Bally Announces Agreement with Sun International Limited for Systems Solutions at 17 Casinos
Bally Technologies Inc. announced an enterprise-wide contract with Sun International Limited to provide key systems and server-based solutions at 17 casinos worldwide. The casinos are spread across six countries in Africa and South America. The agreement includes the award-winning iVIEW™ player-user interface and iVIEW Display Manager™ (DM) connected to more than 12,000 gaming machines and table games.
Most Sun International casinos in Africa will use Bally’s state-of-the-art CMP™ distributed architecture to allow patrons a single-card environment across multiple properties. CMP provides player-tracking and bonusing solutions. This player-tracking system allows casinos of all sizes to gather, track and report mission-critical player data.
“We went through an extensive evaluation process spanning more than nine months, in which we looked at seven different system providers,” said David Coutts-Trotter, Sun International’s CEO. “Bally offers the most robust and secure solutions for our extensive multi-casino enterprise and provides a host of bonusing solutions to truly enhance the player experience at the game and provide patrons with a new generation of bonusing abilities.”
Installation of the Bally systems and server-based solutions is scheduled to begin in mid-calendar 2012 with all Bally solutions slated to be live at all 17 casinos by late in calendar 2013.
“Sun International has selected an outstanding portfolio of solutions that will not only streamline and increase efficiencies, but deliver Bally systems’ trailblazing promotional capabilities at the point of play,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, Bally Technologies’ president and COO. “This partnership is a result of our commitment to aligning world-class back-of-the-house management systems with groundbreaking bonusing and customer-service solutions.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com or www.suninternational.com.
GLI and TST Release World’s First Global Interactive Gaming Standard
Gaming Laboratories International and TST, a GLI company, have released the world’s first global interactive gaming standard. The standard, called “GLI-19,” is a global historical milestone and establishes the industry’s first global i-gaming regulatory guidelines. “This is an important day in the gaming industry. With GLI-19, GLI and TST can now assist new and emerging markets in developing the proper technical controls and regulations to facilitate the markets,” said GLI President and CEO James Maida. “Regulators who are contemplating i-gaming regulation will be better able to institute these technical regulations in their new markets, as they are already accepted by the industry.”
GLI-19 is a technical standard based on an extensive review of several key interactive gaming jurisdictions that have experienced great success in regulating the inherently complex systems associated with i-gaming.
“GLI and TST have spent a significant amount of time working closely with regulators in existing jurisdictions to understand the unique aspects of i-gaming technical regulation,” said GLI Europe/TST Managing Director Phillip Barow. “It is only through these special relationships that we were able to determine best practices and provide a common standard for new jurisdictions.”
GLI-19 is the first set of common standards for technical regulation of i-gaming markets. It encompasses the best practices in regulated jurisdictions from Europe and Canada, where the majority of i-gaming regulation is currently occurring. GLI-19 is available for free, immediate download on GLI’s and TST’s websites at www.gaminglabs.com and www.tstglobal.com.
IGT Announces Universal Game Adaptor at Users Conference
International Game Technology announced it is offering an open standards-based video adaptor as a safe add-on to slot machines that allows operators to deliver rich media across their floor. The IGT Universal Game Adaptor enables any game manufacturer to certify and support Service Window functionality on their slot machines while preserving the games’ behavior and integrity.
This device greatly impacts legacy, non-game-to-system (G2S) machines and systems, providing the most cost effective way to offer casino-wide promotions, side games and loyalty programs. The Universal Game Adaptor is available today for IGT video slot machines.
The Universal Game Adaptor solution does not involve any unauthorized reconfiguration or rewiring of the original design of the machine. This critical feature creates a clear distinction between IGT’s solution and other options currently offered in the industry. By ensuring the game manufacturer offers their own firmware and certification, casino customers benefit with a picture-in-picture video solution across their floors that is supportable by its original manufacturer.
The UGA solution was announced as IGT welcomed nearly 400 attendees to the annual Systems Global Users Conference at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. IGT Chief Executive Officer Patti Hart kicked off the event with a personal welcome, followed by remarks from Richard Yim, vice president of systems products.
