Press Releases

GVC Holdings and EPIC Risk Management Form Unique New Partnership

Published

6 years ago

March 12, 2020

Two organizations to deliver sports and education programs in 14 locations throughout the US

EPIC Risk Management, the world’s leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy, and GVC Holdings, one of the world’s largest sports-betting and gaming groups, have formed a partnership which aims to minimize gambling related harm throughout the U.S.

The partnership, funded by GVC Foundation US, GVC’s unique non-profit subsidiary which is dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, will replicate EPIC’s successful European sports and education model. Programs will run in 14 locations across the U.S. in 2020 and 2021, covering New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, DC, and the New England region.

It is estimated that 7 million U.S. adults suffer from gambling problems.

“As the leading provider of advisory and education in problem gambling, EPIC Risk Management has done extraordinary work in Europe,” said Martin Lycka, trustee for GVC Foundation US and director of regulatory affairs at GVC Holdings. “Our partnership with EPIC in locations throughout the U.S. will continue that impactful mission.”

The educational sessions will be provided to up-and-coming and professional athletes and focus on lived experiences with problem gambling and the promotion of betting integrity. The program is fully funded by GVC Foundation US, who will provide $2.5 million in financing over the course of two years.

“For most people, gambling is entertainment – but for a small percentage of people it becomes uncontrolled, leading to devastating effects to both individuals and organizations,” said Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC Risk Management. “EPIC is excited to partner with GVC Foundation US to work in the hardest-to-reach sectors to prevent gambling-related harm.”

“There’s no better way to address problem gambling than by combining hard-hitting, lived experience with industry research and expertise,” said William J. Pascrell, III, trustee at GVC Foundation US and partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group. “By addressing athletes and other at-risk groups throughout the country, we’ll aim to implement the cultural change needed for the protection of at-risk gamblers and growth of the industry as a whole.”

“Athletes, especially African American athletes, are at a higher risk of becoming problem gamblers than the average person,” said Amani Toomer, trustee at GVC Foundation US and former New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl XLII winner. “I view EPIC’s program as crucial for maintaining integrity in sports.”

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Scientific Games completes systems conversion for New Mexico Lottery

Published

14 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

scientific-games-completes-systems-conversion-for-new-mexico-lottery

Modernization adds Momentum ecosystem tools and rolls out new terminals and self-service machines to 1,000+ retailers statewide.

Scientific Games has completed a technology systems conversion for the New Mexico Lottery, modernizing lottery operations with a new gaming system and rolling out retail technology to more than 1,000 locations across the state. The update went live May 11, 2026, according to the company.

Scientific Games said the new system now powers the Lottery’s draw-based and Scratchers’ sales and is designed to simplify product management for retailers. The conversion also includes the launch of the Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership (SGEP) instant game management program, which the company said combines analytics, logistics, retail optimization and product strategy.

“The New Mexico Lottery is officially live with new, modern technology systems that work together to enhance all aspects of our operations and ensure we are well-positioned for our next era of growth,” said David Barden, CEO of the New Mexico Lottery. “We’ve strategically planned every step of this holistic modernization effort with Scientific Games to intelligently operate our retail network, making our Scratchers games easier for retailers to manage in their stores and easily accessible to our valued players.”

Scientific Games said the conversion was developed over the past year and is built on its Momentum ecosystem. Components cited include an advanced central gaming system, the SciTrak instant game distribution system, the gem | intelligence retailer licensing and management portal and the INFUSE business intelligence platform. The company said WAVE clerk-operated terminals and PlayCentral self-service machines will be deployed to retailers in planned phases.

“Congratulations to the New Mexico Lottery for building upon our long-standing instant scratch game partnership, embracing innovation for the future,” said John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products for Scientific Games. “We are proud to serve as the Lottery’s full-line partner and help drive maximum proceeds for New Mexico college students.”

