Wednesday, April 4, 2012

news.casinolife

news.casinolife

IGT Exhibits Exhilarating Games and Systems at the National Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention 2012

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 09:18 AM PDT

 

 

(LAS VEGAS – April 3, 2012) – International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) will showcase the compelling games and total systems solutions needed for optimal performance and enhanced player experiences tribal customers are looking for at the National Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention 2012 (NIGA 2012), April 1–4, in San Diego, Calif., in booth 2217.

IGT offers thrilling content on any device for its customers, from the traditional casino floor to the online and mobile space. NIGA attendees will see how IGT's performance-driven solutions are transforming casino floors with innovative themes and player-favorites as well as new and unexpected ways to differentiate casino floors allowing for unrivaled levels of entertainment for their players.

Knute Knudson VP for Native American Development

"IGT is excited to be at NIGA 2012 to show our commitment to tribal sovereignty and to continue to build upon our long-term relationship with our tribal partners," said Knute Knudson, vice president for Native American Development. "Attendees will see how our creative products combine technology innovation with iconic brands that appeal to players while providing increased revenue opportunities for operators."

Innovative IGT MegaJackpots Deliver Player Excitement at NIGA. Star-studded, unprecedented pop culture games define the IGT MegaJackpots® themes making their NIGA debut. Adding recognizable, star-studded appeal to any casino floors are Elvis The King™ Multi-Level Progressives, featuring chart-topping Elvis Presley hits, and Sex and the City Fabulous! ™ with MultiPLAY action. Attendees also will see Ghostbusters™ Who Ya Gonna Call with big-screen, 3D entertainment, and the latest player favorite Wheel of Fortune® Experience™ 2. Plus IGT's Big Buck Hunter® Pro makes its NIGA premiere bringing the arcade to the casino floor.

Market-Attuned Content and New Core Titles Define Fun at NIGA. Continuing to deliver on its commitment to expand market-attuned content, IGT delivers the Day of the Dead® video slots based on the popular Latin American holiday. Mexico’s popular film and Internet sensation, the entertaining Huevocartoon® game appears on IGT’s OnCore Progressives. Both games are available in English and Spanish. Other IGT Core titles are Red Hot 7's Respin™ spinning-reel slots and Reel Edge® Atari® Centipede®.

Class II themes at NIGA include Black Widow®, Thundering Buffalo® and The Mighty Atlas®. Market-leading IGT Video Poker action will be highlighted with Build A Wheel Poker® and its first-ever dynamic video wheel.

IGT Systems Solutions Drive Performance for Casinos Across the Globe. More than 50 casinos in 11 countries have partnered with IGT for its innovative sbX® systems solution technology, and sbX®-connected machines have reported 10 times greater growth over non- sbX®-connected machines after just the second month of operability. NIGA attendees will be introduced to a new suite of player personalization capabilities including IGT Service Window-based bonusing applications to track and manage a player’s experience in real-time and customizable content and offerings right at the slot machine based on patron metrics.

IGT's Online and Mobile Games Accelerate Casinos into the Future. IGT brings the best in casino gaming and fun right to players’ phones and laptops. IGT’s experience in gaming extends well beyond the traditional casino floor with more than a decade of experience in the online and mobile sphere. IGT's Interactive division not only offers a turnkey management solution, but also provides a complete interactive gaming portfolio with casino games, multi-player poker, sports betting and bingo.

About IGT International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com, or follow IGT on Twitter at @IGTNews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IGT.

 

Leading Architecture Firm Designs First Ever Casino in New York City

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT

New York, N.Y., April 3, 2012 – JCJ Architecture has announced the completion of the first phase of the 1,086,000-square-foot Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens, N.Y., the largest entertainment center in New York City’s metro area and the city’s only casino. Developed and operated by Malaysian-based Genting Group, the project is the first company-owned U.S. venture for the leading global leisure and hospitality corporation.  The long-anticipated entertainment complex will contribute approximately $350 million annually to the State of New York to support education while offering locals and tourists alike world-class gaming, dining and entertainment options.

