IGT Names New Vice Presidents
International Game Technology has named Craig Billings as its new vice president of corporate finance and investor relations, and Tom Mikulich as its new vice president of MegaJackpots®. Billings most recently served as a vice president in the investment banking division in London covering the gaming and leisure industries. “Craig has a long history working with the gaming industry,” IGT CFO Pat Cavanaugh said. “I believe his broad and global knowledge of how the constituents in our industry think about their businesses and the future of our sector will be important in helping us devise effective strategic planning and assist us in communicating with the investment community.”
Mikulich has more than 25 years of professional experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. He was most recently the president of Treasure Island in Las Vegas. “Tom brings with him in-depth knowledge of player behavior, casino resort operations, player marketing, slot analysis, and an exemplary record of building and operating large organizations that are dominant market leaders,” IGT Executive Vice President of Product Strategy Rich Schneider said. “I believe his knowledge of our industry from a casino operator’s perspective will be key in helping us drive the growth of our own ‘wide area casino’ of recurring revenue slot machines.” For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Fantasy Springs Installs IGT’s Roulette Evolution™
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is the first California property to place the Roulette Evolution™ electronic table game. Part of IGT’s M-P Series™ (Multi-Player) Series, Roulette Evolution uses state-of-the-art technology and exciting community-play action to create the experience of a live roulette game. “I knew we needed this one on our floor the minute I saw it,” Lou Crescenzo, vice president of casino operations at Fantasy Springs, said. “It has all the excitement of a regular roulette wheel but so much more. Now our California players can get the popular roulette experience in their own neck of the woods. They love the opportunity to play together and share that experience, and this multi-player game provides just that.” The Roulette Evolution electronic table game is configurable for a variety of property applications. Each game server can accommodate up to 100 player stations. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
GSA Releases Clarifications to G2S Protocol
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) and its committees have been working toward the goal of total interoperability between devices and systems. Now, GSA has released important clarifications to its groundbreaking G2S protocol standard that takes the gaming industry even further down the path of interoperability. GSA’s G2S Committee has released the “G2S Message Protocol v2.0.1.” The package includes the protocol, errata, schema files and an important clarification document that fine-tunes many points of the G2S protocol. GSA Technical Director Marc McDermott said: “The G2S protocol was a huge leap forward for the industry. Like with any new technology, as you start to use it, you come across details and minor issues that need clarification. This document helps to answer questions about the protocol and provides manufacturers even more information, so that we as an industry can enhance the interoperability of our products making operators dreams of plug-and-play a reality.” The document is available for free and can be immediately downloaded from GSA’s website at www.gamingstandards.com.
Lionel Sawyer & Collins Attorneys Honored
The Best Lawyers In America, one of the preeminent legal referral guides in the U.S., honored the extraordinary accomplishments of Samuel S. Lionel and Jeffrey P. Zucker of Lionel Sawyer & Collins during its 25th Anniversary Event in Atlanta in April. Lionel, president and a founding partner of the firm, chairs the firm’s litigation department and is one of the most respected and well-known trial attorneys in Nevada. Zucker chairs the firm’s business law department. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become widely regarded as one of the definitive guides to legal excellence in the United States. Because Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review survey of thousands of top attorneys throughout the country, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. For more information, visit www.lionelsawyer.com.
