Latest News

Key Insights from Casino Cosmopol that Remained Open During COVID-19

Published

5 years ago

July 15, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a new paper from UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI), researchers compiled key insights from Sweden’s Casino Cosmopol that remained open through the end of March as counterparts in Nevada and around the world, closed. The casino, like properties around the world, eventually shut down, but during its extended time open, IGI researchers were able to glean best practices that operators around the world can learn from.

Casino Cosmopol, unlike casinos in Nevada and elsewhere, had to “adapt on the run,” and did not have months of downtime to draft a detailed strategy for reopening, IGI research assistant and Harrah College of Hospitality doctoral student Kasra Ghaharian and IGI Executive Director Bo Bernhard found.

In addition to employing extra hygiene procedures and social distancing at restaurants and table games on the casino floor, Casino Cosmopol’s CEO Per Jaldung shared in-depth details of the experiences while his business operated during the height of the pandemic. Ghaharian and Bernhard construed the insights into the following lessons learned for other hospitality industry executives.

Key insight No. 1: Share best practices

Constant best practice sharing, even with competitors and across geographic borders, is the best way to get smarter and faster.

Participating in industry video conferences, such as IGI’s Executive Development Programme, is one way to do this.

“If you’re the kind of leader who usually keeps things close to the vest, as your competitive impulses win out over information sharing — stop,” UNLV researchers write. “Now is not the time.”

Key insight No. 2: Communicate, communicate, communicate

Customers have an enormous thirst for information.

Jaldung quickly learned that even more important than the safety and cleaning procedures themselves was Casino Cosmopol’s decision to communicate those procedures at multiple levels with customers.

Visibility was also important. Customers may be comfortable with—and even prefer—highly visible cleaning and sterilisation policies, UNLV researchers write. When customers could see staff constantly making a concerted effort in repetitive cleaning of slot machine touch points, elevator buttons, and door handles, it translated to positive customer morale.

Key insight No. 3: Be flexible and agile

In a dynamic time such as this, it is important for casino operators to remember that they won’t have all of the answers at hand, researchers said.

Casino Cosmopol did not have the benefit of widely published operations guides to deal with the coronavirus, and yet they arrived at smart, flexible solutions.

“While everyone talks about the importance of ‘turning your property into a lab,’ Casino Cosmopol was able to do it, at the very time they needed to innovate most, thanks to enhanced communication and empowerment tools,” the researchers said.

Key insight No. 4: Employees want to contribute

They want a seat at the table and they know more about how customers are genuinely feeling than anyone else in the company. Management needs to leverage this and let employees know that they are a critical component to the recovery strategy.

Key insight No. 5: Technology is key, most notably as an enabler of human social intelligence

Casino Cosmopol used technology to institute a group chat, which they named “Corona Chat” among employees, enabling real-time intelligence to be shared on what was happening in the trenches. In one notable interaction, a dealer and cashier addressed a concern about the frequency of cleaning chips without ever having to involve a manager.

“Casino Cosmopol’s ‘Corona Chat’ was the best ‘game changer’ for the company, as it empowered employees across hierarchies to lead, to share, and to bond in their common interest of continuing to serve during difficult times,” researchers wrote.

AI-driven roulette host

SkillOnNet Redefines RNG Gaming with World-First Launch of AI-Powered GAIA Roulette

Published

29 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

George Miller

skillonnet-redefines-rng-gaming-with-world-first-launch-of-ai-powered-gaia-roulette

Reading Time: 2 minutes

GAIA is the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.

Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet has announced the launch of GAIA Roulette, a groundbreaking new roulette experience powered by artificial intelligence.

The game – which is now live on PlayUZU Mexico, with plans to expand to additional markets across the SkillOnNet network in the coming months – blends the thrill of RNG gameplay with the 3D realism of a live dealer. It’s the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.

Unlike traditional RNG tables, GAIA Roulette features an intelligent, interactive digital dealer that is personalized to each player. GAIA learns player preferences, adapts its communication style, and provides real-time assistance, helping users understand bets, game flow, and strategies.

Players can discuss game events – asking questions about game results, previous numbers, their wins and losses, and review gameplay history – but they can also talk about everyday topics like hobbies, sports, foods, movies, weather and more to make the experience more enjoyable.

Designed and developed in-house by SkillOnNet, GAIA stands for Gaming AI Agent. It uses GPT-4.1-mini for chat, which supports every language, so players worldwide can converse with her in their native tongue.

