Casino Journal

GEN2-VST™ Vertical Ticket Printer (PSA-66V-ST2)

-FutureLogic

  This compact, feature-rich device-a new vertical configuration of the company's popular GEN2 thermal printer-is designed specifically for use with space-saving slim top machines, a rapidly growing segment of the cashless gaming machine market. Its rugged design and high-performance characteristics also make it an ideal device for kiosk applications.Like the standard GEN2™ configuration, the GEN2-VST™ features FutureLogic's patent-pending ITH™ (Intelligent Ticket Handling) technology and ProMatrix™ promotional couponing and triggering system. The printer measures 6-1/4 inches deep by 5-1/8 inches wide by 9 inches high and weighs only five pounds.
 
  Other unique features include: ProColor™ two-color printing that approves appearance and effectiveness of promotional coupons; PromoPort™ dedicated promotional printing port architecture used to implement campaigns through player tracking systems or to interact directly with the game; FlashPod™, an easy-to-use tool for downloading promotional coupons to the game via USB pr serial communications without interrupting power or play; expanded graphics memory and storage capacity for graphics, fonts and promotional coupon templates; firmware and promotional database may be upgraded without removing the printer from the game; and patent-pending TRT™ (Tamper Resistant Ticket) technology to deter counterfeiters.
 
  "This is a durable, user-friendly product worth installing," one judge said.
 
  "This is great ticket printer technology," another judge noted.

PLATINUM AWARD
 
GEN2™ Ticket Printer (PSA-66-ST2)

-FutureLogic

  The latest version of the FutureLogic GEN2™ gaming printer virtually eliminates ticket jamming and tampering, a costly nuisance to slot managers. GEN2 also incorporates a versatile new promotional couponing and triggering system for casino marketers. GEN2™ is approved or seeking approval in more than 50 jurisdictions worldwide and IGT recently specified it as their default printer for all new slot machines and video platforms.
 
  New GEN2™ printers incorporate ProMatrix™, a flexible and fully functional promotional couponing and trigger system. This feature enables proactive marketing functions on the casino floor by turning ordinary slot tickets into colorful, eye-catching coupons.
 
  An important new reliability feature built into the GEN2™ printers is the patent-pending ITH™ (Intelligent Ticket Handling) technology. By completely printing and bursting the ticket internally-before it is presented to the player-Gen2™ printers eliminate player interface and ensure a clear, readable image.
 
  Other key features include: backward compatibility with existing PSA-66 technology installed in over 700,000 units worldwide; offers 50 percent more paper capacity than competing printers, capable of holding 900 tickets with tray extenders; expanded graphics memory and storage capacity for graphics, fonts and promotional coupon templates; firmware and promotional database may be upgraded without removing the printer from the game; and patent-pending TRT™ (Tamper Resistant Ticket) technology to deter counterfeiters.
 
  Judges said the additional features gave the printer a leg up.
 
  "It could be a major competitor to existing slot printers," one judge said.
 
  "This is wonderfully innovative and cutting-edge," another said.

GOLD AWARD

Downloadable Games Platform

-Cyberview Technology

  Cyberview's Downloadable Games Platform is the first system in the world to receive certification against the GLI 21 standard, Gaming Laboratories Internationals benchmark for downloadable games to the slot floor.
 
  Systems in which games can be downloaded from a local central
 
  computer to gaming machines are not new to Cyberview-the company operates a global estate of over 9,000 terminals. But the challenges of the North American gaming environment mean that new technology is needed; the key concern of operators, regulators and vendors is that the security and integrity of a downloadable system must be absolutely paramount.
 
  It is here that Cyberview's Downloadable Games Platform shows its greatest strengths. Before any game is even allowed into a casino, it is first checked by GLI. When it reaches a casino (on CD) it goes through no less than three verification cycles in which literally thousands of software and hardware components are checked for any evidence of tampering or malfunction.
 
  When the game is passed, it can then be deployed from the central computer to the gaming machines as and when the operator wishes. The mix of games on the terminals can be changed to fine tune revenue by matching games to the current customer demographic. If there are games that aren't performing well, they can be changed just by clicking a mouse in the central office.
 
  "This product provides the flexibility, not currently realized, to tailor the floor to the customers' tastes without the process of physical conversions," one judge said.
 
  Another judge called the platforms a great idea, adding, "it will help revolutionize slot systems."

GOLD AWARD
   
  Game Activation Scheduler
 
  -Cyberview Technology
 
  The Cyberview Game Activation Scheduler is the first game management tool in the world that allows the operator to pre-schedule what games he wants on the slot floor, depending upon the time and day of week, and what the player characteristics are at various times during the week. It allows the operators to cater to their players, based upon past history of play during different time periods.
 
  The Cyberview Game Activation Scheduler is a software application that sits on a central computer and is networked to all gaming machines in the casino. It allows staff to deploy particular games, or versions of games, to machines as required by the changing customer demographic.
 
  The Scheduler can treat gaming machines individually or as part of defined groups. For example, all the machines on the main floor might be in one group and the machines in the high-rollers' room might be another. Deployment of games can be done through pre-determined time slots (programmed in days, weeks or months in advance), or done on the fly-particularly useful if the casino has an unusually slow or busy day.
 
  Games can also be organized into "templates," greatly simplifying the management of larger game libraries. The Scheduler employs the very latest security measures and also incorporates comprehensive failover procedures. Users can be granted limited "browse" or full administration rights to ensure proper floor monitoring and secure system operation.
 
  "Very cool concept," said one judge in his overall opinion of the product.
 
  "This seems to be a great way to improve both guest service and slot revenue," another judge noted.
  
SILVER AWARD
 
Compudigm Gaming Power Suite

-Compudigm

  Compudigm's Gaming Power Suite builds upon the phenomenal success and capabilities of the seePOWER Gaming solution. seePOWER is currently used to manage, monitor and optimize the performance of more than 65,000 gaming positions, generation almost $7 billion in annual revenues.
 
  seePOWER Gaming uses world-leading advanced data visualization technology and other business intelligence and CRM technologies to deliver unparalleled insights into casino patron behavior, gaming floor performance and dramatically increased customer intimacy and loyalty. The solution consistently delivers double-digit increases in gaming revenue while often providing triple-digit gains in marketing cost effectiveness.
 
  For seePOWER version 4.5, Compudigm has chosen to integrate a comprehensive training, support and education program called Compudigm University with seePOWER FastTrack made possible by architectural enhancements to the core technology.
 
  New features include: Component modularization that makes seePOWER Gaming more accessible to a wider profile of casinos, particularly single property and Native American casinos; enabling seePOWER FastTrack as the first stage of an implementation, accelerating delivery of actionable intelligence from three to six months to just four to six weeks; new administrative tools like Layout Manager, Navigator, Reporter and Administrator that allow easier access and visibility of intelligence; leveraging Compudigm University to help develop systems and methodologies for casino operations; and increased analytical capabilities and architectural enhancements that provide a robust, real-time, scalable and reliable enterprise infrastructure.
 
  "These are very, very promising improvements to an already proven suite of software," one judge said.
 
  Another added, "With the reduction of active games on the casino floors, we need to maximize those remaining. This is a great tool to analyze the dynamics of the guests' playing habits.