A dazzling collection of innovative technologies came out on top in Casino Enterprise Management’s annual Slot Floor Technology Awards.
The awards competition, now in its ninth year, drew nominations for a variety of products, including games, cabinets, platforms, toppers, systems, mobile and kiosk technologies and more. CEM applauds the efforts of each and every nominating company to advance technology and innovation in our industry.
Our panel of judges faced the difficult challenge of reviewing and determining the top winners from among the impressive nominations. Our endless thanks go out to the judges for their efforts and expertise in selecting the best of the best to be honored this year. Their professionalism exceeds our expectations. This year’s judges were Robert Allen, corporate vice president of electronic gaming, Pinnacle Entertainment; Buddy Frank, vice president of slot operations, Pechanga Resort and Casino; Chuck Hickey, vice president of slot operations, Barona Resort & Casino; Charlie Lombardo, gaming consultant; Gregg Solomon, president and CEO, MotorCity Casino Hotel; and Warren Davidson, director of slots, Coushatta Casino Resort.
Each product was evaluated for criteria such as innovation, efficiency, usefulness, benefits and appeal. Based on the judges’ votes, the top 10 products with the highest combined scores are normally selected as winners. For the second year, stellar entries made for an extremely competitive field. In fact, the products were so appealing and so innovative that ties resulted in three instances. That's why 13 entries, instead of 10, stood tall among our entries to grace the list of top winners this year.
CEM Publisher Peter Mead said, “Our congratulations go out to all of the winners, and we thank every company that took the time and effort to submit their products for consideration.”
We are proud to shine a light on the best new technologies the gaming industry has to offer. The companies behind these pioneering products are sure to keep this industry strong and encourage growth and creativity for years to come.
Here, we present the winners of the 2015 Slot Floor Technology Awards. On the following pages, readers will learn more about the winning entries and discover why our judges felt each was compelling and deserved recognition.
IGT—Bejeweled™ 3D
Bejeweled™ 3D from IGT tied for first place in this year’s award series. Last year’s Slot Floor Technology Awards first place winner was SPHINX 3D™, and since then a number of new 3D titles have been released. Bejeweled may be familiar to some from the PopCap™ brand computer game, updated into 3D format and housed in the AXXIS™ cabinet, according to IGT.
IGT Global Chief Product Officer Gaming Victor Duarte was thrilled to receive the first place award. “It is an honor to have been chosen for the top CEM Technology Award by such esteemed judges. Bejeweled 3D is the next title in our True 3D™ product line to debut on casino floors nationwide, and we are extremely proud to know that our product has been recognized for its innovation and uniqueness as we continue to push the technology further.”
The 3D graphics were created specifically for the company by SeeFront, including the True 3D glasses-free display. The game has high-resolution image quality, with the high quality color fidelity, brightness and depth expected from IGT and 3D technology. Duarte calls Bejeweled “a step up, and an early stop on an innovation roadmap that plans to push and evolve the technology into many future iterations.”
The integrated eye-tracking system tracks the player’s position and relays the information to the 3D engine to combine the left- and right-eye images to create the graphics. Because the image is adjusted in real-time, the player can move around and the image will remain in 3D, as well as adjust the graphics to their own personal preferences through the button panel.
Rather than withholding the 3D experience for bonus levels, the graphics are active throughout the entire game. The base game Key Collect uses special gems like the Flame and Star, transforming them into Hypercube and Supernova. The effects also appear on the meters, win presentations, symbols and Easter eggs hidden within the game play.
Bejeweled 3D is a 40-line game with a four level progressive. On a cascading 4x5 board, the game is simple to understand with eye-catching graphics and appeal to a wide range of player demographics.
Scientific Games—Bally Pro Wave 360°™
The curvaceous Scientific Games Bally Pro Wave 360°™ cabinet tied for the number one spot in this year’s Slot Floor Technology Awards. This community-style, circular display combines five Alpha 2™ Pro Wave™ cabinets, a curved video topper and 360-degree sound on a Bally Pro Wave cabinet. The original Pro Wave was an industry-first with a 40-inch curved LCD touch screen, as well as one of last year’s Slot Floor Technology award winners.
