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April 18 – April 24, 2014 • No. 2364 • www.coinslot.co.uk
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COINSLOT
COMMENT
Industry news Seaside amusements Category B3 B2B Listings Latest machine charts Classified ads and opps Jabro Surreal Soccer Comment & Analysis
...The IGRG’s first piece of work will be to undertake a stock-take exercise of responsible gambling initiatives. Various companies, industry groups, and associations have been pro-active in this area and that work will be reviewed...
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Weston Grand Pier in GRADUATION
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eston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier was the site of a national first last week when apprentices from Weston College were awarded their degrees on the attraction. It is the first time ever that a graduation ceremony has taken place on a UK pier. The 70 apprentices wore ceremonial gowns and were presented with their certificates in front of family and friends. Guest of honour at the event was Jim Eastwood, the Northern Irish star of The Apprentice who was given the title of ‘Greatest Salesperson in the World’ by Sir Alan Sugar in 2011. After the official proceedings, the graduates enjoyed a buffet and free rides on the Grand Pier. Grand Pier general manager Paul Charalambous said: “We were delighted to be the first pier in the UK to host a graduation ceremony. I am sure the students will remember the day for a very long time as the Grand
Pier is a quirky venue for such an event and, of course, they all got to go and have fun on the rides afterwards.” The event followed closely on the heels of the Big Brownie 100th Birthday, which was celebrated with a sleepover at the Grand Pier on March 29. Brownie packs from Burn-
BHA urges new Culture Secret TOURISM
Javid, MP for Bromsgrove, Sretaryajid has been appointed Culture Secin the wake of Maria Miller’s
two years of growth, this decline coincides with countries like Spain, France and Germany stealresignation and the British Hospi- ing a march on the UK.The strong tality Association has wasted little increases by our competitors time in urging him to cut tourism underline the need for government VAT to 5 per cent, to bring Britain policy to support improved cominto line with most of Europe. petitiveness - particularly across Figures released last week byVis- the regions.” itBritain showed that inter“Inbound tourism continues national visitors spent a to be the fastest growing record £1.5bn in sector of the industry, with Britain in February - a spend by international vis45 per cent increase itors forecast to grow 6 on February 2013. per cent a year across the BHA chief execurest of this decade,” said tive Ufi Ibrahim stated: VisitBritain’s chief execu“Sajid Javid will be tive Sandie Dawe. highly welcomed as the “Tourism … is a major kind of big hitter the export earner for department this country. needs given the Last year, challenges earnings ahead. After topped a
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INDUSTRY
ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Progress made but we will do better says Graf
How the Category B3 sector is shaping up
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39 April 18 - April 24, 2014 • No. 2364 • www.coinslot.co.uk
Pier in academic first
‘Clustering’ debate rumbles on BETTING OFFICES
Britain’s most deprived areas have the lowest share of betting shops, according to the latest study on LBOs which delivers a timely boost to the battered sector’s efforts to counter a highly effective PR offensive against it. report, carried out by the Local Data Company, has revealed that just 17 per cent of Britain’s betting shops are in the most deprived areas of the country, compared to 35 per cent in the least deprived areas. In total, almost twothirds (62 per cent) of betting shops are in areas with lower than average levels of deprivation. Matthew Hopkinson, director of the Local Data Company, commented:“It is clear that betting shops are not clustered in towns with high deprivation scores. A minority of shops are in the poorest areas, while a majority are in the least deprived areas.” In addition,the report finds no evidence that the industry targets the poorest people. Analysis of town populations,split by socio-economic group,shows no difference per head of population between the number of betting shops in ABC1 areas and the number in C2DE areas. Matthew Hopkinson explained: “There is nothing in the data to suggest that bookmakers deliberately target poor and vulnerable people. Our analysis shows new shop openings are primarily in towns with low and average deprivation scores - not in the poorest areas.” The report also reveals the expansion in the number of high street bookmakers is much less aggressive than has been widely reported. In 2013,the number of shops increased by just 1.3 per cent, compared to growth rates of over 3 per cent in the number of pawnbrokers, coffee shops and convenience stores on British high streets. In total, bookies account for just 1.7 per cent of all live retail units in Britain. An analysis of closures and new openings in the three years up to
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ham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, Berrow, Weare, Wedmore, Axbridge, Cheddar and Shipham all bedded down in the Grand Pier’s Regency Suite. Grand Pier Director Michelle Michael said: “When the Brownies approached us about having a sleepover on the Pier to celebrate their 100th birthday we
thought it was a great idea. We’d never held one here before but they will all have a great time – if not a great deal of sleep.” The above moves illustrate how obscure publicity stunts can bring media coverage and increase awareness of the UK’s foremost amusement attractions.
e Secretary to cut tourism VAT record £24bn, which is more than crude oil and cars.And tourism is a major job creator for Britain - for every 18 Chinese visitors who come to Britain, an additional job is created in tourism.” Helen Grant, the Minister for Tourism, stated:“These record figures for February show just how well our tourism strategy is working and the valuable contribution the sector is making to economic growth. I am delighted that more people are coming to enjoy the best of Britain and spending their cash.” The BHA has implored Javid to use his new post to tackle a decline in domestic visitor numbers. Great Britain Tourism Survey (GBTS) figures reveal domestic trips fell by over 3m in 2013, while spending fell to £23.3bn - a £682m decline on 2012.
GrahamWason,chair of the Campaign for ReducedTourismVAT,said: “A reduction in VAT on tourism would increase our competitiveness with Europe, halt this longterm decline and add a much-needed boost to regional hotspots that are undervalued by Westminster. Tourism is the only British export subject to VAT,which puts it at a distinct disadvantage to Europe - a disadvantage that is now starting to eat into our prospects for regional growth.” The latest domestic tourism figures show that staycations remain popular, with numbers up on prerecession levels. In 2013, 13 per cent more holiday trips were taken in England than in 2008, and the amount spent was 23 per cent higher in nominal terms (taking inflation into account, the difference is 9 per cent).
December 2013 reveals new shop openings have been concentrated in Britain’s least deprived areas. The findings of the report also appear to discredit claims that shops in deprived areas are the most profitable, which critics say has led to the industry targeting poor areas. An analysis of gross win data per shop per capita illustrates that shops in the poorest areas are not as profitable as shops in areas with lower levels of deprivation - clearly suggesting there is no commercial incentive for bookmakers to target poorer areas. Dirk Vennix, chief exec of the ABB, said:“The betting industry does not target the poor and the vulnerable. It never has,and it never will.This report should help dispel some damaging myths propagated by those trying to demonise and toxify our industry.We are a responsible and regulated industry selling a mainstream leisure prod-
uct enjoyed by over 8 million people per year.We choose where to locate our shops in the same way as any other retailer would - using commercial factors such as consumer demand, footfall, and competitive presence. It makes no sense whatsoever for us to target poor communities or vulnerable people.” Not unexpectedly, the Campaign for Fairer Gambling was quick to pounce on the new report’s findings refuting its claims: “The bookmakers can produce as many misleading reports as they like by manipulating data,but all people need to do is walk down their high street to know that the proliferation of betting shops is real, it’s happening in our most deprived areas, and it’s driven by FOBTs – the crack cocaine of gambling. The government must reduce the maximum stake on these machines to £2 per spin.”
