The 2006 Global Gaming Expo (G2E), heldNovember 14th through November 16th at

the Las Vegas Convention Center, drew a recordnumber of attendees, and was regarded by atten-dees and vendors alike as a great success. Theannual event, which is hosted by the American Gaming Association (AGA), was marked by the international expansionof the gaming industry, incredible technological advances, anda strong presence from Indian Country.

“I think this year's G2E really showcased the growing diver-sification of our industry,” said AGAPresident and CEO Frank J.Fahrenkopf, Jr. “From the newesttrends in F&B and entertainment tothe latest technological innovationsdriving the casino experience of thefuture, G2E showed just how farwe've come as an industry and wherethe future is set to take us.” G2E2006 featured a multitude of paneldiscussions and conferences on top-ics specific to every facet of the

gaming industry, including an unprecedented number ofpanels that were specific to tribal government.

The keynote panel, Tribal Gaming Summit: The Future ofIndian Gaming, discussed gaming developments in IndianCountry and the resulting economic impact. The panelincluded Kurt Luger, Executive Director of the GreatPlains Indian Gaming Association, Anthony Miranda,Chairman of the California Indian Gaming Association, andErnie Stebbins, Executive Director of the Washington

Indian Gaming Association. Moderated by Ernie Stevens, Jr.,Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, thepanelists discussed gaming developments in Indian Countryand the resulting economic impact. “Indian Country isstrong,” Stevens said of the high attendance levels. “Theturnout for Indian Country reflects that we're here gettingour work done.”

The breakout sections for tribal gaming also featured acomprehensive panel on the Class II controversy titled Seeking Clarity: What Exactly Is Class II Gaming? The panel,which included Phil Hogen, Chairman of the National IndianGaming Commission, discussed the NIGC's proposed ClassII regulations from every industry perspective.

Emerging technology was another hallmark of this year'sG2E. The 2006 installment of the G2E Future Watch Series,an annual research survey conducted in conjunction withG2E, examined the present and future role of technology inthe gaming and entertainment industry through in-depthsurveys of 16 leading casino industry executives and analysts. Ninety-four percent of those surveyed concluded thatthe way casino operators make use of technology is “very critical” to their success.

The keynote panel, State of the Industry: The Next Gener-ation of Global Gaming, focused on the industry's technolog-ical advancement as well as its international expansion. Moderated by Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., the panel consisted

of international industry leaders, including TerryLanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage, and T.J. Matthews, CEO of International Gaming Technology.

The panel discussed technology ranging fromserver-based gaming to RFID tracking systems andagreed that technology is changing the way cus-tomers enjoy gaming entertainment as well as the waygaming companies conduct business. It was widelyfelt, though, that these new technologies would notbe adopted by the industry unless they can offer animproved entertainment experience for customers.

The panel also discussed the possible effects thatthe international expansion of the gaming industry

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G2E 2006 an EnormousSuccess for the GamingIndustry

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

Attendees await the opening of this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E).

In the final keynote of G2E,Ernie Stevens moderates a discussion between NativeAmerican gaming leaders, including Delia Carlyle, Anthony Miranda, ErnieStebbins and Tim Wapato, about the future of Indian gaming in the U.S.

December 2006 Indian Gaming 31

will have on the U.S. market. “I think international expan-sion is going to add to our industry here,” stated Terry Lanni.“As the industry becomes more global, we're going to see anincreasing number of international visitors here at home.”

Another G2E highlight was the sixth annual AmericanGaming Association Communications Awards show. MGMMirage was the big winner, with awards for Best CustomerPublication and Best Direct Mail Campaign. Native Ameri-can casinos were also well represented at the awards, withBarona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino winning Best Web Site

and Foxwoods Resort Casino winning Best Print Ad Cam-paign. Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. was given the inauguralaward for Best Public Service Announcement.

