Circus, IGT join slot-maker group

The two companies have joined GAMMA, a non-profit association of 25 gaming manufacturers that is attempting to develop standard format, or protocols, for the software that handles communications inside slots and casino management-information systems.

IGT, the world's largest slot maker, has balked at joining the group until now, partly because of concerns GAMMA would adopt protocols requiring IGT to complete costly retrofits on tens of thousands of existing slots.

But IGT executives said the need to develop a universal platform for future slots and the likelihood a massive retrofit effort wouldn't be needed made joining GAMMA a good move at this time.

"We're encouraged by the progress GAMMA has made in defining the next generation protocol," said Ali Saffari of IGT.

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