Ezra and Michel Join Bally Technologies’ Mobile Program
Bally Technologies Inc. announced Aron Ezra and Keith Michel have joined the company as vice president of mobile and director of mobile technology, respectively. Their responsibilities include oversight, technical and business development, implementation, and execution of Bally Technologies’ mobile program.
“The ability to combine leading industry experts with state-of-the-art technology is what Aron and Keith bring to Bally,” said John Connelly, Bally’s vice president of business development. “Their knowledge in mobile gaming, applications and infrastructure will enable our customers to extend their existing core systems framework into the handheld area of the gaming market. Bally systems customers will soon have the ability to obtain a ‘single view of the patron’ across their casino floor or remotely on iPod™, iPad®, Android™, iOS®, BlackBerry® and Windows® Phone 7.”
Prior to joining Bally, Ezra and Michel headed San Francisco-based MacroView Labs, which became a top mobile technology company serving the casino and hospitality industry. Acquired by Bally Technologies in 2011, MacroView Labs’ award-winning apps and mobile sites are used by millions of people. MacroView’s clients include more than 20 of the world’s leading gaming operators. For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.
Konami Gaming Inc. Announces Promotions and Appointment
Konami Gaming Inc. is pleased to announce the promotions of Eduardo Aching, Ross O’Hanley and Ray Suarez, and the appointment of Jovica Perovic.
Aching has been promoted to senior director, international sales. In this role, Aching oversees Konami’s global sales including Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean and is responsible for developing international markets for the company’s games and systems products. He develops and maintains relationships with key distributors and existing customers, and manages new business opportunities. Aching has been with Konami since 2008, following several years in the gaming industry and more than 20 years in the technology sector.
O’Hanley has been promoted to vice president, domestic game sales. In this role, O’Hanley is responsible for operational and strategic direction for North American game sales and lease/participation products, as well as gaming and systems marketing initiatives for the global brand. He has more than 10 years of experience in senior operational management roles within the gaming industry. O’Hanley joined Konami in 2008.
Suarez has been promoted to vice president, sales operations/director, manufacturing. In this role, Suarez is responsible for the sales operation department, which includes all sales order support functions for the games and systems divisions. He also provides internal and external customer support by developing and implementing business solutions and operational procedures. In addition to his sales operations responsibilities, Suarez also serves as director, manufacturing. He joined Konami in 2008.
Perovic has been appointed to director, international sales for the European market. Perovic brings more than 15 years of international experience in business development and senior operational management roles, including designing and opening of gaming facilities in Canada and Europe. For more information, visit www.gaming.konami.com.
JCM Global Granted Supplier License in Illinois VLG Market
The Illinois Gaming Board has granted JCM Global a license as a Video Gaming Terminal Supplier. To date, JCM is the only bill validator supplier company to be granted such a license. JCM has been licensed as a riverboat supplier in Illinois since 2002, and this new license allows the company to supply its extensive line of award-winning products to the Illinois VLT marketplace. “We are absolutely thrilled to have been granted this license by the Illinois Gaming Board,” said Mark Henderson, VP global sales of JCM Global. “We are excited to expand our presence in Illinois, along with our recently expanded product line, which includes the award-winning iVIZION® bill validator, the new ICB 2.5, the new Sentry 2.0 and the new PayCheck 4™ thermal printer. For more information, visit www.jcmglobal.com.
Caesars Entertainment Expands Presence to India
Caesars Entertainment Corp. announced that Caesars Global Life, the unit recently created to develop branded luxury hotels, restaurants and other lifestyle amenities in resort destinations around the world, is expanding its presence to India. Through Caesars Global Life, Caesars Entertainment will develop its non-gaming presence and build a range of luxury hotels in South Asia, with entertainment and retail as integral components. The company plans to launch multiple brands from its portfolio in addition to a new lifestyle brand that is in development. Caesars will be focusing on major top-tier cities, as well as resort and holiday destinations. For more information, visit www.caesars.com/corporate.