“Located within the Aqueduct Racetrack complex, Resorts World is an extraordinary example of creative repositioning and adaptive re-use. Working with Genting, we have transformed an aging landmark property into a vibrant and energetic entertainment destination," said Peter Stevens, President of JCJ Architecture. “Not only will Resorts World donate one percent of pre-tax profits to the local community, it has created more than 1,350 permanent jobs for the residents of New York.”

Adding 1,200 new construction jobs with a total construction cost of $510 million, the three-level complex required extensive site redevelopment and improvements on 64 acres, renovation of existing facilities, and new construction totaling approximately 736,000 square feet.

"Embodying Genting's design philosophy, we abandoned traditional, windowless, dark casino notions and reinvented an aesthetic that is much brighter, more vibrant and uplifting," said Brian Davis, Design Principal of JCJ Architecture, who along with Bill Dow, Principal, led the project. “Everything from the vaulted ceilings to the 60-foot chandelier in the lobby to the ornate detailing of the terrazzo floors evokes a sense of grandeur and expansiveness.”

Resorts World is designed to be 'uniquely New York,' subtly incorporating design elements that portray, evoke and celebrate many of the most recognizable and iconographic features of the city. Each of the casino's three levels reflects a distinctive atmosphere inspired by a New York City landmark:

  • Times Square Casino: Located on the first floor, this casino evokes the energy and dazzle of Times Square, with dramatic interactive digital billboards, streaming video displays presenting music videos and sporting events, and Bar 360 – a multi-level entertainment venue, featuring the largest video screen of its kind in the nation. An outdoor terrace extends beyond Bar 360 and the Aqueduct Buffet, providing patrons with similar views of Aqueduct Racetrack from which past visitors cheered famed champions  Secretariat, Man 'O War and Seabiscuit.
  • Fifth Avenue Casino: Positioned on the second floor, this casino features high-stakes gaming set amidst an elevated level of refinement and luxury. Upscale dining offerings

include Genting Palace and RW Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. The Liberty Bar provides guests an exciting view of the first-floor entertainment as well as the “Light of Nations” a 60-foot crystal chandelier with 193 hand-blown glass balls etched with the name of every nation recognized by the United Nations.

  • Central Park: The third floor features an expansive 70,000-square-foot event space, the largest in Queens, and is inspired by the Central Park's open spaces, verdant colors, and natural textures. The space includes a central performance area for high-profile events, and can also be segmented for more intimate gatherings such as weddings and private receptions.

The facility incorporated flexible design elements to accommodate future modifications while also preserving the building’s existing structural integrity, such as incorporating its numerous columns into the overall geometry of the space. Other design highlights include:

  • A climate-controlled bridge to the Aqueduct A train subway station providing direct access to Manhattan, and the AirTrain transit system to nearby Kennedy International Airport. The location is also easily accessible from La Guardia airport, rail transport, and major highways.
  • A five-level, 2,365-space parking garage with bus drop-off area.
  • 5,000 video lottery terminals and electronic table games.
  • Sustainable design strategies and materials throughout the project, exceeding New York’s energy efficiency standards (Executive Order 111).

“Our vision for Resorts World was to create a vibrant venue with entertainment options that appeal to a broad audience,” added Mike Speller, President of Resorts World Casino New York. “Through our collaboration with JCJ Architecture, that vision has become a reality, and now one of the greatest cities in the world has a gaming and entertainment destination it can call its own.”

Proposed future phases at Resorts World include a multi-billion-dollar, multi-million-square-foot convention center and hotel, making it the premier conference destination for both domestic and international markets.

JCJ Architecture served as architect and interior design firm for the project. The project team included professionals from across JCJ’s network of offices, led by senior executives from JCJ including Bill Dow, Brian Davis, Scott Celella, Alexandra Lopatynsky, Jeff Wynkoop and Peter Fabian.  Tutor Perini served as construction manager.

About JCJ Architecture Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, JCJ has offices in San Diego, Phoenix, New York City and Boston.  The firm is recognized nationally as one of the country's most respected architectural firms, providing clients with comprehensive planning, programming, architectural and interior design, project management and construction administrative services. With a long-standing reputation for creativity, excellence and business acumen, JCJ Architecture works across a broad range of industries including hospitality, education, civic, science and technology and commercial design.  For more information, visit www.jcj.com.

