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Industry news Seaside amusements Leisure news B2B Listings Latest machine charts For sale, wanted + opps Comment and opinion Newsweek & Diary

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COMMENT

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Commission prepares to extend “remit to cover overseas operators selling gambling to British consumers” 23

The industry changes socia Several gambling, gaming and leisure trade associations are set to meet with the DCMS to discuss enhanced player protection and other industry initiatives. he gambling industry has, with justification, a proud Trecord on commitment to social responsibility and adheres strictly to the licence conditions and codes of practice designed to protect players.

At the same time, though, he industry has always been a vocal supporter of exploring further areas where more that can be done.

As part of this latest process, each sector has made written submissions to the Gambling Commission and DCMS over the past months into methods of enhancing player protection. These include Codes of Practice dealing with self-exclusion, age verification, test purchasing, advertising, sign-posting for customers seeking assistance for their problem gambling and exploring new technologies such as facial recognition. Examples of these enhancements include the soon to be introduced code of conduct and player protection initiatives

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for responsible gambling by the Association of British Bookmakers and the Bingo Association.

The DCMS has agreed to meet soon to explore these initiatives further and how they might apply across the relevant sectors, and in turn the trade associations have expressed their intention to work closely with the authorities to develop these programmes and monitor their success.

DCMS welcomes cross PLAYER PROTECTION

he Department for Culture, Tcomed Media and Sport has welnews that operators and their trade associations are taking further steps to improve player protections that will help reduce the risk of harm to those more vulnerable to problem gambling.

A DCMS spokesman told Coinslot: “We’ve long argued that the industry should take the lead in developing products that ensure players are well

informed and able to make decisions in their best interests.

“This is consistent with the regulatory regime that the government intended when establishing the current gambling legislation.

“Measures such as pop-up messages, voluntary limits, cross operator self-exclusion and real time information to users, combined with more comprehensive data on how players interact with prod-

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INDUSTRY

INDUSTRY

Time to start planning for the triennial

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Ireland readies itself for change

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August 2 - August 8, 2013 • No. 2327 • www.coinslot.co.uk

s social responsibilty gear

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P3 GROUP: AIMS AND RATIONALE ANALYSIS

The P3 Group will focus on three key principles: • Education and information: to ensure that all players receive clearer and more accessible information about how gambling products work and the possible

outcomes from playing such games.

• Identification: better methods of identifying consumers who are at risk of harm from gambling, exhibiting risky behaviour or who have a propensity to gambling related harm • Protection: the development of new systems, processes and/or procedures to help protect vulnerable consumers so identified.

The P3 Group will seek to identify and trial potential technological systems, protocols, tools or other solutions that could help move the industry forward in these key areas of consumer protection. It will not engage in academic or quantitative research. Any need for such research will be considered by the Responsible Gambling Trust who have agreed to work closely with the P3 Group and have the funds and resources available to commission specific research projects. Initially, the group is chaired by Russell Hoyle, who is also a board member of the RGSB and who has been involved with the industry for 15 years in a number of capacities.

The CEO is Peter Hannibal, ex Gala Coral Group with more than 25 years in the industry and currently working as a consultant to a number of organisations.

cross-industry initiative ucts and the impact of changes to stakes and prizes is vital to ensure the industry can thrive in a positive and sustainable way.

“Some areas of the gambling sector are under more intense scrutiny at present with the triennial review of stakes and prizes underway.The package that government announces will, of course, reflect the available evidence and relevant advice but it will also need to

take into account how confident we are that the industry can deliver upon the initiatives it has announced.

“There are many that believe the industry still has some way to go to demonstrate progress on its social responsibility.

Recent announcements are a sign that the industry recognises the need for a sea-change in its approach - and we want to work with those who intend to lead the way.”

Pan-industry player protection initiative gains momentum SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Twenty of the biggest UK-based gambling companies have created an alliance to better protect players across all sectors, while the trade associations representing them have also come together to explore how to improve player protection and minimisation from gambling related harm. The P3 Group is born. wenty of the UK’s leading land-based and online gambling companies have joined together for the first time in order to focus on exploring ways to minimise potential harm from gambling.

The newly-formed P3 Group will seek to find and trial practical technological solutions, protocols or tools that will enable the industry to move forward in key areas of consumer protection.

Its chairman, Russell Hoyle, himself a leading figure in the gambling and gaming industry,said:“The British gambling industry leads the world in its approach to social responsibility.

The founding members of the P3 Group recognise that the industry needs to act proactively across all sectors of gambling in order to minimise the risk of harm from gambling.The vast majority of people who gamble do so safely and enjoy gambling as part of their leisure experience.However, we recognise that there is a small minority for whom gambling can be harmful.”

“The P3 Group believes that the best way to understand and tackle this is through a cohesive, crossindustry approach.

“We will work closely and cohesively with the industries’ trade bodies who are already undertaking new ground-breaking initiatives in a number of areas, developing far reaching codes of practice.The P3 Group supports these initiatives and will seek to assist, but not duplicate, work that is already underway.

“We are committed to supporting the government’s aims to improve consumer protection and harm mitigation measures.

“We want to work closely with government,The Gambling Commission, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board andThe Responsible Gambling Trust and add to the extensive work that is being undertaken on these issues.We will aim to trial better methods of communication to ensure con-

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P3 GROUP: FOUNDING MEMBERS

RUSSELL HOYLE

sumers are properly informed.

“We will also seek better ways to identify consumers who display risky behaviour and trial methods that may help to protect them from harm.”

Hoyle concluded:“I would urge all gambling-related businesses to join the group and support its objectives.”

Responsible Gambling Trust chief executive, Marc Etches, added: “In order to make real progress in these areas, it is important to avoid unnecessary overlap and duplication of effort wherever possible, and the Responsible Gambling Trust is well placed to do this given its wider role in helping to minimise gamblingrelated harm.The Trust will offer its expertise and research capacity to help P3 succeed.”

Astra Group UK Ltd Betfred Hippodrome Casino Ltd SG Gaming Group Ltd Gala Coral Group Ltd Openbet Technologies Ltd William Hill PLC Genting Casinos UK Ltd Praesepe Ladbrokes PLC Moto Hospitality Ltd Aspers Group Ltd Rileys Sports Bars Sky Bet Paddy Power PLC Inspired Gaming Group Ltd Sceptre Leisure Ltd Rank Group PLC Talarius Eurocoin Ltd Responsible Gambling Trust (Observing)

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Irish government publishes revised draft of Betting Bill LEGISLATION

n 19 July, the Irish government published a revised draft of the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013.

The re-publication of the Bill just five days after the publication of the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill confirms that

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it intends to press ahead with a licensing regime for online bookmakers and betting exchanges prior to enacting a more comprehensive gambling law reform in 2014.

The main purpose of the Irish Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 is to bring betting exchanges and remote bookmakers (i.e.

internet and mobile betting providers) within the scope of the existing licensing regime, while it will extend the existing 1 per cent turnover tax on land-based bookmaker’s activities to online and mobile bookmakers. The Bill will also introduce a new 15 per cent commission tax on betting

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exchanges.

Some of the key changes in the second draft of the Bill include a clause to permit a company to hold a bookmaker’s licence or a betting intermediary’s licence, and the revised Bill introduces some additional compliance and enforcement measures applicable to corporates.

Both the company and its “relevant officers” are required to obtain certificates of personal fitness.

The original proposal to extend bookies’ opening

hours from 7am to 10pm (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday) survives.

Licences for bookmakers, remote intermediaries and licensed bookmaker’s premises will be issued for up to 24 month period ending on 30 November the following year (for bookmakers) or 30 June (remote intermediaries).

The proposed licence fee remains at €5,000.

