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February 14 – February 20, 2014 • No. 2355 • www.coinslot.co.uk

2355-p02-inside flap_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 16:41 Page 1

COINSLOT

Industry news Seaside amusements ICE review B2B Listings Latest machine charts For sale, wanted + opps Jabro Surreal Soccer Comment and opinion

COMMENT

4 10 12 14 17 18 21 22

“Councils aren’t anti-bookies but need powers to tackle the damage that can be caused to high streets by the clustering of betting shops.”

Industry must grasp oppo TECHNOLOGY

The Gambling Commission’s Philip Graf believes that there is a clear opportunity for the gambling industry to demonstrate that it is serious about using innovation and technology to develop better player protection tools and adopt a more socially responsible approach as well as to grow its business. He stated: “Regulators can support and endorse a proactive industry approach to player protection, but it is the operators themselves that are far better placed than anyone else to identify and commission the most promising avenues for improvement. “They have access to player data regarding time and money spent and need to use that data much more effectively and be prepared to share their findings so that we can all learn more about how to keep players safe. “We look forward, one day, to being able to move away from issues such as stake and prize limits to a more player

focussed approach aimed at protection of those who need it and regulation that reflects the technological world we live in. We need to be able to show opinion formers that innovation is being used to improve player protection, so they feel

Blackpool EMRO th LICENSING

ingle site operators serving Lancashire seaside resort SBlackpool will be buoyed to hear that the proposed Early Morning Restriction Order in the town has been thrown out by councillors. The town’s licensing committee has rejected an application by the police for an EMRO. Blackpool Council announced the decision this week after a four-day hearing at the town hall. Blackpool Police had applied for the order which they said was necessary to combat alcoholfuelled disorder in the town centre. But club and pub bosses opposed the move saying it would sound the death knell for some venues and send out the wrong message about Blackpool.

The town would have been the first local authority in the country to introduce an EMRO. The decision must now go to the full council for ratification. CllrTonyWilliams,leader of the Conservative group on Blackpool Council, told local press: “The council had already stated in their ‘Blackpool Plan’ that they would implement an EMRO so I was surprised and delighted that after hearing both sides of the argument that the whole committee agreed not to go ahead. I always said that the whole debate was a farce and I think a unanimous decision has proved me right. The police’s action and position has disappointed a lot of businesses and residents in the

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE

INDUSTRY

What was hot at ICE?

VAT cut debate gains momentum

22 February 14 - February 20, 2014 • No. 2355 • www.coinslot.co.uk

Graf believes innovation is a force for good

p opportunities

MARKET ANALYSIS

In his keynote speech at the ICE World Regulatory Briefing, Philip Graf, chairman of the Gambling Commission, praised the industry’s innovation and technology, while reinforcing the message that social responsibility is paramount. n a speech entitled:“Innovation as a force for good exploiting technology to secure public confidence,” Gambling Commission chairman Philip Graf spoke of how the UK gambling industry is in the midst of a revolution, but player protection must remain at the forefront of stakeholders’ minds. Graf told delegates at ICE:“Many politicians and members of the public believe that high stake gaming machines and online games are inherently dangerous and addictive and that they exploit the vulnerable. And whether or to what extent that is true, it is a widely publicised belief. “Our legislation hard wires requirements such as limits on machine numbers,stakes and prizes and provides a crude proxy protection for players.Advertising is seen as pervasive and exploitative by vocal groups and by politicians.Regulators, determined to protect vulnerable people by means of proportionate, rational regulation, have surprisingly little good information to work with, when faced with innovations and products not dreamt about ten years ago. “The industry recognises that there are risks to the vulnerable and that owners and boards accept they need to put social responsibility on a par with responsibility to their shareholders.This will mean that we, as regulators, are in a position to assure the public that the industry can be allowed to innovate and grow. “Probably what concerns the British public most at the moment about gambling is the possible risk to players of high stake gaming machines and the growth of online gambling, especially mobile gambling. “Operators are not using the same tools and analytical approach they use to manage commercial risk

confident that people can enjoy gambling without undue risk. “Until this happens, politicians and the public will remain, at best, ambivalent and sometimes antagonistic towards gambling operators. Public confidence will only be

built by a demonstrable commitment to player protection and building growth on responsible gambling not those gambling to excess. But that public confidence is the key to sustainable growth and innovation.”

RO thrown out town and they now have to start to build bridges to repair relationships. What I will be demanding to know is just how much public money has been wasted on this debate especially from the police’s resources at a time when they are complaining about being stretched.” Cllr Simon Blackburn, leader of Blackpool Council, countered: “Of all the many objections to the EMRO, nobody suggested that late night drinking in Blackpool was not a problem - so that is a good starting point. Our efforts to improve the town’s economy, the public health and the visitor experience are all reliant upon a solution to this problem being found. It is not acceptable to con-

tinue to let the problems of late night drinking and violence to harm our economy and disrupt the lives of our residents.”

and opportunity to understand the risk to players or in some cases the money laundering risk. Shouldn’t the same analytic techniques being applied to commercial marketing and risk be applied elsewhere – to help identify which players are more likely to be engaged in harmful gambling behaviour and to help us find ways of targeting player protection and advice measures? “It is not sufficient to say that there are ‘only’ 0.5 per cent of people who are problem gamblers, and they can be treated. Very few of those seek help and there is a much larger group who have some issues and could be helped by the industry providing more sophisticated self-help tools or staff support. The industry needs to find ways to identify and target help to those in this group. “We are starting to see a welcome increase in operators providing access to data and collaborating with researchers. The RGT ran a harm minimisation

conference last December, funded by the industry, bringing in experts from around the world. “But the concerned public are not yet convinced that sufficient, real effort is being made to harness modern analytic techniques and technology in pursuit of player protection. This was clear in the debate in Parliament on the remote gambling bill - whether it be a national self-exclusion scheme or mandating the best international practices. “The public need to see the industry really trying to use modern analytics techniques to help them distinguish where the industry money comes from – to what extent from healthy recreational gamblers or to what extent from those with harmful behaviour patterns – and to see operators harnessing modern technology to reduce the risk of their growth and prosperity being partly on the back of problematic gamblers.The industry will not have credibility until it can make a better fist at dealing with that issue.”

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2355-p04-05-Industry_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 17:10 Page 1

Coinslot February 14 - February 20, 2014

Industry BACTA forms HMRC working group LOBBYING

Coin-op’s trade body BACTA has been very busy of late, as it continues its lobbying efforts to better serve the industry, including the formation of an HMRC working group and a meeting with David Gauke MP.

ndustry trade body BACTA has formed a working group to address the recent HMRC VAT repayment demands. After consultation with the group, BACTA is meeting with a leading Silk to explore what options are open to members with regards these demands. Specifically,Counsel will be asked: • Whether there are any legal arguments to challenge the validity of the assessments issued by HMRC under the terms of the VAT Act 1994 following repayment of alleged overpaid VAT to taxpayers in relation to “Linneweber” claims; • Whether an assessment can be raised on a protective basis at all, in circum-

stances where HMRC consider themselves liable to make a repayment of tax • Whether there are any legal arguments to challenge the enforcement action now being taken by HMRC in respect of the protective assessments that were issued and • How taxpayers can best protect their position in light of the enforcement action. Any non-member can join the association to take advantage of BACTA’s work and receive free advice about how to take this issue forward if it affects them. Meanwhile, last week, John Powell, BACTA’s treasurer, Leslie MacLeod-Miller, BACTA’s CEO and Peter Bingle, BACTA’s parliamentary advisor met with the

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury,David Gauke MP,to discuss BACTA’s pre-Budget requests. Although very short, the meeting was successful the Minister was pleased to learn more about BACTA and the industry we represent.He noted BACTA’s concerns about the state of the industry and requests for reforms, including simplification and rate reductions. As he explained, all taxes and tax regimes are kept under review as part of the regular Budget process. He will be considering gambling taxation with his officials in the run up to Budget 14. Budget decisions are taken in the round, with the government mindful of a host of competing pressures, including the state of the public finances.

