TableMAX Expands Leadership Team
TableMAX Holdings LLC is expanding its senior management team. Joining the company are Paul Kimmel as chief financial officer and A. Faisal Siddiqui as chief technology officer. “I came to TableMAX with a mission to build a strong team of leaders, and I am thrilled to have Paul and Faisal join our team,” said TableMAX CEO Stephen Crystal. “We are confident their combined expertise will prove to be an invaluable asset both to TableMAX and to our customers.” Prior to joining TableMAX, Kimmel was executive vice president and controller and later chief financial officer of a leading publicly traded medical device manufacturer. Kimmel has also held various finance positions with Inamed Corp., including vice president and controller of Inamed and vice president of finance of its principal subsidiary, McGhan Medical Corp. Prior to joining TableMAX, Siddiqui was vice president of business development for GGS-US Ltd., a Sarbanes-Oxley information technology audit firm. Prior to GGS-US, Siddiqui was chief information officer at USA Capital, a private hard-money lender. Siddiqui has also served as vice president of information technology for Global Cash Access. For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
The Rainmaker Group Welcomes Rod Collier and John W. Wallace
The Rainmaker Group, a provider of revenue management software and services, announced the addition of Rod Collier and John W. Wallace to its expanding group of revenue optimization professionals at the company’s Georgia headquarters. Wallace joins as The Rainmaker Group’s new vice president of business consulting and Collier is the company’s incoming vice president of professional services. Wallace replaces previous Rainmaker Vice President Tom Walker, who was tapped by Rainmaker client Omni Hotels as its new vice president of revenue management. “John and Rod bring an extraordinary wealth of revenue management experience that will drive added profitability for our current and future clients,” said Tammy Farley, principal of The Rainmaker Group. “We are extremely pleased to have John and Rod on the Rainmaker team.” Wallace served in upper level executive positions at Talus Solutions Inc. and Manugistics, and most recently worked with Axicom Digital/Kefta. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific. Collier comes to Rainmaker from JDA Software, where he served as a practice director and director of revenue management. Collier also has experience with Talus Solutions and was a senior consultant for Aeronomics Inc. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. For more information, visit www.letitrain.com.
Octavian and TableMAX Sign Worldwide Agreement
PacificNet Inc. announced that its Octavian International Ltd. subsidiary has signed a worldwide agreement to distribute, install and support TableMAX electronic table games. Octavian International and Las Vegas-based TableMAX have signed an initial 18-month agreement with automatic renewal that will see Octavian distribute, install and support TableMAX products in markets worldwide, with the exclusion of TableMAX’s home market in the United States. TableMAX is a patented, state-of-the-art multi-player video gaming machine that enables players to enjoy simulated versions of traditional casino card games. “TableMAX is one of the most innovative developments in the gaming industry in recent years, so naturally we are delighted to be able to offer it to gaming operators outside of the U.S.,” said Octavian CEO Harmen Brenninkmeijer. “As well as outright sale of the system to customers, we will also offer flexible payment models such as participation deals and fixed lease, which will bring TableMAX within the reach of a wide range of operators and geographic markets.” For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
TableMAX Installs Progressive Blackjack™ at Quapaw Casino
TableMAX Holdings LLC has successfully installed its Progressive Blackjack™ product at Quapaw Casino in Miami, Okla. The game, featuring a progressive jackpot, has been successfully operating on the casino floor, attracting players and increasing the fun in the already exciting casino. The TableMAX Progressive Blackjack is a player-operated electronic version of Blackjack. All the community play fun of a live Blackjack game is on hand, with the exciting addition of a progressive jackpot. This version of Progressive Blackjack doesn’t change the rules or player strategies of traditional Blackjack, but raises the bar with a progressive side bet which can award life-changing payouts for players. Easy to play and understand, Progressive Blackjack is a traditional house-banked 21 game. Played with an electronic four-deck “shoe,” Progressive Blackjack lets players split a pair once, split aces and even score 21 when drawing seven cards without busting. True to live Blackjack, the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17 or above. Because it’s dealerless, Progressive Blackjack provides the opportunity be played any time of day, on any shift, allowing players to enjoy the fun of Blackjack even if the pit is closed. For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
TableMAX and eBet Sign Partnership Agreement
TableMAX Holdings LLC and eBet a developer and marketer of software and systems designed to facilitate the management of slot machine networks, have signed a partnership agreement. Under terms of the deal, eBet will monitor and operate wide area progressives on all TableMAX game content, including Progressive Blackjack™, Caribbean Stud® poker, Caribbean Draw® poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker and Bonus Blackjack. “This is very noteworthy news for TableMAX,” said TableMAX CEO Stephen Crystal. “We have a unique product that is already in high demand across the continent. Now we have a partnership that will expand our exciting progressive beyond a standalone game situation to a full wide area progressive. This is a major step forward in our business plan.” The partnership is a three-year agreement encompassing North America. TableMAX owns global rights to proven and popular table game content, including Progressive Blackjack, Caribbean Stud poker, Caribbean Draw poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker and Bonus Blackjack. eBet Limited is a leading Australian gaming systems company that develops and markets a range of networked solutions for electronic gaming machines. It has some 600 customers, with 48,000 gaming machines connected. The company has operations and contractual arrangements in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore and an online wagering division in the United States. For more information, visit www.tablemax.com.
