Industry News
Pollard Banknote to Acquire mkodo Limited
Pollard Banknote Limited announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the equity (“Acquisition”) of mkodo Limited (“mkodo”), a leading provider of digital apps and user interfaces for the lottery and gaming industry worldwide. The Acquisition is subject to certain standard regulatory and third-party consents and is expected to close early in the first quarter, 2020.
mkodo is a global provider of licensed, omni-channel customer facing apps to the lottery, betting and gaming sectors. The company was founded in 2001 and has been recognized for its core strength to develop and deliver successful digital experiences to the target audience of their customers’ online users. mkodo’s clientele include a number of leading lotteries and gaming companies around the world, including the majority of the Canadian lotteries and some of the largest gaming operators in the UK. With offices in England (London and Newcastle), mkodo employs approximately 60 full-time highly skilled staff working exclusively on digital app deployment for the lottery and gaming sector.
mkodo has proven experience in:
- Design, delivery & long-term support of digital user experiences for mobile and web applications;
- Design and development of engaging sports book and online bingo user interfaces for leading operators;
- Successful native iOS and Android app deployment in highly regulated global markets;
- Integration with multiple gaming and lottery systems via APIs (application programming interface) for full-service delivery;
- Provision of mobile and web app management services to client systems on their mCloud platform, including software for geolocation, authentication for users, device analysis, content management, and CRM;
- Integration with multiple providers of games and content to allow for robust menus of activities for the user; and
- Transformation of creative concepts into digital user experiences.
“We are very excited to have the talented mkodo team join Pollard and we look forward to their proven gaming focused technology and vast experience helping us broaden our portfolio of lottery and gaming solutions”, stated Doug Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “Working alongside our existing lottery resources within Pollard, we will be able to expand mkodo’s reach into some of the leading lotteries worldwide. At this current time of heightened digital focus and rapid development within lotteries and gaming organizations, being able to bring to our current and future customers the technological and customer facing expertise of mkodo is a game changer. Particularly in light of ongoing regulatory changes in app requirements, mkodo and Pollard now stand ready to lead the lottery and gaming industry to first-in-class solutions in the mobile environment.”
Stuart Godfree, Managing Director of mkodo said, “We are excited to join the team at Pollard and look forward to expanding our reach in the gaming world in collaboration with our new colleagues. Not only do we see a great cultural fit with the two organizations but joining the leading lottery partner will allow mkodo to take the next step in its ongoing evolution as the foremost supplier of mobile lottery solutions in the world.”
The Acquisition purchase price is £7.8 million (approximately $13.4 million CDN dollars using an exchange rate of $1.72 CDN dollar per pound sterling), prior to standard working capital adjustments and potential future earn-out payments based on certain EBITDA targets. The purchase price will be funded from existing Pollard Banknote cash resources and availability under our existing senior credit facilities. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Pollard Banknote’s net income prior to amortization of related purchase price accounting adjustments.
John Pollard, Co-Chief Executive Officer concluded, “The addition of the mkodo team to our organization is an important step in expanding our technological expertise and in particular complements our existing internal Pollard resources very well. Their proficiency in sports book and online bingo development is an important addition to our product offerings. Our strategic plan clearly articulates our focus on the lottery and related gaming sectors and the Acquisition supports this strategy. Our industry leading digital solutions (including iLottery, second chance platform and loyalty programs) all rely on exceptional user interface experiences and the addition of mkodo’s world class mobile expertise will allow Pollard to greatly enhance our customers’ digital connection with their end users.”
Source: Pollard Banknote Limited
Industry News
TaDa Gaming Enlivens Gaming on the Go with Keno Bonus Number
Favourite lottery style game is updated for mobile first play with significant bonuses.
Drop into the exhilarating world of Keno Bonus Number from TaDa Gaming and experience high octane thrills. This super-fast paced game delivers immersive play in a simple but mesmerising display of colours, pings and wins.
A clearly laid out grid shows the RNG chosen numbers’ location across the top section, the choice of 80 numbers in the centre section and the paytable odds at the bottom. Players have the chance to buy up to five additional numbers depending on the winning odds; plus the Treasure Chest has its own special bonuses to keep the play fast and furious.
Players select one to ten numbers across the sequentially numbered grid of 1 – 80 and the game begins. RNG selects 20 numbers and the grid lights up in a flash of colours.
Purple cells have not been selected; pink shows a player pick but the number did not come up; blue shows the system selected this number but the player did not; and gold is the colour everyone wants to see as this means a win!
