Italy’s Casino de la Vallee Installs IGT’s sbX™
Ali Civile
International Game Technology announced the installation of sbX™ at Casino de la Vallee in Italy. In addition to the installation of sbX, Casino de la Vallee added 100 AVP® machines to the casino’s floor. Located in Saint Vincent, Italy, the casino operates close to 600 slot machines and recently completed an expansion of their floor. In this new area, close to 80 percent of the games are from IGT, with more than 25 percent of these being from IGT’s exclusive line of premium products. “The growing number of sbX installations around the world continues to prove the excellent response that the product has experienced since its launch in December 2009,” said Ali Civile, sales director for IGT Europe. “No other product provides the resources and tools to operators in the industry. Access to the industry’s largest and ever-expanding library of server-based games, modules that empower management teams to understand preferences and trends, and the ability to create a dynamic slot floor by deploying proven games over the open network are just some of the advantages of sbX.” For more information, visit www.igt.com.
GPI and IGT Enter Into RFID License and Transfer Agreement
Gaming Partners International Corp. announced that it has entered into an RFID License and Transfer Agreement with International Game Technology covering certain high-frequency RFID rights and products including software related to a chip inventory system (CIS), a newly developed communication platform to integrate RFID data into a variety of casino management systems and a license to certain other RFID related intellectual property and assets. As a result of the agreement, GPI has acquired the ability to develop, manufacture and distribute additional high-frequency RFID products and systems worldwide. Together IGT and GPI will provide for transition of sales, support and service of IGT’s current high-frequency RFID customers. GPI President and CEO Greg Gronau commented: “This acquisition will aid in the expansion of our opportunities in RFID systems both in terms of sales or RFID hardware and the licensing of software. This will allow our customers to better secure its currency, authenticate chips, gather other data at the table and cage, while linking with a casino’s backend system.” For more information, visit www.gpigaming.com or www.igt.com.
GPI Promotes Koslow to CFO and Treasurer
Gerald Koslow
Gaming Partners International announced that the company has promoted Gerald Koslow to the position of chief financial officer and treasurer, filling the positions left open with the departure of David W. Grimes in late July. Koslow joined GPI in November 2009 as controller. Koslow’s primary responsibilities will include managing the company’s financial reporting and assisting with its financial growth. He will also serve as chief financial officer and treasurer of the company’s subsidiary, Gaming Partners International USA, Inc., and will report directly to Greg Gronau, president and chief executive officer. Prior to joining GPI, Koslow was the vice president and controller for The Upper Deck Co., a private sports and entertainment trading card manufacturer and distributor. Before that, he was CFO of Shuffle Master Inc. He was also an auditor with Price Waterhouse. For more information, visit www.gpigaming.com.
Bally Awarded Contract with Penn National Gaming
Penn National Gaming has selected Bally systems for their next three casino openings, including Ohio’s first two casinos—Hollywood Columbus and Hollywood Toledo—and Hollywood Perryville, the first casino to open in Maryland. In addition to the new properties, Penn will replace a competitor’s system at the Empress Casino Hotel in Chicagoland. “It is both reassuring and rewarding that Penn National recognizes our long-term commitment to systems and our technology vision for the future,” said Richard Haddrill, CEO of Bally Technologies Inc. “Penn is a very experienced and knowledgeable operator, and it is very gratifying that they chose Bally.” Building on the core functionality of the ACSC™ system for slot monitoring, casino accounting and hotel functions, Penn has selected Bally’s hardware and software for player development to track, reward and retain players and build a comprehensive patron database for marketing from the mailbox to the point of play. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Aristocrat Wins Major RFP to Retain Oasis 360™ System at Ameristar Casinos
After an extensive process, Ameristar Casinos has selected Aristocrat’s Oasis 360™ system to continue to monitor and support its 11,000 games in six casinos in Colorado, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri and Nevada. Aristocrat President Nick Khin said: “This was an exceptionally challenging RFP process in which we were battling head-to-head against every other major supplier’s system. We are absolutely thrilled that Ameristar, with every choice available to it, chose to continue our eight-year partnership. We are very confident in our product, and in our team, and we know that we will continue to deliver everything that Ameristar expects so that it can continue to provide outstanding service to their players.” Oasis 360 is one of the gaming industry’s most sophisticated systems, and includes robust, proprietary features like the BlackBart™ accounting tool; Marketing Manager™ that empowers casinos to market to players with offers players want most; SpeedMedia™ that delivers content-rich messaging directly to players on the casino floor; and PersonalBanker™, that allows players to personally oversee their account. For more information, visit www.aristocratgaming.com.
