Casino Technology Gaming

History

• Nowadays, Casino Technology proudly stands in the league of those who shape the face of modern gaming. The company's brand is renowned as a synonym for unique quality games, progressive technological solutions, and products made with inspiration and passion for hundreds of thousands satisfied players around the world.
• Since 2016, the gaming content of Storm Gaming Technology has started to appear in casinos like Star Bingo, Jenny Vegas, Atomic Casino, and Cosmo Casino. The brand remains a promising company for the online gaming industry and is backed by a vetted team of artists, programmers, game theorists, and graphic designers.
• EZ MODULO TOWER™ EZ MODULO TOWER™ combines the ultimate gaming experience with the quality in craftsmanship, featuring unique 43-inch UHD J-curved monitor with full touchscreen capabilities.
• Online casinos rely on a variety of technologies designed to ensure customers are secure and satisfied. According to HolyMoly, there are some common technologies used across gambling websites to secure and enhance the experience: Mobile gaming. Most online casinos are available on smartphones and tablets now.

ad1 Casino Technology is a world-class producer of slot games and progressive gaming solutions. Over the last two decades, the company has created a significant amount of quality products that achieve remarkable results. The company’s head office is located in Sofia, Bulgaria and it has installations in over 50 jurisdictions and offices in over 15.

YEARS OF GAMING INSPIRATION

The history of Casino Technology, the predecessor of CT Gaming, begins in 1999 when the company was established as the first licensed gaming manufacturer in Bulgaria. The growth of the company was backed by the release of the bestselling multigame product, Mega Jack, which left a mark in the history of gaming. Following that success came the release of other successful products that positioned Casino Technology as a player in the gaming world. With offices and distributors in more than 15 countries, the company continues ahead to deliver its vision for a unified gaming experience that aims to change the gaming as we know it.
In 2019 the company celebrated its 20th Anniversary by cherishing the past but also looking ahead for the next milestones with the passion to bring its corporate vision to reality. Coinciding with the anniversary, a re-brand was announced.

The new name CT Gaming helps us moving the brand forward to acknowledge the maturity, flexibility and the next generation of offerings that we provide. We continue to deliver great value services that satisfy customers` expectations time after time.
CT Gaming represents an evolution from our previous experience, but our core remains the same and it is technology and innovation. Now, we are going even further reflecting and connecting our genesis with the new era.

Check the History and Milestone road map of Casino Technology

2020

• The rise of CT Gaming

2019

• Celebrating 20 years of history
• The premiere of the new completion to the successful EZ MODULO™ series - EZ MODULO™ Titan and EZ MODULO™ Tower slot machines
• Obtaining ISO 27001:2013 certification

2018

• The rise of EZ MODULO™ series of slot machines with the new conceptual progressive game package GORILLA WHEEL™

2017

• The COMBO™ innovation making a successful inroad on the gaming market

• Releasing the progressive Asian themed game of new generation - the Five Blessings Delux™, during G2E, Macao
• Returning to the Belgrade Future Gaming show by presenting the company's new product line
• Celebrating 10th anniversary on the Latin American market
• Launching the upgraded LEOPARD™ Online Gaming Platform as a full solution for running an online business

2016

• Launch of the modern EZ MODULO™ upright cabinet
• Successful positioning of the ARCH™ slot machine, that became a winning product on many international casino floors
• Online growth and positioning with the successful go-live start of the ELEPHANT™ Remote Game Server in multiple jurisdictions
• Release of more than 100 HTML5 games for mobile gaming
• Multiple international installations of RHINO™ Casino Management System
• Release of BUFFALO™ Wide Area Jackpot
• Release of GAMOPOLIS SPEEDWAY™ series of multigames
• Launch of the new state-of-the-art ARMSTORNG™ gaming platform
• Successful showcase installations of the omnichannel gaming experience in action with the installation of the full set of systems in THE BIG 5™ solution
• Opening of a new office in Georgia

2015

• The unique, one-of-a-kind ARCH™ slot machine with 42” horizontal full HD monitor was launched
• Development of the novelty HOT ROD slot machine branded product
• Further expansion and installations in North America and Latin America
• Opening of a new office in Argentina
• Integration with multiple online platform providers and aggregators
• Certification of the online games and acquisition of online gaming licenses
• Release of GAMOPOLIS HIGHWAY™ series of multigames
• ISO 9001:2015 certification obtained

2014

• THE BIG 5™ systems suite was presented, offering a complete solution for landbased, online and mobile gaming
• Integration with the first online operator in Bulgaria Еfbet
• Further expansion by acquisition of ATI Romania and TAG Peru
• The first launch of the LEOPARD™ online gaming platform with eCasino.bg
• Number of installations of RHINO™ CMS in the international gaming markets in Baltic states and Africa
• The company became a General Sponsor of FC Ludogoretz - the football champion of Bulgaria