Sanctions have been increased in the Bill. A repeat offender who operates as a bookmaker or

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

remote betting intermediary without a licence can be subject to prosecution on indictment which is subject to a €300,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment.

The revised Bill introduces a potential six month prison term on summary conviction (up to two years on indictment) for engaging in a betting transaction (including creating a betting account) with a person under 18.

However, the original defence in the 1931 Betting Act of having reasonable cause to believe the person was over 18 years survives in the new Bill and the proposed new offence of misrepresenting oneself as being over 18 survives in the new draft.

The revised Bill was notified to the EU Commission on 18 July 2013 and is subject to a “standstill period” until 21 October 2013.

Assuming a smooth ride through the Commission and subsequently in the Oireachtas (Parliament), it could be enacted as early as Q4 2013.

Hackney poker appeal upheld GAMBLING ACT

he Gambling Commission and Hackney Council have welcomed a court verdict Trejecting an appeal against the removal of a club gaming permit and club premises certificate from a premises offering poker in Hackney.

The International Private Members Club, N1 had appealed the decision of Hackney Council to withdraw their club premises certificate and cancel the associated gaming permit at a licensing hearing in October 2011. In July, at Thames Magistrates’ Court the appeal was dismissed with costs of £18,000 awarded to Hackney Council.

Welcoming the decision and praising the work of Hackney Council’s licensing enforcement officers and the Metropolitan Police, the Commission’s Director of Regulatory Risk and Analysis, Matthew Hill said: “We welcome this verdict which confirms that the narrow permission allowing members of genuine members’ clubs to play poker cannot be used to justify the provision of what amounts to a commercial poker club.

“This case, which was diligently led by the Hackney Council, supported by the Gambling Commission and the Metropolitan Police, sends a clear message to club

gaming permit holders, who seek to offer poker, that they must operate in accordance with their permit or run the risk of losing it.”

A number of local authorities have tackled or are faced by similar schemes. The Commission issued advice to local authorities to help distinguish between a members’ club and a commercial club in October 2010.

Cllr Sophie Linden, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, said: “This verdict sends a strong message that clubs operating with complete disregard for the law will not be tolerated. The Council takes these breaches seriously and we will investigate and seek to remove their permits and certificates whenever necessary.”

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he coin-op and wider entertainment sector in North Devon has received a welcome boost of late, largely due to the unusually long run of good weather in July.

Furthermore, holiday parks in the area have reported an influx of bookings over the last week.John Fowler Holidays in Ilfracombe said bookings had doubled with the good weather and it had to take extra staff on to man the bookings lines. He told press:“It is just the boost that we all need to cheer us up, bring the country out of its negativity and lethargy and come and visit the UK’s most beautiful region.”

Steve Willis, of Croyde Bay Holiday Resort, said the call volumes had been up around 10 per cent on last year and Farm and Cottage Holidays reported a 20 per cent increase in bookings and a 68 per cent increase of web visits from overseas.

Kevin Darvill, director of sales and marketing at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park, said the sunny weather had definitely helped with last minute bookings. He stated:“Over the past two weeks we have seen a ten-fold increase in bookings for last minute stays - also remembering that in the previous two years it was still raining with camping seeing big increases too.

What seems to be happening is potential holidaymakers are keeping an eye on the

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Arcades and holiday parks in North Devon enjoy summer boost

OPERATORS

North Devon’s tourism industry is booming after the recent spate of sunny weather. Early indications suggest that the sunshine is having a positive effect on local businesses’ profits, with takings up as much as 12 per cent on the same period last year.

10 day forecasts online and seem inclined to book once the weather forecast is warm, dry and sunny.”

Laura Holt,from North Devon +,said visitor traffic to northdevon.com, which advertises the region as a holiday destination, had surged during the first two weeks of July.

“Early indications from food and drink and retail outlets suggest that the sunshine is having a positive effect on takings too, with takings up as much as 12 per cent on the same period last year,” she said.

Operators are hoping the sunny spell will continue, said Big Sheep theme park and FEC director Rick Turner.

“It is just the boost that we all need to cheer us up, bring the country out of its negativity and lethargy and come and visit the UK’s most beautiful region,” he said.

“The Big Sheep has seen a massive increase of ice cream sales and the outside rides and attractions such as the splash zone which have been installed in the past few years are proving to be a massive hit.

With the improvement of weather at this key booking time, it could not have been timed better for our industry and with the Met Office predicting the weather to continue hot and sunny for the foreseeable future we should all enjoy a really bumper season - bring it on,”Turner concluded.

£80,000 goes missing from Glasgow bingo hall BINGO

An investigation has been launched at a Glasgow Gala bingo hall after tens of thousands of pounds of prize money could not be accounted for.

are probing claims of “financial irregulariPties”olice at the Possilpark branch of Gala Bingo in Glasgow. The venue, in Hawthorn Street, is run by the Gala Coral Group and is one of five owned by the company across the city.

Apparently, approximately £80,000 of unclaimed prize money has vanished. Gala Bingo is assisting with the investiga-

tion. Sessions in the hall take place seven days a week and range in price from £5, on a Monday morning, to £15 on weekend evenings.

Customers of the branch are shocked at the claims.

After one afternoon session last week a 78-year-old woman, who goes to the hall with her friends, but asked not to be named, told reporters: “We put trust in everyone there. I go once a

week but have been going for years and you see the same faces all the time.This report does put me off from going, but this is a big part of my week.”

An 81-year-old woman, who visits the bingo venue regularly, said: “We heard rumours about this. It would be terrible if it turned out to be true.”

Another customer said:“I have been coming for years

and years and have never heard anything like this.”

A police spokeswoman stated:“Inquiries are continuing into a report of financial irregularities at the bingo hall in Hawthorn Street.”

A spokeswoman for Gala Bingo concluded: “We are working with the police to assist them with their investigations. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Talarius chief set to appear on Undercover Boss ADULT GAMING CENTRES

eter Harvey, chief executive of major adult Pgaming centre chain Talarius and its Quicksilver subbrand, is set to appear in the eponymous role on Channel Four’s Undercover Boss on August 6.

According to Channel Four, the boss of slot machine company Quicksilver adopts a dramatic disguise and goes undercover in the hope of working undetected alongside his frontline staff.

A Channel Four spokesperson stated: “Hit hard by the smoking ban, the company has seen profits drop by a massive 30 per cent and Peter is desperate to find new ways to attract more customers.”

Apparently, once undercover, the CEO is shocked at what he finds - a young female employee feels vulnerable at working at night; a talented engineer with ideas has been told to ‘shut up’ by management; and venue staff feel so ignored by head office that many want to leave the company.

The show, says the Channel Four website, sees Harvey having to confront the reality that it might not just be the company’s “dwindling profits” he has to worry about but also his “underappreciated staff”.

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Industry Columbine joins JNC Sales APPOINTMENTS

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ndustry veteran Dave Columbine, formerly of the United Distributing Company, Brent Sales and Lordsvale, has joined Avonmouthbased supply specialist JNC Sales, according to company director Tom Clarke. Columbine will further strengthen the import/export firm’s sales department as it starts planning for the EAG 2014 event at ExCel.

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B

COMMENT NEWSWEEK RECESSION A bingo hall in Eastbourne has closed its doors defining a sector’s conundrum revival doesn’t always equal survival. 22

IOA advocates forward planning ahead of Triennial

Electrocoin announces Go Go Grand Prix offer VIDEO GAMES

OPERATORS

manufacturer/distributor ElectroLcoinondon-based has a limited number

Martin Cookson, national sales executive, IOA Group, believes that games which provide regular wins for players should be at the forefront of developers’ minds in 2013 in preparation for the Triennial Review stakes and prize uplift. he Independent OperatorsAssociation’s Martin Cookson is of the view that if companies fail to prepare for the long-awaited Triennial Review then they’re preparing to fail.

