IGT Signs Exclusive Agreement with PureDepth™
PureDepth™ Inc. has reached a worldwide agreement with International Game Technology (IGT). Under the agreement, IGT is licensing PureDepth technology and patents in order to develop, manufacture, market, sell and distribute products for use in wager-based gaming worldwide (excluding Japan). “We explored numerous options in terms of so-called ‘3-D’ displays, and only PureDepth’s technology fit our needs and didn’t involve hardware peripherals, such as goggles, adverse side-effects to users and other drawbacks,” said Randy Hedrick, senior VP of IGT Labs. “The PureDepth solution will enable us to dramatically enhance the user experience while giving us a range of new capabilities and functionality. Ultimately, this technology represents the future of casino-style gaming, and we’re excited to be the exclusive licensor for much of the world.” The agreement with PureDepth also gives IGT non-exclusive rights to use MLD technology for casino administration, casino back-end systems and player tracking modules. PureDepth technology is a multidimensional (using real depth between two or more LCD panels) viewing innovation that enables users to simultaneously view two separate fields of data on one monitor by overlaying separate image planes. For more information, visit www.igt.com or www.puredepth.com.
Iverson Gaming Receives GLI Certification
Iverson Gaming Systems Inc.’s web-based SLOTMaster Pro slot accounting and player tracking system has received Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) certification for Standard 13 — On-Line Monitoring and Control Systems. The certification signifies SLOTMaster Pro’s passage of the high standards set by GLI and the compilation of multiple jurisdictions who aided in the design and testing requirements of the standard. The certification covers both methods of communication Iverson utilizes, CAT-5 Hardwire Communication and its patented AC Power Line Communication. “We are extremely gratified that SLOTMaster Pro received GLI certification,” remarked Joanne Iverson, president of Iverson Gaming. “This certification provides new opportunities for Iverson Gaming to expand our business model and grow our customer base — from those on the high seas to those in every jurisdiction on land. It is an exciting time for our company, and we predict rapid growth in the coming months and years.” Since receiving GLI certification, SLOTMaster Pro has been installed in two test sites in South Dakota, which are undergoing testing via the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. Jurisdictional approval was expected as of CEM ’s press time. For more information, visit www.iversongaming.com.
GLI Europe Relocates, Expands, Partners with SMI
GLI Europe BV has relocated and expanded its certification laboratory. The new, larger facility is located in Hillegom, Netherlands, and is designed to meet the specific requirements for testing and evaluation of gaming equipment, and monitoring and control systems. Increased floor space and testing equipment ensures GLI Europe has the capability and capacity to undertake the increasing demand for evaluations in both the AWP and casino markets throughout Europe. The new facility triples the testing and evaluation area of GLI’s previous lab. The new lab includes dedicated high-security testing areas where manufacturers can locate prototype equipment during the evaluation process, resulting in shorter time to market and increased security; and larger dedicated areas for the evaluation of AWP-style machines, allowing the lab to meet increased demand from the United Kingdom and Spain. GLI Europe has also reached an agreement with SMI Software & Messtechnik Institut GmbH in Graz, Austria, to create Austria’s most extensive and capable testing laboratory. The agreement creates a new entity, GLI Austria, which will work in concert with other GLI Laboratories around the world. GLI President James R. Maida said: “This is about serving our customers better. Now we combine SMI’s capabilities with GLI’s global reach and 24-hour workday, and there simply is not a better test lab for Europe and beyond.” The combined entities will reach more clients in Europe than any other gaming test lab. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.
Paltronics Inc. Selects DEQ as Bonusing Partner
DEQ Systems Corp. and Paltronics Inc. have entered into a strategic alliance. Paltronics will license DEQ’s table game bonusing patent portfolio and incorporate DEQ’s patented bonusing features into its One Link® table game bonusing systems. Under the terms of this alliance, Paltronics will make an up-front payment of $500,000 to guarantee the first year’s royalties to DEQ. A three-year royalty schedule has been agreed upon for current Paltronics product replacements and new product rollouts that include DEQ features, such as multiple-credit betting, side bet games with progressive and random jackpot prizes, and multimedia animation and sound effects. Paltronics will combine selected features with its One Link Table systems and its One Link Media systems, adding a wide range of additional benefits to its centralized One Link system. “[DEQ’s] patents create new incremental revenue for the casinos, and offer fresh approaches to table games and more exciting ways to play,” Angelo Palmisano, president and CEO of Paltronics, said. “With table games on the rise and an increasingly international client base, this is the ideal time for Paltronics to enter into an alliance with a company of DEQ’s caliber. DEQ’s patent portfolio is a perfect complement to our jackpot and media system product line.” For more information, visit www.paltronics.com.
