Aristocrat Spearheading US Online Gaming Future

As the possibility (rather, inevitability) of legalized US online gaming draws nearer, an influx of land based casinos and casino game developers are in talks to partner with offshore gaming sites to bring a new wave of gambling to US players. Aristocrat Technologies Inc, a subsidiary of Australia’s Aristocrat Leisure Limited, is leading the way by becoming the first game developer to secure an online deal with a US casino.
A Groundbreaking Deal
Maryland Live! Casino is to launch a “free to play” virtual casino following the signing of a major systems contract with Aristocrat. This online casino will host an array of games including black jack, poker, slots, roulette and more. Further, Maryland Live! is set to open a land based gaming and entertainment destination resort in Maryland of June 2012—after the virtual casino is fully up and operational—so players can make the transfer from free play to real play easily.
President of Aristocrat Americas Nick Khin states, “We are extremely excited that Maryland Live! Casino has chosen our brand of casino games to power their new virtual casino and land based casino, and we’re happy to be a part of one of the largest casino openings of 2012. This will be a great opportunity for Maryland Live! to build its brand and presence ahead of its grand opening next year.”
A First in Tribal Gaming
Aristocrat has also secured a contract that will bring its virtual, play-for-free casino to tribal gaming for the first time. Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan, is set to incorporate Aristocrat’s Oasis 360’s  nLiveLink technology. This system will integrate players’ online and land based profiles; allowing players to log-on and earn reward points in the virtual casino.
“We are very proud to be the first Tribal Casino in North America to collaborate with Aristocrat,” states General Manager of Island Resort & Casino Tome McChesney. “We like the ability the technology gives us to aggressively service current and new guests in an online environment to build our brand and player loyalty, and bring our guests back to our land based facility.”
Aristocrat isn’t done yet. The company also recently created an online gaming platform for the UK based Game Account Network; a major player in the regulated European gaming market. Dubbed “Aristocrat’s nLive,” this virtual casino will offer slots, poker and other table games, and will be available to the public shortly (check back for updates).
Now that Aristocrat has landed such major deals, who or what should they focus on next? Tell us what you think!