 

MICROGAMING ANNOUNCES NEW SCARY FLASH GAMES

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 01:32 AM PDT

ISLE OF MAN – Microgaming (www.microgaming.com), the world's largest provider of online gaming software, is excited to reveal its selection of scary new Flash games.

Jekyll and Hyde is based on the tale of the dual nature of good and evil, as an experiment goes awry. Gamers can watch Jekyll change into the monster that is Hyde. The classic transformation offers the chance for players to gather hordes of cash.

This is an All Pays game, which pays on adjacent reels from left to right, with three scatter symbols on any reel which triggers the allusive bonus feature.

Due to the scary amounts of cash prizes on offer, players will be keeping their fingers crossed for Jekyll to morph into Hyde and with each metamorphosis, they have even greater chances of winning larger sums of money. The horrifying tale of Jekyll and Hyde is revamped by Microgaming and crafted with stunning artwork, eerie music and an innovative bonus feature which will have gamers screaming, not with terror, but with delight.

Jekyll and Hyde will be available on Microgaming's Flash platform.

Alaxe in Zombieland is a "terrifying" addition to Microgaming's portfolio.  The innocent characters in Alice in Wonderland are well-known, but in Zombieland, they are all "zombiefied", except our heroine Alaxe. Players help Alaxe hack her way through Zombieland to bring them frightening amounts of cash!

This is a 25 line video slot game, with three features which trigger bonuses: the tea party free spin, the Red Queen's Adventure feature and the Gravestones feature.

Alaxe in Zombieland is unique in the way the familiar characters are all "un-dead." Alaxe battles the evil zombies that are usually thought of as beloved figures, including the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire cat, to keep gamers winning.  There are also multiple bonuses that lead to bigger wins.

Alaxe in Zombieland will be available on Microgaming's Flash platform.

Steam Punk Heroes is crafted in the style of a sub-genre fantasy.  Steam Punk is a setting of alternative history where steam is still the primary source of power – and offers players the power of winning.

This is a 25 line, five reel video slot game with a Steam Punked Free Spin feature, which is triggered whenever three or more scatter symbols appear anywhere on reels one to five. Two giant steam powered gears allow the player to stop on the greatest number of free spins and multipliers, meaning that they will benefit from the biggest cash prize.

Steam Punk Heroes presents characters and gadgets reminiscent to the era of H.G. Wells.  The steam-powered contraptions exist for only one reason – to deliver players trainloads of cash!  Innovative artwork with spectacular imagination is aimed to impress all players.

Steam Punk Heroes will be available on Microgaming's Flash platform.

CROWN’S 2012 MELBOURNE POKER CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 12:58 AM PDT

Melbourne, Australia. Tuesday 3 April 2012. In the world of poker, the person sitting next to you could be a computer programmer, nurse, politician, fund manager, fashion designer, property millionaire, comedian or international poker pro. So, it will be at Crown's 2012 Melbourne Poker Championship, one of the most prestigious and sought-after titles on the Australian poker calendar, running from 3 May until 14 May at Melbourne's renowned Crown Poker Room.

This year's Championship boasts ten official tournaments including two championships. The first event on the schedule will be the ninth instalment of the 'Joe Hachem Deepstack Series': a $550 No Limit Holdem event that always attracts a large field. The other championship event on offer is Event 8: Melbourne Poker Championships Main Event ($1100), and there will also be other daily satellite events to participate in from as little as $65.

There is a new twist on an old favourite, with this year's Event 3: No Limit Holdem Teams – Non Stop Turbo ($300), open to teams of two or three players. Team-mates will then be able to change after each orbit on their table, with no team-mate allowed to play more than one consecutive orbit.

The first Melbourne Poker Championship was held in 2002 where a modest field of 66 players took their seats in the $300 buy-in 'No Limit Holdem Main Event'. Last year's 'Main Event' was played with 502 entrants from all over the country. Scott Peel emerged victorious, walking away with a cool $104,500 for his efforts.

