Canada

The Cordish Companies Celebrates Grand Opening Of Live! Casino Pittsburgh

Published

4 years ago

November 27, 2020

Live Casino! Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania’s newest gaming and entertainment destination, is now open, bringing a new level of gaming action, irresistible dining options, and exciting entertainment and nightlife to the region. The $150-million facility is the first of two gaming venues scheduled to open in Pennsylvania by The Cordish Companies. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is scheduled to open in early 2021.

“On behalf of my family and our entire team at The Cordish Companies, we are incredibly proud to open Live! Casino Pittsburgh,” said David Cordish, Chairman of The Cordish Companies. “Live! Casino is a world-class gaming and entertainment venue that will be a true destination for the area and a powerful driver of new jobs and taxes for the Commonwealth and the local community for decades to come.”

“We always say our goal is to give our customers a ‘WOW’ experience every time they visit the property,” said Live! Casino General Manager Sean Sullivan. “We certainly have achieved that here. As important, Live! Casino Pittsburgh will serve as a transformative development that will create maximum community benefits for Westmoreland County and Hempfield Township.”

Only one year since breaking ground on the project, Live! Casino Pittsburgh will provide the region $188 million in annual economic impact, an additional $148 million in economic impact from construction, and $47.5 million in tax revenues. The facility will provide more than 500 permanent new jobs for local and regional residents.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

FIRST-CLASS DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
The 100,000-square-foot, two-level property features 750 of the latest, state-of-the-art slots and approximately 30 live-action table games, as well as the industry-leading FanDuel Sportsbook. The casino, on the ground floor, is strictly for guests 21 and over. The second level is available to guests of all ages and provides a host of entertainment and food options, including live music and non-casino games. Live! Casino also features incredible access and parking, with over 6,000 surrounding surface spaces and adjacent covered parking.

A lineup of stellar dining opportunities at Live! Casino will include two premier concepts – Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen + Bar and Sports & Social Steel City.

Emmy-award winning chef, restaurateur, New York Times best-selling author and TV personality Guy Fieri will open Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen + Bar. The restaurant will feature a creative menu of bold flavors including the award-winning Mac-N-Cheese Burger, signature sandwiches and entrees, and mouthwatering desserts like the Dark Chocolate Whiskey Cake. Guy’s American Kitchen + Bar also will offer a beverage menu that includes craft cocktails featuring signature drinks like the Caliente Margarita and the Tattooed Mojito.

The two-level Sports & Social Steel City is a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge offering guests the ultimate sports fan experience. The 445-seat venue is outfitted with state-of-the-art AV technology, including a giant 40-foot LED video screen, and a wide variety of interactive social games, such as bowling, a golf simulator, ping pong, darts and more. Sports & Social Steel City also features an official FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge on the first floor. The venue serves a classic American Grill menu perfect for watching the game or a night out. This powerhouse concept is anchored at the front door of professional sports stadiums around the country, including Atlanta, St. Louis and Arlington (Texas), creating a year-round fan clubhouse atmosphere with live music several nights a week.

In addition, the property also will feature a PBR Country Bar – PBR Pittsburgh. Slated to open next year as part of a second phase of openings, PBR Pittsburgh will bring an authentic country experience to the region.

PLAYING IT SAFE
To prepare for opening, Live! Casino has developed a comprehensive Play It Safe plan, an enhanced health and sanitation program that allows for ample social distancing, reduced occupancies, and vigorous hygiene and health measures for all guests and team members.

Key components of the plan include the installation of the state-of-the-art Atmos Air Bi-Polar Air Purification System within the HVAC system to treat and clean the air in the facility, including any virus particulates. The system is designed to perform 12 air changes per hour throughout the casino floor, which is more than twice the frequency of most commercial buildings.

In addition, the one-of-a-kind Reel Clear slots management system will guarantee every customer who plays a slot machine is sitting down at a freshly sanitized machine, and also has the capability to automatically social distance the customer from the nearest guest. The newly developed system can automatically shut down a slot machine after it has been played and can only be reactivated by an attendant after it has been sanitized. Also, once a player starts to play a newly sanitized machine, the system will lock down the machines on either side to enforce social distancing in areas not protected by plexiglass barriers. The system also will allow a patron to request their machine to be cleaned at any time.

