AGBriefings - February 2014 - ICE edition

Jurisdiction updates - February 2014

JAPAN

The next big thing Pg. 30

VIETNAM Interest mounts

Pg. 11

SINGAPORE

Waiting for online Pg. 17

MACAU

Carrying on up Pg. 21

SENSATIONAL: ICE special report - what’s trending in the industry

Pg. 38

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Issue: #001, February 2014 edition

Smell you at ICE

Published by: Blue Sky Venture Ltd. Suite 1104 - 11/ F, First International Commercial Centre 600E Av. Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues Macau SAR P.O. Box 1139 t. +853 2870 1367 f. +853 2870 1366 e. enquiries@agbrief.com advertising enquiries: advertising@agbrief.com memberships enquiries: memberships@agbrief.com editorial enquiries: editorial@agbrief.com

Publishers & MDs Rosalind Wade Luis Pereira Managing Editor Luis Pereira Research Editor Sharon Singleton Design StratusResults Ltd. Photography Macau Link, Agencies Printing Hop Sze, Hong Kong

AGBrief events ICE Totally Gaming iGaming Asia Congress G2E Asia Russian Gaming Week World Gaming Executive Summit Australasian Gaming Expo G2E Las Vegas Macao Gaming Show

AGB is extremely proud to be launching our revamped Asia Gaming Briefings at ICE Totally Gaming, the world’s largest business-tobusiness gaming event. With an exhibition space of 55,000 sqm and visitors in excess of 20,000, ICE truly is the must-attend gaming show of the year and, with Clarion’s SENSATIONAL campaign, we are looking forward to it smelling fantastic this year too!

The fact that both land-based and online gaming are comprehensively represented means that it has been ahead of its time in anticipating the direction of gaming worldwide. There is no longer any separation between the two and increasingly we are seeing momentous partnerships between giants of each in attempts to gain the upper hand in newly opening markets. Some of those will prove ineffective, but gradually the right partners will find each other, regulations will become more accommodating, and companies which never thought they would dip a toe in the other’s water are taking the plunge.

Time will tell who made wise choices and who rushed in too early.

The only given is that the whole gaming world is being shaken up with ever-expanding game offerings, platforms and delivery methods.

Brands want to extend their gaming experience to customers wherever they are, and innovation and agility is key.

Asia Gambling Brief prides itself on providing extensive coverage across all types of gaming, across 22 jurisdictions in Asia, in print and digital formats, and soon on mobile. AGBriefings is a synthesis of all our latest research on each of these markets. It is undisputed that Asia is about to become the largest gaming market in the world, and we are here to give you the insights you need to understand it.

AGB is excited to be part of ICE Totally Gaming, including moderating the Asia panel for The Executive Network on Wednesday morning which will, fittingly, debate the future for Japan’s casino industry, the evolution of regulatory models in Asia, and what’s in store for online gaming in the region.

We look forward to connecting with you, whether that be here at ICE, or elsewhere.

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

www.asiagamblingbrief.com DISCLAIMER:

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any shape or form, or by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without prior express permission. The publishers accept no responsibility for loss or damage to any materials submitted for publication. The views expressed within are not necessarily subscribed by the publishers.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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CONTENTS South Asia India...............................................6

Sri Lanka........................................7 Nepal..............................................8 Indochina Cambodia.......................................10 Vietnam..........................................11 Thailand.........................................13 Myanmar.......................................15 South East Asia Malaysia.........................................16 Singapore.......................................17 Philippines......................................18 Greater China

Mainland China..............................20

Hong Kong......................................20 Macau............................................21 North Asia

South Korea....................................25

North Korea....................................26 Russia.............................................27 Taiwan...........................................28 Japan.............................................30 Australasia

Pacific Isles.....................................34 Australia.........................................35

News Zealand.................................36 ICE Special Report......................................39 Events calendar.........................................57 AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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South Asia

INDIA

Legal sports betting key to eliminating sports corruption Given its size and complexity, legalization of sports betting in the Indian market could be a game changer In a country of more than a billion people, it has the potential to create a market as large as $60 billion in size, says the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), as well as generating employment, adding revenues to state government coffers, and curbing money laundering activities.

Sports betting has thus far been limited to horse racing and some stateorganized lottery offerings in India.

STATS

Lottery sales $12.5b Horse racing $250m • GGR <$50m Sports betting $60bE

The size of these markets, however, is a fraction of the size of the large illegal sports betting structure that exists across the country. The FICCI recently forecast that legalizing sports betting could net $200 million in taxes for the government.

In a FICCI survey, 83 percent of respondents believed that regulating sports betting with proper laws was better than banning it. Another 74 percent believed that legalizing sports betting will curb match fixing.

Match-fixing has become a major issue, especially in cricket and legalizing betting is viewed as being the most effective way to help stamp out sports fraud and corruption.

The industry has called for the setting up of a committee, and eventually an Independent Regulatory Commission, that can conduct an in-depth study of sports gambling, and arrive at solutions that eliminate bookmakers. There is also a move to assess whether sports betting can be categorized as a skill-based sport, which would put it on par with games such as horse racing or poker.

Meanwhile Goan authorities plan to clamp down on locals visiting its casinos and proof of nationality will be required. Unintended consequences may be the springing up of underground and non-regulated operations for locals, “hafta raj” (extortion and intimidation by powerful local groups to control such markets), the forging of documents, and reduction in hospitality revenue. Overall, it is seen as possibly negative for the casino industry as a whole.

Delta Corp., India’s only listed operator, owns three of Goa’s offshore licenses.

It currently has two operational offshore casinos with a total of about 1,500 gaming positions. The company plans India’s largest integrated casino resort in Daman this year, with 187 rooms and about 60,000 square feet of gaming space. It has expressed “in-principle” interest to set up a second onshore casino in Daman.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

FICCI forecasts that legalizing sports betting could net $200m in taxes for the government Goan authorities plan to clamp down on locals visiting its casinos and proof of nationality will be required

South Asia

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SRI LANKA

Packer’s next gold mine Australian tycoon James Packer is touting Sri Lanka as a possible tourist mecca, with the swelling middleclass population in neighbouring India likely to prove a goldmine

STATS

Y11 Gaming Tax revenue $2.19m Y12 Gaming Tax revenue $2.21m

However, his efforts to gain approval for a $350 million luxury integrated resort in Colombo may not have gone as smoothly as he had hoped, after meeting stiff opposition from hardline Buddhist monks.

The government late last year approved Crown Resorts’ plans, along with two other projects, but failed to explicitly give permission to operate casinos. The government said Crown’s Colombo project for a 400 room-resort, including high-end shopping malls, high-quality residences and office space, is of strategic importance and will help attract foreign exchange and provide about 2,600 jobs.

The resort will be exempt from income tax for the first ten years of operation after it begins making a profit, or three years after being in operation, whichever is sooner and thereafter will enjoy a further 12 years at a much reduced tax rate.

But according to the wording of the approval document that benefit may not extend to casino profits.

“In the event the project company expands activities beyond the scope of the project covered in terms of relevant statutes, profits from such activities shall be liable for corporate income tax in terms of the Inland Revenue Act,” it says.

With the lack of explicit permission to operate a casino, or the creation of formal licenses, expansion of gambling activities may depend on existing operators.

Packer is teaming up with local partner Ravi Wijeratne. Just days before the project approval, Wijeratne told a local newspaper he will move his existing casino to the new resort, once it’s built.

Meanwhile, casino operator Dhammika Perera, who also won approval for a $350 million integrated resort on 2.5 acres of land in Colombo’s new entertainment zone, has also said he will transfer his existing casino operation to the new plot. The resort project, which Perera has dubbed Queensbury, would involve 80 percent foreign investment. The project involves a 40-storey resort, shopping mall and convention centre down D R Wijewardene Mawatha.

India’s Delta Corp, which has an 11-acre parcel of land near Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, says it will drop plans for an integrated resort on the plot if legislation is unclear or the playing field not level India’s middle-class to swell to 580 million by 2025, while about 50 million will travel overseas by 2020, compared to just 4 million in 2000

John Keells Holdings, which plans to build a $820 million integrated resort and casino down Glennie Street in Colombo, is reportedly talking to Perera to secure a license.

Despite the legal red tape, casino operators see huge potential in the island state, in particular because its proximity to the growing wealth in India puts it in a similar position to Macau from China. Packer said India’s middle-class could swell to 580 million by 2025, while about 50 million will travel overseas by 2020, compared to just 4 million in 2000.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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South Asia

NEPAL

Government gives casinos a breather The Nepal government extended a deadline for compliance with new regulations to renew their licenses amid concerns the additional costs would put many out of business The extension until March 21, 2014 came after several of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 casinos failed to meet a mid-November 2013 deadline.

The new rules stipulate that casinos should have a paid-up capital of at least NPR 250 million ($2.6 million), with the minimum set at 150 million rupees for minicasinos. A new annual license fee, to be paid to the tourism ministry, has been set at 20 million rupees for casinos and 10 million rupees for mini-casinos. The annual royalty fee, paid to the inland revenue department, was doubled to NPR 40 million for casinos and set at NPR 20 million for mini-casinos and now made payable in advance rather than in arrears.

The Hotel Association Nepal, the Casino Association of Nepal and the Federation of Nepalese Commerce and Industries have claimed the new rules are likely to force more closures and may cost up to 50,000 jobs. Their petition calls the rules arbitrary and says affected businesses were not consulted, with the higher fees required making operations unsustainable.

The Casino Pokhara Grande closed its doors days after the rules came into effect, with the higher fees cited as a contributing factor. Casino Fulbari, Pokharaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other casino, had shut its doors months earlier as the government stepped up efforts to collect fees due.

Casino Shangri-La was one of the few casinos that did pay its tax dues, but has since also closed due to the loss of its Malaysian operator. That leaves seven casinos in Kathmandu - Casinos Anna, Royale, Radisson, Star, Everest, Nepal and Venus.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

About 50,000 jobs may be at risk if casinos close as a result of the new regulations, The Hotel Association Nepal, the Casino Association of Nepal and the Federation of Nepalese Commerce and Industries have warned The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is forecast to rise by 4.5% per annum from 2013-2023 to a total of $1.13b in 2023, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Indochina

CAMBODIA

New resort scheduled for early 2014 Cambodia will get a new casino resort in the next few months, while existing operator NagaCorp is forging ahead with a massive expansion project scheduled for opening in 2016

STATS

Y13E GGR $2.34b • Y14E GGR $2.98b • Y17E 4.8b

Under Korean management, the Ratana Casino Resort is expected to hold its grand opening on March 5th. The casino will be in Ratanakiri province, on the border with Laos to the north and Vietnam to the east and will have 80 hotel rooms, 60 tables and 60 slot machines.

However, analysts say Nagacorp, which has a 70-year casino license until 2065 and a 40-year casino monopoly within a 200km radius of Phnom Penh until 2035, is likely to remain the preferred destination in Cambodia.

Its current resort is getting close to full capacity, running at 80-90 percent room occupancy rates. The company is expected to open its second property, Naga2, at the beginning of 2016, with development costs of around $369 million.

Naga2 is being built across the road from the current NagaWorld complex and the company is building a tunnel to connect the two properties in order to bypass the Buddhist Institute which lies between them. Naga2 will result in a 200 percent increase in gaming tables, 145 percent increase in hotel rooms, 50x increase in retail space, and 6x increase in MICE facilities.

CIMB Group said travel convenience and infrastructure improvements in the capital, along with its established track record, should continue to shape NagaWorld into a preferred gaming destination.

Strong growth in tourist arrivals is also likely to support growth. In the nine months ending 30 September 2013, tourist arrivals to Cambodia increased by 19 percent to approximately 2.77 million visitors.

The other publicly listed operator in the market is Entertainment Gaming Asia which operates the Dreamworld Poipet slot hall and Dreamworld Pailin resort.

The company had leased 10 gaming tables at Dreamworld Pailin to a thirdparty operator, hoping to leverage the operator’s existing player network in Thailand and boost quality player traffic. However, it recently took a $2.5 million impairment charge on the resort, claiming that revenue is not covering its cash operating costs. It may consider exiting the property altogether.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

LT Game is to install and provide maintenance for 30 electronic gaming machines including semi-live electronic baccarat and roulette for the initial term of five years at Dreamworld Pailin property Malaysia’s VW Win Holdings Plc launched its lottery operation, Camloto, in December 2014, becoming the second to go live in as many months, with a $4m investment and another $2m pledged for phase 2 this year

Indochina

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VIETNAM

Interest mounts after teething problems Vietnam’s appeal to foreign casino investors has taken a knock in recent years after problems at two high-profile projects hit the headlines, but smaller casinos have been quietly thriving and a flurry of recent announcements may reawaken interest in the country’s potential

STATS

Y13E GGR $275m - $300m 50/50 casino, EGM split GGR Donaco $40m

Vietnam currently has seven licensed foreigner-only casinos and allows a limited number of slots in five-star hotels for the most part in the capital Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City. There are also Electronic Gaming Clubs in Da Nang, Vung Tao and Hue. Five casinos are in the north of the country, mainly on the coast or close to the Chinese border, with the biggest currently at Halong Bay, some 150km from Hanoi, which boasts 18 live tables. Lao Cai Casino, owned by ASX-listed Donaco International Limited is due to open a new property with at least 26 tables before April.

