LAS VEGAS, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a powerful moment in gaming history as Nevada has officially joined global gaming entertainment leader, IGT's (NYSE: IGT) Powerbucks® commercial multi-state Wide Area Progressive (WAP) link. Powerbucks networked games in Nevada casinos are now linked to casinos in New Jersey and Deadwood, South Dakota.

Powerbucks makes fan-favorite games even more exciting by linking progressive jackpot pools between participating jurisdictions. Designed to award life-changing jackpots at any bet level, Powerbucks has the ability to create more winners, more frequently. With players from multiple parts of the country vying for and contributing to the same jackpots in real time, Powerbucks has the potential to create jackpot mania like never before.

"The addition of Nevada to the Powerbucks link is a truly transformative milestone for the gaming industry and one that marks IGT's continued leadership in the WAP space," said Joe Sigirst, IGT VP of Product Development and Global Product Management. "As the largest commercial gaming jurisdiction in the U.S., Nevada gives the Powerbucks network the critical mass needed to grow jackpot liquidity at an accelerated rate."

Currently, players can find Powerbucks games at Boyd Gaming and Caesars Entertainment properties in Nevada and New Jersey and at several casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota.  As more properties and jurisdictions continue to join the link, the volume of eligible Powerbucks players grows, even furthering the jackpot fervor.

"The new and expanded Powerbucks is a great addition to our Nevada properties, as well as Borgata in Atlantic City, giving players an exciting new reason to visit a Boyd Gaming casino," said Paul Chakmak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Boyd Gaming.  "By linking Powerbucks games together across the country, IGT and Boyd Gaming are giving players the potential for bigger jackpots and more opportunities to become an instant millionaire at a Boyd Gaming property."

"The millionaire-minting vision and capabilities of IGT's Powerbucks is in direct alignment with our Millionaire Maker powered by Total Rewards program," said Melissa Price, Senior Vice President of Gaming for Caesars Entertainment. "We are pleased to extend this program to our gaming floors in Nevada."

IGT worked very closely with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to garner all necessary approvals to bring Powerbucks to Nevada. IGT has pioneered similar links for Lottery markets with IGT's MegaHits and for tribal properties with the Native American Progressive System (NAPS), but the launch of Powerbucks marks the industry's first multi-state progressive jackpot link in the commercial space.

For more information about Powerbucks visit IGT.com.  Follow IGT at @IGTNews or join the conversation at #IGTBlue.

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About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT's acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging social casino style entertainment to approximately 6 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at IGT.com or connect with IGT at @IGTNews or facebook.com/IGT. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/doubledowncasino or www.doubledowncasino.com.

Contact:                                                                
Cherryl Kaopua
IGT Public Relations
702-858-5179
cherryl.kaopua@IGT.com

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SOURCE IGT