The entire plan follows guidelines and recommendations from federal and state public health officials, along with best practices for the gaming and hospitality industries focusing on masking, temperature checks, social distancing, and repeated cleaning of high-traffic areas, slot machines and table game equipment.

“We’ve made it a priority to provide a safe environment for our team members and guests,” said Live! Casino General Manager Sean Sullivan. “Play It Safe employs extraordinary measures that meet and exceed the state’s COVID-19 guidelines. We want our guests to have fun and feel safe.”

Casino guests can sign up now for the Live! Rewards® Card and start earning great benefits no matter how much they play. Members will be the first to hear about special events and promotions at Live! Casino Pittsburgh and receive mail or email offers tailored to their preferences.

Management is still hiring for a variety of jobs, including experienced table games dealers, slot technicians, restaurant servers and more. People can apply for positions online and learn more about the company and its culture by visiting: www.WorkAtLive.com. The website is updated regularly to reflect new opportunities as they become available.

SOURCE Live! Casino Pittsburgh

Canada

IGT Delivers World Premiere of Powerbucks Blackjack Online Game in Canada

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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.

Canada

THE CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

the-canadian-gaming-association-announces-election-of-new-board-members

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) announced the appointment of four new members of the Association’s Board of Directors, which took place during the CGA’s Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024.

Peter Czegledy, Aird & Berlis LLP

Peter Czegledy is a Partner and member of the Corporate/Commercial Group at Aird & Berlis LLP, as well as Chair of the firm’s Gaming Group, and co-Chair of the firm’s Esports & Gaming Group and Sports, Media & Entertainment Group. Peter has substantial expertise in the area of gambling and gaming law, with experience both in the acquisition/establishment phase and as ongoing corporate counsel managing compliance with applicable regulatory regimes and advising on technological applications. He is regularly consulted by governments and their regulators for policy and legal advice. He has acted in both private transactions and public procurements, and has represented a multitude of leading participants in the casino, track, igaming, mobile gambling, skills gaming and social gaming industries.

Lindsay Slader, GeoComply

Lindsay Slader is the SVP of Compliance at GeoComply, a cybersecurity and fraud prevention firm that delivers geolocation and user authentication technologies to the gaming, media & entertainment, online banking, payments, and cryptocurrency industries. Having worked in the internet gaming and digital services industries for seventeen years, Lindsay is a recognized expert in her field. Over the last decade, she has provided expert witness testimony on regulatory compliance, geolocation technologies, and her gaming industry expertise at several legislative hearings. Prior to GeoComply, she spent five years specializing in regulatory compliance and business development at Gaming Laboratories International. Lindsay’s contributions to the iGaming industry have led her to win awards such as the 2019 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 and the 2021 iGaming Business Most Influential Women. Lindsay also currently serves on the board of directors of MVB Financial Corp.

Derek Ramm, Kinectify

Derek Ramm is the Global Head of Advisory Services at Kinectify, an AML risk management technology and advisory company that focuses on the gaming industry. He has extensive experience in the compliance and financial intelligence fields, and has brought his expertise to both the public and private sectors, providing him with a unique and well-rounded perspective to business challenges. Prior to joining Kinectify, Derek served as the Director of Anti-Money Laundering at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, where he led the agency’s AML regulatory oversight initiatives in the gaming, horse racing, liquor and cannabis industries. Derek was previously the Managing Principal at MT>Play, an advisory venture of McCarthy Tetrault that provided strategic advice to gaming organizations and governments around the world. He has also held senior roles at Canada’s federal financial intelligence unit (FINTRAC), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and was the chief anti-money laundering officer at one of North America’s largest independent investment management firms. He was also appointed by the Government of Bermuda to serve as a Commissioner on the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission.

Terry McInally, Gateway Casinos

Terry McInally is the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Technology & Interactive Officer for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada. At Gateway he oversees compliance, surveillance, security, AML, RG, internal audit, insurance, risk, interactive and all aspects of technology. He has 20+ years of industry experience in compliance, operations, risk management, audit, stakeholder management, business strategy development, change/project management, regulatory reform, and IT. Prior to joining Gateway, Terry has been a gaming executive in numerous organizations including, an executive with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Managing Director and National Consulting Gaming Practice Leader for PwC Canada and a Risk & Technology Partner and Gaming Practice Leader with Richter LLP. Along with his extensive private and public experience, Terry is also a CPA and holds a CISA and Honors BA from the University of Toronto.

