IGT Offers Free Online Training for Systems Customers
Starting in July, IGT Network Systems customers can participate in free online training filled with valuable tips, tricks and strategies to help them get the most out of their current IGT systems. “We understand the challenges our customers are facing and the impact this economy is having on their operations,” said Reed Alewel, senior vice president of systems sales and service. “We’ve heard their request for more cost-effective methods to get the training they need to help them operate more competitively than ever before.” This six-week series will feature a variety of live and on-demand online training events on the following products: IGT Advantage® Patron Management, Advantage Bonusing®, IGT Advantage® Machine Accounting, EZ Pay® Ticketing, sbX™ & Network Infrastructure, and IGT Mariposa®. “This online learning series is designed for customers who want to enhance their product knowledge, learn best practices and make more money with the IGT products they have today,” said Javier Saenz, vice president of network systems product marketing. Event registrants will receive a free month of unlimited access to the library of self-paced courses at the IGT Learning Center. More than 40 training modules covering a range of Network Systems products are available on-demand. Registration for the online learning series opens June 2. For more details, visit www.IGT.com/LearningSeries.
Hart Named New IGT President and CEO
International Game Technology has named Patti S. Hart as its new president and CEO, subject to her obtaining appropriate regulatory approvals. The board also accepted the resignation of current president and CEO TJ Matthews, who formally resigned his positions as president and CEO but will continue to serve as chairman of the board. “In Patti, the CEO search committee saw a unique combination of executive-level management expertise, an intimate knowledge of IGT through her years of service on our board and technology sector experience for a gaming industry increasingly characterized by rapidly-evolving technology,” said Matthews. “I look forward to continuing to serve IGT in my role as chairman and to our working together to achieve a smooth transition.” Hart has served on IGT’s board of directors since June 2006 and serves as a director for Korn/Ferry International Inc. and Lin TV Corp. “IGT is a dynamic company with a solid record of performance, a wealth of talented employees and great potential for the future,” said Hart. “While the industry is facing challenging economic headwinds, I am eager to take on my duties as the CEO and help maintain IGT’s position as an industry innovator.” For more information, visit www.IGT.com.
CashCode Promotes Nichols
CashCode, part of the Crane Payment Solutions group of companies, announced the promotion of Bill Nichols as OEM director-global gaming. Nichols started with the Crane Payment Solutions division, CashCode, in May 2008, with 21 years experience in payment systems and nearly a decade of experience in the gaming industry. In his newly expanded role, Nichols will be responsible for ensuring CashCode technology is available for gaming OEMs worldwide. Nichols will work with Jim Gabriele, director of sales and business development-North America Gaming; Boris Gitlin, director of sales and business development-International Gaming; and Sim Bielak, vice president of sales and business development-Gaming. Nichols will continue to be based in the Las Vegas area. For more information, visit www.cashcode.com.
Gary Platt Ships Chairs
Gary Platt Manufacturing was proud to ship more than 3,000 chairs to River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Okla., for Creek Nation’s grand opening in April. Gary Platt also shipped 220 Barona style seats through its distributors, Modern Gaming East, to The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Pennsylvania for their grand opening. The Meadows is the first casino to open in the Pittsburgh area. Shuffle Master in Las Vegas received 200 Gazelle Style Gary Platt chairs with the “SMI” logo on the outside back for their Table Master games. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Wynn Named Horatio Alger Award Winner
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that Stephen A. Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas, was presented with the 2009 Horatio Alger Award and inducted as a lifetime member of the association for his determination in achieving success. Recipients must have overcome humble beginnings or adversity to achieve success and serve as outstanding role models to the national community. “We welcome these extraordinary leaders into the Horatio Alger Association,” said David L. Sokol, president and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association. “Each has demonstrated steadfast determination and amazing achievements that support our unwavering mission of honoring true American success stories. Stephen will serve as a role model for today’s youth by encouraging motivation, purpose and superior accomplishments.” In May 2006, Time Magazine recognized him as one of the “World’s 100 Most Influential People.” Ten other individuals received the 2009 Horatio Alger Award. For a complete list of members, visit www.horatioalger.com/members.cfm.
Casino Essentials Announces Title 31 Online Training and Testing
Casino Essentials introduces a revolutionary new online Title 31 training and testing exclusively for the gaming industry. This easy to use online training course provides standardized training 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. “We developed a cost effective method of training that meets Title 31 requirements of the IRS while providing convenience and innovative training techniques,” says Mindy Letourneau, founder. “In fact, our online training reduces casino expenses, versus classroom training and compliance administration, by approximately 30 to 85 percent, which is a significant savings in today’s economy.” The Casino Essentials online Title 31 training encompasses three interactive lessons that meet different levels of training requirements for Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering and Suspicious Activity. For more information, visit www.casinoessentials.com.
