Casino Journal

SLICK PRODUCTS

by Paul Doocey

January 17, 2012

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The 2012 gaming show season gets off to its usual start at the ICE Totally Gaming, which will take place January 23-26 at Earls Court, London. As in years past, ICE Totally Gaming features conferences, networking opportunities and a trade show floor that showcases the latest and greatest products for the Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) markets (for more information, visit www.totallygaming.com).

The conference program consists of seminars and summits that provide trends, analysis and debate in categories ranging from regulation and cybercrime prevention to customer relationship management and the future of casino gaming.

It is the tradeshow, however, that tends to attract more of the attention from the 20,000 or so attendees from 126 sovereign states that visit ICE each year. Reflecting the liberal nature of legalized wagering in EMEA, the ICE floor features displays from seven distinct gaming sectors—Betting, Bingo, Casino, Lottery, Mobile, Online and Street. Here’s a preview of what some casino suppliers plan on showcasing at ICE:

POP STAR

Bally Technologies has unveiled a game that will have players dancing in their seats. For the first time ever, one of music’s most influential and biggest-selling stars appears on casino floors with Michael Jackson King of Pop. The legendary performer moon-walks across the game screen to some of the most recognizable tunes in history.

Michael Jackson King of Pop is featured on Bally’s new Pro Series V22/32 cabinet. It combines the lure of a wide-area progressive with six bonus events and a custom King of Pop surround-sound chair. Sitting in front of this game, players will experience mind-blowing true cinema digital surround sound.

Designed to appeal to all generations, Michael Jackson King of Pop offers an astounding suite of features. It has two mystery wilds bonuses and two Free Games bonus events. The game is highlighted by the U-Spin Platinum Record Bonus, in which the player touches and spins a virtual wheel to win credits and one of the two Free Games experiences.

To engage and entertain players, the game features some of the pop superstar’s well-known hits including Bad, Billie Jean, Beat It, Dirty Diana, and Smooth Criminal. In Beat It Free Games, Jackson appears on screen during spins, sometimes awarding Locking Wilds, which remain in place for the duration of the bonus. Jackson’s trademark “Moonwalk” dance technique takes center stage in Billie Jean Moonwalking Wilds.

Along with the unforgettable music and video clips and his distinctive dance moves, King of Pop uses favorite icons from Jackson’s career including the famous white glove, signature fedora, black loafers, and sunglasses.

The game is appropriately appointed for royalty. Stunning imagery and an unprecedented number of movie clips from some of Jackson’s legendary music videos make the game as iconic as the King of Pop himself.

Stand number: 3540
For more information, visit www.ballytech.com.

TOP FLIGHT

This year at ICE Casino Technology will launch PENTHOUSE SLOTS branded series of products for European customers, enriched with more game titles. They will be presented in the specially designed PENTHOUSE SENSATIONAL cabinet with added decorative toppers and a range of themed jackpot signs. The showcase product in this format will be the PLAYME PENTHOUSE SLOTS grand piano multiplayer station with the latest PENTHOUSE SLOTS game titles.

Casino Technology will also display the latest additions to its GAMOPOLIS suite of multigame products such as GAMOPOLIS VIII, which offers 15 new games. GAMOPOLIS 51 houses 15 proven games in a unit that is GLI Standard 11 compliant, ideal for international operators in Europe, Latin America, Central America, Asia, Philippines, and other jurisdictions.

Themed games will also have a prominent position in the Casino Technology booth. The latest iterations of 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD and MOTORMANIA will be showcased, each now available in multigame formats for greater operator flexibility and with player’s choice and other options to improve a property’s slot mix.

On the systems side, Casino Technology will unveil its Remote Game Server (RGS) concept. RGS enables casino operators to offer online games through a simple integration with an existing iGaming platform.

Stand number: 3290
For more information, visit www.casino-technology.com.

EYE TO THE FUTURE

FutureLogic, a California-based company that designs and builds high-reliability electromechanical assembly solutions for nearly every printing need, will be showcasing two products at this year’s ICE show. To start, the company will officially launch its PromoNet couponing solution for the Europe, Middle East and Asian (EMEA) marketplace. PromoNet can be integrated with the company’s TITO gaming printers such as the GEN3 Evolution printer and GEN2 Universal printer. The PromoNet solution offers casinos the ability to create campaigns for both carded and non-carded players, and automatically trigger marketing campaigns based on real-time game play metrics, player tracking information, POS systems and redemption terminals, allowing casino marketers to issue a coupon at the game or HBE (hospitality, beverage, entertainment) location to attract and retain customers. For players, these offers provide valued savings and incentives to enhance their casino/resort experience.

“Following extensive consultation, development and testing in the U.S. casino market—including passing review by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, GLI and BMM—we are excited that the PromoNet couponing solution is now ready for sale in EMEA markets,” said John Edmunds, vice president international markets for FutureLogic.

