Bally, Aristocrat reach online poker agreement

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Slot machine makers Bally Technologies and Aristocrat Technologies will team up to capitalize on the potential for legalized Internet gaming in the U.S.

The companies on Tuesday jointly announced a deal to offer the same third-party poker networks as part of their business-to-business Internet gaming products for U.S. casino operators.

The transaction between Bally and the U.S. subsidiary of Aristocrat Technologies of Australia will allow them to move faster and more effectively by working together should online gaming -- particularly online poker -- be legalized in the United States, officials with the companies said in a statement.

"By teaming up, Bally and Aristocrat can source and integrate with the strongest online poker product, specifically tailored for this market," said Bally Chief Executive Officer Richard Haddrill.

Bally and Aristocrat applied to the Nevada Gaming Control Board for the required extension of their gaming licenses to act as interactive gaming suppliers.

Both companies offer Internet gaming platforms: Bally recently announced plans to acquire a European gaming company's platform while Aristocrat collaborates with GameAccount Network.

The deal comes a day after Shuffle Master Gaming announced it is buying a European provider of online gaming products. Last year, International Game Technology bought an European online poker company.

"Access to the proven slot content from both Bally and Aristocrat will allow gaming operators to create a compelling experience as legalized online gaming emerges in the United States," Aristocrat CEO Jamie Odell said.