The remaining two casinos are located in southern (Ho Tram) and central (Da Nang) Vietnam. Mike Bolsover, Chief Executive Officer of Asian casino operator Silver Heritage Limited, estimates the market at US $275 million - US $300 million of GGR per annum from licensed casinos and gaming clubs in Vietnam.

The economy is buoyant with GDP growth projected at 5.5 percent this year, making it one of the best-performing in the region. And while at present locals generally aren’t permitted in the casinos (only those Vietnamese holding dual nationality can enter), operators in the country express optimism that policy will change and lift a potential restraint on the market.

Total international arrivals in the first 11 months of last year rose 10.2 percent to 6,850,003, with Chinese visitors rising to 1,726,123, though Russians still make up the lion’s share of the tourism market.

Donaco International recently announced a major step forward in developing its Lao Cai International Hotel joint venture in the north of the country bordering China’s Yunnan province. The company, which currently reports gross gaming revenue of about $40 million per annum, is boosting its stake in the venture by a further 20 percent, taking its total holding to 95 percent. The Vietnamese government will hold the remaining equity interest.

Donaco said the venture’s new five-star project will feature 428 hotel rooms and three restaurants. It was due to have a soft opening in March this year, but this has now been delayed for another two months. In announcing its increased stake, the company also disclosed it has won approval from the Vietnamese government for 26 (up to 50 in the future) casino tables, making it the largest venue in the north by licensed live table numbers.

Rockefeller family-backed Rose Rock Group will help develop a $2.5b residential and hotel project on the south-central coast of Vietnam consisting of 350 marina berths, hotels with more than 760 rooms, residential apartments and retail shops Vietnam only has a 0.1% share of Asia’s gross gaming revenue, compared with 3.3% for the Philippines, according to Fitch Ratings. Chinese high-rollers are likely to fuel growth

Its license will also be reset to 30 years, resulting in the license expiry being 2044 vs 2032 currently. The project’s potential triggered an upgrade from analysts at Canaccord Genuity, who raised their 2014 and 2015 EPS targets for the company on the back of the Lao Cai news. The firm now expects 2014 EPS of 2.8c and 2015 to 7.8c.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Indochina

VIETNAM The Lao Cai project is dependent on visitors from China, with about 45.9 million people living across the border in neighbouring Yunnan province and 80 percent of revenue from high rollers. The casino, which has relations with more than 20 junket operators, is expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, including a new expressway that will cut the travel time from the Yunnan capital Kunming to four hours from seven. A new highway between Lao Cai and Hanoi is also likely to help the company to attract more visitors away from the Vietnamese capital.

After a period in limbo, VinaCapital now also appears set to move ahead with its plans for a $4 billion integrated resort development South of Hoi An, in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Nam, finding a partner to replace Genting Malaysia.

The project’s future had appeared shaky since Genting, which held a 20 percent stake, pulled out in September 2012.

VinaCapital has not yet officially named its investment partner, but officials have said it has good financial capacity and strong management experience.

Local press reports have indicated the investor as Casinos Austria. The project, known as South Hoi An, will include five-star hotels and luxury residences and will be the largest tourist destination in Quang Nam, which is already home to several resorts on the South China Sea coast. It was downscaled last year from 1,500 hectares to 1,000 hectares after VinaCapital struggled to find a replacement for Genting.

Investors are also excited about the prospects for the market in Da Nang, which currently boasts one casino, the Crowne Plaza now known as Silver Shores, in addition to an electronic gaming club located at the Furama Hotel. The coastal city has the third-largest airport in Vietnam and is only an hour and a half away from southern China. It also enjoys strong ties with Macau and China junkets.

Meanwhile, the troubled The Grand Ho Tram project, developed by Canadian company Asian Coast Development Ltd., finally opened its doors in July last year, after a series of construction and licensing delays.

Vietnam’s largest and first luxury integrated casino resort was scheduled to be managed by MGM International, but the casino giant pulled out of its contract earlier in 2013.

The 541-room Grand’s gaming facilities include over 600 slot machines and 90 live tables. The Grand is targeting visitors from China, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam’s large overseas expatriate community. A second phase of the resort, which will take total room capacity to 1,100, is under development with a targeted opening date in 2015. The project will also feature a Greg Norman-designed golf course.

However, some express doubt about the resort’s potential, especially given its high build costs. The resort is some three hours from Ho Chi Minh City, adding considerably to travel time for tourists flying into the country, while the developers chose to build a tall city-style hotel on many floors, instead of opting for a beach-style resort consisting of more private bungalows and villas that tend to appeal to VIPs and junket groups.

Still, operators on the ground say it’s likely that one of these mega integratedresort style projects (including a potential multi-billion USD project in Van Don, Quang Ninh province), will be used as a trial if the market is opened up fully to all local Vietnamese nationals.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

Indochina

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THAILAND

Study urges casino reform Thailand should legalize casinos and reform its antiquated gambling laws to gain a share of Asia’s booming gambling market, a study from an influential Thai university has recommended

STATS

State lottery $2.48b Underground gaming $3.23b Y13E tourism receipts $35.6b

The Chulalongkorn University’s Social Research Institute published its report in Thai at the end of last year. It comes as several Asian markets, notably Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, prepare to legalize or expand gaming.

In an assessment that included the regional outlook, the Institute’s report pointed to how the Asia-Pacific region now ranks as the world leader in the casino business, with its share of the global market expected to reach 43 percent by 2015, ahead of the United States with 40 percent.

According to the study, Thai casinos should be governed in line with rules in place in other countries and any reform should contain measures to protect Thai nationals from gambling excesses. It gave no specific examples of a model to be followed, though it did acknowledge Macau and Singapore as regional leaders.

At present gambling is illegal in Thailand, except for the State Lottery and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the whole sector is governed by regulation that has seen few major changes since 1932.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra brought a law reform bill before parliament in 2011 hoping to broaden legislation, mainly related to the introduction of a broader range of lottery-style games.

However, that bill has stalled in parliament amidst stiff opposition from conservative Buddhist sectors of society. With the capital Bangkok, currently crippled by street protests and general elections scheduled for February, it seems unlikely there will be any move forward on casino legislation any time soon.

Meanwhile, there is thought to be a huge appetite for gambling in the country.

The Chulalongkorn survey estimated there were currently 32 million gamblers, with 19.18 million playing the legal state lottery, while 19.08 million people played the underground lottery. This was followed by1.06 million involved in football betting.

A separate 2011 report from the university estimated the illegal market is worth some $3.23 billion, more than the official government lottery with funds of $2.48 billion.

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) forecasts 29.92m foreign tourist arrivals in 2014, against an estimated 26.74m for this year. Tourism revenue is seen growing to $41.4b The underground lottery had an estimated 19.9 million regular participants, according to a 2011 study, beating the official government lottery at 19.2 million players. Casinolike gambling has 3.1 million underground players and football at 1.1 million punters

“The authorities should change and improve the law they have right now in order to catch up with the technology,” but to also apply strict penalties where applicable, it said. It suggested an increase in prize money for the official lottery to lure punters away from the underground version.

The recommendations on casinos were for reforms that would open the way for resorts and entertainment areas targeting tourists and gamblers from other countries, away from major urban downtown areas. > > >

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Indochina

THAILAND The facilities should “build on income in Thailand, but not encourage Thai people to gamble and ensure strict surveillance on gambling.”

Chulalongkorn University doesn’t advocate an outright gambling ban for Thais, as in some other jurisdictions, such as Vietnam, but points towards limited access, depending on age and income. It gave few specifics.

The wide-ranging report examined all options for dealing with the gambling industry - including whether implementing an outright ban remains the best option. It also recommended the opening of legal gambling shops, while preventing powerful or criminal elements from controlling the activities.

The report noted that Thailand has been affected by the spread of online gambling. “Gamblers online in Thailand access websites that are both illegal and legal from other countries,” and while still involving a relatively small percentage of the population, there has been a marked increase in the number of players, especially among the younger generation.

Given the strong growth in the online sphere over recent years, the sector is likely to outpace that of traditional gambling clubs.

“The law enforcement has no clear path on what to do to be effective in reducing online gambling,” it said. The concern lies in developing policies to deal with such an easily accessible form of gambling.

Another reason for considering opening up and regulating the market is pressure from the development of casinos along Thailand’s border regions, which have proliferated. Efforts to enforce laws and crackdown on illegal casinos in these zones have largely been ineffective.

Many casinos, for example those operating in Cambodia, are owned or managed by Thais and are catering to the robust Thai market.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister and elder brother of Yingluck, had plans for a casino complex in the eastern seaboard region. But the plans floundered when he was ousted in a coup in 2006.

Some businessmen are backing calls for legal casinos, but there remains substantial opposition. “The argument over how to handle this has become an important issue,” the report said.

It’s unclear how much potential foreign investor interest there may be in the market, with considerable competition from Thailand’s neighbours, especially Vietnam.

However, visitor numbers were strong last year, with the number of Chinese visitors surging more than 68 percent to 4.7 million arrivals. Overall, Thailand welcomed a total of 26,735,583 visitors in 2013, exceeding the year’s original target of 26.1 million and representing a 19.6 percent increase over 2012, according to government data.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

Indochina

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MYANMAR

Casino dream not likely to become reality soon Although Myanmar has raised the prospect of opening up its gambling market to bring in much needed revenue from rampant black market gambling, it is not likely to become a reality anytime soon

STATS

Annual State Lottery sales $75 m 1 month 30 million tickets Cost $0.20 a ticket

A tourism “master plan”, which the Myanmar government drew up with the Asian Development Bank and Norwegian Government, proposes discussion on how gambling could be legalized and harnessed to resorts as a tourist draw.

The same plan speculates that tourist numbers could be anywhere from 2.8 million a year to 7 million a year by 2020, and it’s just as hazy whether, and when, laws banning gambling come up for review. Discussions on gambling reform are likely to take a back seat to more pressing economic and political problems.

Still, the potential may be huge, with a hint of that allure seen in state lottery sales. Called Aung Bar Lay in Burmese, the lottery sells around 30 million tickets, priced at 200 kyat each (20 cents) every month, even though millions of Burmese live on around the dollar a day mark.

That said, the money spent on the official lottery is probably a pale reflection of the amount that goes to black market gambling. A 2005 US Embassy cable featured an estimate - from a Burmese involved in the illegal gambling racket that around 17 million people, or around a fifth of the population, play the “two digit” daily game whereby wagers are placed on numbers that come up on the Thai Stock Exchange.

Efforts at reform may also meet opposition from social and religious groups.

Myanmar’s new foreign investment laws proscribe investment that “can affect the traditional culture and customs of the national races within the Union” and “business which can affect the public health.”

Prohibitionists could easily argue that these clauses rule out gambling or casinos or sports betting.

Despite a lack of legal framework, Myanmar has been home to casinos on its borders for more than 20 years, beginning with ramshackle operations whose evolution into three-star casino hotels close to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand and in the Andaman Islands near Phuket, marked the industry’s formal arrival. These casinos have catered exclusively to Thai gamblers and have on the whole been successful. They are all partly or wholly owned by well-connected Thai families.

The Myanmar government is targeting tourist arrivals of between 2.8 million a year and 7 million a year by 2020, under a development plan drawn up with the Asian Development bank Myanmar’s frontiers with Thailand and possibly Bangladesh represent better, safer options for investment and industry sales, with operations along the frontier with China dominated by Shan state warlords, observers say

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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South East China

MALAYSIA

Genting to benefit from refurbishment Genting Malaysia, the country’s only casino operator, is expected to benefit from a major RM5 billion investment and expansion program at its Genting Highlands property

STATS

domestic earnings Y14E +5.6% Y15E +6.7%

The ten-year master plan for the redevelopment of Resorts World Genting includes the refurbishment of hotels, a RM1 billion theme park being developed with 20th Century Fox and other infrastructure. The plan aims to boost tourist numbers, which currently stand at around 20 million visitors a year.

Analysts say the revamping of the resort is likely to be a major driver of growth for Genting. There is rising demand for integrated resorts across Asia and a shortage of supply.

