Company gets slot exclusive

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. announced Tuesday it signed an agreement with Las Vegas-based Sigma Game Inc. to introduce a slot machine branded on "The Game of Life," a board game produced by Hasbro Inc.

The agreement gives Harrah's the right to exclusively place the slot machine at its casinos across the country for a 60-day period, subject to regulatory approvals. The Game of Life was introduced by Milton Bradley in 1960.

"We tried to keep the slot version as true to the original board game as we could," Jim Jackson, chief executive of Sigma, said. "I'm confident the board game will both evoke old memories and create new ones for anyone who plays."

Nevada gaming regulations prohibit the introduction of any slot machine based on a theme that is "currently and primarily intended or marketed for use by persons under 21 years of age." However, Nevada gaming officials have already approved the use of the theme in Nevada, Harrah's spokesman Gary Thompson said.

"Gaming regulators already approved the theme at least two months ago," Thompson said. "They don't think it runs afoul of the 'slots for tots' regulation in any way, shape or form."

Nevada Gaming Control Board officials could not be reached for comment.