Industry News

Fournier looks to the future in celebration of 150 years in business

Published

4 years ago

January 28, 2020

The renowned Spanish playing card manufacturer, Fournier, marks its sesquicentennial year at ICE London 2020 with the launch of four commemorative decks designed by four top illustrators. The company’s International Sales Manager Roberto Perea, speaks on their past, present and future ahead of a year of celebration and innovation…

The number of companies who achieve this kind of legacy is very exclusive, what’s been the key to your success for all these years?

From the very beginning of the company, Heraclio Fournier, our founder, had two ‘obsessions’ in mind – being the best and being different to competitors. He did that by refining the product constantly, by bringing printing technologies that were revolutionary at the time and by working with renowned illustrators which created a unique design for the Spanish deck that is still the standard in Spain and Latin American countries to this day. His appetite for innovation, and in a certain way ‘rule breaking’, made him bring the phone, the car, the train and even the plane to Vitoria, where Fournier is still based. He also was a precursor in recruiting women at a time when women’s presence was not significant in the industry.

How have you kept on top of trends within the casino equipment sector especially in recent years as digital continues to grow?

Aside from our quality we have kept on top by continuously bringing new products to the market in order to accommodate the changing needs. For instance we were the first company back in 1993 to produce 100% Plastic Playing cards as paper playing cards could not work properly in the shuffling machines that were used at the time. On the other hand it is true gambling sector has changed significantly in the last 10-15 years but the basics are still there. Why do people play? Because they want to feel emotion and because they want to go through a unique experience, outside of their daily routine. Live gaming brings an unparalleled experience as you can share your experience and your emotions with other people, face-to-face and no screens in between. Wow… that’s powerful, isn’t it?

In terms of your historic anniversary in 2020, what product ranges have been the most successful in the company’s history and how will you be continuing these successes going forward?

In terms of sales I would say both our paper and 100% Plastic playing cards are extremely successful. However, in the last decade, a special mention goes to our Bee-tek Electronic Shoe and our Pre-Shuffled playing cards, which have become a standard for Baccarat and the golden standard for their category, bringing speed and security to the game. Our key for success in the coming years remains the same – passion for what we do and an appetite for innovation.

You are exhibiting again at this year’s ICE London, how many years have you been attending the show and do you have anything special you’ll be showcasing in 2020 as the industry prepares to Step into the Future?

In my case this year will mark my 14th edition. As Fournier, we have been exhibiting at ICE since the very beginning. In the first years alongside John Huxley, who was our global distributors to casinos at the time, and since 2002 with our own booth. For ICE 2020 we will showcase our core products: Fournier and Bee playing cards, our Pre-Shuffled cards and our Bee-tek Electronic Shoe. The latter has proved an amazing tool to bridge the gap between on-line and land based gaming.

Going into your 150th year how do you hope to develop the brand to remain future-proof?

Future is certainly uncertain by nature. However, one thing is for sure, we will keep working everyday as we have done for the last 150 years. We will keep listening to our customers and we will put together our skills and brains to offer the products they need to succeed. Since January 1, 2020 we are now part of the Cartamundi group with whom we share the same values, so the future looks bright.

Looking ahead to your 200th anniversary, where you do you see the casino and gaming industry progressing in the next 50 years and what are your hopes for Fournier?I am not a visionary but considering the path that the industry has taken in recent years, I personally believe the future will see casinos legalised in more countries such as Brazil and on-line gambling being authorised in more jurisdictions. On the other hand digital, online and land-based casinos will co-exist as each of them satisfies a different need. Therefore operators will offer a combined product portfolio that will integrate remote and land-based gaming. Playing card games in any format will be still there as the magic that is shared around a deck of cards cannot be matched anywhere else. And Fournier will celebrate its 200th anniversary with the same passion as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, by uniting people and saying, let’s play together!

Industry News

Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

meridian-donate:-revolutionizing-csr-in-the-betting-and-gaming-industry

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Innovative engagement strategy positions MeridianBet as a leader in CSR within the betting and gaming industry
Optimized brand loyalty as active customer participation in CSR strengthens connection and loyalty
Scalable impact, as the model is designed for expansion and could be adapted to new markets, indicating potential for widespread adoption and growth

Transforming Customers into Environmentalists and Humanitarians

MeridianBet’s pioneering initiative, Meridian Donate, is transforming the betting industry by engaging customers directly in corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions. This unique platform allows customers to actively participate in and fund various environmental, societal and humanitarian projects, setting a new standard for customer engagement and community impact.

Key Features of Meridian Donate:

Direct customer involvement: Customers are not just donors but active participants in CSR decisions
Diverse programs: Offers choices from global afforestation to local humanitarian efforts
Partnerships with renowned organizations: Collaborates with entities like the Red Cross and UNICEF

Expanding Impact: A Year-by-Year Growth

The Meridian Donate platform has seen substantial growth in its scope and impact:

Number of individual campaigns: Grew from 8 in 2021 to 20 in 2023
National markets Integrated: Expanded from 3 in 2021 to 8 in 2023
Direct Beneficiaries: Increased from 43 NGOs in 2021 to 159 in 2023

In 2023 alone, the platform’s expansion into eight markets facilitated 20 customer-funded campaigns, directly benefiting 159 NGOs, up from 122 the previous year.