Clarion Gaming Appoints New Show Director 
Clarion Gaming has announced the promotion of Emma Green to show director, responsible for world-leading b2b exhibitions, events and conferences. Green has worked on eight editions of the London shows. Clarion Gaming Managing Director Peter Rusbridge said: “There’s no doubt that Emma was the stand-out candidate. She combines a detailed knowledge of the sectors that Clarion Gaming serves and is a highly skilled exhibition professional. She … provides the continuity of expertise that our customers across all sectors quite rightly expect from Clarion. She heads a skilled and experienced team that understands the business and has the expertise and the commitment to continue to deliver world class shows and events.” For more information, visit www.clariongaming.com.
TransAct’s Epic 950® Selected by River Spirit Casino
TransAct Technologies announced that its Epic 950® printer was selected exclusively by the River Spirit Casino for the 2,800 slot machines featured on the casino floor, which opened March 31. In addition, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation also chose the Epic 950 printer for 400 new machines that will be installed at other Creek Nation properties, resulting in the combined installation of 3,200 new Epic 950 printers. “This recent win further confirms our belief that operators are seeking the best technological features with maximum flexibility for their slot floors,” said Tracey Chernay, senior vice president of sales and marketing for TransAct. The Epic 950 is a highly reliable and robust printer that offers numerous advanced features including quick disconnect, reliable ticket burst and present, low-ticket sensing and USB connectivity, in addition to dual-port marketing capabilities. Utilizing technology that conforms to industry open standards, the Epic 950 is field upgradeable with TransAct’s industry-leading ServerPort technology. For more information, visit www.transact-tech.com.
Ainsworth Approvals in N.J., Mo. and Pa.
Ainsworth, in conjunction with its New Jersey distributors, KGM, announced the first suite of GamePlus™ games are now approved for sale across New Jersey. After achieving state licensing approval last year, Ainsworth and KGM have received approval for the flagship cabinet Ambassador™ Slim Line (ASL), and now five of Ainsworth’s latest games from the highly successful Play 50Line & Play 40Line™ product range. Ainsworth’s U.S. Senior Vice President Rick Meitzler said: “We couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of launching the Ambassador cabinet and the exciting GamePlus™ range into New Jersey right now. The current performance of the Play 50Line & Play 40Line™ game range is outstanding right across the U.S., and the flexibility to mix and match standalone, SAP & the Fire Strike™ progressive link options, really allows us to tailor each bank to suit every slot floor.”
Ainsworth also announced a host of major product approvals in Missouri and Pennsylvania, both new markets for Ainsworth. GamePlus™ is Ainsworth’s fast growing library of highly successful products including brands such as Jackpot Kingdom™, Play 50Lines / Play 40Lines™, Fire Strike™, Double Hit™, Double Action™ and House of Fortune™. In each market, Ainsworth will launch the Ambassador™ Slim Line featuring the highly successful Play 50Line & Play 40Line product range, including six new games, each with SAP, progressive link and standalone configuration options. Following will be the release of Ainsworth’s unique progressive links and many other new products. For more information, visit www.ainsworth.com.au.
WMS Partners with HCL Technologies for CRM Solutions
WMS Gaming announced an agreement with HCL Technologies Ltd., India’s leading global information technology services provider, to develop a customer relationship management (CRM) technology solution for casino operators on the award-winning Microsoft Dynamics platform. This partnership with HCL Technologies specifically addresses WMS’ Patron Services solutions platform in providing casino operators with proven CRM modules, business intelligence and analytics that will integrate marketing reinvestment offers with the gaming experience itself. “Our consistent focus has been and remains on providing our customers with new tools and solutions that will allow them to effectively utilize the new capabilities of networked technology to earn high returns on their investment,” said Orrin J. Edidin, WMS president. “This partnership combines HCL’s extensive, multi-industry experience with WMS’ innovative culture and focus on ‘player driven innovation.’ ” For more information, visit www.wms.com.
WMS Announces Entrance into Central Determinant Gaming Markets
WMS Gaming announced that for the first time, the company will directly address central determinant-based gaming markets, including electronic bingo, Class II and other central determination lottery-based markets with a range of new products based upon the company’s extensive library of player-appealing games. WMS debuted its new direct central determinant market focus at NIGA, where it showcased Bluebird® gaming machines featuring WMS’ popular G+ games operating on the Bluberi system. WMS’ direct entry into central determinant gaming markets will benefit from a licensing agreement for back-end systems technology from Bluberi Gaming Technologies, a Quebec-based firm. WMS’ first central determinant gaming products will be available in July. “WMS’ ongoing, long-term success reflects our strength in combining proven player-appealing game content with advanced technology platforms to create differentiated products that deliver unparalleled entertainment experiences for consumers and high-return solutions for our customers,” said Brian R. Gamache, WMS chairman and CEO. “Our initial product launch will be to casino operators in select North American jurisdictions such as the state of Washington and Mexico.” For more information, visit www.wms.com.
