Slot Showcase
Slot Showcase
New games, new platforms, new bonuses, and new ideas will all be unveiled at this year's Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. Here's a look at what the leading manufacturers have to offer
AC Coin & Slot
Headquarters: Pleasantville, N.J.
Employees: 300
Web site: www.ac-coin.com
Company Description: AC Coin & Slot was founded in 1978 after the casino gaming referendum in Atlantic City was approved. Today, the company is considered on of the top developers of innovative proprietary slot machines and one of the industry's leading suppliers of custom interior casino signage and sculpted displays, millwork, seating and slot bases to many high-profile casinos. The company designed much of the casino floor custom signage and provided more than half the slot machines to the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City's newest and biggest resort, where it also debuted its new Ergobases. The company, which co-develops games with IGT, has been the exclusive distributor for IGT gaming devices in Atlantic City and the Caribbean since 1983. The company has satellite offices in Las Vegas, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
Key Executives:
• Mac Seelig, founder and president
• Jerald Seelig, executive vice president of operations and general manager
• Jeffrey Seelig, chief financial officer
• Jason Seelig, executive vice president of sales and marketing
• Tom McCormick, executive vice president and general counsel
Games: AC Coin & Slot has two of the hottest performing slot machines on casino floors across the country: "Triple Stars Slotto" and "King of the Grill." A multiline video game developed with IGT, "King of the Grill" features a climbing pig chef that cooks up the bonus round, while "Triple Stars Slotto" is a three-reel slot with the excitement of the award-winning "Slotto." "Fun food" has been a prominent theme among recent AC Coin & Slot games, which include stepper slots "Super Bonus Hot Dogs Deluxe" and "Popcorn Slotto."
New Games: "Bewitched The Nosey Neighbor," a sequel to the award-winning "Bewitched Video Slots," features the company's unique top box bonus round which includes a three-dimensional, sculpted Samantha perched on a cloud in the tops box bonus display. Other characters and imagery also appear from this TV Classic as memorable reel symbols, from Darren to nosey neighbor Gladys Kravitz-binoculars in hand. Additional games include "The Honeymooners Slotto," "Bingo Nights Slotto," "I-Spy Slotto," based on the '60s TV hit series starring Robert Culp and Bill Cosby, "Reel Detectives," "Bank Roll," and "The Big Game Show Bonus," as well as "Diamond District Slotto," plus never before seen games such as "Here Comes the Ice Cream Man," "Merlin's Magic," "Double Spin Slotto," "Pirates of Bonus Island," "King Kong," "American Heroes," "Campin Buddies Bonus," and "Big Spin Slotto."
Aristocrat Technologies
Headquarters: Lane Cove, NSW, Australia
U.S. Headquarters: Las Vegas
Employees: 2,039
Web site: www.aristrocratgaming.com
Market Capitalization: $2.15 billion*
EBITDA (H1): $87.3 million*
Stock Price: $4.52*
Revenue (H1): $370.3 million
Cash Flow (H1): $63.6 million
All financials - global company
*U.S. dollars
(H1) First half year results
Company Description: Aristocrat Technologies Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of global gaming leader Aristocrat Leisure Limited, is responsible for all North and South American operations from its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev. The 50-year-old parent company is the world's second-largest maker of slot machines. Aristocrat, which popularized multiline video slots throughout the world, offers a diversified product line that reaches into virtually all facets of the casino floor. The company is also a penny slot leader. In addition to video and stepper slots, the company provides casino management systems, multi-site progressive (MSP) systems, and progressive jackpot meters. The company forecasts record full-year profits a year after posting a record loss. The improvement is primarily driven by strong growth in Aristocrat's international businesses. During the first half of this year, revenue from North America improved nearly 25 percent, and revenue from Japan improved more than 80 percent. The company's stock price has more than tripled over the past 10 months.
Key Executives:
• Gavin Isaacs, president
• Sean Evans, vice president of sales
• Kent Young, vice president of marketing
• Walter Stowe, vice president of legal and compliance
• Robert DelRossi, vice president of research and development
• Jason Walbridge, vice president of technology services
• Jennifer Martinez, vice president of human resources
• Bob McMonigle, sales and marketing consultant
• Laura Olson, corporate communications manager
Games: Aristocrat, which popularized multiline video slots and penny slots throughout the world, is known for games like "Queen of the Nile," with an Egyptian theme; "Storm Chaser," themed on the science of tornado watching; and "Inca Sun," with an Inca culture theme. In recent years, the company released scores of games built on the advance MKVI video slot platform. This state-of-the-art technology features 3-D effect animation, advanced audio clarity, high-resolution screens, more than 1.6 million colors and array of bonus options. Game titles that have the Mark VI (MKVI) platform include "Eagle Rock," "Scatter Magic," "Geisha," "Pompeii," "Tiki Torch" and "Wicked Winnings." Other popular games include "Penguin Pays" and "Frog Wild." Others include "Li'l Lucy" and "Mr. Cashman," offering five unique second-screen bonuses, a high-hit frequency and exciting graphics. All are multiline, multi-denominational video slots. Another innovative product is the globally patented Reel Power game concept, where players buy reels instead of lines. These games offer players as many as 243 ways to win. Aristocrat also operates many hyperlink local area progressives including "Cash Express," "Cash Express Penny Train," and "Jackpot Carnival." A Nevada favorite has been "Millioniser," a patented four-level progressive game with a static top jackpot of $1 million. Popular themed video slots include: "Jeff Foxworthy's You Might Be a Redneck If..." and "Card Sharks." Aristocrat also offers a line of video poker games and a complete stepper line. Among steppers are "Looney Sevens," "American Pride" and "Catch 21."