A bonus at the end of the round is given depending on the number of winning cells and the corresponding paytable odds, which are shown in an easy to understand, clickable symbol format.
The Treasure Chest icon at the top of the grid has its own bonus offer. Before the game starts, three random numbers, one gold, two purple, are chosen and will transform the corresponding cells into these colours. When the purple bonus is drawn, players receive one additional number but a generous THREE EXTRA NUMBERS for the gold bonus.
Keno Bonus Number allows players to choose their strategy, stick to lucky numbers or set up Autoplay for quick and random chances. Enhanced with crisp graphics, vibrant colours and a clear user interface, players will relish the simple rules and significant win potential.
Sean Liu, Head of Product Management at TaDa Gaming, said: “Keno Bonus Number is mobile first in design. The game’s rapid and immersive play makes it perfect for gaming on the go, while the extra bonus features add a new layer of engagement to an old favourite.”
Industry News
Amusnet Wins Best Game Studio at the SiGMA East Europe Awards 2024
Amusnet has won the prestigious Best Game Studio title at the SiGMA East Europe Awards 2024, held in Budapest. The event set the stage for a night of celebration, aligning with SiGMA’s highly anticipated conference and expo, which welcomed over 9000 attendees from the iGaming and emerging tech sectors.
Securing the Best Game Studio marks another significant milestone for Amusnet, demonstrating its robust portfolio of over 300 casino games. This honour underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to high quality within the iGaming sector, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner for industry partners in East Europe and beyond.
Amusnet’s products are centered around its diverse online slots, including classic and contemporary fruit themes, innovative dice slots and progressive jackpots. These games are distinguished by their exceptional graphics, user-friendly interfaces and engaging features designed to enhance player experience.
Industry News
FBMDS and FBM Foundation host solidarity keepy-uppy initiative at G2E Las Vegas 2024
FBM Digital Systems (FBMDS), a leader in iGaming innovation, and FBM Foundation are joining forces to host a special solidarity initiative linked to the Ronaldinho Crash game by FBMDS at this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. From October 8th to 10th, visitors to booth 2848 will have the opportunity to participate in a Keepy-Uppy Challenge, designed to give back to communities in need while promoting the spirit of solidarity.
The initiative invites attendees to show off their soccer skills in a simple but meaningful way: for every successful keepy-uppy (juggle) a participant completes on the newest Ronaldinho Crash game, the FBM Foundation will donate $1 to support vulnerable communities around the world. These donations are going to be made to individuals affected by natural disasters, children in need of educational resources, and other vulnerable groups.
This is FBM Foundation’s first ever participation at an international casino gaming trade-show and the choice of G2E Las Vegas to make its debut was not random. Choosing a stage like the Global Gaming Expo was the right move to showcase the Group’s will to make a difference in the world, sharing its solidarity footprint with a broader, diverse audience of casino gaming enthusiasts, casino operators, players and industry professionals.
“We believe in the power of coming together for a greater purpose,” says Renato Almeida, Director of FBM®️ Group. “This initiative not only highlights the team-building spirit that defines FBMDS, but it also allows us to showcase the work of the FBM Foundation and our commitment to making a positive impact on the world with the help of G2E Las Vegas.”
FBM Foundation has long been dedicated to supporting causes that promote education, community development, and relief efforts for those impacted by crises in the Philippines, Brazil and beyond. “Through this keepy-uppy challenge, FBMDS and FBM Foundation aim to inspire action and demonstrate how collective efforts—whether on the field or off—can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most”, shares FBM Foundation’s representative, Vítor Francisco.
The Ronaldinho Crash game is one of FBMDS’ latest product releases, featuring the global football legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho on a thrilling keepy-uppy crash gaming experience. The game, which was officially launched during the American Cup and will be available to try at the fair, is already winning over crowds in multiple countries around the globe.
In addition to Ronaldinho Crash, visitors to G2E Las Vegas 2024 will be able to experience for the first time the new Infinity Series video bingo line and the new Sapphire Fever bingo, the new Safe Blaster slot game, as well as the popular Champion Tales crash game, the famous Top+Plus table games collection and much more.
Attendees at G2E Las Vegas 2024 are encouraged to stop by booth 2848, take part in the challenge, and help support the initiative between FBMDS and FBM Foundation. Whether you’re an expert juggler or simply want to get involved, every attempt counts towards the greater goal of raising funds for global causes.
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