MEI CASHFLOW® SC Reaches Production Milestone
MEI produced the one millionth CASHFLOW® SC bill acceptor this week at its production facility in Querétaro, Mexico. The accomplishment is a testament to how quickly CASHFLOW SC, which was introduced in August 2002, has established a leadership position in its core markets. Achieving the production milestone with CASHFLOW SC is one of series of recent achievements for MEI. MEI also celebrated the production of its three millionth Series 2000 bill validator and one millionth CASHFLOW 7000 coin manager in the vending industry. “This is a very exciting year for MEI,” said Mike Hayes, MEI CEO. “Cumulatively, these accomplishments speak volumes about our commitment to instill a high level of quality in all of our products. It not only bodes well for those customers that have specified MEI products, but also our ability to develop new solutions for automated payment systems given our focus on continuous innovation.” For more information, visit www.meigroup.com.
Global Gaming Expo Unveils Major Changes to Future Trade Shows
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and Reed Exhibitions announced that G2E 2011 will take place Oct. 4-6, reflecting a newly adjusted schedule that moves the annual trade show and conference ahead by more than one month. Also beginning in 2011, G2E will move from the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The dates of G2E Asia, held annually in Macau, also will shift in order to create a more evenly spaced global calendar of events. “G2E is the only international event developed ‘by the industry, for the industry,’” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. “These changes, which were made with the needs of both exhibitors and attendees in mind, are concrete proof of our commitment to that creed. We expect the revised schedule to result in increased attendance and sales at all of our events.” The new calendar and venue were unveiled during a media briefing, which convened gaming industry executives and employees at The Venetian Las Vegas. An archived webcast of the event can be accessed at www.lasvegassands.com.
Gary Platt Ships Chairs, Announces Aristocrat Supplying Chairs with Verve
Gary Platt Manufacturing shipped 112 Sierra Style chairs to Ameristar Kansas City Casino Hotel in Missouri. Ameristar is one of the largest and most impressive casinos in the country. The chairs are upholstered in custom Rodolph Sequel fabric. Gary Platt also shipped 130 Gazelle Style poker chairs to Great Blue Heron Charity Casino in Ontario, Canada, through their distributor, ROI Ergonomics. Gary Platt Manufacturing is very excited to announce that Aristocrat Gaming is now supplying Gary Platt chairs with their new “Verve” game. The “Verve” is a major technological advancement and has received rave reviews from customers. The chairs are the Gazelle Hi-Lo with a tri oval footrest. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Global Cash Access Names CFO, Appoints Director
Global Cash Access Holdings Inc. has named Mary E. Higgins executive vice president and chief financial officer. Higgins assumed her responsibilities on Sept.14, 2010. Additionally, GCA’s board of directors has appointed Mike Rumbolz as a member of the board, effective immediately. Higgins has served as the chief financial officer of Herbst Gaming Inc. since 2000. Rumbolz most recently acted as an independent consultant to GCA and previously was the chairman and chief executive officer of Cash Systems Inc., a competitor of GCA that was acquired by GCA in 2008. Rumbolz is also the former vice chairman of the board of Casino Data Systems, was the president and chief executive officer of Anchor Gaming and the president of Casino Windsor at the time of its opening. He additionally has served as a member and subsequently the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and is the former chief deputy attorney general of the State of Nevada. For more information, visit www.gcainc.com.
Multimedia Games Names Ramsey Chief Executive Officer
Multimedia Games Inc. reported today that pursuant to its previously announced review of strategic alternatives, Patrick Ramsey, who has served as interim chief executive officer since March 2010 and as chief operating officer since September 2008, has been appointed president and chief executive officer. Ramsey has also been appointed to the company’s board of directors, which has been increased to eight members. Since joining the company, Ramsey has overseen all aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations including working closely with customers to maximize profitability from Multimedia Games’ revenue-sharing agreements while simultaneously re-aligning the company’s new product development efforts and expanding into new markets. For more information, visit www.mm-games.com.