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Comedians to take over at Falkirk bingo club
Graf speaks of the set of challenges facing industry REGULATION
In a keynote speech at a joint seminar organised by the Singapore academy of law and casino regulatory authority, Philip Graf, chairman, Gambling Commission, spoke of lessons learned from the first decade of UK gaming regulation. elivered under the title ‘From Sin To Fun’, the Gambling Commission’s Philip Graf presented a keynote speech in Singapore recently where the work and activity of the regulator were laid out before an eager audience.And the message was very clear:“There is much to do!” But,the message was not an indictment of the British industry - rather an indication that the UK system is very much a work in progress and that the business/regulation partnership is certainly discovering its mojo. Talking to delegates from around the world, Graf declared: “On a positive note, we are starting to see some welcome changes in Britain: A notable change in attitude by some of the major gambling operators who are now publicly talking about social responsibility and its integration at board level
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within their organisations; An increase in operators providing access to data and collaborating with researchers; A social responsibility code being established by the ABB and supported by its members; A harm minimisation conference run by the RGT last December, funded by the industry and bringing in experts from around the world.” This mood change is very different to the landscape carved out when the Commission came into operation. It was then, as Graf explained, that the remit of the Commission was defined: “In 2001 a review of gambling by Sir Alan Budd recommended streamlining gambling legislation into one Act and setting up a single regulator for all forms of gambling except the national lottery. The aim being to create
BACTA CEO completes London Marathon CHARITY
eslie MacLeod-Miller, chief executive of LBACTA, recently completed the London Marathon in a time of just three hours and 43 minutes. This marked the seventh London Marathon for the keen runner. MacLeod-Miller ran for BACTA’s official charity partner Rays of Sunshine
an easy to understand statute that was flexible to future changes within the gambling industry, and for gambling to be treated as a mainstream leisure activity. “The outcome was the Gambling Act 2005 which set up the Gambling Commission, gave local authorities powers as co-regulators to deal with gambling premises and local issues; and introduced three licensing objectives - to keep gambling crime free, fair and open and to protect children and vulnerable people. “We license operators - and we also license key individuals within an organisation and hold them accountable for upholding the licensing objectives. We have licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP) which are expressed in terms of policies and procedures.” Some years on, and the work of the Commission,
according to Graf, is evolving and the industry mind-set is moving towards reflecting this brave new world “We need operators to actively develop and market player protection and we support such measures by incorporating them into regulatory expectations and by helping foster pan-industry collaboration on research and the development of best practice. “For the future we look forward, one day,to being able to move away from issues such as gaming machine 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 confident that people can enjoy gambling without undue risk. If we are to achieve that aim we need
INITIATIVES
all sectors of the industry to work together to actively develop and implement practical ways to protect players and we need a mature relationship between regulator and the regulated. Until this happens, politicians and the public in Britain and beyond will remain, at best, ambivalent and sometimes antagonistic towards gambling. “In conclusion, these are challenging times. Player protection, anti-money laundering, sports betting integrity, online/mobile gambling these are all issues for us, for operators and for government and society at large as well as for other regulators.We have moved to an outcome, risk based approach.We seek regulation that is targeted, proportionate and effective. Overall an approach that allows gambling to be a legitimate leisure activity for the majority of our citizens.There is much to do!”
AMG Leisure enters voluntary administration DISTRIBUTORS
hortly before going to press, Coinslot received Sconfirmation that AMG Children’s Charity. All money raised will be going direct the charity which helps grant wishes to seriously ill children living in the UK. He thanked everyone for their kind donations thus far. Anyone wishing to donate can still do so via his justgiving link online at www.justgiving.com/Lesli e-Macleod-Miller2014.
Leisure had entered voluntary administration. In a statement issued to Coinslot, Alex Auckland said:“It is with huge regret that we have taken the decision to putAMG into administration after eight years trading. It is no exaggeration to say that this industry is in our blood and the directors tried everything in their power to prevent this sad situation arising. He concluded:“We gave it our best shot but some-
times your best, in the current economic environment at least, isn’t quite good enough. On behalf of the directors at AMG I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped and supported us over the past eight years, in
particular our team of loyal and talented staff and of course our customers. If indeed there is an upside, we have been heartened by the support we have received from so many of our industry colleagues and have learned some important lessons along the way.”
microphone at Gala Bingo TwillheFalkirk’s be taken over by comedians every Friday this month. The hall is hosting a different funnyman every week in a bid to appeal to nonbingo players. The likes of Bruce Fummey (pictured), Billy Kirkwood and Bill Dewar are set to perform their stand-up routines. Assistant manager at the Falkirk venue Nick Auld said they were branching out into comedy to break stereotypes and encourage more people to give them a try. He told local press: “Some people still have the misconception that bingo is for old people but in reality all types come to use the facilities. Yes, there is bingo but we also have a bar, diner and host events such as karaoke every Saturday. The comedy nights we hope will get people through our doors who wouldn’t normally consider coming in. The comics lined up are great and comedy is something you don’t get in Falkirk every night of the week - it’s something different on offer for local people.” The Gala Bingo Falkirk comedy nights start at 10pm, entry is free and no advance booking is required.
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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK MACHINES Category B3 is making its mark in the industry. Essential Guide looks at the best of the products and listens to the key opinions. 11
Clampdown on illegal machines continues apace TRAINING COURSES
Training on how to identify and manage the siting of illegal gaming machines is now being provided to local councils across the country by Westminster City Training in partnership with the Gambling Commission’s Local Authority Liaison Unit. n its continued efforts to stamp out any unlawful coinop activity in the UK,the Gambling Commission has organised a training course for local authorities to help identify and manage the siting of illegal gaming machines. Many of the courses are being held in casino premises, which will provide participants with first-hand experience of a live gambling environment after the training has been completed.The first course at Bristol’s Grosvenor Casino, on April 10, was fully booked, as are a number of the other sessions. It follows the success of seven workshops held around the country last year which were attended by almost 400 council and police officers and demonstrated a need by local councils for practical training on how to effectively identify and take action relating to illegal gaming machines. Rob Burkitt, of the Commission’s Local Authority Liaison Unit team, said:“We are delighted to have partnered with Westminster City Training to develop and deliver this course around the country, and we are also grateful to the Rank Group andAspers
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SCHEDULE
The Gambling Commission’s special training sessions to show local councils how to better identify and manage the siting of illegal gaming machines began on April 10 in Bristol. The next raft of training is at the following locations.