New Games: At G2E, Aristocrat's 90-by-90-foot exhibit showcases an exciting portfolio of new gaming products. More than half the games on the show floor will be offered in one-cent and two-cent denominations, reflecting Aristocrat's domination of the penny slot market. Among new games are "Zorro," the company's first Hyperlink multi-site progressive, offering multiple progressive jackpots on select MKVI video slot games; "50 Lions," the first 50-line game to debut in the U.S. market; and "Money Honey," which combines the bonus concepts of "Mr. Cashman" with the revolutionary "Reel Power" game play. "Pele's Golden Goals," Aristocrat's newest innovation in Hyperlink progressive play, offers four-level, second-screen, mystery progressive jackpots. The company will also showcase a new line of stepper games, designed with a fourth bonus reel and a hot streak multiplier mode. They include: "Wild Game," "Red Carpet," "Perfect" and "Dream Jackpot."
Atronic Americas
Headquarters: Atronic International, Luebbecke, Germany
Atronic Americas, Phoenix, Ariz.
Atronic Australia, Melbourne
Employees: more than 500 worldwide
Web site: www.atronic.com
Company Description: Atronic Americas and sister companies Atronic International and Atronic Australia are members of the family-owned and operated Gauselmann Group, which has sold more than 1.8 million machines since inception in 1994, and 100,000 gaming devices in the year 2002 alone. Atronic, the world's third-largest slot maker, is headquartered in Germany, and has offices in Australia, Austria, Great Britain, Peru, South Africa, and the United States of America. Atronic is the only European company licensed as a slot manufacturer in Nevada. Brilliant 3D-graphics, state-of-the-art technology, and player interactive game concepts incorporating second-screen bonuses have made Atronic machines the top earners in most of the world's major casinos. Atronic holds a total of 165 worldwide gaming licenses including the United States, where it is licensed to sell machines in 22 states and to 125 tribes. The company and its branch offices in Las Vegas and Reno are supported by Atronic's U.S. headquarters in Phoenix.
Key Executives:
• Michael Gauselmann, owner, CEO, Atronic
• Gerhard Burda, managing director, COO, Atronic International
• Ludwig Beckman, managing director, CFO Atronic International
• Rolf Klug, CEO, Atronic Americas
• Joe Bailo, COO, Atronic Americas
• Michael Lauer, CFO, Atronic Americas
• David Dean, managing director, Atronic Australia
• Klaus Achmuller, global director, research and development
• Michael Scala, director of global operations and quality
• Thierry Aiglon, managing director of Atronic Systems
Games: Atronic is known for its interactive video slots featuring multilevel bonus features and exceptional graphics. The company's signature game is "Sphinx," introduced more than five years ago and still popular in casinos worldwide. Atronic's Cashline series provides a large game library and variety of cabinet options. Successful Cashline games include "Mystery," "The Sign of Zodiac," "Running Numbers," "Ghost Hunter" and "Big Blue Bucks." The Towerline creates excitement on casino floors with its stunning cabinets, multilevel progressives and the unique Magic Bonus feature. Towerline games include "Xanadu Magic," "Cool Catch" and "Sphinx Magic." Since its launch last year, e-motion, Atronic's new platform and cabinet, has experienced tremendous success. Featuring a patented height adjustable cabinet, ergonomic design and high power processor, e-motion defines the new look of video. Popular e-motion titles include "Xanadu," "The Sign of Zodiac," and "Deal or No Deal," which is based on a TV reality/game show. All of Atronic's games are supported by the unique Atronic Progressive Link (APL), allowing them to be configured in a variety of progressive variations.
New Games: At G2E Atronic will show many new products and games, which are on three platforms: Cashline, e-motion and Towerline. Atronic's featured product is "Cash Fever," an innovative four-level progressive on the e-motion platform. "Deal or No Deal," is a game based on TV reality/game show. Other new games will include "Treasures of Venice," "Angels and Devils," "Magic Woods," "Blastin' Barrels" and "Dancing Spirit." Also on display will be the horoscope-themed "Zodiac Magic" and Native American-themed "Spirit Magic," Others will include the company's latest Towerline games. New Cashline platform games will include "Ole Ole," "Green Jade," "Aphrodite," "Golden City" and "Bear Necessities." Also on display will be Atronic International's new poker series with three fast-paced video variations boasting a multitude of 19 different poker games. Atronic Systems will be exhibiting along side Atronic and will focus on the innovative new progressive and mystery jackpot schemes as well as player bonusing functionalities.