Konami Gaming and Intergames Announce Podium Installation at Casino Aurora
Konami Gaming Inc. and its distributor Intergames are very pleased to announce the installation of Podium slot machines at Casino Aurora in Kobarid, Slovenia. This is the first installation of Konami machines in the country of Slovenia. Podium is Konami Gaming’s newest video cabinet. Utilizing feedback from avid slot players, Konami enlisted Stuart Karten Design to fruition the players’ input. The result is an amazing culmination of sights, sounds, ergonomics and innovation. Casino Aurora is one of 10 casino properties belonging to the HIT Group in Slovenia. The HIT Group operates over 4,000 machines and 292 gaming tables. “We are very appreciative that Casino Aurora’s key management believed in Konami’s products and that with the installation and great performance of the Podium machines is just the beginning of Konami’s, Intergames and Casino Aurora’s collaboration,” says Eduardo Aching, director of international sales for Konami. For more information, visit www.gaming.konami.com.
Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods Name Karoul Marketing VP
Steve Karoul
Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprises announced that Steve Karoul has joined the organization as vice president of casino marketing. In this role, he will plan and implement promotional programs designed to attract large groups of new and existing customers to the property, and will manage special events and activities. Karoul will report directly to the chief marketing officer. Karoul brings to Foxwoods more than 30 years experience in the casino industry, including seven previous years as vice president of casino marketing at Foxwoods, a role he held from 1999 to 2006. Most recently, he was senior vice president of strategic casino marketing for the Las Vegas Sands. His extensive experience in the resort casino industry also includes roles as president and CEO of the Ciragan Palace Casino in Istanbul, Turkey; vice president of international casino marketing at Caesar’s World in Las Vegas; and executive director of international marketing for Sun City Casino in South Africa. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.
DEQ Completes 111 New Installs in Q3
DEQ Systems Corp. is proud to announce that the company has completed 111 new installations in North America during the third quarter of 2010. This equates to a 100 percent increase in comparison to the average installs per quarter for the past six quarters. “It has been busy and the team has reacted in an incredible way to this sharp increase in the popularity of our products,” stated Earle G. Hall, president and CEO of DEQ. “Furthermore, we do not see this as a surge or a peak in business but more as a trend. With all the recent contracts that have been signed, the fourth quarter looks very promising as all our products are gaining momentum in the USA and abroad.” DEQ’s flagship product, the G3™ has been installed on 36 new table games in California, Missouri and Alberta. EZ Baccarat™ equipped with EZ Trak™, had 71 new installs in California, New Jersey and Alberta. The company has also completed four new installations in California of its recently launched EZ Pai Gow™. For more information, visit www.deq.com.
SugarHouse Casino Selects FutureLogic’s GEN2 Universal
FutureLogic Inc. announced that it has signed an agreement with SugarHouse Casino, stating that FutureLogic’s GEN2 Universal™ printer will be the exclusive printer used in the new casino’s gaming platforms. Opened to the public on Sept. 23, 2010, SugarHouse Casino’s 45,000-square-foot gaming floor will feature 1,600 slot machines and dozens of table games. According to SugarHouse Casino, their selection of GEN2 Universal printers was based on a proven track record of success at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Riverwalk Casino in Vicksburg, Miss. Winner of numerous industry awards, the GEN2 Universal printer is designed to provide the ease of integration required for the next generation of networked games. It is server-based ready, supports both SPC (IGT) and GDS protocols and can be configured to communicate with multiple hosts simultaneously, such as RS-232 or Netplex and USB protocols. For more information, visit www.futurelogic-inc.com.
Dickinson Wright PLLC Combines with Gibson Lowry Burris LLP
Dickinson Wright PLLC, a nationally recognized, full-service law firm, announced that it is combining with Las Vegas law firm Gibson Lowry Burris LLP. The merger of the two firms was effective Aug. 16, 2010, and will strengthen and expand Dickinson Wright’s client service in several key areas, including intellectual property and gaming law. “The addition of a Las Vegas office not only expands our firm’s national footprint, specifically in the western portion of the country, but it adds depth, experience and additional clients to our successful, growing intellectual property and gaming practice areas, which is consistent with the firm’s strategic growth plans,” said Dickinson Wright CEO William T. Burgess. Three Gibson Lowry Burris LLP attorneys will join Dickinson Wright: Steven A. Gibson, Jodi Donetta (J.D.) Lowry, and J. Scott Burris. The addition of these attorneys brings the total number of Dickinson Wright attorneys to more than 260. Gibson will serve as the Las Vegas office’s managing partner. The Las Vegas office will continue to be located at 7201 West Lake Mead Boulevard. For more information, visit www.dickinson-wright.com.
