Alves Elected to IGT Board of Directors, Macke Named CMO
Paget L. Alves
IGT announced that its board of directors elected Paget L. Alves to serve as a director for the company, pending applicable regulatory approval. Alves is president of the Business Markets Group for Sprint Nextel and is responsible for Sprint’s sales and marketing and oversees the development of strategic alliances for Sprint. Alves previously served as president and CEO of PointOne Telecommunications Inc., president and COO of Centennial Communications and executive vice president and COO of Murata Business Systems.
IGT has named Susan Macke chief marketing officer. Macke comes from Hewlett-Packard’s handheld business unit as its vice president of global marketing. She has extensive experience in the telecommunications and IT industries. “IGT’s new attitude calls for a new way of looking at how we market our products,” Eric Tom, IGT executive vice president of sales and marketing, said. “Susan’s track record is in line with our goal of being a marketing-driven company.” Prior to her time at Hewlett-Packard she was Nokia Finland’s vice president of Nokia strategic marketing. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Aruze Appoints Jolly EVP and GM, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe
Ken Jolly
Aruze Gaming America announced it has appointed Ken Jolly executive vice president and general manager, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. In this appointment, Jolly will be a pivotal member of Aruze Gaming’s senior management team and will be responsible for new business and strategic development as well as achieving the company’s international objectives. He will oversee all aspects of technical and operational sales functions including financial responsibility for revenue of the regions. Prior to joining Aruze, Jolly served as general manager of Asia Pacific for Aristocrat Technologies. For more information, visit www.aruzegaming.com.
Smith Elected Chairman of AGA Board
Keith Smith
At the December annual meeting of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the board of directors elected Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation, to serve as chairman of the organization. Smith, who first joined the board in 2007 and served as AGA vice chairman for the past year, succeeds Thomas J. (T.J.) Matthews, former chairman of IGT. Richard Haddrill, president, CEO and director of Bally, replaces Smith as the AGA’s new vice chairman. In addition, the AGA elected two new directors. Patti S. Hart, president and CEO of IGT, will replace Matthews, and Timothy J. Wilmott, president and COO of Penn National Gaming, will take the seat previously occupied by Peter M. Carlino. Haddrill also was re-elected to the AGA board of directors for a three-year term, as were Nick Khin, president of the Americas for Aristocrat Technologies, and Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment.
Gary Platt Ships to Country Crossing, Ameristar Council Bluffs
Gary Platt shipped more than 1,700 chairs to Country Crossing in Dothan, Ala., for its grand opening through Bally, IGT and Multimedia Games. Country Crossing is a one-of-kind master-planned entertainment destination resort. The company also shipped 495 chairs to Ameristar Council Bluffs in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The chairs are Sierra Style X-Tended Play with a black powder coat finish. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Bally Awarded Galaxy, Boot Hill Contracts
Bally Technologies announced an enterprise-wide contract with Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) to provide a comprehensive table, slot and casino management system for GEG in Macau. The contract win comes after a competitive evaluation process. With this enterprise-wide contract award, Bally Systems are now the technology solution of choice for Asia-Pacific’s largest multi-casino operators Sands China Ltd., GEG, and Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM). Bally is providing GEG’s table game business with its TableView™ real-time table-rating and player-tracking solution. Bally will support GEG with its new SDS® Windows® Version 11 slot-accounting and player-tracking system, as well as its server-based iVIEW Display Manager and BI solutions.
Bally also announced a comprehensive systems and server-based technology contract award for the new Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City, Kan. Bally is providing an array of system and server-based solutions for the resort, including 579 iVIEW interactive touchscreen displays; the Bally SDS® Version 11 Windows system for slot accounting; the CMP™ player-tracking and marketing solution; and Power Promotions. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Incredible Technologies Receives GLI Approval
Incredible Technologies announced that Gaming Laboratories International has approved its Magic Touch line of Class III video slot, poker and keno games. Magic Touch is a next-generation gaming system that packages sophisticated innovations with cutting-edge graphics and game play. The approved system consists of four video slot themes: Money, Cars, Fruit and Fish Store, along with 16 revolutionary video poker and keno games. Also approved is the system’s Versatile Volatility feature, a patent-pending innovation that asks players, “How do you like to win? Often, Steady or Big.” In addition to its video game-like graphics, Magic Touch innovations include flexible math to adjust hold percentages within one-half percent; pro tip to engage players by teaching strategy; sidewinder reels; angle paylines; Continuplay, a rhythmic sound technology that rewards steady play; and BonuSave for bonus credits to rollover to maximize time on device. For more information, visit www.itcasinogames.com.
