AGEM Issues Call for Nominations for Memorial Awards Honoring Halle and Mead
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) issued a Call for Nominations for the Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism and the Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications.
AGEM announced the creation of this unique awards program a decade ago to acknowledge the lasting impacts on gaming by two distinctive industry veterans following their unexpected deaths in 2015. Halle, a longtime Bally and Novomatic executive in Europe whose career ended as CEO of Merkur Gaming based in Florida, died suddenly on May 20, 2015, at the age of 57. Mead, the founder and publisher of Casino Enterprise Management magazine, died suddenly in Las Vegas on June 24, 2015, at the age of 54.
Nomination submissions of 250-500 original words identifying current gaming professionals must be received via email at Allison.McCoy@AGEM.org by August 1, and must meet the following criteria outlined below that aim to capture the unique attributes displayed by Halle and Mead during their storied careers. Award winners will be announced at G2E in Las Vegas in October.
Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism
“Nominees must have experience working in the global gaming supplier sector for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Jens displayed throughout his working life: Professionalism, business success, international scope, attention to detail and timely follow-up; a willingness to ‘go the extra mile,’ both figuratively and literally; a sense of humanity in an oft-times cutthroat business; a recognition of the importance of a handshake and a fair deal for all; and a dedication to the health of the industry as a whole.”
Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications
“Nominees must have experience working in the mainstream media, gaming trade press or individual gaming company PR/communications for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Peter displayed throughout his working life: Quality reporting and communication with an emphasis on personal contact to generate ideas and gather information; taking risks and questioning the status quo; challenging the industry to consider new ideas; and identifying trusted partners to improve the overall product.”
High Roller and Playtech Announce Strategic Partnership
High Roller Technologies and Playtech announced a strategic partnership for Ontario, Canada, that will see Playtech provide its industry-leading technology to power High Roller’s platform and premium brand, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for players in the region.
“We are delighted to partner with High Roller as they expand into Ontario,” said Sergey Harutyunyan, chief revenue officer at Playtech. “Playtech’s technology is designed to support operators in regulated markets, and we look forward to working together to provide High Roller’s players with safe, innovative, and engaging gaming experiences.”
Ontario represents a key market for both companies, featuring a robust regulatory framework and fast-growing player base. Recently, High Roller announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application for Ontario, and subject to licensing and regulatory approval, High Roller anticipates launching live operations in H2 2025.
Slot Tech Magazine Announces Slot Tech Training
Slot Tech Magazine announced its upcoming slot tech training course, scheduled for August 19–21, at the renowned Table Mountain Casino Resort in Friant, California. This comprehensive three-day program is designed to equip floor technicians with essential skills in power supply and LCD monitor repair.
The Bench Tech Training course offers an engaging and educational experience, assuming no prior knowledge of electronics. Participants will delve into the fundamentals of power supply and LCD monitor repair, including circuit analysis, component testing, and troubleshooting techniques. The curriculum is structured to provide hands-on learning, ensuring attendees gain practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios.
Tuition for the course includes all necessary textbooks and classroom materials.
Hard Rock Games Partners with IGT
Hard Rock Games, which develops and manages Hard Rock Digital’s free-to-play online and mobile gaming experiences, has announced a partnership with slot supplier IGT to bring its most popular games to Hard Rock Neverland Casino and Hard Rock Jackpot Planet social gaming platforms.
IGT’s Cash Eruption game has debuted on Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet, and will soon be followed by Cleopatra II, and other top-performing titles.
Previously, only games produced in-house by Hard Rock Games’ studio had been available on Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet.
Aristocrat Interactive Secures iLottery Contract with Michigan Lottery
Aristocrat Interactive, under NeoGames, US, LLP, signed a six-year contract with the Michigan Lottery to provide its full solution of iLottery product offerings, reaffirming its leadership in the U.S. iLottery industry.
Under the contract, from July 2026, Aristocrat Interactive will provide services to the Michigan Lottery for six years, with six additional one-year extension opportunities. The relationship with the Michigan Lottery began in 2014 with the launch of its iLottery program using NeoGames’ iLottery platform and games.
This new deal will provide the Michigan Lottery with eInstant games, draw-based games and add-on offerings produced by Aristocrat Interactive’s NeoGames Studio™, along with continuing to leverage the company’s iLottery technology. Aristocrat Interactive will also provide the Michigan Lottery with a new website and mobile application services.
AGS Interactive Makes Market Debut in Connecticut
AGS Interactive has made its market debut in Connecticut, taking a selection of its best-performing games live in the Constitution State.
Local players in Connecticut can now enjoy three of AGS’ hit titles, with Capital Gains, Blazing Luck and Dragon Fa initially available, all proven with both land-based and online players across North America.
AGS plans to roll out its full interactive portfolio, ensuring a steady cadence of new content for operators and players alike.
The launch represents AGS’ sixth regulated US market entry, further extending its footprint across the country and cementing its position as a supplier of beloved land-based classics with cunning interactive forward games.
