International Game Technology PLC (IGT) has made headlines with two major announcements. Firstly, the launch of the Super Star Poker™ II game pack on the PeakBarTop™ Buddy Bar™ cabinet at Casino Barcelona in Spain marks a significant enhancement to its gaming offerings. Secondly, Renato Ascoli, IGT’s CEO of Global Lottery, has been honored with an induction into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame for his extensive contributions to the industry.
Super Star Poker II Launches at Casino Barcelona
IGT’s Super Star Poker II game pack has debuted at Casino Barcelona, featuring in the newly created “IGT Video Poker Area.” This area is designed to showcase IGT’s legendary video poker content, offering players an array of engaging themes and game types. Super Star Poker II includes single and multi-hand poker games, as well as Keno, roulette, and popular slot themes like Temple of Fire™ and Scarab™.
“Casino Barcelona is thrilled to offer our guests IGT’s world-class poker innovations in a specially designated video poker space,” said Erwin Alonso Buchhas, Slot Manager at Casino Barcelona. “Our collaboration with IGT brings a new level of gaming entertainment to players and will complement our robust collection of popular IGT slots games on our casino floor.”
The PeakBarTop™ Buddy Bar™ cabinet, an evolution of IGT’s award-winning PeakBarTop™ cabinet, enhances the gaming experience with a premium 23-inch high-definition curved LCD screen. This design combines a classic feel with contemporary ergonomic features, ensuring exceptional image quality and player comfort.
“IGT is excited to partner with Casino Barcelona to bring our performance-proven Super Star Poker II game pack on the PeakBarTop Buddy Bar hardware to players in Barcelona,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming. “Casino Barcelona’s dedicated IGT Video Poker Area is a great environment for players to enjoy celebrated IGT poker themes that are loved by players throughout the world.”
Renato Ascoli Inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame
Adding to the celebrations, Renato Ascoli, CEO of Global Lottery at IGT, will be inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. This accolade recognizes Ascoli’s nearly two decades of influential leadership in the lottery and gaming sectors.
“With nearly 20 years of experience serving in high-level positions in the lottery and gaming industries, Renato Ascoli is an accomplished senior executive whose leadership has been paramount in driving new business and innovation,” said Vince Sadusky, IGT CEO. “Renato has a keen ability to identify and realize business growth opportunities, and his contributions will benefit the lottery industry for years to come. IGT congratulates Renato on his well-deserved induction into this year’s Lottery Industry Hall of Fame.”
In his role, Ascoli oversees global lottery and iLottery sales and operations, product and sales development, and technology support for IGT’s numerous lottery customers. Since the merger of GTECH and IGT in 2015, Ascoli has led both the Global Lottery and Global Gaming business units. His notable achievements include launching sports betting with the Rhode Island Lottery, initiating operations with the Mississippi Lottery, and deploying lottery terminals in Walmart stores.
“I am incredibly honored to be inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024,” said Ascoli. “Working in the lottery industry with many great leaders and innovators has been an absolute privilege. The future of the lottery industry is bright, and I look forward to helping our customers propel the modernization of lottery worldwide while continuing to generate funds for philanthropic causes.”
Ascoli’s earlier tenure at Lottomatica, one of the largest lotteries in the world, saw him lead the successful launch of the Gratta e Vinci (Scratch & Win) instant ticket brand in Italy and secure the exclusive Lotto concession in Italy with a consortium led by IGT.
Sources:
IGT Brings Award-Winning Poker Portfolio to Spain with Casino Barcelona, July 15, 2024.
IGT IGT CEO Global Lottery Renato Ascoli Inducted into Lottery Industry Hall of Fame, July 17, 2024.