IGT to operate interstate progressive slot system following NJ approval
27th February 2014 8:30 am GMT
New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement has granted approval for International Game Technology (IGT) to operate a multi-jurisdictional wide area progressive slot system, linking casinos in Atlantic City to those located in other states.
Wide area progressives have been available in New Jersey casinos since 1989 and refer to slot machines that are located in two or more casinos that have been linked together to generate very high awards that increase as customers play them.
IGT’s Powerbucks system will link progressive jackpots in Atlantic City casinos to progressive jackpots located in other states.
Joe Sigrist, IGT vice president of Game Development and Global Product Management said: “IGT’s PowerBucks completely transforms the jackpot experience - creating more winners, more frequently. Imagine the excitement of progressive game play across multiple states, watching the jackpot build as players in the hottest casinos are joined together in their quest for the big win.
“PowerBucks expands possibilities for both casinos and players, and as IGT continues to lead and transform gaming entertainment, we applaud the gaming industry for advancing the slot experience.”
David Rebuck, director of New Jersey’s DGE, commended the division and IGT for their efforts in establishing a system for the first powerball-type slot machines through interstate slot play.
“This is an exciting time for New Jersey as we expand the gaming opportunities available in the Atlantic City casinos. We hope to now see even larger progressive jackpots with the links to wide area progressives in other states.
“With competition from surrounding states, the increase in slot machine jackpots will make Atlantic City more appealing to players.”
The DGE and other participating jurisdictions are in the process of reviewing the internal controls and said that it remains “confident in the integrity of these wide area systems.”
The machines would not be available in Delaware or New York casinos, which only offer video lottery terminals rather than slot machines, or in Pennsylvania which does not offer wide area progressive slot machines.
