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ECA Says European Casino Revenues Down 50%

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The European Casino Association (ECA) has said that the European land-based casino sector has been hard hit by the pandemic.

ECA this week released statistics that show a devastating year for the bricks-and-mortar gambling industry through a poll of members.

The European casino industry was closed for an average of 136 days in 2020 and most operators have been closed for the first quarter of 2021. Seventy percent of casinos are currently shut down, with some exceptions this year, including Luxembourg, Spain and Monaco, but with restrictions.

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The industry lost an average of over 37% of normal operating days last year and revenues have fallen by over 50%. The majority of ECA members do not have a clear schedule for the official reopening in 2021. Before the pandemic members employed 70,000 staff in their 900 casinos, an employment number that is likely to fall to 50,000 when reopening is allowed.

ECA chairman Per Jaldung said: “This is the deepest trough the European land-based casino industry has ever experienced. The financial impact of the pandemic on the land-based casino sector has been extreme and these numbers show the economic realities of Covid-19 on the European land-based casino sector.

“Some casinos have closed permanently and many casino employees have lost their jobs. We are under no illusion that the industry can return to ‘business as usual’ any time soon. We are, as a matter of fact, very far from business as usual.”

Restricted opening hours, maximum occupancy and amenity limitations, social distancing protocols, restricted gaming offers, protective measures including plexiglass, masks and on-site testing are just some of the hurdles that the land-based casino business is currently facing.

Country to country variations in the restrictions and mandates have also been compounded by regional variations within national borders. These restrictions are the next major challenge for a sector that the pandemic has hit the hardest.

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ECA secretary-general Hermann Pamminger said: “Guests want to visit casinos again. The relaxation and tightening of numerous lockdowns in 2020 demonstrated the ability of the land-based sector to safely and responsibly return to business.

“Guest registration has enabled quick and practical social distancing measures and casinos have implemented comprehensive hygiene initiatives, far exceeding local requirements, ensuring that our guests feel comfortable and safe.

“Our industry is part of the service and tourism sector in which we employ a large number of highly trained and motivated people. The closures affected 130,000 direct and indirect employees, not only across our gambling facilities but also in our restaurant and entertainment areas.

“Our employees cannot wait for the day business is back to normal and they can once again welcome guests to their casino and entertainment venues, but our industry continues to need support to achieve this during an extraordinarily challenging period.”

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Quantum Gaming Announces Phillip Pistauer as its New COO

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Quantum Gaming, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the iGaming industry, has announced the appointment of Phillip Pistauer as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Phillip joins the executive board, which includes CEO Oliver De Bono, and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Soteris Varnava. Together, this dynamic leadership team is poised to drive Quantum Gaming’s vision of redefining the iGaming landscape.

Phillip Pistauer’s journey in the iGaming industry began in 2013, with a trial-by-fire experience launching a brand on the EveryMatrix platform. This early challenge required him to learn the intricacies of the industry quickly and sparked his passion for the field. Recognising the immense opportunities in iGaming, Phillip strategically relocated to Malta where he joined NetEnt during its commercial expansion.

In 2020, Phillip joined Singular, a Georgia-based company renowned for its advanced platform technology. Initially appointed as Head of Account Management, he later transitioned to Head of Platform following Singular’s acquisition by Flutter International.

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As part of Singular’s growth strategy, Phillip assumed the role of Head of Product in March 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in iGaming.

Oliver De Bono, CEO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Phillip has a rare mix of operational expertise and vision for innovation. He’s been through every level of this industry, and it shows in the way he approaches challenges. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we gear up for some big moves this year.”

Among several exciting initiatives within the company, Quantum Gaming is also working on integrating AI-driven solutions to further enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This AI project, along with others, reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

In addition to Phillip’s appointment, Quantum Gaming is expanding its leadership team further with the upcoming addition of a Head of Affiliation, Head of QA, Head of Finance and Head of Sales. These new roles reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its operations and building a robust foundation for future growth.

Soteris Varnava, CRO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Having Phillip on the team gives us an incredible advantage. He brings a fresh perspective and a proven ability to get things done. With the new leadership hires we’re making, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Quantum Gaming.”

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SUZOHAPP Appoints Geoff McDowell as New President

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SUZOHAPP has announced the appointment of Geoff McDowell as its new President, effective October 1, 2024.

McDowell previously worked at SUZOHAPP from 2010 to 2017, successfully leading the gaming business in Australia and Asia. He rejoins the company from Coinflip, a global digital currency platform, where he was SVP/GM of US Kiosks. Prior to that, he held the position of CEO of Atlas Gaming Pty Ltd, an Australian developer of proprietary gaming content and products.

“We are thrilled to welcome Geoff back to our global leadership team to lead one of our core divisions. His proven track record in growth and strategy execution will be invaluable as we continue to serve our customers and achieve strong results. We also extend our gratitude to Sim Bielak for his years of dedicated service and leadership at SUZOHAPP,” said Drew Scielzo, ACON Partner.

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Geoff McDowell is excited about his return and the opportunity to drive SUZOHAPP’s success. “SUZOHAPP is an exciting company with tremendous growth potential and a strong team. I look forward to embracing this new challenge in an industry I am passionate about,” he said.

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Amusnet Releases Showtime Roulette 500x

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Amusnet has released Showtime Roulette 500x, where entertainment meets innovation. This fast-paced European roulette reinvents the classics, featuring a host who presents, entertains and spins the wheel for a seamless, engaging experience. With every spin, a random multiplier can increase the payouts by 50x, 100x, 150x, 200x, 250x and 500x for a thrilling experience. Showtime Roulette 500x offers a fantastic gaming experience that is sure to entertain and captivate players.

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