Bogotá, December 21, 2023 - NOVOMATIC, a global leader in the entertainment and gaming industry, is pleased to announce ten milestones that have marked the year 2023 and have a direct impact on the Latin America (LATAM), Central America and Caribbean region. These achievements reflect NOVOMATIC's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the gaming market specifically and in the overall development of the region.
ESG RATING - NOVOMATIC IS ONE OF THE MOST RESPONSIBLE AND COMMITTED TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
In 2023, ISS ESG (Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.), one of the world's three leading ESG assessment agencies, has upgraded our rating to "C", placing us in the top 30% select of the electronics industry. This distinction places us in the same category as recognized global leaders such as Apple, Dell and HP.
This improvement is based on our efforts in key areas such as "Employees and suppliers", "Product and social responsibility" and "Corporate governance and business ethics". Sustainability is central to our corporate strategy and we are committed to continuous improvement as part of our comprehensive sustainability program.
Our commitment to social responsibility and transparency in all areas of our business has been recognized by ISS ESG and others, including the recent award as industry winners in the PwC 2023 ESG ranking.
INVESTMENTS - ACQUISITION OF OPERATIONS CENTER IN ARGENTINA
NOVOMATIC's acquisition of an operations center in Argentina represents a significant milestone that has not only resulted in the creation of new jobs, but has also positioned the region on the global stage. This new facility goes beyond its administrative function and features an innovative technical area spanning more than 1,000 square meters. The space has been meticulously designed to offer the best technical advice and service to operators. In addition, it functions as a leading software and hardware development center with international marketing reach.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION - NOVOMATIC Club
Last June, we launched NOVOMATIC Club, an online Hub with a regional focus based on the "Think Bigger, Work Smarter, Go Digital" principle. This platform brings together information about our products, offers technical video tutorials and provides a wide range of additional resources for our customers and technicians.
"Think Bigger" drives us to continue innovating and providing cutting-edge solutions. "Work Smarter" reflects our commitment to optimize efficiency in casino management. "Go Digital" represents our firm commitment to digital transformation as a means to provide a more agile and efficient service to our customers, while at the same time allowing us to be more environmentally friendly.
NOVOMATIC Club embodies these principles and points the way to a successful and sustainable future in the gaming industry.
FROM ARGENTINA TO THE WORLD - 24/7 Management Systems Support globally
NOVOMATIC Argentina has taken a significant leap forward by expanding its reach internationally with regard to the maintenance and technical service of the firm's casino management systems. In 2023, the Group's headquarters, NOVOMATIC AG, has entrusted its professionals in Argentina with the responsibility of ensuring the 24/7 operation of more than 25,000 connected slots worldwide. To achieve this mission, the subsidiary has increased its payroll and plans to continue expanding its team in the short term. This underscores its commitment to international technical service excellence and its ability to adapt and grow in response to the demands of the global market.
PROGRESS IN THE CENTRAL AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN MARKETS:
NOVOMATIC Colombia has expanded its presence and entered the Central American and Caribbean markets with the main objective of functioning as a strategic partner for its clients. To this end, it has put together a solid team with vast experience in the industry and in-depth knowledge of effective targeting, and has incorporated digital technologies and tools. These strategies, which have already been successfully implemented in the Colombian market, seek to promote the development of gaming rooms, optimize the player's experience and expand the operators' customer base.
EQUIPMENT EXPANSION
Over the past year, NOVOMATIC's employee headcount in LATAM has increased significantly, driven mainly by the expansion of the scope of action of our subsidiaries in Argentina and Colombia.
In addition to increasing our workforce, we have prioritized the strengthening of our team's capabilities through training, capacity building and participation in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) initiatives and regional meetings, among others. These actions have enriched our collaboration and collective construction, improving the quality of our products and actions in the gaming rooms and identifying business opportunities that protect the interests of our customers throughout the region.
WE LAUNCH NOVOVISION, THE FIRST CMS WITH BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY, AND MAYCP LEADS THE MARKET IN LATAM
NOVOMATIC's powerful and iconic casino management system, MYACP, leads the segment with more than 9,000 connected machines in the region. In the second half of 2023, negotiations were initiated and work is already underway on future installations.
This year also marked the arrival of a new casino management system in the region. NOVOVISION™ combines the traditional functionalities of Accounting, Jackpots, Player Tracking, CASHLESS and TITO transactions while bringing a renewed and modern look to gaming rooms with the incorporation of biometric technology. Its modular design facilitates customization and allows absolute flexibility to respond to operators' needs and legal obligations.
Worldwide, more than 40,000 gaming machines, 3,000 betting terminals and 1,300 ATMs are already running on this comprehensive software package. NOVOVISION™ has captivated top industry experts and, at the latest edition of the European Casino Awards in London, it received the "Best CMS/Software Product" award.
PRODUCT RANGE EXPANSION
In 2023 we extensively updated our portfolio for LATAM, Central America and the Caribbean. Among these launches we highlight a wide variety of models of the BLACK EDITION II cabinet series, Jackpots Linked Progressives, libraries and the magnificent presentation of the circular Signs 100% that were a success in the U.S. market and are taking their first regional steps in the halls of Colombia.
The expansion of our Linked Progressives Jackpots offer is due to the great acceptance that this type of product has had in LATAM. Since the iconic Thunder Cash™ Link, we have developed more than 10 Jackpots Linked Progressives, with the CASH CONNECTION™ and IMPERA LINK™ sagas becoming the undisputed favorites among players in the region.
PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION
It was an honor to be part of high-caliber events organized by government agencies and influential gaming industry leaders. These meetings play a fundamental role in the legitimacy of our sector. Our executives had the privilege of being invited as keynote speakers on several occasions, actively participating in each one of them. Some of the topics addressed were Responsible Gaming, expansion of regulatory frameworks, regional economic growth and promotion of sustainability.
In addition, we were present at six regional trade fairs in close collaboration with leading organizers such as GAT, PGS and SAGSE. The year 2023 also marked the successful return of the renowned year-end party at our headquarters in Peru, after a three-year hiatus. A gathering that is always celebrated by local operators and regulators.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The year 2023 has been a remarkable year full of awards at international level, highlighting us in key areas such as ESG, labor relations and innovation, among others. At the regional level, we would like to highlight the recognition of SONAJA (National Gaming Society) for the commitment and contributions that NOVOMATIC Group has made in benefit of the sustainable development of the industry.
At NOVOMATIC, we are deeply proud of these results, which reflect the commitment and dedication of every member of our team. We thank all our employees for their high performance and look forward to the future with enthusiasm and determination. We are confident that, working together, we will conquer new heights of success for the benefit of our customers and the economic development of the region.
