Bally Names Venneman VP of Product Marketing and Licensing
Bally Technologies Inc. announced that Jean Venneman has joined the company as vice president of product marketing and licensing. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Jean to Bally,” said Dan Savage, vice president of marketing. “She is a proven leader with an outstanding gaming industry track record of success, having played a key role in the sales and development of several games and brands.” In 2008, Venneman was honored with CEM’s Great Women of Gaming Proven Leader award. Venneman began her 18-year career in gaming as a sales executive for International Game Technologies’ IGT Europe subsidiary in the Netherlands. She quickly progressed upward through management ranks, and immediately prior to joining Bally, Venneman was vice president, external innovation and licensing. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
IGT Appoints New COO, Partners with The Cosmopolitan, Installs Systems, Gets Approval
International Game Technology has appointed Eric Tom to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Tom will focus on improving the operational efficiency and increasing the customer focus of the company. Tom will have responsibility for marketing, sales, services, product management and operations. Tom was previously executive vice president of sales and marketing for North America, having joined IGT in July 2009. IGT also announces that Tony Ciorciari, executive vice president global manufacturing and operations, and Paulus Karksens, president IGT International, will retire in the first calendar quarter of 2011.
IGT also announced that The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has signed a multi-product and systems agreement featuring sbX™, the majority floor share of games, and an entire suite of IGT Advantage® system products. The Cosmopolitan is scheduled to open its doors in December 2010. “IGT offers operators more choice than ever in how they operate their casino floors,” said IGT President and CEO Patti Hart. “The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is now going to be part of this ongoing momentum of operator flexibility, functionality, value and player choice—all driven by IGT and the open network.”
In addition, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in Hogansburg, N.Y., has installed the sbX™ Tier One package, and Kahneeta Resort and Casino in central Oregon has installed IGT Advantage®. Both achievements are evidence of IGT’s continued drive toward ultimate success in the network systems arena. And on an international scale, sbX is installed at Casino d’Evian in France and will install this spring at Grand Casino Helsinki in Finland, and Casino di Venezia and Casino de la Valee, both in Italy. sbX is built on GSA open protocols, providing the gaming industry with a total GSA-compliant solution. GSA-compliancy means IGT adheres to a set of protocols, or a set of standards agreed upon by the industry. These protocols ensure that a variety of systems from a variety of manufacturers work seamlessly from the moment a casino operator launches them. After completing field trials in several Las Vegas casinos, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has approved the animated version of IGT’s M-P Series® Roulette Evolution® for use in Nevada casinos. Differing from traditional video slot games, M-P Series® (multi-player) themes offer a group of players real-time wagering on a common outcome. For more information, visit www.igt.com
WMS Names Lipton Vice President of Marketing
WMS Industries Inc. announced that Amy J. Lipton has been named vice president of marketing, effective immediately. Lipton brings more than 25 years of global marketing leadership and client knowledge to her new role. She will report to Executive Vice President, Global Products and Chief Innovation Officer, Larry J. Pacey, and serve on the company’s executive committee. Lipton joins WMS from International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), where she has served in a progression of marketing and leadership roles since 1982, including roles as director of global marketing for digital media, media and entertainment, and business process management. For more information, visit www.wms.com.
Aristocrat Chooses Moss Gaming, Opens Office in Mexico, Installs in Canada
Aristocrat Technologies announced that, following an extensive review process, it has selected Moss Gaming Inc. as its exclusive distributor for the upcoming Illinois video gaming terminal market. Under the agreement, Moss will promote Aristocrat games to operators in the Illinois market and will distribute three of Aristocrat’s popular cabinets: the MAV 500™, Crown Slant™ and the VIRIDIAN® 19”. In July 2009, the State of Illinois legalized the use of video gaming terminals (VGTs) at licensed liquor locations. Aristocrat selected Moss because of the company’s distribution and service experience and strong relationships with operators.
