Author: Cynthia Gonzalez

Las Vegas, Nevada (March 2, 2020) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming America, Inc. (“Aruze”) welcomes Simon Burgess in the new role of Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting. In this role, Mr. Burgess will lead all core Finance and Accounting functions, including the development of a longer-term financial strategy.

Mr. Burgess brings over 25 years of progressive financial planning and analysis, operations, business process improvement, marketing, and business development experience within the gaming and lottery industry to Aruze. Mr. Burgess worked at PDS Gaming since 2001, becoming Senior Vice President of Corporate Development in 2013, where he drove development of the company’s business lines and revenue growth. Prior to his time at PDS Gaming, Mr. Burgess held several roles at Shuffle Master.

“We are excited to bring Simon on board in this new role. We anticipate his implementation of strategy to ensure we achieve and exceed our operational and strategic objectives in being a market leader,” said Rob Ziems, President and Global Chief Legal Officer of Aruze. “Simon has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about the gaming industry as a whole, and brings a distinctly technology-driven focus.”

Mr. Burgess said, “I am very pleased to have joined team Aruze. I look forward to helping them bring their ambitious goals to fruition.”

 

Las Vegas, Nevada (November 21, 2019) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming America, Inc. in partnership with Techno Gaming will exhibit an exceptional lineup of games and cabinets at booth #210 November 20-22 at SAGSE Buenos Aires 2019.

Michael Snyder, Vice President and General Manager Latin America and the Caribbean for Aruze said, “We are showcasing some of our cabinets and game titles that are performing incredibly well in the market. We have received excellent feedback on our Muso Triple-27 and Muso Curve-43 cabinets, along with the Fu Lai Cai Lai game series. We are very pleased with our valued channel partners in the LATAM market in 2019 and look forward to reaffirming the companies’ commitment to the LATAM market at SAGSE Buenos Aires.”

The Muso Triple-27, a dual-screen upright cabinet, has been one of the top indexing cabinets for eight consecutive months according to the North-American-based Eilers-Fantini Cabinet Performance Report.  Operators and players both win when the cabinet is paired with one of the top-indexing games such as the low denomination, video reel Fu Lai Cai Lai game series. Aruze reports this game style along with the bonus and Jackpot Chance features are resonating with players throughout the Latin American market.

“Fu Lai Cai Lai is quickly becoming a player favorite in the LATAM market” stated Aruze Director of Sales, Arleth Godinez. “We are excited to show Fu Cai Tong at SAGSE and we look forward to similar results with this new series on the Muso Curve 43. We are very proud of our lineup at SAGSE as well as the upcoming products in the LATAM market.”

Also on display will be the top-performing Muso Curve-43 Portrait Cabinet. Continuing much of the stunning design of the Muso Triple-27, this cabinet features a vertical 43-inch J-style curved LCD monitor that creates a breathtaking display. The Muso Curve-43 features an impressive portfolio, including the Legend City and Wheel of Prosperity family of games.

“I am excited about the positive response we have received regarding both the Muso Triple-27, Cube-X Video, and Vertical-40 product lines in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay.  Based on the performance of the latest single screen titles I see the opportunity to expand the Muso brand in 2020 with the introduction of Muso Curve-43,” said Carlos Mautone, founder and Sales Director of Techno Gaming, S.A.

Discover the gaming industry’s leading and innovative solutions by Aruze in booth #210 at Techno Gaming, S.A.

 

Techno Gaming

Techno Gaming S. A. is an Argentine company dedicated to the business of distribution of equipment for casinos. It has been operating since 2008, currently offering Aruze Gaming equipment for casinos for sale or lease.

In addition, Techno Gaming S. A. is the official distributor of the Spintec electronic table games. Techno Gaming S. A. is also the official agent of Abbiati of Italy, leader in integral equipment for casino gaming tables.

LAS VEGAS, November 19, 2019 – It is with profound sadness that the Board of Aruze Gaming shares the news that Mr. Yoshiharu Kawaji, Advisor and Senior Vice President of Global Services and Engineering, passed away suddenly on November 11, 2019.

Mr. Kazuo Okada, Founder of Aruze Gaming said “We are deeply saddened with Kawaji-san’s sudden death. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family. He began working for me upon leaving high school. I will miss his friendship and comradery.”

