Cash Express® progressive jackpot system from Aristocrat approved for Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada,
21st January, 2002

    Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. announced today it has received approval from
Nevada gaming regulators for its CASH EXPRESS® progressive jackpot system. Utilizing the company’s patented HYPERLINK™ technology, the CASH EXPRESS® system awards one of four progressive jackpots based on the outcome of a unique interactive second screen bonus. The regulatory approval clears the way for CASH EXPRESS® installations to begin in Nevada.

    “We are pleased to pass this final regulatory milestone as there is a quite a lot of excitement from Strip and local casinos for this innovation in progressive jackpots,” said Mark Newburg, President of Aristocrat Technologies. “Recent developments not only here in Nevada but across the country demonstrate a growing acceptance and popularity that mirrors the positive response CASH EXPRESS® received when introduced in other global markets.”

    Previously, the company announced an agreement with Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET) to install up to 25 CASH EXPRESS® systems in Harrah’s casinos. The system also has been approved by Gaming Laboratories International, Inc. (GLI) and since has been installed in casinos accepting GLI approval, including Native American
operations in Arizona and California.

    The HYPERLINK™ technology links banks of Aristocrat video games to a common progressive game with four levels of jackpots. A unique random trigger continuously cycles and selects individual games to enter an interactive second screen bonus. The second screen feature game technology is globally patented.  The HYPERLINK™ technology has proven very successful in other international markets with some casinos installing the system on 30 to 40 percent of their games. Player feedback indicates that the appeal is the opportunity to win a major jackpot that is not out of the reach for the average player. Players are also drawn to the games based on the frequency of jackpots, which create interest and play.

    In the CASH EXPRESS® version, as appropriate for its name, the common HYPERLINK™ progressive game and bonus round features the sights and sounds of a train theme. At the sound of a stationmaster’s whistle, a lucky player is transported into the second screen bonus, complete with digital sound and 3-D graphics. The player touches a button to stop each of five reels, which reveals individual numbers. The numbers are added together to accumulate a score and the score determines which of the four levels of jackpots are won. Once in the bonus round, a player is guaranteed to win one of the four progressive jackpots. These can range from a start-up of $20 to a grand jackpot at $40,000.
 

    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. Today, the company employs more than 2,200 people across the globe and draws annual revenues in excess of AUD$540 million.  For further information, visit www.aristocrattechnologies.com
 

CASH EXPRESS® and HYPERLINK™ are trademarks of Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
 
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:
Carolan Pepin
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
7160 Bermuda Road Suite 240
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 952-4810 or (702) 630-5057