Casino Enterprise Management

Buffalo Thunder Appoints Top Managers
Buffalo Thunder Resort has named Mike Allgeier general manager for Buffalo Thunder Casino. Allgeier is responsible for overall management of the casino and will oversee all casino operations when the resort opens in August 2008. Allgeier brings nearly three decades of gaming experience to his position. Most recently, he was vice president of casino operations for Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Prior to that, he was vice president of casino operations for the Las Vegas Hilton. Buffalo Thunder Resort also named David Oakeley executive director of marketing. In his position, Oakeley oversees all marketing operations for Buffalo Thunder, Cities of Gold Casino and all other Pueblo of Pojoaque enterprises. Oakeley has managed the marketing operations for Cities of Gold Casino and Hotel, the Sports Bar Race Book & Casino, Towa Golf Course and all Pueblo of Pojoaque owned businesses since 2000. His background combines 30 years of experience in media and public relations, including 10 years in radio and television broadcasting. Buffalo Thunder Resort also named Kelly Toscano director of casino marketing, where she oversees marketing for the new Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino and the existing Cities of Gold Casino and Sports Bar Race Book & Casino. Her direct responsibilities include promotions, group sales, player’s club and player development. Prior to joining Buffalo Thunder Resort, Toscano held top-level marketing positions for leading clients in various industries. For more information, visit www.buffalothunderresort.com.

Bally Promotes Key Executives
Bally Technologies Inc. has promoted several key executives. Gary Kapral was promoted to senior vice president of human resources. Kapral, who has served as Bally’s vice president of human resources since 2005, will continue to be responsible for organizational development and implementation of all domestic and international human resources strategic-growth initiatives as well as facilities and other administrative activities. Bally also promoted Neil Davidson to chief accounting officer. Davidson joined Bally in 2006 as vice president of corporate accounting. He is a certified public accountant. Other promotions include Mark Lowell to vice president of software development and Sridhar Laveti to vice president of client services. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.

Aristocrat Technologies’  VIRIDIAN™ Certified
Aristocrat Technologies has received multiple test lab certifications for its new award-winning VIRIDIAN™ cabinet in key markets in North America. The groundbreaking product is now certified in most GLI jurisdictions, New Jersey and three Canadian provinces. In addition to the certifications, the VIRIDIAN cabinet completed its Colorado field trial ahead of schedule and is in the final stages of field trial in Nevada. VIRIDIAN was initially placed in select approved markets in late March and has received an extremely positive response from players and operators alike. “Our reports show that customer acceptance is very high and early numbers indicate improved casino performance with more than a 50 percent increase in multiple locations,” said Aristocrat Senior VP of Sales Sean Evans. For more information, visit www.aristocratgaming.com.

Cannery Appoints Bingo, Slots Directors
Cannery Casino Resorts LLC has appointed Allen Karol to director of Bingo operations. Karol joined Cannery Casino Resorts in 2006 as Bingo manager for Cannery Casino & Hotel. Cannery Casino Resorts also appointed (William) Donovan York to director of slot operations for Rampart Casino. York joined Cannery Casino Resorts in 1998 as slot operations manager for Rampart Casino. Prior to joining Rampart Casino, York served as casino shift manager for Teller House Casino in Central City, Colo. James Mahnesmith was appointed to director of slot operations for Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel. Mahnesmith joined Cannery Casino Resorts in 1999 as gaming floor manager for Rampart Casino and was promoted to slot operations manager for Nevada Place, now Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel, in November 2006. For more information, visit www.cannerycasinos.com.

Cash Systems Contracts with Cannery
Cash Systems Inc. has reached a new multi-year contract with Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel, where Cash Systems will provide its full line of cash access services, including all-in-1atm services and casinopc for cash advance services. Eastside Cannery Casino in Las Vegas will operate in 65,000 square feet of gaming space with 2,187 of the latest gaming devices. “We are extremely excited about our agreement with Eastside Cannery Casino and Hotel,” said Michael Rumbolz, chairman and CEO of Cash Systems. “We believe that our selection as their provider reflects the continued confidence Cannery Casino Resorts have in our product offerings and our proven dedication to customer service.” For more information, visit www.eastsidecannery.com or www.cashsystemsinc.com.

