AGEM Announces Six New Members
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced that its board of directors has approved the membership applications of six new companies, bringing the trade group comprised of the world’s leading gaming suppliers to a total of 118 members. The new AGEM members are: Grand Products Nevada LLC, based in Las Vegas, an electronic contract manufacturing company specializing in cable harness manufacturing, circuit board assembly, electromechanical sub-assembly and final assembly for the gaming, amusement and other industries; Kontron, based in Poway, Calif., who ranks as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of embedded computer technology, specializing in graphics performance, processor power, data security and system integration for leading OEMs, system integrators and application providers in a variety of industries including gaming and entertainment; Litemax Technology, based in Taiwan with U.S. headquarters in Fremont, Calif., a high bright manufacturer offering a wide range of displays and form factors for the gaming industry, including full customization and touchscreen capabilities designed to improve image clarity and video content; Tech Results, based in Las Vegas, that specializes in delivering best-in-class customer service and strong business intelligence and customer relationship management solutions for the hospitality and gaming industries; Video Gaming Technologies Inc. (VGT), headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., one of the leading manufacturers of games for Class II that is also emerging into other markets, and is the largest privately owned video gaming terminal manufacturer in the U.S.; and Warrior Gaming Associates, based in Las Vegas with a manufacturing facility in Canada, a manufacturer and distributor of slot machines that also offers a wide array of consulting and managements services. For more information, visit www.agem.org.
IGT Cloud Solution Unleashed at Gala Leo Casino in U.K., Hires Vandemore
International Game Technology announced the initial go live of the IGT Cloud program at the Gala Leo Casino in Liverpool, England. Increased reporting functionality and data aggregation initially attracted Gala Leo to the Cloud partnership program, which is only one aspect of the cloud’s capabilities. Part of the services available in the IGT Cloud is sbX® Floor Manager, which supports casino operators by giving them access to the best performing games within the largest game library. Gala Leo has also implemented sbX® Analytics, enabling for detailed game performance analysis through instantly generated reports, allowing operators to understand and optimize the gaming makeup of their casino floors. Additionally, part of the IGT Cloud services is Ad Manager, which allows casinos to push digital marketing content to the EGM top-box from the cloud, allowing them to connect directly with their patrons.
IGT also announced that John Vandemore is joining the company as chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Feb. 13, 2012, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals. Vandemore comes to IGT from The Walt Disney Co., where he most recently served as chief financial officer of Walt Disney Imagineering—the world-class creative arm of Disney‘s theme parks business. He was responsible for overseeing multi-billion dollar investments in global theme park, resort, and cruise line development projects. Vandemore replaces Pat Cavanaugh, IGT‘s CFO and treasurer for the past three years, who departed the company Feb. 10, 2012. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Bally Technologies Expands Mobile App Games Library, Powers Tournament
Bally Technologies Inc. announced the addition of four new titles to its library of play-for-fun mobile applications: Cash Wizard™, Golden Pharaoh™, Fireball™ and Betty Boop’s Love Meter™. Based on the successful full-size casino versions, these apps are available to download now from iTunes® for iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad®.
Bally also announced that its innovative and award-winning iVIEW Display Manager (DM) with Elite Bonusing Suite powered the world’s largest slot machine tournament at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif., on Feb. 11. Bally Technologies also earned a Guinness World Records achievement for most slot machines running the same game simultaneously at the same venue. The record-setting event, certified by Guinness World Records, featured more than 1,100 players simultaneously competing in a tournament in one location on slot cabinets made by five different slot machine manufacturers. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
SPIELO International Canada Receives Illinois Video Gaming Terminal Manufacturer License
The Illinois Gaming Board has granted a manufacturer license to Lottomatica Group subsidiary SPIELO International Canada ULC (SPIELO International Canada). This manufacturer license means that SPIELO International Canada is approved to provide its products and services to the new Illinois video gaming terminal (VGT) market. SPIELO International Canada will be providing the player-tested prodiGi Vu™ and Vu Slant™ terminals, as well as a suite of proven and compelling poker and line games, to VGT operators through its distribution agreement with American Gaming & Electronics Inc (AG&E). SPIELO International Canada and AG&E expect to begin selling VGTs and related games in the state once the Illinois Gaming Board grants VGT operator licenses. For more information, visit www.spielo.com.