Bally Gaming & Systems
Headquarters: Las Vegas
Employees: 2,400
Web site: www.ballygaming.com
Market Capitalization: $720.4 million
EBITDA (ttm): 126.7 million
Stock Price: $14
Revenue (ttm): $488.8 million
Cash Flow (ttw): $98.5 million
Company Description: Bally Gaming, a wholly-owned business unit of Las Vegas-based Alliance Gaming Corporation, designs, manufactures, operates and distributes advanced gaming devices and systems worldwide. Bally is the world's oldest gaming company. The company introduced the "Bally Baby" slot machine in 1936. The device was tiny-weighing eight pounds-but was so successful, catapulting the company into the gaming business. Over the years, Bally pioneered everything from electromechanical slot machines to motor-driven payout hoppers. In 1968, the company went public. In 1975, Bally became the first gaming company to be listed as member of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1990, the late New Jersey financier Arthur Goldberg became president and CEO of Bally Manufacturing. Goldberg undertook a massive restructuring of the company. The last chapter of Bally's 70-year history began in June 1996 with the merger of Bally Gaming and Alliance Gaming Corporation. Today Bally Gaming is one of the world's largest slot machine manufacturers. The company also makes computer systems under names such as GameKeeper, GameMagic, GameMaker, and ProSeries.
Key Executives:
• Paul Lofgren, executive vice president of gaming
• Mark Lipparelli, executive vice president of systems
• Mickey Roemer, senior vice president of game development
• Rich Irvine, senior vice president of sales, gaming
• Dave Lucchese, senior vice president of sales, systems
• Marcus Prater, senior vice president of marketing
Games: Among popular Bally games is "Cash For Life," a progressive link offered in both reel-spinning and video platforms that offers players the opportunity to win a minimum of $1,000 a week for life. Reel spinners include "Monte Carlo" games as well as a variety of four-reel games spawned by the runaway success of the "Bonus Frenzy" games. Another popular game is "Playboy," offered as both a reel spinning and video formats. Other favorites are the "Betty Boop" series of reel-spinners progressives, "Blondie" and "Popeye," all parts of the Thrillions series. "Quartermillion$" is a wide-area progressive link that offers quarter slot players a chance at a super progressive jackpot that resets at $250,000. "Saturday Night Live," a popular branded game is offered in both reel-spinning and interactive video platforms. The company also produces several very successful poker products including "Second Chance Poker" and "Double Bonus Poker."
New Games: Bally will show more than 150 separate titles at the Global Gaming Expo. Among them: "Hee Haw," "Rocky & Bullwinkle," "Bejeweled," "Cartoon Jackpots," "Chippendales," "Great Adventures," "Blues Brothers Video," "Win Mike Myers Money," "SNL," "Atari Pong," "Frenzy Frenzy," "Playboy," "Get Lucky," "Wheel," "Golden Wheels," "Cash Board," "S&H Greenstamps" and "Mini Monte Carlo."
Cadillac Jack
Headquarters: Duluth, Ga.
Employees: more than 100
Web site: www.cadillacjack.com
Company Description: Cadillac Jack is a manufacturer and distributor of video redemption, Class II, international bingo and Class III gaming devices. Since 1994, Cadillac Jack has grown from a wood-game cabinet builder to a world-class manufacturer of casino-grade video touch screen gaming equipment. Headquartered in Duluth, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, Cadillac Jack has grown from a small company to a multi-million dollar business with a new 65,000 square foot state of the art facility. As one of the premier manufacturers of video gaming equipment and software, Cadillac Jack offers a full line of video-gaming devices. The company name originated from owner Mike Macke's first successful gaming machine-the "5-Player" blackjack game. This product led the industry and was known as the "Cadillac of blackjack" games, whereby the name Cadillac Jack was born.
Key Executives:
• Mike M. Macke, president
• Fred Benschine, vice president of operations
• Mort Ansky, vice president of sales and marketing
• Jack Saltiel, chief technical officer
• Bob Drew, chief operations officer
• Tim Minard, chief financial officer
Games: Cadillac Jack has games for Class-III casinos, racinos, gaming halls, charity bingo and lotteries. Popular bingo and other Class II games include "Triple Threat," "Tsunami Bingo" and "Five Line." The company's video redemption games are compatible with progressive systems, are in a multi-language format (English, French and Spanish), are adaptable to most coin acceptor models and are designed with button and touch screen configuration. They include: "California Dream," "Casino Gold," "Southern Gold," "Gold Touch," "Hot Spot," "Black Jack," "Top Dawg," "Lucky Lady" and "Silver Bar."
New Games: New Tsunami Bingo games include "Classic Tsunami," "Wildball Tsunami," "Hexa Bingo," "Hexa Keno" and several others are scheduled to be released at G2E. New five-reel, nine-reel and twenty-one-reel games also will be released at the Global Gaming Expo. "Flashback," offers another exciting level of play. Other new games include new additions to the company's Lazer-Tron redemption gallery. They include "Catapultz," a new twist on the Crane Game; "Coynz," a fast-paced new coin-roller and pusher game; "Twin Ring Racing," which offers fast-paced action for one or two players; "Lotto Fun," and "Magic Touch Pusher."
International Game Technology
Headquarters: Reno, Nev.
Employees: 5,500
Web site: www.igt.com
Market Capitalization: $10.70 billion
EBITDA (ttm): $859.99 million
Stock Price: $30.67
Revenue (ttm): $2.41 billion
Cash Flow (ttw): $470.04 million
Company Description: IGT is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of microprocessor-based gaming and video lottery products and software systems. The logo of the $4 billion public company is on more than two out of three games on casino floors in the United States and the company produces more video poker machines than all of its competitors combined. In 1986, IGT launched "Megabucks," the world's first wide-area progressive slot system, in Nevada. Its success led IGT to expand MegaJackpots offerings to a wide range of gaming jurisdictions, denominations and game themes. In their 17-year history, MegaJackpots machines have paid out nearly $3.5 billion in major jackpots, and have produced more than 850 millionaires. Many industry standards such as themed slots, imbedded bill acceptors and ticket system technology were pioneered by IGT. The company now adapts a number of the world's best-known entertainment themes to create the most innovative and popular products in its history.