GLI Establishes Relationship with NYCE, Promotes Managers
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and the Normalizacion y Certificacion Electronica (NYCE) have established a business alliance to help bring testing standards to Mexico. Under the agreement, GLI and NYCE will work together to develop testing standards, create voluntary compliance to those standards, and encourage the Mexican government to adopt mandatory testing standards for gaming devices. Further, GLI will use its extensive training services to assist NYCE in developing field inspection teams in Mexico. The field inspection teams will perform audit and software verifications that are critical to the effective control of electronic gaming devices. The cooperative agreement provides that NYCE will accept GLI test results and certifications for gaming devices and systems for use in Mexico. With this alliance NYCE will be able to develop the capability of testing the Mexican market requires in this field. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com or www.nyce.org.mx.

GLI has also promoted several of its managers in its world headquarters to director. Diana Bowers has been promoted to director of quality assurance, Janusz Boskowicz to information technology director, Patrick Moore to director of technical compliance, and Joseph Shipman to director of mathematics. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.

Bally Announces Third Quarter Earnings
Bally Technologies Inc. has announced record diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, of $0.52 and $1.31, respectively, and record revenue of $232.6 million and $652.3 million, respectively. Diluted EPS adjusted for share-based compensation for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, was $0.56 and $1.42, respectively. “The continued momentum in all of our technology businesses drove record third-quarter earnings,” said CEO Richard M. Haddrill. “Another strong systems quarter reflects the continued demand for our Networked Floor of the Future technologies and vision highlighted by new customer contracts and demand for our iVIEW™ network that delivers interactive player content.”

“Our gaming equipment division shipped over 7,300 sale units in the current quarter, which included a significant number of sale units delivered to a major domestic lottery that were not recognized in revenue in the current quarter,” said COO Gavin Isaacs. “We are pleased with our steady increase in North America ship share, our ability to leverage our broad product portfolio for Class III, Class II and central-determination markets, and the growth of international units to 25 percent of our total sale units in the current quarter. We attribute this success to our investments in game content and our recent investments in our international infrastructure.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.

Sycuan Appoints New General Manager
The Sycuan Tribal Council has appointed Sheila Howe as the new general manager of Sycuan Casino. With more than two decades of experience in a variety of casino operation positions, Howe is one of the most respected gaming professionals in both Las Vegas and San Diego County. “Sheila brings extensive experience in the gaming industry and has proven herself as a tremendous asset to the Sycuan family,” said Tribal Chair Daniel Tucker. “Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the gaming industry will be a beneficial addition to Sycuan’s management.” Howe has served as Sycuan Casino’s director of gaming operations for the past five years. She was recently one of 37 nominees for the Proven Leader award for CEM’s Great Women of Gaming Awards. For more information, visit www.sycuan.com/sycuan_casino.

Gary Platt Ships to Gaming Enterprises
Gary Platt Manufacturing and its Midwest distributor, Gitchi Gaming, have had an extremely busy month shipping chairs. Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, Minn., received 246 Gazelles with a five prong hi-lo understructure. Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee received 3,644 Gazelle-style chairs for its expansion. Choctaw Casino in Durant, Okla., received 100 Sierra chairs; Wyandotte Casino in Wyandotte, Okla., received 120 Gazelles; Alton Belle Casino in Alton, Ill., received 100 Gazelles; and Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg, Mich., received 1,432 Gazelle-style X-Tended Play chairs. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.

Eastside Cannery Casino to Open With OASIS 360™ Casino Management System
Aristocrat Technologies and Cannery Casino Resorts LLC have agreed to unveil Aristocrat’s OASIS 360™ Casino Management System at the Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel, scheduled to open later this year, and Cannery Casino Resorts will upgrade the existing OASIS system for Cannery Resort Casino. Within the agreement, Cannery Casino Resorts will leverage its Ethernet casino floor network with the use of Aristocrat’s SpeedMedia™ Marketing and Promotions applications on more than 4,200 SentinelÆ III in-game displays across the enterprise. “We are excited to be taking our existing relationship with the Cannery Casino Resorts to the next level,” said Aristocrat Senior Vice President of Sales Sean Evans. “We are confident that the OASIS 360 product is far and away the leading system available in the gaming marketplace, and we are very proud that the new Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel will open with OASIS 360.” For more information, visit www.aristocratgaming.com or www.cannerycasinos.com.

Atomic to Distribute for Atronic in Africa
Atronic International GmbH has appointed Atomic Gaming Pty. as Atronic’s distributor for Africa. Atomic Gaming will distribute gaming machines, signage and other related game media. “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Atronic,” said Cliff Lamberton, managing director of Atomic Gaming. “As we enter into the market, their performance of linked gaming products, such as Cash Fever™ and King Kong Cash, are doing extremely well.” For more information, visit www.atronic.com.