Aruze Gaming America Appoints Robert Ziems
Aruze Gaming America announced that it has appointed Robert Ziems as executive vice president, general counsel. This change follows the departure of Sam Basile, Aruze Gaming’s former executive vice president and general counsel. “We are fortunate to have a person with Rob’s experience and talent join the executive management team at Aruze Gaming,” said Richard Pennington, CEO for the Americas. “We wish Sam all the best in his new endeavors.” Ziems was formerly senior vice president of business development for Aruze Gaming America and lead efforts in opening and establishing new markets as well as developing strategies to expand the company’s footprint in existing markets. For more information, visit www.aruzegaming.com.
Cadillac Jack Announces Executive Promotions
Cadillac Jack announced it has promoted Mauro Franic to chief operating officer and Sigmund Lee to chief technology officer. Franic and Lee continue to report to Gene Chayevsky, Cadillac Jack’s chairman and chief executive officer. Prior to his role as COO, Franic served as vice president of product management and marketing, where his expertise and strategy helped to strengthen Cadillac Jack’s profitability and market share. Lee joined Cadillac Jack in 2006 as vice president of engineering. For more information, visit www.cadillacjack.com.
TransAct Technologies Launches First EPICENTRAL™ Print System at Nisqually Red Wind Casino
TransAct Technologies Inc. announces the first formal launch of its new EPICENTRAL™ Print System for all 975 slot machines at Nisqually Red Wind Casino in Olympia, Wash. This innovative new software solution is the first of its kind in casino marketing, allowing casinos to enhance their connection with patrons by delivering targeted, real time, printed promotional coupons and other messages to slot machine patrons while playing. With the launch of the EPICENTRAL™ Print System, Nisqually Red Wind Casino will be the first to have the ability to provide players with slot-play prizes to keep their guest experience fresh and unique. For more information, visit www.transact-tech.com.
Incredible Technologies Receives Minnesota License
Incredible Technologies announced that the company has been granted a license by the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to manufacture and distribute gaming machines to regulated casinos in the state. The license marks the ninth state in which the company will offer its popular Magic Touch® video slot games in North America. “Minnesota is a thriving market with high demand for new video product,” said Elaine Hodgson, IT president and CEO. For more information, visit www.itsgames.com.
Leech Lake Gaming Selects Konami Casino Management System
Konami Gaming Inc. has been selected to replace Leech Lake Gaming’s casino management system with the Konami Casino Management System (KCMS), announced Clark Warren, director of system sales and marketing at Konami. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s three casino properties, Northern Lights, Palace and White Oak Casinos, are almost ready to roll out KCMS across approximately 1,800 slot machines. KCMS is an industry-leading casino management system best known for its innovative marketing capabilities, ease of upgrades, unparalleled reliability and commitment to customer service. For more information, visit www.gaming.konami.com.
FutureLogic Adds Midwestern Sales Presence for Gaming Industry
FutureLogic Inc. announced that it has hired Ted Grevelis as its business development manager for the Midwest. As a top-producing sales management professional, Grevelis’ background spans technical sales, sales management, new business development and account management experience, as well as knowledge of U.S., Asian, Canadian and European markets. Before joining FutureLogic, Grevelis worked for nearly 10 years at IGT where he started as systems sales executive and then became director of sales. For more information, visit www.futurelogic-inc.com.
BMM Certified by Ohio Casino Control Commission
BMM is pleased to announce that it was certified in January this year by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. This certification authorizes BMM to test and evaluate slot machines, electronic table games, all gaming-related systems, and all other ancillary gaming equipment for compliance with regulations and technical standards promulgated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. BMM currently maintains more than 350 licenses and recognitions globally. For more information, visit www.bmm.com.
Interblock Installs Electronic Table Game Product at Two Properties
Interblock is pleased to announce that it installed Organic Roulette™ at Lone Butte Casino in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 27. The company also announced that it installed Organic Roulette at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev., Jan. 25. Interblock’s Organic product family offers casino operators the ability to maximize their floor space with the most luxurious and productive multi-player products available. Organic Roulette provides players with every wager available on a live game but with a fast pace and immediate payout. For more information, visit www.interblock-usa.com.