G2E, as always, presented everyone in attendance with net-working opportunities as well as opportunities to promote theircompanies and organizations. “I think the show is wonder-ful,” said Diane Wyss, who handles casino and industry rela-tions for NIIGA. “It's good exposure for Indian gaming andour Associate Member program.” One of the focuses ofNIGA's booth at this year's show was its raffle to benefit the

Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation ScholarshipFund. The items being raffled include a beauti-ful quilt hand made by Native quilter ViolaColombe. The final drawing will be held March28th, 2007, at the NIGA tradeshow.

With such a high volume of tribal attendees anda record number of tribal conference sessions,G2E 2006 was a successful event for Indian Coun-try. “From an Indian gaming standpoint, it justgets bigger and bettor for us,” said Steve Cadue,Tribal Council Chairman of the Kickapoo Tribein Kansas. Cadue also noted new gaming technol-ogy to be one of the show's biggest highlights. “It'sexciting, it's entertaining, and it's always chang-ing. That's why these kinds of tradeshows are soimportant for the Indian gaming industry toattend.” The Las Vegas Convention Center was packed as G2E came into full swing.

Gamemakers at G2E Unveil Exciting, Innovative Games and Systems

The 2006 Global Gaming Expo was a monumental eventin terms of the technological advancements introduced

by the industry's leading game manufacturers. Crowds ofattendees flocked around vendor booths to get hands-ondemonstrations of the new, groundbreaking systems that willalter the landscape of the gaming industry in the months andyears ahead. This exciting presentation of revolutionary gam-ing systems was extraordinary and Indian Gaming magazinetook to the show floor to learn more about the innovative newsystems available in the industry.

AC Coin & Slot , known for its creative bonusing games,introduced its new brand: Mega Bonus Slots™. Mega BonusSlots starts with one of the best math models on the market,then enhances the playing experience through design and merchandising, bringing enjoyment to players and excitementto the casino floor.

The driving philosophy behind AC Coin's products is simplicity. Games are kept straightforward and consistent inplay and design. Spontaneous bonus events, innovative pack-age design, excellent sound packages, and dazzling lights are

just some of the elements incorporated into the Mega BonusSlots product line, which will be an umbrella brand for all ACCoin bonusing games, merchandising and marketing efforts.

The bonus round in AC Coin's Super Slotto Celebrationbegins with the sound of Kool and the Gang's famous hit“Celebration.” Players are then prompted to hit the flashing

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button that starts the over-sized Slotto balls bouncing and hopping within the massive 8-ft. Super Slotto CelebrationDome.

Super Bankroll is a larger version of AC Coin's hit gameBankroll. The bonus round begins with the classic rock hit“Money (That's What I Want)” and uses a large strip ofmoney that runs over and around the pillars in the top boxlike a massive horizontal printing press.

Super Slotto Celebration was a crowd-gathering event atG2E and it uses 25% less floor space than the current most popular community game. Super Bankroll is also eye-catch-ing in its packaging and design and can fit on almost any floor,unlike other much larger community games.

Atronic presented two new linked gaming concepts -Hot Link™ and Mystery Magic™. These unique productsallow an operator to set up a linked progressive bank with anyAtronic title that is Hot Link or Mystery Magic capable. Inaddition, all future Atronic titles will be linkable via eitherHot Link or Mystery Magic.

Hot Link™ is a symbol-driven progressive concept thatallows the operator flexibility to select any Hot Link capable title and insert it into a progressive bank. All HotLink capable titles provide a unique rapid hit progressivepaytable that ensures frequent wins of the progressive. Aunique Hot Link merchandising package has been createdwith signage, video loop and end cap signs. Each Hot Linkcapable title will also sport a Hot Link-branded, on-screenprogressive meter.

Mystery Magic™ is a mystery driven link where no win-ning combination is required to win the jackpot. All MysteryMagic capable titles provide a unique rapid hit progressivepaytable that ensures frequent wins of the progressive. Aunique Mystery Magic merchandising package has been created with signage, video loop, and end cap signs. Each Mystery Magic capable title will also sport a Mystery Magic-branded, on-screen progressive meter.

