International Game Technology, the world's largest slot machine maker and developer, never fails to disappoint attendees of the Global Gaming Expo, which was held last month in Las Vegas.

One of the company's showcase slot innovations this time around borrows a page from its popular multiplay video poker line. Called MultiPlay, it will let slot players play their favorite game theme up to four times simultaneously on the same machine.

In some configurations there'll be a progressive jackpot common to all four games. Others will have a progressive dedicated to each game.

IGT is also banking heavily on its answer to WMS Gaming's Transmissive Reels slot technology. The company's patented REELdepth games will incorporate a multilayer display in which two liquid crystal displays will create a 3-D screen effect.

At the touch of a button, players can opt to play three, four or five reel slot games, video slots, keno and even video poker on the same REELdepth machine.

Video poker fans will be happy to learn about a new Dream Card component that has been added to its line of Triple Play, Five Play and Ten Play games.

When the Dream Card feature kicks in, an automatic hold strategy is activated that selects the perfect card to complete a dealt hand to give that hand its highest expected return for the player.

For example, if you are dealt three-of-a-kind and the Dream Card feature is activated, you will automatically get the card you need to complete the quad.

This particular buy-a-pay feature comes with a price. It requires a side bet of five credits per hand to be eligible.

Something else for video poker players is Random Rewards Poker, which will feature randomly designated jackpots for premium hands that will pay up to an additional 2,000 credits per qualified hand.

The designated jackpots will apply, for example, to a flush, full house, 4-of-a-kind in 5s through Kings, 4-of-a-kind in 2s, 3s and 4s, and four aces. The jackpots are funded by a buy-a-pay feature of one extra credit per hand.

IGT also is expanding the Guaranteed Play concept it debuted in 2006 on its video poker line in which players buy a predetermined number of hands instead of credits.

Casino news

David Allen Grier has been added to the entertainment lineup at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Hammond. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance set for Feb. 12, 2009, are available at Ticketmaster or through thevenue-chicago.com.

Bob "One Man Band" Riley will perform his unique brand of musical entertainment on the casino pavilion stage at Empress Joliet from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight. Riley plays guitar, synthesizer guitar, keyboard and vocal harmony machine to create the sound of a full band. There is no cover charge, but you must be 21 to attend this complimentary performance.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at jbrokopp@comcast.net.