The five cabinets join together in a circular pod, towering 10 feet tall with a high-definition 360-degree, 40-inch high definition video display. The Pro Wave 360° comes with the Pro Sound Chair™, a 5.1 surround sound audio chair. This audio-visual combination provides a unique gaming experience and allows players to celebrate each other’s wins and bonuses while keeping play and coin-in separate.
The first game launched on Pro Wave 360° was Dragon Spin™, an Asian-inspired game with two bonus features, a mystery progressive and medium volatility. The bonus feature hits every two to three minutes, making the game-play even more fun and interesting for players.
The first bonus is triggered by a magical pearl, which is chased by a flying dragon that moves through the entire video topper. The display is accompanied by a stunning soundtrack as the dragon flies faster to catch the pearl.
The second bonus feature transforms the entire topper into a spinning wheel, with five different free-game mechanic choices, Reel Blast, Hot Zone, Raining Wilds, High Roller and Locking Wilds. The attention-grabbing spinning wheel gradually slows until it selects the game mechanic and stops above the player’s machine to start the free game.
Scientific Games was honored for three Bally products in this year’s award series and stated, “We are thrilled to accept Casino Enterprise Management’s 2015 Slot Floor Technology Award for our Bally Pro Theatre™, Bally Mobile Credits, and Bally Pro Wave 360° products. Scientific Games is committed to helping our customers engage players at a higher level by creating the world’s best gaming experiences and technology solutions that benefit our customers and help them grow their businesses. It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts by a panel of judges who use and apply slot floor technologies every day.”
IGT—S3000 Cabinet™
Coming in at second place in this year’s awards is IGT’s S3000 cabinet. The next generation of IGT’s S2000 cabinet, the S3000 combines historical performance with today’s technology. Introduced at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in 2014, IGT has seen strong performance in all four categories available on the cabinet: 3-reel, single line; 3-reel, 5-line; 3-reel, multiline; and 5-reel slot games.
The cabinet comes with a dynamic light package of more than 600 LED lights draw attention on the casino floor. Players will love the wider reels, touch screen, vivid graphics, lighting and interactive features available on the S3000 cabinet, as well as the ability to choose from one of three brightness levels.
As more themes are released, the lights will be able to be synchronized across the property to deliver a synched light and music show. The lights, themes and minimum and maximum bet can all be adjusted by the operator.
One of the judges for this year’s Slot Floor Technology Awards, Warren Davidson, said of the S3000 cabinet, “Over the last 10 years or so the vast majority of new slot machine technology and development has been focused on the penny video segment. This led to the stagnation of the still-important mid to high denom mechanical reel segment. It's great to see IGT introduce a dynamic new competitor into this space and this is a stunning new cabinet.”
When asked to explain what is special about the product, IGT Vice President of Global Product Management Jacob Lanning said, “IGT’s S3000 redefines the spinning reel experience by preserving fan-favorite mechanics and coupling them with today’s advanced light and sound technology.”
The S3000 cabinet was first installed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tampa, and Russ Christianson, vice president of slot operations, is enthusiastic about the cabinet. “Recognizing the demand for more spinning-reel games, we are confident that the S3000’s polished and immersive features will appeal to existing patrons and new players alike. This is going to redefine what people want on casino floors.”
Konami Gaming, Inc.—SYNKiosk™
Taking third place this year was SYNKiosk™ by Konami Gaming, Inc. Part of Konami’s SYNKROS™ casino management system, SYNKiosk delivers real-time loyalty updates and benefits directly to enabled slot machines, customer mobile devices and traditional, standalone kiosks for guest convenience.
Michael Ratner, director, product management, systems at Konami said, “This recognition for SYNKiosk is a reflection of how Konami’s SYNKROS casino management system continues to raise the bar for gaming technology. We’re constantly exploring emerging technologies that empower SYNKROS customers to reach casino patrons more easily, yet with powerful impact that sets them above the rest.”
The application is available for mobile on iTunes and Google Play, and is completely customizable to a casino’s brand. Additionally, mobile, EGM and kiosk stations all have mirrored design and aesthetics so users feel familiar across each platform.
With the ability to deliver the updates straight to customers, guests no longer have to stand in lines at kiosks to access their rewards. This time can now be used to interact with casino activities, including enrollment in a casino’s loyalty club or reprint a player’s card at their ease. A simple scan of a driver’s license can retrieve a player’s account to reprint a player’s card or generate a new account in under 60 seconds.
