Lionel Sawyer & Collins Names New Shareholders
Lionel Sawyer & Collins named three new shareholders in 2007. Greg Gemignani is with the firm’s Gaming and Regulatory Law Department. His practice focuses primarily on intellectual property law, gaming law, technology law, Internet law, online gaming law, and online promotions law. Linda Bullen is with Lionel Sawyer & Collins’ Litigation Department. A trial attorney who has first-chaired over 75 jury trials in the course of her professional life, Bullen advises the firm’s clients on complex state and federal environmental matters specializing in hazardous waste, water, and air issues. She is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Environmental Law. Brent Heberlee is Lionel Sawyer & Collins’ Government Affairs Counsel. He brings nearly a decade of Capitol Hill experience to the firm. Heberlee’s practice includes government relations and lobbying on behalf of the firm’s Nevada-based clients. Lionel Sawyer & Collins is Nevada’s largest private law firm, with offices in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, and in Washington, D.C. For more information about the new shareholders or about the firm, please visit www.lionelsawyer.com.
Loveman Elected to AGA Chair
At the December annual meeting of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the AGA board of directors elected Gary Loveman, chair, president, and CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., to serve as chair of the AGA. Loveman, who succeeds J. Terrence Lanni, president and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, began his two-year term at the beginning of this month. The AGA also elected T. J. Matthews, chair and CEO of International Game Technology (IGT), as its new vice chair of the board. He replaces William Boyd, chair and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation. In addition to these elections, the board elected Gordon Kanofsky, president and CEO of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. as an at-large director to replace his predecessor at Ameristar, Craig Nielsen, who passed away in November. William Newby, managing director of Bank of America, and Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, were re-elected as at-large board members. Several Class I directors also were re-elected to the AGA board, including: Peter Carlino, Richard Haddrill, Timothy Hinkley, Gary Loveman, and Tim Parrott. Other directors who remain on the AGA board are Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., William Boyd, Lorenzo Fertitta, Brian Gamache, J. Terrence Lanni, Dan Lee, Russel H. McMeekin, and Steve Wynn. In addition to Loveman and Matthews, AGA officers include Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO; Judy Patterson, senior vice president, treasurer, and secretary; Walton Chalmers, vice president; Brett Hale, vice president; and Dorothy Jackson, vice president. For more information, visit www.americangaming.org.
TCSJohnHuxley Commences DEQ Product Distribution and Installation
DEQ Systems Corp. announced the exclusive distribution agreement with TCSJohnHuxley for Europe has entered into effect, and the first contracts and installations have begun in Eastern Europe. This first TCS installation of the G3 is in Poland, and the first four systems, of a project total of fifteen, has been scheduled for installation in the coming weeks. Their newly dedicated table games team have already proven themselves with this first crucial project in Poland. This lucrative project will pave the way for TCS to gain all the product installation, servicing, and technical expertise required to build their G3 team. This first installation will be led by the DEQ team and will be supported by TCS and serve as field training for them to become autonomous. “We are particularly proud of the commercialization efforts put forth by TCSJohnHuxley and of the strong partnership ties established between our two companies,” stated Earle G. Hall, president and CEO of DEQ. “TCSJohnHuxley’s strong reputation for service and their international team of professionals is a definite asset to the G3 distribution in Europe.” David K. Heap, group chief executive for TCSJohnHuxley agrees: “The agreement with DEQ allows us to offer the most advanced technological platform for side betting.” For more information, please contact earle.hall[at]deq.com or francois.proulx[at]deq.com.
Cherokee Casino Installs 100th Wheel of Fortune® Super Spin™
The Cherokee Casino in Catoosa, Okla., recently became the first Oklahoma casino to install Wheel of Fortune® Super Spin™—and the 100th casino worldwide to feature the Super Spin product. The multi-player gaming phenomenon features nine player stations surrounding a huge bonus wheel. The game’s frequent bonus spins create a sense of community within the casino. When the bonus round is initiated, players have the choice of joining in on another player’s spin or waiting for the next spin. The big wheel is constantly in motion due to the number of players involved. “We’re pleased to bring the Super Spin game to Oklahoma players,” Mike Walsh, vice president of sales for IGT, said. “It’s a fun experience for everyone near the game, as well as the actual players. The nine player stations are always full, but onlookers are having so much fun watching the game, they don’t mind waiting a few minutes for an open machine.” For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Gaming Partners International Names New CFO
Gaming Partners International Corporation (GPI) announced David W. Grimes has joined the company as chief financial officer. Grimes brings to GPI an impressive 25-year background in management, finance, and financial reporting. He received a master of business administration degree from Harvard Business School and a master of accounting science degree and a bachelor of science in accountancy from the University of Illinois. Gerard Charlier, president and CEO of GPI welcomes the appointment: “I would like to welcome Dave to the company. He has a solid background in financial reporting and controls, as well as a wealth of experience with fast-growing companies similar to GPI. I am confident that Dave will play a key role in our future success and look forward to working with him as we continue to execute our growth strategy.” For more information, visit www.gpigaming.com.
