Some may not realize it but Australian Len Ainsworth is the name behind three gaming industry front-runners. He founded Aristocrat Leisure Limited; the US sales agency for Aristocrat slot machines went independent and turned into IGT; and now he is chairman of Ainsworth Game Technology. At 81 Len Ainsworth shows no sign of slowing down and is frequently seen around the world at the major trade exhibitions together with his innovative slot machines. He has been quoted as saying, "My work is my hobby."

On Tuesday 9 November the Latin American Gaming Expo 2004 (LGE 2004) opens in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires in Argentina. The organizers are ALAJA ( Associación LatinoAmerica de Juegos de Azar - the Latin American Gaming Association), and the event is sponsored by, among others, the AGA (American Gaming Association). The world's largest fair operator, EJ Krause & Reed Exhibitions of G2E fame, have set up the exhibition where most of the gaming industry's leading companies are represented, including AGT.

Ainsworth Game Technology uses the slogan, "Experience Excellence, Experience Ainsworth" and Len Ainsworth has over 50 years gaming experience. The company, founded in 1995, prides itself on its leading animation and programming expertise and creative thinking. Things have not always gone smoothly for Len Ainsworth. Countless court battles, terminating after 18 years and an unconditional withdrawal of all accusations, have made things difficult for him in the United States. However, his products speak for themselves, from design and testing to service and support, with a fully integrated operation.

AGT has been concentrating on the overseas markets since most of Australia has capped the number of machines allowed in each state. Ainsworth now supplies gaming products to Unicum in Russia, for assembly in St Petersburg and distribution throughout the Russian market. Initially 20 games were translated into Russian and some, such as a battleship game, designed with Russian players in mind. As the company was relatively late into a slot machine market that has many established brands they aim to be as player-friendly as possible, and to have software that is structured to adapt their product for the different markets with the minimum of fuss.

The Ambassador and Celebrity ranges of AGT machines are some of the most innovative on the market. The former has 29" flat screen bench-top models and a progressive-link jackpot known as Ozzy's Challenge. A total of 48 games can be played, compared to 30 on the 21" flat screen Celebrity model. Service is the watchword for the company's relationship with its clients, from installation to support.

To year ending June 2004 AGT has seen a significant increase in revenue as a result of new products and additional markets. Sales activity has risen sharply in Europe, South Africa, South America and the Caribbean, New Zealand and Asia. International revenues went from $6 million in 2003 to $41 million this year.

The Ainsworth family motto from 14th century England is "Spero Meliora" or "I hope for better things" and Len Ainsworth is the driving force that ensures Ainsworth Game Technology keeps onwards and upwards with its commitment to becoming the leading manufacturer and supplier of gaming solutions.

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