Moving toward its 75th Anniversary year in 2007, theBally Technologies display at G2E was brimming with excitement. The headliner in its expansive exhibit space was theunveiling of the Alpha Elite™ series of games, which feature

distinctive cabinet styles and offer gaming operators an unprece-dented level of flexibility. The new series sports a common base designed to allow operators to switch back and forthbetween a reel-spinner and a video slot. This series of cabinetconfigurations includes the Alpha Elite V32 with a striking 32-inch vertical touch-screen; the Alpha Elite V20/20 with twin20-inch stacked LCD touch-screens; and the Alpha Elite V20with a single 20-inch display.

Bally also featured GameMaker, the legendary name thatlaunched a revolution in multi-game platforms, in a new high-definition format. With razor-sharp clarity, enhanced audio andthe solid reliability of Alpha OS™, GameMaker HD providesthe unsurpassed flexibility of a technologically superior multi-game/multi-denom gaming experience in three distinctivecabinet styles: CineVision™ wide-screen, Alpha Elite V20and Alpha Elite V20/20.

Bally also featured the all-new Playboy Free Games S9000reel-spinner. With five illuminated mechanical reels and acrisp video top box, Playboy Free Games exudes sex appealwith a promise of exciting bonus action on every spin. 25 gorgeous Playboy Playmates grace the eye-popping FreeGames Bonus, a dramatic increase from the original number on the video slot.

Cadillac Jack showcased its new wide area progressive,Cadillac Cash, and dazzled attendees. The unique new progres-sive features instant cash payouts with an expected average jackpot of $250,000, all of which would be paid out to the winner in full. With multiple game themes linked to a common progressive jackpot, Cadillac Cash is anchored by threeof Cadillac Jack's top performing games - Rock Paper Scissors,Dr. StrangeLuck, and Lusty Devil. The exciting new progres-sive was featured in both English and Spanish themes and progressive displays.

December 2006 Indian Gaming 33

Cadillac Jack also provided intimate previews of its newVision Yield Management system to special guests throughouteach day of the show. The new web-based, predictive analysistool helps casino operators maximize their profit based uponactual business analytics. The Vision Yield Management sys-tem works seamlessly with Cadillac Jack's server-based systems,as well as other server-based systems, to analyze slot machineperformance and forecast trends in order to determine the mostefficient and profitable point at which to make theme changes.

The company also showcased its newest video and mechan-ical reel games for the Class II and Class III gaming markets.Based on Cadillac Jack's industry leading server-based gametechnology, the company's games are able to quickly and eas-ily transform from a Class II game to a Class III game formatright on the casino floor. New video reel game titles includeGenie's Jackpot, Fruit Party and Wildball Tsunami II.

IGT's expansive booth featured over 400 games, with a widearray of server-based products such as downloadable LCD but-tons. This sb™ product allows operators to instantly changethe line configuration for any video slot game, rather than hav-ing to switch the buttons out manually. With IGT's sb ServiceWindow, players will never have to hunt the floor for theirfavorite games again. They can just insert their players club cardand a list of their favorite games will be displayed right on thescreen.

Another highlight of the IGT booth was its new Guaran-teed Play™ feature, which revolutionizes the way slot play issold to customers. With Guaranteed Play, customers can buypre-paid blocks of play for the most popular games on the slotfloor, giving operators the ability to guarantee players a cer-tain amount of entertainment for a certain price. The blocksof play, representing a set number of poker hands or reelspins, are delivered in advance as pre-paid Guaranteed PlayTickets that can be inserted into machines on IGT's EZ Pay®Ticket System.

