdan has a summer content roadmap with three slot releases scheduled: Mighty Hot
: Amazonia (30th June), Magic Fruit$: Cherries (30th July) and Mighty Crown
: Empire of Gold (6th August).
Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development at Wazdan, said: “Summer presents a valuable opportunity for operators to keep engagement levels high, and this promotion has been designed to deliver exactly that through Wazdan’s proven promotional tools.
“Combined with our upcoming game releases, we are excited to offer partners a strong seasonal campaign with plenty of player appeal.”
The post Wazdan schedules three-stage Network Promotion campaign for summer appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casino Content
ICONIC21 launches Football Cup-branded casino games and debut network tournament
ICONIC21 has rolled out three limited-edition Football Cup-branded casino games and launched its first network tournament, ICONIC Showdown Football Cup, running from 9th of July to 19th of July.
The new titles are Football Cup Roulette, Football Cup Blackjack 360, and Football Cup Gravity Blackjack. ICONIC21 said the releases showcase different customisation approaches, including green screen production for the roulette environment and an updated visual rebrand for its RNG blackjack table.
For Football Cup Gravity Blackjack, ICONIC21 said it used its latest LED technology and applied the Gravity Series multiplier mechanic, with a custom felt, a football gate, and bespoke 3D-printed decorations.
Alongside the three new games, ICONIC21 pointed to its previously launched slot Soccer World Championship, plus The Kickoff and Top Card, which it said received football-season branding and UI/UX updates.
The ICONIC Showdown Football Cup tournament covers 11 games in total and is positioned around the quarter finals, semi-finals and final period. ICONIC21 said 1,000 winners will share a €50,000 prize pool, and operators can enroll via their account manager or by contacting the company directly.
Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, said:
“What I’m most proud of with this project is the turnaround. We built three fully branded, technically distinct games, enhanced existing ones with promotional branding, and launched our first-ever network tournament around them, all timed to coincide with peak player interest and traffic.
That kind of speed doesn’t happen by accident, it reflects how this team works. ICONIC Showdown is a meaningful first step for us as a provider, and launching it during the Football Cup, with this much energy around the game, feels like the right way to do it. We’re genuinely excited to see how the leaderboard shapes up and even more excited for the finals.”
The post ICONIC21 launches Football Cup-branded casino games and debut network tournament appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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