IGT slot machines will continue to dominate Canadian casino markets through renewed contract with Alberta.
International Game Technology (IGT) has worked closely with Canadian casinos and their regulators for many years. The company supplies monitoring services and slot machines to land-based operators, as well as online slots to provincially run iGaming websites. According to the latest reports, that won’t be changing anytime soon.
It was announced last week that IGT successfully renewed its contract with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). The multi-national games manufacturer supplies IGT slots, known as Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), to the region. It also maintains VLT monitoring services for the entire province.
According to the terms of the new contract, IGT will continue to supply VLT monitoring for the next four years, ending July 6, 2021. Chances are, the company’s contract will receive another extension when that time comes.
IGT’s renewal clearly indicates that the AGLC is pleased with the work thus far, and trusts the slot machines manufacturer’s supervision. Alberta’s regulators have employed IGT’s branded INTELLIGEN VLT monitoring system since 2003, building upon a mutual relationship founded on efficiency and reliability in the gambling sector.
Jay Gendron, Senior VP of IGT’s WLA North American lottery division, commented on the new contract with the AGLC.
“The INTELLIGEN VLT system provides the integrity, security, ease of management, and advanced reporting that the AGLC has come to expect of IGT’s solutions,” said Gendron.
INTELLIGEN VLT is a highly capable, multi-faceted monitoring solution. It allows the AGLC and other clients to monitor slot machine usage and variable statistics. INTELLIGEN utilizes a host of protocols, including an open standard protocol known as Game to System (G2S).
“INTELLIGEN was developed to respond to the unique needs of distributed VLT customers,” Gendron explained. “And with its open-standard interfaces, it will enable the AGLC to continue managing its gaming program efficiently and effectively now, and in future years.”
More IGT Slot Machines Coming to Alberta?
The company holds a separate contract with the ALGC that’s seen 4,800 IGT-built slot machines placed in the province’s multiple casinos. The renewed contract alludes to the potential addition of up to 1,200 new IGT slots on the gaming floors.
The terms state that IGT’s monitoring systems can be utilized to supervise up to 6,000 VLTs in the province. Only time will tell if Alberta chooses to increase the number of terminals already present.
Popularity of IGT Slots in Canada
With roots dating back to the 1970’s, International Game Technology is an incredibly popular choice for Canadian gaming operations. IGT is the most prominent provider of slot machines and VLTs among Canadian casinos.
Furthermore, IGT online slots are employed by every Canadian province that operates in the regulated iGaming market. This includes British Columbia’s website, PlayNow (also available in Manitoba), Ontario’s PlayOLG, and Quebec’s EspaceJeux.
About IGT
IGT was originally founded in Las Vegas, Nevada by William “Si” Redd in 1975 as A-1 Supply. In 1978, it was rebranded as SICOMA, and changed its name one last time to International Game Technology in 1981. Since then, it’s evolved into the world’s largest manufacturers of slot machines and other gambling amusements, both for land-based and digital operators.
In 2014, IGT was acquired by an Italian gaming company, Gtech, for $6.4 billion. Gtech wisely dropped its own name and took on the IGT title.