AGEM Elects 2007-08 Officers
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has elected board officers for 2007 – 2008. Brooke Dunn from Shuffle Master was re-elected president; Orrin Edidin from WMS was re-elected vice president; Tom Jingoli from Konami Gaming was re-elected treasurer; Brian Wedderspoon of MEI is the new secretary; and Mark Lerner from Bally Technologies was re-elected general counsel. AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems and components for the gaming industry. Current members include: AC Coin & Slot, Aristocrat Technologies, Atronic, Bally Technologies, Cadillac Jack, Cyberview Technology, GTECH, Gaming Partners International, Gary Platt Manufacturing, IDX, IGT, IPS Inc., JCM American, Konami Gaming, KSK, Las Vegas Gaming Inc., MEI, Multimedia Games, Progressive Gaming International, Shuffle Master Gaming, Summit Gaming, TCSJOHNHUXLEY, TransAct Technologies, Unidesa, VendingData Corporation, Wells-Gardner Electronics, WMS Gaming and 3M Touch Systems. AGEM meets monthly in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.agem.org.
Gaming Support Partners with CARD
Gaming Support BV has entered a service partner agreement with CARD, the Austrian-based subsidiary of Shuffle Master Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Gaming Support will be CARD’s exclusive service point entity throughout Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. Gaming Support will be responsible for servicing all Shuffle Master and CARD Utility Products, namely shufflers and chippers. “We are delighted to partner with Gaming Support to improve our ability to service our customers in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg,” CARD Managing Director Ernst Blaha said. “In these countries, Gaming Support will deliver the exceptional level of service that our customers have come to expect from CARD and its partners.” Lucien van Linden, CEO of Gaming Support, said. “We work hard each and every day to maintain the uptime of the products we oversee in over 20 gaming properties. In total, we maintain, service and repair tens of thousands of gaming devices. As part of this segment of our business, we are delighted to add CARD’s and Shuffle Master’s Utility Products to the range of products we service in [these] countries.” For more information, visit www.gamingsupport.com.
New Appointments at Orion Gaming
Orion Gaming has made five new appointments. Rik Wanrooij is now strategic advisor to the board. In his new role, Wanrooij will focus on expanding customer relationships, while continuing to advise on the overall product and business strategy of Orion. Barry Greenberg has been appointed managing director, relocating from Chicago to The Netherlands. Greenberg will be responsible for the overall operations of Orion, while continuing to direct the integration of Orion with WMS. Sebastian Salat, VP and managing director, international, has been appointed to lead and direct Orion’s international sales efforts, driving an integrated sales team for both Orion and WMS. Henk de Haas, operational director, will direct Orion’s operating activities to drive the successful implementation of growth strategies. de Haas will build upon his strong background and knowledge of Orion to ensure the company’s operating activities will realize their potential for further growth. John Van Schaijk will direct Orion’s product development activities, engineering and game development, leading his team to deliver the products that will drive Orion’s growth. For more information, visit www.oriongaming.com.
Berkley to Head LVGI
Las Vegas Gaming Inc. (LVGI) has named Jon Berkley as its president and CEO. Berkley, a long-time industry veteran, took the helm at LVGI on June 4. He previously served as senior VP and business manager of global gaming and lottery for TransAct Technologies Inc., and as a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Gaming Standards Association. Berkley joins an impressive list of gaming’s top names at LVGI, including both former manufacturers and operators. Russell Roth will continue his role as chair of the board; and Bruce Shepard, who has been acting interim CEO, will resume his position as CFO. Berkley said: “LVGI is a good company, and now we are going to make it a great company, one at the forefront of emerging gaming technologies. … It was an honor to play a part in the significant gain that we were able to achieve at TransAct, and I now plan to do all that I can to make LVGI a huge success. … [With PortalVision™], I have no doubt that we are on the verge of significant market penetration. LVGI is a winner, and I am proud to be a part of the team.” For more information, visit www.lvgi.com.