The company is also likely to benefit from the Malaysian government’s development plan to spur economic growth in the Klang Valley, which is forecast to improve incomes and drive population growth in the area.

Genting, which is already seeing growth in international mass premium and VIP visitors, is also viewed as well positioned to benefit from rising minimum bets in Macau, which may begin pricing some regional gamblers out of the market.

Affin Investment Bank suggests that an expansion of 20 percent in lodging and the assumption of a similar gaming floor space expansion could potentially lift core net profit by about 20 percent.

On the downside, while the Malaysian government failed to introduce a “sin” tax on the brewery or gaming sectors in last year’s budget, it did introduce a six percent Goods and Services Tax to be implemented from April 1st next year. RHB Research estimates that the tax may erode gaming company earnings by between 6.3 percent to 13.8 percent, although said it’s too early to give exact forecasts.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

The introduction of a 6% Goods and Services Tax in Malaysia in 2015 may erode gaming company earnings by between 6.3% to 13.8%, RHB Research says Genting Malaysia is making a renewed play for a resort in Florida, with a scaled back plan for a casino with 2,000 slot machines as part of a leisure and entertainment resort.

The company recently signed an accord with U.S. horse-racing associations to build a Miami resort offering slots and off-track betting

South East China

17

SINGAPORE

Awaits online regulation Singapore is putting together rules that will bring the state’s online industry under regulatory control for the first time

STATS

Y12 GGR $5.8b • Y14E GGR +12% • 9 mo. Y13 $4.75b

Singapore is putting together rules that will bring the state’s online industry under regulatory control for the first time.

The regime is expected to make online gambling illegal, apart from certain exceptions. It’s these exceptions that are of interest to the industry, which is eager to see what scope, if any, there will be to tap into the market’s potential.

Singapore Pools was quick to indicate that it may consider taking advantage of any new regulation and reportedly plans to launch the first licensed gambling website. The lottery operator is exploring ways to offer an online betting option to registered members and may consider upgrading the existing members’ portal to allow those who sign up with its phone betting system to place bets online.

The government has pointed to the example of Hong Kong as a potential model to follow, where the Hong Kong Jockey Club is the only authorized provider of gambling services, both physical and online.

It’s expected to allow a limited number of tightly-controlled, legal, licensed online gambling services that’s likely to be akin to the limited opening up of the casino market a few years ago.

Although the government is concerned about the social impact of online gambling, especially the potential access to the island state’s tech-savvy youth, analysts say an outright ban would be too hard to police.

The music, TV and movie industries have never had any great success in battling pirate services, with one new site popping up each time another is shut down. Also many sites are hosted offshore, making regulatory action difficult.

Internet gambling in Singapore is forecast to grow from $342m in 2012 to $519m by 2017

Visitor arrivals to Singapore hit 12.9m in the first 10 months of 2013, up 8.4%. Total receipts in the second-quarter rose $5.6b, with leisure spending up 11%

In Singapore, the market is thought to have already topped $300 million and is likely to grow at about 6 percent to 7 percent annually, with some estimates forecasting that internet gambling in Singapore will grow from $342 million in 2012 to $519 million by 2017.

Resorts World Sentosa, owned by Malaysia’s Genting Group, is estimated to have earned revenue of S$3.02 billion ($2.36 billion) with the forecast rising to $3.36 billion for 2014. The company says it had 18,000 visitors a day in the first three quarters of 2013, with the numbers boosted by the 2012 opening of its Marine Life Park attraction.

Marina Bay Sands, a unit of Las Vegas Sands, generated Q3 adjusted property EBITDA of $373.6 million, up 43.3 percent from the year ago same quarter a year earlier, while net revenue rose 23.8 percent to $774.2 million. The resort is seen as benefiting from higher-than-average room rates, more affluent customers and proximity to the central business district.

Both resorts are seeing significant contributions from non-casino related operations.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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South East China

PHILIPPINES

Market may double in two years Casino magnate Lawrence Ho says gambling revenue could easily double in the next couple of years to $4 billion and most analysts share his enthusiasm

STATS

Y13E GGR $2.34b Y14E GGR $2.98b Y17E GGR $4.8b

The Philippines is likely to improve its market share to about 4.5 - 5 percent in the next three-to-five years from the current estimated 3.3 percent, according to ratings agency Fitch. One of the main reasons for the optimism is strong domestic economic growth, with improving incomes likely to fuel leisure spending - the Philippines remains at this time and for the most part, a domestic gaming market. However, casino market revenue is forecast to be split equally between resident and international gamblers by 2017, compared with about 30 percent international now. That’s unlike many markets in Asia where locals are restricted from entering casinos. In terms of international visitor growth, the Philippines is likely to benefit from its proximity to other Asian neighbours and its relatively low-cost base, especially as minimum bets rise in Macau.

On the flip side, the amount of new supply coming onto the market will significantly boost competition and those operators seen as able to differentiate themselves, with unique offerings and a mix of non-gaming activities, are likely to be the winners. Growth may also be hindered by the concentration of the casino industry in the capital Manila. While the Philippines is a popular tourist destination, Manila is often viewed as a stopping off point, with poor infrastructure acting as a disincentive to travel. There is also a substantial number of new integrated resort projects coming online in the next five years, with total investment of $5.8 billion in Manila’s Entertainment City.

Resorts World Manila, a joint venture between Alliance Global Inc. and Travellers International Hotel Group, opened its casino in 2009 and is scheduled to start the second phase of development this year and next. The third stage is due to begin in 2016/2017. Travellers made its market debut last November, raising $470 million in a scaled back IPO. The shares closed their first day down 0.2 percent. Travellers also plans a second casino, Resorts World Bayshore, that is scheduled to open in 2017.

City of Dreams Manila, a venture between Belle and Melco Crown, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2014 with a total investment of $1 billion.

Melco recently arranged a $340 million loan to expedite completion of the project.

Manila Bay Resorts, backed by Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada’s Universal Entertainment, says it is on track to open the first phase of its $2 billion project in 2015. Okada recently teamed with local developer Century Properties to comply with the Philippines’ rules on foreign land ownership.

Solaire Resorts & Casino, owned by Bloomberry Resorts, opened in 2013 and is scheduled to open its Phase 1A expansion in the third quarter of 2014.

The investment in the latest stage was $450 million and will include more non-gaming amenities.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) operates 13 casinos and recently expanded its operations on Bacolod, opening a new location in the L’Fisher Hotel.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

The incentive structure between MCP and Belle could drive some conflict of interest and face some teething issues in the opening, Macquarie analysts say The government is targeting 1 m tourists by 2016 for Entertainment City, with total investment in the zone put at $5.8 b. Some analysts say that may be an ambitious target

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Greater China

CHINA

Booming lottery sales provide ample opportunities STATS While gambling is illegal in mainland China, the country’s state lottery system is booming, driven by the development of new products and online sales that provide opportunities for suppliers.

Sports betting was the fastest-growing area of the market, with sales up almost 20 percent last year, while Welfare Lottery sales gained almost 17 percent. Among recent developments, Cantor Gaming said it has made its first significant move in China through a partnership with investment firm Global Entertainment Investment & Management and the Tianjin Welfare Lottery. Cantor will provide the technology, systems and infrastructure for Cantor Club, a new venue in the city of Tianjin. The venue will allow members to play a variety of lottery games and also features mah-jong parlours and dining facilities.

China LotSynergy also recently said it has developed a telephone lottery sales system for Shanghai Welfare Lottery Issuance Centre. The group will receive a fee on a fixed-percentage revenue sharing basis. The telephone lottery sales platform provides telephone sales service for a variety of Lotto and high frequency lottery games for lottery players in Shanghai.

Y13 Lottery Sales $51.1b, +18.3% Welfare $29.1b, +16.9% Sports $21.9, +20.2% Y14E Lottery sales $80b While gambling is totally banned, a number of cashless casinos - rewards clubs - have been sprouting in Hainan. The Central Government has finally come in with a heavy hand

In a move that threatened the future of the virtual currency Bitcoin in one of its potentially largest markets, China banned third party payment providers from allowing customers to make deposits into Bitcoin exchanges. However, it did not outlaw the currency altogether and exchanges such as BTC-China, Huobi and OKCoin have found ways to bypass the payment processors and trading has continued almost unabated.

HONG KONG

Jockey Club taps into online gamers The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs the only legal forms of betting in the Special Administrative Region, has been expanding its digital stable to tap into the booming trend for online gaming. The number of 3G and 4G customers has more than doubled in Hong Kong in less than three years, with clients using devices in all aspects of their lives. The HKJC recently introduced a new mobile horse racing app for iPads. Racing Touch allows users to bet on horse racing, while also providing information about races and the horses.

The launch of the app comes a year after the introduction of ‘ibu’, the world’s largest multi-touch entertainment table interface. The club is now seen as one of Asia’s leading online gambling operators, benefiting from its monopoly position. Outside of activities regulated by the club, gambling remains illegal in Hong Kong.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

STATS

Y13 Horse racing HK$94b, +12.3% FY13 Football betting $50b, +7% HKJC net margin $8.78b, +8.3% Cruise ships are growing in popularity as a quick and cheap alternative to travelling to Macau’s casinos, but tend to target lower tier players and aren’t seen as a threat to casino operators HKJC tax contributions hit a record HK$17.64b in Y12/Y13, equivalent to 7.3% of all taxes collected in the territory

Greater China

21

MACAU

Prospects still bright despite regional competition Macau turned in a record-breaking performance in 2013, with gross gaming revenue hitting $45 billion and, despite increasing competition from regional neighbours, the market is tipped for further growth

STATS

Y13 GGR $45b, +18.6% Dec. 2013 GGR $4.19b •Y14E 15% consensus • Y18E $85b

In little more than a decade, the Chinese territory has risen from a sleepy outpost with $2 billion turnover to become a market seven times the size of Las Vegas.

( GRAPH )

Although most analysts don’t expect Macau to top last year’s 18.6 percent growth rate in 2014, the consensus remains for a solid increase in the low-tomid teens this year. Bank of America Merrill Lynch recently said the market has the potential to double to $85 billion by 2018.

There are several driving factors behind the optimism, including the changing face of the tourist industry in the city.

Most industry observers agree the VIP market may have peaked, but the premium mass market is expected to fuel gains - good news for the operators given their bigger margins in the latter. Revenue from mass-market baccarat was 41.8 percent higher in the third quarter than a year before at $3 billion, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau says. It made up 26.7 percent of the third-quarter casino gross gaming revenue, the most since the fourth quarter of 2005. Despite this growth, the market is still seen as being relatively untapped.

There has also been a huge increase in mass-gaming minimum bets, which have risen from HK$300 two years ago to HK$1,000 now. This is a supply and demand adjustment given the table cap policy.

Over the next few years, some 20,000 new hotel rooms are expected to become available and may help further attract the mass market gambler by bringing down the average room rate of Macau’s hotels.

Casino operators are also likely to benefit from broadening their appeal to offer more non-gaming attractions, such as shows and other entertainment. The development of the Chimelong theme park on neighboring Hengqin island is expected to help this trend and provide much needed overspill for Macau’s limited land space.

Another major driver for Macau will be the growing outbound Chinese travel market. Visitors from the mainland accounted for 63 percent of total arrivals last year. However, only 1 percent of China’s more than 1.3 billion people visit Macau, compared with 10 percent of the U.S. population travelling to Las Vegas.

Macau’s gaming stocks were up about 73 percent in 2013.

MGM

SJM

MCE

GEG

SCL WYN

The Hengqin new area reportedly will not be open to gaming companies, meaning visitors wanting to gamble will still need to cross into Macau One dark cloud may be a regulatory clampdown, with a U.S. federal commission saying there is “significant” risk of money laundering in the territory New openings in Cotai between Y15-Y18 will need between 5,000 to 8,000 new slotsmachines

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Greater China

MACAU • SJM Holdings (880:HK) holds the biggest market share with 20 casinos, though that percentage dropped to 23.5 percent in Jan. 2014 from 24.7 percent in 2013. Its $3.2 billion Palazzo Versace development is scheduled to come online in 2017. The company has indicated it may be interested in opportunities in Japan. SJM’s Q3 gaming revenue grew 11.4 percent to HK$21.05 billion while adjusted EBITDA was up 8 percent to HK$2.04 billion.

• Galaxy Entertainment Group (27.HK) grew its market share to 21

percent in Jan. 2014 from 18.6 percent in 2013 with six casinos. The company is investing $2.5 billion in the second phase of its Galaxy Macau development, which is scheduled to come online in 2015. The expansion will nearly double the capacity of the resort. GEG’s Q3 revenue rose 16 percent to HK$16.3 billion while adjusted EBITDA increased 24 percent to HK$3.2 billion ($413 million).

