Betinternet founder Vincent Caldwell behind Virtual Live Racing’s regulated digital tote betting products for USA

A new concept in live virtual racing products has been created which features fully rendered replicas of real tracks, stunning graphics, and results based on historical race data in partnership with leading American racetrack venues.

Virtual Live Racing is a global first because races are based on anonymised and encrypted data from real-life thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races – a huge leap forward compared to RNG (Random Number Generator) products that are currently offered by legacy market suppliers.

A number of tracks are live including Derby Lane and Tampa Bay Downs in Florida. Five other tracks are signed and are soon to be launched, including Hawthorne in Chicago, and Parx in Philadelphia. The product is available to all tote systems in the US via distribution through Amtote International’s Spectrum betting system which is the leading technology tote provider in the USA which enables tracks to accept wagers from players and create a brand new risk-free revenue stream.

Virtual Live Racing has been created by Isle of Man-based company Virtual Software which has a proven track record of innovation in digital product development for the pari-mutuel or fixed odds betting industries. Chairman Vincent Caldwell started one of the world’s first online wagering companies (betinternet – licensed in the Isle of Man) which then went on to become the first such company to list on the London Stock Exchange.

The launch of VLR is the result of several years’ hard work by their highly experienced executive team which, along the way, has led to some truly historic milestones for the industry. Most notably these include a State of Oregon Legislature Senate Bill which made history by granting regulatory approval for virtual racing products.

Caldwell said: “While virtual racing products operate in over 40 countries and are very much a mainstream wagering product with billions of dollars bet on them each year, we have identified a niche opportunity for a unique product. We’ve developed a real-time rendering engine deployed to deliver horse, harness and greyhound racing with high quality graphics and animations. Unlike other products, our technology ensures that a racetrack’s intellectual property in the form of historic race data is anonymised and encrypted so outcomes cannot be known prior to the race being run. We believe that Virtual Live Racing products, which are built on a pari-mutuel wagering model, have a massive potential because it allows market access into an existing $11billion USA pari-mutuel wagering market, and other access points into international regulated racing markets valued at $100billion.”

VLR has a strong executive team with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Dave Mousley is Chief Creative Officer, and Angus Wood, Chief Software Architect. Dave, of Island Broadcasting Media Limited, was the co-founder of Red Vision which created the world’s first major virtual racing products. Those products currently generate more than $8billion gross gaming revenue annually. He led his team to win two BAFTA and two Royal Television Society awards for technical and creative innovation. Dave and his team were twice nominated for Emmy awards in the United States for computer graphics and virtual effects.

Angus, also of Island Broadcasting Media Limited, was formerly CTA at Inspired Gaming where, following the acquisition of Red Vision, he oversaw their growth to become the leading developer of online virtual racing products. His role included responsibility for the technical development and security operations of over 90,000 wagering terminals and machines as well as substantial server-based wager testing. VLR is represented in the US by Derby Lane and their executive team, and VLR’s Business Development Consultant Joey D Michaels who is responsible for building relationships with track owners and online Account Deposit Wagering (ADW) betting operators to drive expansion into tracks, casinos, and off-track betting outlets.

The launch of the cutting-edge electronic table game terminal Fenrir to provide a solution to land-based casinos aimed with new safety guidelines

Casino Game Maker, Inc. is excited to announce the launch of FENRIR, the cutting-edge electronic table game terminal. Built around the proven VALHALLA+ Gaming Platform, FENRIR provides the ultimate gaming experience, and offers the unique possibility of wagering concurrently on live and virtual games from a single terminal. Featuring a high definition 27″ touch screen, USB 3.0 mobile phone charging ports, and high-fidelity sound. Experience powerful graphics on games like Baccarat, Sic Bo, Craps, Roulette and more! Fenrir’s compact footprint and well-designed Safety Shield provide a perfect solution for operators who are looking to modify their floors to comply with the new safety guidelines.

The iconic Plaza Hotel & Casino located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas will reopen to hotel and casino guests on Thursday, June 4 in accordance with all federal, state and local government guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The last three months have been a difficult time for the Plaza, Las Vegas, and our country as a whole,” said Plaza Hotel & Casino CEO Jonathan Jossel. “People are yearning to get back to living their lives, including relaxing by the pool and playing on the casino floor. While we recognize the experience will be different than before, it is the start of bringing back fun and entertainment to people’s lives – now, during these stressful times, when they need it most. So, we are very excited to welcome guests back to the Plaza and bring back the vintage Vegas vibe that our guests deserve and have come to expect.”

As part of the Plaza’s reopening plan submitted to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the property will require all staff to wear masks, have their temperature taken before starting work, enter via a designated location, and observe social distancing. Guests will also be encouraged to wear masks (although not required) and receive an amenity kit at check-in with a complimentary mask for their use.

All hotel and casino guests can now self-park for free, and valet parking has been closed. Curbside check-in has been added to minimize contact, and guests will enter the property through a limited number of doors that will operate automatically or be set open manually. Quick-serve dining outlets, such as Pop Up Pizza and Coffee Bar will also reopen.

Elevators will be limited to four people at a time, and social distancing will be observed in all public spaces, including on the rooftop pool deck and casino floor through the removal of chairs at table games and reconfiguring of slot machines.

The Plaza will utilize enhanced disinfecting protocols for all public touchpoints, including doors, tables, chairs, kiosks, room keys, and gaming equipment. Vending machines, including ice machines, will be turned off until all restrictions have been lifted.

During the closure, the Plaza completed a deep cleaning of the entire property and fully renovated the casino bathrooms. Physical modifications were also made including the installation of plexiglass barrier at the registration desk and numerous touchless hand sanitizer stations for use by staff and guests.

On June 4, the Plaza’s Bingo room, the only one in downtown Las Vegas will again offer six daily bingo sessions. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Bingo room at the Plaza is uniquely located two floors above the main casino. By parking on the third floor of the Plaza’s self-parking garage, guests have convenient and direct access to the Plaza’s bingo room without having to walk through the casino floor.

The Bingo room at the Plaza will reopen with a special offer: Blue Packs pay $75 and the Blue Coverall pays $300. The Plaza will also continue to offer the Bingo Millions Megaprogressive games, electronic specials, Hotball Jackpot and Cashball Bonus. For a limited time, players will be able to purchase the Million Dollar Coverall at 47 numbers or less. Any player with a Plaza Rewards Players Club card is also eligible for Sizzling Summer Bingo Match Play which offers $75 daily Bingo match play every day in June, July & August (three $25 match plays per day and one $25 Bingo match play per session; more details available at the Plaza Bingo room).

To celebrate the reopening, the Plaza is offering a special Old School Fun getaway package offering guests who book by Aug. 31 for a stay before Dec. 29 the lowest available room rates, $25 daily food and beverage credit, $75 daily bingo match play and $10 free slot play as well as complimentary hotel room upgrade and early check-in / late check-out (both based on availability).

For more details on the Plaza’s reopening plans or getaway offers, please visit www.plazahotelcasino.com.