Agassi slot machines debut in Las Vegas casino

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Popular on the tennis court, Andre Agassi is hoping to be a big draw on a casino floor. <br/><br/>Agassi's name and image are emblazoned on slot machines rolled out Tuesday at the

Wednesday, June 8th 2005, 10:47 am

By: News On 6

LAS VEGAS (AP) _ Popular on the tennis court, Andre Agassi is hoping to be a big draw on a casino floor.

Agassi's name and image are emblazoned on slot machines rolled out Tuesday at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, with a percentage of proceeds and licensing fees to go to his Las Vegas-based charitable foundation.

``I was a little hesitant, being a professional athlete, about the association with gaming and wagering,'' Agassi told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. ``But my connection to this city is so clear and I'm so tied in with the city, that I found myself in a unique situation. Seeing myself on a slot machine seemed like a perfect fit for a boy from Las Vegas.''

The Agassi slot machine is a penny-based game with a tennis theme and graphics to complement bonuses and progressive jackpots. Eventually, the slot machines will be installed at casinos across Nevada.

``I think people will be glad to know that if they're losing money playing the game, at least a portion will go toward helping to make a difference in the community,'' Agassi said. ``My goal in establishing the relationship was to make sure some of the money makes it to kids here.''

His foundation has raised more than $50 million through its annual ``Grand Slam for Children'' events.

The 35-year-old Agassi and his wife, former tennis star Steffi Graf, have two children and live in Las Vegas.

The game was developed by Aristocrat Technologies, a subsidiary of Australia-based Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.