Thursday 17 April - Grosvenor Casino, Cardiff Tuesday 22 April - BDRO, Victoria Square House, Birmingham Friday 25 April - Westminster City Training Centre, London Wednesday 7 May - Westminster City Training Centre, London Tuesday 13 May - Westminster City Training Centre, London Wednesday 21 May - Westminster City Training Centre, London Wednesday 28 May - Westminster City Training Centre, London Thursday 5 June - Grosvenor Casino, Southampton Thursday 12 June - Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham Thursday 19 June - Grosvenor Casino, Leeds Thursday 26 June - Grosvenor Casino, Hull Thursday 10 July - Grosvenor Casino, Liverpool Thursday 17 July - Mecca Bingo, York Thursday 24 July - Aspers Casino, Milton Keynes Thursday 31 July - Westminster City Training Centre, Central London
for the use of their casinos at many of the venues. “Issues around suspected illegal gaming machines are one of the main compliance referrals we make to licensing authorities. With the fast moving nature of technical advances in gaming machines, these workshops are a great opportunity for police and council officers to find out what they need to look for when dealing with illegal gaming machines.” Supplying gaming machines or making them available to the public without the appropriate licence or permission is a criminal offence. LALU regularly supports councils and police forces across the country on joint operations to remove illegal gaming machines. Steve Harrison,Westminster City
Council’s operational director of premises management added:“The licensing, deployment and policing of gaming machines present real challenges and the fact that that our first workshop course in Bristol sold out speaks volumes about the need for quality training. “I believe that Westminster City Council’s team offers the best training available. Crucially, our officers come to the classroom with years of on-the-ground experience and we share the Gambling Commission’s ambition for best practice to be shared across the country.” This latest move underlines the Commission’s on-going efforts to keep crime out of gambling, and will be welcomed by industry stakeholders.
Mecca offers free ‘linked’ games for Easter BINGO
ith the 2014 Budget proving to be a much-needed shot in the W arm for the bingo sector, Mecca bingo has announced an offer to thank players for their support with the Boost Bingo campaign that helped sway the Chancellor’s decision to halve bingo duty. To this end, many Mecca bingo halls are offering free Linked Bingo games across the UK - all players need to do to take advantage of the offer is to turn up and play.
Not every single Mecca bingo club is partaking in the promotion, so players have been advised to check with their local club before they set out. The one-off special pro-
motion takes place on Easter Saturday at 2:30pm. Tickets are free, so customers just have to buy in for the session and they can compete for a £50,000 Link Jackpot for no additional charge. The game is a big thank you from Mecca for signing the Boost Bingo petition, supporting the local clubs and even marching on government to present the signatures. Without wholesale player support backing the official campaign, the sector would still be facing 20 per cent tax rates.
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Baron pleased with post duty cut progress
High street footfall on way back up REPORT
According to a new survey, consumers are ready to spend, spend, spend in the UK’s high streets this Easter, which has to be good news for the adult gaming centre and amusement arcade sectors. onsumer confidence is on the up, according to the latest figures from Ipsos Retail Performance which show an improvement to average weekly shopper numbers in March. With the nation’sAGCs positioned on the very same high streets, it would be reasonable to expect that they have also benefitted from the recent footfall upturn. The Retail Traffic Index,which measures the number of shoppers entering over 4,000 non-food retail stores across the UK, rose by 4.5 per cent in February,
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better than the monthly lift of 3.8 per cent in 2013, despite Easter falling into March last year. For this reason the year-on-year figure saw a decline in March, down 3.7 per cent on last year. Dr Tim Denison, director at Ipsos Retail Performance, stated:“We suffered from heavy snow fall and cold weather last March,but we also benefited from the Easter holidays. It is difficult to interpret just how good the latest footfall figures are, but it is fair to say that we had expected yearon-year growth to return in March
Ryanair goes coin-op CORPORATE
air travel giant opened its new 100,000sq.ft Dublin campus last week, featuring a number of coinIoprish staples for the staff to enjoy. According to the Irish Independent, the new offices even have a slide - complete with a warning sign telling employees to use caution when using it. The games room features a pool table, games console and pinball machine, while a giant chess set sits outside the lift area between two of the floors. Ryanair’s HQ also features flags, arcade games and wall paintings of racehorses and army tanks. For those brave enough, a steel slide can whisk employees between the first and ground floor. In its new surroundings, the airline also announced plans to create 200 new jobs in Ireland. The building, in Swords, was officially opened by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan.
BINGO
the immediate afterof the recent bingo Idutynmath tax cut from 20 per and that was not the case. Certainly the de-seasonalised trend is stronger than it has been since last July and there is no reason to expect this to falter. Consumer confidence is up there with the skylarks, reflective of ‘good news’ stories outnumbering the bad.” Inflation is below 2 per cent for the second consecutive month and on a par with wage rises,energy price freezes are being actioned, an income tax threshold rise is pending and more people are in employment; these are all contributing to a belief
that real disposable income levels are now moving in the right direction and that individuals are beginning to feel better off once more. “Shoppers will be stepping out over Easter with more certainty and intent than they have done for a while,” believes Denison. “We forecast that footfall levels to be 4.1 per cent higher over the holiday fortnight than they were last year. If proven this would be an indicator that demand is strengthening non-food retailing is returning to better health.”
cent to 10 per cent, two UK bingo clubs have had imminent closures reversed, according to the Bingo Association’s chief executive Miles Baron. He told Coinslot: “The effects of the duty cut have already been seen at clubs in Portsmouth and Wokingham, both of
Mooted entertainment complex project stalls CINEPLEXES
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High Court challenge has been launched against Cotswold District Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a new cinema and entertainment complex in Cirencester’s Brewery Court. Last November, members of CDC’s planning committee overturned a recommendation to refuse the building of the entertainment complex, which includes a four screen cinema, six shops, four restaurants and a hall of residence. Cirencester Estates Limited, which owns a number of commercial properties in the town centre, has applied for a judicial review into the council’s decision to grant planning permis-
sion to Wildmoor Properties for the development. The firm called in its solicitors after discovering that Wildmoor’s plans would have a direct impact on one of its properties. Michael Lockhart-Smith, development director at Cirencester Estates, told local press:“Unbeknown to us, and without being consulted, the proposed Wildmoor scheme involved the extension of the WHSmith unit and requires the dem-
olition of the rear wall of 1921 Castle Street.” While the company said the development has “merits for the future prosperity and viability of the town centre”, it echoed the concerns raised by English Heritage last year. In a letter to CDC planning officer Mike Napper, English Heritage said:“In our opinion, the provision of a cinema can be achieved within these parameters, but this scheme fails to do so.”
which were threatened by closure, but can now stay open.” On April 28, Baron will travel to meet the Treasury’s senior policy advisor on gambling taxes Graham Hunt where he will update him on how the UK bingo sector will grasp the opportunity that the duty cut has presented. The Bingo Association will then hold a special day on May 16 entitled Bingo Is Boosting. Baron confirmed: “This event, which will see participating bingo clubs the length and breadth of the UK, will be a celebration and a thank-you to MPs for their efforts in persuading the Chancellor to introduce the tax reduction.”
