Industry News
Fournier looks to the future in celebration of 150 years in business
The renowned Spanish playing card manufacturer, Fournier, marks its sesquicentennial year at ICE London 2020 with the launch of four commemorative decks designed by four top illustrators. The company’s International Sales Manager Roberto Perea, speaks on their past, present and future ahead of a year of celebration and innovation…
The number of companies who achieve this kind of legacy is very exclusive, what’s been the key to your success for all these years?
From the very beginning of the company, Heraclio Fournier, our founder, had two ‘obsessions’ in mind – being the best and being different to competitors. He did that by refining the product constantly, by bringing printing technologies that were revolutionary at the time and by working with renowned illustrators which created a unique design for the Spanish deck that is still the standard in Spain and Latin American countries to this day. His appetite for innovation, and in a certain way ‘rule breaking’, made him bring the phone, the car, the train and even the plane to Vitoria, where Fournier is still based. He also was a precursor in recruiting women at a time when women’s presence was not significant in the industry.
How have you kept on top of trends within the casino equipment sector especially in recent years as digital continues to grow?
Aside from our quality we have kept on top by continuously bringing new products to the market in order to accommodate the changing needs. For instance we were the first company back in 1993 to produce 100% Plastic Playing cards as paper playing cards could not work properly in the shuffling machines that were used at the time. On the other hand it is true gambling sector has changed significantly in the last 10-15 years but the basics are still there. Why do people play? Because they want to feel emotion and because they want to go through a unique experience, outside of their daily routine. Live gaming brings an unparalleled experience as you can share your experience and your emotions with other people, face-to-face and no screens in between. Wow… that’s powerful, isn’t it?
In terms of your historic anniversary in 2020, what product ranges have been the most successful in the company’s history and how will you be continuing these successes going forward?
In terms of sales I would say both our paper and 100% Plastic playing cards are extremely successful. However, in the last decade, a special mention goes to our Bee-tek Electronic Shoe and our Pre-Shuffled playing cards, which have become a standard for Baccarat and the golden standard for their category, bringing speed and security to the game. Our key for success in the coming years remains the same – passion for what we do and an appetite for innovation.
You are exhibiting again at this year’s ICE London, how many years have you been attending the show and do you have anything special you’ll be showcasing in 2020 as the industry prepares to Step into the Future?
In my case this year will mark my 14th edition. As Fournier, we have been exhibiting at ICE since the very beginning. In the first years alongside John Huxley, who was our global distributors to casinos at the time, and since 2002 with our own booth. For ICE 2020 we will showcase our core products: Fournier and Bee playing cards, our Pre-Shuffled cards and our Bee-tek Electronic Shoe. The latter has proved an amazing tool to bridge the gap between on-line and land based gaming.
Going into your 150th year how do you hope to develop the brand to remain future-proof?
Future is certainly uncertain by nature. However, one thing is for sure, we will keep working everyday as we have done for the last 150 years. We will keep listening to our customers and we will put together our skills and brains to offer the products they need to succeed. Since January 1, 2020 we are now part of the Cartamundi group with whom we share the same values, so the future looks bright.
Looking ahead to your 200th anniversary, where you do you see the casino and gaming industry progressing in the next 50 years and what are your hopes for Fournier?I am not a visionary but considering the path that the industry has taken in recent years, I personally believe the future will see casinos legalised in more countries such as Brazil and on-line gambling being authorised in more jurisdictions. On the other hand digital, online and land-based casinos will co-exist as each of them satisfies a different need. Therefore operators will offer a combined product portfolio that will integrate remote and land-based gaming. Playing card games in any format will be still there as the magic that is shared around a deck of cards cannot be matched anywhere else. And Fournier will celebrate its 200th anniversary with the same passion as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, by uniting people and saying, let’s play together!
Wynn Resorts Limited has reported the financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Operating revenues were $1.86 billion for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $439.2 million from $1.42 billion for the first quarter of 2023. Net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited was $144.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited of $12.3 million for the first quarter of 2023. Diluted net income per share was $1.30 for the first quarter of 2024, compared to diluted net loss per share of $0.02 for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted Property EBITDAR was $646.5 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to Adjusted Property EBITDAR of $429.7 million for the first quarter of 2023.
“The strong momentum we experienced in our business throughout 2023 continued to build during the first quarter with Adjusted Property EBITDAR reaching a new all-time record. The investments we have made in our properties, our team and our unique programming continue to extend our leadership position in each of our markets. On the development front, vertical construction on the hotel tower at Wynn Al Marjan Island is well underway, and we are confident the resort will be a ‘must see’ tourism destination in the UAE. We are excited about the outlook for the Company, and we believe we are well positioned to deliver continued long-term growth,” Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts Limited, said.