ATRONIC Strengthens Asian Market Focus
ATRONIC is taking new steps to ensure its Asian clients enjoy continued success in this challenging economic climate. Renowned for high-quality gaming and systems products as well as outstanding service, ATRONIC is committed to providing supreme solutions to the entire Asian continent to help operators adapt to their changing business models. For more than seven years, ATRONIC has enjoyed a strong presence in the Asian market through its distribution agreement with RGB, a well-recognized regional gaming distributor. In 2006, ATRONIC boosted its local presence with direct representation in Macau. Lai Fai Chiang joined the ATRONIC team in March as ATRONIC’s general manager for Asia, replacing Zane Reynolds. Chiang was with RGB from 2004 to early 2009, most recently as the company’s general manager, sales. Now, at ATRONIC, Chiang is being supported by Tham Truong, ATRONIC’s technical product manager for Asia who also has extensive experience in the gaming industry from his previous role at Aristocrat. ATRONIC trusts that Chiang’s and Truong’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the Asian gaming market and its unique needs will be beneficial to their clients in the region. On the product side, ATRONIC has been working with Asian operators on player focus groups to develop a deeper understanding of the playing behavior of Asian players. The findings of such focus groups are directly funneled to ATRONIC’s game design teams to accommodate the unique preferences of Asian players. As well, for some time now, ATRONIC has been releasing Asian-themed games with simplified Chinese as the language on screen and button panels. For more information, visit www.atronic.com.
Rainmaker Approved as Microsoft Certified Partner
The Rainmaker Group announced that Microsoft® approved it as a certified partner for hotel gaming industry solutions. The Rainmaker Group provides revenue optimization services to companies that include Wynn Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE, Trump Entertainment Resorts and Harrah’s Entertainment. Tammy Farley, principal of The Rainmaker Group, said: “Rainmaker Group is committed to providing state-of-the- art profit optimization solutions that utilize Microsoft’s business intelligence solutions to meet our gaming and hospitality clients’ business needs. Our emphasis on sophisticated Microsoft software that supports reliable open solutions has been a tremendous benefit to our clients.” The certification reinforces and further strengthens The Rainmaker Group’s relationship with Microsoft, which provides access to training, product marketing collateral and cross-selling. The Rainmaker Group is working toward Gold Certified Partner certification in 2009. For more information, visit www.letitrain.com.
Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architects Names Ewing Partner
Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architects announced that Brett K. Ewing has joined the firm as a partner. Ewing complements Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architects with his more than 25 years of experience in the gaming, hospitality and entertainment industry. Currently, Ewing is based out of the Las Vegas office. He has led numerous multi-million dollar projects throughout the United States and globally. His previous project involvement includes: The Mirage, Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, Harrah’s Shreveport Hotel and Conference Center, Bellagio Spa Tower, and many more. “I am very enthusiastic about joining Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architects as I embark on a new chapter in my career,” Ewing said. “It is my personal goal to utilize my background and experience in order to enhance the portfolio of the Thalden-Boyd-Emery Architect team. I am confident it will be a good fit for both of us.” For more information, visit www.thalden.com.
Bally Names Wiedemer Director of Systems Sales
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that it has named Mark J. Wiedemer director of systems sales. Wiedemer returns to Bally Technologies having previously served the company for seven years in an international sales position. “We are pleased to welcome Mark back to Bally,” said Derik Mooberry, Bally’s vice president of system sales-Western North America. “Mark is a dynamic and proven senior sales executive whose extensive background in gaming will be a strong asset as we continue to grow our industry-leading systems business.” With more than 18 years of experience in the gaming industry, Wiedemer was most recently director of systems sales for Konami Gaming. “This is an exciting time to be returning to Bally Technologies as the company outpaces the competition in all areas of systems and networked-gaming technology,” Wiedemer said. “I’m looking forward to working with Bally’s outstanding sales and management team once again as we continue to demonstrate our unsurpassed global leadership and innovation in the systems technology arena.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Court Issues Summary Judgment in Bally/IGT Patent Case
