BMM Signs Agreement with MPI
BMM Compliance announced that Macau Polytechnic Institute (MPI), in collaboration with the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), has selected BMM Compliance as its partner in an exclusive arrangement to establish a testing center for gaming devices, and to support the development of gaming standards. The agreement follows the successful opening of BMM’s Macau office in August 2008. The test center, officially known as MPI-BMM Testing Center for Gaming Devices, will be housed at MPI’s campus in Macau, and will be operated by BMM Macau utilizing the resources of both organizations. The center will be designed and built to provide full interoperability testing services for multiple systems and devices as well as individual games platform testing. For more information, visit www.bmm.com.
Bally Technologies Partners with Cisco Systems
Bally Technologies announced an expanded relationship with Cisco Systems, naming Cisco its preferred provider of high-speed Ethernet networking for casino-floor environments. Bally’s expanded relationship with Cisco, combined with the company’s experience working with Cisco on the implementation of a number of high-speed networked casino floors, ensures a much smoother, more seamless implementation for Bally Systems customers looking to move to the Networked Floor of the Future. “We have worked closely with Cisco on networked casino-floor implementations for some of our largest enterprise customers,” said Bruce Rowe, senior vice president of strategy and business development for Bally Technologies. “The combination of Bally’s industry-leading technology with Cisco’s world-class networking solutions ensures a powerful, secure integration. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Bally Technologies Launches Class II Progressive Link
Bally Technologies has launched the first million-dollar wide-area progressive link in the history of Class II gaming. The new Class II link went live with the installation of 10 of the company’s new 1,000,000-Degrees multi-progressive games at the Riverside Casino in Wetumpka, Ala. “This is the first time anyone has offered this type of linked progressive game in the Class II market and reaffirms Bally’s commitment to investing in innovative product development for the Native American market,” said Gavin Isaacs, chief operating officer of Bally Technologies. “We are also launching this groundbreaking new Class II link with a brand new multi-progressive gaming product designed to appeal to players with its top million-dollar jackpot prize.” Bally plans to rapidly deploy this new the Class II wide-area progressive link to additional Native American gaming properties throughout the country and capitalize on opportunities to place the product across the globe. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Aristocrat and Konami Team Up on Network Gaming
Aristocrat announced that it has begun working with Konami Gaming on porting Konami content onto the Aristocrat TruServ™ platform. Konami has agreed to the porting of its “Rawhide™” game, one of its most popular titles, to Aristocrat’s TruServ platform. The Rawhide game will be prominently included in the suite of games on the TruServ platform, alongside popular titles from Aristocrat and other providers. Aristocrat President of the Americas Nick Khin said, “This is a tremendous step forward for the industry. Bringing Konami into the mix will further benefit operators as we bring Server-Based Gaming to fruition. Operators will soon realize the benefits of having content from multiple manufacturers on a single box.” Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is licensed by over two hundred regulators and its products and services are available in over ninety countries around the world. For further information visit the company’s website at www.aristocratgaming.com.
Changes at Stratosphere
Changes at Stratosphere Casino Hotel and TowerAmerican Casino & Entertainment Properties (ACEP) recently named Rory Hascall vice president of table games and ancillary gaming for the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower. David Grolman will be vice president of hotel operations, Bill Boswell will be vice president of slot operations and Jim Laughlin vice president of food & beverage for the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower. For more information, visit www.acepllc.com. Pictured R to L:David Grolman, Jim Laughlin, Bill Boswell, Rory Hascall
AGEM Announces Four New Members
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced that its Board of the Directors has approved the membership applications of four new companies. The new AGEM members: Elektroncek, based in Menges, Slovenia, has earned its reputation as the world leader in the development, production, and distribution of multiplayer electromechanical gaming machines under the Interblock brand; MCA Processing is a Las Vegas-based software developer and manufacturer of multifunction redemptions kiosks; Modern Gaming, based in Denham Springs, La., is a licensed gaming manufacturer / distributor in multiple jurisdictions and provides new and refurbished gaming devices, sales and service support; and Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.
AGEM Presents Economic Impact Study
The global gaming supplier industry has a $33 billion total economic impact on the global economy involving more than 78,000 employees, according to a report presented by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM). AGEM presented the “Global Gaming Supplier Industry Impact Analysis 2008” during G2E. The report was the result of an independent study commissioned by AGEM and conducted by the respected Las Vegas-based research firm Applied Analysis. The report is the first comprehensive review of the global gaming supplier industry, highlighting the size and scope of the sector and specifically identifying AGEM members’ global reach spanning from the United States to China and beyond. Appearing at the press conference were top names in the gaming industry: Frank J. Fahrenkopf, President and CEO, American Gaming Association; Richard Haddrill, CEO, Bally Technologies; Akiyoshi Isoi, CEO, JCM Global; Nick Kihn, President, Aristocrat Technologies; TJ Matthews, Chairman and CEO, International Game Technology (IGT); Satoshi Sakamoto, Chairman and CEO, Konami Gaming; and Mark L. Yoseloff, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO, Shuffle Master, Inc. Presenting the report’s findings were AGEM Vice President and WMS President Orrin Edidin and AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater.
