Schwarzenegger terminated from new slot game

By Liz Benston (contact)

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003 | 11:28 a.m.

Reno-based slot machine maker International Game Technology is unveiling a new machine based on the popular "Terminator" movie franchise.

But fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the movie's bad- guy-turned-hero, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, will be disappointed.

The machine -- which was the subject of a highly-publicized lawsuit in 2001 by Schwarzenegger -- won't be using Arnold's voice, image or likeness.

After the suit was settled in April of this year, the company moved to develop a game using other Terminator images instead, IGT spokesman Rick Sorensen said.

"There are many ways of getting around that," said Sorensen.

Schwarzenegger, who has recently become the apparent Republican front-runner in a recall campaign to replace Gov. Gray Davis as governor of California, could not be reached for comment. His Los Angeles campaign headquarters could not immediately comment on the slot machine.

Sorensen declined comment on whether Schwarzenegger's candidacy could effect the slot machine deal.

Reno-based IGT, the world's largest slot maker, has licensed images from movies and television series to appeal to mainstream audiences. The company employs an army of licensing experts to make sure appropriate rights are secured beforehand, representatives say.

The company has moved to exclude certain individuals from themed slot machines who don't want to be associated with the machine, Sorensen said.

Still, the company was recently sued by Al Lewis, an actor who appeared in the 1960s TV series "The Munsters," for allegedly using his image without his permission. Lewis says he is opposed to gambling and discovered the offending machine at a casino in Atlantic City.

IGT bought licenses several years ago to use the Terminator movies and was crafting a machine featuring its well-known star. But the machine never made it to the trade show floor. Schwarzenegger sued IGT in Los Angeles Superior Court for $20 million, claiming he was never asked his permission about the machine.

The Terminator licenses were purchased from Canal Plus in France and Creative Licensing Corp. in Los Angeles.

The machine will be part of a series of new themed devices that will debut at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas Sept. 16 through 18.