For players who enjoy the personal touch of a live dealer, GAIA provides the next best thing. And because it’s powered by RNG technology, they also enjoy faster gameplay and more spins per session than a real live-dealer environment.

For SkillOnNet, GAIA represents a major step forward for AI-driven gaming and personalised casino experiences.

Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “With GAIA Roulette, we’re redefining what’s possible in RNG casino entertainment, and we’re proud to bring our players something truly revolutionary. PlayUZU has always been about fairness, fun, and innovative entertainment — and GAIA fits perfectly with that promise. This launch will set a new standard for what players can expect from online roulette.”

The post SkillOnNet Redefines RNG Gaming with World-First Launch of AI-Powered GAIA Roulette appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Fraser Linkleter Chief Executive Officer at Slots Temple

Slots Temple Announces Greentube Partnership

Published

29 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

George Miller

slots-temple-announces-greentube-partnership

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Leading UK-licensed online casino Slots Temple is delighted to announce it has put pen to paper on an exciting new partnership with Greentube.

Per the deal, Slots Temple players will have access to some of the most recognisable and iconic games on the market, including Book of Ra and Lucky Lady’s Charm. It will also receive full access to the rest of Greentube’s slot selection.

These classic titles have long been favourites on retail terminals in pubs and casinos across the UK, and will now be available on Slot Temple’s website and mobile app. This move comes on the back of increased customer demand for a more diverse game offering, with Slots Temple proud to be an operator that is committed to meeting the needs of its gaming community.

The content has been integrated via Slot Temple’s new partnership with Light & Wonder (L&W). The company onboarded L&W as an integration partner earlier this year as part of a broader initiative to expand and diversify its gaming offering.

Fraser Linkleter, Chief Executive Officer at Slots Temple, said: At Slots Temple, we are committed to listening to our fans and taking their feedback on board. Greentube’s slots are hugely popular on land-based terminals up and down the country, and our players can now enjoy them from the comfort of their homes thanks to this exciting new partnership.”

Jordan Wall, Sales & Key Account Manager at Greentube, said: We are delighted to bring our slot portfolio to Slots Temple. The operator is a unique voice within the industry, with a dedicated player-base that is passionate about gaming. We can’t wait to see how their players respond to our games, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

The post Slots Temple Announces Greentube Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Edvardas Sadovskis CPO at ICONIC21

Unwrap next level player engagement with Sweet Royale Xmas from ICONIC21

Published

29 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

George Miller

unwrap-next-level-player-engagement-with-sweet-royale-xmas-from-iconic21

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Provider’s festive filled slot has been designed to deliver longer sessions, foster stronger engagement and boost revenues during the holiday season

Looking to unwrap longer sessions, stronger engagement and bigger revenues this Christmas? ICONIC21, in-demand iGaming content provider, just launched Sweet royale Xmas ahead of the holiday season.

Sweet Royale is one of the provider’s most popular slots to date and now returns in a Christmas edition decked with boughs of candy to allow operators to leverage the rise in slotting activity during the festive period.

This is a high volatility, 6×5 reel experience wrapped in sugar-coated winter visuals, designed for longer sessions and stronger engagement with progressive gameplay proven to keep players coming back for more.

So, what’s inside? Shimmering ornaments in festive colors, candy canes tied with bows, Christmas wreaths, Santa’s boots filled with treats, and cheerful chocolate Santa. All set against a whimsical candy village of frosted gingerbread houses and snow-dusted rooftops glowing with holiday lights.

This is a Cascading Reels slot that turns single wins into festive streaks. There’s also Free Spins with two types of Multipliers in play – a Global Multiplier that stacks and stays and an Instant Multiplier that appears once with a value of up to 100x.

There’s an Ante Bet option to increase the chance of triggering bonus rounds and a Buy the Bonus option so players can jump straight into ten Free Spins.

Every element of the game has been shaped around one goal, and that’s to keep players immersed in the festive fun, time and time again.

Sweet Royale Xmas offers a max win potential of 5,000x and takes bets from 0.10 per spin up to 50 per spin.

Edvardas Sadovskis, CPO at ICONIC21, said: “Sweet Royale Xmas really does hit the sweet spot for operators looking to take player engagement to the next level, especially during the festive season.

“This Cascading Reels slot is all about delivering edge of the seat gameplay where momentum and anticipation build as the candies drop and single wins become festive streaks.

“Throw in Free Spins with Multipliers and you have a real sugar rush of a slot that keeps players spinning and coming back for more.”

The post Unwrap next level player engagement with Sweet Royale Xmas from ICONIC21 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.