Evolution Gaming to showcase latest video-streamed Live Dealer solutions at ICE 2011
Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of video-streamed Live Dealer gaming will showcase new live games and customised, branded Live Gaming environments at ICE.
Evolution's own stand – a first at ICE – is a futuristic two-tier design incorporating a widescreen audio-visual 'Wonderwall'. On this large-format screen Evolution will demonstrate new products such as London Roulette and Venezia Club, Mermaid's Fortune Live Slots, and Dedicated Tables and Environments created using blue screen technology.
London Roulette and the Italian-tailored Venezia Club are opulent, live online Roulette environments, localised for each marketplace, and replicate the rich experience of playing at one of the world's top casinos. No detail has been overlooked – from the superb interior design, lighting and ambience, to the intuitive user interface, to the real-time interaction with the native speaking croupiers.
Mermaid's Fortune Live Slots, meanwhile, is an exciting blend of an online RNG slots game and live dealer gaming. The action incorporates a 20-line, 5-reel slot game, personal progressives, Wild multiplier symbols, and a Live Mermaid who personally interacts with players and offers the chance to increase their fortune in live bonus rounds.
Also showcased on the Wonderwall will be Evolution's complete portfolio of Live Casino solutions, including Dedicated Tables and Environments, Live Roulette (including a new Mini version) and Live Baccarat and Blackjack games.
To show the flexibility of Evolution's solutions for online and land-based casino and betting shop markets, other demo-and-play devices on the stand will include in-venue kiosks/terminals, interactive 23-inch touchscreen pods and PC laptops.
A highlight of the demos will be Evolution's Dedicated Tables and Environments. Broadcast live using blue screen technology, these solutions enable seamlessly customised and branded tables, or even complete branded 'virtual' casino environments, to be video-streamed via the Internet to customers.
According to Helen Hedgeland, the newly appointed Head of Marketing at Evolution: "Customers of online or land-based casinos can join the live games on their Internet-connected PCs or devices. Players are welcomed in the local language by professional dealers, they can interact with the dealer throughout the game, and are reassured by the authenticity and familiarity of the dedicated branded environment."
"Using our services there's no limit to how far an operator can develop their brand online. They can have dedicated tables and areas, with dedicated staff suitably attired in branded uniforms. They also have the ability to cross-promote other gaming attractions such as lotteries, all in real time. Our demos will show how new, high-value revenue streams can be created using the latest technologies, with complete control over branding and the customer experience."
In keeping with its solutions, all of Evolution's demonstrations and live games will be tailored to the needs of specific clients with male and female dealers available to present in various languages. Existing or new clients wishing to pre-book a tailored session should contact Evolution in advance of their visit to ICE to avoid disappointment.
In addition, Evolution's CEO Jens von Bahr will be speaking at the ICC (International Casino Conference) which takes place on January 24th at Earls Court. Jens will speak during the 14:45 to 15:45 session, which will focus on 'Innovations and disruptive technologies' (the Internet, mobile, social media, server-based gaming etc), and whether these developments are threats or an opportunity for the reinvention of the casino industry.
Evolution Gaming: Stand 5130, ICE, Earls Court, London, 25-27 January 2011.
Evolution continues expansion with Hedgeland and Svederman appointments
Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of video-streamed Live Dealer gaming, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Helen Hedgeland as Head of Marketing and Fredrik Svederman as CFO.
Hedgeland was previously Head of Marketing at networked gaming specialist Octavian International. Working with numerous geographic markets worldwide, Hedgeland gained considerable experience of the global casino industry – experience that she believes will be vital in her new role, as online and offline gaming operations converge.
Commenting on her appointment, Hedgeland said: "Evolution is an energetic and innovative company with a market-leading reputation in online gaming. I believe my experience in the traditional casino market and Evolution's proven technology and products will encourage more bricks-and-mortar venues to extend their operations online – in a way that strengthens their brands and attracts new players, without cannibalising their in-venue revenues."
Amongst Hedgeland's objectives will be to raise Evolution's profile on a global scale, building on the brand awareness Evolution has established in Europe. Central to this activity will be the promotion of the state-of-the-art facilities at Evolution's own Production Studios in Riga, Latvia. Here, techniques such as blue screen technology make it highly cost effective for operators to make custom-branded dedicated tables or complete environments available in real time to their customers over the Internet. "For the customer, the experience is as close as possible to playing in a real casino – with the reassurance of familiar branding, the excitement of live games, a personalised customer experience, and professional dealers who interact with customers and can promote other attractions," added Hedgeland.