2013

• Launching the new upright cabinet AURORA™
• Expanding positions in Latin America, with installations in Chile, Colombia and other countries around the region. Further positioning in Peru
• Launching first integrations with online operators based in Malta
• Starting cooperation with Playtech to provide selected gaming content of Casino Technology through all platforms of the world's leading provider of online gaming and sports betting software and gaming applications

2012

• Stepping in the remote gaming field with VLT, Server based and Online solution
• Launching a new generation multigame platform, featuring 40 games in a gaming unit, based on the new super powerful platform TOUGH FIGHTER™
• Completing the first US installations with the PENTHOUSE SLOTS™ entering in California and Oklahoma casinos
• Introducing the latest model cabinet SENSA FLEX™, featuring a brand new technological solution for the main monitor

2011

• Signing a contract with PENTHOUSE™ for licensed games and launching PENTHOUSE SLOTS™ at G2E 2011 and BEGE 2011
• MOTORMANIA™ game suite approved for California and Oklahoma
• ’GLI certified‘ mark accreditation successfully audited
• Introduction and launch of 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD™ game suite
• Expanding GAMOPOLIS™ family of multigames with 6 new versions, with 15 games each, featuring 90 games in total
• Introduction and launch of MULTI GEMS™ - mulitgame based on CTIV platform featuring 25 new games
• Introducing SERVER GAMES TECHNOLOGY™ solution
• Introducing the revolutionary TOUGH FIGHTER™ game platform
• A distributor for Oklahoma, USA has been appointed
• A distributor for South Africa has been appointed and products for South African LPM market have been introduced
• A distributor for Spain has been appointed and products for Spanish market class C, B (special use for gaming halls) have been introduced
• The company becomes approved manufacturer for Malta with Class II License granted
• The company becomes approved manufacturer for Croatia and a local distributor has been appointed
• US patent granted for PLAYME™ grand-piano auto-roulette and videoslot

2010

• Introduction of SENSA PLUS™ slot machine concept at ICE 2010
• Introducing 3D graphics for video slot games of Casino Technology
• Game suite video slot concept launched with MOTORMANIA™ and FALCON HEROES™ Game suites
• Obtained manufacturer accreditation for the Philippines. First installations in Manila
• Launching GAMOPOLIS™ III, IV, V and VI series multigames with 10 games each, total 40 new titles
• GLI approval for interoperability with the major CMS for the US casino market
• A distributor for California has been appointed. More than 15 Installations on the US casino market have been made
• Casino Technology becomes a member of The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA)
• An approved agent for Mexico has been appointed. Installations in several casinos have been made
• A distributor for Uruguay has been appointed. First installations in several gaming halls have been made

2009

• Introduction of TANGRA TOUCH™ wide screen slant-top at BEGE 2009
• Introduction of EYESIGHT™ concept, featuring an array of additional services built into a slot machine
• License for Greece for sales of casino equipment granted
• Approved distributor for Panama. First installations in Central America - Panama, Belize, Caribbean islands
• Approved distributors for Italy comma 6A market segment have been appointed. Development of adapted game content

2008

• Introduction of GEMINI SENSA™ widescreen video slot
• Casino Technology becomes a member of AGEM
• Introduction of TOUGH RIDER™ game platform
• ISO 9001 - 2008 granted
• 'GLI certified' mark granted
• First installations in Argentina and Colombia

2007

• Introduction of the ‘grand-piano‘ concept PLAYME™ for automatic roulette and video games
• A distributor for South America has been appointed - Trans Atlantic Gaming, based in Lima, Peru
• Game releases for Peru have been approved and first local installations are made
• A Romanian distributor has been appointed - Advanced Technology Innovations, based in Bucharest
• Game releases for Romania have been approved and the first local installations are made
• Casino Technology becomes a member of ALAJA (Latin American Gaming Association)
• Game releases for Slovenia have been approved and the first installations in Slovenia are made
• GEMINI™ gaming machine is certified with USA - UL22, and Canada - CSA. A distributor for Panama and Central America have been appointed. First installations in Central America have been made, including Panama, Honduras, Belize, Suriname, and Caribbean islands

2006

• Award from leading UK platform supplier Heber Ltd. for 500 000th gaming controller sold at G2E 2006
• A distributor for the Czech Republic has been appointed and the first installations in Prague are made
• A distributor for Hungary has been appointed and the first installations in Budapest are made
• Special Award granted by the Russian Gaming Association for the exclusive contribution of Casino Technology to the progress of the gaming industry

2005

• CT become a member of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA)
• The new generation video slot machine GEMINI™ is introduced
• The nomination of MEGA JACK™ for Best Sold Game - Ukraine (2005)
• A distributor for Ukraine has been appointed
• A distributor for Serbia has been appointed and the first installations in Belgrade are made