He told Coinslot: “The cornerstones of any successful Triennial Review centre around the two P’s Preparation and Planning.The teams which work from each of our 22 depots have amassed years of experience implementing the outcome of various reviews of stake and prize and

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have established a blue print of what constitutes best practice.”

There are two dynamics to the process, believes Cookson. He explained:“Working with the manufacturers, which our chief executive Peter Weir is undertaking, to ensure that our customers’ position, objectives and needs have been fed into the games development programme, is the first.The second involves working closely with our customers in order to ensure a quick and efficient

Here Come The Games!

deployment of the new jackpot and its communication to players.”

Cookson concluded by sharing his view on simplicity of gameplay being the way forward.“We believe that the changes need to be easily understood and that players need to be presented with regular wins built around a mix of small and large prizes. Each one of our customers will have a footprint guide for the introduction of what we believe will provide a new impetus to pub gaming.”

of Go Go Grand Prix games available on special offer.

The game, manufactured

by Gamewax, is best described as a coin-op equivalent of Scalextric, and allows up to four players to compete simultaneously. Unlike Scalextric, however, the cars cannot fly off the track and there is a giant video screen to show off the action.

As with a number of new video and amusement releases, Go Go Grand Prix is available with or without ticket payout.

Christmas 2013 gift list hints at 2014’s FEC fillers

Golden Dragon

REDEMPTION

rgos has revealed its top toy predictions for A Christmas 2013 inspired by

Volatility

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Features

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

Reel Symbols

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8

Design Brief

Classic - Themed - Licensed

Category

New Concept - Established Concept

Progressive

Yes - No

Pots

1 - 2 - 3

Description

A new concept offering a simple base game with traditional Jack, Queen King and Ace symbols and three progressive pots. Add to your Jackpot King or new TS 22 cabinet.

(1 = soft)

research claiming that children’s wish lists can hint to their personal development. More importantly, the findings should provide strong pointers towards which toys and gifts will be in favour in the prize vending machines and redemption counters of arcades and FECs in 2014.

The research,carried out

by Argos, revealed that one in ten parents admitted that they actively buy toys to encourage their child’s interest in a certain job. The toy specialists at Argos teamed up with parenting experts to analyse children’s interaction with toys.

Argos claimed that a ‘direct link had been identified with play and the fostering of vocational skills.’ Following this

research, Argos has unveiled its top toy predictions for Christmas in line with the skills and passions each toy highlights and potential professions to follow.

Andrea Abbis, chief toy buyer at Argos, said: “Play time needs to be fun, so we see it as a bonus if this activity then goes

on to inspire our children and develop new interests.

This year we’ve had fun imagining what career paths our Top Toys inspire and they are a skilful bunch, from app developers to engineers we have definitely seen them all in a new light.”

Among the nominated toys are Furby Boom,lovers of which are predicted to become teachers, Teksta Dog (predictably, vets or dog walkers) and Sesame Street Elmo Hugs (nurses or childminders).

The other top toys predicted by Argos for Christmas 2013 are LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra,The First Talking Sophia, Lego Star Wars R2D2, Monopoly Empire, Planes Wing Control Dusty, Nerf Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, Lego Friends Dolphin Cruiser, VTech InnoTab and Flying Fairy.

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B

COMMENT NEWSWEEK REGULATION The Gambling Commission remains committed to its role of independence. 23

ICE 2013 attendance audited at 22,247 EXHIBITIONS

CE Totally Gaming 2013, the first to be held at the event’s new Ihome at ExCeL London, has had its attendance confirmed at 22,247 by BPA Worldwide. BPA verified the total registered attendance as well as demographic and geographic profiles of attendees.

Glenn Hansen, BPA worldwide Gaming 2013 for voluntarily openpresident, praised ICE Totally ing its records to independent cer-

tification and documentation of its data.He confirmed:“In addition to facilitating the buying and selling process of exhibit space, an event audit report provides exhibitors with assurance that their investment reaches target audiences for specific markets. It helps exhibitors to identify ways to maximise ROI and helps show organisers by documenting the quality of their attendees.”

COMPANY STRUCTURE

Bath-based Embed Playsafe, a provider of machine, customer and facility management systems and payment technologies for leisure, entertainment and gaming, has made some important changes within the senior management team.

APPOINTMENTS

Resorts has appointed David Boden as chief execPutive.ark Boden brings more than

30 years’ experience in the leisure industry, having held senior board level positions at the Rank Group and Hippodrome Casinos.

He succeeds founder David Vaughan, who has become Park Resorts’ chairman, following 12 years as chief executive.

Vaughan commented: “I’m handing the reins of a very successful business onto David at an exciting time. With new shareholders and new blood joining a very experienced management team, I am confident the next few years will be incredibly fruitful for all our staff, caravan owners and holiday customers. We have a significant amount of capital to invest in our parks and improve facilities for all our visitors which should really breathe further life into our company vision of ‘Creating Amazing ence with Legoland Windsor and Memories’ for all.”

Landmark Groups Fun City chain Boden added: “We will be of FECs in the UAE.Kane will now ensuring Park Resorts’ future be responsible for the manage- is dynamic. We are committed ment of activities around sales, to a bright future for our comimplementation and support of pany and most importantly all Embed Playsafe systems across our holidaymakers and carathe UK and Europe.Kane will also van owners.” be based at the Bath office and Park Resorts is planning a over the next few months will be £60m investment in its 39 UK meeting with existing UK and coastal holiday parks after European customers. securing Electra Partners as its Steinberg concluded:“Tim has new lead shareholder. joined the business at an excitThe company said it had refiing time as we get ready to nanced its debt package and release some very innovative freed up significant capital to new products later this year. He invest in its parks over the next has some big shoes to fill but he four years. It was advised on comes with solid management the restructuring and refinanccredentials and will add great ing of its debt package, as well value to what we are doing in the as its new equity structure, by UK and Europe.”

Clearwater Corporate Finance.

Embed announces UK management restructure

number of internal moves have been made within the UK branch of systems specialist Embed Playsafe.

David Stenning, who originally founded Playsafe Monitoring and who has led the combined Embed Playsafe business in the UK since merging with Embed three years ago, has been appointed to the newly created position of director of special projects within the Embed Group. In this new role, Stenning will be responsible for spearheading a range of special development projects that the company is undertaking as part of its next generation of solutions for amusement, gaming and leisure.

Stenning will continue to be based at the business’s Bath

A

Kate Chambers,portfolio director responsible for ICE, commented: “The BPI audit confirms what a tremendous event ICE 2013 was. Despite the difficult trading conditions, ICE continues to grow, achieving year-on-year increases in attendance.All eyes are now on ICE 2014 and our focus is concentrated on delivering another world class international gaming event at ExCeL London.”

Ex-Rank director joins Park Resorts

offices. In a statement about the change,Adam Steinberg, CEO of the Embed Group, stated:“David is an icon within the UK gaming industry and he has not only been a great leader of the Embed Playsafe business but has shaped the way monitoring and management systems are generally used within the industry today. I have the deepest respect and admiration for David and with his vast knowledge and experience he is the perfect person to drive new product initiatives we are developing.”

Stenning remarked:“I feel the time is right for me to step down from managing the operation of our business as after the last three years we have accomplished the bringing together of our two

companies and formed a fantastic platform for us to continue to grow. Everything we have worked for as Playsafe is now a very important part of a bigger group and the future is very secure. I am also extremely pleased to be taking up this role as working on new developments and business opportunities have always been an area I really enjoy and I am very excited about this new position.”

Furthermore, a new general manager has been appointed for Embed Playsafe,Tim Kane, who takes over day to day management responsibilities of the UK and European operations with immediate effect.

