Two of the leading suppliers of slot games and casino-management systems in the United States, Bally Technologies (NYSE: BYI) and Aristocrat Technologies Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Aristocrat Technologies (ASX: ALL), announced a strategic alliance aimed at the emergence of legalized internet gaming in the U.S.

Bally and Aristocrat plan to offer the same third-party poker networks as part of their business-to-business (B2B) internet-gaming solutions for U.S. operators. Working together, the companies will be better able to more quickly and effectively offer attractive and credible online poker games that will provide stronger player experiences and functionality and greater poker liquidity for both Bally and Aristocrat’s casino-operator customers.

Both companies are offering iGaming platforms with an integration to their back-end core system solutions, while providing operators with the flexibility to choose best-in-class applications from multiple suppliers around the world; Bally through its recently announced acquisition of Chiligaming’s iGaming platform, and Aristocrat through its exclusive collaboration with GameAccount Network.

Under the strategic alliance, Bally and Aristocrat will secure arrangements with leading poker providers, who will then be integrated into Bally’s and Aristocrat’s iGaming platforms. Advanced discussions with several poker providers are currently underway.

In addition, in anticipation of further legalization of internet gaming in the U.S. market, the companies plan to share their distinctive slot content for online deployment in the U.S. These titles will initially be made available for free play and eventually wagering when legalized.

Richard Haddrill, Chief Executive Officer of Bally Technologies, said customers are looking to provide online poker for their players when the market opens and are looking to their trusted suppliers to help them do so.

“By teaming up, Bally and Aristocrat can source and integrate with the strongest online poker product, specifically tailored for this market, which can help our customers maintain their leadership position in both land-based and on-line gaming,” Haddrill said.

Jamie Odell, Chief Executive Officer of Aristocrat Technologies, said that while Aristocrat and Bally will compete to provide their customers with the best gaming systems and outstanding content, the mutual backing and support for online poker games will provide greater confidence for operator customers.

“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,” Odell said.

Bally Technologies and Aristocrat Technologies have already applied to the Nevada Gaming Control Board for the required extension to their existing Nevada licences to act as interactive gaming suppliers.

About Bally Technologies, Inc.

With a history dating back to 1932, Las Vegas-based Bally Technologies designs, manufactures, operates, and distributes advanced gaming devices, systems and technology solutions worldwide. Bally’s product line includes reel-spinning slot machines, video slots, wide-area progressives, interactive and mobile applications, and Class II, lottery, and central-determination games and platforms. Bally also offers an array of casino management, slot accounting, bonusing, cashless and table management solutions. For more information, please contact Laura Olson-Reyes, Senior Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications, at 702-584-7742, or visit http://www.ballytech.com. Connect with Bally on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.

Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:ALL), a leading global provider of gaming solutions. The Company is licensed by more than 200 regulators and its products and services are available in more than 90 countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines and casino-management systems. For further information, visit the Company’s website at www.aristocratgaming.com.

This news release may contain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Such information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect the results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Future operating results may be adversely affected as a result of a number of risks that are detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release and represents that the information is only valid as of today’s date.