Svederman joins Evolution having previously been Chief Financial Officer at Nordnet, the largest online stock brokerage in the Nordics. During Fredrik's time at Nordnet turnover increased from €17m to €120 while the number of employees more than tripled. Commenting on his new post and the opportunities ahead for Evolution and its clients, Svederman said:
"I have been privileged to work in entrepreneurial growth companies for most of my career, so I am delighted to have joined Evolution. The company and the industry are on the verge of something very big indeed. Betting on the Internet is still a relatively young industry but through entrepreneurial flair, investment in the latest technologies, and sheer talent and enthusiasm, Evolution has quickly established itself as a market leader. As a financial economist I see very clearly how this pioneering passion is now reaping rewards for Evolution's clients, who are maximising their ROI with Evolution solutions that are proven to generate high revenue and high customer loyalty."
According to Evolution's CEO Jens von Bahr, "These are key appointments following a very successful 2010. They are part of our growth plan and will ensure that we are well positioned to maximise opportunities in our markets, which include online and land-based casinos as well as land-based betting venues."
Additional contract signed with Betsson Group to supply further dedicated live Blackjack
Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of video-streamed Live Dealer gaming, has signed a further agreement with Betsson.This will provide TV-quality live Blackjack via the Internet, using their own dedicated tables.
As part of a three-year contract Evolution will supply a third dedicated Blackjack table to Betsson, which follows the successful introduction of two dedicated Blackjack tables by the Swedish owned Malta-based Group just three months ago.
Betsson Group, which includes the CasinoEuro brand, is one of the world's largest gaming operators with a heavy focus on casino business. The deal allows Betsson Group to strengthen its online brand as when customers now choose to play Blackjack, these live games take place on Betsson-branded tables with live dealers, real cards and live interaction with the dealer and fellow players. These dedicated tables will be available to the Group's customers via its multi-lingual, multi-currency site www.betsson.com
Magnus Silfverberg, CEO of Betsson Malta Ltd, commented: "Live casino gaming delivered in high quality and in real-time over the Internet is an important part of Betsson's strategy to grow its casino business. We are delighted to have strengthened our relationship with Evolution, who we recognise as a market leader in this area. The dedicated, customised tables from Evolution will be instrumental in helping us drive player loyalty, customer retention and revenue growth".
Fredrik Osterberg, Sales Director at Evolution, added: "Betsson Group believes in giving its customers extended choice while maintaining and building on the quality of its brands. Evolution's technologies and dedicated TV studios allow us to offer customers a polished, professional and personalised Live offering, which is as close as the Internet can offer to the genuine casino experience. Players feel very comfortable in these dedicated, branded environments, with real cards, real dealing, live interaction with other players and their own croupier, and the ability to be part of the real-time psychological battle that is such a vital part of casino games".
*** About Evolution Gaming Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Malta and Riga. It is the only European live-gaming developer to custom build and operate its own licensed studios, enabling it to broadcast quality, real-time 'virtual' casinos through its clients' websites to the end-user.
Since 2006, Evolution has revitalised the European 'live dealer' platform, turning a niche product into a 'must have' for major gaming operators. The industry's biggest names are now enjoying the financial benefits and end-user satisfaction that Evolution products impart.
The company is regulated through the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, offering its customers transparency and the prospect of an expanding range of games designed to meet the changing needs of clients and players alike.
For more information about Evolution Gaming, please visit www.evolutiongaming.com
*** About Betsson Betsson Malta operates games towards end customers, via partners or the websites www.betsson.com, www.casinoeuro.com and www.cherrycasino.com. Betsson Malta offers poker, casino, betting exchange, sports betting, lottery, bingo and games. The customers mainly originate from the Scandinavian countries and other parts of Europe. Betsson Malta's holding company Betsson AB is listed on NASDAQ OMX NORDIC MID CAP LIST, (BETS).
*** For further press information please contact:
Evolution Gaming UK T: +44 20 7563 9140
Gaming Industry and Celebrities Raise the Stakes for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity
Ladbrokes CEO Richard Glynn and top executives from the gaming industry were joined by British icon Barbara Windsor and respected Italian cookery writer and poker fan Antonio Carluccio at the launch of Raising the Stakes, a new fundraising initiative that is galvanising the gaming industry to raise £500,000 towards a new high dependency bay in Great Ormond Street Hospital's Critical Cardiac Unit.