Kane joins Embed Playsafe having gained previous experi-

BBPA warns against free-of-tie legislation BEER TIE

he British Beer and Pub Association has warned that the introTduction of a mandatory free-of-tie option in new government legislation risks making many more pubs unviable.

It came after the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

select committee published a report welcoming the government’s recent consultation on a statutory code of conduct for all pubcos.

Under the code, tied pubs would be able to independently select guest beers and be charged fairer beer prices and rents, with the possibility of open-market

rent reviews.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said:“The Select Committee supports a free-of-tie option, but does not call for the abolition of the tie.There is a real concern from the industry that diluting the buying power of companies by forcing a free of tie option will make many more pubs unviable.

“Tenants would lose support from their pub company, and face big increases in their capital requirements, as they would have to fund costs such as rent increases, deposits, and new fixtures and fittings, themselves. In the current economic climate, many would be unable to secure the necessary finance. It would be very bad news

for the pub sector.”

Adrian Bailey, chair of the select committee,responded:“We believe a free-of-tie option should be included in the code. If the tied model delivers significant benefit [the BBPA] has nothing to fear - it will continue to be an attractive model for lessees and the free-oftie option will not be taken up.”

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Amusements

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Email: al@sjc.co.uk

Bournemouth gets ready for pier concert

Seaside kiosk project pulled

Replica beach event in Greater Manchester

Camden seaside amusements event

Tickets for the Night Air at the Pier live concerts as part of this year's Bournemouth Air Festival went o sale at the weekend. The Wave 105 stage at Boscombe pier will feature Blue, The Feeling, Stooshe, Lucy Spraggan and Diana Vickers on Friday August 30, and Kodaline, Gabriella Cilmi, Johnny Hates Jazz and Neon Jungle on Saturday August 31.

A project to install a seaside kiosk on Cullercoats bay in the north east have been put on hold until further notice after residents and local businesses around the seafront complained when diggers arrived on the beach to start work. The plans form part of a regeneration project for Cullercoats, which started earlier this year.

Two tonnes of sand, fairground rides, carousels and stalls helped transform Leigh in Greater Manchester for the town’s seventh consecutive beach party last week. Wigan Council’s cabinet champion for the economy councillor David Molyneux said: “Most of us remember our trips to the seaside with great affection and nostalgia. This event recalls those glory days.”

London’s Roundhouse has brought back its beach for four weeks.

The little slice of the seaside in the heart of North London attracted more than 40,000 visitors last year and is back from July 27 with 150 tonnes of sand, seaside amusements, an end-of-pier bar, beach huts, deckchairs and live music.

Focus turns to the British seaside, says travel reports STAYCATION

The recent warm spell has led to a boom in UK seaside holiday bookings among families, with Bournemouth being the most popular destination, according to recent studies from Expedia and the Post Office. easide amusement operators have welcomed the country’s recent heatwave recently as online travel specialist Expedia reported an increase in the number of UK seaside holidays being booked.

Although the company believes there is still a high demand for foreign holidays, the recent hot weather has put Brits off bookings and interest in domestic holidays has

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surged. Expedia data released to coincide with its annual Flip Flop Report has shown that the coastal resort of Bournemouth is the most popular destination among families, with a 119 per cent increase in holiday bookings.

The report looks at the behaviour and preferences among beachgoers in NorthAmerica,SouthAmerica, Europe, Asia and Australia, with 8,606 consumers who had either

taken a beach holiday in the past year or plan to do so in the next year participating in the 2013 study across 21 countries.

Meanwhile, the Post Office also reported in its family holiday report recently that prices for family holidays in Bournemouth are accelerating at a quicker rate than many overseas resorts.The study found that prices have fallen by up to 19 per cent in Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal

THE TOP 10 BEACH DESTINATIONS BOOKED

BY BRITS OVER THE LAST MONTH ARE: 1. Bournemouth 2. Cardiff 3. Brighton 4. Blackpool 5. Southampton and south coast region 6. Plymouth 7. St. Helier 8. Torquay 9. Eastbourne 10. Southport

and Greece, while Bournemouth saw the biggest price rise, with the cost of a basket of typical items 12 per cent more expensive than last summer.

Another south coast favourite, Eastbourne, has seen a 100 per cent increase in bookings, while Tourquay in Devon was up 81 per cent, according to Expedia.Andy Washington, managing director of Expedia UK, commented:“With the recent heat wave, what

better way to take advantage of the sunshine than to head to one of our great British beaches.

“It's quicker and easier than ever to book a lastminute break.” Adding: “There’s no excuse not to take some time for a short break during this great British summer.”

Expedia expects the boom for the British seaside to peter out this week as hot spell of weather comes to an end.

Work to restore historic Sunderland pier gets underway

RESTORATION

ork to restore Sunderland’s Grade II listed Roker Pier to its W former glory is beginning this week.

Sunderland City Council announced plans to invest £1.35m in a rolling programme of restoration for the

110-year-old historic north-east pier in February this year.

This begins with work on the lantern house at the top of the lighthouse on July 29. Future plans include replacing the surface of the pier, as well as a comprehensive scheme to restore the lighthouse and tunnel that runs beneath the pier if the council is successful in its bid for £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.The council is due to hear the

outcome of the bid in September. If it is successful, more detailed proposals will then be developed and submitted for funding.

The construction of Roker Pier began in 1885 and in the early 20th century, it became a hugely popular resort for locals and tourists alike. In 1928, it was taken over by the Borough of Sunderland, along with Fulwell and Seaburn.

Cabinet Secretary Councillor Mel

Speding said that the pier has protected the entrance to Sunderland harbour for over 100 years, but that it has“taken a real pounding from the North Sea over that time.”She added: “It is essential that we carry out this work now so it can be enjoyed by future generations.”The end of the pier will be closed off to allow the work to go ahead, however, other than the initial site set up, the pier itself will remain open throughout.

Heatwave will help UK tourism boom TOURISM

isitors enjoying the UK’s heatwave can return V home and help “change perceptions overseas” over Britain’s weather, a spokesman for tourism body VisitBritain said last week. “We’re an all year round location so overseas visitors aren’t usually influenced by the amazing weather we are currently having, but this heatwave certainly won’t be doing our reputation any harm,” added Mark Di-Toro.

“At a time when our global profile was at its peak over the Olympics, we had a glorious two weeks where it hardly rained. Our recent Wimbledon tennis finals were bathed in sunshine and those images would have been on TV screens across the world.

“Our countryside, coastal offering and parks are unique and attractive to visitors from everywhere, so if the weather continues I’m sure business will be booming,” he continued.

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Coinslot August 2 - August 8, 2013

Leisure

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

UK enjoys record visitor numbers INBOUND TOURISM

The UK saw a four per cent increase in overseas visitors in May 2013, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

rovisional data from the International Passenger PSurvey released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there were 3.08m overseas visitors in May 2013, which is a four per cent increase on visitors in the same period last year.

Spending also increased during the month by five per cent compared to May 2012, which is a record in nominal terms. In May holiday visits were also at a record high, whilst the business and visiting friends and relatives segments have had the strongest start to the year since the

recession began in 2008.

In the wake of the ONS announcement, tourist board VisitBritain forecasts that in 2013 the volume of inbound visits will increase by three per cent and the value of visits by 4.5 per cent.“Available data so far shows an increase in the volume of visits by two per cent and in the value of visits by one per cent between January and May 2013,” VisitBritain said.

“It should be borne in mind that the summer months are busier for inbound tourism and the picture may yet change substantially.”

