Ainsworth Game Technologies is marking its official entry into the Class II Native American markets, following on its acquisition earlier this year of Oklahoma-based Nova Technologies.
The Nova acquisition followed consolidation of Australia-based Ainsworth’s presence in the U.S. with a new Las Vegas headquarters. Ainsworth has merged its staff with those in the former Nova who have worked for years in the Class II heartland of Oklahoma.
“We are excited to start to become part of the Class II market,” said Ainsworth President- North America Mike Dreitzer. “Our first responsibility is to listen closely to tribal leaders about their needs in the current gaming environment. We see it as our mission to provide new gaming options to help ensure tribes are empowered for continued success.”
In the coming months, a growing Class II library of Ainsworth and Nova titles will be available in a wide variety of game choices, along with the 560 Dual Screen cabinet. Nova’s Atlas 100 cabinet will also continue to be supported and available for deployment.
Specifically, the immediate Class II library will include proven and successful Nova titles—including China Gold, Dragon’s Heat and Gorilla Diamonds, among others. In addition, several Ainsworth titles will be available for the Class II market right away, including Twice the Money and Mustang Fortune. Other popular brands like Quad Shot and other high-denomination games will follow.
Ainsworth also announced that Russell Witt has joined the company as director of operations and business development, Class II, overseeing strategy and planning in all Class II markets. He previously served as national director of tribal development for Gaming Laboratories International. He also served key roles at Video Gaming Technologies and BMM Compliance, and previously served as principal technical consultant to the National Indian Gaming Commission in drafting Class II technical standards and internal controls.
“Russell has more than a decade of experience working closely with tribal gaming leaders, regulators and operators,” Dreitzer said. “He brings Ainsworth a seasoned and unique view of tribal gaming. We are confident in his ability to lead our tribal development team to meet each customer’s unique needs and business goals. Working with the existing experienced Nova team, we now have an incredibly powerful group that will drive this segment of Ainsworth’s business to tremendous heights going forward.”
“It’s a great opportunity to be part of the growing Ainsworth team,” said Witt, “and to be part of the company’s efforts to become a trusted partner for tribes. In this role I am focused on working side-by-side with my new colleagues from the Nova group along with tribal leaders to develop and provide the Class II gaming systems and content that will ensure long-term prosperity and sovereignty.”
