—Ricci LeBrake, Member of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians.

      Quiet and serious, Ricci LeBrake stands in sharp contrast to many of the enthusiastic participants in the Bingo hall at Sycuan Casino, located near San Diego. As Director of Bingo, Ricci takes seriously his responsibility for making sure that the 1,300 seat facility is the kind of place that appeals to “regulars” and casual fun-seekers alike. The key to his success in meeting that goal is to provide the best in customer service combined with the latest innovations in bingo. That’s where GameTech comes in.

      According to John Rose of Bingo Innovations, the distributor of GameTech products for Sycuan, Ricci was one of the real pioneers in electronic bingo. “Sycuan was the very first customer of GameTech. Ricci could see the possibilities that electronic bingo would offer to his players and he embraced it enthusiastically.  He is serious about being at the forefront in the bingo world. You could call him a bingo visionary.” 

      Indeed players using GameTech electronic units make up the vast majority at Sycuan and their play generates at least 80% of the bingo profits.  Ricci is constantly pressing for the newest technology to add to the over 500 handheld units and 200 fixed-base units already in play. The color TED²C™units will be the latest addition and Ricci is at the top of the list for GameTech’s state-of-the-art RF updates to the portable units, due out in 2003.

      While Ricci is a man of few words, he has good words for the role GameTech has played in the success of bingo at Sycuan. “Bingo is very important to our tribe and to the community around us,” he said. “Before slot machines and table games, we offered bingo to the community for entertainment and it provided us with a good income for our tribal needs. With the electronic devices that GameTech has developed, we have expanded our customer base and our profits. That has been good for everyone – we not only take care of our own but can help in the community as well. This is a source of pride for the Sycuan people.  I believe bingo plays a key role in this winning formula.”