Winstar

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Two Illinois men accused of ripping cash boxes and ATMs from gaming venues have been arrested amid a statewide wave of burglaries targeting video gambling machines.

Reese A. Heckman, 34, of Decatur, and Travis R. Ziemer, 28, of Macon, face charges in a series of break-ins targeting gaming parlors, bars, and other businesses across Central Illinois, according to court documents reported by the Herald & Review.

The methods allegedly used by the duo mirror those employed by organized crews in a wave of burglaries targeting gaming establishments across the state, particularly in the Chicago suburbs.

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“ARGN was created because problem gambling is becoming a bigger issue across Africa and most responsible gambling efforts still happen within individual countries,” Akolade tells iGB. “While many organisations are doing great work, there has been limited opportunity to learn from each other, share research, or work together on common challenges.

“We felt there was a gap for a continent-wide network that could connect organisations, encourage collaboration, and help build a stronger collective voice on player protection. ARGN is not here to replace national organisations or regulators. Its purpose is to support and strengthen the work already being done by bringing people and organisations together.”

But while the ARGN intends to enhance collaboration between stakeholders across the continent, Akolade asserts the aim is to promote “common principles rather than identical regulations”.

What is Winstar?

“Silent churn” was prevalent, with nearly half (46%) stating that VIP players often or very often became inactive without prior warning. Around 48% had no indicators of players’ behavioural signals or health. Co-author Viktoriia Grygorenko, CEO at The Playa, called this finding the “clearest commercial case in the report”.

“Every other finding – portfolio overload, fragmented data, reactive workflow, no behavioural signal – resolves here, in revenue that walks out without notice, without warning and without anyone getting the chance to intervene.” 

There was also strong interest in prioritisation tools, with 75% placing high value (8/10 or above) on daily prioritised action guidance for each player.