Upbeat public boosts JD Wetherspoon’s profit predictions

briefs

leisure

NEW MEET-ANDGREET CHARACTER FOR NICKELODEON LAND

PUBS

With the public realising that economic “Armageddon” had been avoided, Heatwave boosts sales JD Wetherspoon’s growing confidence has been reflected in an at Marston’s upgraded profit forecast and growing expansion plans.

and beyond

returning sense of confidence amongst the British public has led pubco JD Wetherspoon to upgrade its profit target for current financial year, delivering good news for the single site sector, particularly for operators who favour Cat C machines as Wetherspoon pubs typically site up to four such products.

In a trading update the firm, which has opened 29 pubs over the course of 2012/2013,said it now expected to achieve “a slightly better outcome”before any exceptional items for the full year to July 28, although it did not provide any numerical forecast.

Having planned to open 2025 new sites in the next fiscal year, 2013/14, Wetherspoon said it was now aiming for 30.

Tim Martin, chairman and founder of Wetherspoon, told Reuters:“I think probably after five years people are seeing that Armageddon has been nar-

A

TIM MARTIN: WEATHERSPOON “BULLISH” AFTER TRADING UPDATE

rowly avoided and while they realise the economic world is precarious,life is going on.

“They can see themselves keeping their jobs and they can see the economy and incomes growing slowly.”

The company’s growing confidence came as it reported a growth of 3.5 per cent in likefor-like sales and 6.2 per cent in total sales for the 11 weeks to July 14.Although the like-forlike figure was below the 6.3 per cent rise achieved in its third

quarter,it was still ahead of analysts’ forecasts.

Martin added: “(We are) a little bit more bullish, we have got a bit more money coming through because the chancellor didn’t take as much in excise duty,and we have obviously had a good second half.”

Despite welcoming George Osborne’s reduction in beer duty in this year’s Budget, Wetherspoon used the trading update to continue its call for a level playing field with supermarkets and an end to“stealth taxes”on the pub trade.

It commented: “The company warmly welcomes the reduction in beer duty but overall excise duty increased. However, the late night levy,machine gaming duty and business rates taxes have increased. The biggest dangers to the pub industry are the VAT disparity between supermarkets and pubs and the continuing imposition of stealth taxes.”

almy temperatures and brilliant sunshine B have given Marston’s and other pubcos a welcome boost in sales after poor weather at the start of the year impacted negatively on the sector.

Marstons, which has 2,100 pubs and bars across the UK, said likefor-like sales at its 350strong destination and premium pub portfolio were up by six per cent for the 10 weeks to July 20.

For the 42 week period to July 20, its destination and premium pubs saw likefor-like sales go 2.1 per cent ahead of last year, including growth in likefor-like food sales of 3.7 per cent and like-forlike wet sales up 0.5 per cent.

Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Mitchells and Butler, Beach is about to welwhich has around 1,600 come a new character to restaurants and pubs, the attraction. Poppy Cat, said its like-for-like sales from the hit Nick Jr series, were two per cent higher will be joining the likes of during the nine weeks to SpongeBob SquarePants, July 20, almost three Dora the Explorer and the times the 0.7 per cent rest of the gang at the sixgrowth rate it has seen acre attraction for fun and across the year to date. story time. The character In the 14 weeks to 20 will be appearing at NickJuly, the firm recorded a elodeon Land every day 0.2 per cent increase in from July 30 where she its food sales and 2.7 per will be meeting and greetcent in wet sales. Total ing youngsters, as well as sales growth for the first hosting story time with 42 weeks of the year is children every day. Poppy currently 2.4 per cent Cat is aimed at the preand operating margins school market and promremain slightly above ises to bring extra fun to the same period 12 guests at Nickelodeon months ago.

Land where younger chilFuller, Smith & Turner, dren can learn and have which has a strong fun with the colourful presence in London and character, whilst enjoying the South-East, said the 12 amazlike-for-like sales rose ing rides 10 per cent for the 16 based on weeks to July 20, on the characters back of what chief from one the executive Simon Emeny world’s described as “several favourite weeks of barbecue children’s summer weather”. channels.

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2327-p14-17-Listings:Coinslot NEW

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14 B2B listings and industry marketplace

17 Latest products and services

18 This week’s machine charts

20 Classified sales, job and business opps

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Listings JNC launches summer clearance JNC Sales has launched a summer clearance for arcade video games and redemption equipment. Numerous top-performing products are now available at a discounted price, including Terminator Salvation, Time Crisis 4, Hollywood Reels and Smokin Token Extreme.

The entire management team is excited about our partnership with Acon Investments. Under this new ownership SuzoHapp will continue to grow as a global company and provide quality, value, and satisfaction to our customers, suppliers and employees.

JAMES BRENDEL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SUZO-HAPP GROUP, COMMENTS ON THE COMPANY’S RECENT ACQUISITION BY ACON INVESTMENTS, A US-BASED PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT FIRM

AWPS

Empire Games strikes gold with new lo tech AWPs Although it only put its two latest games out on test in the last fortnight, Empire Games has already seen signs to suggest it has a pair of aces on its hands. ridgend-based gaming machine manufacturer Empire Games has reported early success for its two new lo-tech AWPS currently undergoing testing in bingo sites around the UK. The first, Band Of Gold, is a three player game housed in Empire’s Dynamic cabinet, assembled and tested by the firm’s experienced and skilled technicians.

Operator adjustable between Category C and Category D stake and prize configurations, its familiar Irish theme is instantly recognisable and the option of the popular community feature, which can be triggered at random, invites all players ‘in play’ to be part of a winning experience.

Steve Young, Empire’s sales manager, said that despite testing being in its early days, Band Of Gold was already shaping up to be a hit game.

He commented: “It only just left the factory floor in the last two weeks, but the initial figures have already been very encouraging and the feedback from our customers and the players themselves has been very positive. They like the way the machine looks and the way it plays.

“We have worked hard to create the most appealing machine possible, and I think we have hit a high note with this one.”

Housed in Empire’s innovative and eye-catching Glo cabinet, Gold

B

AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8, 2013

The essential guide to after sales & service Next Week Coinslot AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8, 2013

Run is also a three player game adjustable between Category C and Category D stake and prize configurations, with the added bonus offering players a seat from which to play.

Young said the appeal of this had been reflected in Gold Run’s successful test results: “I think there is a growing demand for sit-down machines, as it allows players to sit down with their drinks and play in comfort. Every Gold Run unit comes complete with three high quality leather-style seats with the Empire logo embossed on the back, which creates a very appealing visual impact.”

Although Band Of Gold and Gold Run are being tested mainly at bingo sites, Young said their appeal would carry other into other coin-op sectors: “They are ideal for the arcade and bingo sectors - there is no reason why they can’t do very well in the former as well. Indeed, we are currently testing two Gold Run machines outside of bingo environments and both are doing very well.”

Reflecting on Empire’s recent summer sale, he commented: “Considering the current economic climate, the sale was a positive one for us. It sparked more interest with our distributors, who weren’t the target audience initially, but their money is as good as everyone else’s and we were able to do some extra business.”

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15

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Paignton Pier for sale A unique opportunity to acquire one of the UK’s landmark attraction sites has arisen. Paignton Pier is now for sale due to a business reorganisation.

Tel: 020 8391 7700 Fax: 020 8391 7760 Email: sales@suzohapp.co.uk www.suzohapp.co.uk

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Harry Levy Amusement Contractor Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1843 866464 | Fax: +44 (0)1843 860144 Email: sales@harry-levy-amusements.com | Web: www.harry-levy-amusement.com

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JCM EARNS EUROPEAN PLAUDITS

Use as often as you wish Great Value for Money £249.00 + vat For more information & sales contact TEL: 0191 4187158 WEB:

award-winning iVizion bill validator leading transaction technoloTgieshefromsupplier JCM Global has been appearing on new games at all four Casino Cosmopol locations in Sweden to what can only be described as rave reviews.