In addition to the general sessions, the Users Conference offered a variety of engaging and practical breakout sessions designed to help attendees boost product performance and enhance customer satisfaction. Breakout sessions focused on player marketing, casino IT, casino operations, Casinolink, sbX™ implementation and technical training. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Incredible Technologies Granted Approval in Mississippi
The Mississippi Gaming Commission has approved Incredible Technologies’ (IT) request for licensure as a manufacturer and distributor of electronic gaming devices to licensed casinos in the state. The announcement was made during the commission’s June monthly meeting with executive representatives from IT on hand. The license marks the sixth state—in addition to multiple licenses granted by Native American tribes—in which the new Class III manufacturer will offer its award-winning Magic Touch® video slot titles in North America.
IT president and CEO Elaine Hodgson believes that Mississippi will play a critical role in the company’s strategic rollout. “Magic Touch earnings and sales are continuing to gain momentum in the south,” she said. “Mississippi is one of the most important jurisdictions in the region with its diverse gaming landscape and active video slot player base. This milestone will help set yet another benchmark for the long-term viability of Magic Touch casino games.”
For more information, Mississippi casino operators are encouraged to contact the company’s regional sales manager, John Nicastro II, at jnicastro@itcasinogames.com or visit www.itsgames.com.
International Game Technology Names Eric Berg President
International Game Technology CEO Patti S. Hart announced that she has hired Eric A. Berg to fill the position of president, effective July 18, 2011, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals. Berg comes to IGT from SunGard Availability Services, a $1.5 billion revenue business unit of SunGard Corp., where he was CEO responsible for driving profitable growth, building a world-class team, and developing and executing a multi-year strategic plan to position the organization for future success across every major line of business.
“As we continue to transform our organization, improve our internal processes and move to a more distributed, global business model, I felt it was essential to add additional expertise, leadership, and capabilities to IGT,” Hart said. “Eric’s strategic insight, operational intensity and global leadership are perfectly suited to help IGT navigate the next chapter of our business.”
The new position will have direct responsibility for driving IGT’s enterprise-wide globalization efforts, leading domestic and international land-based revenue growth agendas, and managing all global operations inclusive of sales, products, services, marketing and manufacturing.
With more than 25 years of experience driving improved operating results in Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries, he joins IGT with a tremendous background, having run global business operations for SunGard, NCR, Goodyear, and domestically for PepsiCo. Berg holds his degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois, with a master’s in business administration from Harvard. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Gaming Capital Group Appoints New COO
Gaming Capital Group (GCG), a provider of financing to the gaming industry, announced the appointment of Kathleen McLaughlin to the role of chief operating officer. McLaughlin will be responsible for the operational leadership of GCG and will report directly to CEO Rolen Miller.
McLaughlin has served as the managing director of global slot marketing and operations for the Las Vegas Sands Corp., where she was responsible for oversight of the electronic gaming and marketing operations for the openings for The Venetian Macau, The Palazzo Las Vegas, The Four Seasons Macau and Marina Bay Sands. She also served as the corporate vice president of slot development at Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., a role in which she oversaw electronic gaming product selection, revenue management, product marketing, promotions and development, and global contract negotiations.
“I am extremely excited to have Kathleen join Gaming Capital’s leadership team. We will all benefit immensely from her experience, proven track record of success and passion for electronic gaming and technology,” Miller said. “More than ever, GCG’s growth opportunities abound as a result of our commitment to providing unparalleled service, people, resources and proactive operations innovation. Kathleen’s leadership of global technology, GCG’s operations, sales, and marketing and services teams will ensure that we fully realize the growth opportunities before us.”
“As an industry innovator, Gaming Capital Group offers limitless opportunities,” McLaughlin said. “When you look at the incredible team of talented people and resources dedicated to the success of our customers, GCG is an exciting place in which to contribute and work toward significant growth.” For more information, visit www.gamingcapitalgroup.com.
Konami Secures Latest Konami Casino Management System Contract
Konami Gaming Inc. announced that the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Ill., opened July 18 with its Konami Casino Management System (KCMS). With more than 1,050 slots and 48 table games, the Rivers Casino will be the first new casino in the Chicagoland region since the mid-1990s. The new Rivers Casino in Illinois has selected KCMS to manage its slot machines, ticket-in/ticket-out (TITO), cashiering, cage, player tracking and loyalty rewards programs. The casino is affiliated with two other successful KCMS clients—the nearly 3,000-machine Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and the 1,600-machine SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia. KCMS is an industry-leading casino management system with an increasing number of installations spanning America, Canada, Australia as well as other international regions. For more information, visit www.konamigaming.com.
