Latest News

W2 debuts powerful affordability solution

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Tool allows UK operators to carry out comprehensive affordability checks without impacting the user journey

W2, the provider of leading regulatory compliance services to the gambling industry, has launched a powerful Affordability for Gambling Tool that allows operators to carry out comprehensive affordability checks without impacting the customer journey.

It combines data assets from multiple sources at the individual, demographic, and geographic levels on a ‘where available’ basis and has been built to provide as clear a picture as possible but in a way that is not intrusive to the player.

It allows operators to gain insight into multiple affordability indicators so that they can protect their players, comply with regulations, and avoid potential fines and reputation damage with the UK Gambling Commission having handed out more than £54m in fines over the past two years alone.

W2’s Affordability for Gambling Tool can also be delivered via the Crucial Compliance Player Protection tool and key benefits include:

Custom data consumption either through API integration at onboarding, or trigger based on various markers of harm (MOH)
Ongoing monitoring for changes in player circumstances
Verify declared income without the need for documentation
Understand previous loan application purpose and amount
50+ data indicators from public, third-party and self-declared sources
Analyse player population with batch database review

The launch of W2’s affordability solution comes at a time when player affordability is very much under the microscope as part of the UK Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005.

As a result of the review, it is widely expected that the Gambling Commission will increase oversight and enforcement, especially when it comes to operators assessing and verifying player affordability.

Warren Russell, CEO & Founder at W2, said: “While we still wait with bated breath for the Gambling Commission to publish the result of its consultation on the Gambling Act 2005, it is clear that requirements around affordability are going to change and that operators will be required to do much more.

“Our Affordability for Gambling Tool has been developed to give operators a crystal-clear picture of the affordability of individual players but in a way that is not intrusive and does not impact their journey when signing up to a brand.

“This means that operators can meet any new requirements that come into force and avoid any potential fines and reputation damage they may be subject to in the event of non-compliance, whilst ensuring they build a true picture of their players.

“We are delighted to be developing this solution and working with other industry experts in our partners Crucial Compliance and nChain to tackle these inherent issues collaboratively.”

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Scientific Games completes systems conversion for New Mexico Lottery

Published

25 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

25 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.

Latest News

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

Published

25 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.