Leading slot manufacturer International Game Technology has joined with Boyd Gaming and Caesars Entertainment properties in South Dakota and New Jersey to launch Powerbucks, the first multi-state wide-area progressive jackpot link.
Powerbucks is a new add-on to IGT’s MegaJackpots themes that enhances the jackpot pool from one gaming jurisdiction to another. Nevada, South Dakota and New Jersey were the first states to approve interstate progressives. Nevada will join soon and other states may join in the network later.
Powerbucks is the manufacturer’s answer to multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions. Pooling the jackpot between states is expected to eventually result in jackpots in the tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, depending on how many states join the network.
“Linking the Deadwood, South Dakota properties and New Jersey properties with Powerbucks is an exciting occasion for IGT,” said Joe Sigrist, IGT VP of product management and global product development. “Bringing industry-first innovation and truly transformative gaming experiences to the players who crave it, is at the core of what IGT does. The company looks forward to the expansion of Powerbucks and creating jackpot mania like never before.”
The slot-maker announced the Boyd and Caesars partnerships in separate releases. On the Boyd announcement, Eric Tom, IGT executive vice president of global sales, said, “True to IGT’s pioneering spirit, we’re excited to partner with Boyd Gaming in shaking up the gaming industry once again. We’re thrilled to provide our customers with the opportunity to attract and entertain more players, giving them more life-changing jackpot potential with Powerbucks.”
On Caesars, Tom said, “We’re excited to transform the jackpot experience in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. With Powerbucks, IGT re-imagines casino gaming thrills by creating more winners, more often, across multiple states. We all win when players engage more, and Powerbucks enables our customers to attract more players to casinos with the promise of more jackpots.”
“Boyd Gaming is excited to join forces with our long-time partners at IGT in delivering a new and compelling gaming entertainment experience to our guests,” said Paul Chakmak, Boyd’s executive vice president and chief operating officer of gaming.
“We are continually seeking new and innovative ways to bring more excitement to the gaming experience,” said Melissa Price, senior vice president of gaming for Caesars Entertainment. “Together, IGT and Caesars Entertainment own the legacy of creating the most millionaires in the industry; now with Powerbucks, we’re creating a whole new level of excitement around winning.”
Since 1986, IGT has created more than 1,500 millionaires with nearly $6 billion dollars in jackpots awarded through multi-site progressive jackpots.
