LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With mixed stock performances for major gaming suppliers during the month of August, the AGEM Index increased 5.0 percent over the previous month, posting a value of 111.56, or an increase of 5.27 points. On a year-over-year basis, the AGEM Index is up 4.1 percent, recording its second consecutive monthly increase, the first time since March 2008. The gains and losses during August are primarily attributable to second quarter earnings reports. With nine of the seventeen companies lifting upward during the month, eight others lost ground in terms stock valuation. The top five contributors to the index included: (1) International Game Technology (IGT), leading the pack for the second month in a row, adding 1.88 points to the index based on a 5.92-percent increase in its stock valuation; (2) WMS Industries (WMS), posting 1.87 points to the index due to a significant 17.06-percent stock price increase; (3) Bally Technologies (BYI), contributing 1.32 points to the index driven by an 11.65-percent gain in its stock performance; (4) Lottomatica (LTO), which was up 5.66 percent adding 1.29 points; and (5) Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) rounded out the top five with a 3.12-percent price increase, contributing 0.53 points to the overall index.

Selected suppliers reporting negative contributions to the index included: (1) Global Cash Access (GCA), posting -0.52 points to the index based on a 19.44-percent decline in its stock valuation; (2) Astro Corp. (3064), reporting a 20.03-percent decrease in its stock valuation contributing -0.12 points to the index; and (3) Multimedia Games (MGAM), posting -0.07 points to the index due to a decrease of 10.68 percent in its stock valuation.

It is important to note that INTRALOT S.A. was added to the AGEM Index during the month of August. INTRALOT is a leading supplier of integrated gaming and transaction processing systems with a presence in 50 countries on five continents. Headquartered in Athens, Greece, their stock is publicly traded on the

Athens Stock Exchange.

                    Exchange:         Stock Price       Percent                     Symbol          at month end       Change    AGEM           (Currency)      Aug-  Jul-  Aug-  Prior   Prior   Index                                    09    09    08   Period  Year Contribution    Ainsworth Game     Technology    ASX: AGI (AU$)  0.06  0.08  0.12  (31.25) (52.17)  (0.02)    Aristocrat     Technologies  ASX: ALL (AU$)  4.62  4.48  5.90    3.12  (21.69)   0.53    Astro Corp.    Taiwan:                   3064 (NT$)     58.30 72.90 73.00  (20.03) (20.14)  (0.12)    Bally          NYSE: BYI     Technologies  (US$)          40.43 36.21 34.23   11.65   18.11    1.32    Elixir Gaming     Technologies  AMEX: EGT (US$) 0.22  0.17  0.42   27.06  (48.57)   0.03    GameTech       Nasdaq: GMTC     International (US$)           1.92  1.98  3.89   (3.03) (50.64)  (0.00)    Gaming     Partners      Nasdaq: GPIC     International (US$)           6.00  7.07  5.29  (15.13)  13.42   (0.04)    Global Cash     Access        NYSE: GCA (US$) 7.25  9.00  5.99  (19.44)  21.04   (0.52)    IGT            NYSE: IGT                   (US$)          20.92 19.75 21.43    5.92   (2.38)   1.88    INTRALOT S.A.  ATHEX:                   INLOT (euro)    4.40  4.37  8.62    0.69  (48.96)   0.13    Konami         NYSE: KNM                   (US$)          19.66 21.45 30.43   (8.34) (35.39)  (1.12)    Lottomatica    MILAN:     (GTECH)       LTO.MI (euro)  15.69 14.85 21.06    5.66  (25.50)   1.29    Multimedia     Nasdaq: MGAM     Games         (US$)           5.02  5.62  5.06  (10.68)  (0.79)  (0.07)    Shuffle Master Nasdaq: SHFL                   (US$)           7.58  7.20  5.02    5.28   51.00    0.11    Transact       Nasdaq: TACT     Technologies  (US$)           5.43  5.48 12.25   (0.91) (55.67)  (0.00)    Wells-Gardner     Electronics   AMEX: WGA (US$) 1.53  1.22  1.32   25.41   15.91    0.02    WMS Industries NYSE: WMS                   (US$)          42.33 36.16 33.60   17.06   25.98    1.87    Change in     Index Value                                                       5.27    AGEM: July 2009                                                  106.29    AGEM: August 2009                                                111.56

