DRGT and Paf Mark 20 Years Powering Cruise and Ferry Casinos

_{Marco Herrera DRGT Chief Executive Officer (Image: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-gaming-technology)}

In 2005, Åland-based gaming operator Paf and Belgian casino tech provider DR Gaming Technology (DRGT) launched a partnership that would span seas, and decades. Twenty years later, their collaboration powers more than two dozen cruise and ferry casino operations across the Baltic and North Sea.

What started as two small teams, DRGT with just two founders and Paf with 51 slot machines, has evolved into a major industry force. Today, Paf operates on more than 26 vessels and employs over 320 people across 10 European offices. DRGT, founded in 2003, supports more than 80,000 devices worldwide, with staff across every continent except Australasia.

Sustaining Growth Across Borders and Waters

Paf’s Chief Operating Officer Lasse Danielsson traced the company’s journey from its beginnings in 1967:

“Our company commenced licensed gaming on the 1st of January 1967 with just two part-time employees and 51 slot machines. And today I can proudly state that we now employ around 320 staff, from 20-odd different countries, out of almost 10 European offices, and on over 26 cruise ships and ferries in the Baltic and North Sea.”

Both companies have scaled significantly in tandem, sharing a focus on player-first technology, operational transparency, and compliance across regulated markets.

Tech Innovation Drives Onboard Gaming Evolution

DRGT CEO Marco Herrera credited the success of the partnership to a shared commitment to elevating the player experience.

“I truly believe that what has made our relationship so successful is our aligned vision to deliver unparalleled service and technology solutions that literally place the player first,” Herrera said. “Paf remains one of the premier slot machine (EGM), gaming table, and arcade game service providers to the cruise and ferry sectors.”

That technology includes DRGT’s cashless systems, real-time reporting, and tools like automatic GPS-based casino activation, used to ensure compliance with legal gaming zones.

Cruise Casino Management Made Simpler

Georg Tsonoulis, Head of Products & Partners at Paf, highlighted how DRGT’s innovations improved both the user experience and back-end oversight.

“We pride ourselves in offering players best of breed tables, slot cabinets and games, the very same products you’d see in Monte-Carlo or Las Vegas, but there’s a lot more to the experience than just the games,” Tsonoulis said. “That’s where DRGT has made their mark.”

From boarding pass scanning for age verification to multi-currency functionality, the companies say these features help operators like Viking Line, Colour Line, and Tallink Group run seamless and compliant gaming floors at sea.

Responsible Growth and a Social Mission

Looking ahead, Danielsson said Paf remains focused on expanding into new licensed markets while continuing its mission of ethical gaming and social reinvestment.

“Whilst we enjoy considerable market share in the Nordic region, we are actively pursuing our growth, along with other opportunities, in the broader European region and the United Kingdom,” he said.

All of Paf’s profits are directed toward public good initiatives in Åland, reinforcing its identity as a mission-driven gaming company.

For cruise or ferry operators interested in turnkey casino experiences, Tsonoulis remains the primary contact at [email protected].