Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Winners for 5^th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Event held on February 23^rd at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, February 28, 2023 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is proud to announce the individual category winners for the 5^th Annual EKG Slot Awards. This event was produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the land-based casino gaming industry, iGaming and social casino sector.  All category winners were announced last Thursday, February 23^rd at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

“On behalf of everyone at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, I would like to congratulate all of the individual award winners, as well as this year’s Hall of Fame Class,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.   “I would also like to thank our Board of Advisors, official voters, VIPs, and our event sponsors.  It was a great night celebrating the industry’s top games and people.”

The land-based category winners for the 5^th annual EKG Slot Awards were determined by the official voting from over 100 qualified slot directors representing over 300 casinos across the U.S. and Canadian markets and representing roughly 300,000 total slot machines.  For the iGaming and Social Casino segments, winners were determined by voting from a distinguished panel of industry experts.  A complete listing of the winners for the 5^th annual EKG Slot Awards is provided below.

Link to Event Photos HERE

Land-based Awards

Top Performing NEW Video Reel Core Game –

Sponsored by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)

• Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Red Festival – Aristocrat **2022 WINNER**
• China Shores Boosted Great Stacks – Konami
• Devil’s Lock – Bluberi
• Gold Hills Prospector Pete – Everi
• Monkey Legends – AGS
• Rich Little Piggies Meal Ticket – Light & Wonder
• Wolf Run Eclipse – IGT
• X Wheel Supreme Dragon – Aruze

Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

• Blazin’ Gems Deluxe – Everi
• Blazing 777 Triple Double Jackpot Wild – Light & Wonder **2022 WINNER**
• Buffalo Instant Hit – Aristocrat
• Pinball Double Gold – IGT

Top Performing NEW Premium Game – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

• Golden Pots – Golden Dragon – AGS
• Lightning Dollar Link – Kung Fu Master – Aristocrat**2022 WINNER**
• Lucky Envelope – Plum Riches – Konami
• Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi – IGT
• Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel Ice – Everi
• Ultimate Fire Link Explosion – Light & Wonder

Top Performing NEW Video Cabinet – Core

• A Star Dual – Ainsworth
• Kascada Dual Screen – Light & Wonder
• Muso Curve 55 – Aruze
• Neptune Single – Aristocrat**2022 WINNER**
• Prism VXP – Incredible Technologies

Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Cabinet – Core

• DiamondRS – IGT**2022 WINNER**
• Landmark 7000 – Light & Wonder
• Player Classic Signature – Everi

Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

• A Star Curve XL – Ainsworth
• Dimension 75C – Konami
• Kascada Dual Screen – Light & Wonder**2022 WINNER**
• Peak65 – IGT

Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game

• All Aboard – Konami
• Dragon Link – Aristocrat**2022 WINNER**
• Prosperity Link – IGT
• Rakin Bacon – AGS
• Super Charged 7s – Ainsworth
• Ultimate Fire Link – Light & Wonder
• Ultra Rush – Incredible Technologies
• Wicked Wheel – Everi
• X Wheel – Aruze

Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

• Conan – Aristocrat
• Farmville Golden Harvest – Aristocrat
• Monopoly Lunar New Year – Light & Wonder
• Press Your Luck Whammy Wilds – Everi
• Shark Week – Feeding Frenzy – Everi
• Wheel of Fortune – 4D Collectors Edition – IGT
• Wheel of Fortune – High Roller – IGT**2022 WINNER**
• Willy Wonka – Dreamers of Dreams – Light & Wonder

Top Electronic Table Game (ETG) Supplier

• Alfastreet
• Aruze
• Gaming Arts
• IGT
• Interblock**2022 WINNER**
• Light & Wonder

Top Performing Video Poker Game

• All Star Poker 3 – IGT
• Game King X – IGT
• Super Star Poker – IGT
• Ultimate X Poker – IGT**2022 WINNER**
• Winners World Multigame – Aristocrat

Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier

• 88 Wild Duels – Monkey vs Dark Warrior – Zitro
• Brian Christopher’s Pop N Pays More – Gaming Arts
• Devils Lock – Bluberi**2022 WINNER**
• House Of The Dead Scarlet Dawn – Sega Sammy
• Jackpot Multiplier – Play Synergy
• Red Hot Burning Clover Link Edition – Apogee
• Screaming Links Great Balls of Fire – Lightning
• Thunder Cash Link Voodoo Magic – Novomatic

Most Innovative Game

• Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Red Festival – Aristocrat**2022 WINNER**
• Dragon Rush Fei Nu – Incredible Technologies
• Fu Bamboo – Bluberi
• Fu Gui Hao Men Splendid Fortunes – IGT
• Go Go Claw Cash Grab – Aruze
• Huff N More Puff – Light & Wonder
• Kung Fu Empress – Gaming Arts
• Money Line – Everi
• Treasure Spirits – Dragon – Ainsworth

Most Improved Supplier – Core

• Bluberi **2022 WINNER**

Most Improved Supplier – Premium

• IGT **2022 WINNER**

Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content

• Aristocrat **2022 WINNER**

Social Casino Awards

Best Social Slots Game

• DoubleDown Casino – DoubleU Games
• Jackpot Party Casino – SciPlay
• Lightning Link Casino – Pixel United**2022 WINNER**
• Lotsa Slots – Netmarble
• Slotomania – Playtika

Best New Social Casino Game

• Choctaw Slots – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
• Grand Cash Casino – Gamehaus Network
• MGM Slots Live – PlayStudios**2022 WINNER**
• Poker Chase – C-bet Inc.
• Vegas Keno – PLAYDOG

Top Social Casino Company

• Netmarble
• Pixel United
• PlayStudios
• Playtika
• SciPlay **2022 WINNER**

Special Award for Overcoming Adversity (Social Casino)

• Murka **2022 WINNER**

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming)

Top Performing NEW Online Slot

• 10,000 Wonders 10k Ways – Reel Play
• 10k Fortunes – Design Works Gaming
• Almighty Buffalo Megaways – White Hat Studios **2022 WINNER**
• Big Fishing Fortune – Inspired
• Carnival Cow Coin Combo – Light & Wonder
• Golden Wins Deluxe – AGS
• Lone Star Jackpots – Greentube
• Megajackpots Wolf Run – IGT
• Primate King – Evolution
• Slingo Shark Week – Gaming Realms
• Triple Jackpot Gems – Everi

Top Performing NEW Online Table Game

• 21+3 Progressive Blackjack – Bragg Gaming Group **2022 WINNER**
• Bet the Set 21 – Light & Wonder
• Free Bet Blackjack – Evolution
• Multihand Blackjack Perfect Pairs 21+3 – IGT
• Space Invaders Roulette – Inspired