ANALYSIS PROVIDED BY UNION GAMING GROUP

Gaming suppliers' momentum continues through August helped by improving sentiment given relative stability on a macro basis. Improving dynamics in the casino and supplier sub-sectors particularly underscored the relative strength. We saw good news at the state level during August, improving dynamics in Asia, sector earnings that demonstrated stability in gaming (MGM MIRAGE, Boyd Gaming, Melco-Crown, WMS, Bally Technologies, Ameristar, and Aristocrat), and capital markets activity such as capital raises and debt amendments that resulted in balance sheet improvement (Las Vegas Sands, Melco-Crown). Collectively the sector got healthier in August. Here is a laundry list of activity that contributed: Ohio's Supreme Court validated the casino initiative signatures while the measure gained some important local support. Ohio's Lottery Commission also approved VLT rules. In Pennsylvania the House Majority leader pegged table game expansion at 70% likelihood, while Penn National's Charles Town Races pursues voter approval for tables. At the end of August compact momentum between Seminoles and Florida gathered steam also providing for prospective table expansion. Massachusetts announced financial legislation which should lay the ground work for gaming expansion. Amendment 50 seems to be working in Colorado, driving outsized gaming revenue performance, while a battle to build and operate a racino at Aqueduct rages. In Asia commission caps were approved in Macau and visa restrictions were anticipated to lift in early September. These favorable structural changes should accrue to casino operators in the region ultimately enabling healthier capital expenditure dynamics. Taiwan set its first casino referendum for the end of September as it looks to offer casino gaming. This momentum has continued into early September and we are cautiously optimistic about the fundamental improvement in 4Q09.

The AGEM Index

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) produces the monthly AGEM Index that comprises 17 global gaming suppliers throughout the world. A total of 12 suppliers are based in the United States and are listed on the NYSE, Nasdaq, or AMEX, while two trade on the Australian exchange, one supplier trades on the Athens exchange, one trades on the Milan exchange, and another trades on the Taiwan OTC exchange. The index is computed based on the month-end stock price (adjusted for dividends and splits) of each company and weighted based on approximation of market capitalization. Market capitalizations for manufacturers trading on foreign exchanges have been converted to US dollar-equivalents as of month-end for comparability purposes. The AGEM Index is based on a 100-point value as of January 2005.

About AGEM

AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, and components for the gaming industry. The Association works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Through political action, tradeshow partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM and its member organizations have assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a positive business environment.

AGEM Membership Roster

The current AGEM membership roster, 81 strong, is a who's who of the supplier segment of the global gaming industry: AGEM Gold Members: Aristocrat Technologies, Aruze Gaming America, Austrian Gaming Industries, Bally Technologies, GTECH/Atronic/Spielo, International Game Technology (IGT), INTRALOT S.A., Konami Gaming and WMS Gaming. AGEM Silver Members: AC Coin & Slot, Action Gaming, Casino Technology, Interblock USA, JCM Global, MEI, Multimedia Games, Octavian International, Shuffle Master, Suzo-Happ Group, TCSJohnHuxley and Wells-Gardner Electronics. AGEM Bronze Members: Ainsworth Game Technology, Astro Corp., Cadillac Jack, Cammegh Limited, CashCode / Crane Payment Solutions, Diamond Game, Digital Display Group, Euro Games Technology (EGT), GameTech International, Gaming Support, Incredible Technologies, Jumbo Technology, KGM Gaming, MCA Processing, Modern Gaming, Rocket Gaming Systems and Summit Gaming. AGEM Associate Members: CMYK Creative, Cole Industries, Cybertec Gaming Systems, DynaGraphic Printing, Elite Casino Products, Esterline Advanced Input Systems, FutureLogic, Gaming Partners International, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Global Cash Access, Global Gaming Group (G3), Grand Products, Greenberg Traurig LLP, Howard & Howard, IdeaWork Studios, IDX, Intel, IPS, James Industries, Kreller Group, KSK, Lewis & Roca, Masterpiece Advertising, MC2, Mikohn Signs and Graphics, Money Controls, Nanoptix, Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Proforma GPS, Regulatory Management Counselors, Sanmina-SCI, Strategy9, Talent Associates, Tgraphics/Outpost Productions, The Bright Group, 3M Touch Systems, Tournament One, TMX, Trade Show Fabrications, TransAct Technologies, Veridocs, Wrex Products and Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO).

AGEM Index and Overview

The AGEM index and overview is prepared by Applied Analysis (AA). AA is a Nevada-based advisory services firm providing a wide range of consultation services for public and private entities. The company utilizes extensive experience in economics, information technology and finance to provide a wide range of services, including urban economic consulting, financial advisory services, market analysis, public policy analysis, hospitality industry and gaming consulting, and information system and technology consulting.

Industry Analysis

Industry Analysis is prepared by Union Gaming Group (UGG). UGG is an independent research firm, government and industry advisor, focusing on the global gaming business. UGG provides research, access and advisory services and offers varying levels of research products and services, which capitalize on UGG's relationships with corporate managements, governments, and other parties relevant to the global gaming business.

Data and information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended for investment, company evaluation or other decision-based purposes. This analysis is based on selected economic data from a wide range of economic data and statistics and is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all economic factors. Neither Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, its members, partners, principals or employees, nor any of its data or content providers shall be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. By reviewing this data, a user agrees not to redistribute the information found therein. AGEM shall not be liable for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

CONTACT: Paul Speirs, +1-702-413-4278, paulspeirs@cox.net, for Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)

SOURCE Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM)