Bragg Gaming Group

Oryx Gaming’s parent company Bragg Gaming Group has announced that founder and interim CEO Adam Arviv has named Richard Carter to the role of CEO of the company, effective May 1, 2021.

Arviv, founder and among the largest shareholders of the company, previously petitioned the board to place him in the role of CEO in September 2020 amid disappointment with the negative effects of continued underperformance. Subsequently, he strategically recruited Carter as board chair.

“We’ve made significant progress in our strategic goals over the past months, and Richard is the ideal person to advance our plans – expanding our current market overseas and aggressively moving into the US market,” added Arviv.

“Richard is a recognised authority in the online sports and casino betting industry, with a proven record helping launch SBTech in the US market, before the successful sale of the company to DraftKings. We’re working together to make the necessary adjustments as we transform Bragg into a major player.”

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment

Connecticut-based casino operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has appointed Bobby Soper to the new role of international president.

In his role, Soper will represent MGE in Asia as he oversees, coordinating and directing all aspects of the company’s efforts related to both Inspire Korea Project in South Korea and its joint bid for an integrated resort license in Nagasaki, Japan with Oshidori International.

“Having served the Mohegan Tribe and MGE for many years, we are confident in Bobby’s experience and capabilities to guide our efforts on the ground in Asia,” said James Gessner, chairman of the Mohegan Tribe.

“Bobby’s leadership and presence representing MGE will serve as a catalyst and result in significant progress with both of these important international project commitments.”

Videoslots

Online casino operator Videoslots has appointed Peter Sjoberg to the role of chief operating officer. He joined Videoslots as its head of customer services in 2018 and was quickly promoted to director of customer services.

Sjoberg, who has also held senior positions at Betclic and Unibet, will use his 15 years of industry experience to oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the company.

“Peter is a dedicated, hands-on and performance driven colleague. During his time at Videoslots he has earned a reputation as someone who brings strong leadership, vision and integrity to every role he takes,” Alexander Stevendahl, Videoslots’ CEO, noted.

“I am confident that his appointment as COO will mean we can accomplish even bigger and better things as a brand, and I am very much looking forward to us hitting our targets together in the coming months.”

Genius Sports

Genius Sports has confirmed the appointment of David Levy as new company chairman, as the company moves to imminently list on the New York Stock Exchange.

A figurehead in US sports and entertainment, Levy is the former president of Turner Broadcasting, credited with radically diversifying the news broadcaster’s media portfolio.

During his 30-year executive tenure at Turner, Levy played an instrumental role in defining and expanding the company’s media rights by securing long-term partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NCAA and PGA.

“The capture and analysis of data has become fundamental to the rapid progression of the sports and media sectors. Genius is central to this unique ecosystem and is consistently leading the sports data and technology industry’s development,” Levy said.

“I am thrilled to join the business at such a historic time and look forward to working as part of the team.”

Spotlight Sports Group

Spotlight Sports Group continues to broaden its US market presence with the appointment of Justin Geiger as VP of US sales. Based in Washington DC, he becomes the first senior commercial recruit operating from the US as the group grows its commercial capabilities within the space.

In the role, which focuses largely on B2B sports betting content and partnerships with media and sports betting operators through Pickswise, Geiger will be tasked with growing the portfolio of US B2B and media partners.

Sam Houlding, Spotlight Sports Group’s chief commercial officer, noted: “It’s a timely appointment for the group in the US following the really strong foundation we’ve set with the growth of Pickswise and the establishment of our US B2B business which provides high-quality sports betting content taking customers beyond the odds.

“Justin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the landscape and I’ve no doubt he’ll be a great success in advancing our business efforts as we look to scale quickly and further build on our operation in the coming months.”

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With plenty of movers and shakers around the industry, allow CasinoBeats to give you the rundown on a number of recent manoeuvres.

Kaizen Gaming

The recently re-branded Kaizen Gaming has added to its core management team by welcoming Ioannis Koutrakos as group marketing director, succeeding Chris Tzalavras who is now head of commercial for the Stoiximan brand.

Forming part of the company’s strategic approach to achieving local and international expansion, Koutrakos will be charged with heading-up marketing and communication projects that involve both Stoiximan and Betano brands across all markets.

Panos Constantopoulos, CMO Kaizen Gaming, stated: “We are really excited to welcome Ioannis to Kaizen Gaming family and looking forward to see his wealth of experience incorporated in this key leadership position. I am sure he will thrive in pursuing the company’s great dynamics and values, while developing new, innovative ideas.

“Along with Ioannis, we hope to further enhance our brands’ image across markets. His knowledge and experience in the sector of technology, being in top-tier positions and undertaking big projects, offers great value to our company.”

Paysafe

Payments platform Paysafe has announced the appointment of Jeffry Beene to the position of senior vice president of merchant risk.

Reporting to chief risk officer Richard Swales, and bringing in excess of 25 years leadership experience in risk and payments, primarily in the US market, Beene is to gain overall responsibility for leading Paysafe’s merchant risk function.

In addition to overseeing all merchant risk management globally, Beene will be responsible for monitoring risk across ISO partners, independent software vendor partners, and distributors.

Swales said: “We’re delighted to further strengthen our team with a leader of Jeffry’s caliber and experience. We’re confident that Jeffry, a pioneer in the U.S. payments risk management space, will ensure risk and compliance play an instrumental part in helping Paysafe fulfill its vision of becoming the global leader in specialized payments.”

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has appointed Kevin Lowry as assistant general manager of the operator’s flagship Mohegan Sun Connecticut property.

Working alongside Jeffrey Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, and the leadership team on all major initiatives, Lowry will be responsible for finance, gaming, cashiering, tenant and retail operations at the facility.

“We are pleased to introduce Kevin Lowry as the new Assistant General Manager of our flagship property,” said Mario Kontomerkos, CEO of MGE. “Kevin has been a member of the Mohegan family for more than 20 years and served Mohegan Sun Connecticut faithfully since we opened our doors in 1996.

“We are confident Kevin will guide Mohegan Sun, one of the largest integrated entertainment resorts in North America, on a path of continued growth and success.”

Maxima Compliance

Full-service compliance provider Maxima Compliance has lauded “another major hire,” with María Romero de Alba joining the company as senior business development manager.

Romero de Alba joins Maxima Compliance’s commercial team from BMM Testlabs, and will work across the firm’s client base and Complitech product.

Antonio Zanghi, founder and managing director of Maxima Compliance, commented: “Maxima Compliance continues to expand its team aggressively to consolidate our position as the industry’s leading compliance specialists.

“María perfectly fits the bill and we are confident that her commercial expertise will help take us to the next level.”

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FSB

Gaming tech provider FSB has bolstered its senior management team with the addition of Glenn Elliott as chief operating officer, building on an over 13 year industry career.

Elliott has been tasked with working closely with the firm’s management team to further develop FSB to become a better growth partner for its clients in regulated markets around the world.

The role includes responsibility for the account management team as well as full oversight of the company’s five operational service divisions of sports, platform, marketing, retail and SaaS hosting.

Dave McDowell, CEO of FSB, said: “I am delighted to welcome Glenn to the team. Having someone of Glenn’s calibre is hugely valuable for the business, especially at a time when we are expanding into new markets, adding additional products and signing new partners.”

All-in Diversity Project

The All-in Diversity Project has strengthened its global advisory by confirming the addition of Birgitte Sand and Esu Ma’at as board members.

Ma’at is AIDP’s first appointment which the organisation stated is ‘reflective of educational and institutional and organisational change management’.

Sand, who currently serves as the CEO of Birgitte Sand & Associates ApS, has amassed over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry.

The appointment of both Birgitte and Esu is a critical step in the All-in Diversity Project journey as we start to move out of gaming and take a more sector agnostic position with the forthcoming launch of the first ever formal international standard for workplace diversity, equality and inclusion, in partnership with the BSI,” commented Christina Thakor-Rankin, AIDP co-founder.

“Birgitte and Esu bring with them a different set of perspectives, experiences and insights which will complement and enhance those of the existing Board allowing us to explore and address every challenge from policy right through to practice across every type of organisation right across the world. These are incredibly exciting times for us.”

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment

Casino resort developer and operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has appointed David Martinelli as chief marketing officer and Judy Newman-Locke as vice president of human resources management.

