Does IGT Give Tours of Its Operation?

With IGT being located off 215 toward the southwest, do they have tours we can take? Would they answer our questions about the games, like how video poker is dealt and drawn or how slots are made with the TV shows?

International Game Technology responded quite firmly (but politely) that, no, it does not offer tours of any sort.

We already knew the answer, but we checked anyway. We can understand IGT's viewpoint, which we're sure isn't any different from that of other slot manufacturers.

These are workplaces, filled with employees, machinery, design departments, etc., not to mention sensitive intellectual property. Companies like IGT have no way of knowing if, were it to give tours, any Tom, Dick, or Harry off the street isn’t in fact scoping out potentially valuable technological knowledge.

The slot industry is rife with litigation as it is.

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Donzack Oct-18-2021

Years ago

Good question. Years ago I called IGT with questions and was always connected to a knowledgeable rep. This was before computer answering. “Listen carefully as our system has changed. You can choose from the following one thousand prompts.” Now no one wants to answer any questions. I’d like to talk to the guy that designed the audio on the keno game. I’d have him play video poker with keno bonk bonk bonk playing endlessly behind him and see how long he lasts.

Dave_Miller_DJTB Oct-18-2021

G2E

Unfortunately, you just missed an opportunity for the next best thing. 

Each year at G2E (Global Gaming Expo), all the slot machine manufacturers come together at the Sands Exposition Center, and display their newest machines, and have plenty of reps on hand to answer most questions.

Although sometimes reps are reluctant to talk to people and that aren’t in a position to order slot machines for their casino, this year, with the rather low attendance due to Covid, it was a lot easier to find a rep to answer questions. 

Next year, it’s 10/11-10/13. Make your plans.

Donzack Oct-18-2021

Sold

Wasn’t IGT sold to an out of US company years ago?

Kenneth Mytinger Oct-18-2021

Answering Questions

Something that may satisfy many of the curious:  Manufacturers have a showroom right at/near their main entrance.  Although not "open to the public", if someone were to walk in and ask the receptionist, they may possibly be allowed to enter the showroom for a self-guided tour of the latest products.  There wouldn't be anyone available to provide any info or help, unless somebody happened to be there for another reason.

The products on display may have non-casino gaffes (e.g. press the change button to load credits onto the game; or press some combination of buttons to force a win).  But the display games still are more like being in the casino, and the showroom is isolated and remote from any proprietary areas of the company(ies).

rokgpsman Oct-18-2021

Slot machine factory

The tv show "How It's Made" (Discovery channel?) did an episode showing how slot machines are made. They were allowed to film inside the factory. Not sure what manufacturer the factory was. The episode is available on youtube, search for "How It's Made: Slot Machines" or maybe copy and paste this link:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjyhsOVW80

Stewart Ethier Oct-18-2021

Video poker

You would think that IGT would offer tours of its video poker division.  In video poker, the pay table determines the optimal strategy and the house edge, so it is completely transparent, unlike slot machines, for which the house edge is a trade secret.  Such tours would be good PR for IGT.

Kevin Lewis Oct-18-2021

I snuck in

Using a fake casino ID, and saw the "product development" division in the underground sub-basement. There were a bunch of guys dressed in black hooded robes cackling to each other. Occasionally, one would stir this huge bubbling caldron in the center of the room. One worker's eyes were glowing red.

No wonder they don't allow tours.

Carl LaFong Oct-18-2021

Donzack: Yes, yes, yes

There's nothing worse than trying to concentrate on a VP game when  someone nearby is playing Caveman Keno at full volume.

Roy Furukawa Oct-18-2021

Volume

I don't need to see them make slot machines, but I do wonder if they have them set to be on high volume once no one is playing a machine. I know they have movement sensors if someone comes near the front of machines it starts playing loud music or game sounds and the video comes alive.

Question of the Day - 18 October 2021

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