PlayAGS announced that Robert “Rob” Ziems will join the Company as Chief Legal Officer, effective immediately.

Ziems brings over 24 years of gaming and legal experience to AGS and will lead the Company’s legal and compliance affairs and oversee the Latin America and Interactive business strategy.

Ziems joins AGS from Aruze Gaming America, where he served for over 12 years. Most recently he served as President of Aruze, Global Chief Legal Officer of Aruze Gaming Group, and Corporate Secretary. At Aruze, Ziems led global legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and global human resources. In addition, he oversaw operating efficiencies, business development, and procurement in the Americas.

“Rob is a great addition to our leadership team as we diversify AGS’ portfolio and advance our business strategy. He has deep gaming and regulatory experience combined with a forward-thinking and collaborative leadership approach,” David Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGS, said.

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Ziems has served as in-house counsel for gaming corporations for most of his career handling legal and regulatory matters worldwide. Prior to Aruze, he served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Mikohn Gaming, later known as Progressive Gaming International Corporation (PGIC), where he managed the global legal, human resources, compliance, and internal audit departments, in addition to overseeing all corporate activities. He began in the gaming industry as Associate General Counsel at Station Casino and later joined Aristocrat Technologies as Associate General Counsel.

Ziems succeeds Victor Gallo, who has retired as AGS’ General Counsel after serving since 2010. Gallo will remain as Secretary for the Company.

“Looking back, it is difficult to overstate the extraordinary impact Vic has had on AGS over the past 12 years. He was instrumental in the acquisition and integration of Cadillac Jack, as well as the Company’s IPO in 2018, and he has helped shape the strategy, structure, and culture that have made AGS successful as a Company today. On behalf of the entire leadership team, we wish him a well-deserved retirement,” David Lopez said.

Aruze Gaming, a leading developer of gambling entertainment solutions for the global casino market, announced the launch of four Aruze slot titles on BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator. By making its titles available at BetMGM online casino in New Jersey, Aruze is bringing casino fun to players’ fingertips.

To kick off the new relationship, four of Aruze’s classic video slot titles are now live to play in New Jersey on BetMGM: Ultra Stack Showgirls, Ultra Stack Lion, 8 Wealthy Lions, and Wolf 500g.

“Going into 2023, expanding our iGaming presence is a priority for Aruze. Transporting the fun of our award-winning games from the casino floor to the virtual world is an important development allowing players to play anytime, any place. By expanding our suite of products beyond the casino floor, we can cultivate an entire new audience of Aruze fans who may not have a casino immediately accessible. BetMGM is a trusted and beloved operator, and we’re thrilled to be working with them to bring our titles to their players,” Kurt Hansen, vice president of iGaming at Aruze, said.

As the iGaming market continues to expand, so too will Aruze’s catalog of available titles for players to enjoy which feature instant winnings at home, or on the go, pending jurisdictions. As a part of its iGaming go-to-market strategy, Aruze will also be releasing its remaining titles on BetMGM throughout 2023. With fan-favorite Activ-Play titles such as Rock Paper Scissors Instant Win providing a hands-on slot gaming experience, Aruze’s iGaming titles will focus on delivering on Aruze’s promises of fun, innovation, and quality.

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Aruze Gaming America (AGA) has appointed Kurt Hansen as its new Vice President of iGaming. His responsibilities will include building and strengthening the company’s iGaming products. He will oversee all the company’s iGaming operations as its new VP.

Prior to his role with AGA, Hansen served as the Head of Digital at GameCo. He also worked in online gaming platform management at Aristocrat and GAN.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Aruze team, there is so much room for innovation in gaming, specifically online gaming, and I’m excited to build off of Aruze’s current momentum and bring their innovative products to the iGaming space,” Kurt Hansen said.

“iGaming is an important market opportunity for Aruze. Kurt’s experience throughout the gaming industry will be instrumental in building our iGaming department. Kurt will be a major asset as we explore and advance our online gaming presence,” Rob Ziems, president at Aruze Gaming, said.

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