NIGC Postpones Effective Date of Class II MICS
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced the extension of the effective date of the final rule for Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) for bingo, which were published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2008, and codified under 25 CFR part 543. As a result of consulting with tribes this summer and in response to tribal concerns, the commission has determined an additional extension is appropriate. The new effective date is now Oct.13, 2011. Further, the newly appointed commission has committed to a review of all NIGC regulations, including the 2008 published Class II MICS, for effectiveness and relevance. In addition to extending the effective date of Class II Bingo MICS, the NIGC is requesting that tribes provide comment on whether this rule should be amended in whole or in part. Original comments can be faxed to (202) 632-7066, e-mailed to [email protected] or posted at www.regulations.gov. For more information, contact Jennifer Ward at (202) 632-7003 or [email protected].
Lionel Sawyer & Collins Named a Top Law Firm by U.S. News and Best Lawyers
Lionel Sawyer & Collins is proud to announce that it has 12 first-tier rankings and five second-tier rankings in the inaugural “2010 U.S.News – Best Lawyers ‘Best Law Firms’ Survey.” Of the 12 first-tier rankings, seven were earned by the firm’s Las Vegas office, making Lionel Sawyer & Collins the firm with the most first-tier rankings in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.lionelsawyer.com.
STARGATE SG-1™ Attracts Players Across African Casinos
Players are now lining up to enter the STARGATE in South Africa at Emerald Casino, Gold Reef City Casino and Montecasino. The games have also become a star-studded attraction at Bollywood Casino in Nairobi, Kenya and at Bandits in Windhoek, Namibia. These installations follow successful introductions earlier this year at The Wild Coast Sun, Carnival City, Golden Horse Casino, Emperor’s Palace, Sibaya and Boardwalk Casino in South Africa. “STARGATE’s performance has been remarkable, and in some cases is double the area average,” said Cliff Lamberton of ATOMIC Gaming. Featuring an immediately recognizable theme, STARGATE SG-1™ represents the longest-running science fiction series in American TV history. The game has garnered international appeal and has won many consumer prizes. For more information, visit www.atronic.com.
GLI Renews Exclusive Contract with South Dakota Commission on Gaming
Gaming Laboratories International has been testing gaming devices and systems for the South Dakota Commission on Gaming since GLI’s founding in 1989, and now the company has renewed its exclusive testing contract with the Commission. Under terms of this agreement, GLI provides comprehensive testing on a wide variety of gaming equipment including slots, systems and peripheral equipment. GLI has a separate, exclusive contract with the South Dakota Lottery. The contracts with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming and the South Dakota Lottery Commission were the first contracts in GLI’s history, which has since grown to more than 450 jurisdictions globally. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com
Liggett Promoted to Casino Manager at Barona Resort & Casino
Barona Resort & Casino announced that Greg Liggett has been promoted to casino manager. A gaming industry veteran of more than 33 years, Liggett’s past work experience has included executive management positions at casinos across the nation. Most recently Barona’s director of special events and promotions, Liggett is now one of eight casino managers that have full responsibility for day-to-day operations at the casino and resort. Liggett was lured back to Barona after serving as the director of gaming operations at a local casino. Previously, he served as assistant casino manager, director of slot operations, player development office manager and assistant director of marketing at Barona. His past experience also includes working as assistant general manager at the Rainbow Casino in Mississippi; table games manager at Lakeside Casino & Resort in Iowa; assistant table games manager Sandia Casino in New Mexico; and operations manager of President Casino in Iowa. For more information, visit www.barona.com.
PokerTek Makes Mexico’s First National Poker Tournament a Success
PokerTek Inc. announced the successful completion of Mexico’s first national poker tournament, the Life Poker Championship, held in Mexico City August 19 -22. The multi-table, multi-day tournament ran entirely on PokerPro tables managed by PokerTek’s newly-released tournament software. Almost 300 poker players participated in the event held on 10 PokerPro tables at Cirsa’s CasinoLife Del Valle property and broadcast live throughout Mexico. This was the first government-sanctioned tournament of its size to be run in Mexico. PokerPro’s new tournament software seamlessly facilitated the entire tournament, allowing three qualifying rounds to be run in two days. The qualifiers then reconvened for the final rounds until only 10 players were moved to the final table. The software’s “hand-for-hand” feature allowed payouts across multiple tables, and PokerPro’s enhanced Tournament Leaderboard allowed players and spectators to follow all of the action. For more information, visit www.pokertek.com.
