International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) implied volatility and call volume Jumps on Chatter.

• IGT specializes in the design, manufacturer and marketing of computerized gaming equipment. IGT is recently up $1.28 to $39.18 on unconfirmed takeover chatter.
• IGT call option volume of 12,038 contracts compares to put volume of 576 contracts. IGT June option implied volatility of 34 is above its 26-week average of according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Salesforce.com, Inc. (NYSE: CRM) option volume heavy; volatility flat on Speculative chatter.

• CRM, an on demand customer relationship management applications company, is recently up $0.76 to $43.83 on take over speculation.
• CRM reported first quarter revenue of $162 million yesterday. GROW has a Buy rating on CRM.
• CRM June option implied volatility of 40 is below its 26-week average of 44 according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing risk.

Option volume leaders today are: Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC), Elan Corp. (NYSE: ELN), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: APPL) and U.S. Steel Corp. (NYSE: X).

Daily Option Update is provided by Stock Options Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a favorite speculative pick for 2007 from Dan Sullivan, editor of The Chartist. The advisor, who specializes in relative strength, notes, "IGT is a leading designer and maker of microprocessor-based gaming devices, including video poker machines and video and reel-spinning slot machines.

"Due to its market share, financial strength, and innovative game designs, IGT is well-positioned to benefit from industry growth both in the U.S. and abroad. Many states have -- or are considering -- legalizing or expanding gaming as a way to generate tax revenue. Currently, casino gambling is legal in 20 states. And increasingly slot machines are being introduced to race tracks across the country.

"Also, many of the old-style machines, which are not chip-based, are candidates for replacement as casinos strive to provide the newest and hottest games for their gamblers. Both areas should be a strong revenue source for IGT over the next several years.