Both are lauded as bringing extensive knowledge and expertise to their new roles and will help guide MGE through a period of strategic growth and development.

“It will take a strong and effective leadership team to steer our organisation through this next chapter of growth and innovation. Accordingly, I am very pleased to have Dave and Judy join our team to further support our efforts throughout the US and abroad,” noted Mario Kontomerkos, CEO and president of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment.

“Dave and Judy’s considerable experience will be instrumental in promoting MGE as a worldwide industry leader in integrated resort entertainment and in retaining the best talent for our MGE family.”

1account

Player ID and verification specialist 1account has recruited Caroline Steele as senior client director, gaining responsibility for driving brand awareness for the firm and showcasing the company’s products and services.

This includes educating the industry about ever-changing player ID and verification requirements and what 1account can do to help operators, suppliers and affiliates to verify customers with confidence.

Marc Wood, sales and marketing director at 1account, explained: “I am delighted to welcome Caroline to the team and for 1account to benefit from her unrivalled experience and knowledge of the industry.

“We have already established ourselves as a leading player ID and verification provider, but we have ambitious growth plans and Caroline will play a central role in enabling us to deploy it.

“Caroline has already put forward interesting and impactful ways of increasing exposure for 1account and our products and services and I look forward to seeing them come to life in the coming months.”

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Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment

Mark Rosa has been appointed as senior vice president and chief information officer of Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment to oversee strategic business decisions related to technology across all MGE properties.

Announcing the newest member of its executive leadership team via the strategic promotion, Mohegan is aiming to further sustain and enhance the brand’s growth and development throughout the United States and internationally.

“As we continue on this path of strategic development, it has been our mission to build the best executive team in the industry.

“With igaming and mobile technology driving the casino industry today, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment is honoured to welcome Mark Rosa into the fold where he will manage the increased use of cutting-edge technology that will better position the MGE enterprise for growth and expansion in the coming years.” – Mario Kontomerkos, CEO of Mohegan.

NetGaming

Natalya Ovchinnikova has joined creative casino games studio NetGaming as head of product, bringing almost a decade of industry experience including management spells at companies such as NetEnt and Yggdrasil.

Further strengthening the firm’s senior management team, Ovchinnikova will be charged with overseeing the production process for NetGaming’s slot portfolio, with the company planning to release a mixture of branded and original content every month throughout 2020.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Natalya on board. With a fantastic track-record of achieving consistent results, her extensive and successful industry experience speaks for itself. I am pleased to be working with Natalya again.” – Pallavi Deshmukh, CEO at NetGaming.

National Council on Problem Gambling

Joel Simon has been welcomed on-board by the National Council on Problem Gambling in the role of communications manager where he will implement the organisation’s external communications, including public awareness and outreach efforts.

Prior to joining the NCPG, Joel served as the marketing and communications coordinator at National Integrated Health Associates in Washington DC. He has also contributed to writing and designing projects for various national and international nonprofits.

“NCPG is thrilled to have Joel join our team. He brings valuable skills in digital media and project management. We look forward to deploying his expertise to increase public awareness about problem gambling and help NCPG grow,” – Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG.

Aruze Gaming

Aruza Gaming America has confirmed the appointment of Simon Burgess to the role of senior vice president of finance and accounting, leading all core finance and accounting functions, including the development of a longer-term financial strategy.

Burgess brings in excess of 25 years of progressive financial planning and analysis, operations, business process improvement, marketing, and business development experience within the gaming and lottery industry to Aruze.

“We are excited to bring Simon on board in this new role. We anticipate his implementation of strategy to ensure we achieve and exceed our operational and strategic objectives in being a market leader.

“Simon has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about the gaming industry as a whole, and brings a distinctly technology-driven focus.” – Rob Ziems, president and global chief legal officer of Aruze.

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Chen Si has joined the company as President of Mohegan INSPIRE, while Wade Howk joins as Chief Operating Officer, as the operator aims to establish the venue as a “leading integrated resort”.

“With Mohegan INSPIRE, we are expanding our horizons beyond what we once thought possible,” said Ray Pineault, President and Chief Executive Officer at Mohegan. 

“Mohegan’s move into the global market is not just about growth, but also about sharing our legacy and spirit with the world. 

