ICE 2011
extremely high level graphics performance, dual DVI connectors for superb quality on two game screens, including HD potential, and their case design means the whole package – which is a complete system solution – runs without a fan, for low noise and less power consumption. The QXi-100 is a similar product but is
designed for what Quixant describes as ‘cost- sensitive applications’; again it is passively cooled, so no fan, dual monitor capability, and it’s capable of powering advanced 3D graphics.
Merkur Gaming
Merkur’s star continues to rise, with a strong complement of titles on show at ICE. The standouts of their line-up continue to be their multi-game selections, but the cabinets are striking too. The Casino Line slant top features attractive chrome detail, highlighted by keyline lights around the edges and with an illuminated toplight. The WB4 is their upright cabinet, with a small footprint and featuring TITO capabilities, with two 19” TFT monitors. Sound quality is enhanced by an integrated subwoofer.
JCM
Unsurprisngly, JCM’s iVIZION was their highlight for the casino trade, with its Contact Image Sensor technology that, they say, scans 75 times more data points than any competitor products; banknotes are optically centred regardless of width so there’s no need for mechanical centring, and there’s an anti- stringing device within too. First time acceptance is over 99 per cent, iVIZION is also self-calibrating and accepts notes up to 85mm wide. Exclusive to the iVIZION is JCM’s Sentry 2.0 Bezel, the industry’s first ‘display bezel’, with a high-resolution, high contrast LCD screen which is fully customisable for the operator. And working with the company’s Intelligent
Cash Box 2.0, it’s win-win; each transaction is captured and stored on the cashbox for secure and robust data reconciliation, and the possibility for you to see detailed, tailored reporting.
Bally
The slot and systems giant had another absolutely full stand at ICE, with so much product it was dizzying. Highlights, in summary, included the ALPHA 2 Pro Series cabinets, which give a really immersive experience to the player with surround sound, HD video and slick 3D animations. They come in slant-top, spinning wheel, upright and also in configurations with digital, wheel and hammerhead top displays.
Chief Operating Officer Gavin
Isaacs enthused: “Our game developers and hardware and software engineers have outdone themselves, and operator feedback has been truly outstanding.” The cabinets are download- and configuration-ready, with a library of games already available to support it. The iDeck was the standout for us at Casino
International. It’s a fully customisable, fully downloadable touchscreen button deck, which can replace traditional buttons on a slot machine. Players can select the button configuration, touch features can be synched with the game, and so much more. It’s a great enhancement and one that players are more than ready for, with widespread acceptance of touchscreens thanks to smartphones in everyday life. Of course there were lots and lots of new game titles, including the latest Playboy title, Playboy Hot Zone, a look back to the Playboy of the 1950s and 60s. The company’s star European cabinet, the
V32, also had some new game titles on show, including Hot Hot Habanero, Gaucho Gold, and Gold on the Bayou iView Display Manager played a big part in
Bally’s Elite Bonusing Suite demonstration. When combined with Bally’s Elite Bonusing Suite applications which deliver floor-wide, interaction promotions, iVIEW DM offers a second-chance-to-win and the ability for players to earn valuable rewards, all without interrupting play on their base game. There was so much more to see, but we just
don’t have the space here… Look for more on the Elite Bonusing Suite in a future issue.
Astro Corp Astro enjoyed an impressive presence in the
centre of the show floor, with their new generation of multiplayer games – with both poker and roulette content – front and centre. CEO Simon Herbert explained: “At ICE we showed Astro Roulette in its popular ten player configuration, complete with inclusive high visibility winning number display. Astro 66, our six player console also created a great deal of interest. Astro 66 offers up to six players a
choice of six different poker games, both peer to peer and virtual dealer, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Revolver Poker, Blackjack, Ladder Dice, Super Derby and Catch the Wave. “The multiplayer market is already crowded
and we knew that to succeed we would have to take a different approach. It is our objective to deliver the best possible game software in flexible full feature cabinet configurations.” Astro’s latest slot latest releases were
showcased, including video reel multiline games, Strongman and Deep Treasure. Astro’s legendary graphics skills were demonstrated with a spectacular new four level linked animated jackpot display featuring the legend of King Midas. Simon Herbert was pleased at the
enthusiastic response from visitors to the stand saying: “2011 was Astro’s fourth year at the London show and the stand was our largest to date. In terms of attendance we’ve been delighted by both the quantity and quality of visitors.”
IGT Traditionally, IGT’s European arm cherry
picks from what is on offer at G2E, and brings the best of it over the water for customers. That meant this year we saw the stunning Dark Knight, American Idol, the excellent (and incredibly popular at the show) Ghostbusters, the beautifully put together Dirty Dancing, and evergreen Star Wars. Kurt Quartier, VP of International Casino
Markets for IGT, said: “We recently completed our 1,000-machine deal with Sun International, where we placed a thousand of these Premium Products with Sun; we did the last of the installs in December. We want our customers to see the kind of product we installed there.
“Our main focus is really on sbX. We recently had our first install in Portugal at Troia, which opened on New Year’s Day, with 70 per cent IGT machines. We have installations now in Finland, Italy and France too, we’re getting some good traction with the product. Working with those geographically diverse customers is good, and now other customers can go and have a look.” With so many games available
when you factor in multigames, how do casino operators make customers aware of the titles available to them? IGT has the answer, explained Kurt: “Our message with sbX and all the games we have is, “Here’s the library.” Gone are the days when there are ten games to pick from for the year; when you have a hundred plus new games, we have to think how we are going to show that to the customer? How is the operator
MARCH 2011 45
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