Hard Rock Biloxi Selects the IGT Advantage(TM) Casino System

Hard Rock Biloxi Selects the IGT Advantage(TM) Casino System

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, today announced the selection of the IGT Advantage(TM) Casino System to manage the entire gaming operation at the newest casino on the Gulf Coast.

Hard Rock's entire 1,500 gaming machine floor will feature the NexGen(TM) Interactive Display with an integrated set of loyalty-building Bonusing(TM) tools. The Bonusing(TM) software combined with the NexGen(TM) displays gives Hard Rock Biloxi a marketing advantage to attract and retain loyal players.

"The Gulf Coast gaming market is highly competitive. We chose the IGT Advantage(TM) Casino System because it offers the marketing tools that enable us to offer a unique gaming experience and gain a competitive advantage," said Shannon Oberlies, Hard Rock Biloxi's vice president of marketing. "The Hard Rock franchise and brand is truly unique, and we needed a casino system that helps us deliver on our brand by creating an exciting and fun gaming experience."

"We are excited for the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this September, and IGT is committed to deliver a full suite of casino management software that enables Hard Rock Biloxi to help attract and retain loyal customers, improve operations, and increase their bottom line," said Richard Schneider, President of IGT Systems. "This installation is another example where a new property in an established gaming market requires best-in-class gaming system technology in order to compete effectively."

Hard Rock Biloxi will also utilize the EZ Pay(TM) Ticket System on a single communication wire for all 1,500 machines, helping to reduce machine downtime, improve customer service, and increase operating efficiency. "IGT Systems is focused on our customers' needs including coinless technology, enhanced marketing, loyalty promotions, table games management, accounting, and service and support," added Schneider.

Statements in this release, which are not historical facts, are "forward looking" statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although IGT believes that the expectations reflected in any of its forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. IGT's future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. IGT does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Information on risks and factors that could affect IGT's business and financial results are included in our public filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) (www.IGT.com) is a global company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi is owned and operated by Premier Entertainment of Biloxi, LLC, d/b/a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. The $235 million project, scheduled to open in 2005, will include a Hard Rock-themed casino with 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games, five restaurants including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and a Hard Rock Cafe, a full service spa, 11-story hotel with 317 rooms and suites, a unique Hard Rock-themed beach pool, Hard Rock Live, a 1,200 capacity entertainment venue and retail shops.


Source: IGT

CONTACT: investor relations, Patrick Cavanaugh, +1-866-296-4232, or
marketing, Ed Rogich, +1-702-896-8690, both of International Game Technology

Web site: http://www.igt.com/


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