Gary Platt Ships Units
Gary Platt Manufacturing shipped 1,700 chairs for the Casino Snoqualmie Grand opening in Washington. The casino is extremely pleased with its new Gary Platt seats, per Tim Barker, V.P of gaming operations. Additionally, Manitoba Lottery Corporation, in Winnipeg, Canada, has purchased 840 Barona style seats, which are upholstered in custom fabric and are mounted on Gary Platt’s new aluminum Hi-Lo understructure. Rainbow Casino in Wisconsin also purchased 580 Gazelle X-Tended Play seats, through Gitchi Gaming. The seats are fitted with polished chrome understructures and Cashmere Ebony vinyl upholstery. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Seamus McGill to Join Aristocrat
Aristocrat Technologies announced that Seamus McGill (pictured) will join the company as chief operating officer of Aristocrat Americas. McGill will take up his new post in February 2009. Aristocrat Technologies President Nick Khin said, “Seamus’ extensive experience and proven track record make him the perfect addition to Aristocrat’s executive team. Seamus will be instrumental in helping us achieve our strategic goals and grow our business in the Americas.” Commenting on his appointment, McGill said, “I am delighted to join the company at this exciting time and look forward to driving the business towards the next stage of its development. I have always admired Aristocrat’s products strength and global vision. Aristocrat has a phenomenal potential and the aim is to take advantage and maximize the opportunities that exist in the gaming industry.” For further information, visit www.aristocratgaming.com.
Aristocrat Europe Management Changes Hands
Rob McLoughlin has been appointed Aristocrat’s new executive general manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He succeeds Nick Khin, who assumed the post of president and chief executive officer of Aristocrat’s American business in September. McLoughlin most recently held the post of general manager, corporate affairs, following several years as the executive chairman of the company’s Japanese operations. Subsequent to joining Aristocrat in 1993 as general manager marketing, he played a major role in the company’s successful flotation on the Sydney Stock Exchange in 1996. He also headed the Japan Project Team and was responsible for gaining approval for Aristocrat to manufacture and sell Pachislot product in the Japanese market. Prior to joining Aristocrat, McLoughlin gained extensive international management experience working across the banking, aviation and motor industries. Previewing his new role, McLoughlin said: “My predecessor Nick Khin helped Aristocrat make significant progress across the EMEA region; both commercially and in terms of how the Aristocrat brand is perceived by customers and industry opinion-formers alike. I look forward to continuing Nick’s excellent work in what are challenging market conditions.” For more information, visit www.aristocratgaming.com.
GLI Launches “Point-Click-Transfer”

In a move that will bring instant change to the global gaming industry, Gaming Laboratories International has launched its innovative and exclusive “Point. Click. Transfer” feature. The program allows gaming manufacturers who have their equipment tested and certified by GLI to transfer their previously certified products to other jurisdictions with the simple click of a mouse. GLI Sr. Director of Engineering and Client Services Ian Hughes said, “Now more than ever, the gaming industry is global. We developed ‘Point. Click. Transfer’ to enable manufacturers to move certified products into that global marketplace, quickly, easily and efficiently, with more speed and less paperwork.” Manufacturers who use GLI for their product testing can access Point. Click. Transfer by logging onto the secure, password-protected area of GLI’s website at www.gaminglabs.com.
Foxwoods Installs Rainmaker’s Revenue Management System

The Rainmaker Group announced Foxwoods Resort Casino installed the revolution Product Suite to optimize revenue for the property’s more than 2,200 hotel rooms in its four hotels that include the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. “Rainmaker’s revolution Revenue Management Suite is an essential tool for profitably operating a large multi-property casino hotel enterprise like Foxwoods,” said Zan Miller, Foxwoods’ executive director of revenue management. “Rainmaker enables Foxwoods to maximize segment profitability even in periods of fluctuating consumer demand and shifts in our markets. We use the system for accurate segment profitability forecasting and it provides pertinent data to identify areas of ‘demand opportunity.’” Miller stated that Foxwoods also uses the system’s detailed information to set the most efficient staffing levels throughout the resort and utilizes a predictive forecasting model to help set optimal rate recommendations by segment. For more information, visit www.letitrain.com.
WMS Advances its Path to Server-Enabled, Networked Gaming
Two years ago, WMS launched its ground-breaking Big Event® series of Community Gaming machines, the industry's first casino slot product based on the fundamental technologies that support networked gaming. Brian R. Gamache, chairman and chief executive officer of WMS commented, "WMS' strategic approach to the networked casino slot floor is unique in the industry in that we recognize this path is best accomplished through a step-by-step progression. Two years ago, we introduced the first server-enabled products on our path towards WMS' exciting Casino Evolved vision of a fully networked gaming environment. These offerings, embodied in the first phase of our Future Ready initiative, are already delivering to casinos the initial benefits of networked gaming product solutions. Simultaneous with currently providing casino operators with differentiated, high-earning products enabled by foundational technologies required for networked gaming, WMS continues advancing the development of future products that will further progress casino floor evolution." For more information, visit www.wms.com.