International Game Technology PLC
IGT Signs Retail and Mobile Sports Betting Agreement with Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico
International Game Technology PLC announced that it is growing its sports betting presence in Puerto Rico via a multi-year IGT PlaySports technology and services agreement with Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino. Located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the casino will leverage IGT PlaySports’ award-winning technology and experienced trading advisory services team to power Puerto Rico’s first casino brand-led retail and mobile sportsbook, PlayBets by Ponce Plaza.
“IGT has been a valued Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino gaming equipment supplier for many years, and we are thrilled to expand our strategic alliance and entertainment portfolio with PlayBets by Ponce Plaza, our soon-to-launch IGT PlaySports-powered sportsbook. Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino has been serving the local community since 2008 and we could not be prouder to be the first casino operator in Puerto Rico to run and operate its own sportsbook and to give sports fans an amazing betting experience backed by a local operator who they know and trust,” Ramon Muñoz, General Manager at Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino, said.
“IGT PlaySports looks forward to helping Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino deliver the excitement of multi-channel sports betting to fans in the region through our proven technology and comprehensive services. By adding sports betting to their gaming enterprise, Ponce Plaza Hotel & Casino will be equipped with a valuable new player acquisition tool that will drive new customers to the property and enhance the overall experience at the hotel,” said Joe Asher, IGT President of Sports Betting.
International Game Technology PLC
IGT Becomes First Gaming Industry Supplier to Achieve iCAP Ready Accreditation from NCPG
International Game Technology PLC announced that it is the first gaming industry supplier to receive the Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) Ready accreditation for its iLottery operations from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Based on the original iCAP designed for gaming operators, iCAP Ready is a U.S. accreditation program designed for gaming suppliers who are committed to upholding responsible gaming standards across their products and services. Supported by the NCPG, iCAP Ready utilizes best practices from the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards to ensure suppliers implement and maintain responsible gambling policies, provide effective staff training, and offer comprehensive player support tools.
“We applaud IGT for leading the way as the first recipient of the iCAP Ready accreditation. This achievement showcases IGT’s leadership and demonstrates that suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring player protections and promoting responsible play,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
“Being the first gaming industry supplier to achieve the iCAP Ready certification for our iLottery business is a testament to IGT’s comprehensive responsible gaming processes and practices implemented throughout the organization, and our dedication to protecting our employees, customers, and players worldwide. With Advancing Responsibility as a core pillar of IGT’s Sustainable Play program, we aim to meet and exceed responsible gaming standards as a trusted supplier to ensure that our customers are provided with the necessary tools to keep their players safe and promote positive play,” said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP Marketing, Communications and Sustainability.
To obtain the iCAP Ready accreditation, IGT’s responsible gaming policies and practices were audited by an independent agency. An overall compliance assessment was also performed by a third party on behalf of NCPG to ensure IGT’s responsible gaming framework met iCAP Ready’s objective of protecting the consumer and ensuring safer gambling practices for players, beginning with the supplier.
The post IGT Becomes First Gaming Industry Supplier to Achieve iCAP Ready Accreditation from NCPG appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Apollo Global Management Inc
Hector Fernandez to Lead Diversified Gaming Solutions Provider as Ceo Following Combination of IGT’s Gaming and Digital Business with Everi
The holding company formed to acquire International Game Technology PLC’s Gaming & Digital Business and Everi Holdings Inc. in connection with the previously announced acquisitions by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc. (the Apollo Funds) announced that Hector Fernandez will lead the combined enterprise as CEO.
Mr. Fernandez brings a clear track record of success across technology and gaming as well as deep strategic and financial expertise. His diverse experience both inside and outside of the gaming industry is expected to position him well to integrate and lead two highly complementary gaming platforms following the transaction close with a focus on growth, product innovation and content generation. Mr. Fernandez most recently served as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, Aristocrat Leisure Limited’s global land-based gaming content and technology business. During his tenure, he devised and led a number of strategic initiatives that enabled gains in market share across multiple verticals while delivering strong revenue growth and increased profitability.
Daniel Cohen, Partner at Apollo, said: “We’re thrilled to name Hector Fernandez as the future CEO of the combined enterprise. As we look to position IGT Gaming and Everi as a premier, diversified customer-centric platform at the forefront of innovation in the gaming and fintech industries, Hector brings an impressive track record of successfully scaling operations and strengthening customer relationships while being a champion for strong values. Hector shares our vision to lead this talented global workforce and will foster a people-first culture across the combined enterprise.”
Mr. Fernandez said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this journey with IGT Gaming and Everi. I look forward to partnering with the very talented teams at both companies, as well as the Apollo team leading the transaction.”
Mr. Fernandez will join the combined enterprise by the fourth quarter of 2025 after expiration of a customary non-compete period. Following the transaction close, Nick Khin, President, Global Gaming at IGT, will lead the combined enterprise as Interim CEO until Mr. Fernandez assumes the CEO role.
Following closing, the combined enterprise will be organized into three business units: Gaming, Digital, and FinTech. Upon Mr. Fernandez joining the combined enterprise, Mr. Khin will step into the newly formed role of CEO, Gaming, and will oversee the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise. Gil Rotem, current President of IGT PlayDigital, will serve as CEO, Digital, and Darren Simmons, current Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader at Everi, will serve as CEO, FinTech. These appointments expand on the previously announced leadership for the combined enterprise.
Mr. Cohen added: “We’re excited for Nick to take on the additional responsibility of Interim CEO upon closing of the acquisitions and are confident he will succeed in his role of leading the land-based gaming businesses of the combined enterprise once Hector officially joins. Under Nick’s leadership, IGT has meaningfully improved its industry position and continues to release top performing games across channels. We believe his deep understanding of customers and players, as well as his leadership and passion, will help set the foundation for future success. We are also pleased to have leaders of Gil’s and Darren’s caliber from both companies ready to take on key leadership roles in the combined enterprise.”
Mr. Khin commented: “I believe in the tremendous potential of IGT Gaming and Everi as a combined enterprise, and I am honored to serve as Interim CEO once the transactions are completed. I look forward to working alongside Hector, Gil and Darren, and utilizing the opportunities we have in front of us to generate content-rich experiences and deliver unmatched value to our customers.”
Canada
IGT Delivers World Premiere of Powerbucks Blackjack Online Game in Canada
International Game Technology PLC announced that its new Powerbucks Blackjack game is now available to online players in multiple jurisdictions in Canada. The theme links to IGT’s Powerbucks omnichannel wide-area progressive (WAP) jackpot prize pool, Canada’s largest jackpot connecting land-based, online and mobile games.
“IGT is excited to build on its omnichannel jackpot leadership in Canada and the success of our Powerbucks portfolio by delivering a new evolution of one of the most popular casino card games. Designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, IGT’s Powerbucks Blackjack offers players the opportunity to win life-changing jackpots and provides operators with another compelling content option to help drive strong performance results,” said David Flinn, IGT SVP Canada, EMEA, and LATAM Gaming Sales.
Bringing a player-favorite card game to a new level, IGT’s Powerbucks Blackjack offers a state-of-the-art user interface with vibrant animations, language localization, and a sleek design for an engaging experience.
Launched in 2016, IGT Powerbucks slots is the world’s first omnichannel WAP game that links the jackpot prize pool between gaming machines found in land-based casinos with digital-based games in Canada. Since their debut, Powerbucks slots have paid over 50 jackpots of 1 million dollars or more across the country.
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