In addition, Neil Erlick and Chuck Keeling were reappointed for a second three-year term.

“We are delighted to welcome Peter, Lindsay, Derek, and Terry to the Board. Their diverse expertise and insights will play a critical role in helping CGA further its mission to support a regulated and responsible industry through education, collaboration, and advocacy,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO of the CGA. “Their perspectives and regional representation will strengthen our efforts and ensure we continue making meaningful progress.”

The Full 2024/2025 CGA Board of Directors

Bruce Caughill, Managing Director, Canada, Rush Street Interactive
Peter Czegledy, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech
Dale Hooper, General Manager Canada, FanDuel
Chuck Keeling, EVP, SH Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Entertainment
David Lucchese, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Everi
Adrianne McGrath, Vice President, Business Development, Konami Gaming
Terry McInally, Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Information Officer, Gateway Casinos
Niaz Nejad, Managing Director, Americas – Gaming, Light & Wonder
Bob Parente, SVP Chief Revenue Officer, Gaming, Light & Wonder
Derek Ramm, Global Head, Advisory Services, Kinectify
Lindsay Slader, SVP Compliance, GeoComply
Richard Taylor, President, MGE Entertainment – Fallsview
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer Canada, PointsBet Canada

Canada

Loto-Québec Reports Net Income of $771.3M for Q2

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

loto-quebec-reports-net-income-of-$771.3m-for-q2

As expected at the end of the first quarter, Loto-Québec had an excellent second-quarter performance. Therefore, halfway through fiscal 2024–25, the corporation is in an excellent position with better results over the same period last year and still in line with its forecasts. It is thus on its way to reaching its net income target for the current year.

For the second quarter, which ran from June 25 to September 30, 2024, Loto-Québec posted total revenues of $814.2M (+16.1%) and a net income of $421.6M (+18.5%). Overall, for the period from April 1 to September 30, 2024, its total revenues reached $1.504B (+6.5%) and its net income was $771.3M (+4.7%). It is worth noting that lottery winners have received nearly $720M in prizes since the current fiscal year began.

Quotes from the President and CEO

“If we’re in such a good position halfway through the fiscal year, it’s thanks to the work done across all our sectors over the last few months. We obtained excellent results despite the economic context, reinforcing our confidence that we’ll reach our net income annual target. Remember that 100% of our profits are reinvested in the community,” said Jean-François Bergeron.

“Responsible commercialization has remained a priority in everything we offer. We’ve created an enhanced program—Wise Play—to consolidate our actions in this field. We proudly launched it in mid-September, along with a campaign raising people’s awareness of the importance of setting limits. Among other things, through this program, we can present a unified message so that a game remains a game.”

Cumulative Results by Sector

For the period from April 1 to September 30, 2024

• Lottery product sector revenues amounted to $474.2M.

• Casino and gaming hall sector revenues were $608.9M. This sector is once again on the way to a record year.

• Gaming establishment sector revenues totalled $432.5M.

Quarterly Highlights and Social Contributions

For the period from June 25 to September 30, 2024, the lottery crowned 28 new millionaires, bringing the total of new millionaires since the beginning of the fiscal year to 50.

On September 10, Lotto Max became more generous than ever. Its maximum jackpot increased from $70M to $80M—no Canadian lottery had ever awarded such an amount. A few days later, the record $80M jackpot was won in the September 17 draw, and one of the two winning selections had been purchased in Québec. An Outaouais resident took home half the jackpot with a play he bought online.

The Loto-Québec responsible gambling website had a makeover as part of the launch of the enhanced Wise Play program. It presents content such as information to help players better understand the notions of chance and odds, valuable tips to manage their gambling, and ways of getting help if needed. The website can be reached at wiseplay.ca.

The Collection Loto-Québec is proudly celebrating its 45 years this fall. To mark the occasion, some thirty of its works were showcased at the end of September in the Voir bleu exhibition, which was entirely curated in-house and shown in the Collection’s new exhibition space at the corporation’s head office.

Loto-Québec was honoured to be a presenting partner at the celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary of Parc Jean-Drapeau, home to the Casino de Montréal for over 30 years. The iconic park hosts several major events, some of which are part of the Rendez-vous Loto-Québec.