Posted on Thu, May. 08, 2008

BILOXI -- The 15th annual Southern Gaming Summit expo was like "Wheel of Fortune" as people wandered the sold-out floor and grabbed prizes ranging from food to a quick game of poker.

Although Sysco was the only food-service distributor at this year's show, there was a line of happy snackers for the Nathan hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and crawfish Monica being served.

"We try to change things up every year," said Sysco marketing analyst Johnny Calcagno, and the produce display added both color and a reminder to potential customers the company provides a variety of products.

One of the most eye-catching displays was the LR Money Machine, which swirls dollar bills around a casino patron trying to catch the cash. The Giesecke & Devrient high-speed money sorter was open so people could see the "funny money" being counted. "We used to use real currency," said Michael Litton, director of product marketing. "It was too much security."

SCA Gaming kept people at the show with a Punch Out contest later in the day. The winner donned boxing gloves and had a chance to take home up to $250,000. Another contest, the quarter-million-dollar royal flush, will give them the same chance today.

The most popular corner belonged to FEB Distributing in Gulfport and its beer and food pairings. "It's not all about wine and liquor," said Tim Wold, director of sales. Chefs grilled shrimp with Leinenkugel beer and barbecue sauce and offered other combinations of food and beer.

The newest slot machines and table games were all around the expo floor for people to play. "This is great. It always is," said Allen Godfrey, deputy director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. "It shows you how far we've come."

Supplying power for the cooking competition, the games, the digital signs and electronic equipment while the Coast Convention Center is under construction was a $46,000 spin, said Executive Director Bill Holmes. "We have the power," he said but distribution was a challenge. With $10,000 contributions from both the Mississippi Gaming Commission and the Convention Display Company, they were able to run the permanent distribution lines through the ceiling.

Most people didn't even notice the electric service. They were taking a turn or two around the expo floor sipping Coke, eating ice cream, watching a cooking competition and looking at the latest gadgets coming soon to casinos on the Coast.