D


uring the early years of server-based gaming, its developers always seemed a tad stumped when asked what its


appeal for the customer would be. However, Bally Technologies appears to have built that much- sought ‘better mousetrap.’ Tribal casinos, traditionally the more innovative segment the casino industry, have teamed with Bally to create server-based events that may soon come to a gaming floor near you. Bruce Rowe, senior vice


president of business development at Bally, lauds tribal casinos for their “commitment to technology, their independence with regard to decisions. They’re fairly nimble with regard to approval of capital” and willingness to invest it in cutting-edge hardware and software.


In 2008, Pechanga Resort & Casino, near Temcula, Calif., began putting the pieces into place that today enable it to run slot tournaments of unprecedented size. Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, in Lakeside, started working with Bally the following year to create floor-wide events. Florida’s Seminole Tribe has joined the movement, as has Mohegan Sun Casino. Now the private sector is getting into the act, as Philadelphia-area Valley Forge Casino & Resort opened earlier this year with Bally’s iView network and Elite Bonusing Suite already in place. Regular casino visitors are accustomed to the sight of roped-off banks of slots, dedicated to tournament play and hogging valuable floor space. Sometimes the machines even off in their own


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