More than 200 Attend GLI’s Regulators Roundtable
Gaming Laboratories International welcomed more than 200 people from across North America for its 8th annual Regulators Roundtable. The conference, titled “Growing Together,” took place in March in Las Vegas. Keynoting the conference was then-IGT President, Chairman and CEO TJ Matthews, who discussed the current economic state of the industry, emerging technologies, regulation, and IGT’s support of open standards being developed by the Gaming Standards Association. Also delivering a keynote address was GLI President and Co-Founder James Maida, who discussed gaming from a global perspective and Obama administration policies. In addition, the conference had two days of panels. Opening the conference were MGM MIRAGE Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Alan Feldman, ARIA Resort & Casino Vice President of Slot Marketing and Operations Michael Volkert, and Nevada Gaming Control Board member Mark Lipparelli. The three discussed MGM MIRAGE’s decision to deploy the world’s first completely networked casino at CityCenter. Next, a panel of experts discussed emerging technologies and their potential impact in combating problem gaming. The first afternoon opened with Maida and GLI Engineering Director Rich LaBrocca and Training Coordinator/Development Representative Michael Capen giving an update on Class II charitable gaming. Next was a discussion on regulating during challenging times. Day two of the roundtable opened with updates on new technologies developed by GLI and then a legislative update from former NIGC Vice Chairman and Commissioner Tom Foley, former NIGC Commissioner Jana McKeag and from GLI’s Maida and Mullally. The conference ended with an in-depth discussion on Internet gaming. In addition to the sessions, four in-depth training modules were conducted at GLI’s Las Vegas lab. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.
INAG Announces Distribution Deals, Contracts and Placements
INAG has been named exclusive distributor for Cartamundi playing cards in California and Oklahoma. Mark Jones, President of INAG, is excited to add this fine product to its gaming product mix. “We look forward to the new plastic cards that will be available soon to the casinos,” he said. INAG is the
No. 1 roulette style card game company in California. INAG is also now distributing ICON poker, roulette and value cheques. Sho-Ka-Wah casino has just received its new chips, and Table Game Director Mike Bull said the price to value is something every casino should be aware of and consider going with a great new product. In addition INAG has signed an agreement to represent “Live Table Games” from Paradise Gaming, Hong Kong. This is one of the most exciting entries into the U.S. market. Jones feels this is a product that can work in any size casino and counts as a table game. The company has also announced the newest placement of its Mystery Card Roulette game. Red Hawk Casino has ordered its second game due to the great response of its customers. Sho-Ka-Wah has added Mystery Card Roulette to its gaming mix, along with As Easy As 123. Valley View Casino also went live with INAG’s roulette-style card game. For more information, visit www.inag11.com.
MEI Licenses EASITRAX to Money Controls
MEI has agreed to license use of EASITRAX Soft Count to Money Controls. The arrangement provides Money Controls global access to the integrated software/hardware solution that makes cash verification more efficient and places information collected in a bill validator into a database that can be accessed to analyze slot floor performance. “This is a proud day for MEI,” said Tom Nugent, MEI president-gaming. “Money Control’s interest in EASITRAX Soft Count, along with the positive feedback we have received from the numerous customers using the product, verifies the value of this solution. The ability to work with a competitor—to raise the expectations for bill validator manufacturers—helps us to move the industry forward.” The full potential of EASITRAX Soft Count can only be realized if the slot floor is fully enabled. Expanding the product’s reach improves its ability to redefine the cash management process. “We’re excited about the opportunity to work with MEI,” said Mike Innes, Money Controls chief executive. “At the end of the day, we both benefit from making casino operations more efficient.” For more information, visit www.meigroup.com.
CDI Sells CasinoCAD© to Saratoga Gaming and Raceway
Casino Data Imaging (CDI) announced that Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has licensed and deployed CDI’s CasinoCAD© data visualization and report writing program. The recent sale marks the first CasinoCAD installation at a New York racino and third CasinoCAD installation in New York State. Bart Algozzini, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway’s director of VGM operations, said: “The reliability and management features of CDI’s CasinoCAD are virtually unmatched at this price point. We were also impressed with the competence and industry knowledge of its people who worked hard to ensure a successful implementation.” CDI Corporate Spokesman George Levine added: “With CasinoCAD, casinos can quickly and easily analyze data and make well informed decisions. We are very proud to be partnering with the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway management team and providing leading edge analysis tools, support, and continued development.” For more information, visit www.casinodatamaging.com.
Gaming Industry Veterans Launch Union Gaming Group
Top gaming industry analysts Bill Lerner, Rich Moriarty and Grant Govertsen announced the formation of Union Gaming Group, their new boutique research and advisory firm. Based in Las Vegas, Union Gaming Group is an independent research and advisory firm focused on the global gaming marketplace, providing services to government and industry. The company offers independent research products and services that are rooted in the extensive industry expertise and insight of the founders, all of whom have deep relationships with the investment community, corporate managements, governments and other parties important to the global gaming business. “Union Gaming Group has been created in response to the growing call for independence in research, very specific market insight, and unbundling of fees,” said Lerner. “We understand that focused industry expertise, local market presence in Las Vegas, and global relationships across the sector are tremendous advantages for clients who increasingly demand specific and highly relevant research and analysis.” Govertsen added: “Never before has there been a greater need for increased tax revenues at the local, state and federal level. Gaming expansion is a viable solution to fulfill those needs.” For more information, visit www.uniongaminggroup.com.