Top Performing Online Live Casino Game

• Blackjack Unlimited – Playtech
• Live Dealer Blackjack – Evolution**2022 WINNER**
• Live Dealer Craps – Evolution
• Live Dealer Texas Hold Em – Evolution
• Live Roulette – Playtech

Most Innovative Online Game

• Big Spin Bonus – Inspired
• Break the Bounty LuckyTap ™ – Design Works Gaming**2022 WINNER**
• Doubleplay Super Bet HQ – Light & Wonder
• El Dorado Infinity Reels – Reel Play
• Extra Chilli Megaways – Evolution
• Lightning Blackjack – Evolution
• Slingo Shark Week – Gaming Realms

Best Overall Supplier of Online Content

• Evolution **2022 WINNER**

Top Performing Omni-Channel Slot (Retail & Online)

• 88 Fortunes – Light & Wonder
• Cleopatra – IGT
• Crazy Money Deluxe – Incredible Technologies
• Mustang Money – Ainsworth
• Rakin Bacon – AGS
• Triple Jackpot Gems – Everi**2022 WINNER**

The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame Inductees for the Class of 2023

• Dennis Mead – Game Development
• Charles Fey – Game Development
• Buddy Frank – Slot Operations

Thank you to our Sponsors –  

 Platinum Sponsor                                         

Gold

Hall of Fame

Cocktail Reception

After Party

Single Award Sponsors 

 Media Sponsor 

Thank you to our Host

The EKG Slot Awards Advisory Board

Todd Eilers – Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Rick Eckert – Managing Director – Slot Performance & Analytics at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Skyelar Perkins – Senior Director of Slot Operations for the Choctaw Casinos

Daron Dorsey – Executive Director, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)

Ron Nesbitt – Corporate VP of Gaming at Wind Creek Hospitality

Mike Gatten – Corporate Senior Vice President Slot Strategy – MGM Resorts International

Gavin Issacs – Chairman at Altitude Acquisition Corp

Debra Nutton – Executive Coach and Previous EVP of Casino Operations at Wynn Las Vegas

Troy Hall – Director of Slots & Sports book operations at Desert Diamond Casinos

Chris Colwell – VP of Slot Analytics at Boyd Gaming

Frank Legato – Editor of Global Gaming Business Magazine

Dan Ingster – VP of Gaming Operations at Seminole Hard Rock Support Services

Brett Nowak – Founder & CEO of Liquid & Grit

Lloyd Melnick – GM Chumba Casino at VGW

Adam Krejcik – Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Matt Kaufman – Managing Director of Digital & Interactive gaming at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC

Jeet Niyogi – Game/App Marking Executive,  Growth Advisor and Investor at multiple companies.

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique market research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at www.ekgamingllc.com. 

Buddy Frank, Dennis Mead, & Charles Fey inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame

 Thank you to our Hall of Fame Sponsor!

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, February 13, 2023 – Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC (EKG) is proud to announce that Buddy Frank, Dennis Mead, and the late Charles Fey have been inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame (HOF) Class of 2023.  Both Buddy and Dennis will be honored in person at the 2023 EKG Slot Awards in Las Vegas on February 23, 2023.

Dennis Mead is the fifth inductee to the EKG Slot Awards HOF under the Game Development category while Buddy Frank is the third inductee under the Slot Operations category.  In addition to the current inductees, the late Charles Fey will be honored during the event for his key contributions to slot machine game development.

“Once again our distinguished Board of Advisors has selected three outstanding individuals to be inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.  “Both Dennis and Buddy have made substantial contributions to the gaming industry and are well deserving of this honor and the decision to honor Charles Fey is significant given his invention sparked an entire industry.”

Buddy Frank

Buddy Frank was raised in Reno, Nevada.  After a brief stint in the Navy, Buddy attended the University of Nevada in Reno and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in Electrical Engineering.  Fresh out of school Buddy started covering the Reno gaming market as a TV Reporter and weekend anchor for the local CBS station in Reno.

Buddy joined the Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel in Reno in 1986 as a freelance PR writer and eventually he was promoted to Marketing Director.  He then moved into slot operations taking over as the Slot Director and spending roughly 11 years with the Fitz Group.

Buddy also worked as the Slot Director at two of Reno’s premier casinos including the Eldorado Hotel & Casino and the Atlantis Casino Resort.

Buddy then moved into Tribal gaming taking over as the Vice President of Slots at the Viejas casino in San Diego in 2002.  He then joined the Pechanga Resort Casino as Vice President of Slots in 2007.  While at the Pechanga, Buddy managed the slot operations at one of the largest casinos in the world.

During his career Buddy was known for his exceptional slot marketing skills and data driven decision making.  He was also known for being an early adopter of new slot systems technology and while at Pechanga set a Guinness World Record for the largest Slot Tournament at the time connecting over 2,500 slot machines across the property.

Buddy retired in 2015 and remains an industry consultant and content contributor for CDC Reports.

Dennis Mead

Dennis Mead was born in 1951 in Downy California and attended the University of California Fullerton and the University of Nevada in Reno. Dennis joined IGT in the late 1980s as a Senior Graphic Designer and would eventually become Director of Graphics.

While at IGT Dennis was awarded several technology related patents and was a key game designer for IGT’s very successful S2000 mechanical reel platform.  Dennis was the art director on the original S2000 Wheel of Fortune product line, S2000 Megabucks product line and S2000 Quartermania product line plus many more, and personally designed Wild Cherry.

In the 1990s Dennis was the first to work with several Las Vegas Strip operators to develop custom themed slot machines for several of the new casinos opening including the Mirage, MGM, Bellagio, Paris, Luxor and several other casinos.

In the 2000s Dennis helped to create some of the key branded slot machines including The Addams Family, The Munsters, Jeopardy, and Dimond Cinema among many others.  Finally, Dennis was in charge of the art and graphics for IGT’s next generation S3000 mechanical reel product line which launched in 2016 and received Game of the Year at G2E.

Dennis was recognized as IGT’s first Distinguished Producer in the graphics field in 2016.  Dennis retired from IGT in 2019 leaving a lasting impression on the gaming industry.

Charles Fey

Charles Fey was born in 1862 in Vohringen (Bavaria) Germany and was one of twenty-one children.  He left his home at the age of 14 and worked in various manufacturing jobs across Europe.  He moved to the United States in 1885 and settled in San Francisco.