• Wynn Macau (1128:HK) currently has one casino and a market share of 8.9 percent in Jan. 2014, compared with 11 percent in 2013. It’s $4 billion Wynn Palace development is scheduled to come online in the first half of 2016, with approximately 2,000 rooms and 500 table games. Wynn Macau Q3 net profits increased 18 percent to $240.6 million. Casino revenue as a whole rose by 10.1 percent to $944 million.

• Sands China (1928:HK) had 21.7 percent market share in Jan. 2014

with four casinos, the same as its 2013 share. Analysts say the company has had a lower room occupancy than rivals in Cotai, meaning it has more potential for revenue growth if it fills the rooms. The company’s new developments include the $3 billion The Parisian that is scheduled to come online in 2015. Sands China Q3 revenue rose 43 percent to $2.34 billion. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 61 percent to $785.3 million.

• Melco Crown Entertainment (6883.HK) has three casinos and

a market share of 13.7 percent in Jan. 2014, comparable with its 2013 share of 14 percent. Its third-quarter revenue rose 24 percent to US$1.25 billion.

Melco recently awarded France’s Bouygues a $488 million contract to build a six-star hotel. The 39-floor building will be part of the City of Dreams and will have 783 bedrooms, a casino, restaurants, conference rooms and a sky pool.

The company is also investing $2.9 billion in its Studio City project, scheduled for mid 2015. Melco Crown will be the first of Macau’s operators to expand regionally with the opening of the City of Dreams in Manila in 2014. It has also expressed interest in expanding in Japan.

• MGM Macau (2282:HK) has one casino and a market share of 11.2

percent in Jan. 2014, growing from 10 percent in 2013. Its new developments include the MGM Cotai, which is a $2.5 billion project scheduled for completion mid 2016. MGM China Q3 revenue rose 22 percent to $808 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization were up 25 percent at $191 million. EBITDA lagged the average estimate of $202 million.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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25

SOUTH KOREA

Mulls casino reforms, restricts online gaming President Park Geun-Hye may be warming to the idea of integrated resorts in the country, despite two proposals to the previous administration put forward by a Lippo/ Caesars consortium and Universal Entertainment having been turned down last year

STATS

Y12 GGR $2.19b • Y13 total sales, including lotteries and horse racing, $18.2b, -0.1% • Lotteries $2.9b Horse racing $7.1b Cycle racing $1.8b

Planned moves to open up markets in neighbouring countries have generated a flurry of excitement and investment pledges, while capturing the attention of policymakers in South Korea. Lawmaker Park Chang-Sik, who is pushing for an opening of the market, says he sees room for three integrated resorts, with two on the mainland and one on Jeju Island.

The government has said it may reduce barriers to entry for companies developing resort-scale casinos in designated economic development zones following complaints from investors that the country’s requirement for a BBB credit rating was too stringent. The report follows news that PNC Capital & Investment Bank Group plans a $6.5 billion casino complex resort in an economic free zone in Yeongjong district in Incheon. PNC has submitted a letter of intent to Korea Land Housing Corporation for ‘Kingdom World’ on a plot of 2.4 million square-meters of land.

The country currently has 17 casinos, though only one is open to locals - High One Resort, operated by Kangwon Land. Slot occupancy is well over 100 percent 24/7 with long lines every morning and seats being traded for cash.

Sands, MGM, Wynn, Melco Crown have all made it clear they would be prepared to invest billions of dollars if “open” gaming were expanded beyond Kangwon Land’s High One Resort.

In South Korea, operators are already positioning themselves. Paradise Co., the country’s longest running and only major private casino operator, appears to have stolen a march on rivals with plans for a medium-sized $1.7 billion integrated casino resort with Japan’s Sega Sammy in the port city of Incheon, opening in 2017. This is a major change considering that Paradise stuck to its business model of an urban casino hotel for more than a decade, even after the introduction of Kangwon Land, and three Seven Luck foreigners’ only operations, run by the government corporation Grand Korea Leisure.

The Seoul, Busan, Jeju and Incheon markets have the largest market shares in that order. Since 2008, Seoul casino revenues grew by 57%, with Busan at 85%, Jeju at 69% and Incheon at 131%, according to KORE Co. research Kazuo Okada’s Universal Entertainment has reportedly purchased a 136 square-meters site in Yeongjong Sky City and may seek a casino license again

Universal Entertainment, controlled by Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada, has reportedly purchased a 136 square-meters site in Yeongjong Sky City and may seek a casino license again, while PNC Capital & Investment has submitted a letter of intent to the state-run land developer for a seven trillion won casino resort project.

However, despite the apparent warming to more casinos, there has been increasing opposition to online gaming in South Korea, with parliament reportedly considering a law that would put online gaming in the same category as drugs and alcohol. The legislation, which has upset gaming companies, includes provisions to limit advertising, while a separate bill would take 1 percent of the gaming industry’s revenue to create a fund to curb addiction.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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North Asia

NORTH KOREA

Chinese tourists revive fortunes of Emperor Resort Chinese tourists appear to be reviving the fortunes of Emperor Resort & Casino in North Korea’s remote Rason district

STATS

Y13E GGR $2.34b • Y14E GGR $2.98b • Y17E 4.8b

After a troubled past, the hotel appears to be doing a roaring trade, and most signs indicate the trend is set to continue.

The resort, owned by Hong Kong’s Emperor Group, first opened its doors in 2000, some nine years after the insular Pyongyang regime designated the northeastern province of Rason a special economic zone. However, for years Rason languished with geopolitical tensions, international sanctions, and domestic policies all serving to hobble North Korea’s economy. Some 20 years later, the situation may be changing.

The North Korean economy returned to growth in 2011, expanding by 0.8 percent, with that trend continuing last year with growth of 1.3 percent.

In Rason, legal changes made in 2010 served to detach the SEZ from the regional government and make it more autonomous. Further changes in 2012 helped harmonize Rason’s economic laws with those of China. Late last year a new 50-km road linking Rajin with Hunchun in neighboring Jilin province opened, funded by the Chinese government. There are also moves in place to bring power over from Jilin province to tackle the area’s chronic power failures.

Trade between China and Rason is currently estimated at about $6 billion.

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has pulled its sponsorship of U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman’s visits to North Korea following criticism from human rights groups. Rodman held an exhibition basketball game in the North Korean capital on January 8 to celebrate leader Kim Jong-un’s birthday Estimates put the number of visitors to North Korea at about 250,000 annually, with about 95% of those coming from China.

Mainland visitors were up about 22.5% to 237,400 in 2012

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

North Asia

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RUSSIA

Illegal gambling, corruption deters foreign investment Underground gambling is thriving in Moscow, formerly the most profitable hub in Russia’s $7.8 billion market, with a national ban imposed in 2009 only serving to spawn a boom in illegal casinos

STATS

Y08 GGR $7.8b Illegal market GGR E $15b Primorye Y2022E GGR $5.2b

Illegal gambling dens and official corruption are seen as posing a serious threat to efforts to attract foreign investment to the country’s four official russian gambling zones.

“There are approximately a thousand flats scattered around Moscow where you can gamble if you know the owner of the place or have a good reputation among its standing customers,” an officer of The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) recently told AGBrief on condition of anonymity. He estimates that the annual turnover of Russia’s gambling industry has jumped by 150 percent since the ban was imposed, from $6 billion per year to more than $15 billion per year.

In 2008, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs put the size of the market at $7.8 billion. According to Moscow’s Prosecutor Sergei Kudeneyev, nearly 600 illegal gambling establishments were discovered in the first six months of 2013, twice the number in the same period of 2012.

The prevalence of illegal gambling is thought to be one of the reasons deterring foreign investors into official gambling zones, in particular Altai, known as Siberian Coin. Touted as a “gambling paradise” the region has only two confirmed investors – Alti and Energy-M, which are both owned by local companies. Alti plans to invest more than 420 million rubles ($13 million) in the gambling zone. Energia M has not revealed the amount of its investment. The first casino in the zone was scheduled to start operations by the end of 2013, after having been postponed at least three times since the original start date of 2010.

Sister gaming zone Primorye is faring better. Gaming Market Advisors, a US-based research firm that has been advising the Primorye authorities, estimates that the zone will generate $5.2 billion in annual gaming revenue by 2022. Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp has plans for a $350 million integrated resort, gaming and entertainment complex near the port city of Vladivostok.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Ho is investing in two Russian gambling resorts worth $630 million as he expands his businesses overseas. Melco International Development and Summit Ascent Holdings, both backed by Ho, will buy a combined 51 percent stake in a holding company that will develop the two casino hotels.

Russia is considering legislation to legalize online betting. The bill would allow bookmakers to operate online with a license, but all bets will have to go through a special non-bank credit organization Russia’s gambling industry has exploded, growing 150% since casinos were banned in 2009 to more than $15b per year, a Federal Security Service official told AGBrief

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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North Asia

TAIWAN

Stage set for first casino to open by 2019 The Taiwan Legislature’s Transportation Committee reviewed the long-awaited Tourist Casino Management Act draft bill in one of its first acts of the New Year However, the committee passed a resolution that will restrict casino operations to outlying islands, and only if they receive the approval of local residents.

That’s likely to have thrown cold water on some investment interest in the island. Although the original intentions of the bill had always been to keep gambling resorts off Taiwan’s mainland and out of the proximity of the capital Taipei, significant buzz had been building late last year that the government may have been willing to reconsider.

STATS

Y13 Welfare Lottery sales $4.0b •Y14E sales $3.47b (Source: Taiwan Lottery Co. exclusive contract to operate Welfare Lottery)

An advisor to the Taoyuan government had said it was interested in courting interest from the gaming industry with a view to creating an entertainment hub around the airport there. That would have provided easy access for visitors from across the region and would likely have proved a more attractive proposition for the major casino operators.

As it is, casinos will be restricted to locations such as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu island, which is a stone’s throw from the coast of the Mainland, but about an hour from the capital. These more remote locations may need additional infrastructure and improved transportation systems. Weidner Resorts, headed by former Sands Corp president William Weidner, owns land on the island and in a 2012 campaign to win local support, pledged to build a bridge and a new airport as part of ambitious resort plans.

Galaxy Entertainment has also expressed an interest, saying late last year it would be prepared to spend at least $2.58 billion in Taiwan if the market is opened up. Other potential names so far are unclear, although Caesars Entertainment, Melco Crown, LVS and Howarm Construction have all previously been named as potentially interested.

One of Taiwan’s main benefits is also seen as one of its main detractions, and that’s its proximity to China. Taiwan resorts are likely to be highly reliant on business from its mainland neighbour, which already makes up about 37 percent of tourist arrivals.

Outbound Chinese tourism numbers and spending are expected to surge. The China Tourism Academy predicts that the total number of outbound visitors from China will exceed 100 million by 2015. They spent US$102 billion in 2012, overtaking both Americans and Germans to become the highest spenders in the world, according to COTRI. However, while current relations across the Taiwan Straits appear to be going through a period of calm, there is always the possibility for friction.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

Wayi International Digital Entertainment, an online gaming company, says its online store would start taking bitcoins as a form of payment this year, claiming to be the first in Taiwan to accept the digital currency Galaxy Entertainment eyes Taiwan, prepared to invest at least $2.58b, if the market is opened up

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Japan may get its first casino in time for the Olympics in 2020.

The regulatory structure could be in place in 2015, with the selection of sites and the tendering process to be held in 2016-17

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

North Asia

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JAPAN

The next big thing Japan’s move to legalize casinos is undoubtedly the gambling story to watch in 2014, with major operators already working behind the scenes to lay the groundwork in what’s forecast to become the world’s second-biggest market due to pent-up domestic demand

STATS

Y1E GGR $10b Pachinko revenue (E) $230b Pachinko 12,652 machines

Most analysts predict the potential in the first year alone will be for revenue of about $10 billion, far behind Macau’s $45 billion, but immediately overtaking Las Vegas with about $6.2 billion.

The bill presented to the Japanese Diet on December 5th was for the promotion of Integrated Resort Facilities. It ultimately foresees the creation of a cabinet committee headed by the prime minister and consisting of an advisory body, with support from the cabinet office secretariat, according to Japan expert, prof.

Toru Mihara, Director of The Institute of Amusement Industry Studies, Osaka University of Commerce.

The location of resorts will be selected by the state, based on proposals from local governments. The local governments that are selected will be able to proceed to a competitive bidding process to choose an operator, or investor for the site. The developer will then need to apply for a casino license from the State Regulatory Authority.

The regulatory structure will be in place in 2015, with the selection of sites and the tendering process to be held in 2016-17. Japan may get its first casino in time for the Olympics in 2020. However, Deutsche Bank in a recent report said that timetable may be tight.

