Awards

[ January 29, 2025 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 7th Annual EKG Slot Awards

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 7^th Annual EKG Slot Awards

Event to be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Palms Casino Resort

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, January 28, 2025 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce the official award category nominees for the 7^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 7^th annual EKG Slot Awards,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC. “This event continues to grow, and 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 7^th 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

Save the Date! 7th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Save the Date!

7th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

February 27, 2025
Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas

We are excited to announce that the 7th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show, produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), will take place on February 27, 2025, at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Hosted once again by Brian Christopher of BC Slots, this highly anticipated event celebrates excellence in slot game development. Winners across various categories will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to both land-based and interactive gaming, through a data-driven process and the insights of a distinguished advisory board.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details!

Questions? Please contact Tatum Welch at tnorton@ekgamingllc.com

Awards

[ March 5, 2024 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Winners for 6th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Winners for 6^th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Event held on February 29^th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, March 5, 2024 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is proud to announce the individual category winners for the 6^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 29^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 6^th annual EKG Slot Awards were determined by the official voting from over 120 qualified slot directors representing over 320 casinos across the U.S. and Canadian markets and representing roughly 330,000 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 6^th annual EKG Slot Awards is provided below.

Link to Event Photos HERE

Land-based Awards

Top Performing NEW Core Video – Sponsored by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

Big Hot Flaming Pots – Tasty Treasures – Light & Wonder
Coin Trio – Fortune Trails – Aristocrat – 2023 WINNER
Dragon’s Law – Fortune Bags – Konami
Firestorm Bull – Aruze
Magic Treasures Dragon – IGT
Press Your Luck Whammy Bucks – Everi
Rocket Rumble – Bluberi
Shamrock Fortunes – AGS
Treasure Lock Emperor’s Gift – Incredible Technologies
Treasure Spirits – Phoenix – Ainsworth

Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

Blazing 777 2x3x5x Nudge – Light & Wonder
Blazing 777 Triple Double Jackpot Wild Nudge – Light & Wonder – 2023 WINNER
Double Chili Mania Respin – IGT
Legend Of The 3x2x Phoenix Wheel – IGT
Patriot Extra Spin Signature – Everi
Wild Stacks Deluxe Ruby Fire – Everi

Top Performing NEW Premium Game – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

Bull Blitz – Fortunes of the Orient – Konami
Jackpot Carnival – Buffalo – Aristocrat
Journey To The Planet Moolah – Light & Wonder
Lightning Dollar Link – Corrida de Toros – Aristocrat
Megabucks – Mega Vault – IGT
Mystery Of The Lamp Enchanted Palace – IGT – 2023 WINNER
Ultimate Fire Link Cash Falls – China Street – Light & Wonder

Top Performing NEW Video Cabinet – Core – Sponsored by Gaming Capital Group

Cosmic – Light & Wonder – 2023 WINNER
Mars X Flex – Aristocrat
Muso Triple 32 – Aruze
Peak Curve 49 – IGT
Spectra UR43 – AGS

Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

Cinema – Aristocrat
Cosmic – Light & Wonder – 2023 WINNER
Peak Curve 49 – IGT

Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

Little Shop of Horrors Directors Cut – Everi
Monsters – Frankenstein – Light & Wonder – 2023 WINNER
NFL Super Bowl Jackpots – Aristocrat
Tarzan City Of Gold – Aristocrat
Wheel Of Fortune – Diamond Spins -Triple Double Stars – IGT
Wheel Of Fortune – Lucky Coins On Tour – IGT
Willy Wonka – I Want It Now – Light & Wonder

Top North American Electronic Table Game (ETG) Supplier

Alfastreet
Gaming Arts
IGT
Interblock – 2023 WINNER
Light & Wonder

Top Performing NEW Video Poker/Keno Game

Bonus Wilds Poker – IGT
Fortune X Poker – IGT
Gamblers Gold – Ainsworth
Keno Star – IGT
Powerhouse Plus Poker – IGT
Super Hot Roll Poker – IGT – 2023 WINNER

Top Performing Game from an Emerging Supplier

88 Link Lucky Charms – Daruma Mystery – Zitro
Ching Shih – Lightning Gaming
Golden Elements – Sega Sammy
Lucky Pick Bumble Bee – Gaming Arts
Rocket Rumble – Bluberi – 2023 WINNER
Ultra Boost Link Tiger Storm – Novomatic

Top Performing Game – EMEA

Bell Link – Euro Games Technology
Egyptian Link Nefturi’s Treasure – IGT
Jewel of the Dragon – Valley of the Tiger – Light & Wonder
Merkur Multigame – Merkur
Mighty Hammer – Zitro
Mo Mummy – Valley Of The Riches – Aristocrat – 2023 WINNER
Novo Line Interactive Edition X3 – Novomatic
Red Hot Burning Xtreme Clover Link – Apex

Top Performing Game – Latin America

Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Red Festival – Aristocrat
Coin Combo – Hurricane Horse – Light & Wonder
Epic Kingdom – Zitro – 2023 WINNER
Fruits Collection 2 – Euro Games Technology
Olympus Link – IGT
Rakin Bacon Pirate Plunder – AGS
Solar Link – Merkur
Xtension Link 1 – Ainsworth