Once in San Francisco Charles continued his career in the manufacturing sector finding a job with California Electric Works as an instrument maker.  With the proliferation of coin operated gaming devices in San Francisco, he decided to setup his own manufacturing plant designed to produce gaming devices in 1896.  His company was called Charles Fey & Company.

Charles and his company produced several coin operated gaming devices that were popular during this time, but it was a certain game that sparked an entire industry.   In 1898 Charles was credited with developing the gaming industry’s first modern day “slot machine” called the Liberty Bell.  Prior to the Liberty Bell most gaming devices were wheel-based machines or card-based machines.  It was the first gaming machine where the outcome of the game was displayed on three spinning reel strips.  The games proved to be immensely popular and spread across the country with competitors also producing similar games.

After a long and successful career, Charles Fey retired in 1943 and passed away of pneumonia in 1944.

Congratulations to Buddy Frank, Dennis Mead and the late Charles Fey as inductees into The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame – Class of 2023.  Thank you for your contributions to the gaming industry.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at http://www.ekgamingllc.com.

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 5th Annual EKG Slot Awards 

 Event to be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Aria Resort & Casino 

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, January 24, 2023 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce the official award category nominees for the 5th Annual EKG Slot Awards. This event is being produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the casino gaming industry.    

“We are very excited to announce the official nominees for the 5th annual EKG Slot Awards,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.  “The list of nominees is very impressive and includes some amazing new games.  We look forward to hosting a fun and exciting event to honor and recognize the winners in each category.”  

Sponsorship Info 

Interested in sponsorships for the 5th Annual Slot Awards Show. Contact Tatum Welch at tnorton@ekgamingllc.com.  

The EKG Slot Awards  

 The EKG Slot Awards Show is produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the casino gaming industry. More info and highlights from last year can be found at www.ekgslotawards.com  

 The EKG Slot Awards Categories 

The EKG Slot Award categories are determined by EKG principals and EKG Slot Awards Board of Advisors.  Individual award winners will be determined by utilizing a data-driven approach to include both proprietary game performance data as well as a survey of qualified slot managers for land-based categories.  For award categories where proprietary data is not available, the award winner will be solely determined by the survey responses.   For the Social Casino and iGaming segments, winners will be determined by a distinguished panel of industry experts combined with EKG proprietary data. 

A complete listing of the EKG Slot Awards categories is provided below.  All nominees are listed in alphabetical order. 

Land-based Awards 

 1. Top Performing NEW Video Reel Core Game 

Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Red Festival – Aristocrat 

China Shores Boosted Great Stacks – Konami 

Devil’s Lock – Bluberi 

Gold Hills Prospector Pete – Everi 

Monkey Legends – AGS 

Rich Little Piggies Meal Ticket – Light & Wonder 

Wolf Run Eclipse – IGT 

X Wheel Supreme Dragon – Aruze 

2. Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game 

Blazin’ Gems Deluxe – Everi 

Blazing 777 Triple Double Jackpot Wild – Light & Wonder 

Buffalo Instant Hit – Aristocrat 

Pinball Double Gold – IGT 

3. Top Performing NEW Premium Game – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

Golden Pots – Golden Dragon – AGS 

Lightning Dollar Link – Kung Fu Master – Aristocrat 

Lucky Envelope – Plum Riches – Konami 

Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi – IGT 

Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel Ice – Everi 

Ultimate Fire Link Explosion – Light & Wonder 

4. Top Performing NEW Video Cabinet – Core 

A Star Dual – Ainsworth 

Kascada Dual Screen – Light & Wonder 

Muso Curve 55 – Aruze 

Neptune Single – Aristocrat 

Prism VXP – Incredible Technologies 

5. Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Cabinet – Core 

DiamondRS – IGT 

Landmark 7000 – Light & Wonder 

Player Classic Signature – Everi 

6. Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium 

A Star Curve XL – Ainsworth 

Dimension 75C – Konami 

Kascada Dual Screen – Light & Wonder 

Peak65 – IGT 

7. Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game 

All Aboard – Konami 

Dragon Link – Aristocrat 

Prosperity Link – IGT 

Rakin Bacon – AGS 

Super Charged 7s – Ainsworth 

Ultimate Fire Link – Light & Wonder 

Ultra Rush – Incredible Technologies 

Wicked Wheel – Everi 

X Wheel – Aruze 

8. Top Performing 3rd Party IP Branded Game 

Conan – Aristocrat 

Farmville Golden Harvest – Aristocrat 

Monopoly Lunar New Year – Light & Wonder 

Press Your Luck Whammy Wilds – Everi 

Shark Week – Feeding Frenzy – Everi  

Wheel of Fortune – 4D Collectors Edition – IGT 

Wheel of Fortune – High Roller – IGT 

Willy Wonka – Dreamers of Dreams – Light & Wonder 

9. Top Electronic Table Game (ETG) Supplier 

Alfastreet 

Aruze 

Gaming Arts 

IGT 

Interblock 

Light & Wonder 

10. Top Performing Video Poker Game 

All Star Poker 3 – IGT 

Game King X – IGT 

Super Star Poker – IGT 

Ultimate X Poker – IGT 

Winners World Multigame – Aristocrat 

 11. Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier 

88 Wild Duels – Monkey vs Dark Warrior – Zitro 

Brian Christopher’s Pop N Pays More – Gaming Arts 

Devils Lock – Bluberi 

House Of The Dead Scarlet Dawn – Sega Sammy 

Jackpot Multiplier – Play Synergy 

Red Hot Burning Clover Link Edition – Apogee 

Screaming Links Great Balls of Fire – Lightning Gaming

Thunder Cash Link Voodoo Magic – Novomatic 

12. Most Innovative Game – Sponsored by KPMG

Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Red Festival – Aristocrat 

Dragon Rush Fei Nu – Incredible Technologies 

Fu Bamboo – Bluberi 

Fu Gui Hao Men Splendid Fortunes – IGT 

Go Go Claw Cash Grab – Aruze 

Huff N More Puff – Light & Wonder 

Kung Fu Empress – Gaming Arts 

Money Line – Everi 

Treasure Spirits – Dragon – Ainsworth 

13. Most Improved Supplier – Core  

All Suppliers Considered 

14. Most Improved Supplier – Premium 

All Suppliers Considered 

15. Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content 

All Suppliers Considered 

Social Casino Awards 

 16. Best Social Slots Game 

DoubleDown Casino – DoubleU Games 

Jackpot Party Casino – SciPlay 

Lightning Link Casino – Pixel United 

Lotsa Slots – Netmarble 

Slotomania – Playtika 

17. Best New Social Casino Game  

Choctaw Slots – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 

Grand Cash Casino – Gamehaus Network 

MGM Slots Live – PlayStudios 

Poker Chase – C-bet Inc. 

