Slot Manager - January 2009 - (Page 21)

SLOT SALES STRATEGIES “I think you’re seeing [special financing and deals] out of most vendors right now. They are understanding that there’s some tough times out there. They’re experiencing them as well. Rather than get no business, they’re taking a look to see how they can be a little more proactive during these turbulent times.” — Glen Sawhill VP, gaming operations, Caesars Windsor Savage said. There were fewer tire kickers and more true buyers, he said. “They kind of came with an agenda, and they knew what to look for,” Savage said. “When the game gets harder, and the competition gets tough, we think our value increases,” Savage said. He noted that slot executives realize if they don’t invest in their slot floor, players will migrate to the casinos that have refreshed their floors with new games. Savage noted that casino slot executives are looking for more insurance and more flexibility. “’If this doesn’t work, what can you do for me? ’ They’re asking questions that they haven’t asked before. I think that’s good for everybody.” Asked about whether there’s a danger that operators will take advantage of the situation and play one manufacturer off another, Savage was nonplused. “Some people will play that game with you. We have a pretty good assessment of where the bottom is.” One of the reasons that Bally has included wheel titles in the special offerings for sale is the recent move by some casinos to remove Wheel of Fortune participation games. “They’re interested in refreshing their floors with more wheels. We saw great opportunity there.” For at least one casino operator, the deals couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for the Florida casinos he is changing from Class II to Class III slot floors. “With us, we had to get new product. It’s just a unique situation because of the number of games we have to handle,” said Paul Tjoumakaris, senior vice president of gaming operations for Seminole Gaming. Because he has capital to work with, Tjoumakaris is able to take advantage of the best deals out there. “I think everybody now is a little more flexible. We get better lease terms; we get more opportunity to try the product. We find ourselves in the right time in the economy.” SlotManager Save the Dates! MAY 6-7, 2009 MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI www.sgsummit.com To reserve your exhibitor/sponsorship package, please contact: Lesley Grashow (203) 938-2782 or grashowl@bnpmedia.com www.slotmanager.net ❘ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 ❘ SLOT MANAGER 21 http://www.sgsummit.com http://www.sgsummit.com http://www.slotmanager.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Slot Manager - January 2009

Slot Manager - January 2009 Contents Editor's Note Quick Hits New Games Cover Story: Going Strong At 30 Game Changer: IGT's REELdepth Operations: Where There's a Will, There's a Way Games: G2E 2008 Slot Report Common Ground Marketing Inside Edge Advertiser Index Forum

Slot Manager - January 2009

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