The company will also unveil a new ticket-out solution for the AWP market, Edmunds added. “[It will replace] coin-payout with ticket-payout on new and legacy analogue AWP games is of real interest to operators across Europe,” he said. “Providing secure ticket issuance and redemption without the need to network the games greatly simplifies the cash collection process.”

Stand number: 4160
For more information, visit www.futurelogic-inc.com.

LOFTY THOUGHTS

With exciting, market-attuned games and revolutionary systems solutions, International Game Technology (IGT) delivers the powerful products that drive casino performance at ICE Totally Gaming (ICE).

Premiering at ICE is IGT Cloud, a breakthrough casino management service solution that empowers operators to optimize their operations and engage players. The cloud computing service will supply IGT Analytics for robust reporting, and IGT Floor Manager to manage game content and allow access to one of the largest game libraries in the industry.

IGT’s global focus and market-attuned approach will be highlighted on IGT’s new video slot themes featuring localized and regionalized content designed for performance and player enjoyment. With features such as 3D and advanced touchscreens, IGT’s games are built to meet the technology expectations of today’s consumers worldwide.

IGT’s Center Stage Series will continue to be the center of attention by offering operators the ability to refresh content with the latest, high-impact games at ICE. And IGT pop-culture slot games, such as Elvis The King, give players entertaining experiences through blockbuster titles.

“At ICE 2012, IGT will show continued international success as we deliver the ubiquitous, innovative gaming experiences and new technologies that generate value for our customers,” said Craig Churchill, IGT senior vice president of international sales.

Stand number: 3430
For more information, visit www.igt.com.

OPEN MIND

An industry leader in wide-area server-based gaming, Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired) will focus on three key themes for ICE 2012: server-based gaming, marketing and rewards, and platform convergence.

Inspired will unveil CORE VIP, the industry’s most advanced bonus and reward system, at ICE for the first time. It is the latest platform innovation to come from the innovative company and the first and only system to allow in-game rewards for all games, even third-party titles. Inspired’s CORE VIP is modular so operators can take all its features or select certain functions, all of which can be integrated into current loyalty and CRM systems.

Over a decade of hands-on experience and millions in R&D has ensured Inspired is at the forefront of developments in wide area server-based gaming (SBG) and now leads in next-generation SBG markets, such as the UK and Italy. At ICE, visitors to the Inspired stand can experience the unique qualities of Inspired’s Open SBG CORE platform that go far beyond the remote download of games. These qualities include its open source content API (Open SBG), innovative add-ons such as marketing and rewards, and in-depth reporting for greater performance control.

The land-based SBG platform is also adaptable to cross-platform convergence, which Inspired will be demonstrating in partnership with its sister company OpenBet. A key attraction is Inspired’s multi-platform Virtual Sports for retail, in-home broadcast, online and mobile systems.

“Inspired is in a unique position in this industry in that we are large enough to compete with the U.S. and European gaming giants, but we are small enough to keep innovation fast-paced and technology-focused,” said Inspired CEO Luke Alvarez. “We are a technology company at heart and will always deliver products that look great but perform even better, due to our unique SBG operating system. We’re launching another industry first with our CORE VIP ecosystem, which will take operators’ current marketing and loyalty strategies to the next level by spanning both online and retail, and allowing in-game rewards across the entire Open SBG game library.”

Stand number: 4075
For more information, visit www.ingg.com.

COMBINED EFFORT

SPIELO International is featuring its most comprehensive portfolio of content, products and systems solutions across all gaming segments at the 2012 ICE Totally Gaming show. SPIELO International is the new name of former sister companies ATRONIC and SPIELO. This will be SPIELO International’s first appearance at ICE as a fully integrated entity that shares a single focus on providing exceptional content across all gaming markets—including VLT, commercial casino, and AWP sectors.

SPIELO will showcase the following international commercial casino products at ICE:

•Mermaid’s Spell is an intriguing rapid hit eight-level linked progressive multi-game that will mesmerize players. Featuring three distinct titles—Great Reef, Magic Lagoon and Bay of Fortune—Mermaid’s Spell enables players to select “enchanted symbols” for re-spins and increased chances at the progressives. Five-of-a-kind line wins trigger the corresponding progressive. Players can choose their volatility by seeking their favorite progressive level.

•Egyptian Gold is SPIELO International’s first progressive link using Episodic Gaming. As the player progresses through the game during one session, he or she can save and reactivate their achieved status during the next play session. The player unlocks more features and additional bet options for more action become available. Egyptian Gold offers an exciting five-level Progressive Playoff, where the player is able to win multiple progressives.

•SPIELO International has expanded its successful multi-game solution, diversity, with the introduction of Amazing Amber, Pure Purple, Gambling Green and Absolute Azure. Combined with Royal Red and Brilliant Blue, operators can select game suites tailored to their players’ desires. diversity offers a variety of up to 10 games grouped into categories that can be selected by players via touch screen, with Roulette now available as a selection. Presented on the new OXYGEN cabinet, diversity allows players to select their preferred game types with different volatility levels, and is the only multigame on the market featuring proven, top-performing standalone progressive games, all in multi-line and multi-denomination format.

