Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 
Tue, December 2, 2008
Mon, December 1, 2008
Harrah s Casinos to Provide TOTAL REWARDS Players with New, Innovative STAR TREK " Gaming Machine Experience from WMS
WAUKEGAN, Ill. & LAS VEGAS--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--WMS Gaming Inc., a subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE:WMS), and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to deploy a Harrah's TOTAL REWARDS version of WMS' STAR TREK series of gaming machines. Harrah's will introduce these customized games across its enterprise – beginning in Las Vegas in December 2008. Players who are members of the Harrah's TOTAL REWARDS program will be able to use their cards to create a personalized and differentiated gaming experience on the STAR TREK themed gaming machines at most of the company's casinos in North America, as Harrah's moves forward with a market-by-market implementation plan, subject to additional jurisdictional regulatory approvals.
The popular STAR TREK video gaming machines are the first games deployed on WMS' fourth foundational networked gaming technology: the category-creating Adaptive Gaming® technology platform. This server-enabled, networked gaming platform provides players with the unique ability to personalize their game play, allowing them to save their play status and unlock additional bonus rounds and game episodes over time.
"As we introduce our latest innovation at Harrah's, in collaboration with the creative WMS team, the unique Adaptive Gaming platform has enabled us to provide an enhanced level of personalization and a more differentiated entertainment experience each time a player logs onto the game with their TOTAL REWARDS card," said Tim Stanley, chief information officer and senior vice president, innovation, gaming and technology of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. "With both companies' customer-focused approach to bringing players a total entertainment experience, WMS' STAR TREK games align perfectly with our TOTAL REWARDS program."
Tim Stanley added, "As players advance through the dynamic Star Trek storyline, they can save their progress through the game and pick up where they left off during their next visit, regardless of which STAR TREK gaming machine in a TOTAL REWARDS enabled casino they visit. Additionally, by using TOTAL REWARDS to enable their personalized STAR TREK account and ‘avatar,' they can transport their previous play status from non-Harrah's based Star Trek games, earn ‘Bonus' achievement medals for their Harrah's play, and get access to new games, unique communications and special promotions and offers as part of our innovative introduction of this new capability."
"With Harrah's broad geographic operating base and planned implementation across our nearly 40 properties in North America, our players will be able to enjoy these unique and entertaining episodic experiences at any Harrah's casino they visit that features these unique STAR TREK games on the casino floor," concluded Tim Stanley.
According to Orrin J. Edidin, president of WMS, "This agreement demonstrates WMS' ability to offer innovative and differentiated gaming products that support our customers' strategic initiatives, including their patron loyalty programs. As one of the industry's leading casino operators and forward-thinking technology companies, Harrah's is at the forefront of offering its patrons a unique and personalized gaming experience. Working with the innovative team at Harrah's, we've created a customized TOTAL REWARDS, player-appealing experience enabled by WMS' advanced technology and pool of intellectual property. Collectively, we believe these features will enhance players' gaming experience, resulting in strong performance and longevity of the game for casino customers. Additionally, this enablement facilitates opportunities to collaboratively leverage other WMS networked gaming solutions and future products to benefit TOTAL REWARDS play."
"Our casino customers recognize WMS' ability to offer imaginative gaming products, and our strong commitment to interoperability in a networked gaming environment. This is yet another example of our development strategies focused on creating new gaming technology platforms combined with exciting gaming content to produce player-appealing, high-earning gaming products for our customers," concluded Orrin Edidin.
About Harrah's
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. The company is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. For more information, please visit [ www.harrahs.com ].
TOTAL REWARDS is Harrah's loyalty program that rewards customers based on how much they play, the type of games they play and for their entertainment choices at Harrah's properties. Earned "Reward Credits" can be used towards unforgettable experiences, memorable meals and popular merchandise. More information about TOTAL REWARDS can be found at [ https://www.harrahs.com/total_rewards ].
About WMS
WMS is engaged in serving the gaming industry worldwide by designing, manufacturing and marketing video and reel-spinning gaming machines, video lottery terminals, and in gaming operations, which consists of the placement of leased participation gaming machines in legal gaming venues. WMS is headquartered in Waukegan, IL. For more information, please visit [ www.wms.com ].
STAR TREK: TM & © 2008 CBS Studios Inc. All rights reserved. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.
TOTAL REWARDS is a trademark of Harrah's License Company, LLC.