NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Dec 10, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --
Slot machine manufacturer IGT, a subsidiary of International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), and its affiliate, Sodak Gaming, Inc., today launched the first installation of 1,800 gaming machines at the refurbished Niagara Falls Convention Center. It will open to the public as the Seneca Niagara Casino on New Year's Eve. This opening will commence because of the first Class III (Las Vegas-style) approved gaming compact between an Indian Nation and the State of New York.
Approval of Indian Gaming in the state was put on the fast track as a result of New York's need for revenue after the 9/11 tragedy, but also because of the tenacity and conviction of the Seneca tribe. "They steadfastly kept their eyes on the goal and surmounted many complicated legal, political and land-related issues," said Roland Gentner, Chief Executive Officer of Sodak Gaming.
The City of Niagara Falls Convention Center was transferred to the Seneca Nation and became restricted fee Indian land. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1989 allows for gaming on lands in trust as well as restricted fee lands. This marks the first use of restricted fee lands for a Native American casino property.
A total of 2,625 gaming machines will be installed at the casino, with more than 72% being IGT games. The games include Spam(R), Tabasco(R), Little Green Men Family Reunion(TM) and many of the latest MegaJackpots(TM) themes including Harley-Davidson(R), The Price Is Right(TM), Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous(R), The $1,000,000 Pyramid(TM), Spooky Slots(TM) featuring Elvira(R) - Mistress of the Dark(TM), and the very popular Wheel of Fortune(R). Games will be equipped with the EZ Pay(TM) Ticket System and the Advanced Casino Systems Corporation (ACSC) accounting software.
New York Governor George Pataki was authorized by the state legislature to enter into compact with Tribal Governments for six Indian casinos in Western New York. The St. Regis Mohawks and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans currently have applications for land in trust at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and are developing plans for casinos to be built in the Catskills. Compact negotiations between the St. Regis Mohawks and the state of New York will be the next round of negotiations to be completed.
Seneca Niagara Casino will draw customers from northwestern New York (the cities of Buffalo and Rochester) and from Canada, which currently operates a large gaming facility on the other side of the landmark Niagara Falls. Toronto is only 83 miles away, and New York City is 411 miles away.
Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any of its forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. IGT's future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. IGT does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
Information on risks and factors that could affect IGT's business and financial results are included in our public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sodak Gaming, Inc., a subsidiary of International Game Technology, is the leading distributor of IGT products in Indian Country and provides comprehensive service 24/7 through four regional service centers located in Roseville, CA, Murrieta, CA, Mesa, AZ, and Oakdale, MN, in addition to headquarters in Rapid City, SD. Visit their website at www.sodak-gaming.com.
IGT is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of microprocessor-based gaming and lottery products and software systems in all jurisdictions where gaming and lotteries are legal. For more information on International Game Technology, visit the company website at www.igt.com.
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SOURCE International Game Technology
Rick Sorensen of International Game Technology,
+1-775-448-8022
http://www.igtproducts.com/igtproducts/NewsRoom
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