JCM/AGA Golf Classic Raises $100,000
The 10th annual JCM/AGA Golf Classic raised a record $100,000 for the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) to help fund problem and youth gambling research and responsible gaming education programs. Since its debut, the event has raised $647,000 for the NCRG. The tournament, held at Reese Jones-designed Cascata in Boulder City, Nev., was jointly sponsored by JCM Global and the American Gaming Association (AGA). “The tournament’s growth every year and this year’s new fundraising record are a testament to the value that members of our industry place on responsible gaming,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of AGA. “For the past 10 years, we have been honored to partner with JCM Global on this event, and their continued commitment has proven them to be an industry leader in fundraising for the NCRG.” The 11th Annual JCM/AGA Golf Classic will return to Cascata on April 27, 2009. For more information, visit www.jcmglobal.com or www.americangaming.org.

Octavian Selects FutureLogic as Preferred Partner
FutureLogic Inc. has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Octavian International, a leading global developer of gaming systems and software solutions. According to the agreement, Octavian will integrate, support and promote FutureLogic’s thermal ticket printers and promotional couponing technology across its full range of electronic gaming machines and casino management systems. “With its history of technical innovation and demonstrated leadership in TITO printer reliability and performance, FutureLogic was the ideal choice to help take Octavian International to the next level of global brand preference,” said Peter Moffitt, president of Octavian International. “The GEN2 Printer’s enviable position as the number one preferred printer for casinos and EGMs worldwide will be instrumental in further solidifying Octavian’s leadership in the rapidly developing international gaming market.” For more information, visit www.futurelogicinc.com or www.octavianonline.com.

CityCenter Unveils Details of Resort Casino
CityCenter has revealed that its resort casino, scheduled to open in late 2009, will be named ARIA. With an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, ARIA Resort & Casino will immediately become the focal point not only of the Las Vegas skyline but of the hospitality industry. “ARIA will be demonstrably different than any resort that has preceded it,” said Bill McBeath, the resort’s president and COO. “Even in a city such as Las Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge development, ARIA will introduce a new generation of resort experiences.” Designed by the world-renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, ARIA will form the core of CityCenter, a more than $8 billion vertical city underway between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World. For more information, visit www.citycenter.com.

AGEM Adds Five Members
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has approved the membership applications of five new companies, bringing the trade group to a total of 48 members. The new AGEM members include Greenberg Traurig LLP, an international full-service law firm with more than 1,750 attorneys; The Kreller Group, a provider of global due diligence investigations; PDQ Printing, which specializes in a wide variety of design and printing projects for the gaming industry; The Bright Group, a global contract manufacturer of products ranging from electro-mechanical sub-assemblies to generic slot machines; and Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), a provider of exterior and interior signs since 1920. For more information, visit www.agem.org.

WMS Reports Record Quarterly Revenues
WMS Industries Inc. has reported record quarterly net income of $18.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2008. Highlights for the quarter include a 27 percent growth in total revenues to a quarterly record $173 million; worldwide new unit shipments rose to a quarterly record of 7,793 gaming machines; gaming operations revenues increased 39 percent on an average installed base of 8,897 units; operating income grew 49 percent to a quarterly record $30 million and the operating margin increased to 17 percent from 14 percent a year ago; and net income rose 46 percent to $19 million, or $0.32 per diluted share. The company’s adjusted EBITDA rose 38 percent to a record $59 million, and quarterly record operating cash flow of $57 million contributed to an 85 percent increase in cash flow from operating activities to $126 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2008. In that same time period, net income increased 43 percent to $46 million on 22 percent total revenue growth to $465 million. “WMS’ record fiscal 2008 third quarter operating results and fiscal 2008 year-to-date performance highlight the strength, breadth and industry attraction of our innovative product portfolio,” said Brian R. Gamache, WMS president and CEO. “Record quarterly new unit shipments and gaming operations revenues along with the success of the company’s operating effectiveness initiatives are delivering tangible benefits to our stockholders at this time, while furthering WMS’ foundation for continued long-term growth.” For more information, visit www.wms.com.

