Slot maker to open Asian office

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Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005 | 10:58 a.m.

The world's largest slot machine manufacturer is gaining a foothold in one of the world's largest casino markets.

Reno-based International Game Technology on Tuesday announced plans to develop an Asian division and open an office in Macau. The company said IGT-Asia would be led by managing director Scott Winzeler, formerly IGT's director of international markets.

An analyst said he expects the office to be open by the end of the year.

"We believe the creation of IGT-Asia makes perfect sense for the company as the Macau gaming market continues to grow, with a greater focus on slot machines than ever before, particularly as more domestic operators enter the market," said Marc Falcone, an analyst with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

The company did not disclose how much it would invest in developing the new office, nor how many employees would be based there.