Also, on May 4, Aristocrat cut the ribbon to open its Mexico City office, starting an exciting new era in the company’s history. The office will support Aristocrat’s growth strategies for Mexico. “Mexico holds tremendous potential for Aristocrat, as Class III regulated gaming expands in this country,” said Aristocrat Americas’ Chief Operating Officer Seamus McGill. Aristocrat’s Vice President of Latin America Alvaro Nores will be responsible for overseeing and directing Aristocrat’s Mexican business strategy, and Carlos Carrion, director of sales and operations for Mexico, will direct the Mexico City’s office sales and support staff.
The stunning Casino New Brunswick opened its doors last week as New Brunswick’s first full-service casino. It is also the first casino in Canada to be fully monitored by Aristocrat Technologies’ Oasis 360™ casino management system. Oasis 360™ is the most widely installed system in North America, currently monitoring devices at more than 270 casinos. In addition, Aristocrat also provided Casino New Brunswick with 114 games. For more information, visit www.aristocrat.com.
MEI Selected by Casino Apollonia, Achieves ECB Certification
Suzo Happ proudly announces the successful completion of the value-added trial of the MEI CASHFLOW SC banknote reader at Casino Apollonia in Macedonia. Suzo Happ introduced the MEI CASHFLOW SC to Casino Apollonia last year. Casino management was suitably impressed with the product and a value-added trial over a period of several months was agreed upon. The performance of the MEI CASHFLOW SC banknote reader stood out so strongly that the casino management took the decision to specify MEI on all new slots purchases. This strategy has already been implemented with 50 new slots on the floor placed with MEI, meaning that almost a third of the casino’s slots are fitted with MEI.
Also, the European Central Bank awarded MEI GEO Gravity certification as an approved banknote authentication device. This exclusive status resulted from rigorous testing to ensure products used in the European Union can effectively detect Euro counterfeits. GEO Gravity was recently introduced to expand expectations for acceptance rates, security and jam performance in smaller scale casinos, as well as amusement and retail operations. The product line utilizes algorithms that have been enhanced based on decades of experience—and driven superior performance in CASHFLOW SC—to effectively balance performance and price. For more information, visit www.meigroup.com.
JCM Global Provides Video Monitor Solution
JCM Global is now representing Samsung, and has provided an extensive range of Samsung monitors to the newly expanded Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, Calif. Chukchansi used 16 46-inch Samsung Ultra Thin (UT) series LCD monitors to create an incredibly high-impact, high-definition video wall. Because the monitors have an ultra-thin bezel, the entire wall appears as one unit, virtually seamless in appearance from any angle across the casino floor. The Chukchansi team was so pleased with the new monitors that they turned to JCM to provide in-room monitors for the beautifully appointed hotel rooms in the resort’s new tower. That product, the Samsung Pro:Idiom, is a recent addition to the extensive Samsung product line, and the Chukchansi installation is among the first in the world. For more information, visit www.jcmglobal.com.
TransAct Announces Promotions, Signs Distribution Agreement
TransAct Technologies Inc. announced that the company has promoted current Chief Financial Officer Steven A. DeMartino to president/CFO and Tracey S. Chernay to executive vice president – sales and marketing, effective immediately. In addition to his current role, DeMartino will now oversee the company’s operations and human resources divisions, as well as information technology functions. In her new role, Chernay will be leading TransAct’s efforts to combine the company’s product sales with the company’s consumables, service and web sales.
Also, TransAct announced that they have signed a distribution agreement with Patriot Gaming & Electronics. Under the terms of the agreement, Patriot will distribute TransAct’s innovative gaming printer solutions throughout North America. For more information, visit www.transact.com.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY Appoints Kingswell, Designs for World Cup, Chosen by Casino New Brunswick
TCSJOHNHUXLEY has announced the promotion of Rebecca Kingswell to executive director of operations (Singapore). Kingswell will continue to head up the regional sales team from Singapore and report directly to Tristan Sjöberg, managing director (Asia). Kingswell has worked extensively in Asia over the last 15 years gaining immeasurable experience and local knowledge. She was instrumental in setting up TCSJOHNHUXLEY operations in Macau in 2003, spending the following five years developing the company’s presence and success in the region.