•New core games will provide another highlight of the show. They include Goldify2, the successor to Goldify, a popular game where players choose which symbols to turn into gold so they can select their preferred level of volatility. Goldify2 features the same easy-to-play functionality, but even more choices of symbols to Goldify, including the top symbol and feature trigger.

•SPIELO International is also introducing the Animal World game family, featuring Puzzle Pay. All actual Puzzle Pay symbols will turn around to display pieces of a picture. All other reel positions will re-spin. If additional actual Puzzle Pay symbols appear after the re-spin, they will turn around to show more pieces of the picture. The bonus ends if there are no additional actual Puzzle Pay symbols after the re-spin or all 15 positions are turned around. Credits are awarded based on the number of pieces revealed, with the top amount awarded for a completed puzzle. Titles in the Animal World family include Animal World Africa and Animal World Australia.

Stand number: 3015
For more information, visit www.spielo.com.

THINKING BIG

Building on its continual development of unique gaming products and industry‐differentiated technologies, WMS Gaming Inc., will display the company’s strongest and most diverse gaming content portfolio ever for international markets at the ICE Totally Gaming 2012.

With a broad array of unique and dynamic entertainment experiences that are sure to engage current players and attract new ones to drive higher loyalty and performance for casino operators, WMS is committed to its motto of “Engaging Players. Delivering Results.”

WMS continues to translate customer and player feedback into high‐earning product solutions that integrate unique play mechanics with iconic industry and global brands. The WMS product design and development teams have again created new entertainment experiences that raise the bar on gaming excitement with new and coming products, including:

•Colossal Reels—New to the WMS Innovation Series category, the Colossal Reels series utilizes the full widescreen power of the Bluebird2 and Bluebird xD cabinets to feature two sets of reels—traditional and oversized—that transfer wild symbols between reels. The Colossal Reels series will launch with four themes and two unique math models.

•Life of Luxury Deluxe—The new Life of Luxury Deluxe theme is the follow‐up to the successful Life of Luxury Progressive Local‐Area Progressive (LAP) series. The game features a LAP free spin bonus randomly triggered during standard G+DELUXE and G+ Deluxe 5x4 base game play. In the progressive free spin bonus round, a max wager spin guarantees a progressive award if the picking bonus is triggered.

•Aladdin & The Magic Quest—A virtual ‐reality magic carpet ride, taking you as close to a thrill ride as a slot machine can possibly go, Aladdin & The Magic Quest slots introduce the next generation of Sensory Immersion gaming with the WMS motion system chair. In this fully immersive experience, including 3D graphics, sound and movement, players enjoy an unprecedented experience with motion effects programmed to align perfectly with in‐game events. Powered by the CPU‐NXT3 processor, players enjoy three unique bonus rounds in this game‐changing slot adventure.

•POWER SPINS—A new family for the video Bonus Bank player featuring a base game with the look and feel of the popular G+ Deluxe series. Launching with four themes, each game enables players to activate an acquired POWER SPIN event at any time to increase the chance of winning. Players can accumulate POWER SPIN events higher than the maximum bet, allowing for a significantly more volatile experience.

Stand number: 3400
For more information, visit www.wms.com.

ACTION STAR

One of the machines Aristocrat Technologies is likely showcase at ICE Totally Gaming is Stuntman Sam, the company’s first European VIRIDIAN WS (widescreen) feature top box game that debuted late last fall.

Stuntman Sam is an entertaining Triple Standalone Progressive game full of fortune-filled features, free games, boosters and stunts, topped with a three-level Power Pay jackpot that builds with every bet.

In addition to a 22-inch 16:9 lower screen, the cabinet sports a portrait 32-inch upper widescreen, which delivers crowd-thrilling HD video animations of the fearless Sam risking life and limb.

Stuntman Sam’s player appeal can be seen in the stunts he performs where five different feats offer players immersive game play. More than one stunt can be won in a feature and up to two boosters used to enhance each stunt. Whether being shot from a cannon, high diving, motorbike jumping, aerobatic flying or having knives thrown around him, Stuntman Sam offers thrills, spills and rewards.

Aristocrat Technologies likely will also display new releases in its recently introduced Hyperloop line of gaming machines. Hyperloop is a standalone slot that seamlessly integrates a mechanical top box with superb on-screen animation to deliver all-round gaming gratification. Upon triggering the game feature, players watch in wonder as balls spin around the Hyperloop, dropping extra multipliers or wilds onto the video reels below.

The seasonally spooky Halloween: Trick or Treat is an interactive Reel Power game in which three scattered frame symbols trigger the feature, daring players to select between Trick or Treat. Choosing ‘Trick’ initiates three free games with the Hyperloop awarding one, two or three wild reels for that game. Opting for ‘Treat’ brings up an interactive match-a-prize screen with the Hyperloop awarding a prize multiplier.

Stand number: 3415
For more information, visit www.aristocratgaming.co.uk.

Paul Doocey
is editor of Casino Journal magazine. He can be reached at dooceyp@bnpmedia.com.

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