Mr. Masumi Fujisawa, Chairman of Aruze Gaming, said, “It was a great privilege to know Kawaji-san and work beside him for many years. He was known and respected for his achievements among his colleagues and within the gaming industry. Our condolences are with his wife, family, friends, and employees. He will be missed by all.”

Mr. Kawaji’s 36 years of contributions extended not only to Aruze Gaming but also to Universal Technology, Ltd. and Universal Distributing of Nevada, Inc., where one of his many accomplishments included the development of one of the company’s most successful games ever, Magnificent 7’s. He began as a software engineer for Mr. Okada in 1983 immediately following high school, with roles including Chief Engineer Slot Department. When Universal Distributing of Nevada, Inc. opened in Nevada in 1991 he relocated from Japan and helped grow Universal during the booming gaming market of that time.

As a core part of the management team through the transition from Universal Distributing of Nevada to Aruze Gaming America, Mr. Kawaji interacted with nearly every facet of the business. He held numerous titles during this time, mainly interacting with Operations and Research and Development, eventually becoming Vice President of Integration and then Senior Vice President of Integration for Aruze Gaming in 2015.

His most recent role, as Advisor and Senior Vice President of Global Service and Engineering, highlighted his many years of experience not just within Aruze, but in the gaming industry. In this role, he oversaw Product Compliance, Product Management, Sales Promotion and local R&D. Although he had continued to advise and work with game development through all his roles, this most recent position allowed him to share his passion in an official capacity.

“It was my honor to work alongside Kawaji-san for the past several years,” said Rob Ziems, President of Aruze Gaming America. “Kawaji-san was a tremendous advisor, mentor, and friend. He was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy whose contributions were felt by many and they didn’t even realize it. The gaming industry has lost one of its best kept secrets. He will be missed by many and his absence will be felt amongst the Aruze family and friends. Our sincerest condolences are with his wife and family.”

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 9, 2019) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming America, Inc. (“Aruze” or the “company”), announces that the Gaming Control Board of Pennsylvania has approved the company’s gaming application. This licensure allows the Las Vegas-based game manufacturer to provide its Class III gambling equipment across the Pennsylvania commercial market.

“We are pleased to announce the receipt of our license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board,” stated Aruze Gaming America President, Rob Ziems. “Acquiring this license marks an important milestone in our business plan and furthers our strategy to provide our clients with innovative products that ignite fun and exciting experiences for players.”

These innovative products include the award-winning Muso Triple-27 cabinet, a top performer on a leading industry report for the past 7 months. The Muso cabinet family also includes the Muso Curve-43 and Muso Limited. Aruze additionally offers electronic table games such as the player-favorite Shoot to Win Craps and the new Lucky Roulette. Given the current strong product performance, Aruze is excited to provide more game options to and proudly service the Pennsylvania market as soon as product approvals are complete.

Josh Collins, Vice-President of Sales, stated “Our team is excited to enter the Pennsylvania market and we look forward to continuing to build great partnerships with the amazing operators in Pennsylvania. Our product portfolio will provide the new, fresh content for their gaming floors that have been proven as top performers in a multitude of jurisdictions across the world.”

Operators interested in obtaining information about Aruze products should contact the company’s Eastern Regional Sales Director, Nathaniel Holt at Nathaniel.holt@aruze-gaming.com or the Regional Account Executive, Marek Pluta at Marek.Pluta@aruze-gaming.com.

 

Las Vegas, Nevada (October, 2, 2019) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming (“Aruze”) is delighted to announce the global premiere of Roll To Win Craps™ at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina. Harrah’s Cherokee is managed by Caesars Entertainment LLC, and is an enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This North American install will be the first in the world to go live.

Roll To Win Craps™ is a ground-breaking semi-autonomous craps game which allows players to shoot real dice across a large LED playing field screen. Utilizing the same footprint as a traditional craps table, the bright LED panels on Roll To Win Craps™ display amazing graphics and eye-catching animations. Individual player stations accept cash and provide tickets, so no physical chips are needed for play. Players are able to place bets privately on their screen, and then see their virtual chips displayed on the main playing field.

“Throughout the development process for Roll To Win Craps™, Caesars provided invaluable feedback to help us create a product that was perfectly suited to both player and operator needs,” said Brandon Knowles, Executive Director of Table Games at Aruze. “Because of their involvement and continued support of this product, we are really thrilled to have the first install at one of their most beautiful properties.”