Vegas Keno – PLAYDOG 

18. Top Social Casino Company  

Netmarble 

Pixel United 

PlayStudios 

Playtika 

SciPlay 

19. Special Award for Overcoming Adversity (Social Casino) 

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming) 

 20. Top Performing NEW Online Slot 

10,000 Wonders 10k Ways – Reel Play 

10X Fortune – Design Works Gaming 

Almighty Buffalo Megaways – White Hat Studios 

Big Fishing Fortune – Inspired 

Carnival Cow Coin Combo – Light & Wonder 

Golden Wins Deluxe – AGS 

Lone Star Jackpots – Greentube 

Megajackpots Wolf Run – IGT 

Primate King – Evolution (Red Tiger)

Slingo Shark Week – Gaming Realms 

Triple Jackpot Gems – Everi 

21. Top Performing NEW Online Table Game 

21+3 Progressive Blackjack – Bragg Gaming Group 

Bet the Set 21 – Light & Wonder 

Free Bet Blackjack – Evolution 

Multihand Blackjack Perfect Pairs 21+3 – IGT 

Space Invaders Roulette – Inspired 

22. Top Performing Online Live Casino Game 

Blackjack Unlimited – Playtech 

Live Dealer Blackjack – Evolution 

Live Dealer Craps – Evolution 

Live Dealer Texas Hold Em – Evolution 

Live Roulette – Playtech 

23. Most Innovative Online Game 

Big Spin Bonus – Inspired 

Break the Bounty LuckyTap ™ – Design Works Gaming 

Doubleplay Super Bet HQ – Light & Wonder 

El Dorado Infinity Reels – Reel Play 

Extra Chilli Megaways – Evolution (Big Time Gaming)

Lightning Blackjack – Evolution 

Slingo Shark Week – Gaming Realms 

24. Best Overall Supplier of Online Content 

All Suppliers Considered 

25. Top Performing Omni-Channel Slot (Retail & Online) 

88 Fortunes – Light & Wonder 

Cleopatra – IGT 

Crazy Money Deluxe – Incredible Technologies 

Mustang Money – Ainsworth 

Rakin Bacon – AGS 

Triple Jackpot Gems – Everi 

Hall of Fame  – Sponsored by Desert Diamond Casinos

 The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame Inductees to be announced in the coming weeks. 

• Hall of Fame Inductee – Game Development 
• Hall of Fame Inductee – Slot Operations 

Thank you to our Sponsors –  

 Platinum Sponsor                                         

Hall of Fame

Cocktail Reception

After Party

Single Award Sponsors 

 Media Sponsor 

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique market research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at www.ekgamingllc.com. 

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Winners for 4^th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Event held on February 24^th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, February 28, 2022 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is proud to announce the category winners for the 4^th Annual EKG Slot Awards. This event was produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the land-based casino gaming industry, iGaming and social casino sector.  All category winners were announced last Thursday, February 24^th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

“On behalf of everyone at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, I would like to congratulate all of the individual award winners, as well as this year’s Hall of Fame Class,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.   “I would also like to thank our Board of Advisors, official voters, VIPs, and our event sponsors.  It was a great night celebrating the industry’s top games and people.”

The land-based category winners for the 4^th annual EKG Slot Awards were determined by the official voting from over 120 qualified slot directors representing over 300 casinos across the U.S. and Canadian markets and representing roughly 300,000 total slot machines.  For the iGaming and Social Casino segments, winners were determined by voting from a distinguished panel of industry experts.  A complete listing of the winners for the 4^th annual EKG Slot Awards is provided below along with links to event photos, Hall of Fame videos, and In Memoriam video. 

Event Links

Link to Event Photos

Hall of Fame – Bob Luciano    

Hall of Fame – Mike Laubach

In Memoriam Segment

Land-based Awards

Top Performing NEW Video Reel Core Game– Sponsored by AGEM

• Captain Riches – AGS
• Dancing Drums Prosperity – Scientific Games**2021 Winner**
• Fortune Mint Fu Gui You Yu – Konami
• Fu Dai Lian Lian Boosted Peacock – Aristocrat
• Inca Empress – Ainsworth
• Stinkin Rich Skunks Gone Wild – IGT
• Super Dragon – Everi Holdings
• Ultra Rush Gold Tiger Run – Incredible Technologies
• X Wheel Chili – Aruze

Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

• Buffalo Instant Hit – Aristocrat
• Double Black Diamond – Everi Holdings**2021 Winner**
• Grand Bars – Aristocrat
• Lucky Golden Toad – IGT
• Sure Fire Progressive Volcanic Sevens – IGT
• Triple Double Gems – Everi Holdings

Top Performing NEW Premium Game

• Buffalo Link – Aristocrat
• Cashnado Flash Fire – Everi Holdings
• Coin Combo – Hurricane Horse – Scientific Games
• Dragon Link – Golden Gong – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Jumanji 4d – IGT
• Ocean Spin Pirates Riches – Konami
• Wheel of Fortune – Wild Spin Vacation – IGT
• Willy Wonka – Dreamers Of Dreams – Scientific Games

Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Core

• Dimension 49 – Konami
• Genesis Crest – Sega Sammy
• Kascada – Scientific Games
• Mars X Portrait – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Peak Slant 32 – IGT
• Peak Slant 49 – IGT
• Prism VXP- Incredible Technologies

Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

• Empire Flex Fusion – Everi Holdings
• Kascada – Scientific Games
• Mars X Portrait – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Mural – Scientific Games
• Neptune Double – Aristocrat
• Orion Curve – AGS
• Peak Slant 49 – IGT

Top Performing Core Video Reel Game

• Buffalo Gold – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Dancing Drums – Scientific Games
• Selexion – Konami
• Rakin Bacon – AGS
• Super Charged 7’S – Quick Spin – Ainsworth
• Regal Riches – IGT
• Wheel Of Prosperity Dragon – Aruze
• Wicked Wheel Panda – Everi Holdings
• Heat ‘Em up Power Wheel – Incredible Technologies

Top Performing Core Mechanical Reel Game

• 88 Fortunes – Duo Fu Duo Cai – Scientific Games
• Black Diamond – Everi Holdings**2021 Winner**
• Diamond Jewels 2x3x4x5x – Aristocrat
• Howling Wolf – Aruze
• Red Hot Tamales – IGT