Aruze’s Paradise Fishing™ Makes North American Debut at The Venetian
Aruze Gaming’s new video slot sensation, Paradise Fishing™, made its North American debut at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas on June 22. Packed with individual and competitive bonus feature events, this multimedia banked product puts the action of fishing right in the palm of the players’ hands with its Reel Feel™ gaming technology integrated directly into the bonus features. “We set out to make a new gaming product that provides an engaging gaming experience that satisfies and impresses players,” said Steve Walther, vice president of marketing for Aruze Gaming. Players enjoyed this game for the first time in North America at The Venetian with a special launch event with promotional giveaways that continued again on June 23. For more information, visit www.aruzegaming.com.
Table Trac Names Glenn Goulet CEO, Elects New Board Members
Table Trac Inc., a developer and provider of casino management and table game management systems for the global gaming industry, announced that Glenn Goulet has been promoted to chief executive officer. Goulet brings more than 17 years of gaming industry experience, including senior roles with worldwide gaming technology companies. He joined Table Trac in August 2010 as executive vice president for sales and marketing. Chad Hoehne, the company’s founder and current CEO, will remain as president and chief technology officer.
Also, at its annual meeting on June 15, 2011, Table Trac announced that stockholders re-elected Chad Hoehne, Robert Siqveland and Steven A. Browne; and elected Louis Fornetti and Gary Loebig to the board of directors. Joining the Table Trac board and new chairman of the audit committee is Louis Fornetti. Also joining the board is Gary Loebig, a 27-year gaming industry veteran. For more information, visit www.tabletrac.com.
DigiDeal Announces Key Sales Executives Join Company
DigiDeal Corp. announced the appointment of two industry executives to newly created key sales positions. Ian Setterfield has joined the company as Western U.S. territory sales manager, and Steve Venuto has been named Eastern U.S. territory sales manager, responsible for all sales and growth management within their regions. Terry Brady has also been appointed as vice president of sales. For more information, visit www.digideal.com.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY and DigiDeal Announce Distribution Agreement
TCSJOHNHUXLEY and DigiDeal Corp. are pleased to announce the signing of a significant distribution agreement that enables TCSJOHNHUXLEY to supply the full range of DigiDeal products in specific regions around the world. DigiDeal has developed a highly regarded range of multi-player card game products that feature digital game play but utilize a live dealer/host with traditional chips to retain the live game feel. TCSJOHNHUXLEY is a specialist in the field of hybrid gaming products with a global network of products already placed in the market. The addition of DigiDeal products, given the unique qualities and flexibility of the DTS platform, allows traditional table games like blackjack to be introduced to “slots only” gaming venues. For more information, visit www.tcsjohnhuxley.com or www.digideal.com.
Incredible Technologies Completes Successful Trial Period
After five years of research and development, Incredible Technologies (IT) announced that its Magic Touch brand of video slot games have successfully completed floor trials across the country and are converting to sales in multiple locations. The news marks the beginning of the company’s formal sales initiative in the 21 jurisdictions in which they’re currently licensed. The most recent trials began this past March and were held for 90 days across a variety of exclusive test properties in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and California. The selected properties will continue to test the newest Magic Touch video slot titles as they’re released throughout the year, while regional sales commence of successfully market-tested titles. For more information, visit www.itsgames.com.
AGS Appoints Dave Sherman to Sales Manager
American Gaming Systems has announced the appointment of Dave Sherman to the position of sales manager, south region. He will return to Biloxi and cover new markets for AGS in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. Sherman joins AGS from Bally Technologies, where he spent nearly 20 years, either with Bally directly or through an affiliated company. From 1992 to 2001, he was director of operations for United Coin Machine Co. in Las Vegas, the country’s largest slot route operator. He then relocated to Biloxi in 2001 and then Oklahoma City in 2010 to oversee sales for Bally in the southern region, covering gaming markets in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas. For more information, visit www.americangamingsystems.com.
