RSS 2.0 FeedFrank Legato
Frank Legato is editor of Casino Connection and also editor of Global Gaming Business magazine. He has been writing on gaming topics since 1984, when he launched and served as editor of Casino Gaming magazine. Legato, a nationally recognized expert on slot machines, has served as editor and reporter for a variety of gaming publications, including Public Gaming, IGWB, Casino Journal, Casino Player, Strictly Slots and Atlantic City Insider. He has an B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the author of the recently published book on gaming, How To Win Millions Playing Slot Machines... Or Lose Trying.
Future on Deck
Thu, Nov 01, 2007
The PPI is a programmable slot machine button deck ideal for server-based slots and interactive fixed-odds betting terminals.
Modular Control
Tue, Nov 20, 2007
Octavian’s package provides an open, modular system developed to meet the needs of casino operators in highly regulated gaming markets.
Modular Solution
Tue, Nov 20, 2007
The concept permits operators to create a combined electronic table game area with different games, rather than dedicating each area to a single game.
GLOBAL GAMES 2007
Fri, Nov 02, 2007
Our annual roundup of the best and the brightest in the newest slot machines and systems.
Sunshine State Showdown
Fri, Dec 14, 2007
As racetrack casinos struggle to compete, a battle brews over the Seminoles' newly inked Class III gaming compact
IGT Hot List
Tue, Feb 05, 2008
The slot market leader is exploring new technologies in several different slot genres.
Cash Business
Tue, Feb 05, 2008
Today’s bill validation equipment must guide currency from the customer’s hand to the count room
And The Winners Are
Thu, Feb 07, 2008
The Groundbreakers - Winners of the fifth annual Global Gaming Business Gaming & Technology Awards strive for excellence and innovation
Gambling on Paradise
Fri, Feb 29, 2008
Casino Dominicus aims to bring Las Vegas to the Caribbean. With lush golf courses, white, sandy beaches, luxurious hotels and hot casino action, the Dominican Republic has the potential to become a gaming hotspot. Just add the right mix of marketing and gaming know-how and it can happen. Editor Frank Legato explores the island to tell his tale.
Lubov Loginova, CEO, Unicum Gaming
Sun, Mar 02, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Lubov Loginova, CEO of Unicum Gaming, on the new direction her company is taking following the decision to minimize gaming in Russia. Loginova was appointed CEO of Unicum Gaming in January. She previously served as commercial director, where she led the sales and marketing departments. Unicum is known for its unique products in the Russian market, and Loginova explains how the company is attempting to retain that reputation in the new markets. Unicum is active all over the world, she says, and will continue to explore new markets for opportunities and joint ventures. She spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato at the ICE trade show in London in January.
Content is King
Thu, Apr 03, 2008
Independent, third-party slot designers forge ahead to provide slot games—out of the box
Casino Control: Setting the Bar
Thu, May 01, 2008
The New Jersey regulatory system set the standard for all new casino markets
Cool Water
Wed, Jul 09, 2008
Borgata’s Water Club sets yet another standard for Atlantic City resorts
Playing Together
Wed, Jul 09, 2008
New technology emphasizing “community play” creates camaraderie on the slot floor
Tough Crowd
Tue, Aug 19, 2008
Operating and selling slots in table-heavy Macau is a tall order—but things are improving
Bally’s hot spots
Wed, Sep 03, 2008
Asia-Pacific, South America and Mexico lead the list of Bally’s new conquests
Interview With David Norton, Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer, Harrah’s Entertainment
Sun, Sep 28, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with David Norton, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Harrah’s Entertainment on a recent upgrade to the company’s Total Rewards program. Harrah’s Total Rewards program has become the gold standard for player rating systems in the industry. With its complete data-sifting characteristics and Harrah’s network of properties, Total Rewards has created a unique brand of loyalty among customers. Now, a new program that incorporates non-gaming spend into traditional gaming ratings has raised the bar. Chief Marketing Officer David Norton explains how the system will be implemented and what it might mean for his company and his customers. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato at Harrah’s corporate offices in Las Vegas in September.