The 2012 Melbourne Poker Championships will be one of the most enthralling to date, with the prize pool expected to tip over $500,000. A massive field of players are expected to compete including hometown hero and WSOP champion Joe Hachem, 2012 Aussie Millions champion Oliver Speidel, spin king Shane Warne and defending champion Scott Peel.

New events on this year's schedule include Event 9: Turbo Terminator ($400) with $100 for every player eliminated, the action on the felts is sure to be fast and loose. Also new is Event 10: NLH – Turbo Ante Up! ($200), in this format the one blind stays at the minimum, while the antes are raised every level. As the very last event on the schedule and at a $200 buy in, this event is sure to attract plenty of interest. With tournaments available from as little as $65, Crown's 2012 Melbourne Poker Championship is designed to identify Australia's top poker talent and is expected to attract over 3,000 plus hopefuls from across the country all vying for a slice of more than $500,000.00 in prize money on offer.

 

TRANSACT TECHNOLOGIES SIGNS CONTRACT TO INSTALL EPICENTRAL® PRINT SYSTEM AT REVEL IN ATLANTIC CITY

Posted: 03 Apr 2012 12:53 AM PDT

HAMDEN, CT – TransAct Technologies Incorporated (NASDAQ: TACT), a global leader in market-specific printers for transaction-based and other industries, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract to install the EPICENTRAL® Print System at the new Revel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The EPICENTRAL® Print System will be connected to all 2,427 slot machines at the resort, which already will have the TransAct Epic 950® printer installed in order to ensure full usage of the System. Revel will be the first new resort to open in Atlantic City in nine years, with a scheduled grand opening date of May 2012."We are very excited to be able to install our new EPICENTRAL® Print System at the new Revel resort, which extends our already successful partnership and provides the casino and resort with an additional benefit and marketing advantage to their prospective customers," said Bart C. Shuldman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TransAct Technologies. "Revel is the first casino and resort in Atlantic City to select the EPICENTRAL® Print System, which we expect to begin installing after the official opening of the resort and casino. The EPICENTRAL® Print System will enhance Revel's connection with their customers by delivering effective targeted, real-time, marketing initiatives and bonusing programs right at the slot machine."

The new EPICENTRAL® Print System – connected directly to TransAct's ServerPort™ device inside the slot machine – is an easy-to-use, cost-efficient software system that enables casinos to internally develop marketing programs and promotional coupons to be distributed to customers on a real-time basis at a slot machine. Additionally, the system works with all existing slot systems and games as it is separate and distinct from the slot system itself. With this, casinos will be able to use the EPICENTRAL® Print System to connect to all existing slot machines, regardless of the game's manufacturer, to drive increased revenue and enhance their customers' experience.

About TransAct Technologies Incorporated TransAct Technologies Incorporated (NASDAQ: TACT) is a leader in developing and manufacturing market-specific printers for transaction-based and other industries. These industries include casino, gaming, lottery, banking, kiosk, point-of-sale, oil and gas, and medical and mobile. Each individual market has distinct, critical requirements for printing and the transaction is not complete until the receipt and/or ticket is produced. TransAct printers are designed from the ground up based on market specific requirements and are sold under the Ithaca®, Epic and Printrex® product brands.

TransAct distributes its printers through OEMs, value-added resellers, selected distributors, and direct to end-users. TransAct has over two million printers installed around the world. TransAct is committed to world-class printer service, spare parts and accessories required by a growing worldwide installed base of printers. Beyond printers, TransAct is a leader in providing printing supplies to the full transaction printer market.

Through its TransAct Services Group, TransAct provides a complete range of supplies and consumables items used in the printing and scanning activities of customers in the hospitality, banking, retail, gaming, government and oil and gas exploration markets. Through its webstore, http://www.transactsupplies.com, and a direct selling team, TransAct addresses the on-line demand for these products. TransAct is headquartered in Hamden, CT. For more information, please visit http://www.transact-tech.com or call 203.859.6800.