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Shuffle Master showed its broad diversity of slots, table gaming equipment and EGMs at G2E
Shown for the first time at G2E 2010 to gauge customer feedback, Shuffle Master's iTable Roulette met visitors to this year's show in impressive fully functioning form. Complete with an improved interface and a crisper HD appearance to the display, Shuffle Master's John Strickland confirmed that significant improvements had been made across the board, with the iTable Roulette ready to ship in the first quarter of 2012. "The advantages for operators using the iTable Roulette is the obvious increase in rounds per hour, while players are attracted to the simplicity of the interface, with tap and touch controls and wagers appearing clearly on the new larger display," explained Mr. Strickland. "The live ball drop and spin is confirmed by the dealer who's able to play the part of host, as the transactions are dealt with by the iTable system. The dealer is now able to interact at a different level with players, with the product doing all the work for them. Interactivity has also been increased with a more responsive touchscreen with crystal clear HD graphics,” stated Mr. Strickland.
Further developments of the iTable will see Shuffle Master's proprietary table games made available for players to make side bets and engage in progressives through the same intuitive system. The company also showed at G2E its Wireless Progressive Link, OWAP, which is currently live at Sunset Station and Red Rock Casino in Nevada, which builds a faster, larger progressive jackpot by combining the multiple casinos into the same progressive table link.
Shuffle Master also showed its Vegas Star Roulette Live, a live version of its popular Vegas Star Roulette, which has traditionally been linked to an RNG and pre-recorded video screen dealer. This latest version features a live roulette wheel, with an automatic ball feed and spin that does not require a dealer. “We’ve created a new live version of Vegas Star Roulette in response to player feedback, for those preferring a live wheel as opposed to an RNG,” commented Mr. Strickland.
One of the stars on the Shuffle Master stand was its new EGM upgraded cabinet, titled Mojo. Several banks of new slots featured at the G2E show as the company seeks to expand its limited, though highly
December 2011 Page 24
The expansion of Slovenian multi- -player manufacturer, Interblock, into the US gaming market continued apace at the G2E exhibition with announcements of recent installations at both the Bellagio and MGM casinos into Las Vegas. The company has also been hiring in the States, with 30 qualified sales and marketing staff manning the US Interblock office to better understand the market and its customers.
Gavin Isaacs, CEO Shuffle Master, clearly in his
element at the G2E exhibition in Vegas.
popular slots range of machines. At the show visitors could sample Ocean Fortunes, Kelly's Fortune and Cats, Hats and Bats, all Shuffle Master Star Games' titles that have been designed to appeal to the Latin American market, with machines switching between English and Spanish languages. In addition, the Pink Panther Returns progressive link was also shown alongside Tiki Totem, Money Buzz, Gold Mines 2 and Bingo, with cabinet approvals expected to coincide with their showing at SAGSE.
Slovenia’s Kongo shines with StarGate & diversity
SPIELO International’s ATRONIC diversity multi-game package has been a top performer on Slovenian gaming floors for five consecutive months. Casino Kongo in Slovenia is among the operations that have installed diversity on their gaming floors beginning in May. Casino Kongo reports that the diversity machines have been busy ever since.
diversity offers a broad range of casino gaming in one complete package. With suites of up to 10 games, with top- performing games including standalone progressives, diversity provides variety in space-limited venues, extends
play and profit-per customer, and attracts new players. Casino Kongo is also the first gaming operation in the country to install SPIELO International’s popular STARGATE SG-1, which took place in July.
Following the STARGATE installation, SPIELO supported Casino Kongo with a special promotion to introduce players to STARGATE. All casino guests received a ticket and a coupon to participate in a draw near the STARGATE machines. Hostesses gave gifts and free drinks to all STARGATE players, and prizes included free-play tickets, dinner and merchandise.
"We have built up a better understanding of the many regulations and jurisdictions governing this market, including its unions, over the last couple of years," explained Interblock's Tina Ferko of the company's negotiation of US union resentment and resistance to multi-player gaming. "Operators understand that they can connect machines together across a casino, enabling players in different locations to play roulette from a single wheel. It's a concept that players have grasped immediately."
There still remains, however, an education process to overcome, with many US operators unconvinced by the prospect of EGMs on their floors. "Progress can be slow," said Ms. Ferko. "However, operators are coming round to the fact that our products bring additional benefits over and above those of a slot machine. Following our approval in Nevada last year, operators began sampling our machines and evaluating player acceptance. Right now I'd say the market is 'cautious' of these devices, but we always knew it was going to be a slow-burn. We are taking a patient approach, building confidence in our product as we know that there's a huge untapped market for us to exploit."
In addition to a crowd pleasing multi- player roulette in the shape of an American football on the stand, Interblock also showed its new Virtual BlackJack. Having shown a hybrid version of the game at last year's show, Interblock is offering a range of live, hybrid and virtual options for all types of locations and player preferences. "We need to offer a full range of game types and styles to accommodate all the needs of our customers," highlighted Ms. Ferko. "We have found Asian operators willing to experiment, European markets looking for diversity and US locations with a more traditional requirement right now. Whatever the preference, we have a product to meet their needs."
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