2004

• CTIV platform launched
• Distributors for Russia and Kazakhstan have been appointed. Multiple installations of various product lines of Casino Technology are made

2003

• The Company launched CASINO KING™ and CASINO PRINCE™ - unique automatic and semi-automatic roulette systems
• MEGA JACK™ become top-performing multigame in a number of Eastern European markets; new upgraded version released

2002

• Introduction of a number of slot titles for the local market
• Introduction of SLT slant top and Slot Jackpot signs department
• First installations in Baltic States, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine are made

2001

• Massive installations of MEGA JACK™ on the local market. MEGA JACK™ became the most successful product in Bulgaria
• Casino Technology became a member of Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Organizers in the Gaming Industry

1999

• Casino Technology is granted a license for manufacturing, distribution, and service of gaming equipment by the Bulgarian Gaming Board
• Award for Best Glass Design has been granted at G2E 1999

LAS VEGAS — Cashless gaming has been used on slot machines throughout the casino industry for at least two decades, although it wasn’t initially accepted by customers.

When the original systems, dubbed ticket-in/ticket-out, were introduced, they confused older slot players, who didn’t understand why winnings came out in the form of a ticket voucher, rather than cash, which they had originally loaded into the machine.

Everi Holdings CEO Mike Rumbolz remembers those days vividly. He was vice chairman of Casino Data Systems when the company deployed one of the earliest ticket-in/ticket-out devices.

Twenty years later, Rumbolz is leading Las Vegas-based Everi’s efforts to develop products in the cashless gaming space, one of dozens of gaming equipment providers and technology companies seeking a foothold in the now-expanding segment.

“The most important part is what does the customer want to do,” Rumbolz said, recalling the initial but small cashless gaming rollout. “Much like ticketing, which became ubiquitous on the casino industry floor when patrons adopted it, the casinos will add cashless when customers will accept it.”

On Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Commission will consider changes to two regulations covering the electronic transfers of money to games or gaming devices. Currently, regulations allow customers to transfer money from a debit card to a game or gaming device, but very few properties have the licensed systems in place.

Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan said the language changes codify what already exists.

“The language is to confirm that a patron can use a debit card at a table or gaming device only if the transfer of money is done through a cashless wagering system,” Morgan said, adding that the system, “must be licensed and approved by the board.”

Casino Technology Gaming Headset

The cashless systems are also subject to additional requirements in the board’s technical standards.

Other changes include a daily monetary transfer limit and responsible gambling messages “conspicuously displayed” on devices that includes the website of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling.

National approach

The American Gaming Association believes the time is now for cashless gaming. Last week, the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization announced a framework for allowing digital payments on casino floors, citing a study that found a majority of casino customers want the option to use cashless or digital technology for gaming.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a renewed interest in cashless gaming, the AGA has been leading an 18-month collaborative industry-wide effort to come up with a structure that covers eight principles for modernizing casino payments nationwide.

At last year’s Global Gaming Expo, AGA CEO Bill Miller said transforming the casino floor to meet with a growing digital universe would become a primary goal for the organization. Then-AGA Chairman Tim Wilmott, who retired in December as CEO of regional casino operator Penn National Gaming, said the gaming industry was “prehistoric” in the way it engaged with customers financially.

The principles cover a litany of issues, including responsible gaming, regulatory acceptance, security, choice and convenience, and public health.

Miller said cashless payment and digital technology “aligns with gaming’s role as a modern, 21st century industry and bolsters our already rigorous regulatory and responsible gaming measures.”

Gaming industry consultant Brendan Bussmann, a partner with Global Market Advisors, said the pandemic, which caused a nationwide shutdown of casinos in mid-March, should be the reason for pushing forward technology that is common in other areas of business.

“Cashless payments not only allow for a modern experience on how payments occur across every other industry around the globe but also will likely help attract more millennials back to the (casino) floor that have been cash adverse,” Bussmann said.

Omer Sattar, executive vice president of Sightline Payments, a Las Vegas-based digital payment solutions company, said the expansion of cashless gaming will create opportunities for numerous businesses.

Sattar cited how Starbucks customers pay for coffee simply by waiving the barcode from a digital wallet on their mobile phone across a QR reader at the checkout counter.

“There are probably up to five companies involved in that single transaction,” Sattar said. “No one company can provide the end-to-end process in a cashless ecosystem.”

Nevada at the forefront

Years ago, Nevada outlawed credit cards from being used directly on a slot machine.

“The credit card is the one instrument that concerns people the most,” said Rumbolz, a former Control Board chairman and a CEO for both casino operators and manufacturers. “You’re gambling with money you don’t have. But a debit card is tied to your checking account.”

Gaming equipment providers, through the Association of Gaming Manufacturers (AGEM) trade organization, are supportive of the proposed regulatory changes that will be discussed Thursday.