Also, to coincide with South Africa’s momentous 2010 FIFA World Cup, TCSJOHNHUXLEY commenced a marketing campaign in January 2010 in the form of customized layouts and commemorative chips. Working closely alongside the various casinos’ marketing departments, as well as adhering to FIFA’s strict marketing guidelines, TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s design team created a unique range of bespoke designs for their customers. In addition to layouts, TCSJOHNHUXLEY has also produced commemorative souvenir chips for Emperors Palace Casino in Johannesburg.
Another collaboration for TCSJOHNHUXLEY was with the management at the newly opened Casino New Brunswick to produce a beautiful range of gaming tables, which seamlessly integrate with the décor scheme, as well as supplying Omni Baccarat and e-FX Insignia displays, a Big Six Wheel, a full complement of accessories, chips and seating. For more information, visit www.tcsjohnhuxley.com.
Len Ainsworth Receives G2E Asia Gaming Visionary Award
Ainsworth Game Technology is proud to announce that its chairman, Len Ainsworth, was honored with the G2E Asia Gaming Visionary Award at the G2E Asia international gaming trade show. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and positive contribution to the overall success and expansion of the thriving Asian gaming entertainment industry. Ainsworth’s further list of achievements include being inducted into the Australian and American “Gaming Hall of Fame,” receiving life membership Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) and ClubsNSW and obtaining a Nevada gaming license in November 2009. For more information, visit www.ainsworth.com.au.
BIS2 Announces a Strategic Alliance with Industry Data Online
BIS2 announced a strategic alliance with Australian-based organization, Industry Data Online Pty Limited (IDOL), specializing in the delivery of online reporting and benchmarking services to the Australian gaming industry since 2001. IDOL will market, in conjunction with its own products, BIS²’s gameViz visually centric gaming analytics product for market data initially to the Australian club market. gameViz is a gaming industry-specific Web 2.0 data visualization software solution that allows casino and club operators to directly query data and see the results visually using innovative and power super graphics. For more information, visit www.bis2.net.
Multimedia Games Granted Louisiana License
Multimedia Games Inc. announced that the Louisiana Gaming Control Board has granted the company a gaming manufacturer and supplier license and granted approvals to members of the company’s senior management team. This action begins the process that will allow Multimedia Games to sell slot machines to, or place them on a revenue share basis in, licensed riverboat casinos, live racing facilities with gaming devices and a land-based casino in the State of Louisiana. The license is Multimedia Games’ second for a major commercial casino market (the company received approval from the Mississippi Gaming Commission in mid-December 2009) and reflects the company’s continued progress in expanding the gaming jurisdictions where it is licensed to market products. Subject to approval, the company expects to offer its first for-sale slot machines in Louisiana early in the second half of calendar 2010. For more information, visit www.multimediagames.com.
AGI Purchases Octavian Assets
Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH, (AGI), the international subsidiary of the Novomatic Group of Companies, has moved decisively to acquire by purchase from the administrator, KPMG LLP, various Octavian assets. Certain other assets, including core intellectual properties, had previously been ascribed to AGI. The purpose of this asset acquisition is to enable AGI to ensure by this initiative that former Octavian customers now have a truly viable alternative source of excellence-driven gaming solutions that is backed by the technical, financial and management of one of the world’s foremost gaming groups. For more information, visit www.novomatic.com.
BMM Establishes Korea’s First Gaming Device Testing Center
BMM Compliance is pleased to announce that Arcade Game Regional Innovation Center (AGRIC) of Dongseo University and iReal Inc., South Korea have selected BMM Compliance as their partner in an exclusive arrangement to establish the first testing center for gaming devices in Korea. The test center will be housed at Dongseo University campus in Busan, utilizing the resources of both organizations. This exclusive arrangement is the next step in BMM’s successful expansion in key Asian markets and provides South Korea with a world-class testing center for gaming devices. For more information, visit www.bmm.com.au.