Agilysys to Acquire InfoGenesis, Innovativ
Agilysys Inc. has entered a definitive agreement to acquire InfoGenesis. “With some of the world’s leading properties as customers, the acquisition of InfoGenesis will further strengthen Agilysys’ market position in the hospitality industry,” Arthur Rhein, chair, president and CEO of Agilysys, said. “The acquisition will also provide us a competitive advantage with enhanced levels of integration between property management, POS, and inventory and procurement systems, as well as our golf course and spa management applications. Over the years, we have worked closely with InfoGenesis at a number of mutual customer locations, and together will market a powerful single-source solution.” The purchase price of $90 million will be funded by cash on hand and was expected to close mid- to late June. Agilysys has also entered a definitive agreement to acquire Innovativ Systems Design Inc., the largest U.S. commercial reseller of Sun Microsystems servers and storage products. The acquisition will further diversify Agilysys’ supplier mix, establish new markets and broaden its customer base. The purchase price of $100 million will be funded by cash on hand. The acquisition was expected to close on or around July 1. For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.
TransAct Relocates Corporate Headquarters
TransAct Technologies Inc. has moved corporate headquarters from its industrial location in Wallingford, Conn., to a modern office space in Hamden, Conn. In a simultaneous relocation, the Eastern Region Repair Center also moved to a dedicated facility in New Britain, Conn. The move is an important milestone in TransAct’s history, as it allows for the continued growth the company envisions as it expands its worldwide presence. The Hamden facility is centrally located in a corporate center, making it a more suitable corporate headquarters than the company’s previous space. The 11,000-square-foot space will house the executive, finance, human resources and marketing departments, as well as the TransAct services group, point-of-sale and banking sales team. TransAct continues to maintain offices in Las Vegas; a manufacturing and engineering facility in Ithaca, N. Y.; a sales and service facility in Doncaster, England; and its recently-opened international sales office in Macau. The newly renovated 10,000-square-foot New Britain space will house the repair staff and management offices, as well as materials, tooling and machinery for the repair of TransAct products. For more information, visit
www.transact-tech.com.
GSA Launches New Website, Welcomes New Members
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) has launched a new website that makes information access easier for its global member companies. In addition to easy-to-find downloads of GSA standards, the new website provides information about GSA and its protocols, including fact sheets, white papers, history, value propositions and a full events calendar. There is also a special section for member services and a readily accessible membership application. GSA President Peter DeRaedt said: “As our organization grew, so did the demand for services. Over the last six months we have completely redesigned our window to the world. We added additional functionality and streamlined the user’s experience. We hope that our website continues to be a useful tool for our members and a valuable source of information for the industry at large.” Several companies have recently joined GSA’s worldwide group of members. New Gold members are Ameristar Casinos Inc., Austrian Gaming Industries and Incredible Technologies Inc. New Silver members are Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd., Elixir Group Ltd. and Global Cash Access Inc. For more information, visit www.gamingstandards.com.
GPI Supplies Planet Hollywood
The new Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has unveiled a fully renovated entertainment and luxury destination in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Gaming Partners International (GPI) was selected as the sole supplier for all of the chips, layouts, dice and playing cards, as well as the 95 tables for the gaming floor. “Planet Hollywood and GPI both want to boast the latest in technology to customers,” Gérard P. Charlier, president and CEO of GPI, said. “We are extremely proud to have been a part of this innovative and ultimate casino, and that we were selected for our quality products, such as RFID chips, as well as for our unmatched service.” In collaboration with Planet Hollywood’s management team, GPI successfully supplied gaming tables, creative graphic layouts and custom gaming chips. The gaming chip order includes GPI’s exclusive low-frequency RFID chips in denominations of $25 and up. For more information, visit www.gpigaming.com.
TransAct Promotes Chernay, Consolidates Sales and Marketing
TransAct Technologies Inc. has promoted Tracey Chernay to senior VP of sales and marketing for all TransAct markets, including gaming, lottery, kiosk, POS and banking. Her promotion followed former Senior VP and Business Manager of Global Gaming and Lottery Jon Berkley’s move to a diferent company. In her new role, Chernay will be responsible for sales and marketing of all TransAct printer products worldwide. By centering all product sales and marketing efforts under her direction, TransAct will be able to leverage the synergies of the products it designs and manufactures across its markets. Jim Stetson, senior VP and business manager of TransAct Services Group, will continue to lead the sales initiatives for TransAct’s services and consumable sales. Chernay and Stetson will work closely to meet the needs of TransAct customers, from the sale of printers and supplies to the vital services that round out its offerings. Chernay joined TransAct in May 2005 as senior VP of marketing and was promoted to senior VP of sales and marketing for POS and Banking in July 2006. For more information, visit www.transact-tech.com.