International Game Technology (IGT) has had a busy couple of weeks, extending its video poker arrangement with Action Gaming and placing its slot machines and systems in three gaming properties.
IGT’s new arrangement with Action Gaming extends collaboration on development of multi?hand video poker games for land?based and online play. As part of the agreement, IGT has purchased patents from Action Gaming which are currently utilized in industry?leading IGT games such as All?Star Poker, Ultimate X Poker and Hyper Bonus Poker. These patents are also being utilized in the creation of exciting new video poker themes.
From Triple Play Draw Poker to Super Times Pay Poker, IGT’s multi-hand video poker games provide players with the increased excitement of simultaneously playing multiple hands of video poker, according to company press materials. IGT and Action Gaming have worked together for many years to leverage industry-exclusive patents in their development of multi-hand video poker games that have broadened the scope of the video poker business while transforming the player experience.
“IGT and Action Gaming enjoy an outstanding partnership, working together to create the games that video poker players love, while providing casinos with some of the highest-earning games on their floors,” Joe Sigrist, vice president of game development and global product management for IGT said in a prepared statement. “This new agreement propels our creation and development of best-in-class content for casinos, for wager online, and in the social environment for IGT’s DoubleDown Casino.”
Meanwhile, IGT announced a slew of new slot machine and system casino placements:
• Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Ore., recently chose IGT systems enterprise gaming solutions to enhance its connection with players. As part of the partnership, Seven Feathers will connect IGT’s Floor Manager solution to 40 electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The machines will also connect to IGT’s sbX Analytics, enabling casino operators to examine a broad set of data points to analyze game performance, and optimize the game selection on the floor for increased ROI.
Currently, Seven Feathers Casino Resort offers IGT’s latest Advanced Video Platform (AVP) and popular MegaJackpots titles. The addition of sbX Floor Manager provides the casino with the first Game?to?System (G2S) management solution that operators can leverage to change the game mix on casino floors based on market conditions, special events and demographics.
“IGT’s enterprise management solutions empower us with sophisticated tools and technologies to drive game excitement for our players,” said Mike Brenden, senior director of slot operations at Seven Feathers. “With an optimized view of our gaming floor, we can understand player preferences easily and quickly, enabling us to create an ideal gaming environment.”
• IGT has secured 50 percent floor share of games at the new SLS Las Vegas, a lifestyle?driven, mixed?use resort and casino. Targeted to open Labor Day weekend 2014, SLS Las Vegas will feature 400 IGT games on its casino floor.
Representing the stunning transformation of a celebrated Las Vegas Strip location steeped in Rat Pack lore, SLS Las Vegas draws from a rich legacy of entertainment. A wide range of IGT titles featured in the property’s casino will provide player excitement across several game themes, from MegaJackpots, to core and video poker titles.
“We’re creating a phenomenal entertainment experience at SLS Las Vegas for local players and those seeking the hottest new travel destination,” said Rob Oseland, president of SLS Las Vegas. “IGT’s best?in?class games provide the fun and excitement that will help make our casino the favorite spot on the Strip to play.”
• IGT also joined in the celebration of the grand opening of the newly renovated Dania Beach, Fla.-based Dania Casino and Jai?Alai, with a leading 40 percent floor share of games running on the fresh installation of IGT Advantage Systems.
Steeped in the history of Dania Beach jai?alai action, the Dania Casino and Jai?Alai is undergoing a complete renovation, with the new casino now prominently featuring 549 slot machines. The vast selection of IGT titles in the property’s casino represent a variety of game themes, from MegaJackpots, to core and video poker.
“The power and performance of IGT’s best?in?class systems and content have enabled us to increase our operating efficiencies while creating meaningful relationships with players in our Argentina casinos,” said Damián Pando, vice president of operations for the group of four Argentina casino operators that own 75 percent of the enterprise. “As we expand into Florida with the development of the truly world?class Dania Casino and Jai?Alai, it’s a natural decision for us to select IGT Advantage systems and IGT games to continue our success while driving more player excitement.”