Key Executives:
• Chuck Mathewson, chairman emeritus
• Tom Baker, chairman
• TJ Matthews, president, CEO, COO
• Maureen Mullarkey, CFO, executive vice president, treasurer
• Richard Pennington, executive vice president of product development
• Ward Chilton, senior vice president, North American sales
Games: IGT has made a name for itself by creating games based on popular icons. The company releases dozens of new games each year. There are too many to list, but some recent favorites are: "Wheel of Fortune Special Edition," "The Twilight Zone," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Austin Powers Goldmember Video Slots," "Dilbert Wheelbert Video Slots," "Rodney Dangerfield Reel Respect Video Slots," "Family Feud," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "That Girl," "Hexbreaker," "Monster Mansion," "Triple Lucky 7s," "Beetle Bailey," "Alien," "The Price is Right," "Kenny Rogers: The Gambler," "Spin Poker Deluxe," and "Super Times Pay Poker." Megabucks has continued to be one of the company's most popular MegaJackpots games, and the Nevada progressive system holds the world record with a $39.7 million slot jackpot won in 2003.
New Games: In development or soon to be in casinos: "Silver Strike," "Lucy in Hollywood" "Marilyn Monroe Slots," "I Dream of Jeannie Magic Wheel," "The Dating Game." On view at Global Gaming Expo 2004 and expected in casinos in the coming year: "Drew Carey," "Star Wars," "Animal House," "Gilligan's Island," "The Newlywed Game," "Laverne and Shirley," "Elvis-Viva Las Vegas," and many others.
Konami Gaming
Stock Symbol* (ADR:KNM)
Headquarters: Las Vegas
Employees: 150
Web site: www.konamigaming.com
Market Capitalization*: $274 billion
EBITDA (ttm)*: $383.6 million
Stock Price*: $22.77
Revenue (ttm)*: 2.37 billion
Cash Flow (ttm)*: $822 million
*Parent Company
Company Description: Konami Gaming Inc. is a subsidiary of Konami Corporation, headquartered in Japan. The company began manufacturing amusement machines in 1973. In the following years, Konami successively produced video game machines based on microcomputers, as well as video game software for personal computers, combining hardware and software technologies to create leading-edge amusements. Konami Gaming Inc., the gaming division of Konami, was founded in 1997, making Konami the first Japanese publicly listed company to achieve full-scale entry into the U.S. gaming market. After placing about 100 different titles and 20,000 machines in Australia, the company began marketing gaming machines to the United States nearly three years ago. In recent years, Konami received gaming licenses to manufacture and sell gaming equipment in Nevada, Mississippi, California, New Mexico, Indiana and Iowa. Konami slot machines can be found at Caesars Palace, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. The company's acquisition of Paradigm Gaming Systems three years ago gives it a technological edge and helps provide the operator with a one stop shopping solution for both slot machines and casino management systems.
Key Executives:
• Satoshi Sakamoto, CEO
• Steve Sutherland, executive vice president, COO
• Deron Hunsberger, director, sales
• Karen Koetz, director, system sales
Games: Video-based games, which feature proprietary electronics and the com-pany's unique video platform, include "Hot Dawgs," a video-reel, nine-line video slot comically themed on dachshund racing that offers three bonus rounds, "Most Wanted" and "Show Me the Mummy," which takes the player into the tombs of ancient Egypt for fun and adventure. Other solid video platform performers include "Solstice Gold," "Mariachi Madness," "African Treasure," and "Rocky," which features a local area progressive jackpot.
New Games: At G2E, Konami Gaming will unveil several new Advantage Series games in the mode of a traditional three-reel stepper slot machine, but with LCD screens that depict bonuses. They include: "Solstice Gold," "Egyptian King," "Sparkling Sevens," "Highway 777," and a new version of "Mariachi Madness." Other Advantage games include "Blue Ice," "Snow Crystal" and "Money in the Bank." All are three-reel games with a wild doubler feature. Others are "Billionaires," "Gone Wild" and "King Tiki" which can be played as progressives. The company also will introduce a new line of Konxion five-reel video games with scatter pay and two-level mystery progressive features including "Egyptagon" and "Eastern Prince." The company will also unveil a sequel to the "Rocky" local area progressive jackpot game. "Rocky The Contender," a revenue participation product, is an in-house progressive multi-denomination, five-line video slot with a top-box free spin-multiplier bonus feature. A new poker product is "Dealt' A Royal Poker," which has five poker game options that can be played including, "Squillion Dollar Poker," and "Rapid Repeat Poker."
