PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco announced today, September 10, that nearly 2,000 units of new and modern slot machines for Casino Filipino gaming venues will be delivered mid-September as part of the agency’s modernization program.

During the opening of the IAG Academy Summit at the Hilton Manila this morning, Mr. Tengco said the delivery of the new machines will level up the game offerings of Casino Filipino branches nationwide in a bid to increase foot traffic and boost overall profitability.

“As we prepare for the planned privatization of PAGCOR casinos, we intend to increase their value by modernizing our gaming facilities and equipment to make them more attractive to potential investors,” the PAGCOR chief said during his keynote address.

The agency has ordered a total of 3,341 new slot machines which are identical to those that are being used in the country’s top integrated resort casinos. The first batch arriving within the week consists of 1,968 units.

The PAGCOR chairman also updated the audience about other ongoing programs of the agency including the projected opening of more integrated resorts in key tourist destinations in the country in the next several years.

The IAG Summit, organized by the B2B print and digital gaming magazine Inside Asian Gaming, is held every September in Manila. It brings together movers and shakers in the Asian gaming industry and features a wide range of speakers from across the region.

Junglee Rummy, India’s Most Trusted Rummy Site, has launched its highly anticipated GW Premiere Series, the final leg of its three-month-long Grand Winnings Tournament, with a guaranteed prize pool of 35 crore INR. Launched on 1 September 2024, the GW Premiere Series is designed to thrill rummy enthusiasts and test the sharpest minds in the game, culminating in a thrilling grand finale on 30 September 2024, where players will compete to win from a 2.5 crore INR guaranteed prize pool.

The Grand Winnings Tournament, which kicked off in July this year, has sparked immense excitement in the online rummy community by offering a total prize pool of over 90 crore INR. The tournament has already attracted more than 6 lakh players from across the country, with over 35 thousand winners so far. The tournament has featured standout campaigns, such as the GW Millionaire Series and the GW Azadi Series, each pushing the boundaries of skill gaming and strategic acumen. The GW Premiere Series aims to elevate the competitive spirit even further, featuring daily finales with a 40 lakh INR guaranteed prize pool. Players can also compete in weekly finales with a prize pool of up to 1.25 crore INR each.

Mohul Mukherjee, Vice President of Product Marketing and Communications at Junglee Games, said: “As the Grand Winnings Tournament culminates into the Grand Winnings Premiere Series, the red carpet is rolled out with even bigger rewards for players. The popularity of the series in the last two months bears testimony to the great passion our players have for the game, and we remain committed to providing them with an exceptionally rewarding experience.”

Junglee Rummy’s commitment to entertainment and skill-based competition shines through the GW Premiere Series. With the grand finale featuring a 2.5 crore INR guaranteed prize pool, the series promises unparalleled excitement and challenge, reiterating Junglee Rummy’s dedication to celebrating and rewarding the art of skill gaming.

Nazara Technologies, India’s leading and only listed diversified gaming and esports company, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana. Through this strategic partnership Nazara aims to establish a pioneering AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) focusing on gaming and digital entertainment, positioning Nazara as a leader in AI-driven gaming and digital entertainment space and Telangana as a global hub for AI innovation.

The Nazara AI CoE will drive research, development, and innovation in areas such as gaming, interactive media, gamified learning, and other digital content, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR/AR, blockchain, and Web 3.0.  By fostering policy development, supporting startups, enhancing skills, and engaging global expertise, the Nazara AI Center of Excellence aims to empower a dynamic and inclusive community

Nitish Mittersain, Jt. MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies, said: “Telangana’s proactive approach in fostering industry growth through public-private partnerships and policy development has created the ideal ecosystem for this initiative. This collaboration will enable Nazara to further our mission of integrating AI and emerging technologies across our diverse portfolio, positioning us as a leader in AI-driven innovations in gaming and digital entertainment.”

Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology and Industries, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, said: “This partnership with Nazara Technologies, a leader in Indian gaming, marks a significant step in positioning Telangana as a global leader in AI-driven digital innovation. The Nazara AI CoE will empower startups, enhance skills, and attract cutting-edge technology investments, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem. By joining forces with Nazara, we are committed to driving economic growth and setting new standards in responsible AI applications in gaming and beyond.”