Incredible Technologies Celebrates Magic Touch Debut
Magic Touch®—Incredible Technologies’ innovative collection of Class III video slot, poker and keno games—recently received a variety of meaningful accolades while undergoing its test period in various casinos this spring. From solid floor earnings to industry recognition, preliminary results are proving that IT’s diversification from amusement games to casino gaming has been a promising investment so far. As the company celebrates its 25-year anniversary this summer, it asks players “How do you like to win?™” “Whether in amusement games or casino, this is what our company is driven to do and now we’re ready to prove ourselves on casino floors across the country,” said President and CEO Elaine Hodgson. For more information, visit www.itsgames.com.
G.A. Wright Marketing Re-Launches as Wright Casino Marketing
G.A. Wright Marketing has re-launched its brand and changed its name to Wright Casino Marketing. According to President and COO Tony Aveni, the new name not only honors the legacy of company founder Gary Wright, but also more accurately reflects the firm’s focus on strategy-based, integrated casino marketing that utilizes websites, e-mail, social media networks, direct mail, full branding campaigns, strategic consultation and market research to achieve desired results for its clients. The company assures its clients that the same expert team of former casino executives and experienced account managers that they’ve come to know and trust is still in place, and that the re-launch will only strengthen its capabilities and service offerings. For more information, visit www.wrightcasinomarketing.com.
SPIELO Signs Agreement for Illinois Distribution
Lottomatica Group S.p.A. announced that its subsidiary SPIELO Manufacturing ULC has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with American Gaming & Electronics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells-Gardner Electronics Corporation, to distribute SPIELO’s prodiGi Vu™ Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) and game content to licensed operators in the new Illinois VGT market. This distribution agreement replaces the nonbinding letter of intent announced in November 2009. The prodiGi Vu™ terminal features a player-driven design that greatly enhances comfort and entertainment, and is also designed for dynamic content capability and is networked gaming-ready. For more information, visit the newly-launched www.spielo.com.
Spanish Casinos Enter the Stargate™
ATRONIC International is pleased to announce the installation of STARGATE SG-1™ in numerous casinos across Spain. Players at Casino Madrid, Gran Casino Costa Meloneras in Gran Canaria Island, and Casino Extremadura in Badajoz have entered a new dimension of linked gaming with STARGATE SG-1 following the popular title’s installation in the recent months. By this summer, Casino Costa Brava, Casino Valencia, Grand Casino Cartagena, Gran Casino de Murcia and Gran Casino Puerto Azahar Castellon will also feature a bank of ATRONIC’s internationally successful licensed linked title. For more information, visit www.atronic.com.
Cantor Gaming Signs Race and Sports Book Deal, Appoints Whitney Thier
Cantor Gaming’s state-of-the-art mobile gaming technology will be a key feature of the new, transformed Tropicana Las Vegas. Cantor Gaming, an affiliate of global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, has entered into a partnership with Tropicana Las Vegas to operate the casino’s new race and sports book. The state-of-the-art race and sports book is anticipated to open in fall 2010. Cantor’s eDeck enables Tropicana’s guests to play a wide selection of casino games, including games developed exclusively by Cantor Gaming such as XtraOdds™ Blackjack and XtraOdds Baccarat.
Also, Cantor Gaming announced that Whitney Thier has joined as vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary. Thier will be responsible for legal matters at Cantor Gaming, and joins Cantor Gaming from Fontainebleau Resorts where she served as general counsel and secretary. Earlier, she served as associate general counsel at Mandalay Resort Group and was previously in private practice in Las Vegas representing clients primarily in the gaming industry. For more information, visit www.cantorgaming.com.
Rymax Expands Gift Card Offerings
Rymax Marketing Services Inc., the largest manufacturer’s representative in the incentive industry, recently announced gift card partnerships with the Destination Maternity® Corp. and The Home Depot®. These retail gift card additions will help to broaden Rymax’s existing gift card lines across several categories, including department stores, clothing and accessory stores, dining, sports and recreation, toy stores, travel, entertainment, books/DVDs/music, health and beauty, experiential, auto and home. For more information, visit www.rymaxinc.com.