JCM Global Names Zadeh GM, Sato EMEA Managing Director
JCM Global has made two very positive changes to its top management structure in its EMEA offices, based in Dusseldorf, Germany. JCM Global’s EMEA Director of Sales Payam Zadeh has been promoted to general manager. Additionally, JCM is welcoming Nobuyuki Sato as its EMEA managing director. Sato comes to JCM EMEA from the company’s headquarters in Tokyo. For more information, visit www.jcmglobal.com.
AGS Granted Illinois VGT and Riverboat Licenses
American Gaming Systems (AGS) announced it was granted a license to manufacture and distribute video gaming terminals in the state of Illinois. It has also been granted an Illinois Riverboat License and, effective immediately, can sell gaming devices to riverboat casinos throughout the state. Upon receiving all of the appropriate regulatory approvals, AGS’ video gaming terminals will be powered by its revolutionary new Roadrunner platform. With Roadrunner’s multi-game capability, combined with its proprietary Route Management System (RMS), dynamic bonusing features and unique peripheral equipment, AGS offers Illinois operators a one-of-a-kind solution. For more information, visit www.americangamingsystems.com.
Kent Young Launches Spin Games
Kent Young announces the launch of his new venture, Spin Games, developing highly innovative secondary bonus products, premium slot content and captivating concepts, complemented by an enviable intellectual property portfolio. Young has held key executive positions with Aristocrat Technologies, Aruze Gaming America, and successfully co-founded, launched and sold True Blue Gaming. Spin Games is developing products in three key areas: secondary bonusing applications, the development of “high-end” slot content, and innovative patent-protected “out of the box” concepts. For more information, visit www.spingames.net.
Gaming Support Secures Exclusive Sign Contract with Cogetech
Gaming Support B.V. announced that it has reached a definitive commercial agreement with Italian VLT concessionaire, Cogetech S.p.A., covering the manufacture and supply of electronic signage for Cogetech’s Italian VLT route. Under the terms of the agreement, Gaming Support will serve as Cogetech’s exclusive supplier of physical signage within the Italian market. “Cogetech has grown explosively over the past year, having successfully deployed our solutions in more than 150 integrated VLT venues,” stated Michele Sessa, Cogetech’s VLT manager. “Throughout the process, Gaming Support remained in lockstep with us,” continued Sessa. “Gaming Support has proven its unwavering integrity as a supplier and, as such, we award them this contract both appreciatively and confidently.” For more information, visit www.cogetech.it or www.gamingsupport.com.
ACS Announces First Sales and Installations
Following the successful launch of its all-new AXCESS Series Video Platform at the 2011 Global Gaming Expo, AC Slots (ACS) announces the first 200 units are rolling off the production line and headed for destinations across North America and around the globe. Some of the first companies to showcase the new games are Ameristar Casinos, Seminole Gaming casinos throughout Florida, Aruba Marriott Stellaris, Mardi Gras Casino in Florida, Cache Creek and Agua Caliente, & Spa Resort Casino in California, and Terribles Lakeside in Iowa. Product features of the AXCESS Series include its five distinct cabinets, a powerful Windows-based engine, a robust, content-driven platform that speaks 27 different languages and allows for instant zone modification, a variable reel timing mechanism for easy game configuration, and progressive capabilities.
ACS also announced that 84 of its newest games arrived at Revel in Atlantic City, in preparation for the much-anticipated May 15 opening of the all-new beachfront entertainment destination. These games are a combination of ACS’ highest performing Legacy products and products from the recently introduced AXCESS Series. For more information, visit www.ac-slots.com.
LastCall™ Charger Locker Launching at Locations in the Midwest
HBR Inc. is excited to announce the launch of their new product, LastCall Charging Locker. The product is the first of its kind that locks the phone away while it’s charging. LastCall was first launched in December 2011, and the owners have plans to place them in bars, hospitals, theaters and casinos. Currently, LastCall is in two bars in the Fargo, N.D., area. LastCall aims to offer users a convenient, safe and inexpensive way to get their phone charged. The charger will work with any phone using a micro USB or iPhone® cord and does not collect any data from the phone. HBR Inc. has plans to expand to other locations in Fargo as well as the Minneapolis area in the upcoming weeks. For more information, visit www.lastcallcharger.com.
