Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

News

Canadian Gaming Summit Recognizes 2019 Award Winners in Edmonton

Published

on

Canadian Gaming Summit Recognizes 2019 Award Winners in EdmontonReading Time: 4 minutes

 

Annual awards recognize the achievements of the Canadian gaming industry

 

Every year, The Canadian gaming industry honours the achievements of members within its community. The 2019 Canadian Gaming Summit in Edmonton will recognize one outstanding member in its community for their exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.

In addition, four members of the First Nation’s gaming community will be honoured for their positive impacts on the gaming industry as well as recognize the remarkable leaders and role models within the First Nations community.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Industry Leadership and Outstanding Contribution

The Canadian Gaming Industry Awards were first introduced 20 years ago to recognize the excellence in achievements, contributions and leadership within the gaming industry.

Congratulations to John Dominelli, the recipient of this year’s Industry Leadership and Outstanding Contribution Award.

John Dominelli

As founder and CEO of NRT Technology, John Dominelli has been an instrumental player in developing innovative technologies which have transformed the gaming industry. Since founding NRT Technology in 1993, John has developed leading technologies such as the first ticket redemption kiosks and jackpot attendant kiosks, as well as numerous other innovations utilized by casinos and millions of people daily. NRT Technologies has grown drastically over the years, acquiring multiple technology companies and has developed to become the number one gaming kiosk provider in the world.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

John’s love for solving problems faced by the gaming industry and his revolutionary solutions drove him to develop one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” for the past 11 years and John has duly been recognized as E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.

Today, John has grown NRT Technologies into an international corporation with hundreds of employees, five global locations, and over 100 million transactions annually serving more than 750 customers, including the World’s Top 25 Largest Casinos. John continues to be an exemplary leader in the industry, revolutionizing the technology landscape and building a multi-national leading corporation.

The Canadian Gaming Industry Awards are sponsored by the Canadian Gaming Association.

First Nation Canadian Gaming Award Winners

The 10th Annual First Nation Gaming Awards honour the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of First Nations people employed by a First Nations casino within Canada and the continued development and improvements within their operations.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Congratulations to the following First Nation Canadian Gaming Award recipients:

First Nation Canadian Gaming Community Service Award

Tracey Aginas

Since 2014, Tracey Aginas has dedicated herself to bettering her community in any way possible. Between her position as a childcare worker and her battle with a rare illness, Tracey has never deviated from her devotion to the Alexis community. As a member of the Nothern Isga Foundation’s board, Tracey has shown an unparalleled dedication to serving her community by consistently volunteering her time to attend special meetings with regulators and planning sessions, in addition to attending all monthly meetings. Despite extenuating circumstances, Tracey never missed a meeting in order to ensure the NIF had a quorum of directors, enabling constant benefits for the Nations members.

Speaking to Tracey’s dedication, Kathleen Alexis, CEO of Northern Isga Foundation Charity, says “Tracey rose above her illness because she is a very caring and appreciative young lady, that wants to make a difference for the betterment in our community.”

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

First Nation Canadian Gaming Leadership Award

Lise Kwekkeboom

Since joining the team at Casino Rama in 2004, Lise Kwekkeboom has been an instrumental part of the marketing operations. Lise’s exceptional collaboration skills and her dedication to the success of the organization are clearly exemplified in her daily role as well as the numerous initiatives she has taken on and lead to success. Glenn Trickey, VP of Gaming Operations at casino Rama, describes Lise’s leadership style as enthusiastic, customer oriented, open minded, and effective. Lise constantly goes above and beyond her role as Director of Marketing Services by taking on numerous additional initiatives and never misses the opportunities to engage with customers and staff on the floor. As a result of Lise’s exceptional leadership and dedication, Casino Rama has seen revenue enhancements and significant cost savings in many of the initiatives Lise takes on.

First Nation Canadian Gaming Lifetime Achievement Award

John Blair Morin

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Blair Morin has been an integral part of the gaming industry since 1991 where he started his career as a Blackjack dealer at The Palace Casino in Edmonton. Today, Blair sits on the Board of Directors of the River Cree Resort & Casino. Blair’s dedication to the gaming industry and the Enoch Cree Nation spans throughout his entire career, supporting and leading initiatives to grow and improve the industry and his community. During his tenure, Blair worked to open the first First Nation’s Casino in Alberta and opened a Casino Dealer School, among many other successful initiatives. Blair’s outstanding work has been repeatedly recognized by his community and he has been awarded three Aboriginal Role Model awards: The Leadership award in 2005, the Economic Development Award in 2009 and the Community Involvement Award in 2016.

Over the last 39 years Blair has dedicated himself to the gaming industry and his home community, playing an instrumental part in the success of all initiatives he takes on.

First Nation Canadian Gaming Employee of the Year Award

Robert Commanda

Bob Commanda has been part of the Casino Rama team since 2001 as a leading technician. Since day one Bob has been an efficient and hardworking technician, who not only leads with proficiency but also with patience, care and understanding. Bob is known for his hands-on approach to leading the technicians, often working side by side with them on the floor and always taking the time to ensure all of his workers not only know how to operate the machines, but also understand how they work. Throughout all of his work, Bob retains his strong belief of “when you know how and understand why, you can repair anything.” With this mindset, Bob has ensured the success of all his technicians and has contributed to improving Casino Rama’s operations. In addition to his hard work training technicians and improving the quality of machines, Bob also developed a tracking program for Casino Rama to ensure continued regulatory compliance. Bob’s expertise and commitment to the success of both the casino and all its technicians has made him an invaluable member Casino Rama’s team.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The First Nation Canadian Gaming Awards are sponsored by Casino Rama and Miller Thompson LLP.