Reaching the Podium
Tue, Nov 04, 2008
Konami Gaming on fast track to the elite club of slot manufacturers
Eastern Summit
Tue, Nov 04, 2008
Eastern European Gaming Summit and Balkan Expo emphasize strengths, challenges
Satoshi Sakamoto and Steve Sutherland, Konami Gaming
Sat, Nov 22, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Satoshi Sakamoto, CEO and chairman, and Steve Sutherland, the president of Konami Gaming, on the growth of his company in the past few years. For many years, Konami Gaming has been an also-ran in the slot manufacturers field. Decent games kept the company afloat but it lagged behind technologically. Several years ago, Sakamoto and Sutherland instituted a complete overhaul of the company that has resulted in new system technology, groundbreaking platforms and, most importantly, games that have achieved much success on the casino floor. They met with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato at their offices in Las Vegas in September.
Europe And Beyond
Thu, Apr 09, 2009
Casino Technology continues a quest to improve its product and reach out to new markets
Setting The Standard
The Gaming Standards Association made sense of the modern casino floor
Feng Shui, Vegas-Style
Tue, Jul 07, 2009
Half of the $2 million debt was incurred while playing on credit. He wants the Venetian to cancel the entire debt, or he’ll sue, claiming “feng shui sabotage.”
Class II Revival
Wed, Jan 12, 2011
With federal objections to Class II game style removed, electronic bingo proliferates
Soaring Ahead
Wed, Jan 12, 2011
Jamie Odell, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Aristocrat Leisure Limited
New Day
Wed, Aug 05, 2009
Aristocrat Technologies in turnaround mode as it zeroes in on North America
Rolling Rivers
Wed, Sep 09, 2009
Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino breaks new ground for gaming facilities in Pennsylvania
River View
Wed, Sep 09, 2009
Architecture and design for the Rivers Casino was commanded by the city's famous rivers themselves
Keystone Summer
Wed, Sep 09, 2009
The opening of the Rivers Casino caps a season of expansion in Pennsylvania. Restaurant designer Floss Barber, casino President Bob DeSalvio and chef Emeril Legasse
Royals and Penguins
Wed, Sep 09, 2009
I want to play at the Currency Club casino. It's in London, and it's like no other casino.
Trade Shows and Bull Tails
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
November. Time once again for all of us to put on our nice little suits.
Global Games 2009, Part IV: Aruze Gaming
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
On to America: The Japanese pachislo king retools and renews its commitment to entering the American casino market
Global Games 2009, Part II: WMS Gaming
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
Changing the Game: WMS continues to help create the future slot floor
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part III: AC Coin & Slot
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
New Day: AC Coin forges ahead with a redefined partnership and a new business model.
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part V: Aristocrat Technologies
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
Back With A Bang: Aristocrat courts its most important markets with a burst of creativity
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part VI: Bally Technologies
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
Covering the Bases: Bally pumps out innovation in a wide array of game styles
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part VII: Atronic/Spielo
Wed, Nov 11, 2009
Bringing It Together: Atronic and Spielo marshall their individual talents and resources into a new powerhouse
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part VIII: Casino Technology
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Keeping the Edge: Casino Technology continues to leverage technology in seeking out new markets
Global Games 2009, Part IX: Cadillac Jack
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Riding the Wave: Cadillac Jack moves into Class III markets on way to its best-ever year
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part X: Euro Games Technology
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Global Vision: EGT continues its expansion to Western Europe and the Americas
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part X1: International Game Technology
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Making a Statement: IGT prepares to complete its corporate makeover with a dazzling technology display
Global Games 2009, Part XII: Konami Gaming
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Outside the Box: Konami pushes the envelope with a new platform and bold, new game styles
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part XIII: Lightning Gaming
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
New Ground: A supplier of electronic table games breaks ground with a new licensed slot
Global Games 2009, Part XIV: Multimedia Games
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Coming-Out Party: Multimedia Games debuts a complete lineup of games as its introduction to Class III markets
GLOBAL GAMES 2009, Part XV: Novomatic Group/AGI
Thu, Nov 12, 2009
Global Innovation: Novomatic moves to expand its markets and spread the word on its innovation
Major-League Meatballs
Wed, Dec 09, 2009
As you know, the little slice of heaven that is this column normally focuses on one topic, dissecting all the nuances of some complex subject to gain a better understanding of that universal question, “Why?”