Top Performing Premium Game

• Colossal Diamonds – AGS
• Dragon Link – Happy And Prosperous – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Gold Standard Jackpots – Everi Holdings
• Happy 8s Prosperity Boost – Incredible Technologies
• Lightning Link – High Stakes – Aristocrat
• Ultimate Fire Link – China Street – Scientific Games
• Wheel Of Fortune – Triple Red Hot 7s – IGT

Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

• Crazy Rich Asians – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Game Of Thrones – Winter Is Here – Aristocrat
• Monopoly Money Grab – Scientific Games
• Shark Week – Jaws of Steel – Everi Holdings
• Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel – Everi Holdings
• Wheel Of Fortune – Exotic Far East – Cash Link – IGT
• Wheel Of Fortune – Triple Gold Gold Spin – IGT
• Willy Wonka – Dreamers of Dreams – Scientific Games

Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game– Sponsored by KPMG

• All Aboard – Dynamite Dash – Konami
• Buffalo Link – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**
• Double Top Dollar – IGT
• Rakin Bacon Deluxe – AGS
• The Vault China Blessings – Everi Holdings
• Ultimate Fire Link Power 4 – Scientific Games

Top Performing Electronic Table Game (ETG)

• Baccarat Maximum Fortune – Sega Sammy
• Casino Wizard – Gaming Arts
• Dynasty Roulette – IGT
• Quartz Roulette – Scientific Games
• Roll To Win Craps – Aruze
• Roulette – Alfastreet
• Roulette – TCSJOHNHUXLEY
• Universal Craps – Interblock**2021 Winner**

Top Performing Video Poker game

• All Star Poker 2 – IGT**2021 Winner**
• Multi-Hand Poker – Scientific Games
• Ultimate X – IGT
• Ultimate X Bonus Streak – IGT
• Ultimate X Gold – IGT
• Winners World Multigame – Aristocrat

Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

• Big Top Pop N Pays – Gaming Arts
• Colossal Dragons – Bluberi Gaming
• Daruma Mystery – Zitro
• Jackpot Multiplier – Empire Technological Group
• Money Party Link Fruity Fruity – Novomatic**2021 Winner**
• Pandas Treasure – Sega Sammy
• Screaming Links – Lightning Gaming

Most Improved Supplier – Core

• All Suppliers Considered – Everi Holdings**2021 Winner**

Most Improved Supplier – Premium

• All Suppliers Considered – Aristocrat**2021 Winner**

Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content

• All Suppliers Considered– Aristocrat**2021 Winner**

Social Casino Awards

Most Improved Social Casino Game

• Gold Fish Casino – SciPlay
• Star City Online – Wanin International
• Lightning Link Casino – Product Madness (Pixel United)**2021 Winner**
• Slots Golden HoYeah – IGS

Best New Social Casino Game

• ARK Slots – Murka
• Cash Billionaire – Bagelcode
• Jackpot Master Slots – Zeroo Gravity Games (AppLovin)
• myVEGAS Bingo – Playstudios**2021 Winner**

Most Innovative Social Casino Game – Sponsored by Axes

• Holdem or Foldem – Forever9 Games (AppLovin)
• Live Play Bingo – Live Play Mobile**2021 Winner**
• Poker Face – Comunix
• Slots Era – Murka

Top Social Casino Company

• Pixel United
• Playtika
• Zynga
• AppLovin
• Bole Games**2021 Winner**

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming)

Top Performing Online Slot

• Bonanza — Evolution (Big Time Gaming)
• 88 Fortunes – Scientific Games**2021 Winner**
• Capital Gains – AGS
• Dragon Power – Bragg Gaming Group (Wild Streak Gaming)
• Cleopatra – IGT
• Hypernova Megaways – Reel Play
• Big Spin Bonus – Inspired
• Diamond Cash Mightly Elephant – Greentube (Novomatic Interactive)
• Cash Machine – Everi Holdings

Top Performing Online Table Game

• Blackjack – IGT
• Blackjack Surrender – Evolution (NetEnt)
• Blackjack Xchange – Gaming Realms**2021 Winner**

Top Performing Online Live Casino Game

• Live Dealer Roulette – Evolution
• Infinite Blackjack – Evolution**2021 Winner**
• Live Dealer Baccarat – Evolution
• Live Roulette – Playtech
• Blackjack Unlimited – Playtech

 Best Overall Supplier of Online Content

• All Suppliers Considered – Evolution**2021 Winner**

Hall of Fame

The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame Inductees for the Class of 2022

      Game Development – Bob Luciano                         

    Hall of Fame Video HERE         

Slot Operations – Michael Laubach

      Hall of Fame Video HERE   

In Memoriam Segment

• Charles (Chuck) Mathewson 1928 – 2021
• Gordan Graves 1937 – 2021
• Michael Laubach 1954 – 2021

Video Linked HERE

The EKG Slot Awards – Land Based Casino Advisory Board

Skyelar Perkins – Senior Director of Slot Operations for the Choctaw Casinos

Todd Eilers – Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Marcus Prater – Executive Director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)

Dan Cherry – Corporate Vice President of Gaming for Penn National Gaming

Ron Nesbitt – Corporate VP of Gaming at Wind Creek Hospitality

Rick Eckert – Managing Director – Slot Performance & Analytics at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Mike Gatten – Corporate Senior Vice President Slot Strategy – MGM Resorts International

Gavin Issacs – Chairman at Altitude Acquisition Corp

Debra Nutton – Executive Coach and Previous EVP of Casino Operations at Wynn Las Vegas

Troy Hall – Director of Slots & Sports book operations at Desert Diamond Casinos

Chris Colwell – VP of Slot Analytics at Boyd Gaming

The EKG Slot Awards – Interactive Gaming Advisory Board

Brett Nowak – Founder & CEO of Liquid & Grit

Lloyd Melnick – GM Chumba Casino at VGW

Adam Krejcik – Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming

Matt Kaufman – Managing Director of Digital & Interactive gaming at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC

Jeet Niyogi – Game/App Marking Executive, Growth Advisor, and Investor at multiple companies.

Thank you to our sponsors

                            Platinum                                                                                                                                 Cocktail Reception Sponsor            

After Party Sponsor

Single Award Sponsors

Media Sponsors

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at www.ekgamingllc.com .