Because of the unique nature of Roll To Win Craps™, where bets are always tracked along with who the shooter is, Aruze is available to offer a Hot Shooter side bet. This side bet makes the best part of a craps game – a hot streak – even more exciting.

“Offering cutting edge products for our guests is a big priority,” said Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos. “Partnering with Aruze to introduce this new spin on a classic is really exciting for us.”

 

 

About Caesars’ Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

An enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Casino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space with over 3,600 slot games and 150 traditional table games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. The property also features over 1,100 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 10 restaurants, the ESSENCE Lounge, the luxurious 18,000 square foot Mandara Spa, 9 retail shops and the 3,000 plus seat Event Center. In addition to the 56-acre property, guests have privileged access to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian-owned Sequoyah National Golf Club. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is also home to the UltraStar Multi-tainment center which features 24 bowling lanes, an arcade, 3 bars and 200 seat restaurant with event stage.

Las Vegas, Nevada (September 16, 2019) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming America, Inc. and Aruze Gaming (Hong Kong) Ltd. (Hong Kong) (“Aruze” or the “company”), announces the promotion of Mr. Robert “Bob” Blair to Global General Counsel.  As Global General Counsel, he will exercise management responsibilities over corporate legal affairs, lead corporate strategic and tactical legal and contractual initiatives, provide senior management with effective advice on company strategies and subsequent implementation, manage the legal and contracts function, and oversee the work of outside counsel.  Mr. Blair has been with Aruze since November 2017 when he was hired as the Global Senior IP Counsel and most recently served as the Global Deputy General Counsel.

“It is an honor to promote Bob to Global General Counsel,” President Rob Ziems said in announcing the promotion. “As a legal, patent, and gaming veteran, Bob brings an incredible amount of strength and wisdom to Aruze. His impact is felt across the company. In this new capacity, his expertise will continue to lead and guide the global organization as we continue to expand and enter into new and exciting areas of business.”

Prior to Mr. Blair’s tenure at Aruze Gaming, he served as Counsel and U.S. Patent Attorney for EIP US LLP, an international patent law firm, VP of Patents at Unwired Planet, Intellectual Property Counsel for Okada West (an Aruze subsidiary), and also served as Associate General Counsel – Intellectual Property at International Game Technology for over seven years.

Mr. Blair received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver College of Law and his Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering degree from the University of Nevada-Reno, where he was also a 5-year member of Division I Football and won three conference championships.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – September 3, 2019 – Aruze Gaming America, Inc and Aruze Gaming Macau Ltd. (“Aruze”) launches big payouts on their popular Fu Lai Cai Lai^™ linked progressive at City of Dreams Manila in Manila, Philippines.

City of Dreams Manila has teamed up with Aruze to launch Aruze’s largest Grand Jackpot start-up, PHP 50 million (USD $984 thousand) on the exciting Fu Lai Cai Lai series.

“We are honored to have such a great long-standing relationship with City of Dreams Manila.  Starting a jackpot at a staggering PHP 50 million shows a tremendous amount of confidence in our new Muso Triple-27 cabinet and Fu Lai Cai Lai series”, said Ms. Selena Che, Sales Manager of Aruze Gaming Macau Ltd. “Our Philippines Research and Development team continues to listen to the Asia Pacific region and designs games that resonate with players in our markets.  It’s great to see a homegrown game like Fu Lai Cai Lai be accepted.”

“Working with Aruze and getting the most out of their latest games and technology allows us to enhance and elevate our customers’ overall experience. The new jackpot, a first in Fu Lai Cai Lai, will surely bring more fun and thrills,” said Mr. Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of City of Dreams Manila.

For additional information about Aruze’s Fu Lai Cai Lai series or other products, please contact Aruze Gaming Macau Ltd. at info@agamacau.com.mo.

 

About City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila is operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation, a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation.  The luxury integrated resort in Entertainment City delivers unparalleled entertainment, lifestyle and hospitality experiences with aggregated gaming space, three luxury hotel brands ranked Five and Four Stars by Forbes Travel Guide – Nuwa, Nobu and Hyatt Regency; more than 21 dining outlets, wellness amenities, and prime entertainment facilities that include DreamPlay, the DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space, and The Garage, a VR Zone and food park. Via the NAIA Expressway, the complex is a 15-minute ride from the international airports.

For more information, please visit cityofdreamsmanila.com.

