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bingo in 1979, paving the path for Indian gaming. Truthfully, legislation and political alliances usually come down to money. The question is often how do all sides benefit. The unequalled reach and influence of the Seminole Tribe now makes it a giant player. Finally, the start of a new year often signals retirements.
Peter DeRaedt, who led what is now the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) since 1998, retired on December 31. He will remain an adviser for two years. In 1996, Acres Gaming founder John Acres developed a
mission for gaming manufacturers to collectively standardize technological communication. By late 1997, 65 people from 20 companies joined forces to form a nonprofit association in May 1998. Over 19 years, the group changed its name twice. The
Gaming Manufacturers Association (GAMMA) of 2001 evolved into the current International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) in 2020. By late 2023, member and affiliate organizations total 53. IGSA officials praised DeRaedt’s long tenure and
success in creating a standardization system that transitioned IGSA into a neutral advocate. Its numerous standards have been internationally adopted, transforming many gaming companies. Over 25 years, DeRaedt has commanded enormous
respect. The IGSA Board recently awarded him a lifetime honorary “President Emeritus” title. Current IGSA Vice President Mark Pace, with 20 years
Peter DeRaedt
actors where everyone was beautiful, thin, youthful and having fun. Good luck to them. However, not everyone cheered. Last year, two pari-mutuel companies, West Flagler
Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corp., petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to “immediately suspend” this 2021 agreement that only included the Seminole Tribe. The two companies claimed the arrangement denied voters their opportunity to support or reject the program, as prescribed by law, and eliminated competition. The suit faced a snag. Although Governor Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. signed the two-sided historic compact, the Florida Legislature had also passed appropriate legislation. The Florida Supreme Court’s rejection of any attempt to block its implementation sealed the deal. Craps, roulette and sports betting are now available at
the Seminole’s six casino locations statewide. Three more sites are planned for Broward County-on tribal property- between Palm Beach and Miami. For this exclusivity, the Seminoles will pay Florida at least
$2.5 billion over the first five years. Over the lifetime of the pact, it could potentially grow by billions of dollars. That does not include the projected indirect revenues from increased tourism, employment, taxes and the general economy. Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard
Rock International, estimates this “historic milestone” will create more than 1,000 new jobs and put Florida on par with the world’s “great gaming destinations.” The Seminole Tribe is no stranger to making history. It was the first in North America to introduce unlimited stakes
10 JANUARY 2024
IGSA experience, ascends to Acting President until a thorough Board search produces a nominee at its first 2024 Board meeting. Chairman Earle G. Hall stated, “Peter DeRaedt’s legacy
is profound, having steered IGSA through numerous challenges and opportunities. His foresight and leadership have been pivotal…He leaves behind a robust and well-respected organization…” I attended two pre-Covid IGSA luncheon meetings at
G2E. Listening to DeRaedt, I realized just how smart the members really were. Their knowledge of advanced technology was over my head, giving me a newfound respect for the IGSA. I found it interesting, but not unusual, that an industry
this expansive would not have done this earlier. I understand the sensitivity of proprietary technology, but purchasing and using every mechanical and software component individually was inconvenient, expensive and may have deterred operators from buying multiple brands. During my early coin-op years, we faced the same dilemma. Why have to offer intensive training on so many game varieties? It impacted everyone’s sales until manufacturers wised up and began standardizing technology. Unfortunately, not all major industries consider this consolidation strategy. Those who do, as in the airline industry, benefit. For example, Southwest Airlines’ large fleet consists of
only Boeing 737 aircraft. That minimizes pilot and mechanic training time, parts inventory and fees. Southwest’s ability to wisely purchase fuel to sustain them through the highs and lows translates to lower prices for their fliers. If only other industries understood this. Our lives would be so much simpler, right?
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