Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s flagship Mohegan Sun property, located in Uncasville, Connecticut, has appointed Kim Noto to vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer.

In the new role she will take the lead on all marketing efforts, including overseeing Mohegan Sun’s player’s club, VIP services, hotel sales and marketing, hotel yielding, database marketing, sponsorship, bus marketing and special events.

“Kim is a great example of how hard work, dedication and a personal commitment to development can lead to success at our company,” noted Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager at Mohegan Sun.

“As our business strategy adjusts for a post-COVID world, we are looking forward to her perspective and strategic decisions.”

Paysafe

Paysafe has appointed Ismail Dawood as its new group chief financial officer. Based in the US, Dawood will report into Paysafe CEO, Philip McHugh, when he joins the company on September 28.

Dawood is lauded as bringing a track record of over 25 years in financial leadership and has previously held CFO positions in both public and private organisations. His experience includes corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, tax, financial planning and analysis, operational performance management, controllership, M&A and strategy.

McHugh said: “Izzy is a talented finance executive with a proven track record in strategic thinking and driving impressive results. I know he will be a real asset to our team as we continue our path to become the world’s leading specialised payments platform.”

Sportnco

France-based sports betting solutions supplier Sportnco has confirmed the appointment of Benjamin Böhle-Roitelet as its new chief information officer.

Sportnco praised Böhle-Roitelet’s technical expertise, highlighting that the new appointment will strengthen the company’s technical arsenal as well as ‘increasing innovation and managing acquisitions of tech companies’.

Hervé Schlosser, CEO and founder of Sportnco, stated: “The arrival of Benjamin Böhle-Roitelet as CIO is extremely positive and we are delighted about it.

“Benjamin is an additional asset for our company and will enable us to provide an even stronger level of service to our current and future B2B customers. This will take the company to a new level in what is already a highly technological sector.”

United Remote

Jessica Walker has been appointed as sales and business development manager at aggregator and platform provider United Remote, gaining responsibility for commercial development in present key markets as well as nurturing new territories.

Bringing a wealth of experience across igaming and media, the hire is praised as “the latest significant addition to the United Remote management group.”

Based in Malta, Walker is to gain responsibility for all global business development activities which includes delivery of United Remote’s sales, commercial and B2B customer strategy.

United Remote Group CEO Jeremy Fall commented: “Jessica Walker is an outstanding appointment for United Remote as we extend the influence of our advanced technologies to operators and partners around the world.

I am thrilled to welcome Jessica to United Remote’s senior management team, a highly skilled and experienced woman who will be a key team player in helping us to drive our future development and to achieve our ambitions. Her commitment to United Remote is another mark of confidence in our technology platform and our growth potential.”

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Publishing its first quarter fiscal 2023 operating results, the Authority stated that its net revenues experienced a small growth of 1.2 per cent, $406.6m, when compared to the same period the year prior (2021: $402m). 

Mohegan noted that the growth in net revenues compared with the prior-year period was primarily driven by a full period of operations and a return to relatively normal operating conditions at the Niagara Resorts, combined with the continued growth in its online

casino gaming and sports wagering operations in Connecticut.

Overall income from operations at its properties spiked by 99.5 per cent in Q1, ended December 31, 2022, totalling $70.2m (2021: $35.2m), an increase of $35.03m. The firm’s adjusted EBITDA also grew by 3.8 per cent to $101.05m (2021: $97.4m). 

On the latter, Raymond Pineault, Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan, stated: “Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $101.1m continues our trend of strong performance,” 

“Our diversification strategy and continued focus on profitability have enabled Mohegan to offset some of the inflationary and labour pressures and achieve these strong results.”

Echoing the thoughts of Pineault, Carol Anderson, Chief Financial Officer of Mohegan, also noted: “Our adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.9 per cent was 605 basis points favourable compared with our pre-COVID-19 first quarter of fiscal 2020 and 62 basis points favourable compared with the prior-year period.”

Starting with the aforementioned Niagara Resorts, net revenues at the venue increased by $11.2m to $74m, a 17.8 per cent rise. These, according to Mohegan, reflected the increased volumes related to the opening of its OLG Stage venue, as well as the property operating without any COVID-19 related restrictions. 

Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA increased by 8.7 per cent, ($1m) with a margin of 16.1 per cent. 

However, its other two properties – Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Pennsylvania – witnessed drops across the board, with net revenue declining by $12.2m and $4.4m, respectively.

Income from operations at both properties also dropped with Mohegan Sun reporting a 16.8 per cent drop, $10.4m, to $59.8m (2021: $64.2m) and Mohegan Pennsylvania declining by 19.9 per cent, $2.3m, to $9.2m (2021: $11.5m).

Following a similar vein, adjusted EBITDA also experienced double digit percentage drops, with Mohegan Sun reporting a 13.3 per cent loss, $10.4m, to $67.8m (2021: $78.2) and its Pennsylvania property totalling a 16.7 per cent decline, $2.4m, to $12.1m (2021: $14.6m) 

The Authority noted that the decline in Mohegan Sun’s figures was a reflection of lower volumes against the year-prior due to its 25th anniversary celebrations. It also pinpointed “unfavourable” slot and table hold and weather as a key contributor.

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The Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, located in the old race book, will be home to a 140-foot video wall, over 30 additional hi-res flat screens, six cashier windows, 39 betting kiosks, a mezzanine level, and a full bar. 

The grand opening, scheduled to occur on tomorrow (Saturday 5 March), will come five days before the always anticipated NCAA March Madness basketball tournament gets underway.

The property says that a special parade is set to kick the festivities off, with guests including world-renowned ring announcer Michael Buffer, former Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, and ex-New England Patriot linemen Max “Big Country” Lane and Dan Koppen, as well as former NFL wide receiver Chris Hogan.

“We’re beyond excited about this new venue which completely transforms Mohegan Sun’s old Race Book space into one of the largest and most dynamic FanDuel Sportsbook’s in the United States,” Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, has previously said of the sportsbook offering.

“The all-new Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, led by sportsbook general manager, Brad Bryant, becomes the premier venue to wager on and catch a game while enjoying top-notch service inside an incredibly immersive atmosphere. 

“We’re really thrilled to welcome sports fans out to this new venue, and we plan to have special appearances throughout the year, beginning with our grand opening on March 5.”

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In a continued effort to meet public health needs relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, the Mohegan Tribe, and Yale New Haven Health System opened the clinic late last week.

“The Mohegan Tribe has a long-held philosophy of cooperation and working together with our neighbours, and throughout this pandemic we have practiced those values each and every day,” explained James Gessner, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe.

“Whether it meant temporarily shutting down operations entirely, installing new state-of-the-art safety technology, distributing PPE to healthcare partners, or helping provide community COVID testing, Mohegan is working hard to help Connecticut manage this crisis. 

“Now, the next step in that work will be serving as a hub in southeastern Connecticut for the state’s vaccination efforts. We are proud to continue to help serve our community, and eager to help Connecticut get as many state residents vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Located at Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo and Convention Center, the site, which debuted on Friday 19 February, will operate on an appointment-only basis, weather permitting.

Under the current phase of Connecticut’s vaccination program, individuals aged 65 and over are eligible to be vaccinated, and will soon expand to include more eligible groups

“This latest mass vaccination site shows the coordinated effort our state is making with our tribal partners, and our partners in healthcare,” Lamont said. 

“The Mohegan Tribe has taken incredible steps throughout the pandemic to keep its members and residents safe through standing up testing sites, the distribution of PPE, and coordination with the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

“We will get through this pandemic by working together, especially in vaccine distribution, and that’s exactly what this site represents.”

On the first day of operations, the clinic is said to have served up to 300 Connecticut residents, with it possible to increase vaccine distribution based on availability.

“We are excited to provide more COVID-19 vaccinations to the residents in southeastern Connecticut,” Patrick Green, president and CEO of L+M Healthcare, added. 

“The Mohegan Sun community vaccine site is yet another extension of the remarkable partnership between our organisations to prioritise the health and wellness of the communities we serve. 

“Our teams have been working around the clock to streamline the vaccination process to accommodate as many people as we can. It is a privilege to be in a position where we can open another community vaccination site along with our Mohegan colleagues.”