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that a federal district court has issued summary judgment rulings that Bally’s Power Promotions, Power Bank, and SDS/CMP Power Winners products do not infringe IGT patents. The rulings came in a patent case between Bally and IGT relating to several products in Bally’s Power Bonusing product suite. The court also found that Bally’s ACSC Power Winners and ACSC Power Rewards products infringe some asserted patent claims but do not infringe others. “For the two products partially in question, the company has undertaken technical changes to ensure non-infringement,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, executive vice president of Bally Systems. “The revenues derived from these products to date are immaterial to Bally’s financial position.” In the litigation, IGT originally claimed Bally’s products infringed some 200 patent claims, but following patent re-examination proceedings and case-related actions, all but eight of the claims were withdrawn. The decision, as well as victories for Bally in other recent patent cases with IGT involving table games, wheel games and iVIEW technology, continues to validate Bally’s intellectual property strategies. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Bally Wins System Contracts
Bally Technologies Inc. announced a new contract to provide a comprehensive slot accounting, player tracking and marketing system solution for the opening of the new Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino this November in San Juan. After a highly competitive and exhaustive evaluation process, Bally was selected to provide a complete solution for the new casino’s high-speed Ethernet-based casino floor. Bally’s solution includes its new Microsoft Windows Version 11.0 of its powerful slot accounting and player-tracking system; 465 iVIEW displays; a full suite of marketing, promotions, and customer-relationship solutions including Bally Power Bonusing™; Bally’s award-winning Business Intelligence Solutions; TableView real-time table rating and player-tracking system; and the new Download Configuration Manager, a server application that allows casino operators to view, examine and manage their floor configuration from a central location. “We considered a number of factors when selecting our systems partner, and we ultimately chose Bally because of their outstanding reputation for customer support and their broad portfolio of marketing and promotions solutions,” said Robin Powell, principal of Talisman Group, the consulting firm developing and executing the concept and installation of the casino for Interlink Group, the managing partner at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel & Casino.
Bally also announced a new contract to provide a comprehensive slot accounting, player tracking and marketing system solution for the opening of The Lodge at Deadwood in South Dakota this November. After a highly competitive evaluation process, Bally was selected to provide a complete solution for the new casino’s high-speed Ethernet-based casino floor. Bally’s solution includes the new SDS Windows Version 11.0 slot accounting system; the CMP player tracking system; iVIEW displays; a full suite of marketing, promotions, and customer-relationship solutions including Bally Power Bonusing™ and Bally Live Rewards™ Tournaments; and Bally’s award-winning Business Intelligence Solutions™. “Bally Technologies is an absolute standout when it comes to customer service and support,” said Ryan Wordeman, president of Deadwood Resorts LLC. “That commitment to customers, combined with Bally’s extensive bonusing package so that we can keep our players excited and offer them many different ways to win, made choosing Bally an easy decision for us.” Bally Technologies will also provide an array of its latest video and stepper titles for the casino opening. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Bally Leases Space in Reno
Bally Technologies Inc. announced it has leased an additional 41,000-square-foot facility in Reno, Nev., from Panattoni Development Company, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its Reno-area employees and customers. The company signed a new, seven-year lease for additional space at 900 Sandhill Road to augment Bally’s current facilities in the city. This will provide Bally’s 346 Reno-based employees with more workspace in a campus-style environment. The new property will accommodate future expansion for Bally’s business in the Reno area as well as help consolidate multiple offices. “We have had a presence in Reno for more than 20 years, and have had very positive experiences with the community and the Reno employee base,” said Gary Kapral, Bally’s senior vice president of human resources. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
TransAct Receives $3.6 Million Order
TransAct Technologies Inc. announced that the company has received a $3.6 million purchase order from its largest lottery customer for its thermal lottery printers. The shipment of printers will begin in the middle of the third quarter of 2009, with the majority of printers to be shipped in the fourth quarter of 2009. “We are very pleased to receive this large order for our thermal lottery printer,” said Bart C. Shuldman, chairman, president and CEO of TransAct Technologies. “Along with our recently announced $4.9 million banking printer win, this order continues to build our backlog for the second half of 2009.” For more information, visit www.transact-tech.com.
