Firm selects Alliance software

Tuesday, May 6, 2003 | 11:14 a.m.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has signed an agreement to introduce "cashless" slot machines using technology from Alliance Gaming Corp.

Cashless machines can accept and dispense paper vouchers instead of coins. Under the agreement, Harrah's will use "eTICKET" and "ePRINTER" technology by Alliance subsidiary Bally Gaming and Systems to deploy "Fast Cash" systems offered by Harrah's. The deal also includes the continued implementation of Bally's "eCOUPON" system to support the Harrah's slot player rewards program called "Reel Rewards Express Play coupons."

"These coinless systems will give us the capability to take our customer service to an even higher level," said John Boushy, Harrah's senior vice president of operations, products and services and technology. "By eliminating wait times for change and hopper fills, coinless gaming will offer our customers unprecedented convenience."

Bally's systems will also enhance the company's gambler tracking system by "extending these systems' capabilities directly into our slot machines," he said.

Bally's system is compatible with slot machines from all manufacturers, allowing Harrah's to install cashless technology in older machines, Boushy said.