Consolidated Results
Operating revenues were $1.86 billion for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $439.2 million from $1.42 billion for the first quarter of 2023. For the first quarter of 2024, operating revenues increased $217.5 million, $181.0 million, $49.8 million, and $1.5 million at Wynn Palace, Wynn Macau, our Las Vegas Operations, and Encore Boston Harbor, respectively, from the first quarter of 2023.
Net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited was $144.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited of $12.3 million for the first quarter of 2023. Diluted net income per share was $1.30 for the first quarter of 2024, compared to diluted net loss per share of $0.02 for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted net income attributable to Wynn Resorts Limited was $176.8 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024, compared to adjusted net income attributable to Wynn Resorts, Limited of $33.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2023.
Adjusted Property EBITDAR was $646.5 million for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $216.8 million compared to Adjusted Property EBITDAR of $429.7 million for the first quarter of 2023. For the first quarter of 2024, Adjusted Property EBITDAR increased $91.3 million, $92.4 million, and $14.7 million at Wynn Palace, Wynn Macau, and our Las Vegas Operations, respectively, and decreased $0.3 million at Encore Boston Harbor, from the first quarter of 2023.
Wynn Resorts Limited also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on May 31, 2024 to stockholders of record as of May 20, 2024.
Bragg Gaming Group, a global B2B content-driven iGaming technology provider, reported record financial results for the first quarter of 2024.
Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer for Bragg, commented: “We carried our strong momentum in 2023 into the first quarter, delivering robust growth that underscores the ongoing success of our efforts to transform Bragg into a content-focused iGaming solutions provider across expanding North American and European markets. Year-over-year revenue increased by 4.2% to EUR 23.8 million, largely propelled by organic growth from our current client base, the addition of new customers in multiple jurisdictions, and impressive results from our in-house Wild Streak Gaming casino games studio.
“Although gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA saw modest decreases in the first quarter stemming from the extension and renegotiation of our agreement with Entain Plc to provide our PAM platform to BetCity.nl through 2025, we maintain a strong belief in our ability to achieve long-term growth and profitability. Our proprietary and exclusive third-party content continues to gain ground with an increasing number of top-tier operators globally, and we introduced a total of 19 new exclusive titles worldwide in the first quarter of 2024.
“Additionally, as we continue to make encouraging progress on our strategic alternatives review process, it’s important to emphasize that we are operating the business as usual and remain laser-focused on capitalizing on growth opportunities.
“With that in mind and in response to the increasing demand and growth in the iGaming marketplace, subsequent to quarter end, we took two significant steps to further fuel our growth initiatives. First, we secured a USD 7.0 million investment through a promissory note, enhancing our balance sheet flexibility as we continue to execute our strategy and explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
“Second, we bolstered our leadership team with the appointment of Neill Whyte as our new Chief Commercial Officer. With over 18 years of iGaming experience and a proven track record of driving growth through successful commercial partnerships, Neill’s expertise will be invaluable as we leverage our extensive content and product portfolio to expand in existing and new markets. This key hire is another testament to how we are scaling our organization for sustained growth and profitability.
“While the strategic review process progresses, we remain bullish on the opportunities ahead as the trend of iGaming regulation continues worldwide. We see exciting potential in newly regulating markets like Brazil, Peru and Finland, as well as untapped opportunities in regions like Africa that we are actively exploring.
“The strategic moves we have made have established Bragg as a vital content provider for premier international iGaming operators, reinforcing our base for reliable and lucrative growth. Equipped with the appropriate strategies, financial resources, and talent, we are well-prepared to maintain our business momentum while pursuing initiatives that foster cash flow growth and deliver increased value to our shareholders.”
Amatic Industries has teamed up with long-standing local partner Comatel to wow the crowds at premier gaming expo FIJMA Madrid. Together, the two are presenting a comprehensive display of solutions at the show running until May 9 at IFEMA, Madrid.
There are different Gemini configurations, each including a mix of the best slot games of Amatic’s library, 5 games of the Multi Link collection and the table game classics roulette, baccarat, SicBo and blackjack, with the possibility to connect them to a physical roulette wheel.
Viva Vegas is a gaming concept specially developed for the Spanish market. In addition to the traditional slot games, the new “King of Fichas” feature has been implemented, allowing players access to a much wider range of games only playable with the so-called “Fichas”. There are three different versions playable on various game cabinets.
With the Revo III configuration, the players get offered the table game classics roulette, baccarat, SicBo and blackjack with the advantage to play the additional “Go for Gold deluxe” feature from all games. Within this configuration, the players have now the possibility to place up to five golden Jetons on the “Go for Gold deluxe” feature.
“We are delighted to exhibit alongside our valued partner Comatel at FIJMA Madrid. Through our longstanding collaboration, we have built a strong foundation of trust and innovation. Together, we look forward to showcasing our latest gaming solutions and providing attendees with a glimpse into the future of entertainment,” said a sales representative at Amatic Industries.
The post Amatic and Comatel Present Innovative Gaming Solutions at FIJMA Madrid appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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