Pechanga Converts Baccarat Tables to DEQ’s EZ Baccarat
DEQ Systems Corp. announced that Pechanga Resort and Casino, located in Temecula, Calif., has leased six more EZ Baccarat™ tables, bringing its total number of games using the EZ Baccarat methodology to 11. The new order was made within 30 days of the first conversion of five EZ Baccarat tables in January. When they are installed, more than 60 percent of Pechanga’s total Baccarat game offerings will be using the EZ Baccarat methodology. Pechanga has also leased DEQ’s EZTRAK™ display systems. The EZTRAK display is an LCD-based Baccarat hand tracking system that tracks statistical game play trends and side wager bets. Steve Miller, senior casino shift manager at Pechanga noted that the new EZ Baccarat order is attributed to the overwhelming popularity and response by the players and the performance of the method itself. “Since converting the first five games in January, we have seen that our customers clearly prefer the EZ Baccarat method,” Miller said. “With this version there has been a noticeable increase in the number of hands and players love the Dragon 7™ bet.” For more information, visit www.deq.com.
Tropicana Moves Forward with New Slot Experience
The Tropicana Casino & Resort announced its plans to create a new slot environment in Atlantic City. The project is a result of a co-operative partnership with AC Coin & Slot, which will design and fabricate this unique environment for the Tropicana. The project will convert an elevated section of gaming floor into a mixed offering of IGT slot product and complementary environment fabrications that will transform the area into a festive and high-energy experience for casino guests. “In this increasingly hypercompetitive market surrounded by new properties coming online in the near future, it is important for us create this unique, one-of-a-kind environment that will visually and interactively excite all our visitors,” said Mark Giannantonio, Tropicana president and chief operating officer. “I want them to immediately feel they are in an atmosphere that puts them at ease and makes them feel they are a world away. Our goal is to create a space that further encompasses the vibe of The Quarter by evoking a Cuban infused flair and extending it to the next level on the casino floor.” For more information, visit www.tropicana.net.
Viejas Selects Marnell Corrao for Design of Viejas Casino & Resort
Viejas Enterprises announced the selection of Marnell Corrao Associates, designers, developers and builders of some of the world’s premier destination resorts, including Bellagio and Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, to design one of the largest resort projects in California, the $800 million Viejas Hotel & Casino Resort near San Diego. With more than 30 years of experience, Marnell has a project portfolio valued in excess of $9 billion, including leading casinos and resorts in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Albuquerque, New Orleans and other locations around the world. The firm’s signature projects include Rio, Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn Resort and the exclusive Mansions at MGM in Las Vegas; Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City; Harrah’s in New Orleans; and the hotel and conference center expansion to the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, N.M. “Marnell is the gold standard for planning, designing and building in the hotel and casino resort industry,” said Viejas Tribal Chairman Bobby L. Barrett. “The Marnell team brings a diverse portfolio and decades of experience with some of the most beautiful and innovative building projects in the world, from retail, showrooms, restaurants, casinos and hotels, to full scale destination resorts. We are also very impressed that Marnell has such extensive experience, not only as a designer and developer, but as an owner/operator as well.” For more information, visit www.viejas.com.