According to JCM, iVizions began appearing on new games in Casino Cosmopol last autumn. To date, approximately 250 iVizion bill validators have come onto the company’s gaming floors, and casino management reports the product has exceeded their highest expectations.

Roger Jonsson, gaming specialist at Casino Cosmopol, said: “Selecting the iVizion was a nobrainer for us because of its improved security, fastest note-to-note processing speed and 99 per cent acceptance rate.”

Width = 960mm Height = 710mm Depth = 220mm

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Amusement and Gaming Equipment Finance with Rates from 3.1%

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B2B Football Tables THE HIGHEST EARNING POOL, AIR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL TABLES

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info@antrimcarpets.com

B2B Bingo

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APPOINTMENTS TECHNICIAN REQUIRED AT WARWICKS full time technician is required to at Warwicks Amusements in A Blackpool.

According to the company, the candidate must have a good understanding of gaming and amusement machines and able to resolve and problems that arise.

sales@leisure-electronics.co.uk www.leisure-electronics.co.uk

www.amgleisure.co.uk Next week’s feature is After Sales & Service To advertise, please call Kathryn on 01204 396397

Coinslot AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8, 2013

B 2 B

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Listings PUBS

MARKETPLACE

B2B Gaming Machines

CASH HANDLING

BBPA OPPOSES BLACKPOOL ALCOHOL RESTRICTIONS he British Beer and Pub Association is opposing Blackpool Council’s Tintention to implement an Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO), which will prevent premises from retailing alcohol after 3am.

An EMRO preventing premises from retailing alcohol after 3am would not necessarily help with crime and disorder, the association said. Instead it will move demand for late night entertainment elsewhere and damaging Blackpool’s economy.

“Businesses with a core late night trade will lose a large part of their attraction, and given the current economic circumstances this could well make these businesses unviable, with job losses and economic damage to the town,” the BBPA said in a recent statement.

Brigid, Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, added: “The council and police understandably want to promote a family friendly destination, but an EMRO is not a catch-all solution. It may encourage ‘preloading’ by drinkers who think that venues will close earlier, and would also damage the Blackpool economy.”

Other local authorities, Hartlepool and Northampton, recently abandoned their plans for an EMRO

Innovative Technology holds summer sales conference oney processing specialist Innovative Technology’s European sales team was in Germany last week for its summer sales conference. Staff from the UK, Spain and Germany gathered in Pinneberg to share successes and plan for the second half of year.

Sales director Tony Morrison commented: “2013 has been a successful year for the company with a number of new customers turning to our ‘state of the art’ cash handling products. At the height of the UK recession the company took bold decision to invest heavily in product development and over the past twelve months we have seen the rewards, with

global successes such as the NV200 high volume, high security bank note validator and the market -leading NV11compact note recycler.”

He explained that the firm believes in innovation, not replication, and that it has always been a pioneer when it comes to cash handling. Morrison concluded: “The sales meeting is a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate our successes and to plan for the future to continue our growth. We will not become complacent and are already developing new products and technologies that will once again push the boundaries of what has been produced before.”

started, advance replacement orders have picked up and we expect even more demand if the hot weather continues.”

announcement that author Jane Austen will appear on its £10 notes from 2017.

The Austen note will follow a new £5 note featuring Sir Winston Churchill, which is targeted for issue during 2016.

Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, said: “Jane Austen certainly merits a place in the select group of historical figures to appear on our banknotes.

Her novels have an enduring and universal appeal and she is recognised as one of the greatest writers in English literature.”

The Bank regularly changes the design of its banknotes to address issues such as counterfeiting and quality.

M

PARTS AND PERIPHERALS E-SERVICE SEES SUMMER RUSH

E

-Service’s local drivers, who deliver parts and accessories to keep machines up and running and taking cash, have reported brisk business of late.

Matt Milburn, whose van run service for arcades and operators covers central England, East Anglia and the south, told B2B that orders for advance replacements have been high in recent weeks.

Milburn added: “Our customers have prepared well for the summer and orders of cleaning materials, bulbs and replacement parts were very brisk earlier this month. Now the school holidays have

Coinslot AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8, 2013

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CASH HANDLING NEW £10 NOTE SET FOR 2017 LAUNCH he UK’s cash handling sector is set to be graced with yet another new face, Tfollowing the Bank of England’s

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Analysis

NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

CATEGORYC (£1/£70 Max.)

CATEGORYB3 (£1/£500 Max.)

FILMCHARTS

Single site

AGCs

UK Box Office Chart

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name

1 2 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 5 4 3 2 6 7 8 10

Monster Money QPS Snow White and the Seven Tenners REF DOND Golden Game BFG DOND Double Chance BFG DOND Bankers Offer BFG Alice Through the Looking Glass REF DOND Triple BFG Lady Luck Trail of Riches REF Karate Quid QPS DOND Take a Chance BFG

Taken from a representative number of sites around the UK Supplied by national operator

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

King of Slots Blueprint TS 22 Project Triple 8 Barcrest Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest Magic Lotto 2 Novomatics Mega Bars Big Hit Project Rainbow King Astra Lady Luck Reflex Jackpot King Project Triple 7 Barcrest

MUSICCHARTS

AGCs

FEC - family

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

X3000 Multigame Amatic Magic Games 3 Novomatic Magic Games 3 (s/d) Novomatic Find the Lady 2 card gamble Project Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming Solid Gold Astra Encore T7 (GP2) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP1) SG Gaming Bullion Bars Arena Astra King of Games Blueprint

Based on data from a minimum of 10 locations. Supplied by Praesepe

FEC - adult This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3 1 5 6 7 8 9 10

Free Play 70 Project Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest Free Play 70 Project Super Big 7 Electrocoin Pure Gold Astra Hot Spots Astra Clockwork Oranges Empire Win Wall Astra Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Find The Lady Project

3 2 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

UK Jukebox Chart http://www.sound net.net/ www.soundnet.net

Party Time Classic (3 Player) Barcrest Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Astra Gold Rush Stampede (4 Player) Barcrest Craic in Fun (3 Player) Barcrest Adders And Ladders (4 Player) Vivid Party Games (4 Player) Astra DOND (3 Player) Bellfruit Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra Monoply (4 Player) Mazooma

JAHMENE DOUGLAS: LOVER NEVER FAILS

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 4 8 5 3 6 9 7

Blurred Lines Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell Wake Me Up Avicii La La La Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith Let Her Go Passenger Bang Bang Will.I.Am Love Me Again John Newman Get Lucky Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams Dear Darlin Olly Murs I Love It Icona Pop Waiting All Night Rudimental feat. Ella Eyre

This Last WeekWeek Name

Members clubs 1 2 3 4 5

This Last Week Week Name

Albums

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

CATEGORYB4 (£1/£250 Max)

Highest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxes

Based on data supplied by Soundnet

Snow White & the 7 Tenners Reflex Fireball Storm Alice Through the Looking Glass Reflex Cops Streetwise BFG Street Casino Storm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 5 4 6 7 24 11 10

Love Never Fails Jahmene Douglas Blurred Lines Robin Thicke Magna Carta Holy Grail Jay-Z All The Little Lights Passenger Time Rod Stewart To Be Loved Michael Buble Babel Mumford & Sons Nothing But The Beat David Guetta Home Rudimental Jake Bugg Jake Bugg

Downloads This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

Based on data from representative sites.