Rob Bone
Rob Bone
WMS Promotes Bone, Receives Approval from Nevada Gaming Commission
WMS Industries Inc. announced that Rob Bone has been named senior vice president of North American sales. A member of WMS’ executive committee, Bone has served as vice president of North American sales since April 2011 and continues to report to WMS Chief Operating Officer, Ken Lochiatto. He joined WMS in 2000, and prior to joining the company held various positions in marketing and finance for several large multi-national casino operators.
WMS also announced that it has received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission for the initial commercial release of WAGE-NET® Networked Gaming System. This first approval includes Remote Configuration and Download (RCD) functionality of the WAGE-NET system. WMS will begin to commercially launch its new Portal applications at casinos in Nevada, including the Jackpot Explosion® application, the first themed application in WMS’ Ultra Hit Progressive® (UHP) Portal application family. The UHP series is the first in a lineup of differentiated Portal applications and content designed to interoperate with WMS gaming machines on a casino floor utilizing the networking capabilities of the WAGE-NET system. For more information, visit www.wms.com.
NEWave and Veridocs Announce System Integration
NEWave and its partner Veridocs, the leading identity management services provider, have announced a system integration that makes real-time document authentication within NEWave’s products even easier, bolstering casinos’ regulatory compliance. In a new software release, Veridocs will be integrated into NEWave’s system, making it even easier for customers who want ID authentication (validating that an ID document presented is official) in conjunction with NEWave’s products. For gaming properties already using Veridocs, NEWave products will easily interface with that system. NEWave and Veridocs have been working in concert since January 2011, and the Veridocs system works with NEWave’s myCompliance™ suite and myCageOperations™ suite. For more information, visit www.mynewave.com.
FutureLogic Recruits Systems Specialist for European Expansion
FutureLogic Inc. announces that Anette Jauch has been hired to the position of sales and marketing manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, effective Sept. 5, 2011. With more than 18 years of experience driving improved business results across European gaming markets, Jauch joins FutureLogic with a tremendous track record for delivering systems sales and marketing strategies for complex gaming products and systems solutions. Her previous employment includes a number of senior positions with IGT, Mikohn and Atronic Systems. In her new capacity of sales and marketing manager at FutureLogic, Jauch will report to FutureLogic’s VP International Markets John Edmunds. For more information, visit www.futurelogic-inc.com.
Gary Platt Manufacturing Announces New Chair, New Green Program
Gary Platt Manufacturing is introducing its new green program. The X-Tended Play line of furniture that was introduced seven years ago with patented molded foam has kept its initial properties and now can be reused for refurbished chairs. Customers from seven years ago are now redoing their chairs, incorporating their own foams and woods. The program is also offered to new customers that have a limited budget. This new concept is good for the environment, the economy, the customer and for Gary Platt Manufacturing.
Gary Platt Manufacturing is also announcing a new custom chair. The “Kaylee” is being introduced into the designer series of chairs. For more information on this, see the New Products section of this issue on page166. For more information, visit www.garyplatt.com.
Espee De Robillard
Espee De Robillard
GLI Announces New Operations Manager for Australian Labs, Releases GLI-11 V2.1
Gaming Laboratories International recently made several positive changes to its three Australian labs. Now the company is pleased to announce it has hired long-time testing executive Espee De Robillard as operations manager for its Australian labs and a senior member of GLI’s executive team. De Robillard is based in GLI’s Sydney lab and oversees operations and supplier relations for each of GLI’s three Australian-based labs. De Robillard comes to GLI with a wealth of experience in gaming testing and certification and in international business.
GLI also announces the release of the latest version of its widely recognized technical standard GLI-11 “Gaming Devices in Casinos” v2.1. GLI-11 v2.1 has undergone extensive industry review and comment. GLI-11 “Gaming Devices in Casinos” was first authored in 1999. Since that time, it has become the most widely recognized and adopted technical standard in the gaming industry. It is recognized globally by some of the most highly regulated and successful gaming markets in existence and has been used as a regulatory guideline by hundreds of regulatory agencies around the world. For more information, visit www.gaminglabs.com.
