
By Kahari Nash, “The BooRay! King” & CEO KSN Gaming
William “Si” Redd didn’t just play the hand he was dealt; he reshuffled the deck, created new rules, and built a legacy that transformed the Global Gaming Industry forever. From the Juke Joints and Cotton Fields of Mississippi to the neon lights of Nevada, this visionary entrepreneur left his fingerprints all over the Global Slot Machine and Video Gaming Technology Industries. Known as “The King of Video Poker,” Redd’s journey is a masterclass in grit, innovation, and the art of betting on yourself.
Humble Beginnings in Mississippi
Born on November 16, 1911, in Union, Mississippi, Si Redd’s early life was a far cry from the Multimillion-Dollar Empire he would later build. The son of a Sharecropper, Redd grew up in a family so poor that a nickel ice cream cone was a rare luxury. But even as a kid, Redd’s entrepreneurial spirit shone bright. At just 7 years old, he started selling publications and ointments to local farmers, often walking miles to close a deal. By the time he was in his teens, he was already drumming up business for a local dry cleaner.
The real game-changer came when Redd accepted a Coin-Operated Penny Pinball Machine as repayment for a loan. He placed it in a Hamburger Joint and offered to split the profits with the owner. Within a month, he’d doubled his initial investment, sparking a lifelong passion for Coin-Operated Gaming Machines.
From Jukeboxes to Slots: The Road to Reno
Redd’s career began with Wurlitzer Jukeboxes, but he soon saw an opportunity in Amusement Games. After stints distributing machines in Illinois and Boston, he made his way to Reno, Nevada, in 1967 to manage Bally Manufacturing’s Slot Machine distribution. Back then, Slot Machines were seen as mere distractions for Wives and Girlfriends while Men played at the Crap Tables. But Redd saw untapped potential.
Redd founded Bally Distribution Co. and quickly earned the nickname “The Slot Machine King.” He didn’t just sell machines; he innovated them. Inspired by the rise of Atari Video Games in the 1970s, Redd envisioned a future where Slots embraced Video Technology. His foresight gave birth to Video Keno, Blackjack, and Poker.
IGT and the Birth of Video Poker
In 1980, Redd founded International Game Technology (IGT), a move that solidified his place in Gaming history. IGT revolutionized the industry with the introduction of Video Poker Machines. These weren’t just games; they were experiences. Unlike Traditional Slots, Video Poker gave players the illusion of skill, attracting a new wave of Gamblers.
The timing couldn’t have been better. The rise of neighborhood Casinos in the late 1970s and early 1980s provided the perfect market for Redd’s machines. Before long, Video Poker became a Casino staple, driving revenue and sparking a revolution in Slot Machine design. Today, Slot and Video Poker Machines account for 60% of Casino revenue in Las Vegas and 75% nationwide and IGT controls Two-Thirds (2/3s) of the USA Slot Machine Market and Three-Fourths (3/4s) of the Global Slot Machine Market.
A Legacy Beyond Gaming
Si Redd wasn’t just a Gaming Pioneer; he was a Philanthropist, Risk-Taker, and Cultural Icon. He contributed generously to UNLV, funded problem gambling initiatives, and even dabbled in luxury casino ventures like the Pride of Mississippi. While some of his ventures didn’t pan out—he reportedly lost $20 Million on the Pride of Mississippi—his wins far outweighed his losses. His 1,000-room Oasis Resort in Mesquite, Nevada, sold for a cool $31 Million in 2001.
Redd’s contributions to gaming earned him a spot in both the Gaming Hall of Fame and the Nevada Business Hall of Fame. And even in his later years, he remained a “Country Boy at heart,” as he liked to say, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Lessons From Si Redd’s Playbook
1. Bet on Innovation: Redd saw the future in Video Technology before anyone else, bridging the gap between Arcade Games and Gambling.
2. Build for the Player: By introducing Skill-Based Elements to Video Poker, Redd created a product that resonated with a broader audience.
3. Take Risks, Learn From Losses: Not every venture was a win, but Redd’s willingness to take bold risks defined his career.
4. Never Forget Your Roots: Despite his success, Redd’s humility and work ethic were hallmarks of his character.
Si Redd “The King of Slots” and Kahari Nash “The BooRay! King: A Personal Reflection
As someone who’s had the privilege of knowing Si Redd personally, I can tell you this: the man was a force of nature. Whether he was talking shop about gaming tech or reminiscing about his Mississippi Roots, Redd’s passion was infectious. He wasn’t just a Mentor to The BooRay! King; he was a reminder that no dream is too big when you’re willing to put in the work.
Si’s story isn’t just about Slot Machines or Video Poker. It’s about seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. It’s about knowing when to Hold ‘Em and when to Fold ‘Em. And most importantly, it’s about leaving a legacy that inspires others to push boundaries.
It’s this borderless proximity to greatness that motivated me to think globally with BooRay! and Country Boy Person-A that inspired me to crown myself “The BooRay! King”. I wish he was here now, what a team we would make, 2 Mississippi Country Boys redefining the Multi-Billion Dollar Global Casino Table Game Market, which is why I bet on myself as “The BooRay! King” & BooRay! and took my shot as Ronald J. Schilling “Godfather of Mississippi Casino Gaming”, Board Member KSN Gaming, told me to do and teamed up with Stephen A. Crystal “The Global Gambling Connector” and SCCG Management.
The Bottom Line
William “Si” Redd’s journey from a Mississippi Sharecropper to a Global Gaming Icon is the ultimate Rags-to-Riches story. He didn’t just transform an industry; he built a foundation for innovation that continues to shape the Global Gaming Industry today. As we reflect on his legacy, one thing is clear: the King of Video Poker will always hold a Royal Place in the history of Global Gaming.
Long Live The Country Boy from Mississippi that will never be forgotten by the Global Gaming Community and his friends, Ronald J. Schilling “The Godfather of Mississippi Casino Gambling” and The BooRay! King.