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Over the years, there have been many gambling pioneers who have left their marks on the industry and made Las Vegas what it is today.
Benny Binion.
Bob Stupak.
Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal.
Harvey Levin.
Harvey Levin???
Yes, Harvey Levin, the diminutive gay attorney who hosts two of television's most popular entertainment news programs--"TMZ" and "TMZ Live."
Last week in Las Vegas at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the annual trade show that showcases new technologies in gambling, Levin unveiled a new, TMZ-themed video slot machine that is a prototype for the future--the machine photographs the person playing the machine and then magically includes the person's image in video displayed on a screen on the front of the machine!
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According to a press release about the new slot machine, International Game Technology (IGT), a company that makes slot machines and other gambling devices, has "partnered with Warner Brothers and the No. 1 brand in entertainment news to bring TMZ Video Slots to life. This interactive theme is housed on the Crystal Core cabinet and introduces never before seen camera-based, photo booth technology that integrates a player's image on the game screen and in several engaging bonus rounds."
An IGT official added that Levin played a key role in creating the game by contributing "original voiceover work, photography and creative input."
Images of Levin, 65, and other cast members of the TMZ shows adorn the front of the slot machine.
Levin, who is also the executive producer of the TMZ shows he hosts and who made his name in television covering the O.J. Simpson trial for a Los Angeles TV station, was on hand in person last week at the G2E, demonstrating the machine for potential buyers, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans.
He's also been promoting the new slot machine on his televison shows.
So what about slot machine players who aren't exactly enamored with the idea of their images becoming a permanent part of a video slot?
Will they have to be ready for their close-up, even if they don't want to be?
No word from Levin, IGT or any of the machine's creators on whether there is a way for players to "opt out" of the video selfies.
But surely there must be.
After all, Levin is a lawyer, and he knows about getting sued.
By Tom Somach
Gambling 911 Staff Writer
tomsomach@yahoo.com
