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Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo

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The 16th European Dealer Championship, hosted by Holland Casino at its Venlo operation proved to be a hugely popular event, where 37 dealers from 21 European countries gathered to demonstrate their exceptional skills before the EDC judges.

Three days of intense tournament competition culminated in Noemie Serra of Casino de Monte-Carlo being crowned the European Casino Association’s Dealer of the Year. Jamie Cummins from London’s Crown Casino took the runners-up spot, with Asa Ekerot from Casino Copenhagen securing third place.

As well as taking home their trophies, the winner scooped a grand prize of €5,000. The second and third place finishers were awarded €3,000 and €1,500, respectively. In addition to the main prizes, there were another five Skill Challenges, each offering a prize of €500 for the winners, showcasing the diverse talents and expertise of the competitors.

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  •     Best Mathematician: Jamie Cummins, Aspinalls
  •     Best Chipping: Tsvelan Kritonov Yanchev, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
  •     Best Cutting Chips: Noemie Serra, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
  •     Best Pushing Stacks: Stefano Samperi, Casino Malta
  •     Best Card Handler: Marco Skorjanic, Casino Innsbruck, Austria

The finals, which followed intense national heats, brought the crème de la crème of Europe’s casino dealing professionals to Venlo for the skill-based competition to demonstrate their astute decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and seamless ability to balance chip management, mathematics, and engaging social interactions.

The dealers were evaluated by a dedicated panel of impartial international judges, each an experienced professional dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in the gaming industry. The EDC jurors played a vital role in evaluating participant performances, thoroughly examining game control, communication, and technical skills.

Erwin Van Lambaart, Chairman of the ECA, said: “It has been a huge honour for Holland Casino to host the 16th European Dealer Championship in Venlo. I’d like to thank the team behind the scenes for their tremendous efforts in organising and hosting this prestigious event, and I’d like to thank the event’s sponsors without whom it simply wouldn’t happen. It has also been a great honour to be able to celebrate the amazing craftsmanship of live dealing. This event is a showcase offering a glimpse into the passion, professionalism, and hospitality that define the experiences of guests at our member casinos daily. Our dealers and croupiers must be recognised as the most vital ingredient at the forefront of customer interaction. They are the very essence of the land-based casino industry, and we really have celebrated the ‘best of the best’ in the field here in Venlo. This event gives us an opportunity to honour these skilled professionals, to highlight the remarkable achievements of our dealers and to say thank you for making live casino gaming what it is today.” 

Hermann Pamminger, General Secretary of the European Casino Association (ECA), remarked: “This year’s has been a truly phenomenal event. I would like to thank all the sponsors of this year’s competition who made it possible to stage this international celebration of land-based gaming talent. The ECA extends its gratitude to these leading companies from the European gaming industry for their continued commitment to the European Dealer Championship, ensuring its success and growth into the future.” 

The winner, Monaco-born Noemie Serra, said: ‘Being a croupier is the best job in the world. I am so thrilled to take home the top prize. I came through the dealer school for Société des Bains de Mer de Monaco in 2018 and have worked there ever since. It was an honour to represent them in this competition. My father also works as a dealer for SBM, so I suppose you could say that being a croupier is in my blood. The tournament has been intense and exhausting, but all the competitors have been so supportive throughout the event.’

Runner-up Jamie Cummins of Crown London said: ‘It is a huge honour to finish second in this prestigious event. I’ve loved every second of the event and my time with the other dealers. Since starting out at Genting Casino in Luton, it has always been a dream of mine to work in Mayfair, which I achieved with Aspinalls and Crown. Doing so well in this competition is right up there, though. I was at the tournament in London a few years ago, which was an outstanding event, but this one has topped even that. I’d advise any croupier anywhere in Europe to have a go at this dealer championship. It’s an incredible experience.’ 

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Second runner-up Asa Ekeret from Casino Copenhagen added: ‘I’m thrilled to have been recognised at this event. It has been tiring and gruelling, but just as in my job in Copenhagen, the other dealers have been amazingly supportive and encouraging. We’ve picked each other up and kept each other going. It’s been an amazing experience.’ 

The European Casino Association is excited to announce Grand Casino Lichtenstein as the next distinguished location for next year’s European Dealer Championship 2025, which will run from June 16 to 19.