Mikohn Gaming
Headquarters: Las Vegas
Employees: 400
Web site: www.mikohn.com
Market Capitalization: $97.08 million
EBITDA (ttm): ($5.26 million)
Stock Price: $4.42
Revenue (ttm): $88.25 million
Cash Flow (ttw): ($1.53 million)
Company Description: Mikohn Gaming pioneered progressive systems for casinos throughout the late-1980s and 10 years ago went public. In 1995 the company began manufact-uring slot machines. Through the late-1990s, the company expanded its operations, producing Caribbean Stud table games, signage such as the Harley Davidson sign and M&M's banner-both on the Las Vegas Strip-and continued development of progressive jackpot systems and player tracking and accounting systems for slot machines and table games. Two years ago, after weathering disappointing financial results, the company laid off nearly 100 workers as part of a sweeping restructuring plan to cut costs. Since then, Mikohn has performed far better, and for the first three months of this year, the company's net loss fell 53 percent to $2.4 million, following improved gross and operating margins. Losses narrowed even more during the second quarter. Today, the company is a provider of exciting game content, having forged relationships with IGT, MGAM, Bally and Multimedia Games, among other companies. In August, Mikohn signed a five-year agreement with IGT to develop video slot games based on Mikohn content. The games will be developed on IGT's game platform and distributed by Mikohn.
Key Executives:
• Peter Boynton, chairman
• Russel McMeekin, president, CEO
• Michael Sicuro, chief financial officer
• Robert Parente, executive vice president of sales
• Michael Dreitzer, general counsel
Games: Mikohn's popular slots include "Clue," "Ripley's Believe It or Not!," "Adventures in Trivia," "Yahtzee Video," "Yahtzee: Looking for Love," and "Yahtzee: Mystery Winner," all members of the Think Big series. These interactive multiline video slots have bonus rounds that reward players for correct answers to knowledge-based questions. Other favorites include "Battleship All Aboard," "Colossus," "Dragon Hunt," "Flip It," and "Yahtzee Stepper," a three-wheel slot. Another popular game is "Mini Berthas," which stands seven feet tall and dominates immediate floor space.
New Games: Games to be showcased at the Global Gaming Expo include The "Latin Stars" series, which feature Latin musical stars. The machines are mechanical three reel steppers with imbedded top boxes for bonus rounds. The top boxes contain LCD screens that feature footage of Latin performing stars. Two new games are "La Reina de la Salsa" featuring Celia Cruz and "Rey del Mambo" featuring Tito Puente. The games are intended for the Hispanic market, which is growing at a faster pace than any other ethnic group in North America. New themed slot machines will include "Odie's Revenge," and "California Girls." Odie is a character in the Garfield lineup and "California Girls" is the first of several planned Beach Boys themes. Another new product is "Take the Plunge," a sequel to the popular "Battleship" game. The new game is among the Gravity Pays series of mechanical steppers with bonus top boxes. Other new products include "Heads Up Poker," a video poker game that pits the player against the house or a virtual opponent, "Office Daze," and "Rock-A-Billy."
Multimedia Games
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Employees: more than 400
Web site: www.multimediagames.com
Market Capitalization: $422.4 million
EBITDA (ttm): $82.2 million
Stock Price: $15.04
Revenue (ttm): $454.9 million
Cash Flow (ttw): $34 million
Company Description: Multimedia Games, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures video lottery and interactive Class II and Class III gaming systems and games for the Native American, charitable and video lottery gaming markets. During its 13-year history, the company has been the leading gaming technology provider to Native American tribes nationwide.
In addition to developing its own proprietary games, the company has strategic licensing agreements with WMS Gaming, Bally Gaming and Mikohn to license slot titles for the Native American market. Today, more than 10,000 Multimedia Games electronic player stations are played in roughly100 gaming facilities across the country.
Key Executives
• Clifton E. Lind, president, CEO
• Robert F. "Skip" Lannert, executive vice president of Class II Gaming
• Gary Loebig, executive vice president of sales
• Brendan O'Connor, executive vice president and chief technical officer
• Dirk D. Heinen, senior vice president of operations
• Craig Nouis, vice president, CFO
Games: Multimedia Games strives to deliver the most compelling gaming experience in the industry. The company's success is driven by player-proven game designs and systems. The company has forged partnerships with industry giants such as WMS, Bally and Mikohn. Popular Multimedia games developed in partnership with these major gaming companies that incorporate Multimedia's interactive gaming system include: "Jackpot Party," "Hollywood Squares," "Filthy Rich," "Cash Crop," "Double Jackpot Triple Blazing 7's," "Frankie and Annette's Beach Party," "Popeye," "Yahtzee," and "Battleship." The company's proprietary titles include: "Meltdown," "Fruit Cocktail Deluxe," " Top Shelf," "Paddy's Luck," "One Red Cent," "Jeff Foxworthy's Pickup Payday," and "China Seas."
New Games: "Ed McMahon's Star Magic," Multimedia Games' latest multiline bonus game, takes players behind the scenes with the man who has done everything on television from giving away millions of dollars to being Johnny Carson's second banana. It's a red carpet ride to riches as players hit the stars and cash out in true Hollywood fashion in the second-screen "Reach for the Stars Bonus."
R. Franco
Headquarters: R. Franco, Madrid, Spain
R. Franco USA, Phoenix, Ariz.
R. Franco USA, Las Vegas
Employees: 9 (USA operations)
Web site: www.rfranco.com
Company Description: Owned by the two Franco brothers, Joaquin and Jesus, R. Franco became one of the largest gaming companies throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. More than 700,000 R. Franco machines have been manufactured over the last 30 years. R. Franco is the operator of 10 casinos worldwide and a supplier and operator of bingo systems in 40 gaming establishments throughout the world. The company, which has more than 50,000 gaming machines in operation, has asserted itself as an industry leader.
