Si Redd and the Founding of IGT
William "Si" Redd stands as one of the most transformative figures in gaming history. His vision and persistence transformed video poker from a rejected curiosity into a casino staple, reshaping the gambling industry forever.
The Bally Years
In the mid-1970s, Si Redd was working for Bally Manufacturing, the dominant force in electromechanical slot machines. When Redd encountered early video gaming technology, he immediately recognized its potential. However, Bally's leadership was not convinced.
The company saw their future in traditional mechanical slots and viewed video gaming as an unproven novelty. In a decision that would prove to be one of the most consequential in gaming history, Bally rejected the technology.
The Strategic Split
Redd saw opportunity where others saw risk. In a masterful negotiation, he acquired the patent rights to video machines from Bally, accepting a non-compete agreement on mechanical slots in exchange. This arrangement allowed him to pursue video gaming without direct conflict with his former employer.
The Birth of SIRCOMA
In 1978, Redd founded SIRCOMA (Si Redd's Coin Machines). The name itself reflected the personal stake Redd had in the venture. Working with a small team of engineers, he set out to create a video poker machine that would overcome the skepticism that had plagued earlier attempts like the Poker-Matic.
The 1979 Breakthrough
The release of Draw Poker in 1979 marked the turning point. Unlike previous video poker attempts, Redd's machine succeeded through two critical innovations:
1. The Hold/Draw Mechanic
Previous video poker machines had struggled because players couldn't interact meaningfully with the game. Draw Poker introduced the Hold/Draw mechanic, allowing players to choose which cards to keep and which to discard. This simple addition transformed video poker from a passive experience into an engaging skill game.
2. Psychological Engineering
Redd understood that player retention required more than technology. The "Jacks or Better" payout structure was carefully designed to provide frequent small wins, maintaining player engagement while the mathematical edge remained with the house.
The Rise of IGT
SIRCOMA's success was immediate and dramatic. Casino floors that had been skeptical quickly embraced the new machines as revenue poured in. The company's growth was so rapid that in 1981, it went public, and Redd renamed it International Game Technology (IGT).
The CRT Revolution
A key technical factor in Redd's success was the transition from mechanical gears to microprocessor-driven CRT displays. This shift enabled:
Legacy
Si Redd's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. By the time of his death in 2003 at age 91, IGT had become the world's largest slot machine manufacturer, and video poker had become a permanent fixture in casinos worldwide.
His willingness to see potential where others saw failure, combined with his understanding of both technology and player psychology, created an industry that generates billions of dollars annually. The "King of Slots" had indeed turned casinos into video arcades—and changed the face of gambling forever.