Bally Technologies and MICROS Partner to Improve Cocktail Service at Casinos
MICROS Systems Inc. is pleased to announce its seamless integration with the Bally BOSS™ (Beverage Ordering Service System) by Bally Technologies, a solution that permits slot players to order drinks electronically using a touchscreen user interface directly on the machine they are playing. The order is then sent to the proper MICROS-equipped service bar for preparation and delivery. The MICROS and Bally BOSS interface increases the efficiency of the drink ordering lifecycle, providing benefits to both the players as well as the casino. The slot machine indicates the status of the order and alerts the player when the drink is on its way through the in-game iVIEW™ or iVIEW DM™ player-user-interface without interrupting game play. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com or www.micros.com.
Isle of Capri Casinos Names Arnold Block COO
Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. announced after a nationwide search that Arnold L. Block has been named the company’s chief operating officer, effective immediately and subject to regulatory approval. Block replaces Virginia McDowell who previously served as Isle’s president and chief operating officer. “Arnie brings nearly 20 years of regional gaming experience to his new role,” McDowell said. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his customers, his employees and the communities in which he operated.” Block joined Isle of Capri Casinos as senior vice president of the Isle brand in 2008 from Harrah’s Entertainment, now known as Caesars Entertainment, where he served as general manager of Harrah’s St. Louis operation. For more information, visit www.isleofcapricasinos.com.
GLI Promotes Mike Price to Director of Development
Gaming Laboratories International has promoted Tribal Gaming Development Manager Mike Price to director of development. In his new role, Price will oversee all development activity for the company’s tribal development and mid-cap supplier development teams. “Mike has been an incredibly valuable part of the GLI team for more than 10 years, and we are thrilled that he has accepted this position as director,” said GLI Senior Director of Development Bill Treger. Price has been working in the gaming industry for 20 years, including 10 years with GLI, starting his career with the company as tribal gaming development representative. In 2002, he was promoted to tribal gaming development manager. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.
Cantor and Las Vegas Sands Announce New Era in Sports Wagering at the Venetian and Palazzo
Cantor Gaming and Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced that they have signed a long-term agreement for Cantor Gaming to operate the Race & Sports Books at The Venetian and Palazzo. This agreement significantly expands the relationship between Cantor Gaming and these two iconic Strip destinations, which began in 2008 when Cantor Gaming was selected as the exclusive provider of mobile gaming and in-running sports wagering at both resorts. Under the new agreement, Cantor Gaming will operate the Race & Sports Books at The Venetian and Palazzo and provide a sophisticated and unique gaming experience with its unparalleled world-class technology platform. For more information, visit www.cantorgaming.com or www.lasvegassands.com.
Atlantis Internet Group Signs Agreement With EC Development Inc.
Atlantis Internet Group Corp. announced that it has entered into an agreement with EC Development Inc. (ECDI), whereby ECDI will supply its state-of-the-art casino management software package. As part of the agreement, Atlantis Internet Group will be able to consolidate back-end data of all vendors on its “Tribal Gaming Network” (TGN), a private gaming network linking Indian casinos nationwide, offering casino customers Class III, Class II and online games. The TGN offers Indian casinos larger state to state wide-area progressives, the only nationwide poker network, and a line of new and traditional casino games, all in a turnkey gaming and e-commerce package. For more information, visit www.atlantisinternetgroup.com or www.ecdevonline.com.
NEWave Names Clair Rogers Senior VP of Sales
NEWave has named casino gaming industry sales veteran Clair Rogers as its senior vice president of sales. As NEWave’s senior VP of sales, Rogers will lead the company’s sales employees and channel partners in helping create innovative and specialized solutions for the company’s clients and business partners across North America. Rogers has been leading gaming operations and casino gaming sales teams for nearly 30 years. Prior to joining NEWave, Rogers provided consultative venue-wide system sales to commercial, riverboat and tribal casino operations around the world. He has spent the last 15 years in sales with companies such as IGT, Acres Gaming and Gaming Systems International. For more information, visit www.mynewwave.com.