Galaxy Gaming Opens World-Class Data Center
Galaxy Gaming Inc. revealed to investors attending the LD Micro Conference in Los Angeles that it has officially begun operating its Global Data Center. The data center will be used to collect and process data from casino gaming tables worldwide and is a major component to accomplishing Galaxy Gaming’s goal of connecting live table games to a globally distributed data operations center. The company also revealed that this accomplishment was made possible as the result of a technology business relationship with Amazon Web Services, a subsidiary of Amazon.com. The data center is designed to work with an upcoming release of the company’s BJS system, code-named “Andromeda Series.” Once installed, the Andromeda Series, in concert with the new data center, will allow Galaxy Gaming to link gaming tables in multiple casinos and cruise ships throughout the world, which in turn is expected to create the largest and fastest growing jackpots in table game history. For more information, visit www.galaxygaming.com.
Ameristar Promotes Kinkade Director of External Communications
Ameristar Casinos Inc. announced that Roxann M. Kinkade has been promoted to the position of director of external communications. In her new position, Kinkade will handle company press releases and other external communications as well as media relations. She will report to Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Troy Stremming. Kinkade joined Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City in 2004 as public relations manager. In that role, she was responsible for media relations and oversaw the property’s community affairs and team member communications. “Kinkade was instrumental in helping to develop our Ameristar Cares charitable giving program in Kansas City,” Stremming said. “Her expertise will enable her to lead Ameristar’s communications operations forward in a strategic and progressive manner.” For more information, visit www.ameristar.com.
Harrah’s Assumes Management of Planet Hollywood
Gary Loveman
A subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment will assume management of the hotel at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip as of Jan. 16, 2010. The Planet Hollywood hotel is adjacent to Harrah’s Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. “Harrah’s has been in discussions with Planet Hollywood and its lender group regarding a restructuring of the ownership of the resort,” Gary Loveman, chairman, CEO and president of Harrah’s Entertainment, said. “We continue to work on a plan that would allow Harrah’s to own and manage the entire casino resort property. In the meantime, we are pleased to take on the management of the Planet Hollywood Hotel for the current owners.” Harrah’s Entertainment is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno more than 70 years ago, Harrah’s has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. For more information, visit www.harrahs.com.
Boughner Named Boyd’s Chief Business Development Officer
Boyd Gaming Corporation announced that Bob Boughner has been named executive vice president and chief business development officer, effective immediately. In this newly created position, Boughner’s responsibilities will include: expansion in both existing and new markets; building corporate relationships and alliances; and pursuing new business opportunities in a variety of areas, including Internet gaming. Boughner will report directly to Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming’s president and CEO. He will retain his current duties as president of Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, will continue to oversee the company’s development efforts on the Las Vegas Strip, and remain on the company’s board of directors. His appointment is subject to New Jersey regulatory approval. For more information, visit www.boydgaming.com.
G2E Joins Forces with iGaming Business
With the global Internet gambling industry poised to grow more than 50 percent in the next five years, according to a majority of industry experts surveyed for the 2009 G2E Future Watch Survey, this burgeoning sector continues to be one of the most hotly debated topics within the broader gaming community. To keep industry professionals abreast of the latest developments in this sector, the organizers of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) announced a partnership with iGaming Business magazine that will bring iGaming to the forefront at G2E 2010. The premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry, G2E 2010 will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. G2E 2010 will feature dedicated conference content on iGaming developed by some of the sector’s leading experts. For more information, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com.
