The first installations over the Labor Day weekend were at the Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs

The first installations of IGT’s innovative new REELdepth video slot games took place over the Labor Day weekend at two Grand Casinos properties in Minnesota – Grand Casino Hinckley and Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

REELdepth video slots use Multi-Layer Display (MLD) technology, a layering of two or more Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) that creates the visual effect of true depth without the use of 3-D glasses. It is the same technology that produces multilayer maps of war zones and drives visually enhanced images using real depth for Samsung and Sanyo LCD displays.

“IGT has done a masterful job with REELdepth, giving gaming operators the fullest range of flexible configuration options,” said Robert Allen, corporate vice president of slot operations for Grand Casinos Minnesota. “This machine represents a virtually perfect server-based gaming solution. This is a technology investment that will stand the test of time. REELdepth embodies much of what is best about IGT – forward-looking technology and engineering; design and application of game content with artistic flair; and the full gamut of great slot games.” 

The MLD technology, pioneered by PureDepth Inc., was highlighted at the Society for Information Display’s Display Week 2008 as one of the most innovative technical developments. PureDepth technology is backed by 51 approved patents and more than 80 pending patents.

Display technology has a tremendous number of applications, and the ability of MLD technology to focus the viewer’s attention makes it a natural for gaming products. Players can switch between three-, four-, and five-reel virtual spinning-reel games, to video slots and video poker all on the same machine. REELdepth games also have virtual reels that mimic the look and vibration of their mechanical counterparts, so traditional slot players will feel comfortable playing them.

“REELdepth themes give players an experience they’ve never seen before,” said Brenda Boudreaux, IGT vice president of product management. “Not only do these themes use state-of-the-art technology, but they truly provide a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Players will want to play them, and operators will need them on their floors.”

The initial REELdepth games rollout includes nearly 70 of IGT’s classics, as well as several new AVP (Advanced Video Platform) themes. In September, IGT will release the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade MegaJackpots Slot, which debuted at the 2007 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

Another benefit is that casino operators who invest in REELdepth games no longer have to budget to change glass, change reel strips, or physically relocate and remove machines from the floor.