“Our future is bright, and I look forward to embracing this next chapter alongside Chen Si and Wade Howk.”

Si will gain responsibility for guiding strategic planning and operational results, building on past experience build up at the likes of McKinsey and Las Vegas Sands.

His main duties, the company noted, will comprise overseeing budget and business plans to ensure the company’s vision is implemented at all levels, as well as leading performance measurement and improvement efforts. 

“I am honoured to be stepping into this role as President of Mohegan INSPIRE,” he said. “As we begin this next venture for the Mohegan brand in South Korea, I am motivated by the promise of innovation, rich cultural exchange and strengthened partnerships. 

“This is an exhilarating new chapter for the brand, and I’m committed to steering Mohegan toward a future filled with inspiration and growth.”

Howk will serve as the second in command at the property, with primary responsibilities including leading, engaging, and developing direct reports to ensure smooth operations, creating an exceptional guest experience, maintaining a positive organisational culture based and establishing relationships with vital stakeholders. He will also work closely with governmental and business partners to coordinate efforts.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Financial Officer and interim President for Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Corporate Vice President of Strategy for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. 

“Mohegan INSPIRE has always stood for innovation, passion and resilience,” Howk noted. “I am excited to bring these values to new heights in my new role, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with the excellence and visionary leadership that our guests have come to know and expect at our properties across the globe.”

Mohegan INSPIRE, situated in the IBC area of Incheon International Airport, is set to open the 1A phase in the fourth quarter of 2023, reaching almost 83 per cent in completion of the construction. 

This includes three 5-star hotel towers with 1,275 rooms, Korea’s first multi-purpose arena with 15,000 seats, convention facility including Korea’s largest hotel banquet room, commercial facilities combining shopping, dining and entertainment, a year-round indoor water dome and an outdoor family park.

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Digital operations improved across all financial measurements, but land-based operations failed to match online’s strong performance during the quarter.

Publishing its Q2 results, Mohegan declared overall revenue of $415.4m, down 0.4 per cent in comparison to the previous year’s $417.1m. However, Q2’s revenue is an improvement on Q1’s $405.8m.

Income from operations dropped as well by 8.6 per cent year-over-year to $82.4m (2022: $90.1m), while net income fell by 14.8 per cent to $50.6m (2022: $59.4m).

However, while adjusted EBITDA also declined by 9.5 per cent YoY to $108.7m (2022: $120m), the quarter’s figure was the third-highest quarterly total in the operator’s 26-year history, with the previous year’s figure being the highest.

AEBITDA margin came in at 26.2 per cent, 268 basis points favourable in comparison to Q3 2019 and 262 basis points unfavourable in comparison to Q2 2022.

As of June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, Mohegan held cash and cash equivalents of $188.2m and $164.7m, respectively.

Commenting on the results, CEO Raymond Pineault said: “Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $108.7m was the third highest quarterly total in our 26-year history, while the prior-year comparable quarter was the highest to date.

“We continue to see strong results from our digital segment and are focused on growing that line of business.”

Per segment, Mohegan’s Digital revenue improved by 56.6 per cent YoY to $16.7m thanks to strong growth in Connecticut and the addition of Ontario. Connecticut online casino gaming win rose by 65 per cent to $42.8m (2022: $26m) with 10,000 active daily players. 

For Ontario’s Play Fallsview, unique players, deposits and wagering all increased in comparison to Q1 by 40 per cent, 28 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, while monthly average revenue per user currently stands at $375.

AEBITDA for digital operations rose by 52.1 per cent to $11.6m (2022: $7.6m). Connecticut operations benefited from a cumulative update to revenue share allocation from the operator’s digital gaming partner which impacted revenues and AEBITDA.

Taking a look at land-based operations, Niagara Resorts was the only location to see an uptick in revenue YoY, rising slightly by 1.8 per cent to $81.1m (2022: $79.6m), while its AEBITDA decreased by 28.5 per cent to $14m (2022: $19.6m).

Gaming revenues at the location dropped by 8.8 per cent to $54m (2022: $59.2m) due to lower slot volumes and the prior year having favourable table games hold percentage

Elsewhere, Mohegan Sun‘s revenue dropped by 2.5 per cent to $230.7m (2022: $236.5m) with AEBITDA falling by 9.5 per cent to $68.5m (2022: $75.7m). Gaming revenues were impacted by lower slot and table games volumes, resulting in a 6 per cent drop to $148.4m (2022: $157.9m).

