TOKYO--According to the Sankei Journal, Sammy Corp. has signed a partnership agreement with Las Vegas-based casino machine manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT). The deal will cover a wide range of areas, from game distribution to Pachinko machine production. Sammy aims to use IGT to help strengthen its overseas sales and extend its Japanese-based businesses.

　　A number of projects are already planned between Sammy and IGT. IGT will distribute Sammy's arcade games in the U.S., including a "horse track racing game by Sega" (presumably the Derby's Owner Club). Since Sammy will be supplying the games as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), the games will be distributed in America by IGT under the IGT brand. It is not known if the agreement is centered on only gambling-style arcade games, or arcade games in general.

　　On the gambling side, Sammy will be lending IGT's Japanese operations its Pachinko technology and distribution resources. The two companies also plan to join forces in future casino businesses, should gambling be legalized in Japan.

　　Sammy Corporation, the leading Japanese Pachinko machine manufacturer, acquired a 22.4 percent stake of Sega from CSK in December. Besides being Sega's top shareholder, Sammy has been aggressively extending its reach into game arcades, urging Sega to focus in the arcade market and develop new titles for Sammy's Atomiswave arcade cabinet.

　　In addition to its alliance with IGT in the U.S., Sammy is developing a far-reaching overseas strategy to distribute its arcade games in South America, China, and Russia.