The post Scientific Games completes systems conversion for New Mexico Lottery appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Plaza Hotel & Casino brings back free Friday fireworks June 5 to Sept. 4

Published

14 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

plaza-hotel-&-casino-brings-back-free-friday-fireworks-june-5-to-sept.-4

Downtown Las Vegas show runs weekly at 9:10 p.m., with rooftop viewing options and planned Main Street traffic closures during launches.

Plaza Hotel & Casino will again stage its “Welcome to the Weekend” fireworks series in downtown Las Vegas every Friday night from June 5 to Sept. 4, launching at 9:10 p.m., according to the property.

The hotel said the free show is returning for a third consecutive year, with fireworks shot from the Plaza’s towers and visible across downtown and beyond. The Plaza also plans to close a portion of Main Street in front of the property to vehicle traffic during the shows to create pedestrian-only viewing access.

The Plaza will pair the fireworks with a rooftop pool party starting at 7 p.m., featuring food from the Plaza’s food truck and drinks from the rooftop pool bar. “Each year, the crowds only grow bigger for our free Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks Shows,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “Our Friday fireworks have become an iconic part of summertime in Las Vegas that people look forward to. So, we are excited to bring the summer fireworks shows back again, for the third year, as a free and memorable experience for the whole community – visitors and residents alike.”

Each show will be initiated by a designated “TNT Ignitor,” which the Plaza said may include “a community leader, hotel guest, local hero, or social influencer.” The property is also selling a “TNT Ignitor VIP Experience” and a “Welcome to the Weekend VIP hotel package,” which include access and hospitality components tied to the rooftop viewing party.

The Plaza said the fireworks are weather-dependent and may be changed or cancelled, with updates posted to its social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The post Plaza Hotel & Casino brings back free Friday fireworks June 5 to Sept. 4 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Scientific Games’ Systems Technology Creates Momentum for New Mexico Lottery’s Next Era of Growth

Published

14 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

scientific-games’-systems-technology-creates-momentum-for-new-mexico-lottery’s-next-era-of-growth

Company Delivers Successful Systems Conversion Featuring Instant Game Management Program and Advanced Retail Technology

Scientific Games and the New Mexico Lottery have modernized the Lottery’s operations, setting the stage for future growth with a new, advanced gaming system and a comprehensive suite of innovative technologies rolling out at 1,000+ retailers across the state. The integrated tech conversion also includes the launch of the Scientific Games Enhanced Partnership instant game management program—bringing together analytics, logistics, retail optimization and product strategy to drive game performance and maximize proceeds to education in the state.

The company’s new gaming system is now powering the New Mexico Lottery’s draw-based and Scratchers’ sales, simplifying lottery product management for retailers and enhancing convenience to players. The full-line technology solution also delivers precision analytics to help optimize sales performance and generate maximum revenues to benefit college scholarship funding for students in-state.

In development over the past year, the successful conversion features Scientific Games’ Momentum ecosystem, anchored by an advanced central gaming system, patented SciTrak instant game distribution system, gem | intelligence retailer licensing and management portal and INFUSE business intelligence platform. Scientific Games’ WAVE clerk-operated terminals and PlayCentral self-service machines are being deployed in planned phases at New Mexico Lottery retailers.

“Congratulations to the New Mexico Lottery for building upon our long-standing instant scratch game partnership, embracing innovation for the future,” said John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products for Scientific Games. “We are proud to serve as the Lottery’s full-line partner and help drive maximum proceeds for New Mexico college students.”

The company provides services and expertise from its location in Albuquerque, including the SGEP instant game portfolio management program featuring game planning services, data analytics, advanced logistics, licensed brand services, and retail sales and marketing support.

Serving 150 lotteries in 50 countries, Scientific Games is the world’s largest lottery games company, fastest growing lottery systems provider and a leading provider of digital lottery solutions. The company is one of the first lottery companies globally certified by the World Lottery Association as a Responsible Gaming Supplier.

Scratchers is a trademark of the New Mexico Lottery Authority.