Focus on Everi: Vi is a one-of-a-kind Class II mobile gaming solution – CDC Gaming

Defining the boundaries of regulated gaming to extend beyond the physical casino floor in Class II mobile innovation has never been more brilliantly executed than with Everi Vi, the gaming industry’s first turnkey, real-money Class II mobile gaming solution.

Everi celebrated the introduction of Vi earlier this year to the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma. This industry-first technology, delivered through Everi’s BeOn mobile services, combines Everi digital Class II games, CashClub Wallet, Everi compliance and loyalty products within the Muscogee Nation’s Class II gaming app.

The flexible Vi platform is the only single-supplier, all-in-one Class II on-property mobile game solution in the market, something that Richard Sagman, Everi Senior Vice President Product Management, knows is a significant achievement that places the technology in a class by itself.

“There is no other platform that has the casino platform, loyalty system, funding, and the games all from a single supplier,” he noted. “In fact, some of the tools we have deployed in this crossover between land-based and digital are exclusive to Everi Vi. We are the only Class II option available on the App Store and Google Play.”

Everi Vi, which has also expanded to Prairie Band in Kansas, is GLI certified for both Class II and Class III gaming. It seamlessly integrates into existing casino systems while offering additional engagement opportunities via loyalty programs and self-service kiosks for funding, ratings, rewards and promotions.

Deploying the Vi solution with the Muscogee Nation and Prairie Band yields a variety of perks for their respective properties, including repeat visitation opportunities and increased player reach. This is bolstered by the expansion of Everi Digital’s catalog with 30 Everi Class II games so far and over 150 Class III games.

“The product that we built is very much an extension of the casino floor,” Sagman explained. “This is part of their mix of casino products, and it integrates into their casino system. If a player decides to register on our mobile app, they register for their land-based casino reward system. When they walk into the casino, they are already a carded player.”

Sagman also explained that players are sometimes reluctant to download unfamiliar apps from unfamiliar sources. Players want to play with a casino they already trust, a property they already have a relationship with, and if they win a jackpot, they know it is going to be paid out.

“I think operators love the fact that it is extending the casino floor,” he continued, “and the players like the fact that it is part of a trusted relationship.”

The pathway to success is paved with a mutual understanding that revolves in part around the economics of the digital space and the fact that competitive verticals including sweepstakes wagering, prediction wagers, and offshore bookies pose a very real threat to tribal nations.

“I also think most operators have a desire to get into the digital space. Vi is a good first step. Regulation may change in the future to allow other iGaming and sports betting opportunities. Everi Vi can help tribes better understand their players, what games they like, when they play, and what elicits their response”.

Addressing the convergence of Class II mobile innovation and its relationship to the casino floor, Sagman explained that something operators are often concerned with is cannibalization. He said that the Muscogee team appeared with him earlier this year on stage at IGA for a conference addressing the issue.

“They said that they have seen absolutely no cannibalization,” he said. “All they have seen is growth in the digital space and in the land-based space at the same time. I think this symbiotic relationship comes from the ability to treat the players as one.

“If you have a player in your database and you know they are betting both online and land-based, you can reward them as such. Players cycle around the casino and engage as being part of the overall ecosystem. It becomes truly omnichannel with the ability to trigger rewards from one to the other.”

Everi Vi establishes a baseline for the “best of both worlds” to market to players on the floor and at the same time give them reason to become part of the digital world.

“With the Muscogee Nation, there are players who are not coming to the casino, but they are in restaurants and bars, or even in their homes,” Sagman said “By registering on the app, they become a part of the marketing ecosystem. Perhaps they will get a promotion or an email about a new show or a new restaurant. It’s not just about the gaming revenues.

“It’s about getting patrons back to the property. Increasing visitations is a great first step, but it’s also engaging with customers who do not traditionally go to the casinos and getting them into the ecosystem of the database to generate interest”.

One of the perks of Everi Vi according to Sagman is the Everi Jackpot Xpress tool. The self-service process is automated from the player’s mobile phone. A jackpot winner can fill out the form, receive their W2G, the funds, and continue playing. It is an all-in-one platform and end-to-end solution.”

Sagman said that the games portfolio will continue to grow. Thirty Everi Class II titles have already been approved.

As for expansion, Sagman revealed the process of launching other customers in more states is already in motion.

“IGT and PlayDigital have a fantastic engagement tool that large operator partners and the IGT stakeholders use, he said. “It has leaderboards, marketing jackpots, prize drops, missions, and free spins that create repeat engagement with customers. It is a product we will be bringing to the Everi Vi platform as well.

“It is great to realize some of the possibilities that were always talked about when IGT and Everi started working closely together. From the game content to engagement engine, we are already starting to see some of this come to fruition.”