The first official NASCAR slot machine “is coming to casinos in mid-2013,” according to Bill Speros of ESPN.com. Clint Bowyer is “one of five Sprint Cup drivers featured” in Bally Technologies' "one-of-a-kind gaming experience." The other drivers “competing on a virtual-gaming level against Bowyer” on each play are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson. Bettors will “choose the driver they want to compete as on each play by sitting at his designated machine, then watch the ensuing digitally-created race on a 32-inch screen display” while sitting in a "Pro Surround Chair." Bowyer and the other drivers “quickly hopped on board during the development of the slot machine.” NASCAR VP/Licensing & Consumer Products Blake Davidson said, "They thought it would be a good way to connect with their fans." Davidson added, "The growth of gaming has been pretty tremendous over the past several years. With the sheer numbers involved, we have the ability to connect with a lot of people and get them excited about NASCAR, make them want to become NASCAR fans ... and go to a race." Another game, Virtual Racing NASCAR, allows slot machine players throughout a casino “to choose between eight drivers (the five above plus Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr.) and win non-cash prizes.” Both of the games "debuted in Las Vegas last week" at the Global Gaming Expo (ESPN.com, 10/9).