The exact number of licenses on offer is still the subject of debate, but it’s likely that initially the numbers will be limited. There are likely to be two categories, with one for big cities and others for regional locations, and the numbers limited in each category. UBS in its top predictions for 2014 reckons the government will give the go-ahead for at least two integrated resorts.

Unlike many jurisdictions around Asia, Japan will be open to local residents which, given the country’s large and wealthy population, is seen as a key part of the appeal.

As a result, all major global players, including Las Vegas Sands, Genting, MGM Resorts, SJM Holdings and Melco Crown have expressed interest, either independently or with a joint venture partner, as have local companies.

Citibank in a report on gaming in Asia said it believes many partnerships are already close to being sealed.

Las Vegas Sands is seen as a key contender for a Japan license because of its strong balance sheet and management experience. The company is expected to go it alone rather than team up with a local partner Dynam Japan holdings recently doubled its holding in Macau Legend with a $50 million investment in a bid to learn more about the casino industry. Dynam has its own mid-to-long-term plans to enter the casino market in Japan

MGM Resorts Chief Executive Jim Murren recently called Japan the next big bet in Asia. His company and others have been laying the groundwork in Tokyo and Osaka should the government give the go-ahead, but Murren said no one has an inside track.

In a move widely interpreted as laying its own groundwork, Melco Crown Entertainment has pledged $10 million for cultural projects in Japan, signaling its commitment to the country ahead of the bidding process for casino licenses. >>> AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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North Asia

JAPAN So who are seen as the current favorites?

Most analysts tip Las Vegas Sands as a key contender, with Deutsche Bank pointing to its strong balance sheet and management experience. The German bank said it expected the company to seek to go it alone in Japan rather than team up with a local partner.

Sands is said to be looking at possible sites including the Odaiba section of Tokyo, an island of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, between Haneda airport and the business district surrounding the city’s main train station. Sands late last year also pulled out of plans for a huge integrated resort project in Spain, ostensibly to focus on its ambitions in Asia.

Wynn Resorts was seen as the second favourite, Deutsche Bank said, adding it had been surprised at the company’s brand equity in the Japanese market.

Japan may well favor an Asian operator for at least one of the IRs, and Melco Crown Entertainment is viewed as a strong contender. Melco Chairman Lawrence Ho recently said he has been actively fielding calls from potential partners for Japan ventures. He said MCE could invest $5 billion if granted a license.

MGM Resorts was “mentioned less frequently,” as an operator, the bank said.

Galaxy Entertainment indicated it would be prepared to invest $2.58 billion, while Mitsui Fudosan Co, Japan’s biggest property developer, is teaming up with media firm Fuji Media Holdings and builder Kajima Corp. to develop a proposed casino and resort complex in Tokyo. The project would involve a hotel, conference centre and casino in Odaiba, near Tokyo Bay. At present the gambling market in Japan is dominated by the country’s pachinko parlours, which are similar to slot machines. Annual pachinko revenue has been put at a staggering $230 billion a year, the highest gaming revenue in the world, giving a clear indication of how much money may be on the table for casino operators.

Given the limited numbers of casinos, it’s unlikely that the new resorts will steal much of the pachinko market’s trade.

However, the advent of new, regulated casinos may give legislators the impetus to revise regulations governing the pachinko sector, which at present are seen as ambiguous.

The online gambling sector at present is illegal and is likely to remain so.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

33

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

34

Australasia

Pacific Isles

Saipan nixes casinos, opens to gaming machines, VLTs It was a case of two out of three for Saipan last year.

The government pushed through a bill allowing video lottery terminals and electronic gaming machines, but nixed allowing casinos on the island, pending further investigation, potentially from outside experts

New law defines electronic table games to include poker, roulette, baccarat, craps, big wheel, slot machines, baccarat, pai gow, sic bo and other variations

Saipan Governor Eloy Inos signed an amendment to a bill in December redefining a gambling device. The move will allow the operation of electronic gaming machines in hotels on Saipan. The law allows machines in hotels with at least 100 rooms. If they have less than 100 rooms they must be attached to a golf course. The government made the change as a revenue raising exercise.

The governor said he approved the measure to assist the CNMI in meeting its obligations to the Settlement Fund and the NMI Retirement Fund.

Video lottery terminals have also been approved after a law passed in October.

The terminals are strictly limited to golf resorts, hotels that have at least 100 rooms, or at any airport departure area that is accessible to departing passengers only.

However, the Senate shelved a bill by a vote of seven-to-one to allow casino gambling on Saipan.

Casino gambling is only legal on Tinian and Rota and both are gearing up for more gaming activities. Rota reportedly has an investor prepared to spend $500 million to build three five star hotels and acquire aircraft.

On Tinian, the renovation of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino has begun, with work being carried out by a contractor from Australia. While Mega Stars is also looking at building another hotel on Tinian at Puntan Kastiyu.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

Government passes electronic gaming bill to raise funds to meet pension and other social obligations. 60% of takings to restore the 25% cut in retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pension

35

Australasia

AUSTRALIA

Casino monopolies break down in Queensland Casino monopolies may become a thing of the past as Queensland becomes the latest state to open up the market, with proposals for three new IR licenses However, gambling revenue in Australia is forecast to remain sluggish on weak consumer sentiment. December Queensland gaming revenue was up +2.5 percent taking 1H14 growth to +1.6 percent pcp, but this was below H1’13 growth of 3 percent. Analysts are saying that success in attracting wealthy Asian clientele will be key to the market’s success.

STATS

Y12 GGR $2.06b, +3.2 % • Y12 (ends June) Casino GGR $509.3m, +8 percent • Gaming machines outside casinos $856m, -0.3% • Lotteries $419m. +3.5% • NZ Racing Board $286m, +4.9%

Australia’s states have long been loyal to one casino operator each. Although the introduction of poker machines in some states in the 1990s (they were already available in NSW) changed the gaming ground somewhat, operators have always been sole licensees.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has said the stranglehold has led to a lack of investment in the state’s casinos, which now seem outdated and are failing to live up to their full potential.

The state government in December called for expressions of interest to develop three new integrated resorts, with one in Brisbane and two in other areas.

It wants to attract operators capable of developing world-class five-or-six star resorts that will attract the regional high-rollers. Eight operators have so far submitted expressions of interest for the licenses, but the deadline is 31 March 2014, so more are expected before then.

Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung appears ready to step up to the plate. He has proposed a $4.2 billion mega resort, to be called Aquis, north of Cairns that would include nine luxury hotels, a casino and golf course at Yorkey’s Knob. He also recently offered to pay A$214 million ($199 million) to buy Reef Casino Trust to gain a foothold in the Australian gaming market. Reef Casino Trust owns the only casino in Cairns, the entrance town to the Great Barrier Reef.

James Packer’s Crown Resorts is also interested in the market and is discussing plans to develop a A$1.5 billion dollar casino along the Brisbane River.

The incumbent license holder, Echo Entertainment, is countering with a A$1.3 billion offer for a new casino and will swap the Treasury Building it currently holds.

However, Echo, may lose out for allegedly not living up to a promise to upgrade its Gold Coast property.

When plans for new licenses were originally mooted, Redmond expressed doubt over whether the market could support a second casino in the city. In fact, recent reports back up the fact that the Australian gaming market has far to go to catch up with Asian peers.

Fitch Ratings predicts growth in the 3-5 percent range for 2014, lagging behind its forecast of 12 percent for Macau.

However Citibank, which pegged 2013 growth at 3 percent, has noted strong growth in the VIP sector, which accounts for 26 percent of GGR. It estimates Australian growth of 8 percent for the 2014 financial year, based mainly on VIPs, of which junkets make up a reasonable share.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has taken a more pro-gambling stance than his predecessor, overturning efforts by the previous coalition government to target problem gambling in the pokies industry Spending on lotteries in South Australia is booming, raising concerns amongst anti-gambling campaigners. According to the SA Lotteries 2012/13 annual report, total spending rose almost 10% to $411.6m

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NEW ZEALAND

SkyCity poised for growth on green light for expansion The company got the go-ahead to expand its gaming operations in Auckland in return for building a more than $402 million convention centre In return, SkyCity saw its casino license extended until 2048 and gets the right to 230 more gaming machines and 52 more tables. SkyCity says the extra gambling concessions won’t come into effect until it signs a building contract, probably in September 2014. The convention centre is planned to be built by 2017.

STATS

Y12 GGR $2.06b, +3.2% Y12 Casino GGR $509.3m, +8% Outside casinos $856m, -0.3% Lotteries $419m. +3.5% NZ Racing Board $286m, +4.9%

The company - which operates another two properties in Australia - also won approval last October for a AUD350 million ($314 million) investment to turn its Adelaide property into an integrated resort. The company said the upgrade should help it expand its current 10 percent share of the market around the city and sees significant upside potential.

The company says the current facilities are contributing to poor performance and provide “an inferior, un-attractive, inefficient and uncompetitive premium and main floor EGM player experience”.

SkyCity gets casino license extended until 2048, 230 more gaming machines and 52 more tables in return for convention centre investment Visitor arrivals rose 5% in the year to November to reach 2.7m, with Australian visitors rising by 52,700, China arrivals up 36,400 and the United States arrivals up 19,000

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Exploit the limitless opportunities in Asian sports betting and interactive gaming Distinguished speaker line up: Gaming Operators:

William Mummery Executive Director SBOBET

David Leppo CEO Footballbet.com

Dennis Valdes CEO Philweb

Erik Backlund Head of Sportsbook Unibet

Frank Schuengel Mobile Channel Manager & Product Development 188bet

Gustaf Hagman Founder, Director LeoVegas Gaming

Harish Narayanan President, Asia Paddy Power

Johan Styren CEO LeoVegas Gaming

Marco Trucco Gaming Director Eurobet

Mike O’Kane Business Director Ladbrokes

Nigel Birrell Group Director - Mergers and Acquisitions BwinParty

Paul Fox Head of Sportsbook Bodog Asia

What it takes to succeed in Asia’s interactive gaming market. iGaming Asia Congress 2014 brings together 250+ attendees representing Asian facing sports books, gaming companies and industry experts who will discuss the strategies needed to succeed in Asia’s online gaming market.

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Payments and Digital Currency Mobile Gaming and Sports Betting Search, Marketing and Social Media Financing and Venture Capital Innovation in Online Casino China’s Lottery Market and Opportunities Accessing Asia’s iGaming Markets Social Casino and Gaming Future of Online Sports Betting New Developments in Sports Betting Jurisdictions Official Drinks Sponsor

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Alan Pedley, Principal Consultant, Gaming Associates Albert Climent, Founder, Pokerwala Allen Yan, CEO, Spade9 Bernard Marantelli, CEO & Founder, Colossus Bets Bruce Elliott, Group Commercial Director, Boston Group Carl Wahlin, CEO, Intertainment Asia Chris Wieners, Managing Director, Hogo Digital Craig Cook, CTO, Playality Erik Lorenz, Managing Director of Sales, Sportradar Erik Voorhees, Founder, Coinapult Geaspar Byrne, Head of Corporate Development Strategic Planning & IR, AGTech Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Asian Business Development, Inspired Gaming Group John Sun, Chairman & CEO, AGTech Kapil Khanna, CEO, Future Gaming Keith McDonnell, CEO, KM iGaming Kelvin Lai, Strategic Advisor, Xin Tian Di Entertainment Matt Pollins, Associate, Olswang Asia Matthew Cullen, President, Rocketplay Dr Olivier Maugain, CEO, AsiaAnalytics Peter Greenhill, CEO, e-Gaming Development, Isle of Man Raf Keustermans, Co-Founder, CEO, Plumbee Richard Hogg, CMO, Betting Promotion Simon Burrdige, Chairman, TopBetta Thomas Klingebiel, General Manager, Asia Sports Digital Tim Shepherd, COO, Silver Heritage Vicenç Martí, CEO, Akamon

To register, go online www.iGamingAsiaCongress.com or contact Beacon Events at +852 2219 0111 or info@beaconevents.com

It’s going to be “sensational” Highlights of the event this year include the World Regulatory Assembly, produced in partnership with leading gaming associations including IAGA, ECA, NCF and IAGR, an International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) Masterclass, seminars on Tribal Gaming, Bitcoin, and India, and a live hacking demonstration as part of the Think Tank feature Asia Gambling Brief is very pleased to be attending and supporting the 2014 edition of ICE Totally Gaming.

AGB is moderating an Asia panel as part of Clarion’s exclusive The Executive Network (TEN), which is open to VIP members only, on Wednesday morning. Featuring the top advisor to the Japanese Government, the chairman of the Casino Regulatory Authority in Singapore, and the head of Paddy Power Asia, the panel will look at the future of competition and regulation in the world’s largest gaming market.