Mohegan Pennsylvania’s revenue declined by 2.3 per cent to $65.2m (2022: $66.8m), with AEBITDA decreasing by 5.8 per cent to $14.1m (2022: $15m). Gaming revenues at the location were also affected by lower slot and table games volume, falling by 3.8 per cent to $57.1m (2022: $59.3m).

Mohegan also provided an update on its Mohegan INSPIRE project, as the South Korean destination is still scheduled to open later this year in Q4.

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Marking two years since the opening of Mohegan Casino Las Vegas inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the casino noted that the collaboration will offer Momentum members an opportunity to win five free 7-night Mediterranean cruises via Virgin Voyages cruises, a contest which is free to enter for Momentum members.

Joe Hasson, General Manager at Mohegan Casino Las Vegas, commented: “We are always looking at new and unique ways to connect with our casino guests. This partnership with Virgin Voyages is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and a first to Las Vegas experience.”

Mohegan’s Momentum rewards programme allows players to earn as they play across the casino’s 650 slot machines and 50 table games and elevate their status level to gain more benefits, access, perks and personalised experiences.

“We’re thrilled to see this partnership come to life and have the opportunity to share the ship experience with casino guests, especially when we know there’s so much synergy between our brands,” noted Jennifer Wengert, Director of Casino Strategy and Partnerships for Virgin Voyages. 

“From our adults-only offering and elevated backdrop to our commitment to incredible service, we see our beautiful lady ships as a seamless transition from the casino floor to playing on the high seas.”

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The pledge comes after the Connecticut headquartered developer and operator become the recipient of an operating licence by the Hellenic Gaming Commission regarding the development. 

The winning bid from MGE, submitted in partnership with Gek Terna, proposes a facility that includes a luxury hotel, premier entertainment venues, convention centre, shopping, dining, casino, and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities.

MGE comments that it expects the venue to attract an influx of international tourists, which it says will “provide a significant contribution to the pioneering Hellinikon Project that will redefine the modern identity of Greece”.

The casino property is to form one part of Lamda Development‘s wider €8bn Hellinikon Project, being developed on the site of the old Ellinikon International Airport which has sat empty for over 18 years after being replaced by the new Athens entity.

The wider multi-faceted construction is also slated to incorporate a metropolitan park, shops, offices, sports and conference facilities, luxury hotels, museums, malls, cultural venues, health centres, educational and research facilities and a marina.

“We are honoured to have been chosen by the Hellenic Gaming Commission and believe that as the first Integrated Resort and Casino experience in Greece, Inspire Athens will further solidify the City of Athens as one of Europe’s most enticing and iconic destinations,” said Mario Kontomerkos, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s president and CEO. 

“We recognise the importance of this transformative effort for Greece and are looking forward to leading the charge for one of the most ambitious development projects ever undertaken in the country.”

MGE’s involvement in the Hellinikon Project will support Greece’s local economy through the creation of more than 7,000 jobs in the region during and after construction, including direct, indirect, and induced employment. 

Furthermore, the project is also expected to contribute millions of euros annually to both the government and the people of Greece in the form of taxes, infrastructure improvement, and public services. International tourism in the Attica region is also expected to grow by at least 10 per cent.

Mohegan’s Inspire Athens to launch a new era of tourism & economic growth Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4shBE9dboUE&feature=emb_title

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The latter won the right to operate a casino resort at Greece’s €8bn The Ellinikon in 2019, beating off competition from Hard Rock, which is being developed on the site of the airport of the same name that has sat empty for over 20 years after being replaced by a new central entity.

Construction of the project is expected to begin within the first few months of 2023 and last approximately three years, which means the opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens will occur in 2026.

The 30-year concession is a partnership between Hard Rock International (51 per cent) and Gek Terna Group (49 per cent), with the latter also being responsible for the entire construction of the project.

“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Gek Terna Group and further expand Hard Rock’s reach across the globe in the great city of Athens,” said Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chair. 