BACTA confirm changes to RET contribution process CONTRIBUTIONS

ACTA members are aware that making a B contribution to Research,

Responsible Gambling Trust. BACTA no longer collects payments from memEducation and Treatment is bers, and members have a condition of their Gam- been reminded to make bling Commission operat- their payment directly to ing licence and a condition the RGT. The Gambling Commisof BACTA membership. In previous years,BACTA sion commented: “As with collected these payments all licence conditions, the from members and for- Gambling Commission warded them to the takes compliance very seri-

ously. While it is open to operators to decide how best to comply, many operators find the simplest way to do so is to make a contribution to the Responsible Gambling Trust. Making a suitable contribution to the Trust will always be acceptable to the Commission and we encourage operators to take that option up.”

New ten pin bowling complex slated for Merthyr TEN PIN

ten-pin bowling alley incorporating a FEC is A set to open in Merthyr Tydfil. The idea has long been touted and now Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has decided to proceed with a new bowling complex and adventure play facility in the town’s Rhydycar Leisure Village. The new complex willinclude a 14-lane ten-pin bowling alley, adventure play facility with party rooms, coin-op games and food and drink outlets. A definite opening date is yet to be confirmed, however. Council leader, Cllr Brendan Toomey, told local press: “I am delighted to announce that it has now been confirmed that a tenpin bowling and adventure play facility will be developed at the last remaining vacant unit. This is excellent news for Merthyr Tydfil and will form the final piece of the jigsaw at

the leisure village and I am pleased that we could deliver this development during this administration. “The completion of the leisure village with the development of the bowling facility is very fitting at this time, given that the former leader of the council, Harvey Jones, who was the political architect of the leisure village, has now returned to the council to see his vision realised.” The bowling alley will form part of the existing leisure services section at the council and create at least 20 new jobs. Cllr Toomey concluded: “In addition to providing a return for the council, this will also contribute to the council’s vision and priority outcomes, including building a strong, sustainable and diverse economy, and offering people who live, work and visit Merthyr Tydfil a healthier and better quality of life by improving physical activity and play facilities.”

Talarius launches new electronic servi OPERATORS

A new real-time system rolled out across the UK has improved efficiency and reduced machine downtime across Talarius adult gaming centres.

the UK’s largest operator of adult gaming centres, has revealed Tthatalarius, a new electronic service system

creates a live database which acts as a central hub for all engineers and venue managers. The system provides real has been rolled out to all of its venues time updates so engineers are immediacross the UK which will help to fur- ately informed of any machine faults ther increase operational efficiency of logged by venue managers.This enables Talarius’ bespoke team of engineers to the business. Invested in as part of Talarius’ long manage time more effectively and servterm growth strategy’, the new system ice the needs of the company in a far

more efficient manner than was previously possible. As a result, overall machine downtime is significantly reduced. The system also provides Talarius’ management team with a central overview of developments within each venue, enhancing the overall operations of the business.

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK REGENERATION Southend amusements could find a new addition to its ranks? 10

VAT in tourism and hospitality sectors debate reaches halls of Westminster DEBATE

PIERS

The first ever House of Commons debate on tourism and hospitality VAT took place in Westminster Hall this week. takeholders in the leisure and hospitality industry have long been campaigning for a VAT cut. This week’s Parliamentary debate focussed on whether the government should reduce VAT for businesses in the sector to 5 per cent, down from the current rate of 20 per cent. The debate was scheduled by a group of MPs who took part in a round table organised by Cut Tourism VAT in London last month. Cut Tourism VAT, which is supported by over 3,500 hospitality businesses and associations, is encouraging everyone in the industry to send a letter to their MPs ahead of the debate.The campaign has published a template letter calling on MPs to support a reduction in VAT on tourism accommodation and visitor attractions as a first step. GrahamWason,chairman of CutTourism VAT, said: “This is the first ever debate focused exclusively on tourism VAT in Parliament and is an important opportunity that industry must take advantage of.The Campaign is working with all of our supporters to encourage MPs to take part and to raise awareness of the strong economic evidence behind the case for a reduction.” British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said the debate was proof that even the smallest grassroots campaign could be effective:“Every letter, every conversation, every mention of the importance of hospitality and tourism, and the potential to drive

additional wealth and jobs through a competitive VAT rate gets us one step closer to the prize.” Under EU laws, member states are permitted to reduce VAT rates for a limited number of services and industries, including tourism. Other EU countries have taken advantage of this, with all but four member states introducing reduced VAT rates for visitor accommodation, and 13 member states introducing lower VAT rates for restaurants. However, UK government has repeatedly ignored calls to reduce the VAT rate for tourism and hospitality, because it believes the cut would be too expensive. Campaigners argue that cutting VAT for hospitality and tourism would increase revenue because it would improve the competitiveness of UK tourism in Europe, encouraging more foreign visitors and tempting Brits to holiday closer to home. Treasury adviser ProfessorAdam Blake noted in an independent report published in 2013 that cutting tourism VAT to 5 per cent would be“one of the most efficient, if not the most efficient, means of generating GDP gains at a low cost to the Exchequer.” Brighton and Hove MP Caroline Lucas concluded:“The fact that the UK is one of the few European countries that doesn’t have a reduced rate of tax on tourism puts us at a major disadvantage,” pointing out that a reduced rate would boost UK businesses, create jobs and deliver revenue to the Treasury.

service system Peter Harvey, chief executive of Talarius, said:“We are delighted to be launching this new system, which will improve the efficiency of our operations. Our research has continually shown that customers become dissatisfied when their favourite machines are unavailable and this investment is just one of

Going, going, gone?

the steps we’ve taken to ensure we are capable of providing the best possible service for our customers. Talarius has an excellent team of highly skilled engineers who have been hand-picked over the years for their experience and expertise, and this system will allow them to flourish further.”

righton’s beleaguered West Pier has become B the latest victim of the recent horrendous weather that has battered the British coast. A number of main supports on the eastern side of the skeletal structure were washed away in 70mph winds, splitting the former pavilion into two sections. Rachel Clark, chief executive of the West Pier Trust, said: “There have been collapses for several weeks as we’ve had the high winds. A significant section of the pavilion island skeleton has collapsed. It’s very sad but it was always going to happen.” Opened in 1866 and disused since 1975, the Grade I listed pier suffered a fire in 2003 and has since stood as a much-loved relic to a golden age of seaside resorts.

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Coinslot February 14 - February 20, 2014

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK

Industry

EXHIBITION This year’s ICE Totally Gaming expo broke all records and all expectations none more so than the coin-op contingent. 12

Bielak joins Suzo-Happ APPOINTMENTS

im Bielak has joined parts and peripherals Sspecialist Suzo-Happ as executive vice president and general manager for

the global bill-to-bill product line. “Sim possesses a wealth of experience in the payment business through his knowledge of the products and the

Storms hit south west amusements STORM

musement arcades and other leisure businesses in Dorset have been severely disrupted after the coast was bombarded by 70mph winds and huge waves last week. The worst storm the county has seen for 30 years brought dramatic scenes to Weymouth seafront, as waves crashed onto the resort’s promenade. The power of the sea was so severe that waves also crashed over the sea wall at the coastal village of Chiswell, sending flood sirens sounding. Anthony Bennett, company director of Weymouth Pier Amusements, said waves smashed into a water pipe on the pier’s bandstand and damaged the water supply to the structure. He told the Dorset Echo: “It hasn’t completely stopped our supply but has affected our water pressure. “Wessex Water came out immediately to assess and fix the damage and we had sandbags given to us from the Environment Agency which also helped a lot.”

industry,” said James Brendel, CEO of SuzoHapp. “His customer centric approach is a perfect fit for the Bill-toBill product line.” Bielak, who has been

in the industry for 14 years, was on hand at the ICE show in London to promote the bill-tobill product line last week, which featured the 200G model.