Continued Commitment to Innovation and Community Involvement

Meridian Donate not only showcases MeridianBet’s dedication to CSR but also redefines the role of digital marketing within the industry. By converting sports bettors into active CSR participants, Meridian Donate enhances customer loyalty and brand value, making it a critical element of MeridianBet’s market strategy.

Recent Successes and Future Outlook

In its recent operation, Meridian Donate has launched an ambitious global afforestation initiative, committing to plant 20,000 seedlings across various regions. This project not only underscores our environmental commitment but also enhances our brand’s community presence. Already, several hundred contributions have been recorded in the platform’s first month, indicating robust customer engagement and support.

The post Meridian Donate: Revolutionizing CSR in the Betting and Gaming Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

Games Global Announces Launch of IPO

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Games Global Limited (“Games Global”), a leading developer, distributor and marketer of innovative online, casino-style gaming (“iGaming”) content and integrated business-to-business solutions to iGaming operators, announced today that it has launched the roadshow for its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 14,500,000 ordinary shares. The offering consists of 6,000,000 ordinary shares offered by Games Global and 8,500,000 ordinary shares to be sold by Games Global’s existing shareholder (the “Selling Shareholder”). Games Global will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the Selling Shareholder. The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,175,000 ordinary shares from the Selling Shareholder at the IPO price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The IPO price is currently expected to be between $16.00 and $19.00 per share. Games Global has applied to list its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GGL”.

J.P. Morgan, Jefferies and Macquarie Capital are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the proposed offering. Barclays and BTIG are acting as book-running managers for the proposed offering.

The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the proposed offering, when available, may be obtained from:

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected];
Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected]; or
Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 125 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, or by email at [email protected]

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

In any member state of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) this announcement, and the offering, are only addressed to and directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (“Qualified Investors”) within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”). In the United Kingdom, this announcement, and the offering, are only addressed to and directed at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law in the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) are high net worth entities who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) are persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons being referred to as “relevant persons”).

This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not relevant persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, by persons who are not Qualified Investors. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to and will only be engaged with (i) in the United Kingdom, relevant persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, Qualified Investors.

The post Games Global Announces Launch of IPO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

Genome and Chilli Partners join forces to revolutionize iGaming affiliate payouts

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

Zoltan Tundik

genome-and-chilli-partners-join-forces-to-revolutionize-igaming-affiliate-payouts

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Leading the charge in the convergence of financial technology and iGaming, Genome, a cutting-edge electronic money institution, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Chilli Partners, a prominent iGaming affiliate program specializing in casino games.

The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the iGaming industry, bringing together Genome’s expertise in online financial services and Chilli Partners’ prowess in affiliate marketing. The partnership is set to redefine the landscape of affiliate payouts, offering an array of benefits to both affiliates and the iGaming community at large.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with Chilli Partners. By combining our financial expertise with their influential position in the iGaming affiliate space, we aim to set new standards for efficiency and innovation in affiliate payouts,” – noted Genome’s CEO Daumantas Barauskas.

For one, the partnership offers efficient payouts. Affiliates can now enjoy expedited and secure payouts through Genome’s state-of-the-art financial infrastructure, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.

It also provides global reach for Chilli Partners, as it can extend its reach to affiliates worldwide with Genome’s international payment capabilities. This allows Chilli Partners to foster a more diverse and expansive network.

The partnership streamlines financial workflows, ensuring seamless transactions and reducing administrative overhead for Chilli Partners, allowing them to focus on delivering top-notch affiliate services.

Genome is all about innovation in payments and online financial services. This approach brings new possibilities for payment options, providing flexibility and convenience for affiliates participating in the Chilli Partners program.

Lastly, the collaboration prioritizes compliance and risk management, assuring affiliates of secure and compliant transactions in accordance with industry regulations.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our affiliates. Genome’s advanced financial services will play a crucial role in elevating our affiliate program to new heights”, – added Clayton Zammit Cesare, Head of Affiliates at Chilli Partners.

As the iGaming industry continues to evolve, Genome and Chilli Partners stand united in their dedication to driving positive change, innovation, and reliability. The partnership is poised to create a ripple effect, positively impacting the entire iGaming ecosystem.

About Genome

Genome is a leading EMI that provides innovative financial services, including batch payouts, SWIFT, and SEPA transfers. With a focus on efficiency and compliance, Genome empowers businesses across various industries, including iGaming, to streamline financial operations and enhance user experiences.

For more information, please visit https://genome.eu/

About Chilli Partners

Chilli Partners is a prominent iGaming affiliate program specializing in casino games. With a commitment to excellence, Chilli Partners connects affiliates with top-tier iGaming brands, offering a lucrative partnership that includes competitive commission structures and tailored support.

For more information, please visit https://chillipartners.com/

The post Genome and Chilli Partners join forces to revolutionize iGaming affiliate payouts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.