Bally Technologies Appoints Dan Savage VP of Marketing
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that it has appointed Dan Savage to vice president of marketing. “I am pleased to welcome Dan to Bally,” said Gavin Isaacs, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Bally Technologies. “Dan’s extensive experience in product management, his knowledge of the gaming industry, and his background working for one of the world’s top Fortune 100 technology companies are just some of the reasons why he is the ideal person to lead Bally’s marketing and product management efforts going forward. I’m sure he will be an outstanding addition to our management team.” In his new position, Savage will assume responsibility for the company’s global marketing efforts as well as oversee the company’s product management operations. Savage comes to Bally from the 3M Company corporate headquarters, where he most recently managed a business unit and led Six Sigma operations within one of 3M’s larger divisions. Prior to that, Savage served as global business manager for 3M’s touchscreen manufacturing division, 3M Touch Systems, which is the leading supplier of touchscreen displays to the gaming industry. Savage earned a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. He also has a technical business diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Britt Joins LVGI as CTO/CIO
Las Vegas Gaming Inc. (LVGI) announced that Tim Britt will be joining the company as chief technology officer and chief information officer. Most recently, Britt served as Uber-Architect in the Harrah’s Innovation, R&D and Information Technology (IT) Strategy Team. In this capacity, he led the technical teams responsible for the invention, development and deployment of innovative products such as Total Touch, Microsoft Surface and bCode, as well as providing architectural direction for the company’s IT strategies. “Tim has long been recognized as a leading innovator in the gaming industry, and having him join the LVGI team is a true honor,” said LVGI President and CEO Jon Berkley. “Tim is a critical part of our future and his joining us confirms LVGI’s dedication to continued growth as a world-class innovator and technological leader in the gaming industry.” For more information, visit www.lvgi.com.
WMS Expands International Team
WMS International is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurent Gaubout to the position of commercial operations manager based out of WMS International headquarters facility in Barcelona, Spain. Gaubout, formerly of Gaming Partners International (GPI), joins WMS with more than 15 years of gaming industry experience. Previously, Gaubout served as GPI’s area sales manager for more than 10 years, covering Western Europe, Africa and Latin America, as well as marketing manager, based in Las Vegas. “I am delighted to join WMS International and its successful team at a time when we are expanding the international sales focus and strengthening our position as a global market leader, armed with an already successful and industry leading innovative product offering,” Gaubout said. For more information, visit www.wms.com.
JCM Global Names Timm to Sales Team
JCM Global announced that it has named gaming industry veteran Gregory Timm to its sales team. Timm will represent JCM’s extensive line of award-winning gaming products to clients in the company’s Arizona, New Mexico and Las Vegas territories. “We are thrilled to bring Greg on board. He is known throughout the industry for his knowledge and outstanding customer service, and we know his new clients will be very happy with the high level of service they will receive from him,” said Mark Henderson, JCM Global vice president of sales. Timm has a long, successful history of sales and service in the gaming industry. He was most recently senior account executive with Spielo, where he introduced the company into the Class III gaming machine markets in California and New Mexico. He has also served as western region sales manager for Sigma Game Inc., and as general sales manager for IGT. For more information, visit www.jcmglobal.com.
Bally Technologies Announces Sale of 500 Bar-Top Games
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that it has signed a contract with United Coin Machine Co., a gaming machine route operator, under which Bally will deploy its new ALPHA Elite Bar Top unit, the slot maker’s first bar-top styled gaming machines, throughout Nevada. The agreement calls for United Coin to install Bally’s ALPHA Elite Bar Top games in the state’s taverns and bars where United Coin manages gaming machines. “This is an important contract for Bally Technologies because it provides significant exposure in Nevada to our new bar-top product,” said Gavin Isaacs, Bally executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We are excited to offer United Coin’s players the first chance for Nevada bar patrons to play Bally’s new bar-top units, which are significantly more advanced than anything currently available in the industry.” United Coin Chief Operating Officer Steve Arntzen said the game’s technical innovations, player comfort and compatibility influenced the decision to partner with Bally Technologies. “We’re thrilled that Bally has come out with a bar-top unit and look forward to installing these units, which offer a number of features that are important to players and gaming operators alike, including a 20-inch, touch-enabled, high-resolution widescreen monitor, enhanced sound package, and low-tilt monitor to reduce glare,” he said. “We also like the fact that Bally’s game integrates the bill validator above the monitor, protecting the critical parts from spills and ensuring that there is no detraction from the unit’s clean, modern design.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
MGM Grand at Foxwoods Chooses Bally’s System Technologies
