Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. history

Ainsworth, however, had recognized the potential of the fast-growing electronics technologies and in 1965 Ainsworth introduced the world's first slot machine incorporating electronics technologies, called Moon Money.

1979: Company releases its first video-based poker machine.

In 1982, the company released the first generation of its DACOM 5000 system, which enabled electronic accounting and player tracking.

One of the most significant innovations in slot machine history was the ‘Virtual Reel,’ a simple but exciting innovation to weight certain symbols, which resulted in US slot machines surpassing table revenue in 1983.

In 1986, a legislative change allowed the United States’ gaming manufacturers to lease slot machines to entertainment venues for a percentage of the floor takings, or a lease fee arrangement, instead of selling them outright.

1988: Company begins exports to the New Zealand market.

He stepped aside in 1994 after a cancer scare.He gave his large stake in Aristocrat Leisure to his seven sons and ex-wife more than 20 years ago; he's entitled to some proceeds if they sell.

The release of the ‘MK Gaming System’ (1995) helped us expand into more new markets globally, and was followed by the release of Aristocrat’s ‘Hyperlink Gaming System.’ Hyperlink revolutionised the gaming experience and further drove the popularity of Aristocrat product.

1996: Aristocrat goes public, listing on the Australian stock exchange.

1997: The company launches the Hyperlink gaming system; the company pays a $500,000 fine to the Colorado gaming authority.

In 1998, also, the company acquired its South African distributor, Africa Leisure, in order to expand its sales to that market.

In 1999, Aristocrat stepped up its interest in another fast-growing gaming market, that for refurbished machines.

Aristocrat turned to Japan in 2000, striking up a joint venture, Aristocrat Hanbai, with that country's Sammy Corp.

The company moved closer to that goal after winning a license for the all-important Nevada market in 2001.

In 2002, Aristocrat's sales reached A$976 million.

The year 2003 quickly turned sour for the company, however, after it revealed that a customer in Colombia had reneged on a purchase order for some 3,000 new MKV machines.

Trevor joined Aristocrat in 2009 as Managing Director ANZ, and was later promoted through a number of operational and strategy leadership roles.

Christie joined Aristocrat in 2011 as HR Manager for the Australian Studios before becoming General Manager HR, Global Product, Supply and Technology, and supporting the executive leadership team as General Manager, CEO Office.

In 2012 our Games Development Kit becomes industry standard.

Product Madness acquired in 2013, launching us into free-to-play mobile game publishing.

Pat Ramsey was nominated to the Board of Aristocrat in September 2016, after joining Aristocrat in 2016 as the Chief Digital Officer, overseeing all aspects of our online business.

He started a similar company, Ainsworth Game Technology, the following year at age 72.He stepped down as executive director at age 94 after selling his majority stake to Austrian gaming giant Novomatic.He signed the giving pledge in March 2017.

Mike was appointed CEO of Pixel United in November 2019, and is responsible for all aspects of the strategy, operations and expansion of Aristocrat’s global mobile games business.

Chris was appointed Chief Legal Officer of Aristocrat in February 2020 and is responsible for leading our legal and compliance functions globally.

Andy was appointed Chief Technology Officer in June 2021.