Using True-Time Windowing™ technology, a carded player can pause gameplay to access kiosk functions via an icon on the game screen. The menu expands to full size, giving guests a number of options, including exclusive offers or promotions; resort information such as restaurants, hotel offers and entertainment information; and in-depth account information. From this menu, players can explore and redeem any special promotions, and then return to their game.
The real-time updates can provide information on point and comp point balances, tier level status, win/loss statements and available free play, offers or promotions. Players can also update personal address, contact information and access PIN. It is also possible for users to access activity logs such as jackpot payouts by day, week, month or year, top 10 jackpots by denomination and search for favorite games.
Aristocrat Technologies—Behemoth™
Aristocrat Technologies’ new, larger-than-life Behemoth cabinet took fourth place in this year’s awards. With an 84-inch ultra-high-definition LCD portrait monitor, specially designed large-format themes and the ability to be placed as an end cap, back-to-back or standalone, this cabinet will be a draw on the casino floor.
Behemoth is the world’s largest slot machine, at a towering 9-feet, 9-inches high, including 84 inches of vertical touch screen technology. While Behemoth is strikingly tall, it also maintains a surprisingly small footprint and is sized to fit attractively against a column, back-to-back or as an end-cap, Aristocrat explains.
Listed in the “Eilers-Fantini Quarterly Slot Survey Results for 3Q CY14” as one of the best technologies at the Global Gaming Expo in 2014, the Behemoth has the industry’s first dual player sound bench for couple or group play, with immersive 5.1 surround sound. The cabinet has been ergonomically designed for player comfort and to increase time on device.
The deck is equipped with LCD dual bash buttons. The Behemoth has a new GEN8 platform and upgraded graphics to deliver Aristocrat’s popular themes, including Buffalo Stampede™ and the new The Big Bang Theory™ Slot Game. The company expects new themes will follow soon.
The Behemoth was popular among many judges for its size. Warren Davidson, director of slots at Coushatta Casino Resort, was enthusiastic about the cabinet’s potential. “While most gaming manufacturers have been slowly increasing monitor sizes in both their standard cabinets and in their jumbo games, Aristocrat has leaped ahead with the massive 84-inch monitor in its Behemoth cabinet. I can't wait to install these massive games on my casino floor.”
“We feel bigger than life to have Behemoth acknowledged with this award! We conducted extensive research on what operators want to distinguish their gaming floor, as well as research into modern player wants and needs,” Aristocrat said about winning the award.
Aristocrat Technologies—Arc Double Cabinet™
Aristocrat Technologies also takes fifth place with its groundbreaking and engrossing Arc Double™ cabinet. Consisting of dual 42-inch, curved, touch-screen LCD monitors that sweep up and back, stereo sound and ergonomic design, the cabinet creates a new, immersive gaming experience for players.
The Arc Double cabinet totals 84 curved inches, towering on the slot floor. Premiering at the 2014 Global Gaming Expo to positive buzz from the customers, an Eilers-Fantini poll ranked the cabinet as the most innovative technology on the trade show floor.
Aristocrat Technologies stated, “We are very proud of the recognition Arc Double cabinet has received, which started at G2E 2014. In a poll conducted by Eilers Research, LLC and Fantini Research and cited in the ‘Eilers-Fantini Quarterly Slot Survey Summary Results for 3Q CY14,’ attendees at G2E 2014 ranked Aristocrat number 1 among all gaming equipment suppliers, based on the products and technology displayed at the show. The Arc Double is a completely encompassing gaming experience.”
Powered by Aristocrat’s new GEN8 platform, the platform provides increased graphics on the Arc Double’s dual, curved, portrait screens, which allows for unique visual interaction. The 5.1 stereo sound will make players feel like they are right in the front row of a Britney Spears concert, the first title available on the cabinet.
The new shape of the device breaks up the monotony of boxes on the game floor, drawing players to the device. The Arc Double cabinet creates a “destination” for players, and the LCD screens and sound combine to give the players an experience they have never had before.
Scientific Games—Bally Mobile Credits™
In its second win of the awards series, the Scientific Games Bally Mobile Credits took sixth place. The application allows players to fund their slot play by using their personal mobile device through a mobile application available on any phone or tablet, including Android or iOS. Players no longer need to visit ATMs or carry vouchers to gamble on slot machines, and the need for on-hand cash is minimal.
