Accel Entertainment is assessing the feasibility of expanding its distributed gaming operations into Chicago, following reports that the city may soon allow Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed establishments.

The City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) has estimated that the proposed framework for VGTs could generate approximately $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the City of Chicago. Based on existing legislative revenue splits, and further stated in the COFA’s analysis, these estimates suggest a total annual Chicago VGT gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $1B incremental to the existing $3B generated in the rest of the state, once fully implemented, which they note in their analysis may take up to 10 years based on previous studies. VGT operators currently receive a statutory split of GGR equal to 32.04% which would translate into approximately $320 million of expected incremental Net Terminal Income for the licensed VGT operator community operating in Chicago.

The Company expects that a Chicago VGT market could begin generating revenue for Accel as early as the third or fourth quarter of 2026, following completion of the legislative, regulatory, and implementation processes, with a gradual ramp-up toward steady-state performance over time.

From a capital deployment perspective, Accel believes it is well positioned to leverage its strong balance sheet, existing fixed operating infrastructure, route management capabilities, and fixed asset base to capitalize on opportunities in a Chicago VGT market, subject to customer acquisition rates and final regulatory requirements.

In anticipation of the finalization of Chicago’s VGT regulatory and operating framework, Accel will continue to assess its capital deployment strategy for Accel’s expected participation in a Chicago VGT market, including ramp timing, and marginal costs to service new accounts.

Accel will continue to monitor developments closely and plans to update the investor community as appropriate as the regulatory and operating framework emerge.

Pavilion Payments has appointed Diallo Gordon as its Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Gordon’s appointment follows a successful 2025, during which the company strengthened operational execution, advanced key initiatives, and expanded customer relationships. Pavilion Payments enters 2026 with strong momentum and an aligned leadership team supporting Gordon in his new role.

Dan Connors, who has served as CEO since April 2024, has transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman. In this position, he will continue to support Pavilion Payments’ long-term strategy, customer relationships, and corporate development priorities while working closely with Gordon and the senior leadership team.

Gordon joined Pavilion Payments in January 2025 as President, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience across innovation, technology, defense, gaming, and payments. He has held roles at Passport Technology, Phi Gaming, Everi Holdings, Aristocrat Technologies, and the Mississippi Gaming Commission, and earlier served in the US Air Force supporting space and weapons research for the Department of Defense, NASA, and NATO.

At Pavilion Payments, Gordon has overseen sales, marketing, product strategy, and innovation. In his first year with the company, he played a key role in accelerating development initiatives, enhancing operational performance, and strengthening organizational alignment. As CEO, he will continue to drive growth, deepen operator partnerships, and guide Pavilion Payments’ strategic direction across the gaming ecosystem.

“Diallo is an extraordinarily talented executive and one of the finest leaders I have worked with. His deep industry knowledge, engineering background, customer-first mindset, and passion for innovation make him uniquely suited to lead Pavilion Payments forward. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I have complete confidence in Diallo and the strong leadership team supporting him as we enter 2026,” said Dan Connors, Executive Chairman of Pavilion Payments.

“I am honored to serve as CEO of Pavilion Payments. We have a world-class team, a strong foundation, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and their patrons. After a successful 2025, we are well-positioned for 2026, and I look forward to continuing our work together to advance Pavilion’s leadership in the gaming payments ecosystem,” said Diallo Gordon.

5W, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the US, announced the expansion of its gambling PR and digital marketing services, helping iGaming operators, sports betting platforms, casinos, esports brands, and gaming studios prepare for the year ahead. The enhanced offering is designed to elevate brand visibility, build trust with players and partners, and drive measurable growth as the industry enters 2026.

5W provides integrated PR, digital marketing, and online reputation management solutions, including media relations, influencer partnerships, content creation, SEO, social campaigns, email marketing, event promotion, and crisis communications. For digital-first strategies, digital PR ensures brands reach the right audiences while strengthening credibility across search and social platforms.

“Our expanded gambling and gaming PR and digital marketing services are designed to help brands enter 2026 with momentum. By integrating PR, digital marketing, and reputation management, we help clients stand out, connect with audiences, and build trust that drives growth for the year ahead,” said Ronn Torossian, Founder & Chairman of 5W.

This expansion underscores 5W’s commitment to delivering results-driven communications and digital marketing solutions for high-growth and established brands in gambling, gaming, and esports.