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The comprehensive facility verification helps ensure that guests and travel planners can visit properties with confidence that they have the appropriate health and safety procedures in place.

“We are thrilled to be one of the first resorts to receive this important verification from Sharecare and Forbes Travel Guide,” said Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun. 

“This is another testament to our team’s hard work and ability to quickly adapt in the unpredictable environment we live in. We will continue to be an innovative force in the hospitality industry by remaining dedicated to providing a safe atmosphere for guests while delivering exceptional guest service.”

The verification comes with an easily identifiable ‘seal of approval’ – the Sharecare verified with Forbes Travel Guide badge – based on the property’s compliance with expert-validated best practices that minimise the risk and impact of COVID-19 and potential future public health events.

“We have worked tirelessly to develop rigorous health and safety practices to ensure that our guests feel safe when visiting,” stated Marilyn Spiegel, president of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore. 

“This verification is a testament to our efforts as we continue to offer our guests the latest health safety advancements and the very best five-star resort experience.”

Developed by Forbes Travel Guide and digital health industry leader Sharecare, the verification covers more than 360 standards across health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, ventilation, physical distancing, the guest experience, and health safety communication with guests and employees. 

Properties are required to verify their health protocols on an ongoing basis to ensure continued compliance with the most up-to-date global health standards.

“The pandemic has made it clear that hotels and resorts must, first and foremost, assure guests of their safety,” said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. 

He adds that by becoming verified, both properties have demonstrated a “commitment to creating a culture of accountability and following global best practices to heighten health security, certified by a third party.”

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$1m

A joint venture launched by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, titled MMCT Venture, has made a one million dollar payment to the state Department of Consumer Protection regarding the Tribal Winds Casino, report media outlets.

The planned $300m project, being undertaken by the tribal operators of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, proposes to build the state’s third such property in East Windsor, in a bid to recover losses felt by the eight month old MGM Springfield, just over its northern border.

In the face of declining slot revenues for a large portion of the last twelve months, this new manoeuvre represents the first step in financing the joint venture.

Payment of $1m has made to offset the state’s regulatory costs for the project, and is said to have been a necessary measure in the ongoing process to finance and build the new gaming and entertainment complex.

3

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets has published details of an ongoing scam within the nation, which sees three agencies seek to reclaim non-existent gambling debts from consumers.

Lootsma and Partners, Bailiff Smits and Co and Inter Payment Service have all been named as forming part of the scam by the ACM, with the country’s gaming regulator, the kansspelautoriteit, backing the warning and subsequent advice issued.

It is explained that people are contacted either via telephone or email, with information that there are overdue payments that they are urged to pay, as the agencies in question stress that the debt emanated from a lottery or other game of chance.

In a media release issued by the kansspelautoriteit, it is stated: “Reports show that the collection agencies mentioned are putting consumers under pressure to pay an outstanding bill. Often there is no agreement at all, so the claim is unjustified.

“Sometimes it concerns alleged agreements from years ago. The collection agencies claim that the consumer is obliged to pay. They threaten consumers with far-reaching measures such as seizure of goods or bank accounts.”

2020

Las Vegas developer and casino owner Derek Stevens is aiming to blaze a new trail in the gaming industry, as it was revealed that his new sportsbook venture, titled Circa Sports, has received unanimous approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission for its first location.

Set to launch at the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino on June 1, a satellite program will subsequently commence at the D Las Vegas in late June of this year, designed to pave the way for the highly anticipated multi-level, stadium-style sportsbook that will debut at Circa Resort and Casino in December 2020.

The new casino property, which it has previously been stated will “be a mecca for sports gamblers,” will be Downtown Las Vegas’ first casino resort to be constructed from the ground up in over three decades.

Stevens said of the plans following being awarded a green-light: “It’s no secret that I’m an avid sports bettor, I’m taking everything I’ve learned and everything I love and bringing it all to Circa Sports, to create the best possible experience for our guests.

$5.1m

PokerStars is daring people to dream as part of new national advertising campaign set to be rolled out across Spain, as it presents the “rags to riches” story of Ramon Colillas.