Majestic Star Casino Appoints Peter M. Liguori CEO and President
The Majestic Star Casino LLC announced the appointment of Peter M. Liguori as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and president of its parent company, Majestic Holdco LLC, and each of its subsidiaries (together with The Majestic Star Casino, LLC) effective March 8, 2012. Liguori will also serve as a member of the company’s board of managers. Liguori has more than 30 years experience in the gaming industry including executive level experience at land-based, riverboat and Native American casinos in the United States, Canada, Greece, Spain and South America. He most recently served as the president of Chicago-based HGMI Gaming, formerly Hyatt Gaming Management. For more information, visit www.majesticstar.com.
DEQ Links 38 i3™ Progressives at Three Venetian Macau Properties in Macau
DEQ Systems Corp. announced that it has installed 38 i3™ progressive systems equipped with Real Link™ through three casinos at Venetian Macau Limited (VML) in Macau. The i3 progressives are distributed between Sands Macau, Venetian Macau and Plaza properties. These table game progressives are all connected to a single linked jackpot with DEQ’s cutting-edge technology, Real Link. Real Link is a wide area progressive wired and wireless linking system that provides many similar features as the top-of-the-line slot machine linking systems with real time reporting and push information, as well as multiple reserve jackpots, simultaneous jackpot payout management systems and mystery bonuses. For more information, visit www.deq.com.
Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino Selects Cummins Allison’s JetScan iFX™ Solutions
Cummins Allison announced that Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino has recently selected its JetScan iFX™ currency handling solutions for placement throughout the property’s cage, vault and kiosk areas. The revolutionary Cummins Allison JetScan iFX platform features advanced currency processing capabilities. Utilizing the entire JetScan iFX portfolio, documents are processed quicker, more accurately and with fewer stops, providing unmatched productivity in Tachi’s cages, kiosk room and vault. With the addition of the JetScan iFX i200 currency scanners, currency and tickets are processed out of Tachi’s vault rooms at a rate of 1,200 notes per minute—a 100 percent increase from the former rate of 600 notes per minute. For more information, visit www.cumminsallison.com.
Libra OnDemand Expands Crew in the Cloud
The crew in the cloud is getting even larger with the addition of two new members at Libra OnDemand, the leading provider of cloud-based CRM and hospitality solutions. A veteran in the hospitality industry, Jonathan Reynolds joins the team as professional services director. Recognized for his expertise in hospitality based information technology, Reynolds brings valuable insight to assist in the rapid growth of Libra OnDemand. Prior to joining Libra OnDemand, Reynolds was the director of information technology at The Setai South Beach by GHM and Viceroy Miami. The world has gone social, which brings the naming of Eric Oppegaard to the position of marketing and communications manager. “Oppie,” as the crew calls him, has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and new media. For more information, visit www.libraondemand.com.
GamblingCompliance Appoints New Chairman
GamblingCompliance is delighted to announce the appointment of David Gilbertson as chairman. Appointed as strategic adviser to the company in October 2011, Gilbertson has a wealth of knowledge within B2B publishing, with more than 30 years of experience in the information industry. Gilbertson succeeds David Morgan, the founder of GamblingCompliance, as chairman. Morgan remains a member of the GamblingCompliance board. Greg Kilminster, CEO, commented: “David will add incredible value to the organization and will contribute a wealth of knowledge, strategic direction and advice to help us grow significantly over the next few years.” For more information, visit www.gamblingcompliance.com.
Mark Hichar Joins Hinckley, Allen & Snyder
Marc A. Crisafulli, managing partner of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP, announced today that Mark Hichar has joined the firm as a partner in its corporate and business law group and chair of the firm’s gaming law practice. “We are excited to broaden our corporate practice with such an outstanding lawyer with national and international expertise in the growing business of internet gambling,” Crisafulli said. “The addition of Mark’s expertise and reputation will further define and significantly expand Hinckley Allen’s expertise in gaming law.” Hichar joins Hinckley Allen from Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, where he was a partner. For more information, visit www.haslaw.com.