Multimedia Games Granted Miss. License
Multimedia Games announced that the Mississippi Gaming Commission has granted the company a manufacturer/distributor license and has granted approvals to members of the company’s senior management team. Today’s action by the Mississippi Gaming Commission is the first stage in the process to allow Multimedia Games to sell slot machines to, or place them on a revenue share basis in, commercial casinos in the state of Mississippi. The license is Multimedia Games’ first ever for a major commercial casino market and reflects the progress the company is making in expanding its licensed gaming jurisdictions. The license allows Multimedia Games to submit its Class III units to the Mississippi Gaming Commission laboratory for evaluation and approval. The company expects to submit several high-performing video reel titles to the commission for evaluation in calendar 2010. Subject to approval, Multimedia Games expects to offer its first for-sale slot machines in the state in mid-calendar 2010. For more information, visit www.multimediagames.com.
Penn National Names Sinopoli GM of Hollywood Casino Perryville
Penn National Gaming Inc. announced that effective Feb.1, 2010, Himbert Sinopoli has been named general manager of Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County, Md., subject to regulatory approval. Sinopoli will have full responsibility for all aspects of recruiting and training new employees as well as the start-up and ongoing operation of the planned $97.5 million Hollywood Casino Perryville. Sinopoli has held various property level and corporate level positions in several jurisdictions throughout his 15-year gaming industry career. For more information, visit www.pngaming.com.
ATRONIC Installs at Casino Life, Casino Linz
ATRONIC International is pleased to announce the installation of a range of STARGATE SG-1™, KING KONG CASH™ and standalone e²™ games at Casino Life in Mexico. The Casino Life Del Valle, operated by Pringsa, recently opened its doors with a festive celebration marking the group’s 19th business in Mexico. STARGATE SG-1 is presented on the premium double screen e² cabinet and offers five distinct bonuses and four progressive levels. ATRONIC’s powerful KING KONG CASH multi-level progressive is presented on five banks across the casino. Part of the ATRONIC product presentations at Casino Life are also proven core games on the e² cabinet, such as Crimson Fire™, Jungle of Gold™, Princess of the Amazon™ and Mystic Pearls™ among others.
ATRONIC International is proud to announce that its latest Community Bonus Series™ link, DEAL OR NO DEAL™ JOIN’N PLAY, has been successfully launched as part of a trial agreement at Casino Linz, part of the Casinos Austria group. Since its installation on Dec. 10, players have been lined up at the bank of five linked terminals to experience the fun of the community game. Based on the popular television series, DEAL OR NO DEAL JOIN’N PLAY is part of ATRONIC’s proven DEAL OR NO DEAL game suite. The Casinos Austria Group recently installed ATRONIC´s eMILLIONS™ Wide Area Progressive as “MEGA MILLION JACKPOT” across all 12 casinos, connecting 140 e²™ machines to the highest jackpot in Austria. For more information, visit www.atronic.com.
Gasser Chair Promotes Mark Gasser
Mark Gasser
Effective Jan. 1, 2010, Mark Gasser assumed the role of president of Gasser Chair Co. This position was previously held by Gary Gasser. In his new role, Mark Gasser will be responsible for all day-to-day business operations and remain active in sales activities with an emphasis on new product development. Gary Gasser will continue to serve as Gasser Chair’s CEO and chairman of the board, focusing on the company’s strategic planning and subsidiary operations. For more information, visit www.gasserchair.com.
Table Games Focus of Pa. Gaming Congress
The introduction of table games will be a central theme at the 6th annual Pennsylvania Gaming Congress & Mid-Atlantic Racing Forum, which takes place Feb. 22-23 at the Valley Forge Convention Center. “We have convened a panel of Pennsylvania regulators and table games experts to examine the implementation, regulatory considerations, operational challenges and competitive issues of adding blackjack, craps, roulette and other table games,” Fox Rothschild Partner Marie J. Jones said. “This will be very informative for all who attend.” Hundreds of casino operators, slot manufacturers, regulators, attorneys and other gaming-related professionals will attend the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress & Mid-Atlantic Racing Forum. The event is presented by Fox Rothschild and is produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group. For more information, visit www.pagamingcongress.com.
