Category: Gaming

Euro Games Technology (EGT), a leading supplier in the gaming industry, has announced a major leadership change for its Argentina operations. Christian Graffigna, a seasoned professional with decades of experience, has officially taken over as the director of EGT’s Argentina office as of December.

A Leader With a Stellar Resume

Christian Graffigna is no stranger to the world of gaming and entertainment. With a degree from the Argentine University of Enterprise (UADE), he further enhanced his leadership skills through programmes at the University of Piura in Peru and the prestigious IESE Business School.

Graffigna’s career has spanned several prominent roles in the gaming sector. At CIRSA and Luckia, he proved his capabilities, later taking on the role of General Manager at Starbay Casino in Panama, where he led for seven years. His appointment at EGT signals a clear intent to leverage his expertise to strengthen the company’s presence in Argentina.

Strategic Goals for Argentina

In his new role, Graffigna is expected to focus on positioning EGT as a top supplier in the Argentinian gaming market. With fierce competition in the industry, Graffigna’s leadership is seen as critical in driving growth and innovation. He has already expressed his ambitions to elevate EGT’s reputation and impact within the region.

• Market Expansion: Graffigna’s deep understanding of Latin American markets will likely help EGT tap into new opportunities across the country.
• Innovation: Under his leadership, the company is expected to push forward with cutting-edge gaming technology and tailored solutions for Argentinian clients.
• Collaboration: Building stronger partnerships with local operators is expected to be a cornerstone of EGT’s strategy under Graffigna’s guidance.

A Boost for EGT’s Regional Presence

Argentina represents a key market for EGT in Latin America. The country’s gaming industry has been undergoing significant changes in regulation and demand, providing ample opportunities for suppliers to expand their footprint. EGT, known for its innovative gaming equipment, has already established a solid foundation in the region.

Graffigna’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to accelerate EGT’s growth trajectory in Argentina. His knowledge of the local landscape and his proven ability to lead in competitive environments could give the company an edge over its rivals.

Industry Reactions and Next Steps

The news of Graffigna’s appointment has been met with optimism by industry stakeholders. His proven track record in managing complex operations and delivering results is expected to bring renewed energy to EGT’s Argentina operations.

A spokesperson for EGT said, “Christian Graffigna’s leadership is a game-changer for our company in Argentina. His experience and vision align perfectly with our growth ambitions.”

What’s Next for EGT?

With Graffigna at the helm, EGT is expected to:

1. Enhance its product portfolio to better meet the needs of the Argentinian market.
2. Focus on operational excellence to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
3. Explore new partnerships and opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.

Graffigna’s appointment marks a new chapter for EGT in Argentina, one filled with promise and potential.

DraftKings has unveiled its latest offering, Sportsbook+, a subscription service tailored for bettors in New York. Priced at $20 per month, this service promises enhanced odds on parlay bets, aiming to amplify the betting experience for users while boosting profitability for the company.

What Sportsbook+ Brings to the Table

Subscribers to Sportsbook+ receive stepped-up odds boosts for parlays, creating the potential for significantly higher payouts. For parlays with individual legs of -500 odds or narrower, the profit boost starts at 10% for two-leg parlays and scales up to a remarkable 100% for those with 11 or more legs. This effectively doubles the potential payout, which is an enticing prospect for seasoned bettors.

But the real draw? Unlimited boosts. Unlike traditional promotions in the U.S. sports betting market, where limits are often imposed, this service provides bettors with a unique edge—an appealing factor for regular users.

DraftKings explained, “The subscription service was designed to offer our customers an enhanced fan experience, creating more excitement and value to our extensive parlay offering.”

A Strategic Move Towards Parlay Dominance

DraftKings’ focus on parlays is no accident. Parlays, which require all legs to hit for a payout, offer sportsbooks higher profit margins compared to single bets. CEO Jason Robins has repeatedly emphasized this as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy.

During a Q2 earnings call, Robins stated, “Certainly, we feel like there’s a ton of room to increase our parlay mix and increase our average leg count still. The team is very focused on that.”

This focus has already shown results. The company’s December 2023 launch of a progressive parlay product, which offers partial payouts for near-misses, saw notable success. Customers appreciated the balance of risk and reward, driving engagement and boosting structural hold percentages year over year.

