The future of Australian gaming in the poker machine arena is destined to be themed slot machines of past TV hits, if the latest offerings in Vegas are any indication.
"Yes, yes, yes! Congratulations," Barbara Eden shouts to players on the new "I Dream of Jeannie" slot machine unveiled at the world's biggest gathering for the gaming industry. When players miss a winning combination, Eden virtually apologises "I'm sorry, Master."
Indeed, the 13th World Gaming Congress & Expo, held at Las Vegas mid-September, featured the top slot manufacturers showcasing slots with licensed themes of favourite TV shows developed over the past thirty years.
The WGC attracted a record 25,000 gaming and hospitality delegates, most of whom transcended at the Las Vegas Convention Centre to see 800 vendors exhibit new product releases for the various worldwide markets, and to network with colleagues from over 80 countries.
IGT, the world's number one slot manufacturer, launched their new Addams family, I Dream of Jeannie and South Park machines, with scores of people lining up for autographs from actor John Astin who played Gomez in the Addams Family, and the magical Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie. Their Elvis slot, launched at last year's show and currently in U.S. casinos, allows players to select a gold album and play it while spinning the reels.
Other manufacturers showcased slots such as Let's Make a Deal, the Three Stooges, the Munsters - the list goes on and on. Most die-hard TV fans would be hard-pressed in two hours playing one of these slots to become bored by all of the familiar characters and their quirky behavioural patterns.
Indeed, the interaction between player and machine is becoming more of a reality, with slots manufactured for the U.S. market becoming more and more like Aristocrat's pioneering of second screen features. As opposed to the simple 3-line reel slots of the past, players have more fun and are involved in the decision making process.
Slot machines have grown to account for nearly three-quarters of all casino revenues in the U.S. This is a significant departure from the gaming mix nearly a decade ago, when table games dominated. Due to their low labour costs they are without a doubt the most profitable games compared to the likes of traditional blackjack, baccarat, poker and the numerous variations that have evolved over the past five years.

Internet gaming - it's here to stay

Gaming delegates crammed to hear Interactive Gaming Council president Sue Schneider give her keynote speech, revealing that 47 jurisdictions around the globe currently license or regulate online gambling. She revealed that some 200 sites offer online gambling without cloned sites - which goes to show that the 300+ sites on your internet search are not individual operations.
Ms Schneider also discussed how Senator Kyl still hopes that his Bill will prohibit internet gambling in the U.S. It doesn't seem likely, when estimated actual internet gambling expenditures are currently $1167 million - and it's moving ahead like the internet did four years ago.
Fortunately, there's not a problem Down Under. Various states have passed legislation to allow internet gambling. Las vegas-based American Wagering Inc., made the visionary decision that the internet would be the future of the bookmaking industry, and gained a 15-year license in 1998 through its Mega$ports Australian subsidiary under the ACT's Interactive Gambling Act.
He is well quoted in the press as hoping that "the state of Nevada will change its view and become the centre of online gaming. But right now, the ACT is the one."
Analysts and consulting firms who spoke at the session reinforced Mr Salerno's viewpoint on Australia as leading the way with regard to internet gambling.
"Australian regulations will be the standard for all First World Internet gaming legislation over the next four years," said moderator David Freeman, a Los Angeles online gaming specialist.

Coinless ticketing system launched for US market

It's well known that Australian gaming players have the benefit of the most advanced machines in the world. They're complicated, sophisticated and designed for long periods of play, offering enhanced interactive capabilities and ease of use. As a result, technologies like bill acceptors have become the "norm", incorporated into the popular Aussie gaming machines.
Is there a medium between coinless and cashless? Coinless Systems released Ticke Trak for the US market at the World Gaming show, as a solution to the cost of using coins in gaming machines. Its "cutting edge gaming technology" uses printed barcoded tickets on a customer's request to cash out. The patented process also allows tickets to be customised with greetings or individual casino advertising.
Coinless Systems are hoping to capitalise on the US$28 billion casino industry in the United States, where slot machines represent 83% of the average casino's gross revenue. They will probably gain a decent market share, but it just goes to show that a product must be tailored for the needs of each jurisdiction and player preferences. How many Australian casino managers would replace their bill acceptors or cashless system with tickets?

Revolving Cylindrical Display system a first

A new six foot 360-degree transparent cylindrical message board capable of a dazzling kaleidoscope of colours appeared for the first time at the September WGC, courtesy of ColorCorp. Litefast utilises 1,000 LED's and when electrified revolve at 1,000 revolutions per minute to display full colour digital images and text. The units allow connection via a modem for controlling the timing and content of individual messages, and allows venues to display continuous scrolling advertising messages.
ColorCorp is pitching their product at that retail point-of-purchase display, sporting venues, museums, theme parks, entertainment and gaming industries. This month, over 20 Litefast systems will be installed in the US., combining a traditional glass display pedestal for product placement with a 360-degree, 3-D moving colour projection system.

Casino Careers online

A new employment service, catering for the U.S. market, is available via the internet for any Aussies trying to venture into the American casino market. casino Careers Online at www.casinocareers.com and World Gaming Network at www.wgnscreen.com announced their professional alliance to offer the gaming industry online recruitment and pre-employment screening services.
Both web sites were launched a year ago, and their flagship Employment History database allows properties to access work histories of gaming employees. Casino Careers Online has over 4,000 resumes posted and is utilised by more than 45 gaming properties. WGN currently serves over 75 gaming properties. Resumes can be posted for free on the Casino careers Online database.