Casino operator joins Gaming Manufacturers

Wednesday, July 21, 1999 | 10:56 a.m.

The Gaming Manufacturers Association announced that Harrah's Entertainment Inc., which operates more than 25,000 slot machines in 10 states and Australia, has joined GAMMA as a Platinum Sponsor Member.

Harrah's supports GAMMA's mission to define, promote and control communication standards for gaming equipment, GAMMA said.

Harrah's becomes the second casino operator to become a Platinum Sponsor Member, joining Mandalay Resort Group.

"Harrah's is a company of tremendous vision and stature and GAMMA is very pleased to have its official support," GAMMA Chairman Peter De Raedt said. "Harrah's understands the role technology plays in our industry and the need for standard protocols to improve efficiencies while enhancing the slot product on the casino floor. The value Harrah's places on technology was reinforced earlier this month when Harrah's Entertainment was named No. 2 in Computer World's listing of the Top 100 Best Places To Work In Information Technology."

"Harrah's believes strongly that the establishment of technology standards is in the best interest of both operators and manufacturers and most importantly our customers," Bruce Rowe, vice president of slots and R&D for Harrah's brands, said. "Technology standards are what have allowed consumers to get innovative products with greater speed and lower cost. This is true in telecommunications, computers and networking. The casino industry was not founded with standards and GAMMA can be the catalyst to get us where we need to go. Harrah's is proud to be able to support this effort with our time, money and expertise."

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