“Ortiz Gaming is redefining the meaning of the slot machine”  

The US and Mexican markets are important for Ortiz Gaming. In your opinion, how has the casino industry evolved in these two countries over the last years?
For Ortiz Gaming it has been a pleasure to be in the North American and Latin American Markets. The gaming industry for a period of time lacked innovation and technological advancements for various reasons, but that is no longer the case today. The newest trend in gaming is to combine technology, innovation, and fun to reinvent the casino floor. We are pleased that Ortiz Gaming’s presence has added to the evolution of the casino industries in multiple countries. Ortiz Gaming brings a new type of game and theme to the casino industry, redefining the meaning of a slot machine. Our machines generate more time-in-chair, player excitement, and casino winnings; all have led the charge for many casino operators to rethink their expectations of other games. The Ortiz Gaming record of winning four, five, even 10 times the floor averages, has had the same kind of impact on the industry that the introduction of video slots did over stepper reel slots. We are happy with the continued evolution of these markets and are excited to see what will come next.
 
In technological terms, what are the main innovations that have impacted the gaming market? Why?
Technology itself has been the main platform of innovation in the gaming industry. Over the past few years there has truly been a boom in casino technology. Technology has been applied to understanding players’ response with the application of player tracking systems, point of sale systems, operations managements systems and more. Technology has also been applied to the end products to make games more appealing and interactive to customers. All of these innovations have changes not only to the casino floor and its management, but also to the types of products and services vendors can offer casinos. Ortiz Gaming maintains current on these innovations because they drive us to continually deliver high-tech and innovative products. Our game’s advanced math, reinvention and addition of revenue streams to the games, carefully crafted integration of sound, bonusing, and graphics all take technological advances beyond gimmick to actual measurable metrics and earnings for the games.
 
How do you define the players in these two markets? What are their preferences?
Players in Latin America and North America love fun and new and engaging games. Moreover, for both markets Bingo holds an iconic place in the culture. Almost everyone knows how to play bingo and that is common to both markets. The innovations of the Ortiz games take the basics of bingo into the 21st century with bonusing features, graphics, and sounds that are popular among players in both markets. In fact, the universality of the Ortiz games has proven to be not about differences among markets but about similarities among players. Players everywhere love simplicity, excitement, and winning. This has made Ortiz Gaming the perfect fit for both of these markets. Our games are genuinely entertaining and we have made the games versatile so that they can meet the needs of players, while meeting all regulatory requirements.
 
What about other Latin American markets? Do you see any similarities?
Ortiz Gaming has always received such great reception from the Latin American market and although very stable in this market, Ortiz Gaming is continuing to innovate and deliver the Maximum Performance in Bingo to this region, making our Latin American business development very similar to the other markets.
We have learned that in any market the “first movers” lead the market; that is true of any game or company’s roots anywhere. The real test of a game is its ability to cross markets and create the same excitement, reception, and growth. The combination of the simplicity of bingo with the excitement of bonuses and jackpots has proven Ortiz Gaming’s performance throughout the world.
 
Last year, Ortiz Gaming launched several promotions in Mexico with BMWs as the grand prize. How did the public respond? Are you planning any similar promo for this year?
Ortiz Gaming launched several promotions in Mexico and Latin America. These were innovative promotions which received great customer feedback. When Ortiz Gaming plans any promotion, we take the time to study the needs of the market, the casino, and the player. So each promotion is unique in its own way. There may be similar promotions coming up, but you will just have to wait and see.
 
Recently, you launched the Sky Paper machine. How was it received?
Our most exciting and exclusive product, Sky Paper, goes beyond ‘bells and whistles’ announcing winners with a parade of confetti. We have received great feedback on this product. Sky Paper is a floor-stopper! People stop playing other machines and come to the Ortiz Gaming machines. People who are just passing by always end up crowding around the machines. People sitting in the restaurants strain their necks to see the Sky Paper. It is probably one of the most exciting floor promotions in the history of casino gaming. Ortiz Gaming truly created something innovative in community gaming and players can’t get enough.
 
Are you going to participate in Latin American trade shows? Why or why not?
We participate in all major tradeshows globally by presenting our executives, meeting with clients and colleagues, and adding to our network. For 2014 we will be at some of the top North American and Latin American expos, schedule permitting. Every event is an opportunity for Ortiz Gaming to engage with our partners and future clients and we take this time to distribute our resources and team to make the greatest impact on the gaming industry while providing the maximum level of customer service.
 
What are your goals for the US, Mexico and Latin America?
Ortiz Gaming’s goals are to provide the most exciting and enduring player experience and the highest revenue for operators through the most innovative and exciting games while providing the ultimate customer service and customer response. That has always been the hallmark of our company, regardless of the geographic market and we have consistently lived up to it and surpassed it. We haven’t quite given ourselves the title of ‘world leaders in bingo’, but I am sure of Ortiz Gaming’s commitment to this industry in all aspects –always being the happiest and most consistent company, this is the secret to our success.