Interblock Acquires Zuum, Partners with Slotmatic
Leading electronic table game supplier Interblock announced that it has acquired rival ETG supplier Zuum Limited. The acquisition of Zuum, which supplies ETG products in Class II and Class III markets in North America, “will enable Interblock to deliver a broader range of innovative and cost-effective gaming solutions to its customers while driving significant growth in key markets,” the company said in a press release.
According to the company, the Zuum acquisition will enable Interblock to offer affordable, high-quality ETG solutions in price-sensitive markets.
“This acquisition will provide Interblock the ability to penetrate an entirely new segment of the casino industry,” said John Connelly, CEO of Interblock. “With Zuum’s innovative, cost-effective product lineup, we’re now able to offer a more diverse range of gaming solutions to meet the needs of casinos in both high yielding and evolving markets.”
“Bringing Zuum into the Interblock family opens up exciting opportunities for Zuum to get more creative, reach new customers and combine our strengths to build even better, high-quality products,” said Mitja Kolman, founder and selling shareholder of Zuum, in the press statement.
“This acquisition will help us grow, explore fresh ideas, create awesome experiences across different platforms, and setting us up for long-term success and growth.”
Together both companies will create new synergies, enhancing collaboration on both business and personal levels. As leading companies in ETG globally, this combined strength will drive growth and foster innovation, “positioning us for continued market leadership,” Interblock said in the release.
In a separate release, Interblock announced a new partnership with Spanish market leader Slotmatic that will facilitate Interblock’s expansion in that region.
“Our partnership with Slotmatic is a testament to our shared vision of innovation and excellence in gaming,” said Connelly. “We look forward to collaborating closely to bring the best gaming experiences to players across Spain.”
Interblock is owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Ainsworth Enters Ontario Charitable Gaming Market
Las Vegas-based slot supplier Ainsworth Game Technology has successfully installed its first charitable Cabinet Bingo games in Ontario at Delta Bingo & Gaming’s Toronto, Downsview location.
Ainsworth’s charitable gaming product is unique to Ontario. It was developed after extensive consultation with Ontario Lottery and Gaming and Delta Bingo & Gaming. Ainsworth’s charitable gaming product features an enhanced bingo card display, unique game content, and leverages the company’s unique AnyBet linked progressive.
“We are excited to expand into Ontario with strong product offerings,” said Deron Hunsberger, Ainsworth’s president of North America. “Our initial games and platform were developed ahead of schedule, and we are fortunate to partner with Delta Bingo & Gaming on these initial installations, allowing us to move quickly to get the games installed and ready for players.”
Games include such Super Charged 7’s, Beaver Bucks, and games on the AnyBet Gold Link, including Dragon’s Heat, Wrath of the Cyclops, Jade Star, and Action Dragons.
- Franco Previews SBC Summit Display
- Franco Digital, the Spanish iGaming provider, is gearing up for its latest industry event appearance at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, where it will be showcasing its IRIS platform and innovative slot portfolio.
The summit, scheduled for September 24-26 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, the upcoming summit marks one of the biggest events in the iGaming calendar.
Throughout the event, R. Franco will highlight its dynamic slot portfolio, with player-favorite hits including recently released titles Santa Fe Respin and Beach Club.
In addition, R. Franco will be detailing the different features included in IRIS, its Player Account Management (PAM) system already certified in markets such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Portugal and Spain.
Merkur Names Christian Reinhard to Head Technology
The Merkur Group has named Christian Reinhard as its new Management Board member with responsibility for technology and development.
The 50-year old computer scientist succeeds Werner Kurt Schroer, who has resigned his seat on the Management Board for health reasons, after 19 successful years. Schroer will, however, remain at the service of the group in an advisory capacity.
Reinhard has over 20 years of experience in the series development of automotive electronics. He has developed a wide range of technologies in his career to date, including navigation systems, cluster instruments, driver assistance systems and connected-car systems, which are installed in a large number of vehicles worldwide today.
In addition to his expertise in technology, Reinhard has more than 15 years experience in leadership and in the structuring of internationally dispersed teams of developers, which also arise in the Merkur Group. Most recently he was responsible for a team of 3,500 developers and was instrumental in the development and sign-off of safety-critical systems that, like the gaming machine industry, are subject to strict regulatory requirements.
Live! Maryland Announces Executive Promotions
The Cordish Companies and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland announced several new promotions and executive appointments across its leadership team.
Max Fisher was named senior vice president and chief financial officer. Penny Penilla Parayo was elevated to senior vice president of property operations, and Neal Sloane was named senior vice president of gaming operations.
Fisher brings over 25 years of casino experience and has served in a variety of senior finance positions. Prior to this role, he served as senior vice president and general manager of Gold Strike Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, the same role at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, corporate VP of finance and VP of finance operations and shared services for Caesars Entertainment, and several other finance leadership positions at both MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.
Parayo returns to Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland after six years away. In her new position as senior VP of property operations, she will be responsible for the Food & Beverage, Hotel, Facilities, Guest Experience, and other non-gaming departments for The Cordish Companies’ flagship location.
Sloane started with Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland when the property first opened its doors in 2012. In his new role as senior VP of gaming operations, he will oversee Guest Services and Slot Operations in addition to his current management of table games, poker and the sportsbook.
Koin Promotes Tiffany McGrath to VP, Corporate Communications
Las Vegas-based digital payments innovator Koin has appointed former marketing director Tiffany McGrath as new vice president of corporate communications.
As marketing director, McGrath played a pivotal role in helping the company grow its footprint in the digital payments sector. In her new role as vice president of corporate communications, she will lead the development, deployment and management of all communications initiatives, developing new partnerships and increasing the company’s brand awareness.
McGrath joined Koin in 2023 during the company’s crucial start-up phase, and was instrumental in initial brand development initiatives. As the company’s profile and market presence were on the upswing, she also led a significant product rebranding campaign, helping to elevate Koin’s public presence even further.