IGT-UK Acquires Million-2-1
IGT-UK has acquired Manchester-based mobile gaming company Million-2-1. The acquisition cements the strategic relationship developed between the two companies over the past two years, and marks IGT-UK’s entry into the mobile gaming market. Million-2-1 is the United Kingdom’s premier provider of interactive competition, lottery and SMS games on the mobile phone and has recently commenced development of Java-based mobile versions of a number of Barcrest Group’s industry-renowned slot machine games. As a result of this transaction, Million-2-1 CEO Chris Sheffield will take up a new role with IGT-UK as director and general manager of the company’s remote gaming business, reporting to IGT-UK Managing Director Robert White. Sheffield will retain responsibility for Million-2-1 as well as managing the interests of IGT-UK in interactive digital television, mobile gaming and Internet gaming markets. For more information, visit www.igt.com.

IGT Launches PureDepth MLD-powered Slots
IGT announces the market launch of its REELdepth™ family of games, which are powered by PureDepth Inc.’s PureDepth technology. The initial game rollout includes nearly 70 of IGT’s familiar, top-performing classics, as well as several new AVPÆ (Advanced Video Platform) themes. In the fall, IGT intends to release the long-awaited Indiana Jones™ and the Last Crusade™ MegaJackpotsÆ slot, which debuted at the 2007 Global Gaming Expo. “This is a very significant day for PureDepth, since we believe it underscores the commercial viability of PureDepth’s Multi-Layer Display™ technology and demonstrates that MLD technology can be deployed by partners seeking to significantly enhance existing products or drive the rollout of new, exciting applications,” said Jonathan McCaman, president of PureDepth. The integration of MLD technology into IGT’s product line yields a high-quality gaming experience, but also drives significant operator efficiencies. Because game and reel configuration are now dictated by players from their seats, operators who invest in REELdepth™ games no longer have to budget to change glass, change reel strips, or physically relocate and remove machines on the floor. For more information, visit ww.igt.com or www.puredepth.com.

Feversham Arms, Kilronan Castle Select Visual One
Feversham Arms Hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, U.K., has selected a comprehensive Visual One suite of products by Agilysys Inc. to streamline operations at the property, which is adding a high-end spa this summer. Kilronan Castle, one of Ireland’s most luxurious five-star hotels, has also selected a Visual One suite of products to streamline operations at the property. Kilronan Castle’s sister hotel, Lough Rynn, has used the Visual One suite for several years. For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.

PokerTek to Install First PokerProÆ Tables in Atlantic City
PokerTek Inc. has signed a contract with Trump Plaza Casino to offer PokerProÆ for field trial. The 12-table PokerPro Poker room at Trump Plaza will open pending final approval by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, and will be the first automated Poker room in the state. Poker is a new gaming addition at Trump Plaza Casino, and the 100 percent PokerPro Poker room will be just steps from the Boardwalk. “The Poker room at Trump Plaza is going to be a Poker player’s paradise,” said Trump Plaza Casino General Manager Jim Rigot. “In addition to opening with a reduced $3 rake, our state-of-the-art Poker room will have competitive game offerings, flat screens throughout, a comfortable lounge with convenient food and beverage offerings, and Blackjack tables. And when you consider the increased hands per hour and mistake-free play, it becomes an obvious choice for even the most seasoned players.” For more information, visit www.pokertek.com or www.trumpplaza.com.

GSA Opens Macau Office
Last fall, the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) signed a memo of understanding with the Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI), and on June 2, GSA and MPI officially opened its doors to the GSA Macao Office and the MELCO Gaming Research Lab. “This [was] a monumental day in the history of GSA,” said GSA President Peter DeRaedt. “Establishing a permanent home for GSA in China is critical to the success of the industry in that region, and we are thrilled to have established our partnership with MPI, and are grateful to them for welcoming GSA so very warmly.” MPI will act as GSA’s office in Asia, and GSA will support MPI in an effort to spread the technical knowledge of GSA’s gaming protocol standards to students in Macau and other parts of Asia through MPI. MPI was established in 1991 as a public and forward-looking institute and was formerly a part of the University of East Asia, Macau. In the 10 years since its inception, the institute grew into a modern and fully equipped teaching and research facility with a team of experienced and dedicated academic staff. For more information, visit www.gamingstandards.com.

RadBlue Gaming Implements GSA Protocols
Radical Blue Gaming Inc. (RadBlue) has completed all 22 classes of the Gaming Standards Association’s (GSA) Game-to-System (G2S) protocol with the release of version 1.3.0 of RadBlue’s development tools. As of May 30, RadBlue successfully completed host and EGM implementations of the 22 classes of GSA’s G2S standards in all of its G2S tool kits. “As we worked through all of the G2S classes, we were delighted at the functionality in this new state-of-the-art protocol for gaming machine-to-system communications,” said Russ Ristine, vice president of Radical Blue Gaming. “With G2S, an EGM will be able to talk to multiple systems at the same time, provide operators with incredible access to data, and give operators the ability to add new functions for their players with minimal effort. Server-based gaming will drive the first installations, but once the new environment is in place, game and system developers will be able to innovate at a rate never seen before in this industry.” For more information, visit www.radblue.com.

