Slot giant IGT takes server-based gaming to Europe

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Slot machine giant International Game Technology has rolled out its first European launch of the company's sbX server-based gaming system.

The system, which links a casino's slot machines to a central server that allows for better game management, is similar to the system installed last year at Aria and recently at the Monte Carlo, only on a much smaller scale.

Reno-based IGT installed the system at the Casino d'Evian in France, which has 300 slot machines and is located on Lake Geneva in an area best known for its local spring water.

"We are delighted to be the first casino in Europe to install sbX and plan to take advantage of all that it has to offer," said Eric Perrin, managing director of Casino d'Evian.

In addition to Aria and Monte Carlo, IGT has placed the server-based gaming system Ameristar St. Charles (Missouri), Barona Resort (San Diego), Colusa Casino (Northern California), FireKeepers Casino (Michigan), MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino (Detroit), and the Imperial Palace Biloxi (Mississippi).

IGT will install the server-based systems this year internationally at Grand Casino Helsinki (Finland), and Casino di Venezia and Casino de la Valee, both in Italy.