Michael Laubach & Bob Luciano inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, February 8, 2022 – Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC (EKG) is proud to announce that both Michael Laubach and Robert “Bob” Luciano have been inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame (HOF) Class of 2022.  Both Michael and Bob will be honored in person at the 2022 EKG Slot Awards in Las Vegas on February 24, 2022.  Bob Luciano is the fourth inductee to the EKG Slot Awards HOF under the Game Development category while the late Michael Laubach is the second inductee under the Slot Operations category.

“Once again our distinguished Board of Advisors has selected two outstanding individuals to be inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.  “Both Michael and Bob have made significant contributions to the gaming industry and are well deserving of this honor.”

Michael Laubach was born on November 28, 1954, in Merced, California.  After a brief stint in the US Army Michael started his gaming career at Harvey’s Casino in South Lake Tahoe in 1975 joining his father, Donald John Laubach who also worked at Harvey’s in the slot department.  After a short perio

d of time, Michael moved to Las Vegas and accepted a job at The Stardust as a Slot Floorman. He quickly moved up the ranks and was eventually promoted to Director of Slot Operations. He then left the Stardust in early 1990s to open the Slot Department at the new Bull Whacker’s Casino in Blackhawk Colorado.

After a couple years in Colorado, Michael was contacted by his good friend Dominic Mezzetta and asked to open the Hollywood Casino in Tunica, Mississippi and serve as the casino’s Vice President of Slot Operations.  In 2001, Michael’s mentor from the Stardust, Dick Burnside recruited Michael back to Boyd Gaming.  Michael accepted the job and moved to Vinton, LA to open Delta Downs then returned to Sam’s Town in Tunica, MS to oversee the Slot Department.  Michael was then asked to move to Las Vegas where he took over the Slot Department at the Orleans in 2007 as the Director of Slot Operations.

Michael formally moved to the corporate office for Boyd Gaming in 2019 as the Corporate Vice President of Slot Operations.  In addition to his many gaming positions, Michael was also an inaugural member of the EKG Slot Awards Board of Advisors and was a key contributor to the early success of the event.  Michael passed away on August 9, 2021, and is survived by his wife (Kim Laubach), 1 daughter (Samantha Reaves), 2 sons (Christopher and Spencer).

Robert “Bob” Luciano was born in 1958 in Morristown, New Jersey. He graduated from Drexel University in 1981 studying mechanical Engineering. After graduating he moved to Reno, Nevada working as a project Engineer at International Game Technology. He climbed his way up the ranks to Vice President of Advanced Development before ultimately leaving IGT to found Sierra Design Group (SDG).

Bob’s accomplishments while at the helm of SDG include developing systems technology that helped pave the way for many successful gaming operations in Native American jurisdictions, including California, Florida, and Washington, and creating unique gaming products, such as Raining Diamonds slot machines that dispensed real diamond jewelry and the Auction Fever bonusing concept.

Bob was also at the forefront of many technological innovations in gaming and systems at Bally Technologies. After Bally Technologies (then Alliance Gaming) purchased Sierra Design Group in 2004, Bob also served as executive vice president and chief technology officer for Bally Technologies before suffering a serious stroke that required him to take a medical leave. Prior to founding Sierra Design Group in 1996, Bob was vice president of advanced engineering at IGT. He also previously held several engineering positions at a variety of nongaming companies, including Soabar, a division of Avery International, and Mobil Oil.

Bob has over 300 patents to his name, including various gaming technologies, golf technology, and pharmaceutical packaging.  Some of Bob’s key patents in the gaming industry were critical in commercializing Ticket-In, Ticket Out technology (TITO) which is now the standard for casinos across the world today.

Congratulations to the late Michael Laubach and to Bob Luciano as inductees into The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame – Class of 2022.  Thank you for your contributions to the gaming industry.

www.ekgslotawards.com

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at http://www.ekgamingllc.com.

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 4^th Annual EKG Slot Awards

Event to be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, January 19, 2022 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce the official award category nominees for the 4^th Annual EKG Slot Awards. This event is being produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the casino gaming industry.

“We are very excited to announce the official nominees for the 4^th annual EKG Slot Awards,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.  “The list of nominees is very impressive and includes some amazing new games.  We look forward to hosting a fun and exciting event to honor and recognize the winners in each category.”

Sponsorship Info

Interested in our 2022 sponsorships for the 4^th Annual Slot Awards Show. Contact Tatum Norton at tnorton@ekgamingllc.com.

The EKG Slot Awards

The EKG Slot Awards Show is produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the casino gaming industry. More info and highlights from last year can be found at www.ekgslotawards.com

The EKG Slot Awards Categories

The EKG Slot Award categories are determined by EKG principals and EKG Slot Awards Board of Advisors.  Individual award winners will be determined by utilizing a data-driven approach to include both proprietary game performance data as well as a survey of qualified slot managers for land-based categories.  For award categories where proprietary data is not available, the award winner will be solely determined by the survey responses.   For the Social Casino and iGaming segments, winners will be determined by a distinguished panel of industry experts combined with EKG proprietary data.

A complete listing of the EKG Slot Awards categories is provided below.  All nominees are listed in alphabetical order.

Land-based Awards

1.Top Performing NEW Video Reel Core Game

• Captain Riches – AGS
• Dancing Drums Prosperity – Scientific Games
• Fortune Mint Fu Gui You Yu – Konami
• Fu Dai Lian Lian Boosted Peacock – Aristocrat
• Inca Empress – Ainsworth
• Stinkin Rich Skunks Gone Wild – IGT
• Super Dragon – Everi Holdings
• Ultra Rush Gold Tiger Run – Incredible Technologies
• X Wheel Chili – Aruze

2. Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

• Buffalo Instant Hit – Aristocrat
• Double Black Diamond – Everi Holdings
• Grand Bars – Aristocrat
• Lucky Golden Toad – IGT
• Sure Fire Progressive Volcanic Sevens – IGT
• Triple Double Gems – Everi Holdings

3. Top Performing NEW Premium Game

• Buffalo Link – Aristocrat
• Cashnado Flash Fire – Everi Holdings
• Coin Combo – Hurricane Horse – Scientific Games
• Dragon Link – Golden Gong – Aristocrat
• Jumanji 4d – IGT
• Ocean Spin Pirates Riches – Konami
• Wheel of Fortune – Wild Spin Vacation – IGT
• Willy Wonka – Dreamers Of Dreams – Scientific Games

4. Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Core

• Dimension 49 – Konami
• Genesis Crest – Sega Sammy
• Kascada – Scientific Games
• Mars X Portrait – Aristocrat
• Peak Slant 32 – IGT
• Peak Slant 49 – IGT
• Prism VXP- Incredible Technologies

5. Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

• Empire Flex Fusion – Everi Holdings
• Kascada – Scientific Games
• Mars X Portrait – Aristocrat
• Mural – Scientific Games
• Neptune Double – Aristocrat
• Orion Curve – AGS
• Peak Slant 49 – IGT

6. Top Performing Core Video Reel Game

• Buffalo Gold – Aristocrat
• Dancing Drums – Scientific Games
• Selexion – Konami
• Rakin Bacon – AGS
• Super Charged 7’S – Quick Spin – Ainsworth
• Regal Riches – IGT
• Wheel Of Prosperity Dragon – Aruze
• Wicked Wheel Panda – Everi Holdings
• Heat ‘Em up Power Wheel – Incredible Technologies

 7. Top Performing Core Mechanical Reel Game – Sponsored by AGEM

• 88 Fortunes – Duo Fu Duo Cai – Scientific Games
• Black Diamond – Everi Holdings
• Diamond Jewels 2x3x4x5x – Aristocrat
• Howling Wolf – Aruze
• Red Hot Tamales – IGT

8. Top Performing Premium Game

• Colossal Diamonds – AGS
• Dragon Link – Happy And Prosperous – Aristocrat
• Gold Standard Jackpots – Everi Holdings
• Happy 8s Prosperity Boost – Incredible Technologies
• Lightning Link – High Stakes – Aristocrat
• Ultimate Fire Link – China Street – Scientific Games
• Wheel Of Fortune – Triple Red Hot 7s – IGT

9. Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

• Crazy Rich Asians – Aristocrat
• Game Of Thrones – Winter Is Here – Aristocrat
• Monopoly Money Grab – Scientific Games
• Shark Week – Jaws of Steel – Everi Holdings
• Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel – Everi Holdings
• Wheel Of Fortune – Exotic Far East – Cash Link – IGT
• Wheel Of Fortune – Triple Gold Gold Spin – IGT
• Willy Wonka – Dreamers of Dreams – Scientific Games

10. Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game

• All Aboard – Dynamite Dash – Konami
• Buffalo Link – Aristocrat
• Double Top Dollar – IGT
• Rakin Bacon Deluxe – AGS
• The Vault China Blessings – Everi Holdings
• Ultimate Fire Link Power 4 – Scientific Games

11. Top Performing Electronic Table Game (ETG)

• Baccarat Maximum Fortune – Sega Sammy
• Casino Wizard – Gaming Arts
• Dynasty Roulette – IGT
• Quartz Roulette – Scientific Games
• Roll To Win Craps – Aruze
• Roulette – Alfastreet
• Roulette – TCSJOHNHUXLEY
• Universal Craps – Interblock

12. Top Performing Video Poker game

• All Star Poker 2 – IGT
• Multi-Hand Poker – Scientific Games
• Ultimate X – IGT
• Ultimate X Bonus Streak – IGT
• Ultimate X Gold – IGT
• Winners World Multigame – Aristocrat

13. Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

• Big Top Pop N Pays – Gaming Arts
• Colossal Dragons – Bluberi Gaming
• Daruma Mystery – Zitro
• Jackpot Multiplier – Empire Technological Group
• Money Party Link Fruity Fruity – Novomatic
• Pandas Treasure – Sega Sammy
• Screaming Links – Lightning Gaming

14. Most Improved Supplier – Core

• All Suppliers Considered

15. Most Improved Supplier – Premium

• All Suppliers Considered

16. Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content

• All Suppliers Considered

Social Casino Awards

17. Most Improved Social Casino Game

• Gold Fish Casino – SciPlay
• Star City Online – Wanin International
• Lightning Link Casino – Pixel United
• Slots Golden HoYeah – IGS

18. Best New Social Casino Game

• ARK Slots – Murka
• Cash Billionaire – Bagelcode
• Jackpot Master Slots – Zeroo Gravity Games (AppLovin)
• myVEGAS Bingo – Playstudios

19. Most Innovative Social Casino Game – Sponsored by Axes

• Holdem or Foldem – Forever9 Games (AppLovin)
• Live Play Bingo – Live Play Mobile
• Poker Face – Comunix
• Slots Era – Murka

20. Top Social Casino Company – Sponsored by KPMG

• Pixel United
• Playtika
• Zynga
• AppLovin
• Bole Games

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming)

21. Top Performing Online Slot

• Bonanza — Evolution (Big Time Gaming)
• 88 Fortunes – SG Digital
• Capital Gains – AGS
• Dragon Power – Bragg Gaming Group (Wild Streak Gaming)
• Cleopatra – IGT
• Hypernova Megaways – Reel Play
• Big Spin Bonus – Inspired
• Diamond Cash Mightly Elephant – Greentube (Novomatic Interactive)
• Cash Machine – Everi Holdings

 22. Top Performing Online Table Game

• Blackjack – IGT
• Blackjack Surrender – Evolution (NetEnt)
• Blackjack Xchange – Gaming Realms

 23. Top Performing Online Live Casino Game

• Live Dealer Roulette – Evolution
• Infinite Blackjack – Evolution
• Live Dealer Baccarat – Evolution
• Live Roulette – Playtech
• Blackjack Unlimited – Playtech

 24. Best Overall Supplier of Online Content

• All Suppliers Considered

Hall of Fame

The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame Inductees to be announced in the coming weeks.

• Hall of Fame Inductee – Game Development
• Hall of Fame Inductee – Slot Operations

In Memoriam Recognition

Thank you to our Sponsors –

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming:
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique market research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at www.ekgamingllc.com.

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Winners for 2020 EKG Slot Awards

https://ekgslotawards.com

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, April 2, 2021 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is proud to announce the individual winners for the 3^rd Annual EKG Slot Awards. This event is produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC and is designed to recognize excellence in slot machine game development within the land-based casino gaming industry and interactive gaming sector. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, EKG did not host a live in-person event.  Instead, EKG announced award winners earlier this week via social media.

“On behalf of everyone at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, I would like to congratulate all of the individual award winners as well as this year’s Hall of Fame Class, said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC.  I would also like to thank our Board of Advisors, Official Voters, and our Event Sponsors.”

A complete listing of the winners for 2020 EKG Slot Awards is provided below.  The land-based category winners were determined by official voting from over 100 qualified slot directors representing over 300 casinos across the U.S. and Canadian markets and representing roughly 300,000 total slot machines.  For the Social Casino and iGaming segments, winners were determined by voting from a distinguished panel of social casino industry experts.

