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Veteran Gaming Executives Aim to “Defy the Odds” with Startup Launchpad to Fuel Innovation Across the Gaming Industry
Kelly Kehn, Sue Schneider, and Paris Smith, three gaming industry veterans, are proud to announce the launch of Defy the Odds, a startup launchpad designed to propel a new wave of innovation in gaming. With decades of combined experience, the trio is committed to fostering the next generation of gaming entrepreneurs, empowering them with the resources, connections, and skills they need to transform the industry.
Defy the Odds is centered on the belief that fresh perspectives and bold ideas will define the future of gaming. The launchpad seeks to identify and support emerging talent, with a focus on underrepresented founding teams, who can bring unique perspectives and creativity to the table. By connecting these innovators with industry-leading mentors, investors, and partners, Defy the Odds aims to help them turn their groundbreaking concepts into market-leading products.
With their deep industry knowledge and extensive networks, Kehn, Schneider, and Smith are uniquely positioned to guide startups through the complexities of the gaming market. Their approach is rooted in building a strong, collaborative community where founders can access the best resources available, from seed funding to strategic partnerships.
“The gaming industry is at a pivotal moment, where innovation is more critical than ever,” said Kelly Kehn. “We see incredible potential in founders who bring new energy and ideas to the space, but need the social capital and support on navigating the nuances of the sector. ”
“Our goal with Defy the Odds is to uncover the next big ideas in gaming and help them thrive,” said Sue Schneider. “We believe that by supporting a diverse range of founders through our network, we will bridge innovation with opportunity and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this industry.”
“In an industry that’s constantly evolving, understanding the trajectory of where gaming is headed is crucial,” added Paris Smith. “ Defy the Odds is focused on identifying founders who not only have innovative ideas but also a deep understanding of how to create products that resonate with the market’s future needs. We’re committed to helping these entrepreneurs shape the next generation of gaming experiences.”
Defy the Odds is about creating a platform where founders can connect with industry experts and peers, sharing knowledge and experiences that will drive their ventures forward all while building their social capital. The launchpad is open to startups at any stage, offering tailored support that meets the specific needs of each founder. The company is now actively seeking to connect with founders ready to take their ideas to the next level. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to scale, Defy the Odds offers a pathway to success in the dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming industry.
The post Veteran Gaming Executives Aim to “Defy the Odds” with Startup Launchpad to Fuel Innovation Across the Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
International Game Technology PLC
IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker Makes Global Debut at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

International Game Technology PLC announced that it recently introduced its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game in the world’s most prolific video poker market: Las Vegas, Nev. Guests of Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino (Downtown Grand) in Downtown Las Vegas became the first players in the world to enjoy legendary IGT multi-hand video poker paired with the puzzle-solving, wheel-spinning fun of Wheel of Fortune via IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game.
“Becoming the first casino in the world to offer IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker was an exciting moment for Downtown Grand and one that generated palpable buzz and significant play on our gaming floor. For decades, our players have enjoyed IGT video poker and Wheel of Fortune slots, so combining the DNA of those two products to create something new is an exciting proposition for our players,” said Rick Coltor, Slots Manager at the Downtown Grand Las Vegas.
“Launching IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker in Las Vegas, the world’s largest video poker market, marked another important milestone in the rollout of our expanded Wheel of Fortune games portfolio. Our Wheel of Fortune Video Poker game delivers an ideal blend of proven multi-hand poker, jackpot excitement and the signature elements of Wheel of Fortune games that have propelled the theme’s success for more than 25 years,” said Nick Khin, IGT President, Global Gaming.
IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Video Poker is currently available on the CrystalCurve cabinet. Wheel of Fortune Video Poker incorporates the franchise’s famous puzzle-solving features and the iconic “Wheel Bonus” that has had players chanting “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” for decades. The multi-hand poker game is available in triple-play, five-play and ten-play configurations and can award players 30,000, 50,000 or 100,000 credits, respectively, for a dealt royal flush.
