CaribPR Wire

RLJ Makes Major Commitment to Gaming within the Caribbean

 BETHESDA, Md., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — International Game Technology, a global leader in creating the major games that players love and the systems that improve the player experience, announced today it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Caribbean CAGE LLC (CAGE), a video lottery terminal (VLT) and gaming terminal operator in Latin America and the Caribbean, to supply several thousand video lottery terminals in licensed bancas (Bancas de Apuestas Depotivas) in the Dominican Republic and to connect those gaming terminals to the IGT Casinolink®  gaming management solution system.

 (Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/PH60132LOGO )

 ”This agreement with Caribbean CAGE highlights IGT’s expertise in the global VLT market and in gaming management solutions,” said Patti Hart, IGT President and CEO. “Partnering with this industry-leading gaming company in the Caribbean and Latin America has given IGT an opportunity to launch our successful VLT products in the Dominican Republic. CAGE is well known in the industry for delivering great gaming experiences to its players, which makes this partnership with IGT a perfect fit.”

 ”This strategic agreement with IGT is a dynamic and exciting business opportunity for us to expand our reach across the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Robert L. Johnson, chairman of The RLJ Companies and majority owner of CAGE. “IGT’s track record of delivering world-class technology — including terminals, games and systems — will help CAGE empower small businesses to generate sustainable cash flow in these challenging economic times.”

 ”IGT’s technology will expand our capability by offering enjoyable games for consumers and players, as well as additional sustainable annual revenues for specific needs of many of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as health care, education and sports,” said Bob Washington, chairman and CEO of CAGE. “We at CAGE could not be more excited about our newly formed relationship with IGT and its commitment to deliver unique gaming solutions to our markets. The opportunity to partner with IGT in the Dominican Republic will provide us with the tools and the systems to monitor and ensure compliance with existing laws relating to video lottery terminals/slots in licensed bancas in the Dominican Republic,” he concluded. 

 IGT will begin by delivering several hundred VLTs in the spring of 2011, and will continue shipping additional units to the Dominican Republic on a monthly basis. A large percentage of the games IGT will supply to CAGE will be part of the Game King® 6.0 Multi-Game suite, featuring the industry’s top blackjack, poker and video slot themes. This multi-game suite offers 46 poker selections, 13 video slot titles, 9 keno games and blackjack. Additional games being provided to the Dominican Republic include player favorites such as Coyote Moon®, Cats, Kitty Glitter®, Da Vinci Diamonds® and Pharaoh’s Gold®.

 In addition to the VLTs, IGT Casinolink® will be used by CAGE to centrally monitor the bancas operations. IGT Casinolink® has the capability to connect the management of video lottery terminals, slot machines, table games, account-based wagering, marketing and casino cashier services into one comprehensive system. The system’s extensive reporting capabilities allow for better planning and operational decisions in addition to increased control, accountability and monitoring of casino cashier operations. This scalable solution can be used in single and multi-site casino properties. IGT Casinolink® meets Gaming Standards Association (GSA) compliance protocols, which gives operators the ability to respond to ever-changing business and market needs.

 About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. The RLJ Companies seeks to target undiscovered or underserved markets then exercise solid management to achieve results. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com.

 About Caribbean CAGE LLC: Caribbean CAGE LLC (An RLJ Companies Majority-Owned Company) is a U.S. Virgin Islands–based company that manages, develops, operates and distributes video lottery terminals in a number of countries and territories throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. CAGE is owned by RLJ Gaming LLC, RBW Gaming LLC and Cage HR LLC (Hard Rock). The Company was founded by Robert L. Johnson and Robert B. Washington, and is majority-owned by Johnson, who is the founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and Black Entertainment Television (BET). Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment, private equity, consumer financial services, asset management, insurance services, automobile dealerships, sports and entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. As a local-focused gaming business, CAGE installs and maintains VLTs at gaming sites such as restaurants, bars, lounges, liquor stores, convenience stores and other venues. More information about CAGE is available at www.caribbeancage.com.

About IGT: International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com.