ICE Totally Gaming is the world’s largest business-to-business gaming event occupying 55,000 sqm. Taking place at ExCeL London (4-6th February) ICE is on course to welcome in excess of 20,000 gaming professionals from over 100 countries.

Event organiser Clarion has come up with an intriguing new marketing campaign - SENSATIONAL ICE focusing on the sense of smell, to try to break attendance records for the fourth year in a row. To achieve this the 2014 edition will have to exceed the 2013 audited attendance of 22,247 which itself was a 4.3 percent increase on 2012, 8.6 percent up on 2011 and a 17.8 percent uplift on the figures for 2010.

ICE is the only business-to-business event to bring together both the online and offline gaming worlds under one roof, and the only exhibition to provide a truly global perspective on gaming trends, with 65% of exhibitors drawn from outside its host country. These unique characteristics are the key motivators in attracting the thousands of gaming professionals who come to London each year. ICE is unique in that it is both a business and an information exchange event which results in a very senior tranche of Chief Executives, thought leaders and buyers.

Visitors attending the 2014 edition of ICE Totally Gaming will have access to 67 new exhibitors drawn from across the international gaming community. Topping the league table of new exhibitors is host nation the United Kingdom with 15 new exhibitors, followed by Malta (9), Austria (4), Cyprus, Gibraltar and Greece (3). The first time exhibitors at ICE 2014 are drawn from a total of 30 countries, once again confirming the international credentials of the world’s biggest b2b gaming event.

In addition, more than 80 gaming industry writers representing some 50 international media channels will be in attendance at February’s event.

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ExCeL, London | 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 Feb 2014

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AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

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Winning Asia through security Italian company Abbiati Casino Equipment has added a brand new range of security features to its chips, plaques and jetons to satisfy even the most demanding clients. “The security of chips, plaques and jetons has always been a goal for our company and as a sign of this we are always researching new materials and technologies to make our products safer against counterfeiting” said Giorgio Abbiati, the company’s CEO. “High-end products with a big variety of innovative security features have led to very important orders in the Asian market, where Abbiati has had a very significant expansion in the last years,” the company CEO underlines. In addition to their casino currency products, Abbiati Casino Equipment will also showcase a robust range of Live Gaming on tables in various configurations and styles, among them the American Roulette wheels with a selection of Winning Number Displays, one of their many models that is renowned for its unique aesthetics, security features and high-end ergonomics. The company continues to improve its Poker Division and will showcase both cash and game tournaments with customized poker chips, playing cards, poker tables, various ranges of prices, chairs and related accessories. “This year will be our 20th year of participation at the ICE show,” said Giorgio Abbiati, “and our team is eager to take part in this exciting anniversary edition.”

Abbiati Casino Equipment will be at stand S12-130.

Signature flare on Wheels The entire Ainsworth team will be at ICE to promote the Premium Plus titles showcased in the A560 Wide Boy cabinet, namely Reels of Wheels, King Spin and Cash Challenge. Connecting 5 wheels to 5 reels, the Reels of Wheels, with 8 exciting free games, have wheels that will spin to determine wild symbols linked to reels 1 through to 5, so players get guaranteed wild symbols, multipliers and continuous rewards with 4 levels of Standalone Progressive with a Grand Progressive Jackpot.

Ainsworth will also release its new link progressive games, such as Treasure Storm and Oriental Fortune plus Mystery products: Golden Goose Mystery, Big Chief Mystery, Glitter Mystery, Wolf King II Mystery and Hummin Mystery, along with other new concept brands due for release in 2014, and classic brands in its GamePLus library like Quad Shot, Double Hit, Triple Shot, and High Denom. At ICE 2014 two new brands: Wheel Winner and Crazy Ways will also be unveiled. Scott Clarebrough, group general manager Strategy & Development, says, “Ainsworth is excited to present our latest additions to ICE; our new games truly combine our premium math models with the Ainsworth flare for entertainment and fun.”

Ainsworth will be at stand N6-120.

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New concept commemorates landmark anniversary Alfastreet’s 20th anniversary coincides with ICE 2014, and to celebrate the company will be unveiling a new single terminal concept. “This year’s show will mark a special milestone for us, as we are preparing a largely anticipated machine, that is destined to change the world of electronic gaming machines, with a unique fusion of past and future,” said Alfastreet sales director Albert Radman.

Radman describes the new Alfastreet single terminal concept as a “never before seen revolutionary ergonomic setup,” with infinite adaptability that will make it the yardstick for all the machines in its class after its launch. The Alfastreet booth will be packed with surprises. “It is a special occasion as we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary and we want to make every visitor welcome and comfortable to experience the fruits of our collective effort, devotion and passion that will shine hard through our machines,” Radman adds.

Alfastreet will be at stand S11-130.

Aliquantum signs deal with Casino Technology Slot manufacturer Casino Technology will supply its portfolio of games to AliQuantum customers, including subsidiary Plus-Five white labels, in return for access to its customer base, including the Bulgarian market.

Plus-Five Gaming offers a cost-effective way to enter the world of online gaming by providing a complete end-to-end White Label service with fully branded and customised gaming sites, full Payment Processing and Customer Service.

Both online and mobile sites are available with a single customer Wallet. We offer our business partners “best of breed” games from leading software providers, the company underlines.

Plus-Five operates with a Class 1 casino licence from the LGA in Malta. Our platform company AliQuantum Gaming, provide us with a robust, flexible, scalable and proven platform. The AliQuantum gaming platform holds a Class 4 platform license from the LGA in Malta and has been in live operation since 2003, providing Mobile and Internet gaming, Single wallet Account Management, Marketing and CRM facilities, Multiple Currencies and Languages.

AliQuantum and Plus-Five Gaming will be at stand N12-130

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The time is Now! Amatic Industries will be launching Amatic Now!, a multiple-channel gaming platform at ICE 2014. A result of extensive research, Amatic Now! focuses on giving players the gaming experience they want when they want it by allowing players to access their favourite Amatic games wherever they are. A link between land-based, online and mobile gaming means that players can now engage in their favourite games on a host of mediums, such as PCs, tablets, smartphones or slot machines.

Electronic roulette multi-players can also be connected to Amatic Now! so slot games and traditional roulette will be available on multi-players. This way, players can enjoy roulette, then slot games without having to leave their seat.

Also on display will be the curved Performer gaming cabinet; the updated X4000 Amatic cabinet friend, which is a clearer, brighter version of the X3000; and the Grand Jeu electronic roulette with Amatic Now! and the king of all the Amatic roulettes, the fully automated dual-wheel Grand Jeu Double, which combines two individual roulette wheels, which can be set so both play at the same time.

Amatic will also be unveiling new games including Billy’s Gang; 80 Days; Casanova; Aztec Secret; Baron Munchhausen; GrandX and Pharao II. Amatic Industries will be exhibiting on stand S6-150.

Only the best for ICE Aristocrat Technologies will launch its most innovative and diverse range of gaming solutions at ICE 2014. At last September’s G2E in Las Vegas, Aristocrat unveiled what was described by the firm’s European Sales & Marketing Director, Donal Maguire as “the company’s best showcase to date.”

“Around 80 percent of the games being shown at ICE 2014 will be instantly available. But it’s the quality, calibre and inspiration behind the myriad new themes and gaming concepts being introduced to players in EMEA that really sets the 2014 Aristocrat range apart,” added Maguire.

One of the highlights at the exhibition is the E*Series, a new generation of entertainment-style play games with high-end graphics, syncopated sounds and engrossing math models. Game titles that will be showcased include Golden Amulet, Silver TreasureS and Sky Rider. Four more E*Series families, each with two complementary game titles, will also be launched at ICE. Aristocrat will be at stand S4-250.

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Growing globally, focus on Europe A world leader in gaming testing and consultancy, BMM will be represented by a global team at ICE 2014, with staff from offices around the globe. BMM representatives will be available to share information about the company, as well as offer advice and assistance on compliance, certification requirements and testing for both land-based and iGaming.

Tebogo Makamo, Senior Vice President Operations, South Africa & Europe commented; “As gaming and iGaming continue to expand and develop in Europe, we are seeing the gaming industry really embrace technical innovation and competition to lower costs and increase efficiencies. To service this demand for quality testing and compliance services, BMM has gone through a significant global expansion over the last three years, with specific emphasis on Europe.”

BMM Testlabs will be at stand N6-215.

Validating your cash Crane will showcase the Money Controls Ardac Elite and CashCode One bill validators, the NRI v² eagle coin acceptor and the Money Controls Universal Hopper at ICE 2014.

Equipped with field-proven state-of-the art imaging technology to guarantee the highest standards of validation, the Money Controls Ardac Elite uses advanced image capture and data processing technology to monitor 200,000 data points for examining every bill inserted for a high acceptance rate and increased security.

CashCode One has a universal design, which accepts all currencies, a single hardware platform to reduce support and operation costs and a flexible architecture that allows for multiple options and configurations. The CashCode One also comes with the oneCheck cash management and accountability solution and advanced sensor technology that scans bills on both sides, thus optimizing recognition.

The NRI v² uses unique MFT validation technology and additional sorting control sensors to ensure outstanding coin security. It comes with an anti-jam sensor for quick coin insertion and simultaneous evaluation of 24 measurement parameters for 32 coin channels and a range of sorters and top and front coin entries for increased flexibility.

Also on show will be the Money Controls Universal Hopper, which has sold in the millions since its launch. Offering unrivalled performance and reduced operating costs, the Universal Hopper comes with AES encryption and offers resistance to fraud.

Crane Payment Solutions’ products showcase at ICE at stand N5-111.

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Adapting for success At ICE Totally Gaming 2014, DLV will be exhibiting a series of products “proven on many markets.”

DLV will present its new jackpots, such as Gauya Quest, Jewel Jackpot 3, Vollinstars and Dragon Jackpot, each with bonuses at every level, as well as multi-games like the DGPVII – a continuation of its Diamond Games Premium multi-games for standalone machines. DLV said it’s continuing its active preparations to present ICE visitors with the most diverse product range.

It said it hopes to attract as many clients from different world regions as possible and establish important business contacts. “We believe in the competitiveness of our machines, a direct result of continuous updates, readiness to adapt games for a concrete market, and uninterrupted work on innovations, which would open up greater possibilities for any operation,” the company said.

The games will be exhibited in three cabinets, the DWS and ST, with two 22” TFT wide screens, the Diamond HD cabinet with two 24” TFT wide-screens.

DLV will be exhibiting at stand N8-150.

New partnership with World Match EveryMatrix is continuously committed to offering the best and latest games to its online gaming clients and as such have just announced a new partnership with World Match.

World Match is a leading software provider for the online gaming industry within Europe with strong presence in the Mediterranean countries. Launched in 2003, World Match are constantly looking at evolving and improving on their products for the industry.

EveryMatrix Chief Executive, Ebbe Groes says: “World Match is one of the earliest adopters of the Flash technology for casino games, evidence of their commitment to Research & Development and a reason why they are so well established in Europe, in particular, with a strong presence in regulated markets. Hence, it’s with great pleasure that we now have entered into an agreement to add their games to the ever growing offering in the EveryMatrix Casino Engine – which we look forward to showcasing at the ICE Exhibition in London.”

Launched in 2009, EveryMatrix is a leading software supplier. The company provides independent solutions to the iGaming industry, including: OddsMatrix – an award-winning and fully managed sports book solution, GamMatrix – a highly flexible gaming management and payment processing platform, Casino Engine – a unified Casino solution with more than ten industry leading casino vendors, including joint bonusing, lobby and much more, and PartnerMatrix – an intelligent banner management and affiliate marketing system.

EveryMatrix can be found at stand N12-221.

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Innovative live lottery games Ezugi announced that EveryMatrix has selected its live dealer casino and lottery games for the company’s CasinoEngine solution. In addition to traditional live dealer games such as BlackJack, Roulette and Baccarat, Ezugi has also developed an innovative live lottery product. The Ezugi games are even available in a mobile HTML5 version as well as in its Android native application.

Kfir Kugler, Ezugi CEO, said: “We always strive to assist our clients by giving players the most realistic gaming experience through a commitment to excellence, continued R&D, and consumer satisfaction surveys. We have followed the same rules in developing our new live lottery, as well as our upcoming live keno product, and we’re looking forward to distributing it on the EveryMatrix platform.”

Ebbe Groes, EveryMatrix CEO, commented: “Ezugi are innovative and agile, their technology is state of the art, and we love working with a partner who was so responsive in terms of meeting our need for new lottery content. A lot of providers claim they are innovative and quick to market, but few manage it in practice.”

Ezugi is a next-generation live dealer casino platform that adds a layer of interactivity to the video broadcast, creating a fun and engaging environment for users, while enhancing monetization opportunities for operators. Our products truly bridge the online-offline casino worlds by offering land based casinos as well as online operators the ability to leverage new markets, expand their customer reach, and increase their profits.