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Operator selected for accolade at RoSPA Awards 2014 AWARDS
Talarius, the UK’s largest operator of adult gaming centres, is among the winners for the second consecutive year in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2014.
ajor AGC operator Talarius has been rewarded for its commitment to health and safety.The Silver award in the prestigious annual scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention ofAccidents will be presented to Talarius during a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, at the National Exhibition Centre, on May 14, 2014. RoSPA has been recognising health and safety success for over 50 years in its mission to save lives and reduce injuries covering all ages and stages of life. The RoSPA awards companies who show a continuous commitment to the pre-
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Newcastle arcade suffers robbery THEFT
robber got away with cash after threatening an amusement arcade A worker at Nobles Amusements, on vention of accidents within the workplace through the installation of systems and procedures that empower employees to work in a more knowledgeable manner when it comes to health and safety. Through the scheme, which is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas, judges consider entrants’ overarching occupational health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. Peter Harvey, chief executive of Talarius, said:“Talarius has an excellent health and safety record amongst its industry peers and it is pleasing that our stringent adherence to high standards of health and safety have been recognised for the second consecutive year by the RoSPA, a clear endorsement of the consistently high and professional standards we maintain at the company.” David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said:“The RoSPAAwards encourage the raising of occupational health and safety standards across the board. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems such as Talarius, contribute to a collective raising of the bar for other organisations to aspire to, and we offer them our congratulations.”
Clayton Street, in Newcastle city centre last week. A man, who is thought to have been drunk, entered the premises and threatened a woman working inside. He then fled in the direction of Falconers Court with cash in a yellow bag. Police are still working to establish whether or not the robber was armed and are checking CCTV from the building. The thief has been described as being in his 20s, of medium build and short in height. He was wearing a black or grey hoodie top with the hood up. Police are now appealing for witnesses. The spokeswoman added: “Officers have made a full check of the area, making inquiries and reassuring members of the community.”
Verdant sees massive growth in family fun OPERATORS
specialist Playnation,which currently machines in over 1,200 locaFtions,ECoperates has been instrumental in helping Verdant Leisure, the holiday park operator, boost its family entertainment centre sales by more than 65 per cent.The sales increase comes less than a year after Playnation secured a long-term contract to supply Verdant Leisure with an extensive range of machines for its on-site family entertainment centres.The holiday park operator has four sites across Scotland and Northumberland including Viewfield Manor, Riverside, Thurston Manor and Pease Bay. Paul McGhee, operations manager at Playnation,said:“We worked with the team
at Verdant to gain an understanding into the different park locations and the demands from customers within each environment.This enabled us to tailor our machines to the consumer and enhance the overall experience for families visiting the parks. We’re really pleased with Verdant’s success to date and this ties in well with our key focus in the family entertainment sector.” Bev Dixon, operations director at Verdant Leisure, concluded:“We are delighted with the latest sales figures and it is clear that the new machines have had a direct impact on the growth of our arcade business. This puts us in a strong position in the family entertainment arena and we expect 2014 to be another solid year.”
y t the Birdie’ Golf and Cla Industry’s second ‘Shoo ng mi Ga the g stin s ho air be lch whee ted to vide specially adapted Again Praesepe are deligh IPs raises money to pro CH ty. ari ch IPs CH the Bir of oot the die’ day is Pigeon event on behalf Gaming industry. The ‘Sh UK the by ly ge lar d rte and is suppo ptonshire. for disabled youngsters ittlebury Park in Northam Wh at ce pla e tak ll wi d e 6th an arranged for Friday Jun ts staged at the same
ly separate even It consists of two entire
venue.
or application for m below mplete the co uld sho t en ev r he eit mpeting in Anyone interested in co for further details. arest the Pin’ and contact Amanda Blundell d competition with ‘Ne for ble Sta m’ Tea & al 18 hole ‘Individu uals £80 per person. The Golf comprises an or alternatively for individ 00 £3 is r fou of m tea nce try for a se accompanying a lice ‘Longest Drive’ prizes. En licence holders (or tho to en op is n tio eti mp ch co n ter at £80 ea and will The ‘80 Bird’ clay pigeo are also welcome to en ls ua ivid Ind . 00 £3 is st use of four entry ol shoot. All entrants mu holder) and for a team There will also be a po m. tea a into ly ng al rdi ion co dit make ad be ‘squadded-up’ ac ma ny opportunities to be ll wi re the ts en ev bo th fibre wad cartridges. In competitions. luding raffles and other inc ty ari ch the to ns tio dona oters who also manage l be awarded to clay sho wil s ze pri no t tha ted However, it should be no to shoot a golfer!
nt. rly to avoid disappointme and join us - so book ea be te to CHIPs then we will would still like to dona donors display this on the list of your payment and will
n in We do hope you can joi If you can’t make it but happy to accept on the day.
Nick Harding CEO Praesepe Smiling youngster Charley Maher pictured with her parents following a pink powered wheelchair presentation at Cashino in Stockport.
A P P L I C A T I O N Your Name (CAPITALS PLEASE):
Contact Telephone Number:
F O R M
Team Name (if known):
Company name (if applicable) Email Address:
Entry to which event? (tick appropriate boxes) 18 hole golf
80 clay shoot
Team Entry (min 4 persons)
Individual entry
Payment method: £300 per team - individual entry £80 per person (tick box below) cheque enclosed*
bank transfer (call me for details)
pay cash on the day
*make cheques payable to CHIPs
Please complete and mail, telephone, fax or email to: Amanda Blundell. Praesepe Plc. Seebeck House, 1A Seebeck Place, Knowlhill Milton Keynes MK5 8FR Tel: 0845 5215054 Fax: 01908 322769 Email: amandablundell@praesepeplc.com
2364-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 14:27 Page 1
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Barry Island arcade raises money for lifeboat charity
Happidrome reopens after huge refurbishment effort
CHARITY
FEC
Barry Island amusement arcade has come A up with a novel way of rais-
It may have taken a good deal of work - and no little investment - to repair his flood damaged arcade, but Southend operator Martin Richardson is happy to be back up and running. outhend’s Happidrome family entertainment centre has finally reopened after five months of intensive work to repair heavy flood damage. It marked the culmination of a huge effort by Happidrome owner Martin Richardson to save his seafront business after half of it was left devastated by heavy rainfall and flooding last August. Richardson managed to keep the doors open through September and October, but after closing for repairs in November he faced bungling builders and unwilling insurers in a battle to complete the work. He told Coinslot that in
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spite of the saga he endured, he was delighted to have welcomed loyal customers back to the Happidrome earlier this month. Richardson commented: When I opened the front doors I must admit I did have a very large smile on my face. “I’m relieved we’re back open.It has been a long time coming. We had to do so much work.” That work had been scheduled to start last November, but the first team of builders never turned up. The second team didn’t arrive until January, and when they did they caused over £35,000 worth of damage by using the wrong equipment and contami-
nating the whole arcade with brick dust. As a result, Richardson had to send his machines back to the manufacturers to be stripped down, cleaned and have many moving parts replaced. He also had to negotiate with his landlord’s less than cooperative insurance company: “It drew a line, and anything beyond that wasn’t going to get done unless we did it ourselves. “I was left with a 1970s rear half of the arcade and a 2014 front half. £50,000 of my own money was spent to re-line all the walls at the back,to re-paint all the walls at the back to match those at the front and to re-do all the rear pillars to match the ones at the front.