Cantor Gaming to Operate New Race and Sports Book at the Plaza Hotel and Casino
The Plaza Hotel and Casino and Cantor Gaming announced that they have entered into a long-term agreement for Cantor Gaming to operate the race and sports book at the recently renovated Plaza Hotel property. This transaction will also introduce mobile gaming to the heart of downtown Las Vegas. The exclusive long term agreement, commencing in early 2012, will bring Cantor Gaming’s cutting edge technology—including mobile gaming, dynamic in-running technology and wagering options—to sports betting customers at the Plaza, in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.cantorgaming.com.
Incredible Technologies Granted Approval in Louisiana
Incredible Technologies (IT) announced that the company has been granted a license by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to sell electronic gaming machines to commercially licensed riverboat and land-based casinos in the state. The license marks the eighth state—in addition to multiple licenses granted by Native American tribes—in which the emerging Class III manufacturer will offer its award-winning Magic Touch® video slot titles in North America. “Phase one of our strategy is focused on three primary gaming markets; California tribal, the Midwestern and Southern gaming regions,” said Elaine Hodgson, IT president and CEO. For more information, visit www.itcasinogames.com.
Jeff Connor
Jeff Connor
Table Trac Promotes Jeff Connor, New Casino Uses System
Table Trac Inc. announced that Jeff Connor has been promoted to director of sales and marketing. Connor will manage the company’s sales force and oversee all gaming system and peripheral sales, focusing on increasing product penetration while further establishing Table Trac’s presence in key markets. Since 2008, Connor has worked with Table Trac. He has more than 15 years of gaming experience.
On Aug. 5, the Diamond Beach Casino Resort, Curacao’s premier gaming destination, opened. The Diamond Beach Casino is using Table Trac’s complete suite of casino management products, including slot accounting, player tracking and the company’s newly designed table games management system. The property also has Table Trac’s unique KioskTrac™ system that gives gaming operators a revenue-driving marketing and promotional solution aimed at creating excitement among players and guests. For more information, visit www.tabletrac.com.
G2E Keynotes to Feature Panel Discussions on Innovation and Tribal Gaming
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2011 will combine entertainment and industry perspectives to feature a lively series of keynote events, including an exciting opening day address by Penn Jillette and panels consisting of gaming industry leaders and tribal gaming experts. Immediately following Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, G2E 2011 will begin with a keynote address by Penn Jillette—magician, comedian, author and the larger, vocal half of “Penn & Teller.” Wednesday’s keynote session is “State of the Industry: Innovating for a Stronger Future,” and the keynote events will conclude on Thursday with “Tribal Gaming Roundtable: The Indian Casino of the Future.” The keynote addresses will take place at the same time each day, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Titian Ballroom at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Additionally, James J. Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, will deliver an exclusive conference keynote at G2E 2011. Murren’s conference keynote address will be held on Oct. 5, from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in the Titian Ballroom and will be open to G2E 2011 conference delegates only. For more information, visit www.globalgamingexpo.com.
Pinnacle Entertainment Announces Management Promotions
Pinnacle Entertainment announced that Geno M. Iafrate has been promoted to senior vice president of Louisiana operations with direct oversight of the company’s four Louisiana properties. Keith W. Henson will succeed Iafrate and has been named vice president and general manager. Sue Ascanio has been promoted to senior vice president. In addition to her role as general manager at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Indiana, she will have additional oversight of River Downs Racetrack in Cincinnati, Ohio. All appointments are subject to final regulatory approval. For more information, visit www.pnkinc.com.
Sabby Gill
Sabby Gill
Gill joins IGT as Regional Vice President, EMEA
International Game Technology (IGT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sabby Gill to the position of regional vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Gill comes to IGT from HP where he had the role of vice president and general manager of partner and mid-size enterprise business in HP Software within EMEA. During his time at HP, Gill oversaw a team responsible for strategic partners and alliances in the EMEA region. As vice president, he played a leading role in delivering strong growth in HP’s software business in the mid-size enterprise segment across the region. For more information, visit www.igt.com.