By reducing the necessity for cash, the Mobile Credits can increase coin-in time on machines and enables operators to transition from a cash to a cash-less gaming environment. Likewise, guests will appreciate the need for only their mobile phones and that they can avoid the high ATM fees found in many casinos.
If an operator chooses to require a player card to use the technology, the player simply logs into the application either before or after inserting the card to transfer the money. For this option, the operator would install an inexpensive beacon inside their machines that would detect when someone was standing in front of it, similar to technology that pairs a phone with a Bluetooth device. As mobile and online gaming grow, Mobile Credits can be used to manage player funds across all channels—land-based, mobile and online.
Bally Mobile Credits may appeal to younger players who use their mobile devices for everything from banking to paying for their coffee and fast-food purchases. The application is secure, and players are provided with authentication methods to ensure no one else can access funds from the device.
Scientific Games—Bally Pro Theatre™
In an eye-catching advancement of the Pro Wave series, the Scientific Games Bally Pro Theatre™ cabinet configuration nabbed a seventh-place award.
Pro Theatre™ brings back the award-winning Pro Wave technology in an exciting new package, featuring twin Pro Wave cabinets topped by a 55-inch horizontal video screen with game-controlled bezel and the custom Bally 5.1 surround-sound Pro Sound Chair™.
“Scientific Games has upped the ante on the already amazing Wave cabinet. The placement of a 55-inch monitor above the games increases the experience for the player and ensures that this game will get noticed, even if it's on the other side of the gaming floor,” said judge Warren Davidson.
This innovative cabinet can deliver maximum impact on casino floors by enveloping players in the entertainment experience while also offering a sense of community. Aptly building on that sense of community, the first game created for the Pro Theatre cabinet is Friends™. Presented in high-definition, 1080-pixel resolution, the Pro Theatre will transport players back to Central Perk with the classic theme song and iconic scenes from the beloved television series. The game is highlighted by popular features including a wheel bonus that awards credits or one of four free games, the Mystery Stacks play mechanic and the chance to win a life-changing award on the Bally Cash Connection™ wide-area progressive link. The four free games offered include 10 Free Games, 10 Free Games with 2X multipliers, 10 Free Games with 3X multipliers or 10 Free Games with Locking Wilds.
Judge Robert Allen complimented the efficiency and appeal of the new cabinet. “This enhanced Pro Wave game is certain to drive exceptional revenues. The customized two-unit form factor presents flexible installation options for operators.”
Scientific Games is committed to helping their customers engage players with the best technology solutions. The company was excited and honored to accept a Slot Floor Technology award at NIGA 2015.
Scientific Games—SG Universe VenueBet
The Scientific Games Interactive SG Universe VenueBet product came in seventh place for this year’s awards.
The SG Universe VenueBet product brings mobile and tablet-based real money gaming to casino properties. Judge Robert Allen commented, “The ability to deliver both traditional and non-traditional wager game content on mobile devices, within controlled areas on property, is meaningful innovation.”
This product allows casinos to expand their slot and table floor gaming area and reach a wider range of players by integrating it into the casino land-based player loyalty systems.
The product presents on a full featured and multiple jurisdiction approved iGaming platform, including useful functions such as player account registration, ewallet, bonusing, deposits and withdrawals, accounting and reporting. The VenueBet product also offers standard core services that satisfy gaming regulations. Services like geo-fencing, Know Your Customer, reporting and player communication all contribute to VenueBet’s great user experience.
Integration of Scientific Games Interactive and third party content servers to the SG Universe platform allows players access to the same game content that is available on the gaming floor through their mobile devices and tablets. Players can select both Class III and Class II based slot content. As judge Buddy Frank said, “Since Scientific Games Interactive now have access to Bally, Shuffle Master and Williams content, the prospect of playing those popular themes on a real-money mobile device is very attractive.” Scientific Games Interactive content servers will also provide community content like slot tournaments and skill-style games for players attracted to non-traditional slot and table game content.