Ezugi is exhibiting at ICE at stand N14-221.

Navigating the regulatory nuances GLI will use ICE 2014 as a platform to highlight its global capabilities in field serves, including physical and system-risk assessments, communication testing, audit software, and threat assessments from external and internal sources; professional services and lottery consulting, and testing services including auditing, compliance, consulting and testing.

Kevin Mullally, GLI’s VP of Government Affairs and general counsel will speak at ICE conferences about common standards and regulatory harmonization, as well as appear on the panel, “Gaming Convergence,” on 5 February, as part of the International Masters of Gaming Law Intensive Masters Class.

“Whether you’re an operator, supplier or regulator, today’s gaming industry is like a global chess game, and it takes a long-term strategy to successfully navigate the nuances of regulations in landbased, lottery and online gaming,” said GLI Europe Managing Director Martin Britton.

A member of WLA, European Lotteries, NASPL and CIBELAE, GLI is a company that offers gaming inspection, independent testing and certification services, GLI has 21 locations around the world and as Britton explains, “is uniquely suited to assist companies and government agencies successfully accomplish their goals, with our unrivalled levels of independence, impartiality and integrity.”

The firm’s extensive portfolio includes project management, governance, risk and compliance, technical services and training through the company’s GLI University program.

GLI will be at stand #N6-220.

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Eye-tracking candy The first title in GTECH’s True 3DTM line will be on display at the company’s stand. Sphinx 3D was designed exclusively for GTECH

by SeeFront, using patented autostereoscopic technology with integrated eye-tracking, which causes images to jump off the screen and stretch into infinity.

Also making its debut at ICE is Action Jackpotism, a new product with four different progressive links tied into a single gaming machine. GTECH will also be exhibiting the new progressive Volcano Island; popular licensed games Bejeweled; Zuma; and Plants vs. Zombie on the MaXVusion cabinet.

System solution offerings include the Player Account Management platform for content convergence and administration; Remote Game Server for content integration, Rub4RichesTM, which provides an instant reward scratch card directly at the slot on the CRYSTAL.net player interface; JP2go, a standalone jackpot system, and the SYSTEM2go all-inclusive, packaged slot system with accounting, remote monitoring, a jackpot system and advanced cashless and player tracking features.

There will also be a range of interactive solutions, including favourites from the SPIELO casino games library, bingo, poker, lottery, sports betting and mobile content. New games for desktops, include titles such as The Wild Life, Sphinx Classic, Poseidon, Island Quest, Decadence, and cross-channel titles, including Book of the Sphinx, Treasures of the Pyramids, The Big Easy and Treasure Quest. GTECH’s new poker platform, along with Mobile Poker for iPads with an ergonomic thumb-based design will also be available for demonstration.

GTECH will be at stand N5-160.

Global Cash Access Sub Introduces the CXC Lite A leading provider of cutting-edge cash access, cash handling and business intelligence consulting services to the gaming industry, Global Cash Access, Inc. will be introducing its latest innovation, the Casino Xchange Lite, at ICE 2014, along with a robust range of Xchange products, which include the Casino Xchange 4.0, Jackpot Xchange and Xchange Explorer Plus.

The new CXC Lite is designed specifically for casino, lottery and route operators who need a multifunction, self-service redemption kiosk with lower capacity and a smaller 2.2 ft. by 2.2 ft. footprint at an affordable price. With the CXC Lite, GCA provides the perfect solution to critical cash access needs across the gaming floor without sacrificing quality, compliance, security and dependability. GCA will be at stand N7-220 to demonstrate a variety of the company’s new offerings.

Global Cash Access will be exhibiting at stand N7-220.

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Taking RFID to full potential Gaming Partners International (GPI) will be showcasing a full suite of table game products, including their popular B&G currency line and new currency security features. The B&G currency line consists of both injection-molded American style chips and European style plaques and jetons in an array of design, color, and material options, which provide customers nearly endless customization possibilities.

To add to their already wide selection, GPI added new standard designs to their plaque line, as well as new plaque and jeton colors and materials. GPI will also be demonstrating a number of their security features including the newest offering, LaserTrack in the gold lace décor on all of their plaque and jeton products, as well as in the edge spots of their new J3 jeton line. These new product offerings will help operators to meet their operational needs and differentiate and protect their currency.

GPI continues to develop new solutions to utilize the full potential of its RFID technology. Used alone, GPI’s RFID solutions help automate many of the everyday manual table game tasks to help casinos streamline operations. The company’s Chip Inventory System provides operators a real-time look at chip inventories and provides customized reporting depending on their needs. “At ICE, we will be demonstrating how customers can use our RFID solutions such as our Chip Inventory System and integrate them with their own management systems thus maximizing the cost saving and streamlining benefits of RFID,” said Kirsten Clark, GPI’s Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Asia.

GPI will be at booth S12-250.

Enhancing blockbuster content IGT will debut premium titles, including Venture to Never Isle, featured on IGT’s CenterStage Duo, designed to transport players into a timeless literary tale; Jenga Tower of Money, inspired by the Jenga game, as well as Sex in the City Platinum, Bridesmaids and Back to the Future-Back in Time, which features IGT’s new enhanced content feature that allows for the unlocking of new content over time without having to change themes or cabinets. ICE attendees will get the chance to try out Treasures of Pandora. James Cameron’s Avatar-inspired, award-winning game, houses in IGT’s all new CrystalCore cabinet.

IGT will also be showcasing its systems such as Casinolink; IGT Advantage, and IGT Cloud that allow operators to increase efficiency, optimize ROI and consolidate floor operations, as well as the brand new Tournament Manager 3.0, which transforms terminals into poker tournaments for slot and video poker games.

Following the success of Atari Centipede at G2E, IGT will release another Video Reel Edge (VRE) product line – Aladdin Prince of Adventure VRE, a skill-based bonus game where players take a ride on a magic carpet, collecting coins in an attempt to increase bonus winnings. IGT will also launch several new crossplatform titles including Transformers Battle for Cybertron, Battleship and Monopoly Dream Life.

IGT will be at stand N4-240.

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Real margins for Virtual Sports Inspired will be focusing on premium multi-channel entertainment and presenting its 10th Virtual Sport for land-based, online, mobile betting and lottery, as well as displaying its Virtual Sports Bet Management System (BMS), called BetBOX. Company research argues that Inspired’s high-frequency Virtual Sports and Numbers Games add 10 to 15 percent to sportsbook revenues and the BetBOX system allows any betting, gaming or lottery operator to add a schedule of round the clock Inspired Virtual Sports and Numbers Games to their venues.

Inspired’s Virtual Sports is already live in more than 30,000 venues around the world, including 5,000 recent installations in Italy with five major concessionaires including SNAI, Sisal, Lottomatica, Cogetech and Eurobet.

Inspired will also be presenting new slot games, such as White Knight for the U.K. and Diamond Goddess for Italy, Colombia and Mexico for its major Video Lottery (VLT) markets. Inspired’s game library is also available for regulated online and mobile operators, and includes newly released HTML5 games, such as White Knight, operating on Inspired’s Virgo Remote Game Server.

Gerhard Burda, acting chief product officer at Inspired Gaming Group, commented: “Entertainment is a key theme for Inspired at this year’s ICE show.

Our entertainment area will be showcasing the latest and greatest Inspired slot games and our award-winning Virtual Sports and Lottery Games.

Mobile is becoming the fastest growing channel in our industry and we’re excited to be unveiling new HTML5 games operating on our Remote Game Server called Virgo. Our tech geniuses will be giving live demos of all our games and technology, including Virgo. We’re looking forward to a very busy and exciting ICE show.”

Inspired will be at stand S5-110.

Reveals G 5 HD Products InterBlock is participating at ICE for the 17th time and will reveal its brand new G5 HD generation of products. It will also unveil new content for the InterBlock Hologram Gaming Lounge ( IBHGL ), the revolutionary G5 HD Mini Roulette with 08 G5 HD Play Stations – the smallest and best-performing 8-seat product on the market today.

Other products to be showcased include the new G5 HD Play Station and the new G5 HD Ball Generator – a newly developed electromechanical generator of results for the company’s Pop’N Poker and Keno games. Visitors will also see the G5 IB-HG 55” LCD with 05 G5 HD Play Stations with mini LED sign for Baccarat and Multihand BlackJack, a standalone gaming machine based on 3D technology; the G4 Organic Roulette FBS with 08 Play Stations and horizontal LED sign; the IB Multidata Terminal – which represents all InterBlock products including gaming machines, games, side bets and jackpots. Visitors to InterBlock’s stand at S6-110 will be able to enjoy the unique GOLF ROULETTE PROMOTION, which will be available during show hours.

InterBlock will be at stand S6-110.

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Coming in hot Having secured contracts for 80 percent of all new North American casino openings in the last 24 months, JCM is at the top of its game. At ICE 2014, the company will display one of its most popular products, the iVIZION bill validator.

JCM will also introduce the next generation EBA, or European Bill Acceptor. The EBA-40 allows plug play upgrades from the EBA-3x series and its state-of-the-art sensor technology captures double the amount of data with 10 times more precision from banknotes for heightened security. The EBA-40 includes an optional bar-sensor module for TiTo acceptance, making it the perfect bill acceptor for VLT applications. Faster processing speeds and a top-notch anti-phishing mechanism ensures an excellent cost-performance ratio and a longer lifespan.

Also on show will be the iPRO-RC, UBA and Vega-RC bill validators, all equipped with anticounterfeit and anti-stringing technologies. Visitors will see JCM’s Transactional Bill Validator, with bulk note feeder and powerful anti-counterfeit technology; Intelligent Cash Box (ICB), which gives operators accurate, web-enabled reporting; and award-winning printers such as the flexible HSVL Transformer Thermal Printer and PayCheck 4 thermal printer.

JCM will be at stand N8-120.

Choose your game Konami Gaming Inc. will present its expanded catalogue of games and system products, including the newly released SeleXion; the emerging hit cabinet, Podium Goliath; and the new linked progressive Dragon’s Victory. “Our European customers and their players will experience how Konami products are Born from Fun - the company’s R&D motto - and can drive performance to the gaming floor. All of this and more, including new Synkros systems technology, will be on display,” announced Eduardo Aching, vice president, international sales at Konami.

The highlight - SeleXion - features a digital dynamic that changes instantaneously with the selection of each game. “The SeleXion platform is multi-lingual, multi-denominational and unlike competitors’ products, it allows the player to switch between up to ten games instantly,” says Aching.

Another new product - Synkros - is a tournament game that will enable operators to grant player-ondemand True-Time Tournaments through Konami’s proprietary True-Time Windowing technology. “This year, we will demonstrate the new SynkStart tournaments for operators who also like to run group start tournaments for their guests,” said Aching.

Also on show will be Konami’s expanded library of top performing games demonstrated on the Podium Goliath, which provides operators the flexibility to provide Konami’s KP3 and K2V video game titles in an oversized cabinet design.

Konami will be at stand S11-110.

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the money

MEI will present the SCR and the EASITRAX Web at ICE. A two-denomination note recycler with an installation base of 1.5 million units, the SCR features an anti-stringing module for enhanced security.

The SCR performs all the functions of a traditional accept/dispense unit from a single-loop system, thus eliminating hopper starvation in AWP applications so machines can run longer without maintenance.

Also on display will be the SC Advance, which evolved from MEI’s winning Cashflow SC note acceptor. The SC Advance comes with improved performance features, such as enhanced recognition, faster note-to-note speed, increased capacity to accept different currencies and denominations, as well as damp, crinkled or torn notes, and better barcode recognition.

MEI will also be exhibiting EASITRAX Web, which creates customized reports and allows operators to access their data from anywhere in the world through a non-cloud portal. It will also be showing the PMM Advance, a support tool that gives operators better control over their games, with quicker, easier, infield updates for currency data, configuration data and software performance diagnostics, as well as audit data reporting.

MEI will be at booth N7-122.

Drawing cabinet envy Merkur Gaming is presenting The Avantgarde gaming cabinet at ICE 2014. The company says the product is “a quantum leap” in cabinet design. “The fact that the new 3-D games are already integrated into it means the Avantgarde will be the envy of the gaming world,” it says. Privilege, Evolution and Highflyer are further examples of cabinet names. In particular, the Highflyer brings a unique feature to the market, with its upper monitor seemingly floating on air, providing players with a clear view of the gaming floor, previously unseen for slant top cabinets.

Also on show will be Merkur’s new all-in-one floor management system, which it bills as “the perfect way to unite slot management, casino and arcade management and business management under one roof.” Merkur Gaming, which is the international gaming subsidiary of the German Gauselmann Group, will be joined by sister companies GeWeTe – a German change machine manufacturer and Blueprint Gaming – a multi-platform digital game developer with offices in the U.K., U.S. and the Philippines.

