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The Pinball and Modern Art Museum “Dino Merluzzi” A SPACE WHERE CULTURE, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT MEET

Published

3 years ago

February 17, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A space where culture, education and entertainment meet. All of this is enclosed in the “Dino Merluzzi” Pinball and Modern Art Museum, which celebrates its debut on Saturday, February, the 18th, in an official ceremony crowned by the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Umbria Region. The Museum is dedicated Dino Merluzzi, one of the first Italians collector of vintage gaming machines, nurturing the dream of being able to put them in a museum one day. Today that dream is being realized by the Ifpa Italia Association, in cooperation with the Municipality of Terni, the Marmore turist office and the ARCI of Terni, which thanks to the contribution of the Fondazione Carit, has managed to make the Pinball and modern ant museum real, dedicated to the passed away collector from Terni, in the spaces of the former elementary school of Marmore, in Via Montesi 59.

Today, the Museum is a unique place in Italy and aims to perform various functions, in the cultural, educational and recreational fields. Promising to obtain a role of attraction at national and international level, since it is in an already tourist context such as that of the Marmore Falls, going to be one more reason to go to this wonderful place, contributing to the further enhancement of the territory.

From a cultural point of view, it is a real museum of modern art, able to offer a series of pinball machines from different eras: from the very first examples of the 1950s to the current ones of our times, covering all the different eras that have occured (60s and 70s electo-mechanical ones, 80s and 90s electronic ones, modern, 2000s), in a thematic itinerary in which set the technological progress that has taken place over the last seventy years, describing in detail the change of the customs and traditions of society during the same period, described through the settings of pinball machines and other material of the time proposed together with the gaming machines (posters, window decals, records, books, vintage juke boxes and various vintage material). In addition to offering old movies on the history of the pinball machine.

From an educational point of view, the Museum offers a permanent location that aims to become a point of reference for schools and institutes in the area (and beyond), for a real and concrete approach to understanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Creating a “EduFun” program that would provide an exciting opportunity for teachers, students and various stakeholders to look at the inner operation of real, working pinball machines and learn how thousands of files and of electronic and mechanical parts work together to create complex electromechanical systems.

From a recreational and social point of view, the Museum offers a permanent location for organizing entertainment events, which perfectly fit with the tourist destination of the area. Also hosting international pinball tournaments, through the permanent activity of Ifpa Italia. All this in order to exploit the unique power of the pinball machine, which is one of the few games capable of being used by both children and the elderly people, belonging to practically any era.

Over 25 amusement machines are inside the building, including pinball machines, juke boxes and various types of vintage games, together with other collector’s items, including rare ones. But the permanent collection will be continuously enriched and updated thanks to loans and donations. The Museum is a non-profit one and even the recreational activities do not require payment for the game to play, but can be freely tested by visitors. It is therefore an ideal location for families and for any type of user. The entrance is totally free, by reservation only. The facility is temporarily not open to the public.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE MUSEUM

The museum is spread over a total area of over 260 square meters, located on the first floor of the building of the former Marmore elementary school. The structure consists of six different rooms, thematically organized.

The first is the “Electromechanical Room”, dedicated to these games, hosting pinball machines from the 60s and 70s and other vintage games (such as Rotamint and Rotomat and other automatic games).

The second, which represents the main room, is the “Electronic Room”. Here you can find over 15 games from the 70s to the 2000s, with some collector’s items.

The third is the “Projection and Conference Room”, where there is a multifunctional space used as a cinema and conference center, where movies, documentary or historical movies, presentations, debates and various activities are held.

In the “Arcade Space” there are some video games from the 80s and 90s, available to the visitors of the Museum.

The Museum is also equipped with a “Restoration Room”, located next to the Electromechanical Room, where repairs and maintenance of individual devices are carried out.

While in the “warehouse room” games and various materials are kept for future installations and updates of the permanent collection.

All the games shown in the Museum are fully working and can be evaluated in terms of their game dynamics. The venue does not pursue any profit: it is not a game room or a private club and does not require the payment of any ticket.

BetMGM

BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming

Published

8 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

betmgm-and-fashiontv-gaming-group-bring-luxury-lifestyle-to-north-american-igaming

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.

The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.

Immersive Luxury Table Games

The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.

FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.

The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.

Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap

For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.

“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”

Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”

Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.