Key Executives: (R. Franco USA):
• Kino Franco, president
• Fred Lychock, Jr., vice president
• Andrew Donner, sales
• Erica Price, regulatory compliance
Games: R. Franco has more than 120 current game titles throughout the world with a variety of options from horizontal, mechanical reel slots to video slots as well as other gaming industry products. Many of the company's games have Spanish themes. Successful titles over the years include "Treasure Hunt," "Dragon Ball" and "Money Matic" all stepper slots.
New Games: R. Franco will continue its excellence by unveiling a new line of video slots and steeper reel slots next year. With a new innovative and exciting cabinet style along with advanced software and hardware technologies, R. Franco continues to be at the forefront of cutting edge gaming devices in an evolving business.
Rocket Gaming Systems
Headquarters: Miami, Okla.
Employees: 95
Web site: www.rocketgaming.com
Company Description: Built on a platform of integrity, accountability and reliability, Rocket Gaming Systems network is among the most technologically advanced class II systems in the industry. The company's platform has offered centrally determined downloadable wide-area progressive games since 1997. Rocket Gaming's progressive jackpots are the largest in the industry, and the company's class II gaming network is the only one in the industry that provides to its members an annual certified audit of the network play performed by an independent certified public accountant. Rocket games are "cashless" and offered on a unique "multi-denomination" platform, enabling tribal facility operators to maximize valuable floor space, as well as offering local, regional and national play. The comp-any's class II machines are in 60 gaming establishments in 12 states. Most are in tribal gaming operations throughout the West and Southwest. With its 24/7 help desk and dedicated technical field staff, Rocket Gaming prides itself on customer service. Network handle increased by 66 percent last year and is projected to increase more than 200 percent this year. Earlier this year, Bally Gaming & Systems entered into a multi-year agreement with Rocket Gaming to supply the company with gaming machines and licenses for game titles for Class II and bingo-based gaming markets throughout the nation. The agreement calls for Rocket Gaming to have access to Bally Gaming's vast library of game titles.
Key Executives:
• Nelson Johnson, chairman of the board (retired)
• Ronnie W. Harris, CEO
• Robert Manz, president of the gaming division
Games: Rocket has many popular Class II linked bingo games-all multiline, multi-denominational video reel slots. They include "Black & White 5X" and "In The Money," both Bally-licensed titles. Other Rocket games include: "Bananas," "Buffalo Bucks," "California Gold," "Cash Cow," "Congratulations," "Fresh Fruit," "Lightning $," "Lucky Lei," "Native Treasures," "Pick A Million," "Redbeard's Riches," "Red & White," "Reel Magic," "Rocket 10 Classic," "Rocket 25 Classic," "Royal Joker," "Safari 7's" and "Wild Turkey."
New Games: Rocket Gaming has developed a variety of new high-speed linked bingo games, several in partnership with Bally Gaming. All are multi-denominational and offer wide-area progressive jackpots as the top award. They include: "Black & White," "Frenzy," "Extra Money," "Congratulations," "Freedom Rings," "5 Wishes" and "Wild Hare."
Sierra Design Group
Headquarters: Reno, Nev.
Employees: 255
Web site: www.sierradesign.com
Company Description: Sierra Design Group (SDG) is a leading supplier of gaming machines and systems technology for Class III, Class II, VLT and central determination markets. SDG focuses on the Washington, Florida and Oklahoma markets and works in harmony with its sister company, Bally Gaming & Systems, to serve traditional casino markets throughout the world. SDG also has distribution agreements with several leading manufacturers to offer popular and established titles to new markets. The company also provides design services to casinos and is known for designing the 65-foot-wide Barona StarDome, which stretches over the entrance to the casino at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino near San Diego.
Key Executives:
• Robert Luciano, executive vice president
• Andrew Cashin, senior vice president and general manager
• Scott Bledsoe, vice president of sales
• Robert Miller, vice president of business development
• Craig Bullis, vice president of strategic alliances
Games: The company first gained significant notoriety in the gaming industry with slot game "Raining Diamonds," a nine-line, nickel video slot that features an exclusive patented display showcasing a secure diamond vault. In addition, each game bank incorporates a larger coin vault. Named "The Most Innovative Gaming Product of the Year," in 2002 by the Casino Journal, "Raining Diamonds" is the only casino slot that awards winners real diamond jewelry. Other popular SDG games include: "Auction Fever," "American Heritage," "Mambo Madness" and "Grand Avenue." Among the company's multiline, reel games are "Stars & Stripes," "Super Sixties," "Jackpot Celebration," and "Fun in the Sun." The company is a dominant force in the Washington central-determination market and also produces Class II Indian lottery gaming systems for jurisdictions where traditional slot machines are not yet available.
New Games: SDG is showing more than 60 separate titles at G2E. Among them: "New Richville USA," "Gift From The Gods," "Flipping Chips," "Cashablanca," "Change Reaction," "QT Pie," "Amazing Wins," "777 Collect," "Mint Condition" and "Heaven Cents."
