Contact Information: Contacts: For Aristocrat Paul Speirs Steinbeck Communications (702) 413-4278 For Churchill Downs Liz Harris VP of Communications (502) 636-4474
UPDATE: Aristocrat Technologies and Churchill Downs Join Forces to Create World's First Kentucky Derby Themed Slot Machine
New RFX(TM) Stepper Slot Machine Will Premiere at Global Gaming Expo in November
| Source: Aristocrat
LOUISVILLE, KY--(Marketwire - November 12, 2009) - And they're off! Aristocrat Technologies,
Inc. and Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI") have entered into a licensing
agreement to create the world's first Kentucky Derby themed slot machine.
The pairing brings together two of the strongest brands in entertainment to
create a product that will have slot players racing toward casinos to try
their luck at a "Run for the Roses."
The Kentucky Derby, annually staged on the first Saturday in May at
legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., is the world's premier horse
race and America's original, extravagant and glamorous springtime sports
party. Now, the excitement and tradition of "The Greatest Two Minutes in
Sports" will be captured in Aristocrat's new Kentucky Derby™ RFX™
stepper slot game.
Aristocrat President Nick Khin said, "We are thrilled to be the first
company in the gaming industry to license the iconic Kentucky Derby brand.
This has been a collaborative development effort with both our US and
Australian R&D teams working on creating an exciting game and product
concept around this worldwide recognized brand."
"The Kentucky Derby is one of the few sporting events in the world that
appeals to millions of people from every walk of life," said Casey Cook,
Churchill Downs Incorporated Vice President, Brand Development & Marketing.
"While the 'Run for the Roses' remains rich in tradition, the Derby brand
continues to evolve. This thrilling new partnership with Aristocrat
Technologies, Inc. is a unique and exciting platform to extend the Derby
brand and communicate our modern-day relevance to a broader,
entertainment-seeking audience with similar interests to those of our
sport's core and casual customers."
The new game will make its world premiere at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E),
which takes place November 17-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The
game will be launched just prior to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby
Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1, 2010.
The 5-reel RFX stepper product will deliver 135 years of brand recognition
to the game and bring the heart of Louisville to the heart of casinos. The
new game will premiere with a choice of two unique, themed launch base
games: Oaks Day™ and Run for the Roses™. Players will race for a
four-level interactive jackpot with a Hyperlink™ trigger.
Jackpot Partners represented Churchill Downs in the deal, leveraging the
Kentucky Derby brand into a new compelling entertainment product.
About Aristocrat Technologies
Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited
(ASX : ALL ), a leading global provider of gaming solutions that consistently
outperform the competition. The Company is licensed by over two hundred
regulators and its products and services are available in over ninety
countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products
and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video
terminal systems, electronic tables, and casino management systems. For
further information visit the company's website at
www.aristocratgaming.com.
About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI"), headquartered in Louisville, Ky.,
owns and operates world-renowned horse racing venues throughout the United
States. CDI's four racetracks in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Louisiana
host many of North America's most prestigious races, including the Kentucky
Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Arlington Million, Princess Rooney Handicap and
Louisiana Derby. CDI's racetracks have hosted seven Breeders' Cup World
Championships. CDI also owns off-track betting facilities and has interests
in various advance-deposit wagering, television production,
telecommunications and racing services companies including a 50-percent
interest in the national cable and satellite network HorseRacing TV, that
support the Company's network of simulcasting and racing operations. CDI
trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol CHDN and can be
found on the Internet: www.ChurchillDownsIncorporated.com