Awards Acres Gaming Contract to Develop Toolkit

LAS VEGAS, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) today announced that it is has launched the development of a toolkit that will allow gaming manufacturers to consistently and efficiently implement its newest gaming machine communications protocol -- SAS(TM) 6.01.


"This advanced toolkit reflects our commitment to support our members and non-members by providing resources that allow for efficient and consistent implementation of the protocol," GSA President Peter DeRaedt said. "The efficiencies provided by the toolkit will help gaming manufacturers get faster product approvals and simplify installation and integration of products on casino floors."


The GSA SAS committee awarded Acres Gaming the $150,000 contract to design the toolkit after an RFP process in which three companies submitted proposals.


"Acres has a proven track record in the actual implementation of the protocol, coupled with strong development and technology resources," DeRaedt said. "We look forward to working with them on this key project for the industry."


"Acres is enthusiastic about this opportunity to support the GSA in the development of the toolkit. We expect standardization will have a significant impact on future technological advancements in the industry," said Rich Schneider, President and Chief Operating Officer of Acres Gaming.


The toolkit consists of a host simulator, a game simulator and includes test requirements and procedures. It is slated to be available in October 2003 soon after the launch of the GSA certification program. GSA member companies will share the development costs of the toolkit through a separate funding program. GSA members that have committed to financially support development of the toolkit are Acres Gaming, Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., Bally Gaming and Systems, IGT, Mandalay Resort Group, WMS Gaming, Inc., Konami Gaming, Inc., Shuffle Master Gaming, and Unidesa Gaming. Konami Gaming has committed to long-term financial support in the development of our future toolkits.


"Konami, along with our fellow GSA members, has provided financial support to the GSA sponsored 'Development Toolkit' program due to the long term benefits they provide our industry from both the manufacturing and operating perspective," said Steve Sutherland, Exec. VP/COO, Konami Gaming, Inc. "We were pleased to have the opportunity to show our continued commitment to GSA and the critical programs they sponsor for our industry."


About the Gaming Standards Association (GSA): The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) is an international trade association representing gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators and regulators. We facilitate the identification, definition, development, promotion, and implementation of open standards to enable innovation, education, and communication for the benefit of the entire industry. Since its incorporation on May 6, 1998, GSA has grown to 53 members representing a wide cross section of the global gaming industry. Platinum members include Acres Gaming Corporation (AGAM); Aristocrat Technologies Inc.; Bally Gaming and Systems (AGI); Harrah's Entertainment (HET); Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (ISLE); Mandalay Resort Group (MBG) and WMS Gaming Inc. (WMS). Other members include: 3M Touch Systems (MMM); Alliance Gaming Sales B.V.; AGMMA - Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association; AstroSys International Ltd.; Atronic Americas LLC; Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH (Novomatic); Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD); Cadillac Jack; CashCode Company Inc.; Casino Management Association; Cirsa Interactive; Coin Mechanisms Inc.; Cyberview Technology, Inc.; Elo Touchsystems; Ensico d.o.o.; European Gaming Organization; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Friedberg & Associates; GameTech International (GMTC); Gaming Consultants International; Giesecke & Devrient America Inc.; Global Payment Technologies Inc. (GPTX); Glory USA Inc.; Gold Club; Himecs Co, Ltd.; IDX Inc.; JCM American Corporation; Konami Gaming Inc.; Mars Electronics International; Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Development Authority; Mikohn Gaming Corporation (MIKN); MIS Group; Money Controls; Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation; Park Place Entertainment; Scientific Games (SGMS); Sierra Design Group; Shuffle Master Gaming (SHFL); Sigma Game Inc.; Soanar; Spielo; Station Casinos (STN); Transact Technologies (TACT); Unidesa Gaming; UNLV International Gaming Institute and Universal Distributing of Nevada. For more information, visit www.gamingstandards.com.


Source: The Gaming Standards Association