17 Sep 2014 14:00
GameAccount Network awarded US patent
Patent covers iBridge Framework™ integrating Internet gaming systems with casino reward programs
ISE: GAME LSE: GAME
GameAccount Network plc (“GameAccount” or the “Company”), a leading developer and supplier of enterprise-level B2B Internet gaming systems and online gaming content, has been awarded a patent by the US Patent Office for its iBridge Framework™. The iBridge Framework™ enables the complete integration of an Internet Gaming System with a land-based casino’s rewards points program.
This patent strengthens GameAccount’s position in the US market by granting unique intellectual property rights over the mechanisms by which an Internet gaming experience is converged with land-based casino gaming. The iBridge Framework™ module extension for the GameSTACK™ Internet Gaming System now offers a range of rewards points’ incentives capable of being awarded to patrons as an integral part of the Internet gaming experience.
The iBridge Framework™ delivers a converged online-to-offline experience proven to encourage online patrons to increase visitation to the conjoined casino property. More than 50 million US casino patrons are estimated to hold one or more reward cards used to accumulate rewards points redeemed inside casino properties.
Highlights
iBridge Framework™ patent delivers on GameAccount's IPO commitment to develop unique Intellectual property Strengthens the business case for US casino operators to adopt iGaming solutions from GameAccount Network iBridge Framework™ now-patented system connects the Company’s GameSTACK™ Internet Gaming System to various proprietary and third party casino management systems and their loyalty club programs Patent provides GameAccount with a sustainable competitive advantage in the US market and positions the company for continued growthDermot Smurfit, CEO of GameAccount Network, said: “Developing sustainable competitive advantage in the US through intellectual property protection represents delivery of one of our objectives set at the time of our IPO. The patent further demonstrates the strength of our offering and validates our position as a key player in the market. It also represents significant progress towards our stated objective of growing our business through opportunities in the US. We believe that this step will enhance our US offering and build upon the already excellent relationships we have developed with leading US casino brands. We look forward to making the patented software designs available for licensing in due course”
“We are very pleased to have our innovative casino management system integration framework recognized by the US Patent Office. Securing this patent adds incremental strength to our enterprise solution which is designed to meet the diverse needs of US casino operators looking to move online in advance of or consequent to iGaming regulation.” added Simon Knock, COO of GameAccount Network.
Overview of GameAccount’s iBridge Link™ System
Most US casinos offer rewards cards to their patrons. By placing their rewards card into a slot machine while playing slots, the patrons accumulate rewards points. Rewards points can be used by patrons in the casino to redeem for goods and services or additional free gaming. An estimated 50 million Americans who frequent US casinos have one or more rewards cards. Casino operators typically rely on Casino Management Systems (CMS) to manage rewards cards and the underlying rewards account opened by their customers. Since 2009, GameAccount Network has linked its GameSTACK™ Internet Gaming System with five different types of casino management system used by US casinos. GameAccount Network's now-patented iBridge Framework™ allows rewards points to be awarded to casino patrons based on their diverse online activities including registering, depositing, purchasing and gaming. Both the Simulated Gaming™ and regulated real money Internet gaming solutions available for US casinos include the iBridge Framework™ module.www.GameAccountNetwork.com
For further information please contact:
| GameAccount Network | FTI Consulting | ||
| Dermot Smurfit | Mark Kenny/Jonathan Neilan | ||
| Chief Executive Officer |
| ||
| +44 (0) 20 7292 6262 | +353 1 6633686 | ||
| dsmurfit@GameAccountNetwork.com | gameaccount@fticonsulting.com | ||
| Davy |
| John Frain / Roland French |
| +353 1 679 6363 |
GameAccount Network | Overview
GameAccount Network is a leading developer and supplier of enterprise-level Business to Business gaming software systems and online gaming content. GameAccount Network is listed on the ESM Market of the Irish Stock Exchange and the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker: GAME
The Company has developed an Internet gaming enterprise software system, GameSTACK™, which it licences to online and land-based gaming operators as a turn-key technology solution for both regulated real-money and simulated online gaming. The Internet Gaming System, developed in London under a UK Gaming Commission licence, is certified to the highest technical standards currently required by gaming regulators.
GameAccount Network is also a leading developer of online casino games and converts offline casino slot machines into online equivalents on behalf of third party land-based slot machine manufacturers.
GameAccount Network has an established business in Europe, licensing gaming content to UK, Spanish and Italian gaming operators including, William Hill, Rank, Lottomatica, Sisal MatchPoint, and SNAI.
In the United States, GameAccount Network has partnered with Betfair Plc to provide its Internet Gaming System following the introduction of regulated real-money online gaming in New Jersey in November 2013. In Connecticut, GameAccount Network has licensed its Internet Gaming System to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (owners and operators of the Foxwoods® Casino Resort) and currently offers Simulated Gaming™ via the Online Casino published on Foxwoods.com website. In Oklahoma, GameAccount Network has been chosen to launch a promotional play Simulated Gaming™ website via OsageCasinos.com. In New York, GameAccount Network has been chosen by Empire City Casino to launch a Simulated Gaming™ website via www.EmpireCityCasino.com. In Pennsylvania, GameAccount Network has been chosen by Parx Casino to launch a Simulated Gaming™ website via www.ParxCasino.com. GameAccount Network also has an exclusive US patent governing linkage between an Internet gaming system and a casino management system.
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