CFO Alan Ellingson reinforced this during the Q3 earnings call, noting, “Structural sportsbook hold percentages increased year-over-year as customers continued to enjoy our parlay offerings.”

Odds Boosts: A Key to Retention

Odds boosts are not just about attracting bettors; they play a vital role in retaining them. Offering consistent, enhanced returns keeps users engaged and reduces churn in a market where competitors vie for attention.

Sportsbook+ goes further by eliminating caps on boosts, a move that positions DraftKings to stand out. This approach not only appeals to heavy users but also builds long-term loyalty in an increasingly crowded industry.

A Calculated Bet on High-Margin Customers

The introduction of Sportsbook+ aligns with DraftKings’ broader vision of fostering loyalty while generating higher-margin wagers. By targeting a specific customer base—those who frequently bet on parlays—the service is tailored to drive maximum value for both users and the company.

Key features of Sportsbook+:

• Stepped-Up Odds Boosts: Start at 10% for two-leg parlays, rising to 100% for parlays with 11+ legs.
• Unlimited Usage: No caps on the number of boosts, an uncommon feature in the U.S. market.
• Exclusive Access: Available to select eligible customers in New York for $20 per month.

The Bigger Picture

DraftKings’ move to launch Sportsbook+ demonstrates a keen understanding of market dynamics. As sportsbooks compete to retain and grow their user base, innovative offerings like this one help differentiate brands and provide added value.

The focus on parlay bets highlights an industry-wide shift towards products that enhance engagement while maintaining profitability. With Sportsbook+, DraftKings is banking on the appeal of bigger payouts, unlimited boosts, and exclusive perks to stay ahead in the competitive betting market.

As the company continues to refine its offerings, Sportsbook+ could serve as a blueprint for subscription-based services in other states, marking another step in DraftKings’ expansion strategy.

The Philippine government is ramping up its efforts to deport more than 11,000 foreign nationals tied to the now-banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry. Declared illegal aliens, these individuals are the focus of a nationwide manhunt by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). The crackdown underscores the administration’s firm stance on eradicating illegal activities linked to the controversial gaming sector.

A Nationwide Effort to Enforce Compliance

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado shared striking figures on the matter. Before the ban, 33,863 POGO workers were officially registered under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). While 22,609 of these workers left the country before the December 31 deadline, 11,254 remain in the Philippines, defying the government’s directive.

Viado did not mince words when addressing the situation: “These foreign nationals who continue to disobey this will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted. No exceptions.” He issued a stern warning to companies employing these individuals, urging them to cooperate with authorities. Those found sheltering or concealing illegal workers risk being charged with harboring illegal aliens.

• Registered POGO workers (before ban): 33,863
• Workers who downgraded visas: 24,779
• Workers who left the country: 22,609
• Workers remaining unlawfully: 11,254

Coordinated Action Across Agencies

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has echoed the call for strict enforcement, particularly against property owners enabling illegal POGO operations. Gilbert Cruz, PAOCC’s Executive Director, highlighted a troubling shift in these operations. Operators are downsizing into discreet setups in walled compounds or business districts frequented by foreign nationals, complicating detection efforts.

Cruz also warned property owners that premises used for illegal activities are subject to seizure under criminal forfeiture laws. “Those who knowingly support illegal POGO operations will not be spared,” he stated.

To further tighten the noose, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed local government units (LGUs) to issue “No POGO” certificates by the end of January. This certification process involves stringent inspections of residential and commercial properties, including checks on permits for occupancy, electricity, and fire safety compliance.

Spotlight on Fraudulent Citizenship Documents

Another concerning dimension of the crackdown is the use of fraudulent birth certificates by some foreign nationals to obtain Filipino citizenship. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has emphasized the importance of nullifying these fake documents, calling it a critical step in restoring the integrity of the country’s civil records.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has committed to revoking fraudulent documents and seizing assets acquired illegally by these individuals. “This is a matter of national security and economic fairness,” an OSG representative noted, reinforcing the government’s resolve.

