What Did MGM Grand Do with Its Sigma Derby that It Retired?

What happened to the Sigma Derby machine after it was retired from the casino floor of the MGM Grand? Was it offered to the Pinball Hall of Fame by any chance? Did it go somewhere else? Or was it simply scrapped?

While the casino industry isn't known for being especially nostalgic, it seems MGM Grand has a soft spot for its old Sigma Derby horserace slot machine, the cult favorite whose popularity kept it on the gaming floor long after the Sigma company itself was history.

“I have good news for you,” MGM spokeswoman Callie Driehorst tells us. “The retired Sigma Derby machine is safe in storage. It wasn't scrapped or sent to a landfill.”

Even if MGM had offered Sigma Derby to the Pinball Hall of Fame, it probably would have met with a rejection. That last time we spoke with PBHoF owner Tim Arnold, he was opposed to having gambling machines in his family establishment. Even if he were to change his mind — and get the Derby up and running — he’d then have to apply for a gaming license, an onerous process we’re sure Arnold doesn’t want to experience.

We hope that MGM someday finds a way to showcase the horse-racing game as the icon that it continues to be. Or at least Derek Stevens of the D might buy it to cannibalize for parts to keep his own Sigma machine, the last in town, alive.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Have a question that hasn't been answered? Email us with your suggestion.

Missed a Question of the Day?

Have a Question?

Tomorrow's Question

Has Clark County ever considered legalizing prostitution?

Comments

brumfield01 Jan-18-2019

Sigma!

Sigma at The D is my favorite!

Stephanie Jan-18-2019

Cosmo

They have a"newer" version of the derby machine at Cosmo.  I played on it back in December 2018 and won 100 bucks.

Dave in Seattle. Jan-18-2019

Tim Arnold won't buy it.

But he can fix it.He has thousands of parts or can make parts to repair that iconic machine.

Neal Greenberg Jan-18-2019

Sigma

While I certainly don't know the rule in Nevada, wouldn't the PHOF be able to modify the game so it spits out tokens instead of quarters.  Those tokens would be able to be used to redeem a prize.  (Sort of like Chuck E Cheese or Dave N Busters.)

Kevin Rough Jan-18-2019

Reuse

The first time I ever saw a Sigma Derby machine was in an arcade along the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore.  Winners got tokens to trade in for prizes  I'm sure that there must be an arcade that would buy it.

Michael Jan-18-2019

Jersey Shore

I don't think the machine is in the boardwalk arcade any longer.  The only one I ever saw at the shore was in Jenkinsons South in Pt Pleasant Beach.  It was not there the last time I was there a few years ago.

Question of the Day - 18 January 2019

Comments