Held at Les Ambassadeurs Club in London, the event saw founding supporters of the initiative including Pageant Media's Charlie Kerr, Game Account's Dermot Smurfit and PKR's Jez San OBE mingle with guests; while Raising the Stakes Patrons Hardeep Singh Kohli and Sly Bailey compered gaming activities throughout the night.
The event included a champagne reception, a three course dinner, followed by an exclusive auction to raise funds for the charity. Auction lots included a private cooking lesson with Antonio Carluccio which went for £14,000.
Warren Lush from PartyGaming was crowned winner when guests went head to head in an exciting knock-out poker tournament at the end of the night.
After last night's launch event Raising the Stakes has so far raised an amazing £400,000 which is well on it way to achieving its preliminary target of £500,000.
Ladbrokes CEO and Chair of Raising the Stakes Richard Glynn, said, "This is an amazing initiative. I am personally very proud to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Raising the Stakes is a gaming industry first; it typifies the attitude and approach of this industry."
Charles Denton, Chairman of Fundraising at Great Ormond Street Children's Charity said, "I am thrilled that the gaming industry has come out in force to support Great Ormond Street Hospital. The new four-bed bay they are helping to fund will provide more space for nurses to carry out the 24 hour intensive care needed by young patients using the hospital's Cardiac Critical Care Unit."
If you would like more information on Raising the Stakes please telephone 020 7239 3074, email: raisingthestakes@gosh.org or visit: www.gosh.org/raisingthestakes
Committee: Richard Glynn, Ladbrokes CEO Charles Denton, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity Chairman Richard Flint, Skybet Managing Director of Betting and Gaming Richard Hadida, Evolution Gaming Managing Director James Hogan, College Hill Partner Nam Quach, UBS, Co-Head of Leisure Jez San, OBE, PKR President and Founder John Shepherd, PartyGaming Director of Corporate Communications Dermot Smurfit, GameAccount Network Chief Operating Officer
Partners and Associates of Raising the Stakes: Microgaming PartyGaming Ladbrokes Orbis PKR Deutsche Bank Pageant Evolution Gaming GameAccount Network Gamesys
If you would like more information on Raising the Stakes please telephone 020 7239 3074, email: raisingthestakes@gosh.org or visit: www.gosh.org/raisingthestakes
* * * For media enquiries, please contact: Gavin Watson Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity 020 7239 3185 / 07989 4111 48 Gavin.watson@gosh.org
* * * About Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity: Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world's leading children's hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children's healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital's pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions, from across the country and abroad.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity needs to raise £50 million a year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, provide vital up-to-date equipment and fund research into better treatments for the children. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org
Evolution Wins Two Prestigious EGR Awards
Evolution took home two prestigious eGaming Review Awards last night. Winning both their nominated categories; Live Casino Software Supplier and Software Rising Star of the Year.
* * * About Evolution Gaming Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Malta, Stockholm and Riga. It is the only European live-gaming developer to custom build and operate its own licensed studios, enabling it to broadcast quality, real-time 'virtual' casinos through its clients' websites to the end-user.
Since 2006, Evolution has revitalised the European 'live dealer' platform, turning a niche product into a 'must have' for major gaming operators. The industry's biggest names are now enjoying the financial benefits and end-user satisfaction that Evolution products.
Evolution Has Been Shortlisted for Two Prestigious eGaming Review Awards
Evolution Gaming has been shortlisted for two prestigious eGaming Review Awards. The awards, which are to be held in London on June 14th, are the top accolade in the online gaming industry. The categories in which Evolution has been shortlisted are: Best Live Casino Software; and Rising Star Award for Outstanding Achievement.
* * * About Evolution Gaming Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Malta, Stockholm and Riga. It is the only European live-gaming developer to custom build and operate its own licensed studios, enabling it to broadcast quality, real-time 'virtual' casinos through its clients' websites to the end-user.
Since 2006, Evolution has revitalised the European 'live dealer' platform, turning a niche product into a 'must have' for major gaming operators. The industry's biggest names are now enjoying the financial benefits and end-user satisfaction that Evolution products impart.