Challenges in Tracking Illegal Workers

The pursuit of illegal POGO workers has not been without obstacles. Authorities report that operators have become increasingly elusive, adopting sophisticated methods to evade detection. This includes the use of high-security compounds and blending into dense urban districts with large expatriate populations.

Despite these challenges, the government’s multi-agency approach appears well-coordinated:

• BI: Spearheading arrests and deportations.
• PAOCC: Cracking down on property owners aiding illegal operators.
• DILG: Enforcing “No POGO” certificates through LGUs.
• OSG: Targeting fraudulent documents and illegal assets.

A Broader Push Against Illegal Gambling

The POGO ban is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to combat illegal gambling and its associated criminal activities. Authorities argue that the industry, while initially promising economic benefits, has been marred by scandals, including money laundering, fraud, and human trafficking.

The crackdown sends a clear message: the Philippines will not tolerate illegal activities that undermine public trust, strain local resources, or jeopardize the nation’s international reputation. As enforcement continues, stakeholders are urged to cooperate or face severe consequences.

A former Pennsylvania State Police officer turned compliance director for a prominent skill games manufacturer is facing serious legal trouble. Rick Goodling, once the head of Pennsylvania’s gambling unit, is accused of exploiting his authority to promote the spread of controversial gambling machines while securing financial benefits for himself.

Allegations of Corruption and Abuse of Power

Pennsylvania prosecutors have charged Goodling, who served as national compliance director for Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic until 2023, with racketeering and related offenses. According to reports, he pocketed over $500,000 in bribes by facilitating illegal gambling operations and suppressing complaints about unlawful slot machines.

Goodling allegedly used his position to help distribute Pace-O-Matic’s skill games to operators who violated company policies, enabling their continued presence in the state despite bans. The allegations extend to aiding Deibler Brothers Novelty Co., a distributor barred by Pace-O-Matic for offering illegal slots alongside the company’s machines. Prosecutors claim Goodling ensured the banned distributor continued accessing Pace-O-Matic’s devices through covert agreements.

The Investigation Unveiled

The charges follow a prolonged undercover investigation led by Pennsylvania State Police. A detective embedded within Pace-O-Matic’s compliance team for several years uncovered what prosecutors describe as an “illegal scam to obtain large sums of money from gambling activities.”

Goodling’s compliance team, ironically designed to uphold regulations, reportedly turned into a network of collusion. Prosecutors claim Goodling manipulated internal complaints systems to bury grievances lodged by other operators. Despite his efforts to maintain secrecy, whistleblowers approached federal and state authorities, sparking the undercover operation that ultimately led to his indictment.

Deibler Brothers Employees Also Charged

Goodling is not alone in facing legal repercussions. Three employees from Deibler Brothers Novelty Co. were also charged for their alleged role in distributing illegal gambling machines across 15 Pennsylvania counties. The complaint outlines how Goodling worked with others to circumvent bans imposed on the distributor, ensuring a steady supply of skill games despite the company’s infractions.

Skill Games and the Legal Grey Area

At the centre of the controversy lies the ongoing debate about skill games themselves. These machines, which manufacturers argue are legal because they involve elements of skill, operate in a grey area of Pennsylvania law. Lawmakers have been divided, with some pushing for regulation and taxation while others seek outright bans. For now, the devices remain legal but contentious.

Pace-O-Matic is Pennsylvania’s largest supplier of skill games, making the charges against its former compliance director a significant blow. The company insists it had no knowledge of or involvement in Goodling’s alleged misconduct.

Pace-O-Matic Responds to the Charges

Pace-O-Matic expressed dismay over the allegations. In a statement to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a spokesperson said the company was “deeply troubled” by Goodling’s actions and confirmed his dismissal following the discovery of the investigation in late 2023.

The company emphasised its cooperation with law enforcement, adding, “While we are monitoring the situation, law enforcement has assured us that Pace-O-Matic is not involved in or connected with any of the alleged actions or charges facing Mr. Goodling.”

Case Summary Table:

The case underscores the challenges of regulating skill games, a divisive topic in Pennsylvania’s gaming landscape. As investigations continue, the legal and ethical scrutiny surrounding skill gaming manufacturers is likely to intensify.