WMS receives Nevada’s approval to release its WAGE-NET solution

WMS will begin to commercially launch its new Portal applications at casinos in Nevada, including the Jackpot Explosion application, the first themed application in WMS’ Ultra Hit Progressive (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: “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®2 and Bluebird xD gaming machines.

“Our UHP application adds an integrated, secondary mystery progressive bonus experience to the base game,” noted Ehrlich. “The Jackpot Explosion game’s volcanic theme shows rising lava levels on the base game interface as coin-in increases and the trigger to the progressive jackpot is approached. With its random rewards and innovative ability to broadcast how close the progressive is to being won through stronger visuals and a unique ambient sound package, UHP enables unmatched levels of player excitement and celebration of the big win.”

UHP is the first in a series of several unique Portal families of applications that WMS plans to introduce over the next several years. These Portal application concepts will feature multiple themes and reflect the Company’s commitment to create innovative new products and solutions that provide exciting new gaming entertainment for players and are designed to drive increased performance for casino operators.

To enhance players' entertainment experiences, the Portal applications combine WMS’ industry-leading video and mechanical-reel base game content with the additional gaming entertainment offered by the Portal applications. Casino operators longer-term will be able to determine which Portal application they want to operate on each WMS gaming machine connected to the WAGE-NET system, which will enable them to uniquely tailor their casino floor to best suit their casino patrons.