Saturday, November 05, 2011

IGT Goes 'All In' With Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) at World Series of Poker

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Poker Game's Mathematical Model Simulates the Operation of the Human Brain to Give Players Authentic Experience

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2011 - The over 150 million Texas Hold'em fans around the world will be hootin' and hollerin' at no longer having to wait in long lines to play the tables or lasso up a willing opponent with the debut of Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) from International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT). Premiering at the 2011 World Series of Poker at the Rio in Las Vegas on Nov. 5-6, fans can now enjoy everything they love about Texas Hold'em - the strategy, bluffing and tells - in an interactive poker machine.

IGT's Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) is the first poker game to use a neural net, a technology-developed mathematical model that simulates the operation of the human brain.
The advanced technology of Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) recreates engaging behavioral nuances such as opponent "bluffing" and "thinking" in a scenario that's less intimidating than a live-table experience - making the slot machine inviting to all levels of Texas Hold'em players.

In addition to the innovative technology, a number of other features will have casino-goers strapping on their cowboy boots to test their skills against this highly individualized game:
Striking graphics and player-customizable options - including fun touchscreen good luck charms - will entertain and delight even the coolest poker players.

The Multi-Hit Stud Bonus game doubles the action and increases the player experience.
After the conclusion of a game, the "peek" feature gives the player the choice to see the opponent's cards - even if a showdown did not take place - giving the player insight as to how the opponent plays.

At this year's World Series of Poker, Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM)will be on display for players, operators and media to try on Nov. 5-6. IGT brand ambassadors will be handing out free play coupons from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, and from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6.

"Designed to bring all the thrills and high drama of live-action table Texas Hold'em to the slot machine format, players will want to put on their shades and pull down the brim of their hats to hide their tells when they saddle up to Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker," said Eric Tom, IGT executive vice president, North America Sales and Global Operations. "This is a game that players of every level can test their craftiest bluffing strategies and Texas Hold'em skills against."

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.

Press Release

AGA Statement on the Eve of the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table


Statement by Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, on the Eve of the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table

“The World Series of Poker Main Event final table kicks off in Las Vegas this weekend. As the popularity of one of America’s favorite pastimes continues to grow, it should come as no surprise that millions of Americans from all walks of life are expected to tune in to watch the action.

Unfortunately, when these same Americans – plus many more—log on to play poker online, they face a Wild West atmosphere with little or no regulation and where law enforcement has limited ability to protect them. Congress must act to approve legislation allowing states to license and regulate online poker so Americans who play online poker can do so safely with responsible, law-abiding operators.

Establishing federal guidelines to allow state-licensed and regulated online poker would also effectively keep minors from gambling online, prevent fraud and money laundering, address problem gambling and ensure players aren’t being cheated. American consumers deserve to be protected. Licensing and regulation of online poker in the U.S is the only way to do it.”

For more information about how to create a safe, responsible and regulated online poker environment in the U.S., visit the AGA’s Online Poker Headquarters at www.americangaming.org/onlinepokerHQ

The AGA represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.

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Thursday, November 03, 2011

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment agrees American joint venture with MGM Resorts and Boyd Gaming - 2nd November 2011

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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Plc has announced details of a joint venture agreement with US bricks and mortar casino groups MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming Corp that will see them offer online poker in America should it become regulated and licensed.

The deal will see bwin.party, MGM and Boyd form a jointly-owned US-based company (‘Federal NewCo’) with bwin.party owning 65%, MGM owning 25% and Boyd owning 10%. Should federal legislation be enacted the joint venture would offer online poker to US players via the World Poker Tour and PartyPoker brands with bwin.party providing the software and support. Should US poker be legalised at the state rather than federal level a new stand-alone company would be created to develop opportunities on a state by state basis.

“Our strategy has been designed to address any and all legislative outcomes, whether federal or state-by-state.” said Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, the Co-CEOs of bwin.party. “We are particularly excited to be working with MGM and Boyd. Combining their significant assets and regulatory expertise with the strength of our PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands, all supported by our in-house technology, makes us perfectly positioned for any future opening of the US online poker market.”