The post Noemie Serra Crowned European Dealer Champion 2024 at the 16th Championship in Venlo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Arizona

Plannatech Enters Arizona with Hosting Solutions from Internet Vikings

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Internet Vikings, a licensed in-state hosting provider for the U.S. iGaming and online sports betting industry, is announcing that it’s supporting Plannatech, a large B2B Provider, now stepping into the B2C space, in its expansion within the United States through an agreement to provide VMware cloud hosting solutions in Arizona.

Plannatech, leveraging the well-established Betcris brand from the America’s sports betting industry, has selected Internet Vikings for its structured setup processes, stable hosting environment, and technical expertise. This agreement ensures that the B2C iGaming and sportsbook operator benefits from a highly secure and reliable infrastructure, with Internet Vikings’ responsive support playing a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations.

“This is our 2nd state with Internet Vikings, who has been an absolute pleasure working with in providing the solid hosting infrastructure we need as we now expand into Arizona this time as the Operator,” said Adam Bjorn, CEO at Plannatech.

“We value our partnership with Plannatech and extending our VMware cloud hosting solutions to Arizona was the perfect next step as they bring new strategic offerings to the U.S. market,” said Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Vikings.

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The Arizona sports betting market has seen impressive growth rates, with total handle reaching $791.2M in October 2024. While several operators have struggled to gain traction, Plannatech, utilizing the Betcris brand, is taking a strategic approach and leveraging its extensive experience in competitive markets. By choosing Internet Vikings as their hosting partner, Plannatech ensures a strong, compliant, and resilient digital presence as they expand their U.S. operations.

The post Plannatech Enters Arizona with Hosting Solutions from Internet Vikings appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Brazil

Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM

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Looking Back: Growth & Achievements

FBMDS is celebrating five years of expansion and innovation. How would you describe the brand’s journey during this time?

Our journey over the past five years has been one of bold moves, strategic growth, and relentless innovation. As part of the FBM® Group, we began as pioneers in Video Bingo, but our vision extended far beyond that. We have focused on delivering profitable products to our clients and engaging gaming experiences to players. By expanding into multiple gaming categories and strengthening our global presence in key markets like Mexico and Brazil, we have redefined what a localized, player-centric gaming experience should be.

 

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What were the key milestones that shaped FBMDS’ success over the past five years?

Several milestones have defined our success. First, our solidification as a market leader in Video Bingo and Lotto Games, setting the gold standard with best-seller products like Multi Mega, Power Pick Lotto, and Champion IV. Our leadership in Video Bingo is reinforced by unique features like the jackpot system, Magic Ball, and attractive paytables, all of which drive engagement and retention.

Second, our presence at international trade shows has played a crucial role in strengthening relationships with key partners and clients while reinforcing our brand positioning, as seen in events like G2E Las Vegas 2024. Lastly, our rapid expansion in the LATAM region, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, has solidified FBMDS as a trusted and respected brand in a highly competitive landscape.

 

What has been the most significant challenge, and how did FBMDS overcome it?

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The online gaming industry is highly competitive, and differentiation is key. Our challenge was to deliver games that not only stood out but also ensured profitability for operators and engaging experiences for players. We tackled this by investing in customization, localization, and innovation—ensuring that every product aligns with the preferences of specific markets. Our ability to adapt game mechanics, themes, and retention strategies has positioned us ahead of the competition, creating unique gaming experiences that drive business success.

 

Product Evolution & Market Leadership

FBMDS has built a strong reputation in Video Bingo. How has this segment evolved, and what makes FBMDS a leader in this category?

Video Bingo is our DNA, and we have continuously pushed its evolution by refining gameplay mechanics, introducing engaging themes, and incorporating advanced technology to enhance user experience. Our commitment to differentiation sets us apart: our jackpot feature, the Magic Ball, and attractive paytables are tailored to maximize player engagement and operator profitability. Customization is at the heart of our strategy, ensuring our games resonate with local markets and drive long-term success.

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Among FBMDS’ product portfolio, do you have a personal favorite? Why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d highlight our Video Bingo games because they represent our legacy and continued leadership in the industry. We believe Video Bingo is an essential asset for any online casino, as it offers a nostalgic yet modern experience, combining interactive features with high retention rates. Our jackpot system enhances player excitement, while innovative game mechanics keep engagement levels high. In addition, our crash games showcase our adaptability and innovation, delivering high-quality visuals and dynamic gameplay. These two categories reflect our strategic pillars: player engagement and profitable gaming solutions for operators.

