Vol. 10 • No. 3 • January 23, 2012 - Print This Issue
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Vol. 10 • No. 3 • January 23, 2012, Featured Articles, GOODS & SERVICES
Young Launches Spin Games
Former Aristocrat and Aruze Gaming executive Kent Young has launched a new premium slot content firm based in Reno, called Spin Games.
Kent Young, the former global marketing vice president for Aristocrat Technologies and general manager of Aruze Gaming, has launched a new slot content company, Spin Games.
Based in Reno, Spin Games will develop “highly innovative secondary bonus products, premium slot content, and captivating concepts, complemented by an enviable intellectual property portfolio,” according to a press release.
“I’m delighted to be back in the game with innovative content, that offers our customers an unmatched opportunity, an exceptional design team, and a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio,” Young said. “I believe we’ve created something that in this dynamic environment is compelling for the manufacturer, operator and end user. We’re a very good fit for today’s marketplace.”
Spin Games is developing products in three key areas. The first, secondary bonusing applications, will utilize multiple platforms such as server-based technology, jackpot controllers, overlay technology and online bonusing applications. Secondly, the company will develop what it calls “high-end” slot content, focusing on the premium slot category. And thirdly, Young says the company will produce patented “out-of-the-box” concepts never before seen.
“I think we’re at the front of the pack in terms of original concepts,” Young said. “We believe content is king, and content provides the real value. We’re in this business to drive returns for our stakeholders.”
Spin Games is Young’s second content supplier. His first, True Blue Gaming, was acquired by Aruze when Young was named general manager in 2008.
More Featured Articles
WEEKLY FEATURE: A Real Sport
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has signed a bill to allow Atlantic City casinos and state racetracks to accept wagers on athletic events. The bill, which quickly worked its way through both Houses, would give the state ammunition to challenge a 1992 federal ban on sports wagering.
Okada Ramps Up Wynn Attack
The battle royal between Kazuo Okada and Steve Wynn stepped up another level last week as Okada petitioned to replace three board members, and possibly a fourth—Wynn’s ex-wife, Elaine (l.), whose position on the conflict is unknown.
‘Let’s Think big,’ says Massachusetts Gaming Czar
Although he won’t actually have any authority until the rest of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is named, Chairman Stephen Crosby (l.) is already talking about what he would like to see potential casino developers propose. His message is: think big and think creatively.
Don’t Rush Us, says Ohio’s Gaming Commission
The Ohio Casino Control Commission refuses to be rushed in doing its job before allowing the first of four casinos authorized by the voters to open. The commission is doing background checks that can take up to 18 months, in just a few months. Recently it was forced to concede that the opening set by the Cleveland Horseshoe Casino (l.) for March would not happen.
Potawatomi Will Build Milwaukee Hotel
Ground will be broken this summer for a $150-million, 20-story, 382-room hotel next to the Forest County Potawatomi Community’s Bingo Casino in Milwaukee. The tribe said the 4-star/4-diamond-level hotel will create 230 permanent jobs and generate nearly $10 million per year in additional revenues.
Kaminkow Leaves IGT
Prominent slot developer Joe Kaminkow has resigned from his position at the head of the premium game studio of slot leader International Game Technology.
Ontario Lottery Studies Toronto Casino
The possibility that the provincial lottery of Ontario, Canada might decide to expand into Toronto has border towns that have casinos, including Niagara Falls, worried about the competition killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Finance Minister Dwight Duncan (l.) is “open” to the idea.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Expansion Plans
With a new drive for gaming legalization in many U.S. states, the motivations remain the same but the logic may differ. How will that impact the success of new casinos?
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Rick Mazer, Regional President, Harrah's Las Vegas
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Rick Mazer, the regional president of Harrah's Las Vegas, Imperial Palace, O'Shea’s, Flamingo and Bill's Gambling Hall on the Las Vegas Strip about the exciting things happening that side of the highway, including the Linq project.