The company is regulated through the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, offering its customers transparency and the prospect of an expanding range of games designed to meet the changing needs of clients and players alike.
For more information about Evolution Gaming, please visit www.evolutiongaming.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For further press information please contact: Evolution Gaming UK T: +44 20 7563 9140
Live Dealer Evolution Accredited by eCOGRA
Live dealer provider Evolution Gaming, which has offices in London, Malta and Stockholm and high tech Internet video-streaming studio facilities in Latvia, has become one of the first in its sector to achieve the high standards required for the eCOGRA Certified Live Dealer Seal.
The company is an acknowledged leader in its sector, and counts many major European Internet gambling operators among its clients, including 888, Bet-At-Home, Expekt, Gala Coral Group, Ladbrokes, PaddyPower, Party Gaming and Unibet.
Explaining the significance of the Certified Live Dealer Seal, eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge said this week that the relevant eGAP or international best practice standards required had been specifically designed for the distinct nature of live dealer operations, in which live games are streamed over the Internet in real time from casino studio environments managed by pitbosses and staffed by croupiers.
"The genre differs from the more common and purely software-powered online casino concept in that it features live staff using real gambling devices and tables," said Beveridge. "This requires a very specific set of operating standards and requirements to ensure absolutely fair, safe and independent gaming in which both hardware and software systems are reviewed.
"Along with our usual tests for problem gambling and dispute facilities, we also look at anti-money laundering systems, staff training, operator probity, player information security, staff access to sensitive areas, the retention of video recordings of all sessions, collusion controls and overall game statistical performance on the roulette, baccarat and blackjack games offered."
Chartered Accountant Gareth Muirhead, who spent several days in Riga, Latvia conducting the review, said that his compliance plan had included the examination of both return-to-player and RNG elements, and ensuring that eCOGRA's Total Gaming Transaction Review system was securely in place, continuously monitoring all gaming activity.
"Evolution Gaming operates a very tight ship, and the cooperation of chief operating officer Svante Liljevall and the technical and operational staff in Riga was outstanding," Muirhead wrote in his report to the Independent Directors controlling the issue of eCOGRA seals.
Congratulating the management and staff in Riga on achieving the eCOGRA accreditation, Evolution Gaming chief executive officer Jens von Bahr said: "As a company we have always tried to lead rather than follow, and I am delighted that you have been successful in satisfying a tough but very practical set of international best practice standards.
"This can only boost our confidence in the commercial arena, knowing we are among the first to successfully put our technology, systems and people to this type of rigorous test."
* * * About eCOGRA eCOGRA is a non-profit London-based organisation that sets online gambling standards and provides an international framework for best operational and player protection practice requirements, with particular emphasis on fair and responsible gambling.
These are enforced through inspections and reviews, and continuous monitoring. Accreditation is open to all software companies and their operators. Accredited operators are entitled to bear the 201CSafe and Fair201D seal, indicating to players everywhere that all operational systems and games are fair and continuously monitored to consistently high standards.
The standards that must be achieved for the Certified Live Dealer Seal have been specifically designed to ensure that this unique form of online gambling complies with practical and relevant operational requirements to ensure completely and independently fair and safe gaming.
eCOGRA is accredited as a Testing Agency by a number of leading online gambling jurisdictions, and regularly performs onsite and remote inspections to ensure operators comply with each jurisdiction's respective regulatory equirements. The company's compliance regime has received the approval of the European Gaming and Betting Association, a trade body that includes most of Europe's major online gambling groups among its members.
* * * About Evolution Gaming Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Malta, Stockholm and Riga. It is the only European live-gaming developer to custom build and operate its own licensed studios, enabling it to broadcast quality, real-time 'virtual' casinos through its clients' websites to the end-user.
Since 2006, Evolution has revitalised the European 'live dealer' platform, turning a niche product into a 'must have' for major gaming operators. The industry's biggest names are now enjoying the financial benefits and end-user satisfaction that Evolution products impart.
The company is regulated through the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, offering its customers transparency and the prospect of an expanding range of games designed to meet the changing needs of clients and players alike.
For more information about Evolution Gaming, please visit www.evolutiongaming.com
For further press information please contact: Evolution Gaming UK T: +44 20 7563 9140
Evolution hires Director of New Products to Expand Live Gaming Offering
Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of Live Dealer gaming, has appointed Joe Coughlin as Director of New Products, a new role designed to maximise the potential of Live and develop and drive the company's offering beyond hard-table gaming.
