GMB - What is your assessment of the performance and growth of your company in 2022? Was it what you expected or did it exceed your expectations?
Drew Pawlak - 2022 has been a fantastic year for AGS. Never sure if I can exceed my own expectations, I always shoot for the moon!! But from how we are measured by our customers around the world, and market analysts, the feedback is strong that 2022 was a solid year for AGS.
Regarding our corporate performance, AGS has delivered for 10 straight quarters on the market analyst expectations. We continue to perform with measured KPIs and deliver great products to our customers. Our investment in R&D and our game studios are returning as planned. COVID was hard for everyone and really changed business for everyone. That said, David Lopez our CEO and our leadership team developed a plan, communicated the direction and strategy internally and externally, and all of our teams are delivering to that plan. The consistent corporate results show that.
Could you list the main achievements or objectives met during 2022? It can be product/service launches, product/service successes, international expansion, awards received, financial results, etc…
Well, honestly, we have had them all in 2022! AGS has delivered new products, entered new markets, received awards and recognition, international expansions and financial results!!
Mark DeDeaux who leads our US slots business along with our R&D team, successfully introduced our new Spectra UR43 cabinet and it was by far our best product launch yet. Spectra already has a solid game library and outstanding performance across multiple properties, with game families like Triple Coin Treasure. In addition, our premium install base continued to grow with Rakin’ Bacon Deluxe.
Our table game division is wrapping up its best year yet. We successfully launched PAX S, our single-deck shuffler, which is designed for specialty games. Continued with our category-leading table games progressive line of Bonus Spin Xtreme. John Hemberger who has built our table games business, continues to amaze me as his team marches along, continuing to grow market share for AGS table games.
Internationally, we entered three more additional countries with our slot products. AGS has been prepping for growth in the Caribbean and South America for five years. The individual markets have been ready for us, and the performance of the games has exceeded our expectations so far. And we continue our plans for Brazil, which you have heard me say for years, is close to my heart and I am determined to be 100% in the mix of this market as we work our way through the opening process.
And we were named ‘Best & Brightest Company to Work For’ in the U.S. and in Atlanta for the sixth consecutive year. This is a true testament to our company culture and positive work environment.
At AGS, we really do live our core values; we have 10 of them in total. I think the three I would apply to 2022 would be, “We kept it real,” “We embraced change,” and my favorite, “Make your Mom Proud.” As I look back on our performance in 2022, I know she would be proud; I know I sure am!
In your sector within the industry, what topics or technological advances do you think will dominate the market in 2023? What will be the main future trends?
This is always a hard question to answer, as technology in our industry, due to regulations, is significantly behind the real technical industry. But in the end, what makes a great gaming company is great content. That has always been the case. It does not matter if it's land-based slots or online, great content is always compelling to players and results in performance for operators. I think there has never been more great math, game mechanics and creative presentation than there is today.
Sports wagering will continue to be a major part of the news, but I expect to see major changes in the number of successful operators and platform providers. It’s a very crowded space for both stakeholders and makes me wonder if its sustainable. So, I would expect the start of real consolidation in wagering globally.
Did you notice that the Brazilian gaming market made progress this year or did it miss another opportunity? What do you see the regulation of the sector in the country for 2023?
Well, you know very well, I live and breathe regulated gaming coming back to Brazil and have for many years now. Brazil discussions take up a significant portion of my time every week. We follow it very closely. And although Bill 442/91 passed the House due to timing, the Senate has been unable – or willing to take it up. What I have learned in the last 13 years of working on Brazil is that it is 100% unpredictable. And although I will always focus on Brazil, I will leave prognosticating to others. What I can tell you factually, AGS will be ready when Brazil is ready. And in the meantime, we continue to support and prepare for what I see as the inevitable.
What are the main goals/objectives of your company for 2023?
At AGS, we continue to focus on our people and products. If we invest in both, our company will continue to grow and produce for our customers and investors. We do plan on opening in a few more South American markets, there are still a few markets in the US we are not licensed in, and those should be completed in 2023 as well. What I can assure you of is that our entire team will be focused on delivering value to our customers.
Source: Exclusive GMB