Most Innovative Land-Based Game – Sponsored by KPMG

Big Bear Poker – Aruze
Big Shake Carnival – Eclipse Gaming
Cha-Ching! – Everi
Golden Elements – Sega Sammy
Magic Treasures Dragon – IGT
Monster – Frankenstein – Light & Wonder
NFL Super Bowl Jackpots – Aristocrat – 2023 WINNER
Quad Shot Platinum Electric Nights – Ainsworth
Shamrock Fortunes – AGS
Stuffed Coins Toad – Konami
Tic Tac Go – Gaming Arts
Treasure Wave Coin Pusher – Aries Technology
True Pick Roulette – Incredible Technologies
Xing Fu 888 – Bluberi

Most Improved Supplier – Core

All Suppliers Considered – 2023 WINNER – AGS

Most Improved Supplier – Premium

All Suppliers Considered – 2023 WINNER – Light & Wonder

Best Overall Supplier of Slot Content

All Suppliers Considered – 2023 WINNER – Aristocrat

Social Casino Awards

Social Slots Game of The Year

Cash Club Casino – Bole Games (Netmarble)
Jackpot Magic Slots – Pixel United (Aristocrat)
Jackpot Master Slots – Zeroo Gravity Games (AppLovin)
Jackpot Party Casino – SciPlay (Light & Wonder) – 2023 WINNER
Quick Hit Slots – SciPlay (Light & Wonder)

Retail-Branded Social Casino Game of The Year

Caesars Slots – Playtika
Choctaw Slots – Ruby Seven Studios / Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Hard Rock Jackpot Casino – Hard Rock Games
MGM Slots Live – PLAYSTUDIOS – 2023 WINNER
Wynn Slots – Wynn Social Gaming

Top Sweepstakes-Based Social Slot Game of The Year

Chumba Casino – VGW
Fortune Coins – Blazesoft
High 5 Casino – High 5 Games – 2023 WINNER
Luckyland Casino – VGW
Pulsz – Yellow Social Interactive

Top Social Casino Operator

AppLovin
Bagelcode
KamaGames
Pixel United (Aristocrat)
SciPlay (Light & Wonder) – 2023 WINNER

iGaming Awards (Real-Money Online Gaming)

Top Performing NEW Online Slot – Sponsored by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)

Almighty Buffalo Megaways Jackpot Royale – White Hat Studios / Blueprint Gaming
Buffalo – Anaxi
Call of the Wild – Inspired
Charming Ladys Boom – Greentube
Dynamite Riches Megaways – Evolution
Gold Blitz – Games Global / Fortune Factory – 2023 WINER
Gold Standard Jackpots – Everi
Jewel of the Dragon Valley of the Tiger – Light & Wonder
Mega Diamond – AGS
Wheel of Fortune Elegant Emeralds – IGT

Top Performing NEW Online Table Game

Blackjack Lucky Lucky – Oddsworks
Deal or No Deal Roulette – White Hat Studios
Free Bet Blackjack – Evolution
Multihand Blackjack Poker and Pairs – IGT – 2023 WINNER
Sweet 16 Blackjack – Playzido

Top Performing Online Live Casino Game

24/7 Live Roulette – Authentic Gaming
Liver Dealer Lightning Roulette – Evolution – 2023 WINNER
Mega Fire Blaze Roulette – Playtech
Mega Roulette – Pragmatic Play

Most Innovative Online Game

Fire and Roses Joker – Games Global / Triple Edge Studios
Piggy Payouts Bank Buster LuckyTap – Design Works Gaming
Shadow Of The Panther Infinity – High 5 Games – 2023 WINNER
The Goonies Return Jackpot Royale – White Hat Studios
Ultimate Fire Link Cash Falls China Street – Light & Wonder
Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin – IGT

Best Overall Supplier of Online Content

All Suppliers Considered – 2023 WINNER – Evolution

Top Performing Omni-Channel Slot (Retail & Online)

All Aboard Piggy Pennies – Konami
Buffalo – Aristocrat/Anaxi – 2023 WINNER
Cash Eruption – IGT
Dancing Drums Explosion – Light & Wonder
Devils Lock – Bluberi/Bragg Gaming Group
Gold Standard Jackpots – Everi
Mega Diamond – AGS
Ultra Rush Golden Steed – Incredible Technologies

Hall of Fame

The EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame Inductees for the Class of 2024

Game Development – William “Si” Redd
Slot Operations – Thomas Mikulich

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 – Corporate Senior Director of Slot Operations for the Choctaw Casinos

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

Ron Nesbitt – Executive VP of Gaming at Wind Creek Hospitality

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

Gavin Issacs – Chairman at Games Global

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

Troy Hall – Sr. Director of Slot Optimization & Strategy for Gaming Analytics

Chris Colwell – VP of Gaming Analytics and Strategy 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.

David Jumper – Managing Partner at Hyper Digital Partners

Dan Cherry – Vice President of Gaming Operations at Bally’s Corporation

Thank you to our Sponsors –

Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Hall of Fame

After Party Silver Sponsor

Single Award Sponsors

Media Sponsor

Thank you to our Host

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.