“In total, over £80,000 of my money has gone into the refurbishments so far. If I hadn’t we would have had to shut half of the arcade off.” The re-fit included £120,000 of new amusement machines, new lights, new security cameras and re-laying over 700-metres of carpet. Richardson went with a mix of 75 per cent secondhand and 25 per cent new machines when it came to re-stocking. He even extended his search for equipment to overseas when he couldn’t source a specific video product in the UK, driving to an arcade in France to find one. It was all part of Richard-
son’s ethos of putting his customers first. After the flood, customers began to flock to Happidrome’s Facebook page to ask what equipment had been damaged and if their favourites would be replaced. In response, Richardson wrote a post on the Facebook page asking them what machines they wanted to see brought back to the arcade. He explained:“That way we knew we were getting what they want, because at the end of the day they pay our wages. “There were some who asked us to put a coffee machine in for them to have a coffee while they play on the pushers for hours. So we did.”
Hastings Pier passes share scheme target PIERS
he Hasting Pier Charity has sold £590,000 Tworth of community shares as part of its project to restore the fire-ravaged structure and reopen it to the public next year. The charity had opened up the share scheme to the public last October, with a deadline of earlyApril,in the hope of raising £500,000. Having surpassed its goal with buyers coming in from across the UK and from overseas, it now has the funds in place to press
Email: al@sjc.co.uk
ahead with the restoration project. Simon Opie, chief executive of the Hastings Pier Charity, said just under 3,000 people had purchased shares, with about 50 per cent of them local to Hastings. He commented:“It is an amazing outcome and just shows the depths of feeling that people have and the appeal of the pier itself and its story. “Many people, at whatever level they have
The main engineering work needed on the pier will cost close to £14m,over £11m of which was funded through a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Restoration work began in December with the aim of reopening the pier in spring 2015. Plans for the pier include invested, have dug through the share scheme extremely deep in the cur- will close the funding gap visiting funfairs, a circus, an open-air cinema and therent economic climate to on the project. The remainder will then atre, farmers’ markets and support the project and we owe them a huge debt of be put forward to support deck-chair hire, while a hercommercial activity on the itage centre will house a gratitude.” Opie explained that the pier and help sustain it as a permanent exhibition of the pier’s history. first £200,000 raised business.
ing hundreds of pounds to help keep a volunteer lifeboat crew afloat. When Pat Collins Snr of Promenade Amusements Barry Island realised that the giant deckchair outside his premises had become a favourite photo spot for tourists, he saw its fundraising potential. Collins told local press: “We installed the deckchair to advertise our deckchair rentals and it very quickly became an iconic feature on Barry Island seafront. “Visitors love to have their picture taken sitting in the chair, which will hold up to six adults at a time. “In return, we ask for a donation to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station which provides such an invaluable service, highlighted during the recent storms.” The initiative raised a total of £750, which was presented to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station’s Chris Osborne on behalf of the organisation. Osborne said: “The money will enable us to bring forward training for our crew, something we have been keen to do for a while. “We are extremely grateful to Pat and to all of the people who donated; such generosity will make a real difference.”
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Essential Guide to...
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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
The B3 sector received a shot in the arm during during 2011, following a review of stakes and prizes which saw the reintroduction of the maximum limit on wagers at £2. Jackpots paid out by these machines are not permitted to exceed £500.
Showcase Next Week
B3 boosts bingo and AGC
Taxing alterations
In February, 2013 HMRC announced the creation of Machine Games Duty for B3 and other gaming maPHOTO BY EWAN MUNRO chines. These new regulations had a B3 machines continue to bolster meaningful effect on the way operaadult gaming centres and bingo halls tors put together their maacross the UK. Gambling Comchine portfolios. “With the mission regulations restrict these change from AMLD to types of venues from drawing more MGD we saw a significant than 20 per cent of their total game move in the market with operators offering from the B3 and B4 catemoving to maximise their allowance,” gories. said Tony Glanville from RLMS.
NATIONAL OPERATOR
Gala hails importance of B3
B3 machines form an important revenue stream for Gala Bingo and managing director, Simon Wykes believes that the sector will go from strength to strength. here has traditionally been a strong overlap between passionate bingo players and those with an interest in the big jackpot thrills of B3 machines. Gala Bingo has been able to take advantage of this fact by offering a comprehensive range of machines in its venues.“B3 is an increasingly important part of our product and profitability,” said managing director Simon Wykes.“Our machine performance has been stellar over the past four years and our investments in product, service and technology around machines have paid off handsomely.” Even in the face of seemingly uneven competition from Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, Wykes has confidence in his games. “Listen to the facts not the hype,” he said. “B3 has continued to grow and offers a different playing experience to B2. Credit must go the content providers who are
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Essential Guide to the Northern
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Upping the stakes This week’s machine charts
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making more and more compelling games.” Wykes experience in the sector has provided him with compelling ammunition in favour of B2. “I believe B3 games are far more compelling than B2.I have offered B2 games in a bingo environment before and they failed spectacularly - I don’t think the revenues covered the electricity.” In many ways,Wykes argues, the future looks brighter for B3.“B3 continues to grow as a proportion of overall revenue on FOBTs at a fast rate,” he said.“You should really be asking the question to my colleagues at Coral, as to how they can ensure B2 remains attractive to their customers.” In order to maintain good machine performance at Gala’s venues,Wykes is keen to help foster continued investment in innovation. “Ticket-in/ticket-out, better gaming content and community gaming is all improving the game experience,”he said.