Gary Platt Ships 400 X-Tended Play Chairs to World Series of Poker Tournament
Gary Platt Manufacturing shipped 400 X-Tended Play dealer chairs to the World Series of Poker Tournament that is held at the Rio Hotel every year in Las Vegas. This is the third year in a row that Gary Platt has supplied chairs for this tournament. The Sands Regency in Reno, Nev. received 165 Sierra Style X-Tended Play seats for their slots. Gary Platt also shipped 491 Sierra style Gary Platt X-Tended Play seats to Administradora Mexicana de Hipodromo in Mexico. The chairs are upholstered in hue grape. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
RMC Gaming Management Announces Its Formation
Combining the talents of senior gaming executives, lawyers and business management consultants, David S. Schugar, Robert R. Russell and David D. Waddell, Esq., announce the formation of RMC Gaming Management LLC. RMC G.M. is a specialized casino operations firm that benefits from its relationship with the RMC Network of companies, a group that brings legal and human capital management expertise to compliment the casino management services of RMC G.M. “RMC G.M. was created to assist casino owners and their financial backers achieve the maximum return on their investment,” Schugar said. For more information, visit www.rmcgm.com.
IAAPA Attractions Expo Coming in November to Orlando
This November, the world’s savviest attractions industry professionals will come together to kick off the biggest, most exciting event of the year—IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, Nov. 14–18, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Come to Orlando to find revenue-generating ideas that will rev up your business at every turn. No other event offers access to the creativity and perspectives of business leaders that represent all types of attractions, all over the world. It is an action-packed week of collaborative discussions, idea sharing, problem solving and product shopping that will leave you with brand new tools to refresh your business from the inside out. For more information, visit www.iaapa.org.
Director of Sales & Marketing Hired at Casino Arizona, Talking Stick Resort
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, two enterprises of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, announced the appointment of Peter Arceo as senior director of sales and marketing for both properties. Arceo brings more than 19 years in gaming and hospitality, beginning his career as a front desk clerk and later a blackjack dealer, diligently working his way up the ranks. “It is with much excitement that I approach my new role at Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort,” Arceo said. “The people I work with on a daily basis offer a wealth of experience and knowledge of the organization that I admire greatly.” For more information, visit www.casinoarizona.com or www.talkingstickresort.com.
LINQ 360 Innovation Center Selects The Rainmaker Group
The LINQ360 Innovation Center in Las Vegas, Powered by Microsoft, chose The Rainmaker Group as the center’s official revenue management partner. Rainmaker joins a growing list of hospitality technology companies that have become LINQ360 Technology Members and are committed to working closely to create cross-product integration for the greatest benefits to hotel and gaming operators. The LINQ360 Innovation Center, located near the Las Vegas Strip, provides a professional solutions-lab setting where visitors can experience a simulated high-tech hotel environment. The center’s partners cooperate to show how advanced solutions can benefit every area of operations to increase profitability and improve the guest experience. For more information, visit www.letitrain.com or www.linq360.com.
SPIELO to Provide Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission with INTELLIGEN™ VLT Central System
Lottomatica Group announced that its subsidiary SPIELO International Canada ULC has signed a five-year contract to provide the INTELLIGEN™ video lottery terminal central system to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) in Canada. The AGLC licenses and regulates all gaming, as well as supplies and manages all electronic gaming equipment in the Canadian Province of Alberta. Under the terms of the contract, which commenced on June 29, 2011, SPIELO will provide its INTELLIGEN central system to monitor approximately 6,000 AGLC VLTs. The system is expected to be installed in late 2011 and be deployed by mid-2012. The five-year contract includes the potential for five one-year extensions. For more information, visit www.spielo.com.
BMM Awarded RFP by Illinois State Lottery
BMM Compliance is pleased to announce that it will be performing the functional testing of a new Internal Control System (ICS) for the Illinois State Lottery. This project was awarded to BMM as the winning bidder of the recent RFP, issued by the State of Illinois, Department of Revenue Lottery Division. The ICS has been developed to ensure that the new Lottery Central Monitoring System is working according to the operating requirements of the Illinois Lottery, as well as performing the auditing functions for all financial transactions. Drew Pawlak, SVP business development, Americas said: “This is an excellent win for BMM and we are very pleased to be working with the state of Illinois. BMM has been assisting lotteries for the last 30 years and this certainly proves that we are a solid player in the global lottery market.” For more information, visit www.bmm.com.