News Details

- Announce Cross-license of Computer and Server-based Infrastructure Patents -

LAS VEGAS and WAUKEGAN, Ill., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) and WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE: WMS) entered a new era of cooperation today with an agreement that provides for a wide-ranging, non-exclusive cross-license of each other's intellectual property and patents associated with realizing the benefits of server-based gaming for their customers in an open architecture environment.

In addition, both companies affirmed their commitment for product interoperability and the advent of an enterprise-wide networked gaming environment. The agreement between IGT, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Game Technology, and WMS Gaming Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc., covers certain patents and intellectual property that address fundamental capabilities for computer and server-based infrastructure in the gaming industry, including IGT's Alcorn authentication and encryption patents. Both companies are members of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) and are committed to the open architecture of the GSA standards and open network protocols.

"This agreement underscores the strong commitment by both companies to drive industry change, clearing the way to provide casino operators with significant new benefits and players with innovative gaming experiences enabled by the advanced technology of networked gaming," said Brian R. Gamache, President and Chief Executive Officer for WMS. "With this agreement, the foundation is in place to offer the next generation of innovative products personalized for players and unique, world-class applications and services for our customers that will drive enhanced financial returns."

TJ Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of IGT, said, "This agreement will provide the momentum for both companies to achieve their common vision -- a revolution in networked gaming applications, player features, and casino entertainment. The agreement accelerates the introduction of innovative, value-add applications previously announced by IGT and WMS, such as IGT's award-winning sb(TM) Service Window."

IGT is developing a complete set of individualized sb(TM) (server-based) products and services to maximize profitability across the entire casino enterprise. With IGT sb(TM) Products, operators will be able to weave in all their amenities for increased profitability.

About IGT

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products. More information on IGT can be found at http://www.igt.com.

About WMS

WMS is engaged in serving the gaming industry worldwide by designing, manufacturing and marketing video and reel-spinning gaming machines, video lottery terminals, and through its gaming operations business, which consists of the placement of leased participation gaming machines in legal gaming venues. More information on WMS can be found at http://www.wms.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our future business performance, strategy, outlook, plans, liquidity, pending regulatory matters and outcomes of contingencies, including legal proceedings, among others. Forward-looking statements may be typically identified by such words as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "project," and "intend," among others. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any or all of our forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Consequently, no forward-looking statements may be guaranteed. Factors which could cause our actual results to differ from expectations include (1) delay or refusal by regulators to approve our new gaming platforms, cabinet designs, game themes and related hardware and software; (2) a failure to obtain and maintain our gaming licenses and regulatory approvals; (3) an inability to introduce in a timely manner new games and gaming machines that achieve and maintain market acceptance; (4) a decrease in the desire of casino customers to upgrade gaming machines or allot floor space to leased or participation games, resulting in reduced demand for our products; (5) cancellation or modification by customers of new gaming machine or participation orders; (6) a software anomaly or fraudulent manipulation of our gaming machines and software; (7) a failure to obtain the right to use, or an inability to adapt to rapid development of new technologies; and (8) an infringement claim seeking to restrict our use of material technologies. These factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations are more fully described under "Item 1. Business-Risk Factors" in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our more recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE IGT
CONTACT: media, Ed Rogich, +1-702-896-8500, or investors, Pat Cavanaugh,
1-866-296-4232, for IGT; or William Pfund of WMS, +1-847-785-3167,
bpfund@wms.com; or Joseph Jaffoni or Richard Land, both of Jaffoni & Collins
Incorporated, +1-212-835-8500, wms@jcir.com, for WMS
Web site: http://www.igt.com