“This development will bring over 3,000 jobs to the people of Greece and we look forward to bringing our unique brand of entertainment to provide an unparalleled experience for guests of all ages.”

The two groups held a special event in Athens signalling the official start of the partnership for the construction and operation of the integrated resort and casino within The Ellinikon development. 

The venue will comprise a casino floor that contains 200 tables and 2,000 gaming machines, as well as a tower that consists of more than 1,000 guest rooms, meeting and convention space, entertainment venue, an array of food and beverage outlets, Rock Spa and Pool Complex, and a retail promenade.

The wider multi-faceted construction is also slated to incorporate a metropolitan park, shops, offices, sports and conference facilities, luxury hotels, museums, malls, cultural venues, health centres, educational and research facilities and a marina.

“This development will create a premium tourism spot, expected to offer employment to thousands of people, yield significant revenues to the public sector, and add value to Greece’s brand,” noted George Peristeris, Chair and CEO of Gek Terna Group. 

“Along with Hard Rock we are realising a private investment of over €1bn, reaffirming our trust in Greece’s prospects and potential.”

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For the three months ending March 31, 2022, revenue increased 28.7 per cent to $358.47m (2021: $278.62m), as net loss lowered to $2.44m from $15.97m one year earlier, with adjusted EBITDA closing at $86.69m, up 7.9 per cent year-on-year from $80.72m.

Revenue benefited from upticks across all core reporting segment, with gaming; food and beverage; hotel; and retail, entertainment and other reaching $261.49m (2021: $209.18m), $28.91m (2021: $13.43m), $24.86m (2021: $17.17m), and $43.2m (2021: $38.93m) respectively.

The company reports that improvements were felt due to strong performance at its owned properties as well as the addition of Mohegan Sun Las Vegas and MGE Digital.

During the previous period negative impacts were felt through COVID-19 related restrictions, including the closure of the MGE Niagara Resorts for the entire period as well as Mohegan Sun Pocono for three days; self-imposed capacity limitations at Mohegan Sun and state-mandated health protocols most of its estate.

“Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $86.7m reflects our strong performance and ongoing focus on profitability,” said Raymond Pineault, Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. 

“Although visitation was somewhat impacted by the Omicron variant and poor weekend weather at our Northeast properties early in the quarter, the consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin of 24.2 per cent was 234 basis points higher than the pre-COVID comparable fiscal 2019 quarter.”

Revenue at the company’s flagship Mohegan Sun increased 14 per cent to $358.47m (2021: $278.62m), however, net income and adjusted EBITDA dropped 15.3 per cent and 10.1 per cent to $44.24m (2021: $52.24m) and $62.92m (2021: $69.95m).

This is aligned to lower than expected volume experienced through January as well as a challenging prior year period, with MGE noting that in the prior-year period the venue “offered fewer lower-margin amenities due to COVID-related restrictions and market conditions, and had significantly lower labour, marketing and other operating expenses”. 

However, driven by higher slots play as well as food and beverage consumption, revenue at Mohegan Sun Pocono increased 18.7 per cent to $62.16m (2021: $52.37m).

Net income recorded an uptick of 95.3 per cent to $8.32m (2021: $4.26m) with adjusted EBITDA closing the period at $13.22m, up 35.9 per cent to $9.73m.

MGE Niagara Resorts, limited by restrictions through the quarter, saw revenue increase 278.3 per cent $52.26m (2021: $13.81m), as net loss closed from $15.98m to $2.78m, with adjusted EBITDA closing at $7.12m (2021: -$5.52m).

In response to rising COVID-19 cases, beginning January 5, 2022, the government of Ontario mandated all casinos to close for an initial 21-day period, which was extended through to January 30, 2022. 

On January 31, 2022, the MGE Niagara Resorts were permitted to reopen with a 50 per cent capacity limitation and several additional public health measures, including proof of vaccination, active screening, masks and contact tracing.

Carol Anderson, Chief Financial Officer of MGE, added: “These results demonstrate MGE’s ability to adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and reflect the current stabilising operating environment. 

“We have reintroduced some lower margin non-gaming amenities since the prior-year period, and last year also included temporary reductions in labour, marketing and entertainment expenses as well as deferred operating expenses that were necessary to operate within the early phases of the COVID-impacted environment.”

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