Gary Platt Joins Forces with Gitchi Gaming, TDN Money Systems
Gary Platt Manufacturing recently bolstered operations with the addition of two regional distributors—Gitchi Gaming in Prescott, Wis. and TDN Money Systems in Aston, Pa. By joining forces with these distributors, Gary Platt Manufacturing will be able to penetrate markets across the entire United States, rather than focusing primarily on the western portion of the country. “This is a major milestone for Gary Platt. Gaming institutions across the country now have regional access to our products,” Bob Yabroff, president and chief operating officer for Gary Platt Manufacturing, said. “We are very optimistic and excited about the significant impact the addition of these distributors will have on Gary Platt Manufacturing as a whole.” Gitchi Gaming is a Native American owned and operated corporation supplying products and services to both tribal and non-native gaming entities. Gitchi Gaming is the primary Gary Platt distributor for the Midwest portion of the country. They primarily serve North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Partnering with TDN Money Systems will allow Gary Platt to move into the East Coast gaming centers. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Hinkley Steps Down as President and COO of Isle of Capri Casinos
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. announced that Tim Hinkley, president and chief operating officer, stepped down from his position. At press time, the company was initiating a comprehensive search for his replacement. “We are tremendously grateful for Tim’s visionary leadership and unparalleled contribution to our growth over the past 17 years. Tim has successfully led our company through a period of significant evolution and development, fostering our unique culture and spearheading the next generation of the Isle brand. Tim did an unbelievable job leading the company through the hurricanes of 2005, and reopening our properties in record time. He brought hope and encouragement to everyone affected by the storms. From his initial role as general manager at our first casino in Biloxi, Miss. to serving as president and COO, he has positioned the company for the future. I am saddened by Tim’s decision to leave Isle of Capri and we wish him well,” Bernard Goldstein, chair and chief executive officer, said. For more information, visit www.isleofcapricasinos.com.
PGIC Receives Game Approvals from Nevada Gaming Board
Progressive Gaming Intern-ational Corporation (PGIC) received regulatory approval in Nevada for its World Series of Poker® Bad Beat Progressive Texas Hold ‘Em® Bonus, World Series of Poker Progressive Texas Hold ‘Em, and Rapid Bet Live™ Wireless. The WSOP progressive games highlight a side wager that offers patrons the ability to experience the same style of play and while having a chance to win a “life-changing” progressive payout. Russ McMeekin, president and CEO of Progressive Gaming, stated: “We are very excited about the extension of our licensed product offerings….This approval allows us to commence upgrading or placing new games using the progressive version immediately in one of the largest gaming jurisdiction in the world.” PGIC will distribute Rapid Bet Live Wireless at race and sports books throughout Nevada. PGIC designed Rapid Bet Live to yield higher hold percentages than traditional outcome wagers, as both the “wired” and “wireless” versions allow for live “in-game” proposition wagering throughout the entire course of a sporting event. The Rapid Bet Live Wireless technology gives patrons the flexibility of placing sports wagers on a wireless betting device over a secure network in or around the sports book rather than just at the betting counter. For more information, visit www.progressivegaming.net.
Diebold Earns Certification from General Services Administration
Diebold Inc. has recently earned certification from the General Services Administration (GSA) to deliver security integration services that meet the requirements of the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). The certification, which comes under the GSA’s Specialty Item Number (SIN) 132-62, qualifies Diebold to provide systems integration services and products that address the HSPD-12 needs of federal agencies. Specifically, the certification permits Diebold to deliver products and services for projects that address the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 201, set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). “The government market has been and continues to be a priority for Diebold Global Security,” said Dennis M. Moriarty, senior vice president of Diebold Global Security. John Stroia, vice president of government and monitoring solutions also commented on the certification: “Diebold’s rich history of protecting transactions of value, coupled with our recent acquisition of Actcom Security Solutions, makes us a natural partner to help federal agencies meet the requirements of HSPD-12.” For more information on Diebold, visit www.diebold.com.
AGI Appoints Pedragosa and Orrick
Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH (AGI) has significantly strengthened its international commercial team with the appointment of Jordi Pedragosa and David Orrick to the company’s communications and business development activities. While supporting the entire commercial team, Pedragosa—who will operate from a base in Barcelona, Spain—has a strong technical background and also brings specific expertise to assist AGI’s growth in Spanish-speaking markets. Jens Halle, managing director of AGI, said: “This is a significant strategic appointment for Austrian Gaming Industries. Jordi Pedragosa is a highly respected member of the international gaming community, and he will be a key element of our team.” Pedragosa commented: “It is a great pleasure for me to be invited to join one of the most respected organizations in world gaming.” Orrick is a 13-year veteran of the gaming industry and a former award winning industry journalist. He is a widely travelled and well-known figure with considerable experience in market development and gaming license acquisition. For more information, visit www.novomatic.com.