In addition to the customer facing deal, bwin.party, MGM and Boyd also revealed details of a two separate 15-year business to business agreements that would “enable them to offer real money online poker services under their own brands in the US using the bwin.party technology platform and associated services.”

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, said 'MGM has long been supportive of federal legislation to strengthen UIGEA and provide the needed regulations and consumer protections for online poker. MGM is proud to have bwin.party as our partner as they have the assets and experience that, combined with our brands, can ensure a secure, fair and entertaining online poker experience.”

Keith Smith, President and CEO of Boyd Gaming, added “We believe the right approach to offering legal online poker in the United States is through a federal regulatory structure that ensures the games are conducted with the greatest possible integrity and security. Should Congress enact legislation to legalise Internet poker, this agreement will allow us to partner with the world’s most experienced and prestigious online operator to offer a secure, fair and entertaining experience for players in the United States.”

Bwin.Party also confirmed that it is set to enter a preliminary suitability review with the Nevada Gaming Control Board in order to secure an advanced finding of suitability in anticipation of future US-facing real money poker opportunities.

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Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Tipped To Do Online Poker Deal With MGM, Boyd - 1st November 2011

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Casino operators MGM Resorts International and Boyd Gaming Corp. are teaming with a major European online poker operator to prepare to offer Internet gambling in the United States if it's ever explicitly legalized.

The casino companies and Gibraltar-based bwin.party digital entertainment plc advised Monday that if U.S. law changes...as many in the industry hope...each of the three companies would take a stake in a new entity that would run online gambling under PartyPoker and other brands.

Bwin.party's co-CEO, Jim Ryan, told the media that his company, which owns the World Poker Tour, has been hoping to return to the U.S. Bwin.party stopped offering online poker here after a 2006 law made it illegal to for banks to process funds for the activity.

"We have been putting in place the foundation, if you will, to re-enter the market," Ryan said.
The deal will help the companies build a large enough pool of players to make the business profitable, he said.

Bwin.party, formed earlier this year when online poker operator PartyGaming merged with online sports betting company bwin Interactive Entertainment. The combined company is the largest publicly traded online gambling company; together, their net revenue last year was 814 million euros. PartyGaming had half the U.S. market before it left in 2006.

Ryan said bwin has been preparing for scrutiny from gambling regulators.

Not all online gambling stopped in the U.S., and several poker websites powered along after the 2006 law passed. But the Justice Department has cracked down on several top sites, including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, accusing their executives of various activities such money laundering and fraud.

MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren said it will be important to have tough new online poker laws because companies that now offer poker online to Americans have hurt the entire gambling industry's reputation.

"Whenever there's a problem anywhere, it reflects poorly on the gaming industry, of which we are a major player," Murren said. "The federal government needs to address this. It cannot wish it away."

Ryan said he thought his company did the right thing in leaving the US, even as the other operators appeared to flourish.

"Did we sit back and watch in envy and knowing full well that we (had) had 50 percent of the market at that point? Perhaps, but we never questioned our decision," he said.

The companies are pushing for legalization at the federal level. They still would pursue online poker if only states legalize it, but it's not clear whether state-by-state legislation would comply with federal laws.

In addition to setting up the new entity, MGM Resorts and Boyd plan to use bwin.party software to run online poker sites under their own brands, which insiders say is a very smart move.

Boyd CEO Keith Smith told the press he thinks it's important for the companies to be able to move quickly if the law changes, to be first to jump on a U.S. online market that once generated as much as $6 billion yearly in revenue.

"We want our investors to know we've been aggressive in positioning the company," Smith said.
MGM Resorts owns part or all of 18 casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Michigan and Illinois.

Boyd owns 17 casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana.

Bwin.party is licensed in France and Italy and is pursuing online gambling licenses in Spain and Denmark, Ryan said. The company also has Australia, New Zealand and Canada well in its sights.

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment offers online casino games, poker games, live dealer, sports betting, bingo and a range other casino games.

Some of their most popular Hollywood and movie themed games include Sinatra, Rambo, The Terminator, Saturday Night Fever, Gone With The Wind, High Noon, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man.

Read more about Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment here.

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