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods has selected a Bally slot management system, the Bally iVIEW™ Networked Floor of the Future solution, and Bally’s Power Winners™ and Power Promotions™ bonusing technologies. When the $700 million, 825-room MGM Grand at Foxwoods opens, the new casino floor will feature high-speed Ethernet capabilities, enabling the casino and Bally to offer the latest technologies for a fully networked casino floor. MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Connecticut’s third largest casino resort, will have 1,500 slot machines. “We chose Bally because we know their technology will handle the huge transactional volumes we experience,” said Barry Cregan, acting president of Foxwoods. “Even more important, Bally’s Networked Floor of the Future product offerings, many of which are available today, will provide us with an array of next-generation technologies to take our state-of-the-art new casino to a whole new level.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
TLC Casino Enterprises Adds Binion’s to its Portfolio
TLC Casino Enterprises has expanded its operations by assuming ownership of one of the most storied Las Vegas casinos, Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel. The purchase of Binion’s marks the second time in five years that TLC Casino Enterprises has bought a Las Vegas casino. The company purchased the Four Queens Hotel & Casino in 2003. “We have been looking at downtown Las Vegas in terms of long-term investment opportunities. The purchase of Binion’s was a logical step within our strategy, and we were attracted by the wide-reaching name recognition,” said Terry Caudill, president of TLC Casino Enterprises. “The history of Binion’s generates a lot of customer appeal. As we begin to reestablish the brand, the legacy aspect will come into play, and we also want to reaffirm that Binion’s is current and relevant in today’s Las Vegas.” Within the property itself, TLC Casino Enterprises will enact several initiatives right off the bat. All remaining coin-operated slot and video poker machines will be converted to TITO technology and the casino floor will be reconfigured to improve customer flow throughout the property. In addition, the hotel rooms will be remodeled and the public areas that have not been renovated in some time will be addressed. “On the whole, we want to infuse the casino with energy and excitement. There are some things we can do quickly like changing the configuration and location of table game pits that will raise the energy level and make Binion’s more inviting to the foot traffic on Fremont Street,” said Caudill.
Knowles Named to GSA Board
TransAct Technologies Inc. announced that Brandon Knowles, vice president of gaming sales, has been elected to serve on the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) board of directors. GSA’s global membership is comprised of leading gaming manufacturers, suppliers and operators who work together to ensure continued technological advancements for the gaming industry. Knowles has more than 20 years of international gaming experience and has held leading positions with companies such as Mirage Resorts, Aristocrat, Shuffle Master and Progressive Gaming. In addition to this appointment, he is a member of the Association for Strategic Planning, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and is the TransAct Technologies representative with Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. “We are delighted to welcome Brandon Knowles as a member of GSA’s Board of Directors,” said Peter DeRaedt, president of GSA. “TransAct’s participation underscores the universality of GSA protocols, from game to system to peripherals.” For more information, visit www.transact-tech.com.
Jensen Joins G2E Sales Team
The organizers of Global Gaming Expo (G2E) announced that Lisa Jensen has joined the sales team of the gaming trade show and conference event brand as the national accounts manager. Jensen brings more than 15 years experience in managing sales, client relations and contract negotiations for businesses within the gaming and trade show industries. “Lisa’s unique combination of experience with gaming clients and trade events will be an important asset for both G2E and our exhibitors. We are pleased to bring her on board and look forward to another successful year of growth for G2E,” said Courtney Muller, group vice president of G2E at Reed Exhibitions. Prior to joining G2E, Jensen served as director of implementation for Walker Digital Gaming, a development lab researching new innovations in the gaming industry. While there, Jensen managed a team that introduced new brands to the gaming industry and implemented marketing strategies. Before that, Jensen worked for Mikohn Gaming and Mikohn Signs & Graphics as OEM product manager, where she managed sales and client relations with gaming manufacturers and properties. For more information, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com.
GLI Europe BV Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Gaming Laboratories International and its European office, GLI Europe BV, are celebrating 10 years of service and growth to the European gaming market. “When we started GLI Europe BV 10 years ago, we had one goal: to provide the best service and most accurate test results possible,” said GLI president and co-founder James R. Maida. “Since then, we have grown and expanded—not out of some empirical vision, rather, to meet our goal of service. Client need has demanded our expansion, and we are very proud to say we continue to achieve our goal of excellent customer service.” GLI Europe opened as the company’s fourth office, and was accredited under European Normalization (EN) 45004 and the international quality standards ISO 17020 and ISO 17025. Since its opening in 1998, the gaming landscape in Europe has evolved dramatically, and GLI has evolved and expanded to accommodate the changes and increased client demand. In 2004, GLI’s eighth laboratory opened in Bologna, Italy. In 2007, GLI Europe relocated its office to a larger, expanded testing facility, and GLI Europe and SMI Software & Messtechnik Institut GmbH consummated a transaction that creates Austria’s most extensive and capable testing laboratory, adding to GLI’s presence throughout Europe. Most recently, GLI Europe became the first company outside of the U.K. to receive full approval status from the U.K. Gambling Commission, an approval status that applies to the company’s GLI Europe BV and GLI Italy test labs. “We have had an incredible 10 years, and we believe we are prepared for the next ten, in Europe and around the world,” Maida said. Gaming Laboratories International operates nine fully accredited testing laboratories worldwide, in addition to fully accredited inspection bodies in America, Europe and Africa. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.