The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brazil Betting Law

2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-regulatory-roadmap:-key-compliance-deadlines

As the industry gathers for ICE Barcelona 2026, the regulatory landscape has shifted into a high-execution phase. The following roadmap outlines the critical compliance dates for three of the most influential markets currently undergoing major transitions: the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Date	Jurisdiction	Regulatory Milestone	Action Required for Operators/Suppliers
Jan 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 Update	Ban on Mixed-Product Incentives: Offers like “Bet £10, get 20 free spins” are now prohibited. Wagering Caps: Bonus wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x.
Jan 19-21, 2026	Global / EMEA	ICE Barcelona 2026	Flagship event for showcasing 2026 compliance technology and real-time auditing solutions.
Mar 19, 2026	United Kingdom	LCCP Condition 15.2.1 Reporting	Key Event Reporting: Threshold for reporting operator status/shareholder changes raised from 3% to 5%. All loans must be reported regardless of written agreements.
Mar 31, 2026	Philippines	PAGCOR B2B Accreditation Deadline	Final Compliance Date: All B2B providers (studios, aggregators, affiliates) must be accredited. Unaccredited foreign content will be blocked from licensed platforms.
Apr 6, 2026	United Kingdom	DMCC Act 2024 Alignment	Fair & Transparent Terms: Consumer Protection regulations replaced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Terms must align with new definitions of “misleading actions.”
June 30, 2026	United Kingdom	RTS 12 (Financial Limits)	Technical changes to Remote Technical Standards (RTS) regarding how customers set and view financial limits on their accounts.
H2 2026	Brazil	Betting Deposit Tax Vote	Proposed 15% tax on gambling deposits is expected to return to the Senate for a final vote after being pushed back in late 2025.

Regional Deep Dive: Strategic Compliance

1. United Kingdom: The “Safety & Simplicity” Era

The UKGC’s January 19th update is the most immediate challenge for marketing teams. By decoupling sports betting from casino bonuses, the regulator aims to reduce “cross-product friction” that could lead to unintended gambling harm.

Strategy: Pivot toward product-specific loyalty programs (e.g., “Bet £10 on Football, Get a £5 Free Bet”) to maintain compliance while driving retention.

2. Brazil: Sustaining the .bet.br Ecosystem

Following the January 1, 2025 launch of the regulated market, 2026 is about operational maturity. The focus has shifted to the mandatory use of the .bet.br domain and rigorous AML/KYC reporting to the Secretariat of Awards and Betting (SPA).

Strategy: Ensure all advertising features the mandatory license logo and that all protagonists in marketing materials are visibly over 21 years of age.

3. Philippines: The B2B Supply Chain Lockdown

PAGCOR’s new framework is a move to professionalize the region, mirroring the supplier-licensing models seen in Ontario and Malta.

Strategy: Foreign studios that missed the December 2025 “early bird” three-year accreditation window must expedite their applications before March 31st to avoid a total blackout on Filipino-facing sites.

The post 2026 iGaming Regulatory Roadmap: Key Compliance Deadlines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI in Gambling

2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals”

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

2026-igaming-outlook:-regulation,-ai-personalization,-and-the-return-of-“originals”

The iGaming industry has officially entered a new era of discipline. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the “wild west” growth of previous years has been replaced by a focus on sustainability, hyper-localization, and AI-driven player protection. From the finalization of the PROGA framework in India to the massive turnover records set by World Pool, the market is no longer just growing—it is maturing.

The Rise of “Explainable AI” in Player Retention

In 2026, AI has moved beyond simple game recommendations. Leading operators are now utilizing “Explainable AI” (XAI) to bridge the gap between engagement and compliance. Unlike traditional “black box” algorithms, XAI allows operators to understand why a player is being flagged for risky behavior or why a specific loyalty nudge was triggered.

This transparency is critical for maintaining trust in highly regulated markets like the UK and Ontario, where the UKGC’s 2026 Social Responsibility updates now demand more rigorous evidence of proactive player interaction.

“Originals” and the Rebirth of Video Poker

While high-volatility slots like Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin continue to dominate headlines, a significant shift is occurring in the “non-slots” vertical.

The PowerPoker Revolution: Strategic partnerships, such as the recent QTech Games and Speedy Tomatoes deal, are revitalizing video poker. By adding features like “Swap-A-Card,” these games are capturing high-value player segments who prioritize skill and strategy.
Branded Originals: Platforms like MINT are proving that “Originals” (Mines, Crash, and Plinko) are no longer secondary products. Fully brandable house games are now a core foundation for crypto-first and Web3 operators, driving session frequency through provably fair mechanics.

Brazil and Ontario: The Battle for Market Supremacy

The geographic focus for 2026 remains firmly on Brazil and Ontario.

Brazil’s Advertising Evolution: With the newly regulated market in full swing, groups like Esportes Gaming Brasil joining IAB Brasil signal a shift toward responsible communication. Advertising is now a tool for helping consumers identify licensed platforms, moving away from aggressive acquisition tactics.
Ontario’s Content War: The region has become North America’s most dynamic hub. Agreements like the Peter & Sons and Casino Time deal highlight the demand for “indie-inspired” content that stands out in a saturated market.

Conclusion: The “Champion Mindset” for 2026

Success this year isn’t about volume; it’s about coherence. As highlighted by GR8 Tech’s “Champions Club” initiative for ICE Barcelona, the operators winning in 2026 are those who treat technology as a performance ecosystem. By aligning real-time data with compliant storytelling, brands are finding that “trust” is the most valuable currency in the modern iGaming world.

The post 2026 iGaming Outlook: Regulation, AI Personalization, and the Return of “Originals” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.