This revolutionary feature was demonstrated with IGT'svideo poker machines with the Guaranteed Play option. The

introduction of this feature to the market is projected for 2007for six poker game families. The second release of GuaranteedPlay to introduce the feature will be introduced on new andpopular IGT video slots. Casinos can combine pre-paid PlayTickets with lodging, entertainment, dining, spa or shoppingofferings to create an all-inclusive Value Package. The thirdrelease will introduce the feature on new and popular IGT reelgames and will also introduce more sophisticated Value Pack-ages as marketing tools.

At the Konami display, all eyes were on the new KonamiCasino Management System. The system can be replicated tomultiple sites, acting like the central nervous system of acasino. Through real-time, accurate, streaming information

operators will find out what is happening and where it is hap-pening instantly. The result will be better slot machine oper-ations and the system can even make informed game mix andmarketing decisions.

The system's event reporting provides user-friendly datainquiry and graphic report generation via Oracle Discoverer.This sort of real patron insight can aid in the creation ofmeaningful incentives and targeted loyalty programs. Thesystem also has unlimited database server scalability, allowingusers to maintain years of online data, perform theoretical track-ing by game and patron, and take advantage of True-Time,multi-site functionality of replicated patron data.

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Nova Gaming showcased its cutting-edge technologieswith its Reeless Slot™ Series. The first games specificallydesigned for the Reeless Slot™ Series (Just Chillin™ andBusy Beaver™) are based on patent pending game play and fea-ture a virtual 3-D world where symbols are free from theboundaries of the classical slot reel. Animated symbols are pre-sented in continuous streams throughout various paths withinthe 3D world. Symbols stop in formations that are easily rec-ognizable to players, yet completely different from any othergame on the market.

The fully interactive 3D bonus rounds immerse players inanother world where winning and fun coincide. Housed inNova's TrimCab™ slim line/space saving cabinet, the brand-new Ultimate Gaming Platform™ (UGP™) provides ultra-highframe rates, ultra-high resolutions (up to 2048 x 1526) as wellas ultra-fidelity stereo sounds.

Rocket Gaming Systems generated a lot of excitementamong G2E attendees, showcasing 11 new innovative games.Crowds gathered for demonstrations of Rocket's player-selected, multi-denominational games loaded with a multitudeof exciting features for player enjoyment.

WMS Gaming demonstrated several product highlightsfor G2E attendees, including the latest version of the com-pany's WAGE-NET™ (Wide Area Game Enhanced Network) technology. This cutting-edge technology is thefoundation of a networked casino environment that enablesentirely new innovative forms of player experiences andgame play mechanics. With WMS' server-enabled technol-ogy casino operators can remotely reconfigure games anddownload new content and peripheral updates to manage theirslot floor from their data centers.

G2E attendees also witnessed a demonstration of WMS'first server-enabled product, Monopoly Big Event, whichuniquely provides table game excitement in a slot machine.The Big Even server technology transforms the slot floor into alively, communalgaming experi-ence, made possi-ble by its WAGE-NET enabledinnovative gamecontent.

WMS alsodemonstrated its new sensoryimmersion gam-ing product line,which is designedthrough an exclu-sive arrangementwith the BOSECorporation. Sit-ting at a Top Gungame, players areimmersed in aninnovative, real-time 3D, multi-sensory experience. Based on Paramount Pictures' classic feature film, the Top Gun gaming machine couples a revo-lutionary new sound experience utilizing the BOSE 3Space™audio system with a new, real-time, 3D graphics engineenabled by technology developed in partnership with ATITechnologies, Inc.

The company's Transmissive Reels™ gaming system combines the traditional player appeal of a mechanical reelgaming machine with the interactive and rich graphicalinterface of real-time, 3D visuals enabled on a CPU-NXT2system. Reflecting WMS' introduction of breakthroughtechnology, graphically rich video content is projected overmechanical reels to create unique game play, visually engag-ing levels of player entertainment and endless winning possibilities. This technology combines the best of whatplayers love about traditional mechanical reels and video reelproducts.