Supplied by sector professional

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

ONE DIRECTION: BEST SONG EVER

Coinslot AUGUST 2 - AUGUST 8, 2013

Monsters University The World's End Despicable Me 2 Pacific Rim Now You See Me World War Z The Internship Man of Steel The Frozen Ground This Is The End

Based on data supplied by a representative number of UK sites Supplied by RLMS Sales

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

5 -

THE WORLD’S END

1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 3 2 4 6 9 5 11 7

Wake Me Up Avicii Love Me Again John Newman Blurred Lines Naughty Boy ft Sam Smith Best Song Ever One Direction I Love It Icona Pop ft Charli XCX La La La Naughty Boy ft Sam Smith Let Her Go Passenger Bang Bang Will I Am Get Lucky Daft Punk ft Pharrell Williams Reload S Ingrosso/T Trash/J Martin

Classified

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19 19 20 21 21

19

B 2 B

To advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397

Business Opportunities

Wanted

FOR SALE

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For sale due to business re-organisation.

Please contact Mrs. C. Wilkinson, UK Piers Ltd, C/o Skegness Pier, Grand Parade, Skegness. Lincs. PE25 2UE Email cw@ukpiers.com

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Comment 2013 The year everything happened

“

“The sun always shines on TV.” Or does it?

alex lee comment et’s recap.Triennial Review (coming soon, honestly), a new 20-strong pan-industry gaming and gambling group, a new trade body collective agreement, unbelievably hot weather, successful - and wellattended - national and provincial trade shows, anecdotal evidence of increased takings in seaside arcades, the Beer Duty Escalator dropped, Bingo Association membership doubled, inbound tourism figures on the rise, a certain pub chain which massively supports Cat C showing good returns, completely overhauled Irish gambling legislation and plenty of other ‘positive stuff’ I don’t need to list (or have temporarily forgotten) here.

All-in-all, 2013 has been quite some year for the coin-op and wider entertainment sector, despite it only being August. With five months to go before the year is out, and before EAG 2014 rolls into the capital, however, there is plenty of work to be done before a lot of industry stakeholders can even consider shelling out for some laurels, let alone start resting on them.

I’ll be joining everyone else in a silent prayer for sunshine throughout August and an official

L

announcement of the Triennial in sufficient time to get things cracking on the factory floor ahead of the big trade show in January.

Any stimulus to manufacture new, different, exciting and innovative games (with, hopefully, some interesting themes and brands) has to be a good thing, not just from a simplistic - and of course vital - ‘keeping people in jobs’ angle but also from the point of view of shaking the market up a little. Furthermore, while those ‘lucky’ LBOs still have the monopoly on B2 machines, we should never lose sight of the fact that not all machine players are frenzied lunatics whose only aim in life is to make a quick £200 every time they press the ‘gamble’ button.

And finally, for anyone who only gets Coinslot to read this column (cough shame on you), Channel Four’s Undercover Boss on Tuesday next week should be quite entertaining, not least to see the kind of spin the show’s producer decides to put on the UK high street adult gaming centre sector. I just hope that they don’t take the soft option and decide to paint the industry in several shades of black like most of the TV coverage coin-op tends to get nowadays.

“ ”

Coin-op stronghold receives accolad

Another bingo hall bites Blackpool’s hotels have

alex lee media watch n Eastbourne bingo hall has closed its doors amid a finanA cial crisis, according to the Eastbourne Herald. Seven Bingo in Pevensey Road closed suddenly last week and the company behind it, Leisure Worldwide Deluxe Limited, has gone into administration.

Staff said they were dismissed and the club was closed without warning. Several hundred people passed through the doors each week and there were thousands of members.

Gerard Toplass from the parent company which owned Leisure Worldwide Deluxe Limited, told the Herald, “It was with a sad heart that we had to close.

We had worked hard to try and save it but there comes a point when you just can’t do it any more.”

Toplass said the company had been trying to negotiate a new rental deal with the landlord but were unable to agree on terms. In addition, he said trading conditions had been difficult because of the recession and the bad weather last winter which meant

the club was closed for a week.

“There has been a general decline in the industry over the last three, four years and we were losing a lot of revenue which put pressure on us,” said Toplass.

“Since we acquired the club we had invested £100,000 but there comes a point when you can’t put any more in. We were told the landlord wouldn’t agree new terms so we had to make the decision to close.”

The former ABC Cinema first opened as a bingo club in October 1995 when entrepreneur Peter Hargreaves bought the building. His company, Stylus Sports, trading as Deluxe Bingo, spent £1.2m converting the art deco building and became the flagship of the Deluxe Clubs which included venues in Hastings, Folkestone and Southend.

But then disaster struck when Hastings Pier was shut down amid safety fears and people began playing bingo online from the comfort of their own homes.

Stylus Sports Limited had already put itself into a Company

Voluntary Arrangement at the end of 2009 and within months went into administration.

RSM Tenon was appointed administrator and Stylus Sports’ assets were sold to Leisure Worldwide Deluxe which took over the running of the Pevensey Road building and the leasehold.

One finance expert said: “It’s a pastime that has run its course and people like to play online from the comfort of their own homes. The smoking ban certainly didn’t help either.”

Hargreaves told the Herald he hoped in time a bingo club would re-open in the venue.

Meanwhile, Intergame’s website has run a slightly more positive story about land-based bingo’s fortunes.

The bingo sector was hit with a ‘perfect storm’ of problems a few years ago when smoking bans were introduced across the world, then the recession took its toll and - facing already stiff competition from other land-based forms of entertainment - online gaming emerged as a chief rival, according to Intergame. Add to

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“If the industry is to survive and remain vital with the addition of new operators, then it is going to have to rethink how it views the concept of hard work.”

23

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HANK SCHLESINGER, VENDING TIMES

“ ”

quote unquote

“Innovative new technologies are the lifeblood of the pay-to-play amusement industry and have, at various different stages, enabled it to evolve and sometimes re-invent itself in order to stay a relevant form of entertainment. Yet while today’s games feature technologies as far removed from those of say, 20 years ago, as possible, nonetheless they are still instantly familiar to players. There’s something about the way we play games and the type of play mechanics we enjoy that ensures continuity in style; how this is delivered is perhaps what changes the most.”

SIMON LIDDLE, INTERGAME

“According to conventional wisdom and enduring statistics, about 50 per cent of small business start-ups fail within the first few years. It would seem that small businesses are a coin toss that hardly seems worth the time and effort. While the odds are certainly better than the lottery, they certainly don’t inspire confidence.

There are few endeavours most people would undertake with those odds. But, as old gamblers used to say, ‘You should make a bet every day, otherwise you could be walking around lucky and not know it.’”

Commission must remain independent After another annual review, Gambling Commission chairman Philip Graf has insisted that the regulator’s focus is still firmly on those operators and issues that present the greatest risk to the licensing objectives.

HANK SCHLESINGER, VENDING TIMES

paul talboys

“Pubs have so much to offer tourism in Britain, for overseas visitors and all of us who increasingly holiday at home, so it is wonderful that they are now taking their place in the GREAT campaign alongside Britain’s other key attractions.”

politics Gambling Commission’s focus on those issues and operTatorsheremains that potentially present the

BRIGID SIMMONDS, BBPA

ccolade from online travel experts

ngo hall bites the dust, but the land-based sector continues to fight back, while ol’s hotels have received an online accolade for their efforts.

that the additional challenge of taxation, which in the UK at least, is higher than for other forms of gambling, and the picture isn’t a particular positive one.

There are, however, signs that the bingo industry is far more resilient than was first thought. Because of its typically older customer base, the ban on smoking was expected to damage the sector far more profoundly than others. It is difficult to know whether it is the smoking ban itself that has fuelled club closures, or - the more likely - a combination of those other factors also. That online gaming has emerged as a major force within the industry is perhaps no coincidence now people can play bingo from the comfort of their own homes where, the fact is, they can smoke as much as they like and they don’t have to worry about the additional costs of ‘going out.’

But that, of course, misses the point. For many, bingo is a social affair and certainly

among older players is considered an important leisure activity. There are indications that the sector is once again attracting customers through the door.

