Slot maker signs U.K. deal

Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002 | 11:28 a.m.

Slot machine maker Alliance Gaming Corp.'s Bally Gaming and Systems unit has signed an agreement with an English slot operator to distribute Bally machines throughout the United Kingdom.

Limited payout slots are legal in the U.K., but operators are anticipating the legalization of Las Vegas-style slot machines, including linked progressive machines that build up jackpots based on amounts wagered.

An independent review board authorized by the British government issued a report last year that recommended liberalizing gambling laws in the U.K., which includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The industry expects the government to enact new legislation as early as 2004,"opening the door to expansive new casino development," Las Vegas-based Alliance said.

"The U.K. is potentially an extremely strong growth market for us and we feel this agreement with Crown Gaming gives us a partnership that allows for the greatest possible penetration of Bally games," Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Miodunski said in a statement.

The multi-year agreement authorizes Crown Leisure, a subsidiary of Crown Leisure Ltd., to be an exclusive distributor of Bally games in the U.K.