IGT unveiled what is likely to be the initial version of the new strike machine at last week's Global Gaming Expo 2 (GE2). The machine no longer delivers strikes in the puck although there was an Elizabeth Taylor jewelry machine that used the same platform as the strike machine and delivered the prize jewelry in a puck. The jewelry pucks will carry an appraisal and be redeemable at the casino for either $100 or $300. The Liz machine allows an alternate selection in class (e.g., earrings for a ring).

The strike machine had three samples, all in the same size case. The $10 size was held in place by some small plastic spokes. One $40 size had color paint. The second $40 size had a small capsule with precious stone chips. This second $40 is made by the Perth (Australia) mint. The $10 and the first $40 were produced by Global.
There was also some discussion of holograms as a possible addition.

Both sizes are won from the same machine. A third coin activates the strike pay possibility and the bonus symbol will either be for a $10 or $40. Logically, the $10 will be designed to drop out four times as frequently as the $40. The machine said $1 denomination but I was told it will be a quarter machine. Delivery was from top loaded cylinders through a center chute which is about eye level. The drum roll and the display area remained the same as last year's model.The machine will now hold over 500 strikes so fills should be far less frequent. When I watched, there was only one hang-up.

Casino execs with purchasing power were the only persons allowed on the machine, although I did get a short dispensation to try it out. There was a constant interest in the machine and sales people were selling the heck out of it. Most of the casino execs were ready to order. Expect the samples to be a rare item, especially the jewelry $40.

Next steps are to finalize the machine. Don Hallmark of the Palms made some suggestions including displaying the $200 and having the signage display something to let the casual players know that the strikes had monetary value.

IGT will then be sending the final machine to their government compliance division and hopes to roll it out in January for testing on a casino floor or two in many jursidictions. Did you know that in Canada, slot machines must be able to function after being flooded with water? I can only imagine what other hoops IGT has to jump through.

No pictures of the machine were allowed and no brochures were available (maybe November). For pictures of the samples and the puck, please see Steve Zacchi's posts a few days ago.