Merkur Gaming will be at stand N8-160.

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HTML5 takes Centre Court Micrograming released two new slot games - Centre Court and Isis - on its HTML5 platform last month. Centre Court is a video-slot based, tennis-themed game, containing five reels with nine paylines, and boasts cutting-edge graphics and sound effects. Capturing all the high energy of a grand slam tournament, Centre Court features a free spin bonus round that awards 18 free spins with a 1-5x multiplier.

Inspired by ancient Egypt, Isis is a five reel, 25 payline slot, with icons such as magical amulets and bejeweled brooches designed to create a sense of mystery and enchantment. Both Centre Court and Isis are available live in Micrograming’s HTML5 platform and are compatible with almost any tablet or mobile device.

Neill Whyte, head of product channels at Microgaming said: “Following on from our aggressive mobile strategy in 2013, we are continuing our rapid rollout of HTML5 games this year. However it’s not just about quantity, the quality is also paramount, and we aim to deliver the highest calibre of content to mobile players. Centre Court and Isis are both prime examples of this and we have no doubt that they will be as popular on the HTML5 platform as they have been in Casino.”

Micrograming will be at stand N11-120.

Building on growth After a successful 2013, NMi is gearing up for ICE 2014 with a brand new stand and the largest footprint the company has had in more than a decade exhibiting at ICE. Julian Borg-Barthet, business development manager for NMi’s Online Gaming Division said that the larger stand is “on the back of [NMi’s] tremendous growth in gaming.”

The company has offered assurance to manufacturers and end-users for over 70 years by providing compliance testing and auditing around the world. “NMi’s gaming operation is thought to be the longest established lab conducting compliance testing in the world, which is invaluable to operators, suppliers, and developers. We aim to carry the NMi reputation across the globe as we take our customers to new regulated jurisdictions, and expand into existing markets where we have not previously operated,” Borg-Barthet adds.

The company has expanded its teams through extensive training and careful selection of new recruits. “It’s not an easy task to build the kind of teams that our customers have grown to rely on. We need to make sure that there is synergy between our people and our customers, at all levels of both organisations,” notes Andrew Rosewarne, director of NMi Gaming.

NMi will be at stand N12-250.

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Tomorrow’s gaming today Novomatic will occupy the largest booth at ICE 2014, with a 4,500 square metre space, and will bring a wide range of its subsidiary companies, such as The Astra Gaming Group (Astra Games, Bell-Fruit Games, Empire Games, Gamestec, Mazooma Games), Admiral Sportwetten, JVH exploitatie, Eurocoin, Octavian and Novomatic Gaming Spain, to meet visitors to the show.

On display will be a full range of gaming innovations from Austrian Gaming Industries, GmbH, including an extended Roulette area and new cabinet presentations. One of the highlights will be the debut of NBS, the Novomatic Biometric Systems.

Jens Halle, managing director AGI said, “We are eagerly looking forward to ICE once again as this, in exhibition terms, is the absolute highlight of the year for Novomatic. With the changes at the show’s layout for this year, we confidently expect ICE to take another major step forward and provide a spectacular stage for Novomatic to present the new innovations that I am certain will be an integral part of tomorrow’s gaming.”

Novomatic will be at stand S8-150.

Moving into Asia Having gained impressive traction in multiple countries, Ortiz Gaming is now moving into Asia. “Ortiz Gaming’s goal is to bring to the Asian market a variety of games and amazing products aimed at innovation and enhancing the gaming experience,” said President Maurilio Silva.

Sky Paper, the firm’s latest product and exclusively made for Ortiz Gaming machines, allows for a jackpot winner to be announced with a shower of multicolored paper to enhance excitement and fun. Machine components were created to fit inside Ortiz Gaming’s Standard Cabinet, keeping up with the cabinet’s look. Since it doesn’t come with gaudy attachments, it ensures there is no detraction from the casino’s brand. “The bank of machines turns into a true celebration, making this a remarkable and unforgettable experience for the players,” the company said.

Known for their unique Class II and Class III Bingo themes, Ortiz will also be featuring the Latin Bingo game Triple Bonus. Latin Bingo consist of a 3x5 bingo card instead of the typical 5x5 card, thus creating more chances to win. The game is comprised of 4 bingo cards with 15 numbers each and players may choose to play from 1 card to all 4. The game starts with 30 balls drawn from a virtual globe.

After the 30 bingo balls have been drawn, players will have the chance at an extra bonus draw of up to 10 additional balls. Each time an extra bonus ball is drawn, the number will be marked on the activated cards and it will offer the chance to win additional prizes.

Ortiz will be taking meetings at ICE.

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Gambling behavior predicted Playscan is a software solution that detects and predicts risky gambling behaviour.

At ICE 2014, Playscan will be showcasing Playscan 4, a new, improved version of its technology that uses a traffic light analogy when communicating with players.

After much evaluation and research on usability, Playscan has introduced a six-point scale that allows a player to understand the gradual changes in their gaming behaviour and better visualize escalating risky gambling. After analyzing a player’s behaviour, Playscan 4 will send customized recommendations to steer them towards a more responsible gambling strategy.

Everyone’s new platform Focused specifically on the design and manufacture of computer platforms for the gaming industry, Quixant will be previewing its latest platform, the QX-50 at ICE 2014. Designed to allow slot manufacturers to benefit from the latest 4K Ultra HD resolution screen technology, the QX-50 Ultra HD, employs the same underlying APU and GPU technology as consumer gaming consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It’s also the first gaming platform to support the new Mantle API, which brings game-console levels of graphics performance to the PC. Gary Mullins, group sales director said: “Everyone is aware of the vibe currently surrounding 4K displays in the consumer market. What Quixant is doing is enabling slot manufacturers to harness this new technology in their machines right now.” 4K displays provide exceptional quality benefits to gaming, where users are much closer to the screen than in other applications and the increased clarity is much more apparent. The QX-50 Ultra HD is the first complete, integrated gaming platform to have the performance and interface to drive these 4K monitors.

The company’s existing Display Port monitor range has also been expanded to include a selection of 4K Ultra HD monitors in various sizes, designed specifically for gaming. These new 4K Ultra HD monitors can be supplied with a multi-point touch screen and also boast a Dockport feature that simplifies the cabinet wiring by combining display signals and touch signals into a single cable.

Quixant will be exhibiting at stand N3-120.

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Bill-to-bill takes prime spot Taking a prime spot at ICE 2014, near the main entrance of the exhibition, Suzo-Happ will showcase a mixture of top-end products from home-grown solutions and from their distribution partners. One of which is the Bill-to-Bill banknote recycling range, which the firm acquired from Crane last month. Also on display will be the Multi-touch TV Table gaming solution from Suzo-Happ’s Australian subsidiary Transcity, which is designed for sports betting.

“Choice is what it’s all about at Suzo-Happ,” the company’s spokesperson said. Suzo-Happ works with the best-in-class manufacturers, including Transact, with its full range of printers. The company, which claims to be the leader in re-defining the market for banknote readers, will show all its latest products at ICE. Once again, Suzo-Happ will integrate its stand with the ELO team and their touchscreens, underlining the strong partnership between the two companies .

These solutions will complement Suzo-Happ’s own products, such as its Vision Pro monitors, Printer Pro printers and Billiard Pro billiards. The firm, which is known as a master of hoppers and toppers, will also be showcasing its AES hopper solutions and the new version of its Celebrity topper.

Suzo-Happ will be at stand N8-110.

Supernova to heat up ICE A global innovator of Live Gaming Solutions, TCS John Huxley will be showcasing its traditional gaming tables; electronic tables; roulette wheels; Chipper Champ 2; e-FX Displays and A-Plus shuffler at ICE. Taking centre stage will be the company’s Supernova Progressive Platform, a dynamic Floor Wide Event and Mystery Progressive platform that can be adapted to fit almost any game table, so operators can configure as many different jackpots and prizes as they wish.

The Supernova was also awarded Best Table Game Product Innovation at the 12th Annual Global Gaming Business, Gaming & Technology Awards. In the last 10 months, TCS John Huxley installed the Supernova in more than 70 tables in South Africa and Australia and operators reported that side bet revenues doubled within weeks.

Another key product on display will be the e-FX Elite 2 winning numbers display system, with a new aluminum case design that has greater functionality than the original e-FX Elite. The e-FX Elite 2 comes with fully integrated cable management and improved camera fixing points, along with the option of an added promotional topper screen, backlit buttons and dual attendant and staff call lights for improved customer service.

TCSJohnHuxley will in the South Halls at stand S11-155.

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Banking on the full suit In collaboration with Scientific Games and Williams Interactive, WMS will present a wide selection of products and services at ICE 2014.

“ICE will be especially exciting for us this year because, in addition to introducing our latest products, we will have the chance to showcase the benefits of the combination of WMS, Williams Interactive and Scientific Games,” says Sebastian Salat, president international of WMS Gaming.

“We will draw on each organisation’s core strengths to broaden offerings, bring gaming and lottery content to new channels, sectors and geographies, and offer enhanced content, systems and support.”

WMS will showcase new game series available on WMS’s CPU-NXT3 platform, including Exploding Pays, Supercharged Reels, Reel Intensity, Speed Spins and Monster Progressives themes. It will also show the next-generation of Colossal Reels games, as well as the Gold Fish theme, the first-ever premium for-sale CPU-NXT3 game for WMS. An expansive library of games from the Beetlejuice and CLUE brands, and new content for WMS player-favorite brands such as Monopoly, The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Jackpot Party, will also be exhibited.

For the first time, WMS will showcase their 3-reel mechanical Blade Stepper cabinet, which combines the authenticity and thrills of classic mechanical reel play with features that seamlessly fit the modern casino floor.

WMS will be at stand N2-124.

Making a Blackwave at Ice A world leader in video bingo, Zitro is reinventing itself and will present its new Blackwave games and platforms at ICE 2014. The games are the result of a non-stop R&D effort. Zitro’s Blackwave platform adds lastest-generation hardware technology to the development of new games, with surround images and sound that give players the opportunity to enjoy each game with all five senses. On display will be some of Zitro’s most successful games: Tony the Lobster, DaVinc1 Secrets, Powermanía Bonus, Fishmania, Last Bingo in Paris, Lucky Hero, Bingo Dream and Triple Bingo. Also on show will be some of the company’s recent launches: Dragons Power, 80’s Bingo, Power Spin Bingo and Wild Bingo.

Zitro’s ongoing investment and commitment to R&D has propelled the company forward, with original and attractive themes, images and surround sound.

Zitro will be at stand N6-245.

AsiaGamingBriefings | February 2014

Calendar of Events

EAG International 21-23 January 2014 Excel Exhibition Centre www.eagexpo.com

Gaming Technology Conference 18-19 March 2014 Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas www.gamingtechnologyconf.com

Virtual Gaming Show 21-22 January 2014 www.virtualgamingshow.com

Caribbean Gaming Show 19-20 March 2014 San Juan, Puerto Rico Convention Centre www.caribbeangamingshow.com

Mobile Games Forum & Social Games & Virtual Goods Forum 22-23 January 2014 Dexter House, Tower Hill, London www.mobilegamesforum.co.uk ICE Totally Gaming 4-6 February 2014 ExCel, London www.icetotallygaming.com London Affiliate Conference 6-9 February 2014 Earls Court, London www.iGBAffiliate.com/events/ LondonAffiliateConference World Game Protection Conference and Expo 24-26 February 2014 M Resort Spa Casino, Las Vegas www.worldgameprotection.com eGR Australia Awards 25 February 2014 The Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney www.egrmagazine.com iGaming Asia Congress (iGA) 4-6 March 2014 Grand Hyatt Macau www.igamingasiacongress.com

iGaming North America (iGNA) 19-21 March 2014 Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, NV www.virtualgamingshow.com ENADA SPRING 2014 19-21 March 2014 Rimini Fiera, Rome www.enadaprimavera.it Social Media World Forum 31 Mar - 1 Apr 2014 The Brewery, London www.socialmedia-forum.com/europe The BIG Sports Dinner 1 April 2014 The Ballroom, The Dorchester, London http://www.thebigfoundation.org.uk/ event/the-big-sports-dinner Andean Gaming Trade Show 23-24 April 2014 Corferias, Bogota, Colombia http://www.fadja.com IMGL 2014 Spring Conference 23-25 April 2014 Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, California www.gaminglawmasters.com/ conference/spring2014

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Southern Gaming Summit 6-8 May 2014 Mississippi Coast C&CCentre BSD14_ADV_200x36_FINAL.pdf www.sgsummit.com

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