Sigma Game
Headquarters: Las Vegas
Employees: 120
Web site: www.sigmagame.com
Company Description: Sigma Game Inc., a Las Vegas-based company with a strong background of innovation and quality in the gaming machine industry, is a leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of technologically advanced reel slot and video gaming machines. Sigma serves every major casino market in the United States and is established in Canada, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It maintains office locations in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Germantown, Tenn., Green Bay, Wis., Kalamazoo, Mich. and Hollywood, Fla. Nearly 20 years ago, Sigma became the first internationally-owned manufacturer and distributor of slot machines to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Sigma has since been licensed in every major jurisdiction in the United States. The company in 1990 designed the first slant-top reel slot machine for more comfortable play. The company patented embedded bill validators and locking cashbox extractors in the mid- '90s, which today are industry standards.
Key Executives:
• Jim Jackson, president and CEO
• Tony DeFelice, director of sales
Games: Sigma's flagship product is "The Game of Life," a licensed multiline, multi-denominational video reel slot that features all the board game's familiar icons, such as a snazzy sports car for a comfortable trip through life's exciting events. The sequel, "The Times of Your Life," takes the player through different eras in period automobiles. Finally, "The Game of Life III-Life around the World" takes players on a virtual trip around the world with bonus rounds along the way. Another favorite is the "Big Mouth Billy Bass" game, themed after the mounted novelty whose tail begins to flap to music. During bonus rounds, the player fishes for prizes. A hard-hitting themed-video slot is "Professional Bull Riders," a three-reel stepper featuring all the excitement of bull riding in a PBR-themed top box bonus. Other popular games include "Full of Sheep," a multiline bonus screen video slot; "Easy Riches," a popular multiline video reel progressive in which every line qualifies for the jackpot; and "Big Top Circus," which allows players to wager on the game's symbols instead of traditional lines and offers 99 possible winning combinations per spin. Popular video reel slots include "Where's Henry?" and "America the Fruitful." The company also has a line of higher denomination three-reel steppers and an array of retro poker machines with an old-fashioned design and modern playing features. They include "Draw Poker," "Double Double Jackpot," "Deuces Wild," "Five Joker Poker" and "Double Joker Poker."
New Games: Sigma will showcase some old favorites that have been enhanced by new technology. Among the new Interactive Series 1000 games are "Treasure Tunnel" and "Treasure Wheel," high-performing steppers that have been improved with new technology and advancements including a touch-screen interface. Powered by Pentium-class processors, these hybrid machines combine the tradition of steppers with enhancements such as bonus top multipliers. Other titles on the IS 1000 platform include: "Double Jackpot," "Dream Catcher," "Smokin' 7s," "Sun, Moon & Star," "Tropic Wins," "Wild Patriot" and "Wild Thangs." Other new games include a new version of "Professional Bull Riders." Sigma also will showcase new, high-tech versions of several of the company's classic video poker games. Among them: "Add Em' Up," "Deuces Wild," "Double Double Jackpot," "Jokers Wild," "Double Jokers Wild," "Flying Aces," "One Eyed Jacks" and "Ten Hand Stud." Sigma also will unveil a multi-game poker cabinet featuring a variety of player-selectable games. Several classic video pokers will be available in this configuration. The company will also unveil a line of video reel games formatted for lower denomination play. Among games shown as 200-coin versions: "Amigo Road," "Big Mouth Billy Bass," "For Peanuts," "Professional Bull Riders," and "Workin' Overtime."
Video Gaming Technologies
Headquarters: Roebuck, S.C.
Employees: 100
Web site: www.vgt.net
Company Description: VGT is a leading manufacturer of gaming devices for Class II and emerging gaming markets. Starting with the popular "Riverboat Queen" multi-game platform introduced first in Louisiana and continuing with games like "Vegas Blackjack" and VGT's current line of Class II games based on the company's proprietary Live Call Bingo real-time bingo engine, VGT's games have set the standard in several markets including South Carolina and Oklahoma.
Key Executives:
• John Yarbrough, president and chief executive officer
• John Taylor, vice president of engineering
• Jason Sprinkle, director of operations
• Aaron Rubin, director of marketing
• Mark Starrett, service manager
Games: Video Gaming Technology's most popular games are the first Class II mechanical reel devices, running on VGT's Live Call Bingo platform. Titles include "Mr. Moneybags," "Red Hot Ruby," "The Lucky Leprechaun" and "Star Spangled Sevens." Also popular are VGT's Video Class II multi-game terminals offering first-in-the-industry keno simulations and blackjack simulations, tied to the company's Live Call Bingo platform.
New Games: At the Global Gaming Expo, VGT will reveal several new bonus games that build upon some of the company's most popular mechanical reel titles. Played on a video monitor above the reels and tied to particular bingo patterns, the games build upon the brand loyalty while adding exciting bonus features to the traditional Class II mechanical reel games. For example, customers can pick from three pots o' gold in the bonus feature for the "Lucky Leprechaun" game. As important for operators is a significant upgrade in VGT's back-office and accounting packages the company will offer through its partnership with a proven Class III slot accounting system manufacturer. The partnership will be unveiled at the show.
Vision Gaming & Technology
Headquarters: Norcross, Ga.
Employees: 30
Web site: www.vision-gaming.com
Company Description: Vision Gaming & Technology, formerly Leisure Time Technology, produces multi-coin, multi-game slot machines popular in tribal gaming operations throughout The West, Southwest, Midwest and New York State. Vision games are also in operation in gaming jurisdictions in Europe, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.