RLMS strikes Gold with Arena centrepiece DISTRIBUTORS

Burton-based distributor RLMS Sales is placing its faith in one of Empire Games’ most promising three-player Cat C games now that the £100 prize level is starting to establish itself in the AGC and bingo sectors. With over eight months’ development time spent in perfecting the look and play of the sensational new Arena centrepiece from Empire Games,RLMS Sales has set out to do justice to this model, placing it as one of the key multi-players in their 2014 product offering. Talking about the initiative, MD Phil Boulton explained: “We first saw the prototype of this model almost a year ago and said to Empire MD Craig Beer at that time,they really had something here. Craig and his team continued to develop the model and gameplay in the following months, and we got our first few Arenas out in the last quarter of 2013.The results on £70 were tremendous.Whilst the look of a gaming product doesn’t always translate to excellent cashbox, this is one example where the two elements work in sweet harmony. It really is an attractive piece for any AGC or bingo envi-

Martin Austin, new accounts manager for the company,added: “Following EAG, I have many operators interested in knowing more about the Arena. On face value, they are happy with the look, the quality of build, the game play, the price and the payment terms. If it can perform on £100, as well as or better than the £70 versions, this will be the Arena product of 2014.There is very little else it competes with in its field, in terms of reel based, multi-player, sit-down product, yet there is still a big demand for this type of machine from both players and operators alike.” The Gold Run branding has spawned a number of offronment.The chairs alone make spring for 2014, with a CAT D you want to sit down and play it!” multi-player version available, RLMS Sales is selling Gold Run a three-player CAT C in the Arena with some attractive inter- stand-up WOW cabinet, a singleest-free payment terms to assist player, CAT D in the small those operators who are looking to Dynamic Cab and even a B3 Gold invest heavily in new Cat C models. Run multi-player.

Game creation studies degree heads Falmouth way COURSE

almouth University has launched a degree Fcourse in digital games. Students will gain skills in programming, design, art, animation, audio and writing and create their own video games. The announcement follows the launch of Alacrity Falmouth, a £1.1m graduate programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund, designed to feed game development in Cornwall.

Glasgow bingo hall posts promo video on Youtube BINGO

Mecca Bingo hall in Springfield Quay, Glasgow, has uploaded a video to with members of staff and players alike dancing along to the PharTrellheYouTube Williams song ‘Happy’. The clip starts with the name of the song and the artist and then viewers are invited to “Come and play at our house” by text on the screen before the music starts and an array of staff and members of all ages are shown dancing along and generally having a good time. With all due respect to some of the dancing routines, while the clip won’t win any awards, it illustrates how operations are increasingly marketing themselves effectively in a creative, cost-effective way.

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2355-p08-Industry_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 12:42 Page 1

Soundnet offers rental deal

Shepton Mallet AGC plan meets with predictable opposition

JUKEBOXES

usic content provider Soundnet M has made its rental deal,

ADULT GAMING CENTRES

Traders in Shepton Mallet have protested against an adult gaming centre that has been given the goahead in the town.

petition has been set up against plans for a new AGC in Shepton Mallet by local trader Tina Edgar, backed by Shepton councillor Bente Height and distributed to traders across the town.The application for 7 Town Street is waiting for Mendip District Council’s licensing department to approve a licence, and then the premises can go ahead to trade as an AGC. Edgar told local press:“This arcade is not going to do any good - there are enough problems around here already. I think it’s wrong that we haven’t had the opportunity to talk about it.As far as we were aware this had all just gone away. Until Councillor Height told us it had been approved, none of us had any idea the arcade was going ahead.” Julie Duncan of Peppers Catering, in the town, added: “I feel disappointed that as a member of the public I have not had the opportunity to put forward my views in a full planning meeting where we could speak against this. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know it’s not going to do any good for the town.” Height,together with Coun-

cillor Jeanette Marsh, as Mendip ward councillors for Shepton Mallet East said they had done everything in their power to find a way to stop the arcade getting approval. The town council voted against the application, but the Mendip District Council planning officer, after lengthy investigation, approved the application. The application was then passed to Height and Marsh for their views. Height said:“We were both in agreement that an amusement arcade is not suitable for the little market town of Shepton, especially considering the problems that already exist in our town centre.The planning process requires that our recommendations go to the planning chairman and the vice chairman and together with the planning team manager take the final decision.” She concluded: “Unfortunately they felt that the material reasons for refusal were not strong enough, so the application was granted. We, however, have not given up hope and will continue our work to find a way whereupon common sense and consideration for people will prevail.”

ANALYSIS

is something so perplexing about this case that it’s difficult not to stand up and scream at the paper Twhenhere you read it. Forget the fact that this is an age old NIMBY argument that refuses to acknowledge that businesses themselves have rights - the councillors and the petitioners should recognise that the law is there as much to protect the hard working AGC operator from the NIMBY activists as much as it is to listen to their arguments. However, the interesting point that keeps poking its head from behind the curtain in this issue is the constant references to the problems in the Shepton Mallet area currently. “There are enough problems around here already”; “considering the problems that already exist in our town centre...” - it beggars the question, who’s taking the blame for running this town into the ground so far. It’s clearly not the AGC applicant. And this is the question that perhaps the local traders need to ask themselves what have they been doing to create so many problems in this area? By their own accounts, there are clearly issues in the town; but before they point their accusatory fingers at the AGC operator who wants to pay council tax, who wants to employ local people, who wants to invest in the local infrastrucure, and who wants to bring commercial prosperity to the local area; perhaps they should ask themselves, why the hell have they failed in tackling the town’s existing problems to date? They’ve managed somehow to offer up a scapegoat for their own failings - but it’s a bit too early really - the AGC’s only just received its planning permission. No, their problems are all of their own design. Perhaps when messrs Height, Marsh et al come down from their high horses, they might see some common sense and realise that a busy AGC, bringing employment and footfall, beats an empty shop unit any day of the week.

Aspers clinches casino award The prestigious annual awards were hosted at the Savoy spers Casino has scooped Hotel in London last week.The the award for the European International Gaming Awards , Casino Operator of the Year the ‘Oscars’ of the gambling 2014 at the 7th International industry, recognise outstanding performances throughout the Gaming Awards.

CASINO

gaming sector. Richard Smith, general manager of Aspers Westfield Stratford City,attended the ceremony and was presented with the winning trophy. He said: “We are delighted with our win.”

which was trialled in 2013, open to all operators. The firm’s Toby Hoyte said: “Jukeboxes have moved centre stage in recent years, competing and even beating other forms of pub retail pay per play equipment for cashbox take. Canny operators have recognised that jukeboxes are far from being ancillary equipment, and make the jukebox their flagship product in many venues.” Recent significant orders from the UK’s two largest operators Sceptre and Gamestec for Sound Leisure jukeboxes illustrate this point. Soundnet, exclusive music supplier for Sound Leisure digital jukeboxes, is keen that all operators have a chance to invest in the latest jukeboxes in order to realise the benefits. The company has launched a rental-purchase scheme, which will allow all UK operators to upgrade their estates for no capital outlay. There are two standard offers, both including the cost of the music and culminating in operator ownership of the jukebox. Hoyte concluded: “We trialled this rental offer last year and without exception it has proven to be huge success. We are now making this offer open to everyone. It is now possible to get a brand new Sound Leisure jukebox within a week for no capital cost. Operators can use this offer to grow or establish their business while keep existing sites happy with the latest machines.”

2355-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 11:01 Page 1

Coinslot February 14 - February 20, 2014

Amusements

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

REGENERATION

Police appeal for information after arcade lead stolen

An ambitious regeneration project for Southend has acknowledged the importance of coinop amusements as part of the resort’s seafront leisure offering.