Treasure Island Selects Rainmaker Revenue Management
The Rainmaker Group announced that Treasure Island has selected Rainmaker’s revolutionSM Product Suite to maximize profitability across its entire enterprise. The Rainmaker Group provides revenue optimization services to companies that include Wynn Las Vegas, MGM MIRAGE, Trump Entertainment Resorts and Harrah’s Entertainment. Tammy Farley, Rainmaker Group principal, said, “Our ability to integrate with leading solutions like Agilysys’ LMS property management system used by Treasure Island and other top casino hotels was an important part of their decision. Integration with LMS ensures reservations are booked with optimized rates.” For more information, visit www.letitrain.com.
GPI Announces Multiple Orders from Pennsylvania Casinos
Gaming Partners International Corp. announced that it has received orders from all nine casinos currently operating and licensed to operate table games in Pennsylvania. GPI will supply table games equipment consisting of gaming tables, casino chips and other table games equipment to the casinos. The company recently received the necessary conditional licenses by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to conduct business in the state. “The situation in Pennsylvania is very unique. Given the short period of time from the legalization of table games to the delivery and anticipated opening of these operations in casinos this summer, we are meeting the challenge,” commented Greg Gronau, president and CEO of GPI. For more information, visit www.gpigaming.com.
Gustafson Picked to Lead Oneida Nation’s Gaming Commission
Dan Gustafson of Haslett, Mich., has been chosen as the executive director of the Oneida Indian Nation Gaming Commission. In that capacity, he manages the regulatory oversight for Class III gaming and licensing of casino employees at Turning Stone Resort and Casino, a destination getaway 30 miles east of Syracuse. Prior to joining the Nation, Gustafson was senior vice president of government affairs for Scofes & Associates Consulting Inc. In addition, he was executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Commission from 2002-2006 and chairman of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission from 2000-2002. For more information, visit www.oneidanation.org.
New Chocolate Bars Perfect for Promotions
Swift & Holland Chocolate has created gourmet casino promotions in the form of delicious Belgian chocolate candy bars, which have custom full color wrappers with your own custom logos and photos on them. Inside the wrapper are printed coupons, giving varying prizes, like varying amounts of free slot play or other awards or special “golden tickets.” When customers open the wrapper they see their prize and get the added pleasure of a delicious gourmet treat. And it’s a perfect prize for high roller turndowns since they get a dark Belgian chocolate good night treat and a free play the next morning. Swift & Holland Chocolate makes chocolate wrapper bars in several sizes and price ranges with rapid turnaround. They can even put your logo on the chocolate bar. For more information, visit www.swiftholland.com.
Leadership Award Presented to Gary Loveman
Gary Loveman, chairman, CEO and president of Harrah’s Entertainment, has been named the first recipient of the annual Distinguished Leadership Award of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. The award recognizes the achievements of an individual for implementing significant, creative and innovative approaches in gaming, hospitality or tourism industries. According to Dr. Janet Wagner, dean of Stockton’s School of Business, which houses the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute, Loveman’s selection was natural for the initial award. “Through the leadership of Mr. Loveman, Harrah’s Entertainment has grown to become the world’s largest gaming company,” Wagner said. For more information, visit www.stockton.edu.
C.R. Laurence to Introduce CRL Balanced Doors at Glass Build America
C.R. Laurence Co. Inc. (CRL) will be introducing the company’s latest addition to its extensive architectural hardware line—CRL/Tajima Balanced Doors—at this September’s Glass Build America in Las Vegas, Sept. 14-16. Armando Rodriguez, brand manager of architectural metals, explains: “Balanced Doors offer several distinct advantages in many situations, especially when troublesome wind and stack pressure conditions are anticipated. A balanced door rotates around a rolling pivot, thus providing the widest possible opening with the smallest swing arc. For more information, visit www.crlaurence.com.