"In times of dangerous opportunities, look beneath the surface". Although it's not one of the Teachings of Don Juan, nor the musings of some Eastern guru, in times of crisis like the Katrina aftermath there may just be a silver lining for somebody. Reports about searching in the debris of casino equipment in the devastated Gulf Coast indicate that gaming devices sensitive to dampness and water have been damaged beyond repair. Not altogether lost, however, as operators and engineers see what they can salvage.

Chances are that all slots equipment will be new when the casinos reopen in Mississippi, and manufacturers will have an opportunity to service the need to equip the new gaming rooms. Also, there is added opportunity to reasearch into the damage to gaming devizes and how they can be made more resistant to humidity, which is a problem in the tropical parts of the world.

With reports that thieves tampered with slots property in the afflicted casinos, already there is talk from manufacturers to study the possibilities of rewriting some of the game software that may have been exposed to the criminal element. As there is very little chance of repairing the distressed equipment most of it should be scrapped, and this is where established manufacturers will fight to keep and increase their share of the market as new equipment is sourced to replace the damaged inventory. On the other hand, the new companies in the gaming industry will also be showing an aggressive presence to get a foothold as opportunities come to the fore. (E-10.12.05)

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