3M Launches Dubai Customer Technical Center
3M announced it is bringing its technology even closer to customers with the opening of an innovative Customer Technical Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the first center of its kind in the Middle East. It is expected to open later in 2010 and will act as an innovative base for customers to test 3M’s exciting products and solutions that are new to the Middle East market. The center also will provide 3M with an expanded facility in the Middle East to better support customer needs across the region. The facility will be divided into a number of zones, which will showcase 3M technology, capabilities and products for the Middle East market. Customers will be able to touch and test multiple 3M technologies and learn about their various applications in the on-site teaching rooms. In addition, the center will serve as a central ideas hub for accelerating the development of new products and services locally. For more information, visit www.3m.com.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Names Garrow Corporate Affairs Commissioner
Michael Garrow
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has named experienced Indian gaming executive Michael Garrow as the new commissioner of corporate affairs. He was sworn into office Jan. 4. As commissioner of corporate affairs, Garrow serves as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors for the Mille Lacs Band’s Corporate Commission, which owns and operates all of the Band’s businesses, including Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley. Garrow is a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and has extensive financing and operations experience in the Indian gaming industry, most recently as general manager of the Little River Casino Resort in Michigan. He also served as the chief executive officer of the Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises in Idaho with general managerial oversight of the Tribe’s Clearwater River and It’se Ye Ye casinos. For more information, visit www.millelacsojibwe.org.
AGEM Announces 4 New Members
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced today that its board of directors has approved the membership applications of four new companies, bringing the trade group comprised of the world’s leading gaming suppliers to a total of 86 members. The new AGEM members are: Casino Enterprise Management, based in Fargo, N.D., an educationally focused B2B content provider utilizing video, audio and print platforms to inform the worldwide gaming industry of relevant news and information; Heber Ltd., based in Stroud, England, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of real-time electronic control systems for the global gaming industry; KEY-BAK, based in Ontario, Calif., through its parent company, West Coast Corporation, has been manufacturing self-retracting key-chain reels for more than 60 years; and Winning Asia Technology, based in Macau, specializes in R&D, participation and sales of electronic gaming machines and systems, with a focus on Asian casino markets. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.
Slot-Tickets Relocates Office to Tennessee
Susan Mitchell
Slot-Tickets Worldwide, the global leader for TITO slot machine tickets, has announced it has moved its international home office to a new facility, located at 1655 Wynne Road in Cordova, Tenn. “We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service to the growing ticket market within the gaming community,” said Susan Mitchell, managing director of worldwide sales operations for Slot-Tickets. “Our multiple-plant operations give us uninterruptible production capabilities that our customers across the globe can depend on.” Slot-Tickets is the original approved source for IGT EZ-Pay™ slot machine tickets. Its tickets fit all coinless gaming printers and are approved for use by printer hardware manufacturers FutureLogic Inc., TransAct Technologies Inc. and Nanoptix Thermal Printers. For more information, visit www.slot-tickets.com.
Bally Acquires Games4you Team
Gavin Isaacs
Bally Technologies Inc. announced the acquisition of the employees previously with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Games4you, L.L.C., a leading-edge supplier of gaming and engineering solutions for the casino gaming industry. The former Games4you team members are now full-time Bally employees based in Arizona. The Games4you team is a strategic addition to Bally’s Games business. The acquisition of Games4you’s team will extend Bally’s game development capabilities and enable the company to create even more cutting-edge game content. “The addition of Games4you complements Bally’s award-winning global team of game content and hardware developers, and extends our ability to deliver the industry’s most compelling games,” said Gavin Isaacs, chief operating officer of Bally. “Games4you’s proven experience in delivering cutting-edge games that delight players and drive revenue for casino operators will only strengthen Bally as a leading provider of creative and high-performing games.” For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
White Label Launches Blue Alpha SAS 6.02 Module
With immediate effect, White Label International (WLI) has been appointed the official sales company for the new enhanced Blue Alpha SAS 6.02 software module. WLI has extensive global gaming experience and is independently positioned to market and sell to gaming/content development and houses a fully compliant SAS 6.02 software module off-the-shelf. As a software only solution, this module is compatible with any technology implementation. The new SAS 6.02 module can be used with any PC gaming platform supplied by any company. WLI promoted the Blue Alpha SAS software module at IGE. For more information, visit www.whitelabelinternational.com.