What were the highlights for this year’s ICE edition?

This year at ICE, IGT focused on previewing its robust multi-level progressive content library to operators. Highlights on display included the award-winning Prosperity Link game paired with the Company's PeakSlant49 cabinet. Other MLP games previewed included Egyptian Link Ramosis' Treasures and Nefturi's Treasures on the PeakSlant32 cabinet. We also demonstrated our engaging core video offering on our portrait and dual-screen cabinets. Standouts in the core library included Money Mage Alcina Cash Eruption, Mighty X Festival, and Fortune Owl on the Company's new PeakDual 27 cabinet. Additionally, some of our performance-proven titles, including Samurai 888 Katsumi and Prosperity Pearl, were displayed on the PeakSlant49 cabinet.

Rounding out our ICE portfolio, IGT showcased the latest video poker games, including Game King multi-game poker on the PeakBarTop cabinet. We also demonstrated our broad PlayDigital omnichannel portfolio featuring the latest premium content and technology. In addition, our Systems team presented our industry-leading Resort Wallet with IGTPay cashless gaming modules of the IGT ADVANTAGE casino management system, which offers a range of conveniences and benefits for operators and players.

IGT won three award programs: the Global Gaming Awards London, the European Casino Awards, and International Gaming Awards; what can you tell us on the matter?

IGT’s victories in various categories at the Global Gaming Awards London, European Casino Awards, and International Gaming Awards reaffirmed our commitment to excellence across our product and solutions portfolio. The recognition also reflects the diverse talent that drives the success of our various product verticals and acknowledges IGT’s leadership in delivering exceptional entertainment to our global customers. 

How was the visitors’ feedback about the novelties showcased at your booth?

We received solid feedback, and customers continue to value how we have innovated and evolved our existing game library and developed new games in virtually every category. From MLPs with new and proven mechanics, to a lively core video offering, we are building our global roadmap by delivering next-gen solutions. For instance, one of our most successful MLPs, the award-winning Prosperity Link, launched in 2022, combines two highly engaging mechanics – the persistence pot mechanic and the lock and respin trigger. This game consistently performs well above the floor average in the U.S.; we are confident it will also perform well in Europe. Additionally, the reception of new IGT cabinets like the PeakSlant49 and PeakDual27, from our industry-leading Peak family of cabinets, was very positive, and offer an attractive visual presentation on our customers’ floors.  

In which markets is your company currently present? IGT currently has a presence in more than 80 countries and 100 jurisdictions throughout the world.

How do you see the European market at the moment?

We see continued opportunities throughout Europe and remain committed to launching new products, reaching more locations, and bringing excitement to casino floors throughout the region, however we would be remiss to not acknowledge the economic turmoil that continues to plague parts of this region. We are here to support our customers however we can as they navigate some of these challenges. From the product side, we’ve been highly focused on our ability to support our European customers' growth and replacement cycles by leveraging our portfolio to deliver innovative solutions. 

We have received significant interest from operators seeking products that are proven performers from a content and cabinet perspective. It’s exciting to meet their needs by leveraging proven games from other regions as well as market-attuned solutions that cater to regional player preferences. 

In addition to the demand for our land-based solutions, there continues to be significant growth in iGaming, and IGT’s high-performing, cross-platform portfolio provides a compelling selection of games. Finally, cashless gaming is gaining traction, and we continue to evolve this segment globally with our industry-leading Resort Wallet with IGTPay gaming modules of the IGT Advantage casino management system.

Can you tell us the goals and plans for this year and in which countries would you like to expand or grow?

An important focus for IGT is building a long-term strategic roadmap for operators in Eastern Europe. The Company continues to develop its highly entertaining USwitch multi-game bundles that are programmed specifically to the region’s play styles and preferences. At ICE, IGT unveiled its follow-up to the award-winning Clover Edition Purple multi-game pack – the new Sevens Edition Yellow and Green bundles, each with 40 market-attuned games.

Building on the success of the new USwitch multi-game packs for Eastern Europe, IGT also introduced the new Unite chooser for the U.K., which presents a seamless integration of core and MLP content on one screen. Additionally, we are focused on MLP growth in Western European countries. For example,  tailored for Spain’s Amusement with Prize (AWP) salones sector, we have introduced the Magic Fortune Link MLP featuring four market-attuned themes, including Hephaestus, Dreams of Egypt, and Temple of Fire.

Which other trade shows are you going to participate this year?

We will continue to build existing relationships and create new ones with European operators through our presence at key trade shows and personalized customer events. This year in EMEA, IGT will be present at FIJMA in Spain, the Casino Operations Summit in Bucharest, Belgrade Future Gaming in Serbia, and the Entertainment Arena Expo in Romania, among others.