CashCode Expands Operations
CashCode, a division of the Crane Payment Solutions family, announced a move into an improved 60,000-square-foot facility that supports Crane Payment Solutions’ continuous improvement and sales growth initiatives. “The selection of the new facility location will ensure our ability to maintain CashCode’s highly productive and qualified work force,” said Kurt Gallo, general manager for Crane Payment Solutions. “Thanks to the improved location, we can maintain our position as a premium quality payment solutions manufacturer. We are thrilled with the new facility for the CashCode brand as well as the continued growth and dedication to unsurpassed service it signifies for the Crane Payment Solutions family and our customers.” The move has been completed without interruption. The new facility is fully operational. Telephone and fax numbers remain unchanged. Effective immediately, please change records to reflect the new address: Crane Payment Solutions, 2720 Steeles Avenue West, Concord, ON, L4K 4S3, Canada. For more information, visit www.cashcode.com.
Gary Platt Ships Chairs to ND, SD and Okla.
Gary Platt Manufacturing and its distributor, Gitchi Gaming, had a busy April. Shipments included 650 Gazelle and Gazelle II Style chairs upholstered in Cashmere Flame to Prairie Knights Casino in North Dakota, 300 Gazelle and Gazelle II Style X-Tended Play seats shipped to Grand River Casino in South Dakota, and 665 Gazelle Style seats to Choctaw Mc Alester Casino in Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Dr. Stanley Ho to Receive Second Annual G2E Asia Visionary Award
Dr. Stanley Ho, a leader and pioneer in international gaming, will be honored with the G2E Asia Visionary Award during G2E Asia 2009. The second annual G2E Asia Visionary award recognizes Dr. Ho’s key role in the Macau gaming market’s growth and success. He will receive the award prior to his opening keynote the first day of G2E Asia 2009, which is open to all attendees. “Dr. Stanley Ho, whose name is synonymous with the Asian gaming entertainment industry, has a long and rich history in this thriving market,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “His work helped lay the foundation for gaming in Macau and, given his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise, we are excited to hear his thoughts during his keynote address.” As managing director of both the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau and Sociedade de Jogos de Macau in Macau, and chairman of the publicly listed SJM Holdings Limited in Hong Kong, Dr. Ho has been an instrumental figure in the development of gaming in Macau. “I am honored to be awarded the G2E Asia Visionary Award,” Dr. Ho said. “This award affirms what I have done over the years for Macau’s gaming business and for the overall community. Fulfilling my obligations to society is such a wonderful source of happiness and satisfaction.” The G2E Asia Visionary Award recognizes leaders who have contributed to the success and expansion of the thriving Asian gaming-entertainment market. For more information, visit www.G2EAsia.com.
M Resort Selects FutureLogic’s GEN2 Universal™ Printer
FutureLogic Inc. announced that its industry-leading GEN2 Universal™ printer has been selected for cashless gaming operations in the M Resort Spa Casino, which opened in March in Las Vegas. According to the agreement, the GEN2 Universal printers will be used exclusively on all gaming platforms as they are installed over the next five years. Currently installed at the M Resort, the GEN2 Universal printer is server-based ready and supports both SPC (IGT) and GDS protocols. “FutureLogic’s GEN2 Universal printer was the obvious choice since it has a proven track record for performance and reliability,” said Richard F. Strafella, vice president casino operations for the M Resort. “We were also impressed with FutureLogic’s reputation for forward-looking technological leadership, which complements our goal of building a world-class resort-casino.” Nick Micalizzi, vice president of sales and marketing for FutureLogic, added: “The M Resort brings to Las Vegas the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and classic style. Because we know they chose only the best for their prestigious property, we are proud of the fact that our GEN2 Universal printer was selected for all of their current and future gaming platforms.” For more information, visit www.futurelogicinc.com.
Aruze America Appoints Basile
Aruze Gaming America Inc. announced that it has appointed Sam Basile as vice president, legal and compliance, and general counsel. “We are extremely pleased to have Mr. Basile on board,” Kent Young, general manager of Aruze Gaming America, said. “His expertise, experience, industry-wide respect and credibility with regulators, and other legal entities is unique within the gaming industry.” Basile has substantial gaming experience in the areas of gaming regulatory compliance and licensure, tribal gaming and gaming intellectual property. Basile held the positions of associate general counsel at Mirage Resorts and associate corporate counsel at Aristocrat Technologies. For more information, visit www.aruzegaming.com.au.