 

About the Canadian Gaming Association:
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) is a national trade association that works to advance the evolution of Canada’s gaming industry. The association’s mandate is to promote the economic value of gaming in Canada; use research, innovation, and best practices to help the industry advance; and create productive dialogue among stakeholders.

The CGA is co-owner of both the Canadian Gaming Summit, Canada’s premier annual conference and exhibition for gaming professionals, as well as Canadian Gaming Business magazine. Visit www.canadiangaming.ca to learn more about the CGA and gaming in Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Gaming Association

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)


Source: European Gaming Media
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Canadian Gaming Summit Recognizes 2019 Award Winners in Edmonton

Latest News

The Untapped Potential of Localised Support January 2024

Published

on

the-untapped-potential-of-localised-support-january-2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Objective: Examine how customer experience shapes player retention and brand loyalty in iGaming, placing emphasis on the role of localised, high-quality support.

Outline:

  • Introduction: The growing focus on customer experience as a differentiator in iGaming.
  • The Value of Localised Support: Exploring how cultural nuances and language fluency enhance player satisfaction.
  • Flexibility in Resource Allocation: Meeting fluctuating demand without compromising quality.
  • Future Trends: How advancements in technology and localization will shape the next era of player engagement.

Questions for Exploration:

  1. How does high-quality, localised support impact player satisfaction and retention?
  2. What role does cultural understanding play in shaping effective customer interactions?
  3. How can operators balance flexibility with consistency in customer support?
  4. What emerging trends in customer experience should iGaming businesses prepare for?

Answer:

In the rapidly evolving iGaming industry, players have more choice than ever before—whether it’s brands, slots, game types, payment options, the list goes on. With so much competition, customer experience is quickly becoming a significant differentiator for operators. The ability to deliver a seamless, player-centric experience across multiple jurisdictions is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity in retaining players in this growingly saturated market.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Customer experience today goes far beyond just problem-solving for players. It encompasses proactive, personalised engagement, meaningful recommendations, and a culturally resonant approach. The operators that succeed in this space are those who maintain high standards across these elements, delivering them in a timely and localised manner. Localisation, in particular, is a key factor in turning good customer service into exceptional customer experiences.

So, why is localisation so important? At its core, successful customer support is built on trust. But building trust across diverse jurisdictions is not something that can be achieved through a single, uniform strategy. Methods of communication are a prime example. In Brazil, where the newly regulated market is flourishing, players may expect warm and conversational interactions. In contrast, many European players often favour more concise and formal communication. Recognising and adapting to these cultural nuances allows operators to foster a stronger connection with their entire player base.

Beyond communication style, localisation also plays a critical role in regulatory compliance. The iGaming industry is highly fragmented in terms of regulations, and players are increasingly aware of their rights. A customer service team that understands local legislation implicitly adds immense value, ensuring compliance while delivering tailored support. This not only reinforces trust but also strengthens the player’s respect for the brand.

At the same time, operators face the challenge of balancing high-quality customer support with the flexibility needed to respond to fluctuating demand. This is where RokkerX delivers measurable value. By offering scalable resource allocation and rigorous cross-functional training, we ensure our teams can adapt to surges in demand; whether it’s a major sporting event in a specific jurisdiction or global-scale activity, without compromising on quality. Our teams remain aligned with the core values of our clients’ brands, ensuring a customer-centric approach at all times.

Looking ahead, the iGaming industry is poised for further transformation, driven by advancements in technology and localisation. At RokkerX, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes to help our clients deliver exceptional experiences. Trends like the growing prominence of omnichannel communication, including social media and in-app messaging, and advancements in natural language processing (NLP) will enable operators to communicate with even greater precision and cultural nuance. Yet, the future will demand more than just technology. The ability to strike the right balance between tech-driven solutions and the human touch will be essential in creating meaningful connections with players.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

As the industry evolves, the blend of cutting-edge technology, cultural understanding, and human expertise will define the next era of player engagement. By staying ahead of these trends, RokkerX ensures our clients are not only prepared for the future but thrive in it.

The post The Untapped Potential of Localised Support January 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know

Published

on

innovations-redefining-igaming:-what-operators-need-to-know
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.

A Closer Look at Emerging Trends

  • Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.

  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration

Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.

  • Richer Personalization and Engagement

Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.

  • Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion

The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.

  • Enhanced Payment Solutions

With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.

Future Implications

The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain

AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.

Shifting Player Preferences

Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Regulatory Developments

The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.

Integrating Emerging Technologies

Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.

Final Thoughts

The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.

At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.

The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Latest News

What makes Turbo Games’ provably fair games so special?

Published

on

what-makes-turbo-games’-provably-fair-games-so-special?
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.

Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”

Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.

There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.

Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”

Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”

What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.

 

 ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

More information: https://slotegrator.pro/

 

ABOUT TURBO GAMES

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.

Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.

The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.

More information: https://turbogames.io/

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Trending