“I would love to see some of the big Vegas bits of kit adapted to B3. Some of the showpiece machines in Vegas have the wow factor and the game play focused on high frequency, small wins is ideal for bingo.” A rethink of the current legislation surrounding B3 machines would also be of benefit to the sector. “Fundamentally, I think most of these regulations are out of step with modern times,” said Wykes,“and I would relax them further.”Vitally, operators need to be able to compete with the fast-paced world of online gaming.“Ultimately customers will choose to play what they want to play but now the internet provides them with greater choice. If regulators stop us offering compelling products which are available online, then customers will simply bring their own devices into our clubs to play the products they want to play.” Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
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Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Sector Overview CATEGORY B3
VIEWPOINT
Having benefited from a stake uplift three years ago, the B3 sector has gone from strength to strength, with increasing numbers of the machines positioned primarily in AGCs and bingo halls around the UK.
Room for further expansion While B2 machines tend to dominate the column inches for many and varied reasons, Category B3 machines are progressing quite nicely, thank-you very much.
A sector experiencing genuine growth y, how time flies. It’s unlikely that anyone in the industry can believe that the government implemented changes to rules on B3 gaming machines less than two years ago. It was on 13 July 2011 when the government stepped in to change the rules on B3 gaming machines, including an increase in the maximum permitted stake to £2. Brought in by the DCMS, the amendments also saw changes to the number of B3 gaming machines permitted in adult gaming centres and bingo premises. From that moment on,AGC and bingo premises have been entitled to make available a number of Category B gaming machines not exceeding 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines which are available for use on the premises. The Gambling Commission said licensed AGC and bingo premises in existence before 13 July 2011 could enjoy socalled ‘grandfather rights’, entitling them to make available four (AGCs) or eight (bingo) category B gaming machines, or 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines, whichever is the greater. AGC and bingo premises licences granted on or after 13 July 2011 but before 1 April 2014 are entitled to a maximum of four or eight category B gaming machines or 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines, whichever is the greater. From 1 April this year, however, these premises are entitled to 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines only. At the time of the original announcement three years ago, the Gambling Commission warned that operators who choose to make material changes to their existing licensed premises in order take advantage of the 20 per cent requirement
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may need to apply to their local authority for a licence variation. Three years since the stake uplift was announced and it would be fair to say that the sector has pretty much‘bedded in’,due in no small part to the efforts of all links of the UK coin-op supply chain to make sure the genre has been a success. In fact, the B3 sector is one of the few that has actually grown in size - an assertion that has been backed up by the latest available Gambling Commission figures. From the period April 2008-March 2009 to the most recent audit covering April 2012March 2013, the number of B3 machines across all gambling sectors (not including pubs, clubs, working men’s clubs or FECs) has actually risen. In April 2008-March 2009 there were 12,701 B3s, while in April 2012-March 2013 there were 14,736. While there was the inevitable risk that players viewed the maximum stake increase as simply a “price rise”, it appears that players have bought into the genre just as much as the coin-op industry has, despite the omnipresent competition from B2 (FOBT) machines. Rather than going down the obvious ‘same game, different name’ approach, manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that players perceive they have a value-for-money proposition at both £1 and £2 stakes. This attitude has helped gently move players onto the higher stake at a pace they feel comfortable with. While wholesale player approval is of course the ultimate litmus test for any machine category, the fact that the vast majority of UK coin-op manufacturers have bought into B3, as evidenced by this week’s exceptional product showcase, illustrates perfectly that the B3 sector is as healthy as any in coin-op.
SWOT ANALYSIS B3 STRENGTHS • Achieves wholesale approval by AGC and bingo players • Alluring jackpot of £500 puts genre at forefront of AGCs’ investment strategies • Three years of new stake has given manufacturers plenty of chance to devise exciting gameplay features WEAKNESSES • As of April 1, premises are entitled a B3 allocation of just 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines OPPORTUNITIES • Bingo duty cut will allow more new clubs to open, creating chance for additional sites • AGCs, which pride themselves on knowing their customers, can gather valuable feedback about which features work and which don’t • Distributors offering competitive rental deals THREATS • FOBTs - same jackpot, but larger stakes permitted • Inevitable target for thieves and fraudsters
alex lee foreword or once, both factual and anecdotal evidence suggests that a UK-based machine sector is Fenjoying a period of growth. According to the Gambling Commission, more B3 machines are ‘out there’ now than five years ago, with the major AGC chain operators such as Praesepe and Talarius suggesting that their B3 portfolio has done much to bring in regular custom to their high street venues. Furthermore, with Mecca bingo venues consistently making a big promotional push with their large B3 machine offering the sector looks to be on solid ground and capable of further growth in the wake of the recent bingo duty cut announced in the Budget. Long gone are the days when operators bought or rented a suite of machines, shoved them on the arcade floor and hoped for the best. To this end, a noticeable feature of the B3 sector is that operators have made concerted efforts to drive customers to their B3 estates by communicating information, offers and promotional activity. Having seen the gradual growth of the sector as evidenced by the Gambling Commission’s figures over the last five years, there is no reason why the B3 sector cannot continue to grow as new and differentiated content comes through and operators and manufacturers anticipate and meet consumers’ demands for new games. The over-riding message coming from stakeholders involved in the B3 sector is that these £500 jackpot machines can be attractive to players, so long as their benefits are promoted properly and - tellingly - that floor staff are fullyversed in their best features. While not every single B3 machine ever produced has been a roaring success (as of course the same can be said of any coin-op strand), those which have either been brand extensions or brand new concepts cleverly positioned to entice players to use the £2 stake have tended to do very well. This is testament to the efforts of the industry as a whole and, more than some sectors within gaming, collaborative work on behalf of manufacturers and distributors.
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Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Market Perspectives HIGH STREET
MARKET CONDITIONS
Praesepe values the people
RLMS cautious on B3 future
Praesepe prides itself on dealing with both manufactures and customers with the same strong emphasis on lasting relationships. GC and bingo operator Praesepe has found success in the B3 market thanks in no small part to the innovative way it deals with machine manufacturers. “The profit share business model that we pioneered means that the relationship we enjoy with the community of manufacturers and content providers is different from the orthodoxy of manufacturer and customer,” said CEO,Nick Harding.“We have worked extremely hard, introducing initiatives such as our annual Machine Symposium to forge a partnership relationship whereby we share the data and the player insights with our partners.” These relationships have been forged over a shared passion to create compelling gaming content that focuses on the player.“The more successful the manufacturers are in connecting with our customers, the more successful we are,” said Harding.“We put a lot of resource into understanding our customers’ needs and all of the knowledge that we accrue we share with our colleagues in the manufacturing community – it is a grown up relationship.” This focus on interpersonal savvy extends into all aspects of the company’s operations and forms a large part of its unique attraction.“From the smile, the coffee, the chat, the personal contact and the genuine customer care we have to ensure that we are the best on the high street,” said Harding.“Our staff don’t sit behind cash desks: they interact with their customers and treat them like friends. We did some research which showed that over 90 per cent of our team knew their customers by their first name, which,I believe,shows the depth of the relationship.” With a view to keeping these customers engaged,Praesepe is throwing down the gauntlet for game developers everywhere.“I would like the smart people in the manufacturing sector to discover the new Leprechaun,” said Harding.“We’ve seen what can happen in the pub sector when you get too reliant on a single theme and I don’t want the same set of circumstances to develop in AGCs. I understand fully the commercial imperative of getting the most from a proven formula,but we operate in an industry which should be constantly changing and on occasions we need to take a deep breath and move out of the middle lane.” There are also limitations placed on the sector by the Gambling Commission, which Harding is keen to see relaxed. “We would like to be able to link four B3 machines together in a single venue to win a bigger prize capped at,say £2,000,”he said. “This was not included in BACTA’s last Triennial Submission, which I think was a mistake, but it most definitely should be in the next.”