Wilmott, Santo, Sanfilippo Resign from Harrah’s
After nearly 15 years with Harrah’s Entertainment, Tim Wilmott resigned last month along with other corporate executives who left the company since its buy-out by the Texas Pacific Group and Apollo Management in late December 2006. Harrah’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer Gary Loveman has taken over Wilmott’s duties, and will continue to do so until a replacement is found. Also leaving the company were Tony Santo, Harrah’s senior vice president of operations, and Anthony Sanfilippo, president of Harrah’s Central Division. It is probable that the resignations may have come with large bonuses and severance packages as part of the buyout, but the details of the resignation could not be confirmed at press time. The change came about three weeks after Harrah’s, the largest casino operator in the world, accepted an offer of $90 a share from Texas Pacific Group and Apollo Management. Finalization of the agreement may take up to one year. For the latest information on Harrah’s, visit www.harrahs.com/harrahs-corporate.
Larson to Leave Cash Systems, Inc.
Cash Systems, Inc. announced Christopher Larson, chief operating officer and a member of the Board of Directors, has resigned as an officer and board member of the company. Larson is leaving to become a co-founder, significant investor, and chief financial officer of CheckMate, a provider of financial services to the under-banked marketplace. Larson’s resignation did not result from any disagreement with the company concerning any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices. “While this was a difficult decision, I felt confident that Cash Systems was very well positioned for long-term growth with the right management, service offerings, and technology that my transition could be near seamless,” said Christopher Larson. Michael Rumbolz, chair and chief executive officer of Cash Systems, said, “We understand Chris’ entrepreneurial desire, and we wish him well in his new business endeavor.” For more information on Cash Systems, visit www.cashsystemsinc.com.
Ainsworth Game Technology Approved For New Jersey License
Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) has been granted approval for the issue of a casino service industry license by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC). The commission voted unanimously to approve AGT’s license. The license enables the company to access the second-largest gaming market in the Unites States. The approval of the NJCCC is highly regarded in the international gaming industry and will provide AGT with access to a number of key U.S. and international markets. The company’s licensing strategy of securing additional markets for its range of products is ongoing, with the granting of further licenses expected, following the recent submission of a number of additional license applications. Executive Chair Len Ainsworth commented, “This is a significant achievement and will allow further access to additional markets for the company’s gaming equipment. The granting of this gaming license is a major milestone for the company.” For more information, visit www.ainsworth.com.au.
MEI Appoints Staudt Eastern Americas Sales Director
MEI announced the addition of Mark Staudt as their eastern Americas sales director for gaming. Staudt joins the team, replacing Mark Greenawalt, who was recently promoted to director of European sales. In this role, Staudt will be responsible for a number of new corporate accounts as well as further developing casino relationships throughout the U.S. and Canada. Staudt will further enhance MEI’s value proposition with their expanding client base. Staudt hails from Delaware and has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry with MBNA America Bank and MBNA Canada. “Coming from outside the industry, it is clear this is a very exciting time for the MEI gaming team, and for me to be joining the market leader. MEI has a terrific group of associates, and I hope to add value with continued growth,” Staudt said. Tom Nugent, MEI’s vice president of gaming believes that Staudt is a great addition to the team: “Mark’s years of experience in the financial transaction industry are an excellent lead into his responsibilities with MEI. We expect to continue our double digit sales growth with the addition of associates of Mark’s caliber.” For more information, visit www.meigroup.com.
Global Cash Access and Foxwoods Sign Contract
One of the world’s largest resort casinos will continue using Global Cash Access, Inc. (GCA) products and services for multiple years as part of a contract extension Foxwoods Resort Casino recently signed with GCA. Foxwoods will take advantage of multiple products and services including: the Arriva™ Credit Card, QuikCash Plus™ Web (QCP Web), Automated Cashier Machine® (ACM) 3-in-1 ATM, QuikCash™ cash advance terminals, EDITH (Electronic Debit Interactive Terminal Housing), and Central Credit check warranty service offered by Central Credit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GCA. “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with this very important customer and thank them for this opportunity to showcase some of our newest products like Arriva Card and EDITH,” said Diran Kludjian, executive vice president of sales for GCA. “In addition, presenting EDITH on one of the largest gaming floors in the world will only further drive momentum for this compelling new device.” For more information, visit www.globalcashaccess.com.