CRIME

olice in Skegness have issued an appeal for Pinformation after thieves

New arcade set for Southend regeneration plans outhend’s seafront could soon have a brand new amusement arcade if plans for a derelict site are submitted to and passed by the resort’s council. Developer Inner London Group wants to submit its much-anticipated plans for the Marine Plaza development, on the rundown land opposite Southend’s Grade II-listed Kursaal family entertainment centre, before the end of the year. It hopes building work on the multi-million pound project, which would also include bars, restaurants

and shops, could then begin some time in 2015. George Fentiman, Inner London Group director, hopes the new development would be a catalyst for regeneration at the resort. He told local press: “It may be this size of development will push forward the rest of the seafront.It’s a fantastic development and a fantastic scheme.” If the plans are passed, work to replace the derelict Funland play area, the Foresters Arms pub and a temporary car park with 290 flats and 3,000 square

metres of commercial space could start within six months. Inner London Group bought the site for £2.25m in 2010, and has now been in discussion with Southend Council planners for more than two years. It is understood the firm has formally asked the council to clarify what details it needs to include in a report on the environmental impact of the development, required with the planning application due to the site being 2.7-acres in size.

It is also believed the group is still in negotiations with a local resident to buy the last of a row of four terraced houses at the northeastern corner of the site, but it is confident a deal will be concluded. Another potential barrier of the Happidrome amusement arcade at the south-western corner of the site has been circumvented by no longer including it in the redevelopment plans. Fentiman commented: “We are ready to build.If we had planning permission a year ago, we would be

building now. “We hope to put the application in this year and work could start within six months. It will be in 2015.” Seafront traders and senior councillors have embraced the project, agreeing with Fentiman it has the potential to drive regeneration on Southend’s seafront. As well as an amusement arcade, the development on corner of Marine Parade and Southchurch Avenue would include a 13-storey block of flats, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, a takeaway and offices.

stole an unspecified amount of blue power lead from one of the resort’s amusement arcades. The theft occurred at on arcade on Skegness’s North Parade sometime between 10.30pm on January 29 and 10.45am on January 30. In a statement, Skegness Police said: “The offenders gained entry to an amusement complex on North Parade, Skegness by cutting through a wire fence. “Once inside the offender has stolen a quantity of blue power lead and made off in an unknown direction. “The point of entry is overlooked from the public footpath running from North Parade car park to the Pier car park. “We appeal for anyone who saw any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area during the time specified to contact them on 101 quoting ‘incident number 122 of January 30’.” Alternatively, anyone who thinks they may be able to help can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Parade Pier owners agree on sale PIERS

ommunity ownership looks likely to be the future for Portsmouth’s South Parade Pier after its owners finally agreed in principle to sell it. The South Parade Trust had been involved in protracted negotiations over a sale for months with pier owners Fred the process is the option to buy contract, which will lay out an Nash and Dawn Randall. The last stumbling block in agreed price at which the Trust

can purchase the pier and give it a set period of time in which to raise the funds. It is hoped that the deal will bring stability to the troubled structure, including the amusement arcade at its landward end, which was forced to close last month after Nash and Randall allegedly failed to pay a £14,000 electricity bill. Trust chairman Leon Reis

told local press: “I’m bursting to tell local people we’re going to own the pier and it’s all wrapped up. Everyone in our group will be so happy and hopefully that day’s not too far away. “But we need an option agreement in our hands before we can say to the public ‘this is definite’.” Reis also thanked the Nash

and Randall: “I cannot praise the owners enough though for making this offer as it is a difficult decision to decide to part with something this iconic.” He said the Trust had been working with the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure what he described as “a sizable sum of money” to start the first phase of the repair works after the deal was finally concluded.

2355-p11-Leisure_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 11:13 Page 1

Leisure

14 B2B listings and industry marketplace

Renewed hope for Evesham WMC

Merlin chooses corporate brokers

WORKING MEN’S CLUBS

FINANCIAL

musement attractions and parks operator A Merlin Entertainments

here could be light at the end of the tunnel for Evesham’s historic working men’s club four months after it closed amid financial hardship.The club in the Merstow Green area of the town, which was established in 1879, closed in October 2013 after two crisis meetings were held with members. Last week, a further meeting was held with administrator Moore Stephens, where members were informed of the proposed voluntary liquidation arrangements. Club treasurer Bill Keyte, however, said despite the club losing thousands in recent years, there is still a chance it could re-open.

He said:“The club as a business has been losing money for the last four years. At every AGM I have given it to the members straight, that the club is not going to survive,but it fell on deaf ears. The club members own the freehold for the building.The biggest strain on the club was the Holland suite. It fell into disrepair. I put a proposition in three-and-half years ago to sell the back end of the building.We got advice and they said we needed to sell with planning permission. In a nutshell, so much money wanted spending on it. The members rejected this proposition and it went on for another three years.”

Since then, Keyte said the club has spent more £100,000 more than its income, forcing it to go ahead with his original proposition, with the backing of members. “We now have the planning permission for the back end for demolition and six homes. But we are now in administration. It is still conceivable the members could elect to re-open the club. It could take 12 months to sell off the back end and release the capital. But when we get the money it will be the members’ decision what happens. Everything has been done by the letter of the law and we have followed due process.”

has chosen Barclays and Citigroup to be its joint corporate brokers after its £1bn initial public offering in November 2013. The FTSE 250 company, which owns Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park, revealed the appointments in a stock exchange announcement last Wednesday. Merlin’s IPO, one of the City’s biggest flotations of last year, was co-ordinated by Barclays alongside Goldman Sachs. Other big financial players were involved, with Citigroup acting as a joint bookrunner alongside Morgan Stanley, while HSBC and UniCredit were co-managers. Although it is common practice for companies to choose the lead banks on their IPO as their corporate brokers, it is not without precedent for a bank to pick a junior syndicate member to work alongside it in the role.

17 This week’s machine charts

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21 Jabro Surreal Soccer season

FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 20, 2014

BBPA welcomes Welsh government extension of Small Business Rate Relief PUBS

British Beer & Pub has welcomed TtheheAssociation Welsh Government’s decision to extend Small Business Rate Relief to March 2015, which will avoid a massive £3.4m bill for thousands of pubs across Wales - as sought by the Better Rates for Pubs campaign. The decision means that as for businesses in England, increases in Business Rates will be capped to two per cent. It will help Welsh pubs

avoid £250,000 in tax on the previously proposed increases. The BBPA has also welcomed the commitment from the Welsh Economy Minister, Edwina Hart, for the introduction of a fund to support small businesses affected by the revaluation delay to 2017. The BBPA is also preparing to contribute to the review, by Professor Brian

Morgan, of the future of business rates in Wales when the powers are further devolved to the Welsh government. The joint industry Better Rates for Pubs campaign, led by the BBPA called for the extension of SBRR, alongside measures to improve the flexibility of the rating system for pubs and the promotion of rural rate relief. Brigid Simmonds OBE,

BBPA CEO, commented: “We welcome this decision by the Welsh government as positive progress for pubs in Wales. The introduction of a fund to support small businesses affected by the delay to 2017 of the national revaluation is also welcome. However, pubs that feel they have a case for revaluation should still follow the appeals process. We also welcome the opportunity to contribute to Professor Brian Morgan’s review of small business rates in Wales as it progresses.”

Essential Guide ICE Totally Gaming makes its mark 12

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Essential Guide to... ICE Totally Breaking new ground

Antrim returns to ExCeL

Ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, Clarion Events coordinators Julian Graves and Kate Chambers confirmed that the ICE 2014 would feature more exhibiting companies than ever before, with in excess of 500 organisations from 57 countries occupying space on the show floor. The figure beats last year’s total of 481.

Building on its successful appearance at January’s EAG International Expo, Axminster carpet manufacturers Antrim Carpets presented its wares to the casino market at ICE Totally Gaming. The company had a wide range of custom-designed products on display at ExCeL event.

Making their debut...