Global Cash Access to Acquire Cash Systems
Global Cash Access Inc. and Cash Systems Inc. have jointly announced the execution of a definitive agreement whereby GCA will acquire Cash Systems for $0.50 per share. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies. At the closing of the transaction, all of Cash Systems’ issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $0.50 per share and all of Cash Systems’ outstanding convertible promissory notes and warrants will be redeemed for the sum of $21 million plus accrued but unpaid interest. The aggregate amount paid to Cash Systems’ stockholders, note holders and warrant holders, together with Cash Systems’ transaction expenses, is expected to be approximately $33 million. GCA will gain approximately 120 new customers as a result of the acquisition. The closing is presently anticipated to occur at the end of July, subject to the required approval of Cash Systems’ stockholders and customary and other closing conditions. GCA expects the transaction to have no material effect on GCA’s 2008 operating income and to be modestly accretive in 2009. Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as financial advisor to GCA and Morrison & Foerster LLP acted as legal advisor to GCA. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Alpine Advisors LLC acted as financial advisors to Cash Systems and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP acted as legal advisor to Cash Systems. For more information, visit www.globalcashaccess.com or www.cashsystemsinc.com.

Paltronics Secures Supplier License in Missouri
Paltronics Inc. has been granted a gaming supplier license in Missouri. This latest license in the Midwest further highlights the momentum in the region along with increased market share as it installs its One Link system™ product line throughout the region. Paltronics continues to enjoy growth across all geographic regions both domestic and international and has added more than 25 new One Link centralized systems in the most recent year, linking more than 25,000 slot machines and an average 200 displays per installation. Paltronics recently kicked off its installation of both One Link media and One Link slot at the new Horseshoe Casino Hammond in Indiana, scheduled to be completed this year. For more information, visit www.paltronics.com.

PGIC’s CasinolinkÆ Jackpot System Approved
The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved Progressive Gaming International Corp.’s (PGIC) CasinolinkÆ Jackpot System inter-linked progressive module of the Casinolink Enterprise Edition slot management system. Casinolink Jackpot System technology is deployed in casinos in markets outside of Nevada in North America as well as in numerous international jurisdictions. PGIC reported May 12 that it had a backlog of 2,000 Casinolink Jackpot System installations for Nevada and that it expects to install approximately 500 units by yearend. With Nevada Gaming Commission approval, the company expects to secure additional orders for installations in Nevada. For more information, visit www.progressivegaming.net.

Trump Marina to Re-brand as Margaritaville™
Coastal Marina LLC has entered into an agreement to purchase the Trump Marina Hotel Casino in Atlantic City from Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. Coastal Marina has agreed to pay Trump Entertainment Resorts $316 million to complete the transaction. The parties have also agreed to end prior, unrelated litigation, with prejudice, upon the closing of the transaction. Upon successful acquisition of the property, Coastal Marina will re-brand and refurbish the property into a new destination resort under the Margaritaville™ brand. Richard T. Fields, chairman of Coastal Marina, said: “Together with Jimmy Buffett’s team at Margaritaville, our plans are to create an exciting new property that we believe will tap its full potential and make it one of the most successful destination gaming resorts in Atlantic City.” For more information, visit www.trumpmarina.com.

Oneida Nation Names New Gaming Chairman, Commissioner
William Fougnier, a 15-year employee of the Oneida Indian Nation’s Gaming Commission, has been named chair of the commission. Arthur Pierce, the Oneida Nation’s Public Safety Commissioner since 1993, also has been appointed to the gaming commission. The gaming commission oversees the regulation of gaming and licensing operations at the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Fougnier, a member of the Oneida Nation’s Wolf Clan, began working as an inspector for the commission in July 1993 when Turning Stone opened. Within six months, he was promoted to chief inspector. Last year, he was appointed to the commission in addition to his chief inspector duties. Pierce, who oversees the Oneida Nation’s police force and other public safety operations, served 20 years with the New York State Police, retiring as a captain before joining the Oneida Nation. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and earned his master’s degree in public administration from Russell Sage College. He will continue his duties as Public Safety Commissioner in addition to the gaming commissioner position. For more information, visit www.oneidanation.org.