Key Executives:
• Marie Pierson, CEO
• Leif Marwede, director of engineering
• Rob Morrison, general manager of development
• Barth Aaron, vice president and general council
• Deborah Summers, operations, customer service, sales
Games: The company's signature game is "Pot O' Gold," a multi-game, touch screen slot machine that enables the player to choose from a dozen popular games. Among them: "8-ball Poker," "Lightning Keno," "Superball Keno," "SpinJack 21," "Superpick Lotto," "Joker Poker," "Supergold Bingo," "Triple 7's," "Touch Easy Keno," "Shamrock 7's," "Spinball Bonus," "Dueces Wild," "Jacks or Better," "Wild Joker," "Touch 6 Lotto," "Piggies Wild," "Bush Bucks" and "Black Gold 21." Most games are local area progressives and several have bonus features.
New Games: Vision Gaming continues to work on its "Next Generation System" scheduled for release next year. The new platform is ergonomically designed, more technically advanced and more player-friendly.
WMS Gaming
Headquarters: Waukegan, Ill.
Employees: 800
Web site: www.wmsgaming.com
Market Capitalization: $649.4 billion
EBITDA (ttm): $25.1 million
Stock Price: $21.6
Revenue (ttm): $23.2 million
Cash Flow (ttm): ($22 million)
Company Description: WMS produces some of the most innovative multiline, multi-coin gaming machines on casino floors today. In 1997, the company premiered the highly successful video slot machine, "Reel 'em In." This highly interactive, multi-coin, multiline game offered tons of bells and whistles for the slot player and was an immediate hit. It remains a strong earner. In an effort to produce an enhanced playing experience, WMS Gaming installed full color high-resolution screens in its games, created detailed graphics, provided an entertaining game theme with many betting options, and increased the hit frequency. These features translated to tremendous player acceptance, increased play and therefore, increased earnings. Since 1998, WMS Industries has been engaged entirely in the manufacture, sale, leasing and licensing of gaming machines. WMS Gaming manufacturers and markets video and reel-spinning gaming machines as well as video lottery terminals. WMS games can be found in every gaming jurisdiction in North America and in 35 countries around the globe.
Key Executives:
• Brian R. Gamache, president, CEO
• Orrin Edidin, executive vice president and COO
• Scott Schweinfurth, executive vice president and CFO
• Seamus McGill, executive vice president of sales and marketing
Games: WMS produces several high-profile multiline video slots. They include "Reel 'em In," "Filthy Rich," "Money to Burn," "Yukon Gold" and "Cash Crop." Among popular WMS reels slots are "Jackpot Party," "Jackpot Stampede" and "Mermaid's Gold." WMS Gaming is also the creator of the tremendously successful "Monopoly" branded slot family. With 14 unique games in this series to date, "Monopoly" branded slots offer a variety of entertaining and interactive game and bonus experiences for players. Another favorite WMS game is "Hollywood Squares," a multiline dual-screen video slot with animated portrayals of Whoopi Goldberg (center square) and other celebrities that have made the game show one of the biggest hits in television. Other games include a wide-area progressive stepper slot and "Three Way Action Poker," a seven-card poker game that draws to three different pay tables.
New Games: WMS Gaming will introduce more than 70 new game themes and several new technologies at G2E. "Jackpot Party Progressive" is a new version of a classic WMS game. This four-level progressive is the first game ever that lets players pick their way to higher and higher progressive awards. Other new games: penny denomination "Monopoly" and "Mrs. Monopoly," "Reel 'em In: Big Bass Bucks," and "Color Dotmation," which puts a new and colorful spin on old favorites like "Jackpot Stampede" and "Jackpot Party." "Can't Lose!" three-reel mechanical slots award players with free spins in which a winning combination is guaranteed. A new top-box feature, the Scroll Top will make players' winnings even more valuable when they arrive in the bonus round. When the prescribed bonus round is reached, the pay table displayed in the top box scrolls to reveal a more valuable pay table. Also to be featured at G2E is the company's award winning Bluebird gaming cabinet, the CPU-NXT operating system, which delivers even greater enhanced graphics and animation capacity, and the surround sound experience offered through the Bose Free Field audio system.
World Touch Gaming
Headquarters: Cumming, Ga.
Employees: 20
Web site: www.worldtouchgaming.com
Company Description: Founded in 1996, World Touch Gaming produces some of the most technologically advanced and reliable class II systems in the industry. The company is a developer of innovative electronic entertainment devices, lottery terminals, Class II bingo products and gaming equipment. World Touch Gaming not only produces gaming devices; the company also customizes equipment for particular applications. Games produced by World Touch are in use in tribal operations throughout Oklahoma and in gaming jurisdictions in Brazil. The company also is forging relationships with operators of charitable bingo operations and state-sanctioned lotteries.
Key Executives:
• Don Fiechter, president
• Paul Moriarity, executive vice president
• Chris Cummings, product manager
Games: World Touch Gaming produces "Quantum Leap" among the finest Class II multi-games on casino floors today. "Quantum Leap," affords players a choice of several games to play on each terminal. They include: "Red Hot Deuces," "Splash Cash," "Golden Sand Dollars," "Sultan of Sevens," "Triple Joker," "CalKeno" or "Jacks or Better."
New Games: At G2E, the company will unveil new software enabling more interactive play on the several of the company's most popular machines including: "Clover Cash," a five-reel, 24-line video slot machine with multiple bonus features. In addition, the company will showcase new ergonomic cabinets, produced by Cole Industries of Las Vegas, that will allow for more comfortable and innovative play.
