Industry News
Facial recognition in currency exchange machines to prevent AML
Currency exchange machines featuring facial recognition technology have been installed in a variety of airports and travel hubs across Europe, in a bid to streamline the user experience and safeguard against fraudulent behaviour.
Currency exchange kiosks may provide the opportunity for criminals to convert illegally obtained cash, making it harder to trace the criminal activity in line with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Many countries have implemented transaction limits per day for all users of currency exchange machines as one way to combat this, but this may require customers to show ID and retain detailed records.
However, Swiss manufacturer ECEX Group uses facial recognition software developed by British company Innovative Technology to implement the AI-powered biometric solution into the Automatic Currency Exchange (ACE) machines as a way to automate these transaction limits. The software is within a compact device, ICU Pro, which provides secure, immediate facial recognition that allows users to quickly and efficiently use the currency exchange services.
The use of ICU Pro as a biometric sensor for facial recognition acts as assurance for ECEX and customers alike, helping to adhere to AML requirements by implementing intelligent customer tracking that shows a customer’s previous exchanges and ensuring they stay within their transactional limits.
Similar to how a cashier can visually regulate the amount of times a customer uses a service, the technology enables the kiosks to recognise whether a person has met the standard limits for domestic transactions before they need a passport. This limit can be set in accordance with the AML regulatory requirements of the country, providing a more secure service without intruding on customer privacy.
If the exchange limit is below the threshold, the customer’s facial information is saved locally for one day so the technology can detect whether they make further exchanges during the time period and ensure the threshold isn’t exceeded.
Hizii Denys, Technology & Administrative Officer at ECEX Group AG, said: “We chose ICU Pro for our facial recognition needs because we needed a solution that offered a quick, seamless, secure and – most importantly – compliant service for our customers. The ACE machines are intended to streamline the currency exchange process, and ICU Pro helped us to achieve that.
“The big advantage is that any biometric data cannot be accessed because of the encryption inside the device, so there is no need for GDPR concerns. Our technology is unique and we haven’t found a similar analogous solution around the world, so we’re happy to be able to implement this feature with ICU Pro.”
The implementation of the technology comes during a period of significant public outcry at recent failures to comply with AML protocols by large organisations, and intends to make AML procedures standard within the currency exchange market. The new technology hopes to make it easier for tourists to travel with ease, knowing their money is safe and handled responsibly.
Dr. Andrew O’Brien, Biometrics Product Manager at Innovative Technology, said: “Currency exchange is a complicated process that requires responsibility and regulatory compliance from any services involved. We’re excited to partner with ECEX to enable a further level of compliance and customer security through ICU Pro. Our biometric technology has the ability to link customers’ transactions, and this approach also has exciting opportunities in Gaming, where we can help limit and protect customers from excessive gambling.”
The machines are designed to offer quick and easy access to AI-powered, secure currency exchange, in a range of handy locations including airports, hotels, train stations, banks and more. The ACE machines are already operating in Geneva Airport (Switzerland), Billund Airport (Denmark) and Boryspil International Airport (Ukraine), as well as the Hilton and Opera Hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine.
International Game Technology has won seven awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show. The EKG Slot Awards Show is a performance-based, annual programme produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) that recognizes excellence in slot game development in the casino gaming industry. IGT won the most awards of any gaming industry supplier, taking home trophies for seven of the program’s 25 categories.
IGT won the following categories at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show:
• Top Performing NEW Premium Game: Tiger and Dragon Cash on Reels
• Most Innovative Land-Based Game: Tiger and Dragon Cash on Reels
• Top Performing 3rd Party IP Branded Game: Whitney Houston Slots
• Top Performing Game – EMEA: Magic Treasures Dragon
• Top Performing NEW Video Poker/Keno Game: Mega Hot Poker
• Top Performing NEW Online Table Game: Blackjack Poker & Pairs Surrender
• Best Overall Supplier of Online Content: IGT PlayDigital
“IGT winning seven awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show is a significant achievement that speaks to our performance momentum across multiple product categories and the immense talent and dedication of IGT employees worldwide. We look forward to continuing to help our customers benefit from these strong IGT themes in 2025 and beyond via follow-up games for Tiger and Dragon, Whitney Houston Slots, Magic Treasures and Mega Hot Poker,” said Nick Khin, IGT President, Global Gaming.
“It was exciting to see IGT PlayDigital honored at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show in the most esteemed iGaming category, ‘Best Overall Supplier of Online Content,’ and recognized with the ‘Top Performing NEW Online Table Game’ award for Blackjack Poker & Pairs Surrender. Developing and delivering market-leading content and performance tools is a cornerstone of IGT PlayDigital’s strategy and I wish to congratulate the entire team on these remarkable accomplishments,” said Gil Rotem, IGT PlayDigital President.
The post IGT Wins Seven Awards at the 2025 EKG Slot Awards Show appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
AskGamblers hits a new milestone by surpassing 700,000 registered members on the website. Since 2006, AskGamblers provides accurate and reliable information on online casinos, sportsbooks, bonuses and more, with the motto Get the Truth. Then Play.
The website has grown, but not only in numbers. In 2024, AskGamblers introduced a comprehensive sports betting section where users can access sportsbook reviews, live scores, odds calculators and find exclusive deals.
Additionally, AskGamblers hosts the annual AskGamblers Awards, a prestigious event where players can nominate and vote for their favourites in four categories: Best Casino, Best New Casino, Best New Slot and Best Sportsbook, but six additional industry awards are handed out during the gala ceremony.
Dijana Radunović, General Manager at AskGamblers, said: “Reaching the milestone of 700,000 registered players is remarkable. It’s great to see new players coming in daily, but the fact that they remain active is what’s truly special!”
The post AskGamblers Surpasses 700,000 Registered Members appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Irina Rusimova, Amusnet’s Chief Commercial Officer, gave a video interview at ICE Barcelona 2025, the premier iGaming event, sharing insights on the company’s business priorities and future strategic vision. The event provided an ideal platform for Amusnet to showcase its latest innovations and set the tone for the year ahead. With a strong presence across the Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-Based verticals, the company reaffirmed its position as a leading all-casino solutions provider.
“In 2025, our strategic focus remains on expanding in key markets across Europe and Latin America. Our teams in Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Croatia, Malta, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Georgia, Serbia, and LATAM will continue working closely with partners to deliver tailored content that meets regional player preferences,” said Irina Rusimova.
“We started the year strong with our successful launch in Brazil, certifying over 160 games and becoming one of the first providers in the newly regulated market. We aim to deepen our market position by offering localized content and collaborating with local operators.
“We will continue reinforcing our relationships with international partners to ensure Amusnet’s games reach diverse audiences worldwide.”
As part of its strategic expansion into LATAM, Amusnet participates as a Headline Platinum Sponsor at SBC Rio from February 25 to 27 at stand B680. The company will showcase popular slots such as 20 Golden Coins, Candy Palace, Cocktail Rush, and Hot Deco, along with new titles like Stoichkov #8, Cavemen & Dinosaurs, and Dancing Dead. It will also unveil new jackpot systems and promotional tools designed to boost player engagement. Attendees can explore Type S, Amusnet’s first-ever slot cabinet series, crafted to meet the highest standards of the global land-based casino industry, and discover Crazy Red, a highly anticipated cascade slot featuring the “tumbling reels” mechanic, vibrant characters and exciting features.
The post Amusnet CCO Irina Rusimova Unveils 2025 Business Strategy and Vision appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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