JCM joins Japan conference

Visitors attending the 2014 edition of ICE had access to 67 new exhibitors drawn from across the international gaming community. Topping the league table of new exhibitors was the UK with 15. The first-time exhibitors at ICE 2014 were drawn from a total of 30 countries, once again confirming the international credentials of the world’s biggest B2B gaming event.

JCM Global, the international currency validation group, has been confirmed as the first commercial sponsor of May’s Japan Gaming Congress. The announcement was confirmed on the second day of ICE Totally Gaming during the Asia Breakfast Focus, which featured key speaker Toru Mihara, director of the Institute of Amusement Industry Studies at the Osaka University of Commerce.

SHOW REPORT

ICE rips up the records book After reporting a record number of visitors and exhibitors this year, the organisers of ICE Totally Gaming have provided an upbeat outlook for the global gaming industry in 2014.

Coinslot FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 20, 2014

ome 23,891 gaming industry professionals defied a 48-hour strike on the London Underground to set a new record attendance at ICE 2014 last week. The figure, which at this stage remains unaudited, represents a seven per cent increase on 2013 and a 12 per cent uplift on 2012, the last edition of ICE to be held at Earls Court. Kate Chambers, portfolio director responsible for organising the world’s largest buisness-to-business gaming event, described ICE 2014 as “the most dynamic celebration of international gaming imaginable”. Reflecting on the event, which opened on Monday with the International Casino Conference, Chambers said: “I would like to pay tribute to the many thousands of visitors who navigated their way

across London using a combination of taxis, cars, buses and even boats to get to the river fronted ExCeL Centre.This says a huge amount about their determination not to have gaming's most important business week of the year ruined by a strike. “The ICE team also worked tremendously hard to put on an event which reflected the investment made by our visitors and the 503 exhibiting companies which occupied the 55,000sq.m of space at ExCeL. Not only did the team work harder but they also worked smarter. Chambers’ upbeat analysis was echoed by Nick Harding, CEO of Praesepe, who believes that ICE sets the tone for the year ahead.“ICE certainly lived up to its billing as the most sensational gaming event in the world,” he said.“For the sectors I am

most concerned with - AGC and Bingo – I felt that there was a strong and relevant product mix on show. Zane Mersich, CEO of the Astra Gaming Group, believes that ICE Totally Gaming attracts a discerning audience comprising some of the most influential decision makers in the global gaming business. He said:“We came with a world-class product portfolio that was tailored perfectly to exceed their expectations – and I think we achieved that in some style. Our efforts at ICE were, of course, helped significantly by the recent implementation of the new £100 Cat C jackpot which proved to be a case of classic timing for us and the broader business.As we expected, they expressed a keen interest in learning more about our current models and our plans to reinvigo-

2355-p12-13-Essential_Coinslot NEW 11/02/2014 17:20 Page 2

tally Gaming 2014

rate the Cat C genre going forward.” The importance of ICE to the UK Street sector was underlined by Ken Turner, CEO at Sceptre Leisure, which has 20,000 Category C gaming machines in pubs. He said: “This show has become a major event for the street market. I have seen an amazing number of retailers here and had far more meetings with pub groups than I have ever had at a trade show before.” The IOA Group’s Peter Weir added: “Technology and innovation were the stand-out themes of ICE 2014, and it’s clear that the pub retailers, many of whom we met at the show, are hungry for inspirational ideas and products. ICE has very broad foundations and an energy which is tangible and which reflects the huge size of the event.”

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ICE Totally Gaming 2014: The Coin-Op Collection From top left:

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Suzo-Happ’s Piet-Hein Simons, at their ICE stand, which included a dazzling array of products designed to cover a broad spectrum of gaming needs

James Boje (pictured), vice president of MEI’s gaming and retail division in the EMEA region, spoke about consolidation

Alex Kirby (centre) spoke enthusiastically about NSM’s varied range of jukebox and media systems

Chris Black and the Sound Leisure team brought the company’s Classic range of jukeboxes - together with their key partners Soundnet

Paul Curley, business development manager for Innovative Technology, presents the company’s new

FutureLogic’s chief marketing officer, John Edmunds took the stage at ICE

Totally Gaming to mark the company’s fifteenth anniversary The Astra Gaming Group gathered the cream of its collective talent alongside a far-reaching product portfolio at London’s ExCeL last week, in support of parent Novomatic at ICE Totally Gaming. Managing director Quentin Stott believes that “Reflex is in the minority of manufacturing companies serving the UK spin-reel Category C market.”

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Tony Brookes, of Jabro Games, was a familiar face at EAG last month, showing an interesting insight and displaying the vast diversity of his company’s operations in Wales. As always, it was great to be at the show,” said Jabro’s Tony Brookes. “The recent change in legislation has resulted in an increase in sales over the last few weeks after seeing the B4 jackpot go up to £400 and Cat C going to £100 - a very welcome change! These machines are six-game compendiums which include Bar X, Bob the Landlord, Monkey Band, Pots of Luck, Roulette and Black Jack offering a range of games to suit all types of players.” Aware of the demand for analogue machines, Jabro launched Red Alert, a new Hi-Tech Cat C £100, which is also available as a 10p £5. Also on display was the latest Multi Lotto B3A showing the newly added £2 stake to its multi-stake kiosk, each stake having its own lottery. Brookes has been in the gaming industry a very long time - 34 years to be precise - and has seen many changes, adapting to the industry’s trials and tribulations along the way. “One of the biggest problems in manufacturing is certain types of supplies,” he explained. “Many components are

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readily available off the shelf but gamespecific items are unique to the individual so the supply can be problematic. Over the years, we’ve highlighted the problems and solved them by bringing in experienced staff and setting up our own manufacturing facilities for both vacuum forming plastics and wire harnesses.” “Here in Swansea, we manufacture new machines as well as refurbishing secondhand units to a very high standard, housing our latest games. A lot of people cannot tell the difference between new and our refurbished. We produce our own games as well as subcontract builds for other companies.” Jabro can offer machine assembly, vacuum forming plastics and wire harnesses, all under the one roof - essentially, three companies in one, a onestop shop. When it comes to the future of the industry, Brookes is realistic, whilst remaining positive. “I don’t think the industry will ever be the same as it was. But, I think it is here to stay. We must endeavour to be more efficient and competitive!”

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ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BILL COULD DAMAGE TRADE

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WIRED FOR SOUND SM Music’s innovative new background music system was a hit at ICE. NSites can access up to 120,000 tracks on the system with 2,000 held locally on the device. Running from a tablet provided by the user, the system supplies fully licensed background music which can be easily searched, set and also overridden manually, by the site. The new product replaces the Icon 2 and is a slimmed down cabinet retaining a full-sized screen with the top part being ideal for adverts, bingo and karaoke. In addition, NSM showcased its new App which dials into the jukebox and allows customers to search music and make their selection remotely.

is set to be introduced in the spring. Venues could be closed for up to 48 hours if there has been, or is likely to be, a nuisance or disorder, which may lead to a closure order lasting up to three months. The bill will also include a ‘community trigger’; three complaints regarding a premises within six months could end up in a police or local authority investigation. Leading licensing lawyers have warned that the new legislation could be “enormously damaging”, leading to increased police intervention and loss of trade.

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OPERATORS GAMESTEC STRIDES AHEAD AT ICE K gaming and amusement machine operator Gamestec reported an U “extremely busy show” at this year’s ICE Totally Gaming. “The investment we have made in digital gaming, music and skill-based entertainment was extremely evident,” said commercial director, Peter Davies. “We promised our customers investment and innovation to reinvigorate the pub sector through exciting collaborations with market leaders and we are delivering that in spades. We now look forward to bringing the innovation we had on show to market over the forthcoming months.”