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Despite issuing a stable verdict on the existing B3 market, experienced supplier RLMS Sales warns against the dangers of complacency. Glanville, sales director at RLMS, sees the B3 sector as a solid prospect, Tbutony one that is in serious danger of stagnation. “We need a benchmark product, a new game or offering that reinvigorates the sector by being a ‘must have’ that drives the market stimulating demand,” he said.“Currently, the B3 sector is a very mature market with an extremely low replacement opportunity. Unless the markets changes there is going to be less of an appetite for manufacturers to produce games for this sector,particular with the high cost of getting a game approved.” Glanville believes that the sector is in need of a shake-up, similar to that prompted by the 2011 boost to stakes and prizes.“Game designers are constantly looking at what creative opportunities can be explored and the doubling of stake
was clearly a vehicle for the industries creative talents to develop an exciting new genre of games,” said Glanville.“The maximum ceiling of £2 allowed for a number of multi stake options to be offered on games and as a result a player is then given the opportunity to play the games they want at a stake value they can afford.” The differing rules and regulations that apply to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals do present B3 machines with a significant stumbling block, however. The playing field is without doubt skewed when it comes to the difference in stake values offered between B3’s and FOBTs,” said Glanville.“Outside of stake,the main game providers to the AGC and bingo marketm such as Astra and Project, have and continue to produce extremely compelling
games.The operators themselves need to ensure the offering they have for their players is refreshed regularly and that they have a wide range of games available to appeal to all players tastes.Then it is down to the marketing aspect and promotion of the offer to keep the AGC and bingo players engaged with the products and promoting the products to new players.” Regarding the prospects for further changes to stakes and prizes, Glanville is keen to encourage an orderly approach. “Stakes and prize levels should be reviewed on a regular basis,” he said.“We cannot have a free for all.A measured and scheduled approach to review should be adopted so that the industry has a timetable to work to and has a clear understanding of the frame work that reviews will be conducted under.”
CASH
CPI prepared for the future of cash handling With UK currency set to undergo a programme of modernisation in the next few years, Coinslot talks to James Boje, senior vice president of banking, gaming and retail EMEA for Crane Payment Innovations. oinslot: What is the importance of ensuring that B3 machines include Creliable cash handling technology? James Boje:As the regulation and taxation of the amusement industry continues to evolve, reliable cash handling has become more important than ever. This is especially true for B3 machines, which have garnered more attention in the UK since 2011 legislation allowed for the return of the £2 stake and increased the total number of machines permitted in AGCs and bingo halls. Accordingly, to protect their revenue, operators are looking more closely at their peripherals and placing greater emphasis on acceptance rates,jam performance, security and total cost of operation - the four touchstones of the CPI value proposition.
with polymer notes across our entire product line.The new pound coin presents a bit more of an unknown, due to the number of fraudulent pound coins and vast range of metals now used in coins. CPI maintains a strong relationship with the Royal Mint and will have insight into design features as they are being finalised.
CS: What developments in the B3 market would you like to see during 2014? JB:Recently,there has been a shift towards cash recycling in the B3 market - a reflection of current trends across the AWP industry in general. In a game that utilises recycling technology, cash is accepted, accounted for and stored from one player to give as change to the next.This and the ability to pay winnings in higher denominations increases machine uptime.The CS: What challenges do you expect new MEI SCR banknote recycler will proto face with the introduction of polyvide this and the aforementioned benemer bank notes and the new pound fits of recycling as part of a total cash coin in the coming years? JB:We have a high level of confidence in management solution once it hits the maintaining performance expectations market in 2014.
CS: Do you believe that the ratio of B3 machines available to arcade and bingo premises should be adjusted? Do you feel a further revision of the stake/prize ratio is needed? JB:The 2011 legislation on B3 machines was bittersweet.Though the return of the £2 stake was welcomed by operators, the industry did see a reduction in the number of B3 machines overall. Gross revenue on these machines, however, remained stable, suggesting the current stake/prize ratio is sound.To further reverse the losses experienced across arcade and bingo premises prior to 2011,more operators are now considering newly developed games with performance-driven payment and cash management solutions.
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Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Market Perspectives
Market Analysis
TECHNOLOGY
MANUFACTURERS
B3 lacking technology says Embed B3 sector
welcomes a new entrant in 24 Seven Gaming
Embed’s Steven Wooley is calling for faster uptake of cashless systems and data extraction in the B3 market and beyond. s a provider of payment systems and management software to the worldwide gaming industry, Embed are sensitive to the unique challenges placed on B3 operators.“The industry seems determined to find a way of dealing with the problems associated with large pay-outs on machines,” said sales executive Steven Wooley.“Currently TITO is this chosen system as this provides a solution, but also allows the machines to take cash as well.There are moves in the industry to come up with a standard protocol which will make life easier for operators and hopefully manufacturers alike.” Ultimately,Wooley believes that moving to a system without tickets or money would be the best solution.“A true cashless system will be the long term solution, which combined with player tracking will provide the industry in general more than just a method of dealing with pay-outs from machines,” he said.“It will provide credible data on machine play and the habits of machine players, something the industry desperately needs as there is too much speculation.”
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It is vital for the adoption of this forward thinking strategy that operators embrace the advance of technology.“The benefits of removing cash from any operation of machines is obvious and the ability to be able to identify your players and reward them is also a key point in any operation,” said Wooley.“The methods of doing this currently are varied and in some cases manual. Technology will move forward and so will the adoption of cashless on gaming, starting with B3 machines as they are the machine that most operators rely on to keep their revenues up.” Wooley would also welcome changes to regulations surrounding the extraction of valuable data from all kinds of gaming machines. In particular, he supports,“the adoption of standards to ensure that information can be obtained from all machines operated in the UK market.” If the industry is not swifter in its uptake of existing collection technology, he argues, it could create significant problems further down the line. “In quite a few cases now data cannot be extracted from machines via the BACTA Dataport as it does not exist,”
The B3 sector is crucial to the income and earning potential of both AGC and bingo venues, according to Simon McCarthy managing director at 24 Seven Gaming. said Wooley, “and there appears to be a slow take up of introducing it onto certain types of machines.This will create a situation where machines being operated will not produce the information to even reconcile collections.” When it comes to the Gambling Commission’s regulations regarding B3 machines, however, Wooley is content with the status quo. “With the recent adjustments and new regulations in place I do not see there is any change coming for this. We need to allow some time to truly understand the impact of the new stakes,” he said.“The current changes are welcome and hope to provide an opportunity for operators to be more profitable.”