 

About Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation

Integrated casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation is a subsidiary of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:”MLCO”), the developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia and Europe.  It developed City of Dreams Manila, which is managed and operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation.

For more information about Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation, please visit: melco-resorts-philippines.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (July 16, 2019) – PRNewswire – Aruze Gaming America, Inc. and Aruze Gaming Ltd. (Hong Kong) (“Aruze” or “the company”), proudly announces the promotion of Mrs. Martha Schuessler to Vice President of Global Finance. In the new global capacity, she serves as the strategic leader responsible for the direction, integrity, and overall effectiveness of global accounting and financial operations, including global financial reporting and compliance, financial planning and analysis, and driving continuous process and system improvements to support the company’s growing operations. Mrs. Schuessler has been with Aruze Gaming America, Inc. since 2010 when she was hired as the Corporate Controller, then subsequently promoted to Director of Finance, and most recently served as the Vice President of Finance, Americas.

“Martha’s leadership skills have allowed her to successfully take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate strong business acumen,” President Rob Ziems said in announcing the promotion. “She is an invaluable asset to the global team and an integral member of our senior leadership team. Martha has made countless contributions to Aruze’s success and we look forward to see where she leads our global finance operations as we continue to expand globally and grow our footprint in the industry.”

Previous to her tenure at Aruze Gaming America, Inc., Mrs. Schuessler served as the Western Division Finance Controller and Fixed Asset Manager for Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., Corporate Controller for Terra Contracting Inc., Director of Finance and Administration for C2 Gaming LLC, and held various positions at Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. including, but not limited to, Revenue Manager, Buying & Planning Manager, and Materials/Cost Accounting Manager.

Mrs. Schuessler received her Bachelor of Science Accounting degree from Long Island University and is licensed in over 180 gaming jurisdictions. She currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband and her daughter.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (January 23, 2019) – Aruze Gaming (“Aruze”) is proud to announce that on of January 22nd, 2019 the company was named the Best Slots Supplier for 2018 at the Peermont Global Gaming Conference.

Riaan Swart, General Manager of Aruze Gaming Africa, states, “We are very honored to have received this prestigious accolade.”

The Peermont Group has a portfolio of 10 casino resorts in Southern Africa, with Emperors Palace as their flagship.

Swart adds, “The Peermont Group’s Casinos operate in very diverse areas, and this award speaks to the dedication of everyone at Aruze in understanding these various markets and supplying product that produces continuous results, regardless of the customer demographic of these Casinos. Our Technical and Compliance teams work tirelessly to ensure that we meet all deadline commitments that allow the Casinos to successfully roll out product, mitigating possible delays that can cause financial repercussions for the Casino’s themselves.”

“We also recognize the need to partner with the Slots professionals at the Casinos to constantly analyze cabinet and game mix and deliver a product that fits with the future needs of each Casino customer base.”

“Receiving this award is an honor and reaffirms the commitment and dedication that each employee at Aruze Gaming Africa contributes to the success of our Company. Thank you to the Peermont Group for the confidence shown in our product.”

Aruze will continue to offer World Class service and ensure that their cabinets and game themes meet the wants of all Casino customers in 2019 and beyond.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (December, 27, 2018) – On December 27, 2018, Aruze Gaming America, Inc. (“Aruze”), a manufacturing leader in the global casino gaming industry and  PDS Gaming LLC (“PDS”), a finance and lease company that specializes in customized financing solutions, entered into a multi-year revolving credit facility agreement, the proceeds from which Aruze will utilize for general operation purposes and towards its continued investment in the R&D and production of its industry-leading gaming equipment.

Rob Ziems, President of Aruze, states, “PDS is a vital partner of Aruze. We are excited to continue our relationship with them for years to come. This multi-year revolving credit facility enables us to strengthen our product offerings to customers for the foreseeable future.”

Alex Dungan, CEO of PDS commented, “We highly value our longstanding relationship with Aruze.  Their new products are tremendous.  We’re pleased to help finance their future growth and success in a creative, efficient manner.”

 

About PDS Gaming

PDS Gaming provides customized financing and leasing solutions to the gaming industry. Headquartered in Las Vegas for over 20 years, PDS has deployed nearly $1.3 billion in capital.  With a current roster of over 300 customers and clients, PDS has over the years operated in 81 regulated jurisdictions, 26 US States and 15 countries.

For more information, please visit www.pdsgaming.com.