The product was designed with an easy-to-use and flexible user interface. Players may choose to play anonymously, using a kiosk to deposit playing funds, or they can enjoy a more integrated experience and earn iGaming loyalty awards. Multiple configurations are available simultaneously to appeal to the maximum number of players. With the iGaming platform integrated with the land-based loyalty systems, casino operators can further customize the product by offering unique bonusing and loyalty programs. Judge Warren Davidson said, “SG Universe VenueBet has the ability to create additional revenue streams for casino operators. Any casino operator in the market for mobile wagering should thoroughly investigate this solution from Scientific Games.”
Scientific Games was pleased to accept this award at Indian Gaming 201
5. Rory Shanahan, head of marketing & B2B social products, interactive, Scientific Games, said, “The selection of VenueBet as a winner of the Slot Technology Awards further validates the SG Universe product strategy of empowering land-based casino operators to engage players in new ways more aligned with their evolving preferences.”
Multimedia Games—Apex V™ Topper
The unique and eye-catching attributes of Multimedia Games’ Apex V™ Topper grabbed the attention of the judges and earned the system an eighth place win in this year’s awards.
Apex V is a multi-screen video topper system that gives casinos the ability to attract players to an entire bank with its synchronized video content. Judge Buddy Frank said, “Using this ‘synched' system of toppers, you can create quite an attraction to your floor when needed; when not in synch, they revert to standard toppers. Individually or together in a block, this is a step in the right direction for signage that attracts.”
The Apex V video topper includes up to 20 screens, and each screen is networked to a central content server, which offers content flexibility as new titles are added or switched to a bank. Through use of the content management system, casinos can upload still, full-motion video and mosaic video content to the multi-screen video topper and then watch the synchronous display draw in higher performance numbers and more coin-in. Additionally, the Apex V accent lights can also be synchronized across the bank and with the machine’s light bars, making this system stand out on the casino floor.
The judges were impressed with Apex V’s innovative solutions. Judge Warren Davidson commented, “The Apex V toppers are unique and provide graphical content viewable from multiple angles. I like the way you can see the content looking down the bank as well as straight on and the synchronized video content really draws your attention.”
The system has already received positive reviews from users such as Ryan Rose of Prairie Band Casino.
Rose said, “With Apex V on the machines, it looks like there are people at the games more often now.” Multimedia Games continues to show its dedication to casinos and players with this innovative and eye-catching system.
Multimedia Games was extremely excited to have won this award. On winning, the company said, “We took an ‘outside the box’ approach with this product and are glad that our peers and customers on the selection panel believe this innovation is worthy of recognition.”
Aristocrat Technologies—Cluster Power™
Aristocrat Technologies’ Cluster Power™ takes slot floor technology innovation to a new level, winning ninth place in the awards.
Cluster Power brings a new method of play for slot players by taking wins beyond the payline and awarding wins for clusters of symbols across the reels. The game launches in the new Sons of Anarchy Slot Game™, and in developing the Cluster Power concept, game designers discussed character motivations and determined that the “Sons of Anarchy” characters have incredible appetites to always acquire more. The designers used this idea to develop Cluster Power technology. Instead of the traditional line game or consecutive reels, Cluster Power allows player wins when adjacent symbols cluster together across the reels, increasing the opportunities for players to win and win more. Judge Robert Allen said, “This is an innovative and engaging game mechanic that will excite players and no-doubt extend game play sessions.”
Cluster Power debuted to very enthusiastic responses on the Sons of Anarchy™ Slot Game at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2014. As one of the most anticipated games of the year, the Sons of Anarchy Slot Game is the first to feature Cluster Power, along with No Limits and Big Symbols. The game symbols feature show favorites such as Jax, Gemma, Clay and more to attract a wide demographic. When those symbols form a cluster across multiple reels, Cluster Power provides more wins and brand new video clips from the popular TV series. Judge Gregg Solomon was impressed with the unique features this new technology offered, saying “The clustering of adjacent symbols to produce additional wins is a clever aspect of this product, but I believe the most innovative aspect is the utilization of green-screen movie production effects into the game design process.”
Cluster Power offers new and unique rewards within the base game play. As judge Warren Davidson pointed out, “While some slot machine play mechanics have become very confusing for players, Cluster Power is refreshingly simple and should provide plenty of action.”
IGT—Class II Prize Banks
Currently the only Prize Banks in the Class II space, IGT’s Class II Prize Banks was awarded ninth place in this year’s Slot Floor Technology awards.
