Playtech Launches Live Casino with Veikkaus in Finland
Playtech has announced the launch of Live Casino under its agreement with Veikkaus, the Finnish state-owned and monopoly operator.
Building upon their successful existing relationship, which encompasses online casino, online poker, retail VLT machines and a casino management system, Playtech was selected as Veikkaus’ first Live Casino supplier, following a rigorous public procurement process.
Playtech and Veikkaus have now completed the integration and regulatory approval process of Playtech’s Live games, and following a successful launch, a first range of games are now available to Veikkaus’ players, with many more to be launched in the following months.
Inspired Names Rafael Brunacci LatAm Development Director
Online gaming content supplier Inspired Entertainment, Inc. named Rafael Brunacci as its new business development director for LatAm – Virtuals.
Brunacci will lead Inspired’s growth initiatives in Latin America, concentrating on expanding the company’s Virtual Sports footprint and advancing its business across this rapidly growing market.
Brunacci brings a strong background in the iGaming industry to his new LatAm business development position. Most recently, he served the same role at Oddin.gg, where he championed the integration of esports solutions across Latin America.
Prior to this, he was with CoinsPaid as a business development manager for LatAm, delivering Crypto Payment solutions to the iGaming industry. His experience also includes roles at Intralinks and Prudential Financial, where he honed his skills in digital transformation and financial market solutions across Latin America.
Clarion Events Names Irving CEO, North America
Clarion Events announced that Liz Irving has been promoted from president to CEO of Clarion Events North America.
During her time as president of Clarion Events North America, Irving has positioned the business for continued success, implementing transformative initiatives that have fueled growth, delivered operational excellence, and reinforced Clarion’s commitment to a customer-first operating model. Under her guidance, the company has been recognized as a “Great Places to Work” organization for three consecutive years.
In addition to her work within Clarion, Irving has been a prominent leader across the events industry. Through her contributions to organizations such as SISO, UFI, and Revenue Room Connect, she has consistently driven innovation and collaboration while helping shape the future of the sector.
Novomatic Recertified by G4
Austrian slot supplier and operator Novomatic AG announced it has achieved recertification by the renowned Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4).
The group’s recertification recognizes the company’s efforts in responsible gaming in accordance with G4 standards.
“Taking responsibility is in Novomatic’s corporate DNA,” the company said in a press release. “Responsible gaming together with the associated player protection and prevention measures are therefore a top priority for the group. This is a fact demonstrated by, is internationally recognized as the most renowned and demanding standard for player protection.”
The G4 standard is subject to ongoing development, requiring companies to seek recertification every three years.
Aristocrat Interactive iLottery to Enter Kentucky, Mexico
Aristocrat Interactive has signed a five-year contract with IGT Global Solutions Corporation (IGT) to supply its NeoGames Studio premium content to the Kentucky Lottery beginning in 2025.
To support this partnership, Aristocrat Interactive has developed an insights-driven launch strategy customized for the Kentucky market. Through an integration with IGT, Kentucky Lottery’s iLottery systems provider, Aristocrat Interactive will provide players with a curated mix of NeoGames Studio’s latest and most successful games.
NeoGames Studio, Aristocrat Interactive’s in-house iLottery studio, has been creating award-winning e-instant games for more than 20 years and has been recognized for its artwork, animations, and consistent high performance in markets worldwide.
Aristocrat Interactive also announced it has partnered with Big Bola to deliver a comprehensive suite of iGaming solutions, integrating advanced technology and personalized services tailored for the Mexican market.
Under this agreement, Aristocrat Interactive will provide Big Bola with its robust Player Account Management (PAM), sportsbook solution, and bespoke managed services system, strengthening Aristocrat Interactive’s presence in Mexico. Additionally, Aristocrat Interactive will supply self-service betting terminals for retail sports betting and over-the-counter solutions.