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orwich-based Roche Chartered Surveyors, who represent many companies in the coin-op industry, have increased their standing in the city by handling the letting of Hyperion House. Situated on the Sweetbriar Industrial Estate close to the city centre, local company EV Off-Shore, have expanded and moved into the industrial property. The company supply small cameras that can remotely monitor underground oil wells and have leased the entire twostorey building. James Allen of Roche said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;The letting of Hyperion House reflects not only the significant improvement in the industrial letting market during the second half of 2013, when we saw a number of vacant larger properties being occupied and the continuing strength of businesses involved in the energy sector in East Anglia, many of who are exporting their products and services throughout the world,â&#x20AC;? commented who handled the letting of the property.

MUSIC APPLICATIONS EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT EXCEL Luck, director at Soundnet, said he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;delightedâ&#x20AC;? with the calibre of Jtheames ICE audience and their receptiveness to new technology-driven products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We attended ICE to introduce our next big thing, the SoundJack music app,â&#x20AC;? Luck told Coinslot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;M-commerce was a real discussion point for many of the pub retailers who were in abundance at ICE. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although gaming was at the forefront of their thoughts, they were also very aware of mobile technology and what it could do for their businesses if harnessed correctly and presented to the consumer as a function rich experience. SoundJack does that - it provides unique access to a wealth of music memories, but it also hones the brand experience while freeing degrees of consumer choice along the Coinslot FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 20, 2014

way.â&#x20AC;? Luck added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The many pub retailers that we spent time with at show were really excited about the opportunity mobile could give to generate income and to create brand loyalty. Innovation underpinned the entire ICE experience, and I am pleased to say that SoundJack added an extra element to the mix.â&#x20AC;?

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developments and specialist field-based support service, SG Connect. The SG Gaming, WMS and Williams Interactive stands were located alongside each other this year, making it easy for delegates to experience the expanded range of product offerings. SG Gaming was also demonstrating its self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) developed in partnership with Best Gaming Technology, as well as its wide range of cabinets including the T8, Infinity and the new Clarity terminal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are constantly pushing the boundaries of content innovation and redefining what is thought of as possible in the gaming industry,â&#x20AC;? said group managing director, Phil Horne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With so much going on, it is an exciting time for our business.â&#x20AC;?

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Current Team Position Name

Manager Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Terry Farr Tom Clarke Lee Clarke Stuart Heyden Andy Bowler Mark Sherwin David Lees Lee H Glyn Petrie Peter Holmes Laurie Carpenter Phillip Nelson Jamie Lucky Glyn Petrie Terry Farr Peter Holmes Matty Sirett Tony Brookes Carl Bearman Gareth Cammack Stuart Heyden Michelle Martin Scott Yarham Stu & Stoo Steve Barber Derek Lewis

AMG FIRST 11 THE PERFECT TEAM ABOVE STANDARDS EVAN TENNER BACK NOW BOWLERS BOYZ SHERWIN A TEAM SOUTH OF THE QUEENS LE COINSPINNERS CAREFREE BAZZA KEEDAY RESERVES ANGRY BALLS JACKSONS SUPER BLUES JAMIES SHOPPERS 11 CAREFREE WEEMAN COSMIC FIRST 11 KEEDAY LEGENDS CHEEKY MONKEYS JABRO LIONS AMG LEISURE JACKSONS JACKPOT XI FC CLACTON UNDER 10's SHELL'S ELEVEN MOTHYS MARVELS JOHN WARK'S MILKMEN EASY MONEY SUSHI SLIPPERS

Weekly Total Points Points 47 44 26 61 68 43 66 51 36 29 44 53 53 42 38 37 69 62 38 29 43 55 49 42 48 48

1042 1027 1021 1018 1014 1012 985 966 965 963 960 947 943 942 936 929 928 926 925 924 923 920 918 915 914 913

Current Team Position Name

Manager Name

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

Peter Holmes Peter Holmes David Lees David Lees Colin Smith Jake Parker Warren Roffey Hugo Illingworth Peter Hemmings Glyn Petrie Chris Bell Keith Parker David Holmes Chris Skelly JJ Lucky Tim Stanhope Ross Evans Shaney Pashley Steve Hawkins Brian Wright Stoo Evans Dave Columbine Tony Holt Jody Buckley Warwick Tunnicliffe Nick Hardy

KEEDAYS FINEST KEEPLAYERS BAYERN OTHER STRIKER DYNAMO KEBAB GILLSGILLSGILLS LLL WANDERERS CLUB TROPICANA THE TEAM THAT WIN BEADLES 2 CAREFREE ALDON NES UNITED LLL CITY S.A.S FC MUCKING FUDDLERS JJ'S SHOPPERS 11 LLL UNITED 11 UNDER PAR IFUN@SUNDANCERS ESSEX BOYS 2 HAMMERTIME THE ELDORADO TRACTOR BOYS THE REAL DEAL HOLTY'S HOTSPOTS RAYLEIGHS REJECTS WARWICKS WINNERS PARAGON ACADEMICALS

Weekly Total Current Team Points Points Position Name 49 57 51 30 43 44 34 46 27 50 53 54 32 27 44 55 71 47 66 22 44 56 42 45 27 47

911 909 908 899 899 898 896 894 892 890 890 890 885 882 882 880 876 873 873 872 871 870 867 865 859 858

53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

Manager Name

DELAYZIGITS AMG OOOOSSSHHH COMRIEAUTOMATICS DANS DESTROYERS COSMIC SECOND 11 DIDCOT GOALBUSTERS CASHBOX KINGS ESSEX BOYS 1 SHOWBOAT ALLSTARS JABRO BOYS I WANT DIRTY KNEES 2 ALL THIS AND MORE BUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE RICK'S BOYZ SCUM ON THE RUN BIG PRIZE WINNERS ABSOLUTE REAMSTERS JO'S ASSETS ABSOLUTE RANKSTERS BEACON BATTLERS RANGERS RETURN 1 BEADLES 1 AINT GOT A KALOU DONKEY LASHERS AMS YID ARMY MICK McCARTHY'S MISFITS

Dave Delay Ian Pawson Jack Craddock Daniel Barber Terry Farr John Carpenter James Illingworth Steve Hawkins Ray Harris Tony Brookes Jorzoe-FTM Gary Newman Harry Leaveme Andy Bowler Nathan Holmes Harry Leaveme Alex Lee Joanne Crooks Alex Lee Harry Illingworth Ashley Temple Peter Hemmings Stuart Heyden Andy Williamson Jason Jarrett Stoo Evans

Weekly Total Points Points 23 42 45 30 39 37 39 51 32 35 33 35 52 39 52 58 56 29 20 40 43 36 42 22 75 30

857 857 855 849 849 843 843 838 837 835 834 834 834 829 822 822 820 812 811 811 805 801 800 796 793 791

B 2 B

Current Team Position Name

Manager Name

Weekly Total Points Points

79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103

Jo Bursnell Shoppers Luck Simon Shaw C Edenborough Andy Bowler Roger Jarrett Ashley Temple Amelia Stanhope Kevin Temple Tracey Dibben John Hood Darrell Webb John Jennings Simon Shaw Bill Knowles Andy Water Dave Clarke John Mitchell Coopertron Bill Knowles Tony O'Brien Simon Shaw Bill Knowles Reece Newman Warwick Tunnicliffe

55 53 37 43 46 60 49 37 48 27 31 24 29 46 60 20 63 37 31 40 47 33 43 49 22

BURSNELL'S BULLETS STEVIE G LUCKY 11 EE BAH GUM HOT CHIPS BRAMBLEBOYZ123 AMS VXR GJ RANGERS RETURN 2 LLL BELLES FERGIES FINEST DIBBS ELEVEN LLL ACCIES HOLIDAY MONEY BEST SELECTION DO IT THEE SEN LAD M.O.T AK BABES ESSEX'S FINEST JOHNNYS SHOPPERS 11 COINSPINNERTRONS UPHILL SKIERS TOWER POWER SEE THE AT' TOP LAC DE GURSON 2 THE TOP WARWICKS ELEVEN