The TV and digital marketing campaign documents Colillas’ journey from fitness trainer to global poker champion, after lighting up the poker world earlier in the year via his unlikely journey.

The new PokerStars ambassador went from winning a Platinum Pass for free entry to the $25,000 buy-in PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship, to winning the tournament and its $5.1 million prize.

Colillas fronts the new national campaign titles ‘Dare to Dream,’ which will be aired in his native Spain, highlighting the story of the 30-year-old’s “determination to compete among the elite players of the poker world and his life-changing win”.

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VizExplorer, a provider of operational intelligence solutions for casinos, is to supply MGE’s player development team with the ability to advance its VIP outreach.

As a result of the deployment it’s stressed that the firm is striving to “better serve its valuable customers in the highly competitive Northeast market.”

The casino marketing and player development teams are aiming to develop a better understanding of real-time data and insights, in order to execute successful strategies for its customers

VizExplorer’s hostVizOps gives the casino’s team a CRM tool with mobile access to player data, real-time notifications about player activity onsite and automated task management, which can be utilised to streamline communication with, and development of, valuable players. 

“We’re really excited to start utilising hostVizOps tools and system, as it will undoubtedly enhance our communication, interaction and overall service to our growing number of guests and players,” explained Dave Martinelli, chief marketing officer of Mohegan Sun. 

“This new platform will provide valuable understanding and analytical insights for our host team, and we’re certainly looking forward to seeing the benefits.”

MGE joins more than 60 other tribal entities currently using the VizExplorer platform.

“We look forward to providing MGE with a proven solution that will allow its hosts to be more productive and efficient, enabling them to better build outstanding relationships with their customers, added David Patent, CEO at VizExplorer.

The developer and operator of premier global integrated entertainment resorts counts a number of global properties as part of its ever expanding portfolio. 

Alongside its premier Mohegan Sun property, MGE is the owner, developer and/or manager of casino resorts throughout the United States, including in Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, as well as Northern Asia and Niagara Falls.

Furthermore, a Las Vegas debut is to soon be made pending regulatory approval, with the organisation also hoping to expanding into Greece via its Inspire Athens proposal at the Hellinikon Project.

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What has been less prominent in the headlines has been the development of the country’s online casino industry, and the suppliers making waves there too. And they’re not all European. Sydney-based Lightning Box have been actively involved in the US land-based and social casino scene for years now, but has recently made a successful transition to online RMG.

CasinoBeats caught up with co-founder and CPO David Little to discuss the Australian company’s unsung success story and how the market is shaping up state-side.

CasinoBeats: You have a long association with the United States, could you fill us in on the background?

David Little: Lightning Box has been active in the US. since our inception in 2004. My co-founder Peter Causley and I know the land-based market very well from our days at Aristocrat and IGT.

Our experiences encouraged us to start developing our own games for those players, and we have enjoyed a productive collaboration with land-based companies like IGT in our early years, and then Incredible Technologies and Everi more recently.

“A mixture of the old and new is always important”

From there, it was a hop, skip, and a jump to social casino. We cemented our position in that sector with a deal with Penn Interactive last year and we also work with High5, who are genuine pioneers in the social space. Online RMG is a natural progression too, particularly after our success in Europe, and puts us on another level as one of the few truly omni-channel suppliers in the US.

CB: Your games have been live in New Jersey since the turn of the year. How have the first six months gone in that market from your perspective?

DL: Very well, I’m pleased to say. We had existing old flash games in the market since NJ opened via Amaya. Our launch of new games was an extension of our existing deal with SG Digital. Their reach got us in front of lots of players early on and they enjoy our games.

Some of our hits, including Chilli Gold, Astro Cat and Panda Pow have gone down particularly well in New Jersey online casinos including Golden Nugget, Borgata, Caesars, Betfair, Mohegan Sun, Resorts Casino and SugarHouse. Part of the reason for that, I’m sure, is their existing success in land based. Players are familiar with the games and are happy to try them now they’re online.

