Two gambling-themed game titles make Facebook’s Web Games of Year

Scientific Games' "Hot Shot Casino" slots game and Playtika's "Vegas Downtown Slots" made Facebook's 2015 Web Games of the Year list.

"Hot Shot Casino," developed by Scientific Games' SG Interactive division, presents free-to-play versions of real-world slots franchises from casino floors.

"This recognition exemplifies our deep understanding of our players and the market," Scientific Games' Chief Executive Interactive Barry Cottle said in a statement. "And it is a validation of Scientific Games' commitment to creating the best entertainment for players wherever they are — online, mobile or in the casino."

Playtika is owned by Caesars Interactive Entertainment, a subsidiary of Caesars Growth Partners, a joint venture between Caesars Acquisition Co. and Caesars Entertainment Corp. "Vegas Downtown Slots" presents virtual versions of classic reel-driven Las Vegas slot machines.

On a Web page revealing the list, Facebook said more than 450 million people play games or connect to games on its site.

Also among Facebook's top 15 Web games are "Best Fiends" by Seriously; Knights & Brides by Vizor Interactive; "Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff" by TinyCo; "Monster Busters: Hexa Blast" by PlayDog Soft; "Nords: Heroes of the North" by Plarium; and "Yahtzee with Buddies" by Scopely.

Separately, Scientific Games Corp., a slot machine and lottery company, said it will promote Michael Quartieri to executive vice president, chief financial officer and secretary, succeeding departing finance chief Scott Schweinfurth.

In a statement, Scientific Games said Quartieri, 47, will work from the company's Las Vegas headquarters. The promotion will take effect after Scientific Games files its 2015 Form 10-K with regulators.

Quartieri joined Scientific Games in November as vice president and corporate controller. He served nine years with Las Vegas Sands Corp., ending his tenure as senior vice president, chief accounting officer and global controller.

Schweinfurth, 61, said in November that he'd retire at year's end. Schweinfurth was chief financial officer at WMS Industries when Scientific Games acquired the slot machine manufacturer in 2013 for $1.5 billion. He spent more than a decade with WMS.

Schweinfurth helped with the integration of Bally Technologies, which Scientific Games acquired at the end of 2014 in a $5.1 billion deal.

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