Bally Win Upheld
Wed, Dec 09, 2009
Slot manufacturer Bally Technologies announced that a federal court has ruled in Bally’s favor in an appeal of a patent-infringement lawsuit filed by rival slot-maker International Game Technology over the use of wheel-style bonus games and ‘iVIEW,” Bally’s interactive service window for networked gaming applications.
A Tragic Tale
Wed, Dec 23, 2009
People who gamble a lot are usually pretty good at it, right? Whales who drop hundreds of thousands of dollars on a hand of blackjack generally do all they can to reduce the house edge and maximize their winnings. Right?
What’s That Smell?
Wed, Feb 03, 2010
I just read about how casinos try to develop their own smells, and how customers are influenced by fragrances.
IGT 2.0
Mon, Mar 01, 2010
The slot leader completes a corporate makeover with an eye on recapturing its dominant market share
News Hawks
Tue, Mar 02, 2010
Hey, boys and girls, it’s time for the casino news, brought to you by Global Gaming Business, where our motto is, “All the News That’s Fit For A Press Conference Where Lunch Is Provided.”
Hot Hands
Fri, Apr 02, 2010
Pennsylvania continues to build on its status as the hottest U.S. racino jurisdiction
In the Chips
Fri, Apr 02, 2010
RFID technology is making gaming chips more secure, and tracking them more efficient
From Philly to Gettysburg
Fri, Apr 02, 2010
In the course of the usual exhaustive research that goes into writing this column (hey, it took me nearly an hour this month), I came across a column by the Philadelphia Inquirer's architecture critic, Inga Saffron, who had some good advice for one Stephen Wynn, should Wynn succeed in his quest to take over the Foxwoods Philadelphia casino project and make it his own.
Going PRO
Fri, Apr 02, 2010
Casino Technology capitalizes on innovations to expand to new jurisdictions in the U.S. and beyond
Orange Shirts and Pain-Killers
Tue, Jul 06, 2010
I was watching the Massachusetts Senate hearings the other day, and I...
Back to the Pit?
Mon, Aug 02, 2010
New jurisdictions, new games and new players place the table game sector at a crossroads
Hey, Kids! Let’s Pay Taxes!
Mon, Aug 02, 2010
You know, if you would have told me 30 years ago that there would be casino owners in the year 2010 who give more than 60 percent of the money they make to the state in taxes, I never would have believed you.
Philly Phanatics
Tue, Aug 31, 2010
Something truly amazing is happening this month in Pennsylvania. It’s something few thought would ever happen.
All Systems Go
Thu, Nov 04, 2010
Bally Technologies excels in its dual role as slot-maker and system company
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 1: AC Coint & Slot
Thu, Nov 04, 2010
Games That Earn—AC Coin uses a new business model as demand for its high-earning games increases
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 3: American Gaming Systems
Thu, Nov 04, 2010
Seizing the Moment—Opportunistic Class II supplier AGS enlists Miodunski to bring in the big Class III guns
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 2: Ainsworth Game Technology
Thu, Nov 04, 2010
Spreading Out—New wide-screen formats and a new platform help Ainsworth’s move across North America
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 4: Aristocrat Technologies
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Ready to Roll—Aristocrat’s largest-ever G2E collection displays a company reborn
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 5: Aruze Gaming
Thu, Nov 04, 2010
Spreading the Word—Aruze continues efforts to become licensed around the world while expanding its product line
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 6: Atronic/Spielo
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Playing the Strengths—Atronic beefs up its flagship “Deal Or No Deal” franchise while augmenting its game library
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 8: Cadillac Jack
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Tooling for the Future—With a new technology, new content and new facilities, Cadillac Jack continues expansion
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 7: Bally
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Team Efforts—Bally launches new technologies, new game styles and new cabinets
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 11:International Game Technology
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
The Next Level—IGT researches player preferences and demographics to take its game design to new levels
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 11: Konami Gaming
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Zeroing In—Konami closes in on achieving the “podium”
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 12: Multimedia Games
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Staying the Course—The Class II mainstay continues its move into Class III
GLOBAL GAMES 2010 Part 14: WMS Gaming
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
Pouring It On—WMS continues to redefine the slot machine
Horses and Trade Shows
Fri, Nov 05, 2010
I actually went into a race book the other day. What, you thought I was going to talk about slot machines, just because it’s November?