IGT is the first and only manufacturer thus far to bring the excitement of Class III Prize Banks to Class II bingo. The Class II Prize Banks allow operators to create eye-catching and customizable promotions that offer patrons a player-funded prize bank with unique prizes and bonus cash in a Class II bingo environment. Machines can be compiled into the Prize Banks either by denominations, theme or by minimum/maximum bet configurations, allowing operators the flexibility of customization.
Prize Banks increase the excitement for jackpots because players have the chance to play for unconventional prizes—comprised of both a prize and a cash progressive amount. “Specialty jackpots have worked since casinos first opened. IGT's breakthrough with ‘Prize Banks’ is to offer special prizes such as cars, boats and ATVs on a player-funded prize format with a configurable minimum bet for eligibility,” said judge Buddy Frank. He added that the Class II platform of IGT’s Prize Banks works well in Native American casinos.
The Class II Prize Banks have already garnered positive customer responses. Operators who already have the Class II Prize banks on their floors have commented that not only is there increased foot traffic in that previously quieter area of the casino, but the Prize Banks generated twice the amount of coin-in they had anticipated. The Class II Prize Banks require a maximum bet to win the top prize, which encourages players to bet up, while still enjoying a unique bingo gaming experience. Judge Warren Davidson said, “Prize Banks can add excitement to any floor and it's nice to see a Class II product made specifically for this purpose.” The ability to offer floor-wide prizes and demographic-specific property promotions brought more excitement to the operator’s casino floor than had ever been seen before.
IGT Vice President of Global Product Management Jacob Lanning said, “It’s tremendous to see IGT’s Class II Prize Banking technology acknowledged as one of the most innovative slot floor products of the year. IGT’s deep commitment to our tribal partners’ success inspires us to deliver innovative products that elevate gaming in the tribal segment. IGT’s Class II Prize Banks enable our customers to drive play to their casino floors and offer their players the thrill of big wins on Class II games.”
Rocket Gaming Systems—Rocket Xtreme Technologies™
Winning the final slot of this year’s Slot Floor Technology Awards is Rocket Gaming Systems’ Rocket Xtreme Technologies™. A new and innovative real-time marketing and promotions system, the purpose of Rocket Xtreme Technologies is to deliver the sensation of a higher payout percentage to players by awarding them sponsored prizes in the form of ‘winning events’ during game play.
Rocket Xtreme Technologies consists of three components, including Rocket Xtreme Rewards™, Rocket Xtreme Game-N-Game™ and Rocket Xtreme Hardware™. Rocket Xtreme Rewards’ real-time marketing and promotions system awards players prizes that are contributions of goods and services from third party sponsors. These sponsored prizes are funded entirely by third parties and give players a higher payback and more wins, which generate more excitement and coin-in at no additional cost to the casino. Xtreme Rewards was created to promote gains at the gaming device and at the casino overall. In order to increase these gains across the casino, Rocket Xtreme Hardware and Rocket Xtreme Game-N-Game were developed. Xtreme Game-N-Game lets players enjoy two games at the same time in a window on Rocket’s Class II products. With the addition of Rocket Xtreme Hardware, players can play Rocket’s Class II games at the same time on any manufacturer’s video slot game.
Rocket Xtreme Technologies increases time on device and improves coin-in by allowing players to have simultaneous game play. Judge Buddy Frank commented, “This package of added-value games and/or promotions has great potential. In addition to adding a game-within-a-game functionality, Rocket can enhance a paytable beyond 100 percent payback without violating regulations, nor impacting slot odds. Sounds impossible, but they seem to make it work.”
In addition to these benefits and features, Rocket Xtreme Technologies is highly configurable. Rocket Xtreme Rewards manages the casino’s prize inventory and can be configured to award prizes randomly, make awards in real-time by recognizing and reducing the impact of a losing streak and more. Using its customizable scheduler, Xtreme Rewards enables casinos to plan events and produce demographic-specific promotions to help attract players during traditionally slow times.
Rocket Gaming Systems® said it was a privilege for Rocket Xtreme Technologies™ to be recognized with a CEM 2015 Slot Floor Technologies Award. “As a small company, Rocket is honored to be counted among the industry’s technology leaders and to have one of our products recognized as one of the year's best,” the company said.