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Yes, it is what gamblers have been waiting for... the Hulk Hogan video slot machine. Here is a press release on the game, along with a few pictures:
LAS
VEGAS, NV. On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 12 noon, Hulk Hogan will be honored
by National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.
in conjunction with the Global Gaming Expo 2008 in Las Vegas, NV.
He will receive the “Humanitarian Award†for his work on behalf of
the “Dreamseekers†Foundation.
Working
with the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation at the National Indian Gaming
Association, Hulk and Dreamseekers have committed to building the non-profit
organization in partnership with Indian Country to provide needed assistance to
Native America youth and their families.
Hulk
Hogan, one of the most successful entertainment personalities and Executive
Producer/host of the “Celebrity
Championship Wrestling†series on CMT, will participate in the
foundation’s activities by providing a familiar public face and forwarding the
organization’s goal: providing greater opportunities for youth in Indian
Country. Hulk Hogan has made it a priority to start this program in areas of
Indian Country with the most need.
Once
the project is implemented, the Dreamseekers Foundation hopes to provide a
significant amount per annum to tribal nations that face adversities such as
poverty, violence and lack of various resources.
“We’re specifically focusing on efforts to improve healthcare and
education for Native youth and their families around the country, as well as
give them access to as many other critical opportunities as possible,†said
Ernie Stevens Jr., co-founder of the foundation.
The
Hulkamania Experience TM, a
multilevel progressive video-slot series based on the adventures of the iconic
superstar, is expected to debut at the 2008 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas and
roll out nationally during the next several months.
As a part of the foundation’s fundraising initiative, a portion of the
proceeds from The Hulkamania Experiencetm
will go towards the various health and education initiatives yet to be
determined by the foundation.
The
game, developed in conjunction with Rainmaker Gaming Technology and ID
Interactive, LLC, represents a fundamentally new approach towards community
involvement in Indian Country. Hulk’s
efforts alongside that of the National Indian Gaming Association are a first of
their kind, and it all spawned from an initial conversation between Ernie
Stevens, Jr. and Hogan. “Hulk
simply asked what he could do to help Indian Country, and we both agreed that it
all starts with our children,†Stevens said.
“American
Indian children are more likely to live in poverty than any other racial or
ethnic group in this country“, Hogan noted, citing recent U.S. Census Bureau
data. “It’s time to change that,
and I’m proud to be associated with that effort,†said Hulk Hogan.
"This is an exciting opportunity to use the Hulk Hogan brand in a fulfilling way that makes a difference in people’s lives at the local level,†says Eric Bischoff of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment, Hogan’s partners in the project.
Last
year Hogan was a recipient of a very high honor on behalf of the tribal leaders
and the traditional community of South Dakota for his help in Indian Country
while attending the Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City, SD.
It was one of very few times in history that someone from outside the
community has received such a prestigious honor. Hulk continues to feel the
energy of that ceremony that took place ten months ago and looks forward to
doing so much more
*
* *
KEY
DATA / NEWS HOOKS:
About HULK HOGAN
Known
most recently as the host of NBC’s top-rated “American Gladiatorâ€, and
host and Executive Producer of CMT’s series, “Celebrity Wrestlingâ€, Hulk
Hogan is one of the best-recognized celebrities in the United States.
A twelve-
time world wrestling champion, including six WCW World Heavyweight belts, six
WWE Championships, and a World Tag Team championship belt, Hulk Hogan is
arguably the greatest wrestler in sports entertainment history.
Rarely has an athlete held so many professional titles to his name in
such a vast career.
Hulk Hogan is also well known among young fans for his four "demandments": which include training, saying prayers, eating vitamins, and believing in one self. As a result, he is one of the most-requested celebrities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children’s charity.
About
ERIC BISCHOFF
Eric
Bischoff began his TV career in syndication and sales for an organization in
Minneapolis known as the AWA in August of 1987. His transition from an obscure
“office†position to an on-camera host for the company’s daily program on
ESPN and in syndication was an event that truly defined the phrase “right
time…right placeâ€.
Being
in the right place at the right time isn’t always simply coincidence. Indeed,
in many respects it’s really all about passion, instinct, commitment, and
risk. Bischoff’s move from the AWA to Turner Broadcasting in 1991 and his
subsequent path that began as on camera talent at Turner Broadcasting culminated
in 1999 when he was named President of Turner/Time Warner’s WCW division.
During
this period he had the opportunity to take a fledgling division of Turner
Broadcasting that happened to be a personal favorite of Ted Turner, from a money
losing-content producing lost leader (from a corporate point of view) to a $300+
million dollar leader in the industry that had ABC Television up at night
wondering how to shore up the male audience that was making “Monday Nitro on
TNT†their preferred destination during the NFL season.
Today,
Bischoff and Jason Hervey own their own production company (BISCHOFF-HERVEY
ENTERTAINMENT), developing television content for NBC, VH1, CMT, E!
and many other outlets as well as developing licensing opportunities for
entertainment brands..
About
ERNIE STEVENS, JR.
Stevens
is the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, representing 184
tribes in gaming, based in Washington, D.C.
Stevens is a former councilman for the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, as
well as former 1st Vice President of the National Congress of
American Indians. He is currently
serving his fourth consecutive term as chairman for the association.
About
the NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION (NIGA)
NIGA
is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and
other non-voting associate members. The
mission of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people; economically,
socially, and politically. NIGA
operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy
resource for tribes, policy makers, and the public on Indian gaming issues and
tribal community development. For
more information, visit www.indiangaming.org.
About
ID Interactive
ID
Interactive LLC, producer of the Hulkamania multilevel progressive, is an
independent game developer, designer and distributor with a domestic US focus on
Indian Country and a history of commitment to charitable community programs.
ID distributes games in the US, Western and Eastern Europe, Mexico,
Central and South America and Asia. CEO
Jon Goldstein is a founding partner of the Dreamseekers Foundation.
About
Dreamseekers and the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation
Dreamseekers
and the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation recognize students that are
exceptionally talented and demonstrate skills that positively represent the
Native American community. Recipients are qualified based on criteria such as,
but not limited to: Course study, GPA, and Enrollment. The selection process for
scholarship is competitive, and the award is distinct and prestigious.
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