Land-based Awards – 2020

1. Top Performing NEW Video Reel Core Game

• Buffalo Chief – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Diamond Trails Safari Winnings – Konami
• Drop & Lock – Deep Sea Magic – Scientific Games
• Money Storm Classic Hits – IGT
• Red Silk – AGS
• Roller Wheel Jungle Roll – Incredible Technologies
• Wicked Wheel Panda – Everi Holdings

2. Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

• 3x Wild Diamonds – IGT
• Dancing Drums Reels – Scientific Games – 2020 Winner
• Jixing Gaozhao – Aristocrat
• Triple Wild Dragon – Everi Holdings

3. Top Performing NEW Premium Game

• All Aboard – Dynamite Dash – Konami
• Cash Express Luxury Line Buffalo – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Fortune Coin Boost – IGT
• Golden Wins Deluxe – AGS
• Hong Kong Double Deluxe – Incredible Technologies
• The Vault Egypt Gems – Everi Holdings
• Willy Wonka – Everlasting Gobstopper – Scientific Games

4. Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Core

• A Star Curve – Ainsworth
• Empire Flex – Everi Holdings – 2020 Winner
• Infinity Summit – Incredible Technologies
• Orion Curve – AGS
• Twinstar Matrix – Scientific Games

5. Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

• Dimension 49j – Konami
• Infinity Pilot – Incredible Technologies
• Mars X – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Orion Starwall – AGS
• Peak Slant 49 – IGT
• Twinstar J43 Motion Wheel – Scientific Games

6. Top Performing Core Video Reel Game

• Buffalo Gold Revolution – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Dancing Drums – Scientific Games
• Fortune Coin Free Games – IGT
• Rakin Bacon – AGS
• Super Charged 7’S – Quick Spin – Ainsworth
• Wheel Of Prosperity Dragon – Aruze
• Wicked Wheel Fire Phoenix – Everi Holdings

7. Top Performing Core Mechanical Reel Game

• 88 Fortunes Diamond – Scientific Games
• Buffalo Gold – Aristocrat
• Cash Machine – Everi Holdings – 2020 Winner
• Quick Hit Triple Blazing 7s Super Wheel – Scientific Games
• Red Hot Tamales – IGT

8. Top Performing Premium Game

• Colossal Diamonds – AGS
• Dancing Drums Explosion – Scientific Games
• Dragon Link – Happy And Prosperous – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Jin Ji Bao Xi – Rising Fortunes – Scientific Games
• Lightning Link – High Stakes – Aristocrat
• Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel – Everi Holdings
• Wheel Of Fortune – Exotic Far East – Cash Link – IGT

9. Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

• Game Of Thrones – Winter Is Here – Aristocrat
• Smokin Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel – Everi Holdings – 2020 Winner
• The Price Is Right – Triple Showcase Showdown – IGT
• Wheel Of Fortune – Exotic Far East – Cash Link – IGT
• Wizard Of Oz – Munchkinland – Scientific Games

10. Top Performing Proprietary Branded Game

• All Aboard – Dynamite Dash – Konami
• Crazy Money Deluxe – Incredible Technologies
• Dollar Storm – Ninja Moon – Aristocrat
• Dragon Link – Happy And Prosperous – Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Jin Ji Bao Xi – Rising Fortunes – Scientific Games
• The Vault Egypt Gems – Everi Holdings
• Ultimate Fire Link – China Street – Scientific Games

11. Top Performing Electronic Table Game (ETG)

• Baccarat – Interblock
• Baccarat Maximum Fortune – Sega Sammy
• Casino Wizard – Gaming Arts
• Craps – Aruze
• Fortune Cup – Konami
• Roulette – Alfastreet
• Roulette – IGT
• Roulette – Interblock – 2020 Winner

12. Top Performing Video Poker game

• All Star Poker 2 – IGT – 2020 Winner
• GameKing – IGT
• Match Card Draw Poker – Scientific Games
• Super Star – IGT
• Ultimate X – IGT
• Winners World – Aristocrat

13. Top Performing Interactive Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM)/Skill

• Bust-A-Move – Next Gaming
• Cannon Beards Treasure – Gamblit Gaming – 2020 Winner
• Sweet Spot Golf – Gameco

14. Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier

• Dice Seekers Heroes and Villains – Gaming Arts – 2020 Winner
• Flags of Fortune – Castle Hill
• Fortune Feast – Bluberi
• Fruit Jackpots Progressive – Lightning Gaming
• Money Party Link Fruity Fruity – Novomatic
• Wealth Rush Incredible Coins – Sega Sammy

15. Most Improved Supplier – Core

Everi – 2020 Winner

All Suppliers Considered

16. Most Improved Supplier – Premium

Aristocrat – 2020 Winner

All Suppliers Considered

17. Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content

Aristocrat – 2020 Winner

All Suppliers Considered

Social Casino Awards

18. Best Use of Land-Based Content in a Social Slot Game

• 88 Fortunes featuring Scientific Games content – SciPlay
• DoubleDown Casino featuring IGT content – published by Double Down Interactive – 2020 Winner
• High 5 Casino featuring High 5 Games content – published by High 5 Games
• Lightning Link featuring Aristocrat content – published by Product Madness

19. Top Social Casino Company

• Aristocrat – 2020 Winner
• Bole Games
• Playtika
• Zynga

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming)

 20. Best New Online Slot

• Extra Chili — Big Time Gaming – 2020 Winner
• Fortune Coin — IGT
• Hypernova Megaways — Reel Play
• Rise Of The Mountain King — Scientific Games

21. Top Performing Online Slot

• 88 Fortunes – SG Digital – 2020 Winner
• Bonanza – Big Time Gaming
• Cleopatra – IGT
• Divine Fortune – NetEnt

Hall of Fame – Class of 2021

Hall of Fame Inductee                                                      Hall of Fame Inductee

Game Development – Scott Olive                          Slot Operations – Charlie Lombardo

Highlight Video HERE                                                       Highlight Video HERE

Thank you to our sponsors!

              Hall of Fame                                                                        Hall of Fame

        Scott Olive Sponsor                                                      Charlie Lombardo Sponsor

Event Sponsors

   Media Sponsor

About Eilers & Krejcik Gaming: Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC is a boutique research and consulting firm focused on servicing the gaming equipment, interactive gaming, and sports betting sectors within the global gaming industry.  Our products and services primarily include market research, company research, and consulting and advisory services designed specifically for land based & online casino operators, equipment & technology suppliers, social gaming operators & suppliers, gaming regulators, and institutional investors. Additional information regarding our research products and advisory services can be obtained calling Todd Eilers at (949) 387-7701, or visiting our website at www.ekgamingllc.com.