Court Grants Summary Judgment to Bally in IGT, Shuffle Master Infringement Case
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that the United States District Court for the District of Nevada granted summary judgment motions in Bally’s favor in a patent case in which International Game Technology and Shuffle Master Inc. alleged that Bally’s MP21 table-game system infringed the claims of two patents owned by IGT and Shuffle Master. “This is a vindication of Bally’s position in this case,” said Richard M. Haddrill, president and chief executive officer of Bally Technologies. “The District Court’s ruling supports our view that our product decisions are based on sound intellectual property filings and evaluations and made with care.” The District Court ruled that one of the patents asserted by IGT and Shuffle Master—the “Schubert” patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,313,871)—is invalid under the “obviousness” doctrine recently addressed by the Supreme Court in KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc. In addition to ruling that the Schubert patent is invalid, the District Court also noted that Bally would be entitled to partial summary judgment of non-infringement. The District Court further ruled that Bally’s system does not infringe on the other patent—the “Fishbine” patent (U.S. Patent No. 5,781,647)—asserted by IGT and Shuffle Master. The District Court also noted that the validity of the Fishbine patent is a close question, though the court did not specifically rule on that issue. The District Court also granted Bally’s motion for summary judgment dismissing IGT and Shuffle Master’s claim that an inventor of the Schubert patent should have been named as an inventor of several Bally patents. The asserted claims of two patents brought by Bally as counterclaims against IGT and Shuffle Master were also invalidated on obviousness grounds similar to those applied to the IGT and Shuffle Master patents. The District Court’s summary judgment rulings dispose of IGT and Shuffle Master’s patent infringement case. The court’s order leaves intact two Bally counterclaims of patent infringement against IGT and Shuffle Master.
Paragon Casino Resort Selects Agilysys
Agilysys Inc. announced that Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, La., has selected Agilysys to provide a wide range of software solutions for the 531-room property, which recently completed an expansion that added an eight-story atrium and more than 200 guest rooms. The Agilysys portfolio met the property’s requirements with software that automates property management, inventory and procurement and document management. “Agilysys is recognized as an innovator in the hotel and casino market,” said Chad Bordelon, information technology director at Paragon Casino Resort. “The Lodging Management System got its start in the gaming industry and has an unsurpassed track record, and the Materials Management System provides a robust yet flexible inventory procurement system that can manage everything from casino to restaurant operations. We are confident these systems, along with the DataMagine™ document management solution, will improve efficiency and enhance guest service throughout the property.” For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.
Capella Hotels and Resorts Selects Agilysys for POS Solution
Agilysys Inc. announced that Capella Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in Atlanta, has selected InfoGenesis POS™ by Agilysys to streamline F&B operations at two of its world-class destination properties, Capella Castlemartyr in County Cork, Ireland, and Schloss Velden in Velden, Austria. The system will interface with each hotel’s property management system using Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) protocol. “We were looking for a flexible and reliable point-of-sale solution for our food and beverage operation, and InfoGenesis POS provided exactly what we needed,” said Peter Schoch, vice president of food and beverage for Capella Hotels and Resorts. “The solution’s functionality, reliability and seamless integration with other software systems will enable us to streamline operations and deliver the high quality of experience our guests have come to expect.” For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.
Capella Hotels and Resorts Selects Agilysys for POS Solution
Agilysys Inc. announced that Capella Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in Atlanta, has selected InfoGenesis POS™ by Agilysys to streamline F&B operations at two of its world-class destination properties, Capella Castlemartyr in County Cork, Ireland, and Schloss Velden in Velden, Austria. The system will interface with each hotel’s property management system using Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) protocol. “We were looking for a flexible and reliable point-of-sale solution for our food and beverage operation, and InfoGenesis POS provided exactly what we needed,” said Peter Schoch, vice president of food and beverage for Capella Hotels and Resorts. “The solution’s functionality, reliability and seamless integration with other software systems will enable us to streamline operations and deliver the high quality of experience our guests have come to expect.” For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.