Awards

[ January 24, 2024 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 6th Annual EKG Slot Awards

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Official Nominees for the 6^th Annual EKG Slot Awards

Event to be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, January 24, 2024 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce the official award category nominees for the 6^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 6^th annual EKG Slot Awards,” said Todd Eilers, Principal at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC. “This event continues to grow, and 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 6^th Annual Slot Awards Show. Contact Tatum Welch at tnorton@ekgamingllc.com.

The EKG Slot Awards

The EKG Slot Awards Categories

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

Land-based Awards

Top Performing NEW Core Video – Sponsored by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

Big Hot Flaming Pots – Tasty Treasures – Light & Wonder
Coin Trio – Fortune Trails – Aristocrat
Dragon’s Law – Fortune Bags – Konami
Firestorm Bull – Aruze
Magic Treasures Dragon – IGT
Press Your Luck Whammy Bucks – Everi
Rocket Rumble – Bluberi
Shamrock Fortunes – AGS
Treasure Lock Emperor’s Gift – Incredible Technologies
Treasure Spirits – Phoenix – Ainsworth

Top Performing NEW Mechanical Reel Core Game

Blazing 777 2x3x5x Nudge – Light & Wonder
Blazing 777 Triple Double Jackpot Wild Nudge – Light & Wonder
Double Chili Mania Respin – IGT
Legend Of The 3x2x Phoenix Wheel – IGT
Patriot Extra Spin Signature – Everi
Wild Stacks Deluxe Ruby Fire – Everi

Top Performing NEW Premium Game – Sponsored by BMM Testlabs

Bull Blitz – Fortunes of the Orient – Konami
Jackpot Carnival – Buffalo – Aristocrat
Journey To The Planet Moolah – Light & Wonder
Lightning Dollar Link – Corrida de Toros – Aristocrat
Megabucks – Mega Vault – IGT
Mystery Of The Lamp Enchanted Palace – IGT
Ultimate Fire Link Cash Falls – China Street – Light & Wonder

Top Performing NEW Video Cabinet – Core – Sponsored by Gaming Capital Group

Cosmic – Light & Wonder
Mars X Flex – Aristocrat
Muso Triple 32 – Aruze
Peak Curve 49 – IGT
Spectra UR43 – AGS

Top Performing NEW Cabinet – Premium

Cinema – Aristocrat
Cosmic – Light & Wonder
Peak Curve 49 – IGT

Top Performing 3^rd Party IP Branded Game

Little Shop of Horrors Directors Cut – Everi
Monsters – Frankenstein – Light & Wonder
NFL Super Bowl Jackpots – Aristocrat
Tarzan City Of Gold – Aristocrat
Wheel Of Fortune – Diamond Spins -Triple Double Stars – IGT
Wheel Of Fortune – Lucky Coins On Tour – IGT
Willy Wonka – I Want It Now – Light & Wonder

Top North American Electronic Table Game (ETG) Supplier

Alfastreet
Gaming Arts
IGT
Interblock
Light & Wonder

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Details for the 6th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Details for the 6th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Event to be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, December 4, 2023 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce several key details for the 6^th Annual EKG Slot Awards. First, the event will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. In addition, EKG has secured the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as the Platinum sponsor and host site for the awards show. Finally, EKG will continue its partnership with Brian Christopher of BC Slots, who will be serving as the event host again this year.

Ticketing & Sponsorship Info

Please RSVP via e-mail to tnorton@ekgamingllc.com if you are interested in purchasing a ticket and/or table to this year’s event or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities.

EKG Slot Awards Agenda:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

5:45pm – Cocktail Reception

7:00pm – Dinner and Networking

8:00pm – 9:30pm – Awards Show

9:30pm – 10:30pm – After Party

Attire: Black Tie Attire Suggested

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor

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.

The EKG Slot Awards Categories

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.

Awards

[ March 14, 2023 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

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

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^rdat the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

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

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

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

Awards

[ March 14, 2023 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

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

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 Categories

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.

Awards

[ December 8, 2022 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Details for the 5th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming Announces Details for the 5th Annual EKG Slot Awards Show

Event to be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, Dec 6, 2022 — Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) is excited to announce several key details for the 5thAnnual EKG Slot Awards. First, the event will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. In addition, EKG has secured the Aria Resort & Casino as the Platinum sponsor and host site for the awards show. Finally, EKG will continue its partnership with Brian Christopher of BC Slots, who will be serving as the event host again this year.

Ticketing & Sponsorship Info

Please RSVP via e-mail to tnorton@ekgamingllc.com if you are interested in purchasing a ticket and/or table to this year’s event or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities.

EKG Slot Awards Agenda:

Thursday, February 23, 2023

5:45pm – Cocktail Reception

7:00pm – Dinner and Networking

8:00pm – 9:30pm – Awards Show

9:30pm – 10:30pm – After Party

Attire: Black Tie Attire Suggested

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor

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.

The EKG Slot Awards Categories

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 .

Awards

[ February 28, 2022 by EKG Awards Show 0 Comments ]

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

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.

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