789 779 778 775 770 757 756 736 733 730 727 726 725 723 708 707 706 694 684 680 657 652 614 609 592

LAST 16 ROUND; 2nd Leg - Feb 3rd to Feb 9th Team Name

JACKSONS JACKPOT XI

Manager Name

Gareth Cammack AGGREGATE: HOLTY'S HOTSPOTS Tony Holt AGGREGATE: KEEDAY RESERVES Peter Holmes AGGREGATE: THE ELDORADO TRACTOR BOYS Stoo Evans AGGREGATE: JJ'S SHOPPERS 11 JJ Lucky AGGREGATE: BEADLES 2 Peter Hemmings AGGREGATE: JACKSONS SUPER BLUES Phillip Nelson AGGREGATE: ABOVE STANDARDS Lee Clarke AGGREGATE:

Aggregate over both legs

29 42 72 68 42 37 80 65 29 66 63 104 44 49 56 90 44 34 73 69 27 57 77 89 53 30 85 68 26 47 72 76

Team Name

CAREFREE WEEMAN KEEDAY LEGENDS SOUTH OF THE QUEENS

Manager Name

Glyn Petrie Peter Holmes David Lees

Team Name

JOHNNYS SHOPPERS 11 S.A.S FC RAYLEIGHS REJECTS HOLIDAY MONEY

KEEDAYS FINEST

Peter Holmes

CLUB TROPICANA

Warren Roffey

KEEPLAYERS

Peter Holmes

DELAYZIGITS

DANS DESTROYERS

Daniel Barber

SHOWBOAT ALLSTARS

AMG FIRST 11

Terry Farr

SCUM ON THE RUN

DONKEY LASHERS

Manager Name

Aggregate over both legs

Team Name

John Mitchell 37 60 M.O.T AGGREGATE: 69 74 David Holmes 32 47 PARAGON ACADEMICALS AGGREGATE: 64 88 Jody Buckley 45 58 BIG PRIZE WINNERS AGGREGATE: 81 83 Darrell Webb 24 27 WARWICKS WINNERS AGGREGATE: 62 62 HOLIDAY MONEY WIN ON AWAY GOAL RULE Nathan Holmes 52 22 WARWICKS ELEVEN AGGREGATE: 91 28 Dave Delay 23 56 THE REAL DEAL AGGREGATE: 61 91 Ray Harris 32 47 TOWER POWER AGGREGATE: 71 62 Andy Williamson 22 40 UPHILL SKIERS AGGREGATE: 36 51

Manager Name

Bill Knowles Nick Hardy Harry Leaveme Warwick Tunnicliffe

Warwick Tunnicliffe Dave Columbine Tony O'Brien Bill Knowles

Coinslot FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 20, 2014

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Coinslot February 14 - February 20, 2014

Comment The iWord

“

“Welcome to our new iFEC” alex lee comment he most oft-used word emanating from the two recent London ExCel shows is ‘innovation’. In fact, anyone not using it to describe their latest range of products or services is probably something of a pariah in industry circles.And I’m not knocking it, for both coin-op and the wider gaming sector survives and thrives on innovation so long may it continue. Even the Gambling Commission’s chairman Philip Graf believes that innovation, in terms of how the gambling industry harnesses technology and uses it to better serve (while protecting) its customers is vital to the long-term future of our sector, regardless of whether it ultimately ends up being powered by bitcoins rather than twos, fives, tens, twenties, fifties and pound coins. Yes, despite the floods, the FOBTs and the flagging fortunes of some, I’m, for once, relatively upbeat and that, I believe, is a reflection of where the industry is at present.We’ve all come to terms with the Gambling Act, the Smoke Ban, MGD and so on, while continuing to battle away for, variously, fairer VAT, fairer machine allocations and

fairer stake and prize levels.With all the above firmly in mind, it has been a breath of fresh air to hear manufacturers, distributors and operators alike declare an overall sense of optimism for the industry in 2014 and beyond, underpinned by the above mentioned innovations and general will to keep innovating and carry on. On the subject of technology and innovation, I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your attention that there’s a raft of products with the prefix ‘i’ in the marketplace at present, gleefully piggy-backing the success of the iPhone, iPod, iPad and so on. This is no bad thing as far as I’m concerned as the above mentioned products are all-pervading and part and parcel of any self-respecting ‘modern’ person’s tech collection.Why shouldn’t the coin-op sector have a piece of it? To this end, I’m going to bring something out with ‘i’ at the beginning of it, although I’m not sure what as yet. Given my abject failure to beat BAPTO’s Mike Large at the ‘thinking man’s cue sport’Trilliards at the EAG International, perhaps I need an iCue. No pun intended...

An empty shop unit gathers no foo

Issues surrounding work prevalence of bookies h with the latter still coming

alex lee media watch Local Government Associwhich represents more Tthanheation, 370 councils in England and Wales, is setting out how the government should reform the licensing system to stop ‘clusters’ of bookies taking over town and city centres, according to the Bradford Telegraph & Argus. The move comes 18 months after the paper mounted its Beat The Betting Blight campaign calling for a change in planning rules that would give local authorities the power to stop new bookmakers opening if they felt it would be detrimental to the local shopping environment. The LGA says it has the backing of William Hill and BetFred and will be setting up a gambling industry and LGA taskforce to address shoppers’ concerns. When granting new licences, councils are not allowed take into account the number of betting shops already present in a local area, or their economic and social impact. The LGA is now calling for the government to allow councils to consider the ‘cumulative impact’ when deciding on licences, a move which would force betting firms to prove that new shops

would not have a negative impact on the local economy or existing businesses. Councillor Tony Page, the LGA’s licensing spokesman, said: “Councils aren’t anti-bookies but need powers to tackle the damage that can be caused to high streets by the clustering of betting shops.” Councillor Simon Cooke, the deputy leader of the opposition Tory group on the council, said: “If we hound out bookies, what do we get instead? At the moment they are occupying sites and providing jobs and doing things businesses do. We need to be cautious in the way we approach this. Bookmakers are not pushing out other business. They are coming into empty properties in the main. We could end up with empty shops. While I understand the desire to do some regulation on this, we should be careful what we wish for.” Meanwhile, the BBC news website has featured a Working Men’s Club in Leeds which has battled back from the brink of closure through the hard work of volunteers, the wholesale buy-in of the local community and the

influx of some younger blood. Over the last few decades, the number of WMCs has halved and there are now around 2,000 left. Many are struggling to survive. In April 2013, Holbeck Working Men's Club in Leeds was on the verge of closure with mounting debts, but with the aid of an army of volunteers things are looking up. Some believe working men’s clubs, re-invented, could once again have a vital role in bringing communities together. Amanda Griffin, a volunteer for the Holbeck WMC stated: “I think we should care about clubs because they have great potential for communities. Maybe we need to modernise them and do different things, but they can still be really wonderful, friendly places.” And finally, a leading licensing barrister has suggested that Blackpool’s pubs and clubs should “reconsider their business model”, after claiming the introduction of an early morning restriction order (EMRO) would be “no death knell” for the town’s trade. Philip Kolvin QC, representing the police during Blackpool’s hearing into an EMRO last week, said of the 1,377 licensed prem-

C”

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Coinslot February 14 - February 20, 2014

“Because we are not venue bound we can talk with our exhibitors about their plans for the future with confidence that we can meet them and hopefully exceed them.”

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KATE CHAMBERS, CLARION

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quote unquote “Without truly independent research we’ll never get to the bottom of the problem with fixed odd betting terminals.”