“As we collectively experienced over a decade ago with ticket-in/ticket-out technologies, driving the gaming environment toward a cashless environment will have profoundly positive impacts,” AGEM attorney Dan Reaser wrote in a letter submitted to the commission. “These outcomes range from enhanced legal compliance, improved public health and safety especially given the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as more robust responsible gaming alternatives and advanced operating efficiencies.”

AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater said regulatory changes “need to start somewhere, and Nevada needs to take the lead.”

Cashless and digital systems

Everi already provides kiosks to casinos where customers can withdraw money from their debit cards directly onto a ticket voucher that can be used at a gaming table or slot machine. Customers set the amount they want to withdraw.

The company is testing a virtual wallet for casino customers, allowing players to use their mobile devices to activate slot machines. The app allows a patron to move funds from a debit card onto the platform, which can be tied to their player loyalty account.

Rumbolz said e-wallets require companies to have federally regulated money transmitter licenses overseen by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which insures the funds on an account. Everi has obtained those approvals.

Scientific Games and other slot machine developers are also creating mobile wallets as the interest in cashless and digital technology increases. Sattar said the four slot machine manufacturers – International Game Technology, Scientific Games, Aristocrat Technologies and Konami Gaming – provide “95 percent of all the slot machines,” so the mobile wallets need to be uniform.

Rumbolz said regulations won’t be the largest stumbling block to mobile wallets finding their way onto gaming floors. Casino operators – cash-strapped by the COVID-19 shutdowns – may be apprehensive toward spending money to retrofit their games.

“For an app on your phone that transfers money directly to a gaming device requires near field technology inside a slot machine, either a Bluetooth antenna or something inside a bill validator,” Rumbolz said. “There are several ways to do it but all require an upgrade or a touching of the gaming device. Again, this is all patron-driven.”

AGA effort

Jonathan Michaels, the AGA’s vice president of strategic alliances, provided research that could convince gaming leaders to move forward. He said 57 percent of past-year casino visitors said digital or contactless payments on the casino floor is important to them because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 59 percent of casino customers said they were less likely to use cash in their everyday lives out of coronavirus concerns.

The primary idea behind digital payment technology was choice. Casino operators believe customers will continue to use cash. Rumbolz, despite the effort toward digital, said he believes cash won’t disappear until “we have become a completely cashless society.”

The AGA’s effort began long before COVID-19 existed. Following the legalization of sports betting in May 2018, commercial casino operators realized they needed to increase their mobile wagering capabilities.

“After sports betting, we started to see a lot more acceptance,” Michaels said. “There was a lot of discussion from groups on tools to prevent overspending by customers. There were talks about security, privacy and responsible gaming. There was a lot of interest in the industry.”

Michaels said the challenge was that in many states, payment laws were “all over the map,” with some written 20 years ago, “before online was even contemplated.” The principles, he added, came through consumer research and industry input.

Responsible gaming and regulatory reform

The No. 1 principle from the AGA is to equip customers with more tools to wager responsibly. Most of the digital options allow customers to monitor their gaming activity and set spending limits.

Digital payment platforms can provide tools to enable customers to wager responsibly. Also, the technology provides casino operators, regulators, and law enforcement increased transparency into matters of anti-money laundering and monitoring of financial transactions.

Alan Feldman, distinguished fellow for responsible gaming at the UNLV International Gaming Institute, said the technology provides “amazing tools for customers.” However, regulators should require casino operators “to turn on the tools” so that they can be used properly.

Also, digital payment technology could provide data for various research initiatives into areas problem gambling analysts have tried to understand, such as the size of the average transaction.

New Casino Gaming Technology

“There ought to be a requirement at the first two-to-five years of data be provided to an accredited research academic institution for study,” Feldman said, saying he wasn’t advocating directly for UNLV. “There is wealth of data available that give us clarity into problematic betting patterns and other harmful behaviors.”

Bussmann, the gaming consultant, said state regulators have an opportunity to create a structure that includes the proper financial and consumer protections, including meeting anti-money laundering requirements placed on casinos by The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the United States Department of the Treasury.

“Leaders in the space both from operators and regulators will need to make sure that FinCEN standards are upheld and proper responsible gaming tools are available across all platforms,” Bussmann said. “Legislating and regulating the industry across all states and jurisdictions will be key to making the payment ecosystem seamless in working with operators, advocates, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders.”

Howard Stutz is a freelance gaming reporter for The Nevada Independent and the executive editor of CDC Gaming Reports. He has been a Nevada journalist for 30 years. He can be reached at howardmstutz@gmail.com.

The Nevada Independent is a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization. The following people or entities mentioned in this article are financial supporters: Alan Feldman – $2,000.00.

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Casino Technology Gaming Software

“We did a lot of very, very difficult evaluation over a very, very short amount of time and just concluded that this was the right thing for the company at large.”