Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | May 2008 42 Briefs International Briefs IGT Announces Server Based Gaming Initiatives IGT andWMS enteredaneweraof cooperationwithanagreement that provides for a wide-ranging, non-exclusive cross-license of each other’s intellectual property and patents associated with realizing the benefits of server-based gaming for their customers in an open architecture environment. In addition, both companies affirmed their commitment for product interoperability and the advent of an enterprise-wide networked gaming environment. The agreement between IGT and WMS covers certain patents and intellectual property that address fundamental capabilities for computer and server-based infrastructure in the gaming industry, including IGT’s Alcorn authentication and encryption patents. Both companies are members of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) and are committed to the open architecture of the GSA standards and open network protocols. TJ Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of IGT, said,“This agreement will provide the momentum for both companies to achieve their common vision—a revolution in networked gaming applications, player features,and casino entertainment.The agreement accelerates the introduction of innovative, value-add applications previously announced by IGT and WMS, such as IGT’s award-winning sb™ (server-based) Service Window.” IGT is developing a complete set of individualized sb™ (server- based) products and services to maximize profitability across the entire casino enterprise. With IGT sb™ Products, operators will be able to weave in all their amenities for increased profitability. On the heels of the agreement, IGT went on to sign a memorandum of understanding with the upcoming MGM MIRAGE CityCenter development in Las Vegas to install a server-based network and related IGT sb™ and gaming management system products at the development’s massive resort casino, scheduled to open in late 2009. This would be the first floor-wide installation of a system of this kind. The Service Window will be accessible to players via slot machines and eventually table games to link them to their MGM MIRAGE Players Club accounts and to various services. According to a press release, IGT and CityCenter look forward to working closely with Nevada gaming regulators to make this advancement a reality. CityCenter is an US$8 billion mixed-use development jointly owned by MGM MIRAGE and Dubai World. It will sit in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts. The development combines approximately 2,650 luxury residences, two 400-room non-gaming boutique hotels (one of which will be managed by luxury hotelier Mandarin Oriental), a dramatic 61-story, 4,000-room resort casino, and a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. Transact Wins Default Status at IGT TransAct Technologies, a global leader in market-specific printers for transaction based industries, announced that IGT has selected Transact’s Epic 950® printer as the default Ticket-In Ticket-Out printer for all new IGT games. The term of the default status will begin immediately and extend through June 30, 2010. Bart C.Shuldman,Chairman,President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAct Technologies,said,“This is a historic win for TransAct and it comes just as we believe the upgrade cycle for server-based gaming is about to begin. We truly appreciate the opportunity IGT is giving us.We thank them for their decision and confidence in TransAct.” TransAct’s Epic 950® combines groundbreaking marketing capabilities,sophisticatedtechnicaladvances,androbustengineering in a single printer. IGT’s decision to select the Epic 950® as its default printer is a validation of TransAct’s technology, support, and product development as best-in-class. CryptoLogic Releases Street Fighter II Slot Game Innovative online gaming software provider CryptoLogic has launcheda slot versionof theStreet Fighter II arcade game, which had a massive following among hordes of teenagers, particularly in Asia, in the late 80s and 90s. The game is available through the company’s WagerLogic subsidiary. Exploding onto the scene in 1987, Street Fighter is widely credited with launching the fighting game genre into the mainstream. The Street Fighter series has sold more than 500,000 coin-operated units and more than 24 million console games worldwide, generating more than US$1bn in revenue. In the slot version, famous characters including Ryu,Guile and Chun-Li face off against the evil Bison in a high-payout re-spin feature. Station Plans Mega Vegas Project Station Casinos is designing a multibillion-dollar development, which would be the most ambitious project in its 32-year history, according to the Las Vegas GamingWire . The company says it is planning a mixed-use development, tentatively titled Viva, for 110 acres on Tropicana Avenue, on the current site of the WildWildWest hotel-casino and some restaurants, retail shops and warehouses. The project could eventually cost as much as US$10 billion, overshadowing MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter project, and will be built in phases.The first phase is expected to have three hotels with 5,200 hotel rooms and a large casino. The company is also discussing building an arena on the site. Station Casinos President Lorenzo Fertitta said the gaming company has been master planning the project for the past year and it is “on top” of the company’s development list. Itmay take awhile for construction tobegin,however,considering it took four years for the US$925 million Red Rock Resort to go from CityCenter