Aruze America Appoints Walther
Aruze Gaming America Inc. announced that it has appointed Steve Walther as vice president, systems product management. “Mr. Walther brings a broad knowledge of global gaming systems and industry experience that will help us further achieve our strategic objectives,” Kent Young, general manager of Aruze Gaming America, said. Walther will be responsible for executing and achieving Aruze’s strategic objectives for systems in global operations. “The ability to leverage my diverse experience with such a dynamic team and organization makes for an exciting opportunity,” Walther said. “I look forward to participating in the growth and success of Aruze Gaming.” He previously was the head of systems product office for Aristocrat. For more information, visit www.aruzegaming.com.au.
Nanoptix Announces Representation Agreement with Demon Interactive
Nanoptix Inc. announced it has signed a representation agreement with Jon Temple of Demon Interactive. Under the agreement, Temple will promote and sell the Nanoptix line of printers such as the Paycheck™ TITO printers and various kiosk printers throughout Europe. “We at Nanoptix are very excited to have Jon Temple join our sales team,” Jean-Louis Drapeau, vice president sales and marketing for Nanoptix, said. “His enthusiasm, solid technical knowledge and insight on new market opportunities and trends will without a doubt help us grow our presence in Europe.” Temple commented: “I am very proud to be representing such an innovative, flexible and dynamic company offering products that are perfect to meet current and future market requirements, especially in the area of casino TITO printers.” For more information, visit www.nanoptix.com.
Hoffman Joins TableMAX as Eastern Region Director of Sales
TableMAX Gaming Inc. has rapidly been expanding its product line and its list of customers, and now the company is expanding its sales team. Edward Hoffman comes to TableMAX with more than 21 years of experience in the gaming industry and an extensive knowledge of table games, slot games, progressive jackpots and casino management systems. Most recently, Hoffman was director of sales of the Northeast and Midwest regions for Progressive Gaming International Corporation. TableMAX CEO Stephen Crystal said, “We are excited to welcome Ed to the TableMAX team. For the past several months, we have been experiencing tremendous growth in the West and are now looking forward to Eastern region success with Ed’s expertise.” For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
TableMAX Appoints Wrensch Western Region Director of Sales
TableMAX Gaming Inc. has rapidly been expanding its product line and its list of customers, and now the company is growing its sales team. Tyson Wrensch has recently been named western region director of sales. Wrensch joined the company as an account executive in 2008. He previously was marketing program manager for Intel GmbH in Munich, Germany and business development manager for Intel Americas. TableMAX CEO Stephen Crystal said, “Tyson has been a great addition to our team here at TableMAX and has established great relationships within the gaming industry. Those relationships, combined with his extensive sales experience, have proven to be a driving force in our recent success.” For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
Poll Finds Overwhelming Support for Table Games in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents overwhelmingly support immediate table games expansion, according to a statewide poll by Susquehanna Polling and Research. The poll found 60 percent of respondents support expanding Pennsylvania’s slot machine law to include table games. Additionally, 80 percent of those in favor of table games want the state to legalize them immediately rather than wait for all state-approved casinos to open. The results are similar to the Franklin & Marshall College/Times-Shamrock Newspapers poll released which found 63 percent of those surveyed favor table games expansion. “The Susquehanna poll is yet another strong indication that Pennsylvanians are ready for table games,” said Bill Paulos, a principal with Cannery Casino Resorts, which owns The Meadows Racetrack & Casino. “Our guests at The Meadows repeatedly ask about table games and are eager to see them in Pennsylvania. The Meadows certainly would benefit from table games, but this is a real opportunity for the partnership between the gaming industry and state government to truly benefit thousands of Pennsylvanians by putting people to work and investing in local goods and services. No other public-private partnership could make the same claim under the current economic conditions.”
Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino Hires Two to Complete Executive Team
With the additions of Denise Heintz and Gerry Ryan, the executive team for the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino has been completed. Ryan has taken over as managing director of hotel operations, and Denise Heintz has been named director of hotel sales and marketing. After more than 34 years at Hilton, where Ryan served in various management and finance capacities, he spent the past 17 years at the Pointe properties in Phoenix. Heintz was most recently director of sales and marketing for the Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix. “Denise and Gerry are great additions to our executive team,” said John Straus, general manager of The Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. “Their experience and professionalism is known throughout the industry.” The Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino is set to open in November. For more information, visit www.wingilariver.com.
AGA Supports Leisure-Oriented Conference Locations, Releases Survey Results
When planning meetings, seminars and conventions, most U.S. businesses are now more concerned about public perception than good value. And tourist destinations like Las Vegas are paying the price. According to Phil Mulkins’s recent article in Tulsa World, a new public opinion survey from the Association of Corporate Travel Executives heralds a radical departure from basic business principles. In response to intense public scrutiny of corporate spending, 60 percent of companies now avoid holding meetings in perceived resort locations in favor of less leisure-oriented locations, even if rates are better in the resort cities. Additionally, only 36 percent of survey respondents believe their companies’ approach to business travel will return to normal once the economy recovers. And yet, as Mulkins points out, meetings, seminars and conventions in tourist destinations are actually good for business. He explains that business trips to Las Vegas or Atlantic City are “not an egregious waste of corporate cash—these places were built to accommodate conventioneers cheaply.” And, despite their reputations as leisure destinations, serious business is conducted in these cities every day. As you look further into corporate travel issues, contact the American Gaming Association and read more abut its recent survey findings on how Americans feel about travel boosting businesses and the economy at its website, www.americangaming.org.
Marriott Signs Agreement with TravelCLICK
One question being asked these days is how do hotels get ahead of their competition during this recession? Business intelligence is a tool that can help. Industry leaders like Marriott International are leveraging the competitive advantages of business intelligence to identify market opportunities and underperforming properties. Marriott International recently signed an agreement with TravelCLICK, the leader in hotel ecommerce solutions, to implement TravelCLICK Hotelligence® in 150 of its select service and extended stay properties. Hotelligence reports will provide Marriott properties with insight on bookings history for thousands of travel agents worldwide using the Global Distribution System (GDS), including information on booking sources, rates, and length-of-stay patterns for their individual hotels and for hotels they define as their competitors. “The bottom line in today’s economy is this: market intelligence should not be considered a luxury item that hotels can defer when times get rocky,” said Chris Rockett, executive vice president for TravelCLICK. “Rather, it should be viewed as an essential tool for uncovering new revenue opportunities, protecting market share, and identifying unproductive rate strategies. Regardless of the economic climate, Marriott’s insight into the value of business intelligence will enable its properties to thrive.” For more information, visit www.travelclick.net.
Crowe & Dunlevy Attorney Honored by Federal Bar Association
D. Mike McBride III, an attorney at Crowe & Dunlevy, was recently presented the Award for Distinguished Service by the Federal Bar Association (FBA) at the 34th Annual Indian Law Conference in Santa Fe, N.M. The Award for Distinguished Service is given annually to an FBA member who has exhibited outstanding achievement, distinguished leadership and participation in the Indian Law Section activities throughout the nation. The annual conference is the largest Indian law conference in the United States, attracting more than 800 attendees. McBride is immediate past chair of the Indian Law Section of the FBA and currently serves as general counsel to the FBA’s national board of directors. A director at Crowe & Dunlevy, McBride chairs the firm’s Indian Law and Gaming Practice Group. For more information, visit www.crowedunlevy.com.