Industry News
NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona
From January 20 to 22, 2025, the Fira Barcelona Gran Via became the global hotspot of the gaming industry as part of ICE 2025. As the largest exhibitor, NOVOMATIC set new standards with an unprecedented product variety, an outstanding booth design and a unique visitor experience that was unmatched at ICE. In addition to NOVOMATIC’s comprehensive 360° portfolio, numerous subsidiaries and technology partners – such as NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK, NOVOMATIC Italia, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX and Ainsworth Gaming Technology – showcased their latest products. A dedicated area for visitors from Latin America was a particular highlight this year, underscoring NOVOMATIC’s commitment to addressing regional market needs with tailored solutions.
Brilliance Perfected: The Launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO
NOVOMATIC’s sophisticated product portfolio has been expanded with the groundbreaking launch of the DIAMOND X 1.55J QUATTRO. This latest edition of the internationally popular DIAMOND X 1.55J impresses with exceptional features that take the gaming experience to an entirely new level. A sleek cabinet design, an innovative glass touch deck and a cutting-edge soundbar deliver a unique player experience and maximum immersion. The new DIAMOND X™ 1.55J QUATTRO was unveiled with an outstanding sign solution that created a sensation at the NOVOMATIC booth. Offered in attractive packages with four or six cabinets featuring the latest gaming content, the monumental signs delivered an audio-visual spectacle that thrilled visitors and operators alike. With this offering, NOVOMATIC once again reinforced its position as the “Diamond of the Industry.” In addition to this, the exclusive cabinets of the V.I.P. X series also attracted attention. The V.I.P. X Royal 1.85, V.I.P. X Dream 2.43/3.43 and V.I.P. X Lounge 2.32 are designed for discerning players and casino operators who are looking to offer their guests a premium gaming atmosphere. Another key attraction this year was, once again, the V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65, which continues to generate excitement worldwide. Combining high-end comfort with a futuristic design, this luxury cabinet sets new standards in functionality and gameplay, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
Next-Level Gaming: Linked Progressives, Multiple Feature Games, and Game-Mixes
NOVOMATIC captivated audiences at ICE 2025 with remarkable gaming content, premiering several new Linked Progressives and Multiple Feature Games. A standout highlight was XTENSION LINK Evolution, which created a buzz with two enticing new titles – Mighty Squad and Fu Flow. These Multiple Feature Games impress with engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics, delivering an unrivaled gaming experience. Volumes 3 and 4 of the popular XTENSION LINK were also introduced, each featuring 12 thrilling titles packed with engaging features such as Expanding Reels, Golden Spins and the Xpress Feature, ensuring maximum entertainment for players. On the NOVO LINE platform, the new Multiple Feature Game RISING TREASURES made its grand debut, offering five compelling titles packed with attractive features such as Free Games, Xtra Spins and Prize Upgrades. The Impera ProLink enthralled visitors with four new titles, including the legendary Book of Ra ProLink, delivering cutting-edge gameplay with features like Mega Spins, Double Reels and Chain Reaction. The event reached epic proportions with the launch of the EPIC GOLD Jackpot, an exclusive selection of five GOLDEN titles that introduce an additional Progressive Jackpot Level – the EPIC – offering thrilling new winning opportunities. And the NOVOMATIC classic Gaminator is receiving a stunning modern update with the launch of the GAMINATOR X5. This highly customisable mix features a total of 66 game titles across seven packages, offering unequaled flexibility to casino operators by enabling them to tailor the product precisely to the needs of their guests.
Global Excellence: NOVOMATIC Wins Four Prestigious Awards
ICE 2025 was accompanied by several award ceremonies, where NOVOMATIC reaffirmed its leading position in the gaming industry by securing four leading awards. At the European Casino Awards 2025, NOVOMATIC triumphed in three key categories: The V.I.P. X Galaxy 2.65 was honoured as the Best New Innovative Product; The NOVO CASH Casino Master secured the award for Best Cash Handling Product; and the company’s sustainability strategy was recognised with the Sustainability Initiative Award. In addition to this, NOVOMATIC received the highly coveted ICE Landmark Award 2025 in honor of its unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence and leadership in the gaming industry.
The Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG Group said: “The premiere of the ICE in Barcelona in 2025 was an outstanding success and the perfect start to NOVOMATIC’s 45th anniversary year. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers and partners clearly confirms our position as Europe’s leading gaming technology group with outstanding innovations and cutting-edge products. We are particularly proud of the four internationally renowned awards that recognize our continuous commitment to excellence in this industry. Our special gratitude belongs to our more than 25,000 dedicated employees, whose tireless efforts have made this success possible.”
Thomas Schmalzer, VP Global Sales and VP Product Management NOVOMATIC AG, said: “ICE 2025 was, for us, one of the greatest and most successful shows ever. Not only did we exhibit at one of the best booths we have ever had, but we were also able to launch one of the largest ranges of products from gaming equipment to fascinating new game titles and jackpot families. This underscores our innovation and technology leadership in the industry. We are excited about rolling out our latest products in markets globally and ICE 2025 confirmed to us that our solutions are perfectly in tune with player preferences and customer demand. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and partners for their trust and the excellent collaboration.”
The post NOVOMATIC Showcased an Unforgettable Performance of Innovation at ICE 2025 in Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Accel Entertainment
Accel Entertainment Eyes Growth in Chicago’s New VGT Market
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.
The post Accel Entertainment Eyes Growth in Chicago’s New VGT Market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Dan Connors
Pavilion Payments Appoints Diallo Gordon as CEO
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.
The post Pavilion Payments Appoints Diallo Gordon as CEO appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
5W
5WPR Expands Gambling and Gaming PR and Digital Marketing Services Ahead of 2026
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.
The post 5WPR Expands Gambling and Gaming PR and Digital Marketing Services Ahead of 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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