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in 1995. The economy in each of those states will also have an impact on gaming developments. The job and public revenue generation and economic development potential of gaming has been a prime reason to establish this industry in a given area. As economic conditions improve, enthusi- asm for authorizing legislation may not be so great as in the past. Conversely, some states are more affected by reductions in federal spending and consequently eager for viable alternatives. Virginia, for example, could derive substantial benefit for its critical shipbuilding industry through the construction of gaming vessels, which would not only help to maintain employment but assist in the conversion from defense to commer- cial construction. The growing array of competing proposals is also scaring and confusing voters and increasing the industry's negatives. Conflicting claims about which form of gaming is best suited to a state, from operating riverboats to mega landside casi- nos, the day market versus destination market argument, the role of existing pari-mutuals and how Indian gaming fits into the scheme, etc. all serve to fog the horizon. Do these new variables, and others not dis- cussed, mean that waterborne gaming expan- sion has stopped? Certainly not, but we can be sure that the claims of proponents and the expe- riences of existing gaming jurisdictions will be even more closely examined by supporters and opponents alike. We can also be sure that developing this industry will be viewed as a useful economic tool in at least some cases, and that further evolution of gaming will take place. Marine interests are well advised to stand united to ensure that our industry is well-represented in this evolutionary process. U.S. Games Offers Technology-Based Games U.S. Games, Inc. is an Atlanta-based designer and manufacturer of video games and systems for the coin-operated amusements, VLT and casino industry. U.S. Games has distributed more than 40,000 games in the U.S., as well as throughout Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and South America. According to the company, customer response to its products has increased sales at a 30 percent rate for the last five years. U.S. Games provides Pot-O-Gold gaming machines. Some of the features of Pot-O-Gold machines are touch screen technology, multiple games, on- line linked intermachine communications, inte- grated progressive central site data collection, and customization capabilities. The core coin-operated amusement-only prod- uct for U.S. Games is Countertop Champion. Initially manufactured as Little Casino, and then as Bar Brain Bar Top, today's models offer up to 50 operator and player-selectable amuse- ment games in a countertop cabinet particularly suited for bar top placement. U.S. Games' goals are to: design and manufac- ture video gaming equipment and proprietary software for computerized wide-area game moni- toring systems; offer a broad line of gaming equipment; offer high player appeal through innovative engineering; and invest in research and development to maintain innovative prod- ucts. For more information on U.S. Games Circle 124 on Reader Service Card Gasser: Delivering Seating Solutions For More Than 47 Years Gasser Chair Co. has more than 47 years of experience in manufacturing commercial con- tract seating. Today, Gasser Chair employs approximately 185 people and is still family owned. Gasser Chair developed specialty seating for the gaming industry starting about 25 years ago. Applied to the chair's backrest is Gasser Chair's patented Protected Edge, a feature designed by the com- pany to protect the upholstery at its most vulner- able points. The company's complete range of furniture includes armchairs, sidechairs, barstools, set- tees and stackable chairs, offered in several hun- dred styles, and also with the capability to be custom designed to client specs. Quick-Release is a patented gaming seating system by Gasser Chair that is now in use in casinos around the world. The growing popular- ity of the system is due, in part, to the company's ability to manufacture custom seat and back styles, as well as custom-designed bases to ac- commodate a particular requirement. Its great- est feature, perhaps, is its ability to be easily removed to allow access to gaming machines for repositioning, housekeeping, coin-drop pickup and maintenance. For more information on Gasser Circle 125 on Reader Service Card R.A. STEARN NAVAL ARCHITECTS • MARINE ENGINEERS A Division of John J. McMullen Associates, Inc. NEW CONSTRUCTION/CONVERSION: • SHIPS • BARGES Q Concept Design Q Contract Plans and Specifications Q Detail Design and Related Engineering O Computer Aided Design (CAD) • Plan Approval and Inspection O Owner's Representative Q Transportation Analysis FERRIES • CASINO VESSELS • SELF-UNLOADING BULK CARRIERS 253 N. First Avenue • Sturgeon Bay, Wl 54235 • Tel: (414)743-8282 • FAX: (414)743-9543 Circle 277 on Reader Service Card Marine^'Specialist CONDITIONING FING• VENTILA TION •PLUMBING*SMOKE RE® Bill Brown ENTERPRISES, INC. • |\ VUrt \\ A gtssoc&Ji;*?? \ 4995 Ocean Pines • Berlin, Maryland 21811* (410) 641-5782 • Fax: (410) 641-6283 CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES 1-800-221-1506 Circle 234 on Reader Service Card Riverboat Gaming Congress & Expo 13 MR/EN