Groundbreakers
Fri, Dec 03, 2010
Our ninth annual Global Gaming Business Gaming & Technology Awards recognize the top innovators in the business
Trump Card
Tue, Jan 11, 2011
Robert F. Griffin, Chief Executive Officer, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.
System Futures
Tue, Jan 11, 2011
Ramesh Srinivasan, Executive Vice President, Bally Systems, Bally Technologies, Inc.
Stepping Up
Tue, Jan 11, 2011
Steve Sutherland, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, Konami Gaming, Inc.
Elusive Renewal
Tue, Mar 01, 2011
Slot operators and manufacturers still search for ways to renew their floors
Solid ICE
Tue, Mar 01, 2011
Thousands of visitors from a record 54 countries visit London’s ICE Totally Gaming trade show and conference
Promise in Paradise
Thu, Mar 31, 2011
The game is on for the only mega-resort project in the West as Baha Mar breaks ground
Up-and-Comers
Tue, Apr 26, 2011
As new jurisdictions open and casinos prepare to begin spending again, these rising slot-making stars look to capitalize
Systems in Action
Tue, Apr 26, 2011
Bally brings networked gaming to life on the floor of Pechanga Resort
Gaming Comeback?
Wed, May 25, 2011
Results positive, but much work lies ahead, says latest ‘State of the States’ report from the American Gaming Association
Delaware Dilemma
Tue, Jul 05, 2011
Potential gaming expansion in the First State is the issue that just won’t go away.
Size Matters
Fri, Sep 23, 2011
IGT’s performance under Patti Hart has been good, but the sheer power of the company overwhelms competitors
The Next Step: AC Slots
Fri, Sep 23, 2011
AC Slots emerges as a stand-alone slot manufacturer with a proprietary platform and powerhouse games
Enter the Galaxy: Ainsworth Game Technology
Fri, Sep 23, 2011
With a solid share of its native Austrailian market, Ainsworth works to cover the Americas
Playing Paradise: Aruze Gaming
Fri, Sep 23, 2011
Aruze’s major hit with “Paradise Fishing” portends greater things to come
Back in Action: Aristocrat Technologies
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
Aristocrat completes its mission to revive North American sales while launching unique new game-play styles
New Frontiers: Bally Technologies
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
Bally continues to redefine the slot machine with new technologies and system prowess
Hot Streak: Cadillac Jack
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
Cadillac Jack brings new game categories to market as the company expands into more markets
The Magic Touch: Incredible Technologies
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
A longtime amusement-machine supplier makes its mark in the gaming industry
R&D Power: International Game Technology
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
IGT marshals its forces for its strongest G2E collection in years
Next Generation: Konami Gaming
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
A new operating system provides the launch pad for Konami’s next generation of games
Texas Tornado: Multimedia Games
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
The Austin-based Class II veteran is rapidly becoming a force in the Class III world.
Combined Strength: Spielo International
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
With the merger of Atronic and Spielo complete, Spielo International emerges as a new powerhouse
Player Focus: WMS Gaming
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
WMS Gaming fires on all cylinders to produce games with something for everyone
A Decade of Innovation
Tue, Nov 01, 2011
Winners of the 10th annual Global Gaming Business Gaming & Technology Awards point the way to the future
Bally Futures
Tue, Nov 01, 2011
Bally Technologies is hosting a transition in slot play—and marketing—that could reinvent the casino.
Roadrunner Race
Mon, Nov 28, 2011
With the Roadrunner platform, AGS aims at a larger share of the U.S. slot market
Innovation, Inc.
Thu, Dec 22, 2011
Bryan Kelly Senior Vice President, Technology and Networked Gaming, Bally Technologies
Steady Sailing
Thu, Dec 22, 2011
Ross O’Hanley, Vice President, Domestic Game Sales and Marketing, Konami Gaming
Targeting the Market
Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Richard Pennington, Chief Executive Officer, Aruze Gaming America
Player Hunt
Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Consultant help and new products help casinos get the most from player tracking systems
New Frontier
Fri, Jan 27, 2012
The new Axcess platform takes AC Slots where no slot manufacturer has gone before