The post IGT Wheel of Fortune Video Poker Makes Global Debut at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Frank Arthofer
MLB Players Sign Licensing Agreement with PENN Entertainment

MLB Players Inc., a commercial affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association, and OneTeam Partners announced they’ve reached a licensing agreement with PENN Entertainment.
The agreement designates PENN’s sports betting platforms – ESPN BET in the U.S. and theScore BET in Canada – as Officially Licensed Sportsbooks of MLBPI.
PENN now has the rights to use MLB player names, images and likenesses on its sports betting platforms, marketing assets and promotional campaigns.
The deal also includes PENN’s retail sportsbook operations (32 retail sportsbooks at its casino properties, including 19 under the ESPN BET brand).
Last fall, FanDuel and MLBPI reached a similar licensing agreement after the MLB players’ union sued FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy in New York Supreme Court, accusing them of using the names and likeness of ballplayers on their players without permission.
”As baseball season gets underway, we’re excited to offer fans an enhanced betting experience that includes player likenesses, expanded wagering options and a more dynamic product. Partnering with MLB Players Inc. strengthens our connection to the league and its star players and creates additional opportunities to engage fans throughout the season,” said Jason Birney, Vice President of Operations at PENN Interactive.
OneTeam Partners specializes in commercializing group licensing rights for professional athlates, and is a joint venture between the NFL Players Association, MLB Players Association, Women’s National Basketball Players Association, MLS Players Association, and U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association.
“By integrating MLB player rights into PENN Entertainment’s platforms, this partnership brings fans closer to the game while unlocking new business opportunities in sports betting. It highlights the growing influence of players in shaping premium, fan-focused betting experiences while enhancing player NIL rights and widening distribution,” said Frank Arthofer, President of OneTeam Partners.
The post MLB Players Sign Licensing Agreement with PENN Entertainment appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment Debuts its First Live Dealer Studio Inside One of its Caesars Rewards Destinations
Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced the launch of its first branded, live dealer studio inside one of its world-class destinations made possible through its partnership with Evolution. The debut of the space inside Tropicana Atlantic City in New Jersey marks the second custom studio made for Caesars live dealer offerings on its online casino platforms following the launch of its first such studio in Pennsylvania earlier this year.
Players 21 and older on Caesars’ online gaming platforms Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino can now enjoy a live dealer experience on mobile that draws inspiration from table game play at the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic casino, Caesars Palace.
“The opening of this branded studio at one of our Caesars Rewards destinations introduces the newest addition to our ever-expanding online gaming platforms. We’re always striving to marry the world-class experiences our players enjoy at our destinations with the online casino play they love,” said Matt Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital.
The New Jersey studio features five blackjack tables, which includes a VIP-exclusive blackjack table, one baccarat table and one roulette table. The tables feature custom felts with imagery and branding from iconic Caesars destinations on the Las Vegas Strip including Caesars Palace & Horseshoe. The studio also caters to VIP players, much like Caesars Rewards destinations, with a VIP-exclusive blackjack table offering an authentic 1-to-1 live high-limit blackjack experience, that could previously only be found in a physical casino.
“Evolution is thrilled to open a second dedicated Caesars live dealer studio inside Tropicana Atlantic City. This studio was made possible through our close partnership with Caesars. Once fully operational, it will generate approximately two hundred job opportunities in Atlantic City. We’re very proud to see a concrete example of how iGaming helps to create jobs and develop the workforce in our local communities,” said Jacob Claesson, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution North America.
Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino are available on iOS, Android, and desktop for those 21 and older in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario, and West Virginia. Each platform offers a dynamic online casino experience with a range of unique Caesarsbranded games alongside hundreds of classic land-based casino favorites and core casino game mechanics, including high limit slots, private live dealer tables, linked progressive jackpots, variations of poker and roulette, and more.
The post Caesars Entertainment Debuts its First Live Dealer Studio Inside One of its Caesars Rewards Destinations appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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