Joe has almost a decade of business and product development under his belt, having made his name with blue chip operators including Victor Chandler, William Hill and Gala Coral, as well as having worked for world renowned TV production company Endemol - producers of Big Brother and Deal or No Deal.
Joe Coughlin said, "When Evolution launched I knew their Live Casino would transform the industry and immediately decided to make Gala Coral the business' first major customer. I'm privileged to have the opportunity to continue to take Evolution Gaming into new areas with exciting and innovative new products."
His experience of launching new products and platforms, combined with Evolution's industry-leading technology and extensive client list, including Unibet, 888.com and PartyGaming, will enable Evolution to develop new business streams and exploring opportunities on other platforms including television and mobile.
Jens von Bahr, CEO of Evolution Gaming commented "Having Joe on board will see Evolution expanding its portfolio beyond traditional casino games. We've already revolutionised Live Gaming in Europe and 2010 will see us optimise the potential of the Live for both operators and consumers."
For more about live TV quality gaming, visit www.evolutiongaming.com.
* * * About Evolution Gaming Founded in 2006, Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Stockholm and Riga.
As the only European live-gaming developer to custom-build and operate its own licensed studios, Evolution offers a broadcast quality virtual casino, delivered in real-time through gambling operators' websites.
Evolution has pioneered the live dealer format for baccarat, roulette and Blackjack, and now licenses hard-table games to over twenty operators including PartyGaming, Blue Square, William Hill, Victor Chandler, Expekt and Sportingbet.
For more information about Evolution Gaming, please visit www.evolutiongaming.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For further press information please contact: Evolution Gaming UK T: +44 20 7563 9140
Sportingbet Signs with Evolution
Evolution Gaming, the pioneer of live dealer gaming, has signed an agreement with Sportingbet, one of the world's largest online gaming companies, to provide its customers with live roulette, blackjack and baccarat.
The deal means Sportingbet will have a dedicated branded blackjack table at its disposal, where users will be able to play games with real dealers using real cards.
Dominic Bourke, Head of Casino and Games. of Sportingbet, commented: "We believe that choice is key when it comes to online gaming, and our customers can now do everything from betting on premiership matches to playing casino games with professional croupiers and fellow gamers in real-time.
"Live Dealer Gaming will be a key driver in helping us to grow our hugely popular casino business."
Fredrik Osterberg, sales and marketing director at Evolution Gaming, said: "The move towards live dealer gaming has steadily gathered pace over the past two years as gambling operators have accepted its potential to help attract new players, re-activate existing ones and compared with traditional RNG, increase player lifetime.
"By using highly qualified dealers and a best-in-class TV studio, we are able to offer our customers something our competitors can't - a fully immersive gambling experience."
For more about live, TV-quality gaming, visit www.evolutiongaming.com
* * * About Sportingbet Founded in 1998 and now celebrating 11 years in business, Sportingbet was one of the first, and remains one of the largest, online gaming companies in the world today. Its website spans over 30 different markets, across Europe, Australia, Canada, South America and South Africa, localising each product to recognise different languages and currencies and, most importantly, offering local events to local people.
From Wimbledon to the Melbourne Cup, and the Premiership to the Moldovian Football league, Sportingbet offers an unparalleled range of sports to its customers. Now with its market leading in-running betting feature, Sportingbet offers over 5000 betting opportunities every weekend. With a wide range of sports offerings, combined with a range of additional products including poker, casino and virtual games, Sportingbet is the online gaming retailer of choice.
* * *
About Evolution Gaming Founded in 2006, Evolution Gaming is an independent online gaming developer based in London, Stockholm and Riga.
As the only European live-gaming developer to custom-build and operate its own licensed studios, Evolution offers a broadcast quality virtual casino, delivered in real-time through gambling operators' websites.
Evolution has pioneered the live dealer format for baccarat, roulette and Blackjack, and now licenses hard-table games to over twenty operators including SkyBet, PartyGaming, 888.com, William Hill, Victor Chandler, Expekt and Sportingbet.
For more information about Evolution Gaming, please visit www.evolutiongaming.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For further press information please contact: Evolution Gaming UK T: +44 20 7563 9140
