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The Las Vegas Review Journal on Sunday reported that gambling firm IGT has begun blocking its employees from accessing gaming analyst Jason Ader-linked websites.
Ader is currently embroiled in a nasty – and quite aggressive – proxy battle with IGT’s current management team.
“There is quite an irony in a former Yahoo executive censoring the Internet,” remarked a Gambling911.com source, in reference to IGT CEO Patti Hart.
Ader’s group wants Hart removed as CEO.
Those within the IGT office attempting to access Ader's related websites are met with a message that the site has been blocked.
“Disagreements between gaming executives are not uncommon. But it's been years since the industry has seen a family feud quite like this one,” noted Howard Stutz, who reported on the website blocking for the LVRJ.
This isn’t just a proxy fight. The IGT feud has forced other casino executives into the ring including Steve Wynn.
Last week, Wynn found himself defending his friend former IGT Chairman Charles Mathewson, who was lambasted in a letter sent out by Hart and current IGT Chairman Phil Satre.
"I am personally saddened by what appears to be a paid professional attempt to smear him," Wynn said. "I'm left with the impression that such an effort is motivated by IGT's current management's attempt to distract shareholder attention from current performance."
"People who worked for (Mathewson) held him in the highest regard, as did every major company in the gaming industry with whom he dealt so successfully," Wynn added.
Former Nevada Mayor Bob Miller may also find himself caught up in the crossfire as he serves on both the IGT and Wynn Resorts boards.
IGT has a shareholders meeting planned for March 5 in Las Vegas. The company’s shares have fallen more than 20 percent over the past three years.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