Steven Kraus
Steven Kraus
DeAnna Franklin
DeAnna Franklin
StylGame Announces New Director of Sales, Director of Marketing
StylGame announced the appointment of DeAnna Franklin as managing director of sales and development for the North American region. As a member of the company’s senior executive staff, Franklin will be responsible for StylGame’s growth and sales development within the North American region to ensure the company’s strategic objectives are met.
StylGame also announced the appointment of Steven Kraus as director of marketing and communications for North America. As a member of the company’s senior executive staff, he will be in charge of all marketing related activities, departments, and personnel involved in marketing and development for the company. He will initially focus on developing a strategic marketing plan for the company, while coordinating marketing operations with all other departments of the company, and StylGame’s worldwide offices. For more information, visit www.royalstool.com.
SCA Promotions Expands Sales Team with Four New Hires
SCA Promotions Inc. is excited to welcome four new employees to their growing sales team. Victor Banuelos, Jill Howard, Chantel Poche and Bill A. Riley have been hired as associate account managers. Prior to accepting the position with SCA Promotions, Banuelos was employed in a sales role with Earth Turf where he is credited with having sold the largest job to date in the company’s history. Originally from Virginia, Howard joins SCA Promotions from Netpique LLC where she served in an outside sales role based in Dallas, Texas. Poche comes to SCA Promotions with experience in Internet sales with Toyota of Grapevine. Along with his extensive education, Riley brings experience as marketing coordinator at The Memorial Tournament, PGA Tour and operations assistant at the 37th Ryder Cup Matches held at Valhalla. For more information, visit www.scagaming.com.
Crane Payment Solutions Signs Strategic Distributor Agreement
Crane Payment Solutions, manufacturers of the CashCode one™ bill validator and NRI’s coin validator, has just named R2 Gaming Inc. as its new distributor for the Canadian gaming market. Under this agreement, R2 Gaming will focus on growing market share for Crane Payment Solutions in Canada. Crane’s leading product in Canada is the CashCode one, the only truly universal banknote validator on the marketplace. As it stands, CashCode one is fully capable of handling up to 80 banknotes at a time when older models of bill validators in the marketplace will struggle to properly process all 17 different banknotes to be in circulation. R2 Gaming is in a position to assist operators with any upgrading questions and recommendations. For more information, visit www.craneps.com.
Station Casinos Integrates 18 EZ Products
DEQ Systems Corp. jackpot and loyalty solutions, announced that Station Casinos has integrated 18 EZ Products. Palace Station has integrated seven EZ Baccarat and seven EZ Trak while Red Rock Casino has integrated two EZ Baccarat and two EZ Trak. “EZ Baccarat / EZ Trak combo has proven to be a good decision for us at Palace Station,” stated Michael Jerlecki, vice president and general manager of Palace Station. “We started out with two EZ Baccarat & two EZ Trak, and then increased them to four EZ Baccarat and four EZ Trak; customer demand warranted an increase to seven each.” For more information, visit www.stationcasinos.com or www.deq.com.
Abbiati Completes Installations
Abbiati Casino Equipment has recently completed installation of all new American Roulette Winning Number Displays in the two branches of the Casinò di Venezia, Ca’ Vendramin and Ca’ Noghera. All newly installed displays are connected online and Abbiati IT technicians have been working for a long time very closely with the Venetian Casino’s IT team to complete and fully meet the technical specifications for the requested software upgrade. Giovanni Abbiati, president of Abbiati Casino Equipment, stated that a long-term successful collaboration is connecting the two companies. “It was another successful delivery,” he said. For more information, visit www.abbiati.com.