Konami Announces ICE Lineup
Konami Gaming, Inc. announced a strong lineup of the latest casino games and technology advancements coming to the inaugural ICE Barcelona Jan. 20-22, 2025. Konami has secured iGaming stand 2L38 and traditional land-based stand 3H60 to feature its newest online gaming entertainment, land-based slot creations, and Synkros casino systems technology.
“As Konami’s online game library continues to expand with today’s hit slot series and iconic classics, European market growth is a key focus. As a result, Konami is arriving to ICE 2025 with a dedicated iGaming space in Hall 2 to readily connect and engage with iGaming operators,” said Eduardo Aching, vice president of international gaming operations at Konami Gaming, Inc. “At the same time, casino executives and professionals in the land-based sector can locate Konami’s latest slot game machines and casino systems technology across the way in Hall 3.”
As Konami continues to add a record number of new game releases to its owned remote gaming server (RGS), online casino operators are taking advantage of many of today’s hit slots found at land-based casinos including Fortune Mint, All Aboard, Bull Blitz, and more. During ICE 2025, several of the year’s upcoming new arrivals are featured, such as K-Pow! Pig. This original linked progressive slot offers a unique prize upgrade mechanic during the credit collection feature, allowing players the chance to punch up the potential payouts across multiple reels.
IGT Launches 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 jackpot prize pool, Canada’s largest jackpot connecting land-based, online and mobile games.
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 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 or more across the country.
TG Lab Acquires Brazil’s SysGaming
Global omnichannel platform provider TG Lab announced its strategic acquisition of Brazil-based gambling software provider SysGaming.
The decision aligns with TG Lab’s strategic ambition to strengthen its foothold across Latin America, with the provider already live in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru.
The acquisition of SysGaming will allow TG Lab to continue delivering bespoke, localized experiences in real time to LatAm partners in both Spanish and Portuguese.
Catering to leading operators worldwide—which also includes major brands such as Stake, Betsson and Belgium’s Loterie Nationale—TG Lab’s omnichannel platform offers a full-stack solution with a flexible set of modules for sportsbooks and casinos to boost their gaming operations across multiple markets.
BMM Launches Brazil Hub
The BMM Innovation Group announced the launch of the BMM Testlabs Brazil Hub at brazil.bmm.com.
This microsite, available in Portuguese, English and Spanish, serves as a gateway to Brazil’s iGaming and sports betting market, as well future land-based gaming.
The BMM Brazil Hub will be a key resource for regulators, suppliers, and operators in Brazil’s dynamic gaming landscape. It provides vital information on Brazil’s gaming regulations and technical standards, as well as insights into the broad range of services offered by BMM Testlabs (product compliance), BIG Cyber (cyber-defense solutions), and RG24seven Virtual Training (responsible gaming, anti-money laundering education).
BMM Testlabs has been authorized by Brazil’s Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas Substituto to test betting systems, online games, and live gaming studios. The company is also licensed to conduct compliance testing in Rio de Janeiro, Paraíba, and Paraná.
Licensing International Honors Aristocrat’s Kaminkow
Joe Kaminkow, chief innovation officer at Aristocrat Gaming, was one of three executives inducted into Licensing International’s Hall of Fame.
Licensing International is the leading trade association for the $356 billion global brand licensing industry, and the Licensing International Foundation, which supports the education of future licensing leaders.
Kaminkow was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame along with Maca Rotter, president & CEO of La Panadería Licensing; and Stu Seltzer, president of Seltzer Licensing Group.
It was the third Hall of Fame induction for Kaminkow, who previously was the longtime head of game development at IGT before founding Spooky Cool Labs in Chicago, which was acquired by Zynga before Kaminkow left to join Aristocrat. In the 1980s, he was a co-founder of Data East Pinball (now Stern Pinball).
In 2019, Kaminkow was inducted into the Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Slot Awards Hall of Fame, and last year, he was inducted into the Coin-Op Hall of Fame.