I think that trust is something to bear in mind for operators looking to put together a portfolio. A mixture of the old and new is always important, but you can’t beat content that has proven itself time and time again. 

You’ll find our US land-based games not only in Atlantic City, but Nevada, California and other native and commercial casinos across the USA as well. To date we have 13 games live in New Jersey with more to come over the next six months.

“One of the exciting areas of potential is tribal”

CB: Where next for the market in general and Lightning Box in particular?

DL: New states are either taking the plunge or looking to do so shortly, so I’m sure there will be obvious opportunities coming our way in the coming months. But for me, one of the exciting areas of potential is tribal.

In many states the tribes have been running successful land-based operations for years now. Like the rest of us, however, they are susceptible to both the economy and changing consumer habits. Many have ageing player bases whom they need to replace. With younger generations embracing new technologies it makes sense for them to do so too.

They have a great opportunity with in-venue WiFi or on the reservations to embrace online gaming. Lotteries are in a similar position. We recently did a deal to supply Lotto Quebec with our games over the border in Canada.

Their southern cousins could attract new audiences by doing something similar. When that casino content has already been validated in land-based and social, as Lightning Box’s has, they could earn themselves a very quick win.

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The supplier’s latest slot, All That Cash Power Bet, has been given the green light from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and will soon be made available to a network of licensed operators across the state.

Anthony Singer, CEO and Founder of High 5 Games, praised the landmark achievement for the supplier: “New Jersey is one of our most important markets and this landmark certification greatly enhances our scale within the territory.

“We supply our games to the biggest operators in New Jersey and we’re sure their players, along with those elsewhere in the world, will love the innovative power bet feature that adds a new dimension to All That Cash.

“The original release is still popular with players across the casino floors In New Jersey, and this latest incarnation for the online market is bound to be a hit.”

The milestone certification boosts the supplier’s presence across New Jersey’s online gaming market, with a list of operators including Borgata Casino, Caesars, Golden Nugget, MGM, Mohegan Sun, Resorts, Rush Street and Unibet all currently live with its games.

The newest slot, which is also due to be made accessible across Europe, will offer players a new power bet feature which will ensure more wins. During the base game, players can boost their wins for 30 spins by clicking the power bet button which sits alongside the reels.

Singer spoke to CasinoBeats recently about High 5’s recent expansion in Scandinavia and why its slots are resonating with players in the region, commenting on how tailoring content to meet market specific demands: “If you want to be a front runner globally in this competitive market, creating content that appeals to a wider audience and is adapted for local markets is an absolute must. It’s not sufficient to think that because one brand or game performed well in the UK, for example, then it will find the same success elsewhere.”

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The Connecticut-based venue has signed a multi-year partnership for the delivery of Mohegan Sun Beyond, a mobile and online gaming application.

Guests can utilise the product, available via Google Play and the App Store, to access free-to-play casino-style games and sportsbook, with consumers earning loyalty dollars for future visits to Mohegan Sun casinos and resorts. 

Mario Kontomerkos, chief executive officer at MGE, explained: “At Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, we are focused on providing a customer experience unlike any other, and we’re thrilled to bring this application to life so guests can enjoy our gaming offerings wherever they are in one connected experience. 

“iPro has been a fantastic partner thus far, and we look forward to many years of success together as we continue to build out this platform, expand its capabilities and continue to create exciting product offerings.”

MGE stresses that its iPro partnership could be expanded to deliver further hotel and resort services throughout Mohegan Sun in the coming months.

The App, which is programmed to incorporate real-money betting in the future, could also include features such as online booking, mobile check-in and unlocking hotel room doors using a mobile phone. 

“This new platform is the most advanced, integrated casino resort online product and solution available on the market,” commented Robert Melendres, founder and CEO of iPro.

“As one of the leading global integrated casino resorts, MGE is the perfect partner and we are excited to continue providing their guests with a best-in-class connected experience.”

Aviram Alroy, vice president of interactive gaming of MGE, added: “We chose iPro as our partner because of their outstanding technology that can work both for online real money gaming and social free-to-play casino games.

“The team at iPro is exceptional and highly accomplished, we couldn’t have found a better partner in this endeavour.”

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