And finally, Blackpool’s hotels and B&Bs rank among the best in the world according to the people who matter most to businesses - their customers. Hundreds of accommodation providers in the resort have been handed prestigious Certificate of Excellence awards from online travel site TripAdvisor.

The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded to businesses that rank in the top 10 per cent worldwide for traveller feedback. And, according to the site, 273 of these are in Blackpool.

Helen Mansell, of Bamford House on York Street, Blackpool, said: “It’s great Trip Advisor is rewarding us for all the hard work a lot of accommodation providers put into Blackpool, it’s wonderful. This is true, unbiased feedback

from customers.”

TripAdvisor spokesman James Kay said: “Only around 10 per cent of businesses listed on Trip Advisor have achieved this award, so the fact that more than 250 hotels and B&Bs in Blackpool have earned one shows what a high standard of service many Blackpool establishments are providing to their customers.”

Claire Smith, president of Stay Blackpool, said: “We know Blackpool has a fabulous range of quality accommodation but to have it put in writing in the world-wide market place is absolutely fabulous for the town. Blackpool takes so many knocks, it’s really wonderful to get something really positive out there.”

greatest risk to the licensing objectives set out in the Gambling Act 2005.The licensing objectives are, in essence, to keep crime out of gambling, ensure it is fair and open and that the young and vulnerable are protected.

We always prefer to use our powers to educate and support the gambling industry in understanding how to comply with the law, but we never flinch from taking action when necessary against those who would exploit or cheat consumers.

At the same time,we continue to support our regulatory partners in handling local issues through our Local Authority Liaison Unit.

In addition we have a role to play in advising central and local government and other stakeholders on gambling, its effects and regulation but it is not for the Commission to promote the gambling industry, to do so would be to call into question our independence as a regulator.

This year we spent time securing improved arrangements for research, education and treatment of problem gamblers working with the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board and the Responsible Gambling Trust.

We also challenged gambling operators to do more to address the genuine concerns raised about the harm that can be caused to those who gamble to excess or are otherwise exploited.

Technological advances over recent years mean that operators can now monitor play and identify high risk gambling behaviour, enabling them to respond to those players appropriately.But if they wish to con-

tinue to grow and innovate to provide safer gambling options,the gambling industry must build confidence with the wider public by demonstrating that operators take full ownership of the licensing objectives.

And, with legislation expected to be in place in 2014, this will apply equally to operators based overseas that provide gambling facilities to British consumers.At present over 85% of the British online gambling market is regulated overseas, not by the Commission.We therefore welcome the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s endorsement of the proposed repatriation of gambling regulation, so that all those selling gambling facilities to British consumers will be subject to Commission requirements and oversight.

The next 12 months look challenging - we expect the merger with the National Lottery Commission to complete shortly and we will be producing a report during 2014 providing updated information on problem gambling that is comparable with the previous British Gambling Prevalence Surveys. We will continue to support DCMS as it reaches conclusions on the triennial review of machine stakes and prizes;and we are preparing for the extension of our remit to cover overseas operators selling gambling to British consumers.

All this goes alongside our ongoing compliance activity and the continued development of our evidence base in conjunction with the RGSB and the RGT. Our activity is aimed at protecting players and the wider public from gambling related harm through the provision of effective proportionate regulation this will always remain at the heart of what we do.

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Newsweek DATE SET FOR PHOTO-ME AGM hoto-Me, the instant service equipment group, has made its annual report for the year to April 30, 2013 available to shareholders, and served notice of its 2013 Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be held at the Preston Cross Hotel, Rectory Lane, Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4DY, on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 12.30.

P

G2E CONFERENCE SESSIONS UNVEILED eed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association have unveiled an extensive con-

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Autumn Fair tests its Facebook allure or the next few weeks anyone who registers for Autumn Fair via the event’s Facebook page can enter a draw for prizes worth up to £370, with new competitions starting every Wednesday at 9am and ending the following Tuesday at 11.59pm. The lucky winners will be announced on Facebook and

F

ference programme for the forthcoming G2E, which takes place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Las Vegas, on September 23-26. As the headliner of insights on operations at G2E, Robert Tercek will explain how accelerating digital forces will forever change entire sectors of the gaming industry. He will illustrate how clients in the mass

Twitter, with the last competition drawn at 11.59pm on Tuesday August 20.

The first competition went live on Wednesday 17 July with the prize of a 19-inch Bantam Midget Spindizzy courtesy of Authentic Models (RRP £310), followed a collection of movable PVC free fabric wall stickers from Chocovenyl to the

value of £150 in week two and a Winebreather worth £48 from Menu, which is still a live competition.

Further prizes include Looking Good Sunglasses Mirror from Thabto (RRP £200), a VW Campervan Tent from The Monster Factory (RRP £299) and a Mixie Mixed Gear Bike from Scratch Tracks (RRP £370).

tablets, and demonstrate how companies in a range of industries are saving millions of pounds by relying on cloud infrastructure, mobile delivery and crowdsourced solutions. media industry are taking urgent steps to reinvent themselves as a new, personalised media experience optimal for smartphones and

AGE SOON TO OPEN ITS DOORS he 2013 edition of the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) opens its

T

doors at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 13. Featuring more than 180 exhibitors across 15,000sq.m of exhibition space, AGE is easily the biggest event of its type in Australia and one of the world’s largest gaming expos. Event owner and operator, the Gaming Technologies Association, is adding to the fun by offering

a surprise trip for two to Las Vegas for visitors at each day of the expo.

Calendar INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AUGUST 2013 13-15 Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) Sydney Convention Centre Sydney Australia www.austgamingexpo.com

UK EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2013 1-4 Autumn Fair International NEC Birmingham UK www.autumnfair.com

18 BACTA Division 2 & 4 Meeting Hippodrome Casino London UK www.bacta.org.uk

19 BACTA Division 1 & 3 Meeting Hippodrome Casino London UK www.bacta.org.uk

20-22 BAPTO National Finals Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park Rhyl UK www.bapto.org.uk

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2013 18-20 Euro Attractions Show 2013 Porte de Versailles Convention Centre Paris France www.iaapa.org

EDITORIAL Editor: Alex Lee Email: al@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01204 396 397 Assistant Editor: James Walker Email: jw@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01204 396 397 Managing Editor: Ken Scott Email: ks@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01273 699 900 ADVERTISING SALES Kathryn Norris Email: knorris@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 SUBSCRIPTIONS Sarah Haworth Tel: 01204 396 397 DIGITAL VERSION Marc Lawton Email: mlawton@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 PRODUCTION Designer: Gina Lloyd Email: gl@sjc.co.uk Ad Production & Pre-Press: Dave Roderick Email: gdk@sjc.co.uk PUBLISHER Director: John Sullivan GB Media Corporation Ltd, Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY

Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 Email: jsullivan@gbmedia.eu OFFICES Editorial and Production: 3rd Floor, 20 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UF (UK) Tel: 01273 699 900 Advertising and Subscriptions: Coinslot International, Bolton Technology Exchange,33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 Opinions expressed in this publication should not be regarded as the official view of GB Media Corporation Ltd, except where stated. Views, opinions and recommendations contained in this publication are put forward for consideration only. No action should be taken in reliance upon any such views, opinions or recommendations. Neither GB Media Corporation Ltd nor contributors accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person howsoever caused or arising as a result of or in consequence of action taken or refrained from in realiance on the contents of this publication.

Notes for contributors: Coinslot welcomes the submission of articles for consideration by the editor with a view to publication. Submission of an article will be held to imply that the article contains original unpublished work which GB Media Corporation Ltd may lawfully publish. All submissions are made at the owner’s risk. © GB Media Corporation Ltd, 2013 All rights strictly reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission given, full acknowledgement of author, publisher and source must be given.