Suzo Happ Makes Strides in Italy With Talaris Products
Suzo Happ’s constant goal of providing the best products fit to market is underlined with the Talaris product range. This former De La Rue product range is very well established and recognized in the banking sector. Understanding the benefits that such products can offer the gaming and amusement industry, Suzo Happ formerly introduced the Talaris product range to the industry at IGE in January. Erik Wijma, sales director for Suzo Happ in Europe, comments on why demand for the Mach 3 has grown so quickly in Italy: “The Mach 3 is the smaller brother of the Mach coin counting and sorting range. Talaris also offer the Mach 6, Mach 9 and Mach 12. The Mach 3 is ideal for smaller operators who have the challenge of sorting, counting and bagging coins. As the Italian gaming market is characterized by a multitude of smaller operators, the Mach 3 is the ideal product.” For more information, visit www.suzohapp.com.
Elite Casino Products and Interbrand Gaming Develop Strategic Partnership
Elite Casino Products Inc. has recently developed a strategic alliance with John Malin, CEO of Interbrand Gaming, to promote the company’s line of slot machine products. Interbrand Gaming will be representing Elite Casino Products (ECP) in the United Kingdom, Europe, South America and the United States. At a recent interview, ECP and Interbrand executives outlined the advantages of the alliance. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with John Malin and Interbrand,” states Scott Irving, managing director of ECP. “John brings a great wealth of industry knowledge and years of sales experience that will expand the reach of ECP in the worldwide market.”
John Malin commented, “Interbrand Gaming’s core business strategy is to work in partnership with innovative, gaming suppliers who can offer OEM’s quality components that are tailored to meet specific and often bespoke requirements.” For more information, visit www.ecp-usa.com or www.interbrandgaming.com.
Idaho Introduces Rocket’s Gold Series® Games to Players
Rocket Gaming Systems announces that its popular Gold Series games are now available in the state of Idaho. Three Gold Series games went live on Aug. 10, 2010 at Clearwater River Casino & Resort in Lewiston, Idaho. Clearwater River Casino becomes the first property in the state of Idaho to offer the Gold Series to its players, along with the chance to win the Gold Series top prize of over $1 million. The Gold Series has been a sensation across Native American gaming floors throughout the United States and consist of some of the best performing games in Rocket’s history. The Gold Series is made up of Burnin’ Up®, Golden Sunrise™, Kingdom Cash®, Lucky Year® and Puppy Tales™. With the installation at Clearwater River Casino & Resort, the Gold Series is now installed in 88 facilities in 13 states across the country. For more information, visit www.rocketgaming.com.
Rainmaker Launches TribalRev for Native American Casino Hotels
The Rainmaker Group announced it will provide its world-class revenue optimization services to small and midsized casino hotel operators on Indian tribal lands. The new TribalRev services will level the revenue playing field for Native American operators that compete with larger companies. TribalRev will be a reasonably priced hosted offering that provides clients with Rainmaker’s hosted revolution profit optimization software and the services of a professional Rainmaker revenue management executive. The TribalRev service will provide the same revenue optimization benefits that Rainmaker delivers to the world’s largest hotel casino companies including Wynn Las Vegas, Kerzner, MGM MIRAGE, Trump Entertainment Resorts and Harrah’s Entertainment. For more information, visit www.letitrain.com.
Veridocs Announces New President and COO
Veridocs announced the appointment of Joseph E. Oprosko Jr., CPA, as president and COO of Veridocs. Oprosko joined Veridocs as interim COO in February of this year, after working as a consultant to Veridocs in the tribal gaming and law enforcement sector. He brings over 20 years of broad-based accounting, consulting, audit, training and financial business experience in a multitude of industries to his role at Veridocs. Dennis Nelson, co-founder of Veridocs, is reducing his role within the company and will no longer serve as its chairman of the board, president and CEO. Nelson remains on the board of directors and will continue to play an integral part in the company. Other changes within the company and to the board were the election of Carl Kuehne as chairman of the board and Mike Pate, co-founder and CTO of Veridocs, as secretary and treasurer of the company. For more information, visit www.veridocs.com.