It’s time to upgrade – RIP Windows 10
When Microsoft’s Windows 11 was released in October 2021, the reception was hardly warm. Early reviews were all negative. Comments on MS’s own forums were brutal. User Liza Hartsock posted one of the kindest, “Windows 11 is awful and will be going back to Windows 10 as soon as I can.”
Why the backlash? For one, this upgrade required more expensive hardware ($$$). Even more frustrating was that many of your favorite apps or software programs no longer worked. They, too, needed upgrades to come back to life ($$). That was all compounded since your years of personal Windows expertise evaporated. With 11, you were instantly downgraded to “beginner”. Many of the layouts and functionalities were completely new and foreign.
The “black hat” bad guys were the only ones celebrating the launch of 11. As with any new operating system, there were “zero day” bugs and a few virus susceptibilities.
Today, Microsoft has fixed most of the issues and Windows 11 is stable and much faster than 10 ever was, especially with boot times. So, given the five years and multiple improvements, just about everyone has jumped onboard.
Not quite. According to a recent post from Bulletproof (the cyber defense division of GLI), “55% of Windows users are still on Windows 10 as of February 2025. Delaying this upgrade (to 11) could leave your systems vulnerable to security risks.”
The clock is ticking. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will pull the plug on their old OS. That means no updates, bug fixes or security patches (unless you pay for their “Extended Security Update” program – $$$$).
If you are a holdout yourself, don’t wait. You can find the software on the usual online sites from $100 to $150 for home versions. Better yet, if you buy a new desktop or laptop most retailers will throw in Windows 11 for free. With possible tariffs coming on electronics, now is the perfect time to upgrade both hardware and software. You’ll be surprised at the major performance increases.
As Bulletproof also notes:
“Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows to date, featuring advanced capabilities such as:
- TPM 2.0 hardware-based protection
- Enhanced authentication methods
- Virtualization-based security (VBS)
- Built-in phishing protection
These layered defenses help protect data, user credentials, and system integrity.”
Just like I’ve always urged operators to keep their slot system software current, the same applies at home. Upgrade to a faster unit and protect yourself. Or buy an Apple.
Will IGT come home to Nevada?
As CDC’s Buck Wargo reported earlier this month, the Nevada Gaming Control Board Wednesday (June 11th) gave its blessing for Apollo Global Management to acquire Everi’s and IGT’s gaming and digital business. The final approval goes before the Nevada Gaming Commission on June 26. The Commission is the political arm of the state’s gaming regulators, but few expect anything other than a quick approval this week.
Apollo, based in New York City is a financial giant. It sometimes seems that they have an interest in all but a few companies.
My first reaction when I heard of their buying these two great companies was panic. If you read “The Caesars Palace Coup” by Max Frumes and Sujeet Indap (see book review here – Jan 22), you’ll understand why. Apollo’s David Sambur, in particular, played a pivotal role in destroying what was once the industry’s flagship: Harrah’s/Caesars. The book’s subtitle says it all:
“How a Billionaire Brawl Over the Famous Casino Exposed the Power and Greed of Wall Street.”
That said, to be fair, Apollo did a much better job with AGS before exiting, and so far has not done any damage since their acquisition of the Venetian and Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas. Maybe they learned some important lessons from their first gaming “coup”.
Now back to IGT. Founded in Reno, Nevada by the legendary Si Redd and led into the 21st Century by the late, brilliant Chuck Mathewson, the company for years was the pride of the Silver State.
That came to an end when Gtech, an Italian company, acquired them in July of 2014. Headquarters were moved to London, reportedly for tax reasons. They also sold, but leased back, their massive office/factory in Reno and a similar office/assembly building in Las Vegas.
As mentioned, Apollo is a NY-based company. But, there’s speculation that IGT and Everi will emerge under the single IGT name and once again be based in Las Vegas. Most of the named top executives already live in Sin City. That’s a good omen. If it happens — and we should know soon — welcome home, IGT.
O Canada – Wherefore art thou, Canadians?
Forbes reported this month, “Canadians boycotting travel to the U.S. intensified in May—cementing a massive economic loss for American tourism this year as visitors from all over the globe rethink travel to the States.”
Howard Stutz, writing for the Nevada Independent, did an earlier April 2 story where he said, “It became clear last week that Canadians are avoiding Las Vegas. The number of international passengers traveling to Las Vegas fell 3% in February. Canadian air carriers also took a big hit:
- Air Canada: down 5%
- WestJet: down 17%
- Flair (a low-cost carrier out of Edmonton): down 55%.
At the March/April Indian Gaming Association’s San Diego Conference, attendance was good, but quite a bit below expectations. Most felt it was due to a decline in international visits.
Likewise, the gaming impacts won’t be limited to Las Vegas. Casinos across California, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Northern Nevada, Oregon and Washington will almost certainly see revenue declines.
Canadians have plenty of excellent casinos closer to home. Virtually every province has operations led by either governors, indigenous First Nations tribes or local charities. Some of the world’s largest combined operators are based in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
With no let up on the ridiculous suggestion to make Canada our 51st state, don’t be surprised if the Canucks continue to stay and play at home. The same goes for threating higher tariffs on our Mexican neighbors to the south. They, too, contribute to gaming revenues in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico.
Last respectful word
Several months back I wrote a piece about the general lack of respect shown to gaming vendors by operators. At the end of the story, I asked any operator with a counterpoint to confidentially get in touch. Only one brave soul responded.
In summary their note said: “We’re busy. Don’t keep calling us. We’ll call you if we need anything.”
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