 

Future Outlook & Expansion Plans

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Looking ahead, what’s the vision for FBMDS’ next five years?

We are just getting started. Our vision is to expand our influence by continuously delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences that drive profitability for operators. While we maintain our leadership in Video Bingo, we are also focused on strengthening our position in other gaming verticals. We will continue investing in localized, player-driven innovation, ensuring that every product we launch enhances both player experience and operator success.

 

Brazil is a key market with huge potential. How does FBMDS plan to strengthen its presence in this region?

Brazil is a strategic priority for us. With regulatory developments and increasing demand for online gaming, we see tremendous opportunities to expand. Our approach is centered on offering tailored gaming experiences that resonate with Brazilian players, ensuring our products align with their cultural and gaming preferences. Additionally, we are forging strategic partnerships with operators to facilitate seamless and impactful expansion in the region, ensuring that our games drive engagement and profitability for our partners.

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Innovation & What’s Next

Can you share any insights about upcoming products or features that FBMDS is working on?

Absolutely. We are developing a new generation of Video Bingo games featuring advanced jackpot systems, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and even more engaging features tailored to player preferences. Our goal is to create experiences that keep players entertained while maximizing operator revenue. In addition, we are working on new slots and bonus structures designed to drive engagement and profitability, ensuring that FBMDS remains at the forefront of gaming innovation.

 

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What can operators and players expect from FBMDS in the near future?

A: More expansion, more innovation, and an even stronger, more diverse gaming portfolio. Players can expect cutting-edge experiences featuring interactive and rewarding mechanics, while operators will benefit from flexible, high-performance gaming solutions designed to optimize engagement and profitability. We are committed to maintaining our leadership in Video Bingo while continuously evolving to meet market demands.

 

Final Thoughts

After five years of continuous growth, what message would you like to share with FBMDS’ partners and players?

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First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to our players, partners, and the entire FBMDS team. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our journey. As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences, driving profitability for our partners, and continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation. The best is yet to come!

 

If you had to describe FBMDS’ journey in one word, what would it be?

Transformational.

 

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The post Interview w/ Renato Almeida, Director at FBM appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Paysecure expands reach across LATAM, showcasing solutions at SIGMA Americas

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Paysecure is strengthening its presence across Latin America, addressing the region’s complex payment landscape with advanced payment orchestration solutions. As part of this strategic plan, Paysecure will showcase its cutting-edge platform at SIGMA Americas, taking place April 7-10, at booth N115.

Expanding into new LATAM markets presents businesses with significant challenges, including navigating diverse local payment methods, multi-currency processing, managing multiple Payment Service Providers (PSPs), or ensuring compliance with varying regulations and reducing fraud (Brazil experiences a chargeback rate of approximately 3.48%, while Mexico’s rate stands at about 2.81%).

Already operational in key LATAM markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica and more, Paysecure is poised to address these payment barriers by offering a single, streamlined API integration and a fully customizable dashboard that allow merchants to gain access to advanced capabilities including:

  • Smart transaction routing – The company optimizes payment flows, managing to achieve up to a 15% decrease in payment processing costs by finding the lowest-cost routing options through dynamic selection.
  • Comprehensive merchant controls: Paysecure’s intelligent engine allows transaction limits settings, applies cascading logic, and enables 10+ types of real-time reports that analyze trends and customer behavior.
  • Dynamic fraud prevention: Its User Trust Score system and adaptive fraud detection tailored to each market ensure an over 10% decrease in fraud-related losses.
  • Global payment network: With access to 500+ PSPs and acquirers, Paysecure enables businesses to offer customers their preferred payment methods in any country or currency.

In addition, the company has been shortlisted for ‘Best Online Payments Service 2025’ at the SIGMA Americas Awards Ceremony. The company will also exhibit at the event and attendees can visit Paysecure’s booth (N115) to explore how its solutions can enhance payment security and efficiency in the LATAM market.

The post Paysecure expands reach across LATAM, showcasing solutions at SIGMA Americas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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