Stan Fulton
Stan Fulton was a pioneer in the video slot machine industry. Products that he was responsible for include: the construction of the first multi-line video slot machine, the first video full color poker machines, the use of the first credit meters in the State of Nevada; and was many games. While at Anchor Gaming, Fulton helped build the first slot machines using a wheel as a bonus feature, which led to a joint venture with IGT on the Wheel of Fortune machine. Wheel of Fortune was the most successful slot machine to hit the floor.
When he left Anchor Gaming, Mr. Fulton acquired Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino from Anchor Gaming and over the years has tripled that racino's (race track with slot machines) business. His philanthropy includes major gifts to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, New Mexico State University, Hope International University in Fullerton, California, Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia; and the City of Sunland Park, New Mexico.
"If you want to be successful, and I think you probably want to be successful, there are many things that are necessary to achieve success. One is dedication - you have to put forth the extra effort. Number two is common sense; there is a difference between brilliance and common sense. A good example of this took place in 1976 when we had a heat problem in the first multi-line video slot machine. I was dedicated to solving the problem and worked through a Labor Day weekend. I used common sense - hot air rises - so I put a fan at the top of the slot machine and created an air flow channel so that the air being expelled flowed across the top of the PC boards. I'm not brilliant, but I did use common sense. Then again, when the general manager, who was an engineer, saw that I had solved the problem, he said that I was a master of hot air."
Stan Fulton