Act already gives Local Authorities enough power

ADRIAN PARKINSON, CAMPAIGN FOR FAIRER GAMBLING

“It was mostly verbal abuse and low-level abuse, like pens being thrown - there was the undercurrent of violence. You're vulnerable when you're on your own (working in a betting shop) and it could always escalate.” CHRIS EVANS, MP, ISLWYN

“I welcome this move from the Local Government Association. There is now a growing tide of support to clamp down on the numbers of bookmakers, which in turn will limit the availability of these (FOBT) machines.” LUCY POWELL, MP, MANCHESTER CENTRAL

no footfall

rounding working men’s clubs, pub opening hours and the e of bookies have all been featured in the local and national press lately, tter still coming under intense media and political scrutiny.

ises in Blackpool, the EMRO would only limit the activities of about 22 of them, and of those, none would have their licence pegged back for more than two hours, according to the Blackpool Gazette. Blackpool Police want the council to introduce an early morning restriction order which would prevent alcohol being served between 3am and 6am in part of the town centre. Kolvin told councillors: “The EMRO will lead to some loss of business, but this is no death knell. If a bell is tolling, it is to tell premises to reconsider their business model. The council has a chance to restore Blackpool’s reputation as a safe place for families to visit and to preserve and build that element of the tourist economy. If in doing so, it deters that sector of the economy that wishes to drink round the clock - the outcome can only be of benefit for the town, its residents and its economy.” He added: “We can see these insidious effects as they seep into impact on the daily lives of Blackpool people as they go about their daily business.” The resort’s police chiefs presented the council’s licensing committee with 102 statements of what they describe as “compelling evi-

dence” that the town must call time on late-night drinking. At the moment almost everyone arrested (98 per cent) between those hours in that part of town is drunk, according to police figures. The committee was given statistics compiled by the police, which show between 3am and 6am, the EMRO area accounts for 13 per cent of all violent crime in Lancashire, and 43 per cent of all violent crime in the Western Division policing area. While violent crime as a whole is decreasing in Blackpool, in the EMRO area it has increased by 267 per cent between 2005, when drinking hours were relaxed, and 2012. However, local pubs and clubs are vehemently opposed to the measure - which they say would damage tourism, cost jobs and harm their businesses – and it is thought other local authorities could follow Blackpool’s lead if it approves an EMRO.

Speaking in a recent Parliamentary debate surrounding single staffing in betting shops, Helen Grant, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the DCMS, told the House of Commons that new statutory regulations aren’t required to ensure LBO staffing is sufficient.

helen grant politics on. Members have made a number of points about single staffing in betting H shops. I should like to set out clearly what controls are already in place and what the Government are doing in this area. I absolutely agree that betting shops should be sufficiently staffed to ensure that the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005 are upheld, and I confirm that local authorities already have powers to ensure that this is the case. The Gambling Act allows local authorities to attach conditions to betting shop premises licences where there are local concerns, including the compulsory use of CCTV.There is evidence that local authorities are using these powers to good effect.The London borough of Newham used these powers in November 2013, when it imposed a number of licence conditions on a betting shop because of concerns that it attracted crime, disorder and underage gambling.The conditions include a requirement to have a minimum of two members of staff on duty throughout the whole day. Westminster city council has been proactive in using powers under the Gambling Act. Its licensing service has implemented several new practices for assessing applications for new premises or for extended hours, imposing additional licence conditions where necessary. Westminster council requires betting shops to operate no preplanned single staffing after 8pm and to ensure there are a minimum of two staff members after 10pm. The examples I have provided show that we do not need new statutory regulations on businesses to enforce minimum staffing levels. Local authorities, which know these areas best, in conjunction with businesses, are responsible for setting appropriate minimum staffing levels, depending on local circumstances. The government have made it clear that staff and customer safety in any workplace is of paramount importance. Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to ensure the health,safety and welfare at work of their staff. In 2010, the betting industry formed the

Safe Bet Alliance to tackle instances of crime against staff, customers and betting operators.The alliance’s principles agree a voluntary minimum standard of workplace safety and security for the industry.Those standards were developed in collaboration with the industry, police and local authorities. ABB statistics show that the number of robberies in London fell by 60 per cent in the two years following the introduction of the code. Although the Safe Bet Alliance was launched in London,all those standards have been adopted by the largest betting operators, which means that the vast majority of betting premises in England, Scotland and Wales are covered by those principles. Every employer must consider workplace risks to their employees. I expect all bookmakers to properly assess the appropriateness of single staffing as part of their business operations. The industry is implementing its social responsibility code, which includes points on staff safety, from March.The principles of any charter could perhaps be adopted in the existing code.There is certainly room for further discussions. It is essential that all gambling operators, not just betting shops, are able to provide support to customers who appear to be having difficulty.That is why it is already a condition of an operator’s licence that licensees define their policies when there are concerns that a customer’s behaviour may indicate problem gambling.Those policies must include training for all staff on their respective responsibilities and how and when any customer intervention should occur. Those procedures must be adhered to as a minimum requirement by gambling operators.The Commission can take action, up to and including licence revocation, if there is evidence that a betting shop is falling short of its obligations. The safety of betting shop employees and customers is of paramount importance. Local authorities already have powers to impose licence conditions on betting shops to ensure that this is the case. It is right that these powers remain at local level.

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Newsweek LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVITED TO PROBLEM GAMBLING EVENT he Public Policy Exchange are doing their part to keep gambling safe and enjoyable by hosting an event entitled Reducing the Harm Associated with Problem Gambling: The Role of Local Government. Officials from the civil service will travel to central London on 26 February, 2014 for a schedule of panels. Delegates will learn what initiatives they can undertake to keep gambling crime-free, ensure that it is fair and open and to protect children and vulnerable adults. Operators and members of the police

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Inflatables show anticipates buoyant sixth year he team behind the Inflatables Expo & Trade Show (INPAS) have been scouting for a larger location to host the event’s sixth annual outing, following increased interest from both visitors and exhibitors. Following an exhaustive search they settled on Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire, with its 670 acre site capable of housing bouncy castles, food stalls, go karts and many other products. Bruntingthorpe is a former US Air Force base and houses an air- test track in the UK. Members of advance, with the event taking plane museum alongside the the industry looking to attend place from 23-24 February, 2014. largest privately owned vehicle can do so for free by registering in Visitors will also benefit from

and health services are also encouraged to attend, with two open floor discussions giving representatives from across the industry an opportunity to share their views.

TILEZONE RETURNS TO LONDON DUNGEON he Trends, Technology & Design in Leisure & Entertainment (TiLE) group will be holding their ninth annual

TiLEzone event on 25-26 March, 2014. Attendees will spend the first day in the spooky confines of the London Dungeon for an evening reception, before decamping to the London Transport

both free parking and a guided tour of the aeronautical museum. The INPAS takes place in Hangar 42, which provides exhibitors with over 30,000 square feet in which to construct their displays. Inflatable products are set to take up a large portion of the available space, but associated businesses such as kiddie ride creators and insurance firms will occupy the remaining space. Anyone registering for INPAS before noon on Monday will also be entered into a prize draw to win products and discount coupons from some of the many companies in attendance.

Museum the following day for a series of talks and panels. Speakers include trend strategist, Maxwell Luthy and Macau business expert Steven Spalding. The event concludes with with a mixer

hosted in the Covent Garden Piazza by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).

Calendar UK EVENTS FEBRUARY 2014 23-24 INPAS 2014 Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds Bruntingthorpe UK www.inpas.co.uk

26 Reducing the Harm Associated with Problem Gambling London UK www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/e vents/EB26-PPE

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS FEBRUARY 2014 12-14 EAAPA 2014 Sokolniki Exhibition Centre Moscow Russia www.eaapa.ru

MARCH 2014 1-3 CIAE Guangzhou Expo 2014 China Import and Export Fair Guangzhou China www.chinaamusement.net

4-5 Irish Gaming Show Moran Red Cow Conference Centre Dublin Ireland www.purcellassociates.net

4-6 Vending Expo Kiev International Exhibition Centre Ukraine www.vendingexpo.kiev.ua

12-14 RAAPA Expo 2014VVTs, Moscow Russia www.raapa.ru

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