Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. President Mark Newburg responds to lawsuit filed by IGT.
 

Las Vegas, Nevada,
28th December, 2001

    Responding to a patent lawsuit filed recently by International Game Technology
(IGT), Aristocrat President Mark Newburg has issued the following statement:
 
    "The recent legal action taken by IGT against Aristocrat is groundless and without merit. We at Aristocrat will aggressively defend our position and fully expect the suit to be resolved in our favor."
 
    "This is yet another example of an attempt by IGT to use the legal system with a frivolous suit to prevent a competitor from coming to market with new and innovative products. Aristocrat always has in the past, and will continue in the future, to honor all legitimate patent claims. This action does not fall in that category and is a detriment to the operators in our industry and is an insult to the concept of open competition and free enterprise, with the best products and services to be determined only by the acceptability in the marketplace."
 
    "We are confident the courts will rule in our favor and the market will determine that our products are the most innovative yet made available to our customers."
 
    Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of global gaming leader Aristocrat Leisure Limited, is responsible for all North and South American operations from its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev. With its acquisition of Casino Data Systems in June 2001, Aristocrat now offers a diversified product line that reaches into virtually all facets of the casino floor. In addition to both video and stepper slots, the company provides casino management systems, multi-site progressive (MSP) systems, progressive jackpot meters and customized overhead sign packages. 

    From its worldwide headquarters in Sydney, Australia, Aristocrat pioneered the gaming industry move to video slot technology. The company employs more than 2,200 people across the globe and draws annual revenues in excess at AUD$549 million. 

For further information, visit www.aristocrattechnologies.com

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward looking" statements and "safe harbor" statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the Company’s public filings.
 

Contact: Paul Speirs, Hall Communications (702) 260-4700