EGT Supplies Central Casino Hungary with Vega-R8
The continuous standardization of more Euro Games Technology products is building one quite interesting and diverse range of best-selling products and country specific solutions designed for the Hungarian market and beyond. The new significant location for EGT represents the opening of the newest Central Casino Hungary, where EGT will be present with a second electronic roulette Vega-R8. The EGT Roulette demonstrates, on a daily basis, its flexibility and effortless manageability, which combined with latest cutting edge technology has already proved itself as a favorite amongst both the players and the casino management. Vega-R8 has eight comfortable player stations, each equipped with the conveniently sized 22-inch wide touchscreen monitors. For more information, visit www.egt-bg.com.
Penn National Gaming Names New General Managers
Penn National Gaming Inc. announced management changes at its Boomtown Biloxi and Argosy Casino Sioux City properties. Effective Aug. 29, Kees Eder will become general manager of Boomtown Casino Biloxi following his tenure as general manager of Penn National’s Argosy Casino Sioux City, a position he has held since September 2007. In addition, Lance George will succeed Eder as general manager of Argosy Casino Sioux City (also effective Aug. 29). George joins Penn National from Pinnacle Entertainment where he most recently served as vice president & general manager of Boomtown Casino and Hotel in Bossier City, La., since December 2010. For more information, visit www.pngaming.com.
MICROS eCommerce Services|TIG Global Expands Relationship with Delta Hotels; Alrov Selects MICROS Technology
MICROS eCommerce Services|TIG Global, a subsidiary of MICROS Systems Inc. and leading interactive marketing company for hospitality and travel, continues to expand its growth through its recent partnership with Delta Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality company with 46 locations throughout Canada. MICROS eCommerce Services|TIG Global will merge together the most comprehensive, full-service solution available, combining the MICROS OPERA Reservation System and CRM proprietary booking technology with innovative web design and strategy, to deliver a seamless and rewarding user experience from top-to-bottom that is unmatched in the industry.
MICROS Systems Inc. is also delighted to announce that Alrov Properties & Lodging Ltd. has selected MICROS technology for all of its hotels located in Europe and Israel. Alrov will implement the MICROS OPERA Enterprise Solution, including property management, sales and catering, and reservations, in all of its properties by 2013. The stunning Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam will kick off the project in the fall of 2011. MICROS will host its advanced solutions for Alrov in its data center located in Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, visit www.micros.com.
Jill Philbrook
Jill Philbrook
Fantasy Springs Welcomes New Marketing Manager
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is pleased to announce Jill Philbrook as its new marketing manager. Philbrook brings an extensive, 15-year resume in casino marketing to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. She previously worked in the marketing departments for some of the biggest southern California resorts and casinos. She has also lent her marketing expertise to companies outside the hospitality industry, namely Ryder Truck Rental and Trek Bicycles. Philbrook earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University. For more information, visit www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
AGA to Launch Global Gaming Women Initiative at G2E
The American Gaming Association (AGA) will launch Global Gaming Women (GGW), a new development program to nurture emerging female leaders in the international gaming industry, at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2011. The initiative will be an ongoing effort by the AGA to foster stronger relationships between top female executives and promising managers. Virginia McDowell, president and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., and Patti Hart, president and CEO of International Game Technology, will serve as co-chairs of the program. GGW will create an opportunity for women in the industry to learn from each other, share ideas, discuss best practices and take advantage of mentorship opportunities in the industry. For more information, visit www.americangaming.org.
Quixant Opens U.S. Subsidiary in Las Vegas
Quixant announces it has established a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary. Incorporated in Nevada, Quixant USA Inc. has its offices located in Las Vegas, the global heart of gaming. The Quixant USA office is located at 1525 E Sunset Road, in the “Gaming Triangle” on the southern perimeter of the airport. Amit Sharma has been appointed VP of sales to head up the U.S. sales operation. Sharma brings with him extensive experience of sales and support of computer products in the field of gaming. Nick Jarmany, managing director/CEO of Quixant, commented: “This is a major milestone for us and demonstrates the long-term commitment Quixant has to our customers in the U.S. and to the gaming industry as a whole.” For more information, visit www.quixant.com.