WMS Gaming Inc., a subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc, recently announced approval the by the Nevada Gaming Commission for the initial commercial version of the company’s WAGE-NET networked gaming system. This first approval includes Remote Configuration and Download functionality of the WAGE-NET system.
Upon gaining approval, WMS will begin to commercially launch its new Portal applications at casinos in Nevada, including the Jackpot Explosion(R) application, the first themed application in WMS’ Ultra Hit Progressive(R) (“UHP”) Portal application family. The UHP series is the first in a lineup of differentiated Portal applications and content designed to interoperate with WMS gaming machines on a casino floor utilizing the networking capabilities of the WAGE-NET system.
Dean Ehrlich, Vice President, Network Solutions, for WMS said in the release, “Securing Nevada Gaming Commission approval for the first commercial version of the core WAGE-NET system, coupled with the launch of our Jackpot Explosion game, our initial UHP Portal application, represents another major milestone in our growth plan to bring exciting and innovative new gaming experiences to casino patrons and to provide a premium value proposition to casino operators. We expect to receive approvals in Nevada for interoperability with the other slot accounting systems in the future. Our initial placements in other jurisdictions have clearly demonstrated the incremental value of our Portal applications and RCD capability on our popular Bluebird(R)2 and Bluebird xD(TM) gaming machines.”
But WMS isn’t just concerned with Nevada. They hold the licenses for branded games such as Star Trek Slots™ and the Wizard of Oz slots™. Both of these games started in land based casinos and are now available online at select casinos and other gambling sites. Their Online Slots-focused Casino is called Jackpot Party and it is a game that they are currently marketing to the UK.
If that sounds grossly hypocritical, it should. After all, the US, since launching the UIGEA, has been steadfast in trying to keep international operators out of their country, yet for some reason it’s perfectly fine for a company like WMS to peddle their products offshore.