MANUFACTURERS
Market-leading content provides the best player experience Category B3 undoubtedly complements the revenue from Category C, says Simon Barff, managing Director of Blueprint Gaming’s machines division. oinslot: How long has Blueprint Gaming been involved in the Category C B3 sector? Simon Barff:We have been involved with the B3 sector since 2009 when we entered the market with Super Spins Bar X, which continues to be a popular game to this day. Our current crop of top-performing games are Luck of the Irish, Worms and Genie Jackpots. Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
this comes down to the individual game rather than the machine category. CS: How closely do you work with operators when it comes to the development of new games? SB:We always ask for - and take on board operator feedback, but development really stems from the games design team. They have a clear idea of how the B3 game should look and feel to give the best player experience. Our obvious ties to the PraeCS: How important is the B3 sector for sepe operations through our joint GauselAGC and bingo operations? SB:It is a very important category for oper- mann ownership provide us with a unique ators, as it gives a different style of game- opportunity to continue to develop play to Category C. However, Blueprint market-leading content. Gaming is looking to emulate this style of gameplay within the Category C sector in CS: What do you have planned for the B3 future developments. Category B3 sector for the remainder of 2014 and undoubtedly complements the revenue beyond? from Category C within venues and brings SB: We have some great themes coming are different player experience to bear. through, like Wish Upon a Slot and Hot Slots 500, which are new B3 compendium products designed for the arcade and CS: Is there a typical B3 player? SB:We have found that there is a complete bingo and the AGC sectors, respectively. mixture of player base within venues Our games design team are forever develwhere B3 content is available. It comes oping new games to keep the players interdown to personal taste, as far as which est, so watch this space for exciting new game style the player prefers. Sometimes developments.
Seven Gaming has only recently the B3 arena. Our first product, “Vegas24entered 24/7 is a standalone single game with three interactive features to engage the player. In a separate development, we will also release a ‘Multi - Lotto’ B3 multigame compendium from E-Gaming in the coming weeks. In our opinion, the B3 sector is crucial to the income and earning potential of both AGC and bingo venues. The B3 games complement the many gaming offerings within these locations. It is our understanding from experience and reviewing the market research available that there are certain players more attracted to the B3 game formats, and they are quite separate to the traditional Cat C hi-tech player. It is always our intention to develop key product for the individual market sectors, therefore the principle of ‘porting across’ from one sector to another is not always the right move - it is very much dependant on the game offering. We view the fact that we have in Vegas 24/7 some unique and entertaining features as the key to be able to allow for this type of cross over, ultimately, though, it is the player that will decide. We have always and will continue to work alongside operators in all market sectors - they are our customers and they know the player base (their customers) best - so we would be foolhardy if we did not listen to our customers’ feedback and suggestions. There will be more standalone games released over the coming 12 months from 24 Seven, as well as continued multi compendium games from E-Gaming. 24 Seven has entered into an agreement to represent E-Gaming interests within the UK, so you can expect some very interesting and alternative products over the coming months from us.”
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Genesis Games positive on sector’s status Exclusive supplier of Amatic B3 games to the UK and Ireland, Genesis Games, sees a strong future for the sector in the face of challenges from FOBTs. Genesis Games stand at this year’s EAG included some strong examples of TB3 heexpo innovation.“We showcased the Amatic Industries 22 inch B3 Performer,” said director Steve Bierrum.“The response was very strong and robust test figures from major UK operators enabled us to generate strong sales.” These results echo an upward trend in the sector that received a push in 2011 with an increase in stakes to £2.“When the uplift from £1 to £2 was announced,Amatic Industries’ R&D teams announced that it would give them much more scope to introduce far more variety for players,” said Bierrum. “They were able to create programmes that catered for all gamers’ tastes.” However, Bierrum noted that it has taken some time for the industry to make the most
of the alteration.“Ultimately the changes worked well.In the beginning,though,operators were reluctant to go into the new stakes too heavily.” Overall, the Genesis director is happy with the direction that the industry is heading. “The B3 market is currently very buoyant in terms of revenue streams and product innovation,” he said.“If it ‘aint broke, don’t fix it.” Similarly, he feels that the current 20 per cent ratio of B3 machines permitted in arcades and bingo halls has reached a happy medium.“I believe the balance of categories per location is about right. Maybe an increase to 30 per cent.” “However, there is a limit to people’s leisure spend,” he added.“Regarding stakes and prizes, there is a lot of talk.This is moti-
vated by the spectre of B2 machines, or as the popular press call them FOBT. I believe there is a fundamental difference between the raison d’etre of a bookmakers and an AGC.Aligning the stakes and prizes may not be in the AGC or amusement sector’s best interests. However a playing field with a slope as steeply biased as the current one should be addressed.” Challenges to B3 machines from their cousins in the B2 sector are a notable threat, but adherence to the traditional pleasures of Amusement with Prize can act to overcome these challenges. “Recent trends have indicated players are tending to spend more leisure time on video slot machines,”said Bierrum,“this is because the video slots give a fine balance between entertainment and reward. Fundamentally
the original Gambling Act defined the purpose of machines brilliantly. They were defined as Amusement with Prizes. One simply bought time, as one would for example, on a jukebox.The difference being the jukebox supplied the person paying the choice to listen to a song they liked;the AWP rewarded the player with a prize in cash.Neither machine robbed a player. Players are now finding, certainly with Amatic Industries B3 machines,that the concept of entertainment and reward is great value for their leisure spend.”
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
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Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Products RLMS SALES
EMBED
RLMS has all colours in all sizes
Embed read
Embed’s colourful range of card readers belie tracking system designed to maximise revenue opportunities for UK and Ireland operators.
With the cost of B3 machines commonly pushing five digits, RLMS’s range of high quality used machines are ideally positioned to support cash-sensitive operators.
s at the recent EAG Show in London, Embed continued its dedication to A the UK gaming industry, resulting in a
he most buoyant part of the B3 market for RLMS Sales currently is the used Tsector. With operators looking to provide
With some new machines in the market coming close to £10,000, including VAT, it is a big ask for operators in the current tradvariety in terms of cabinet design and game ing conditions to invest such a large sum in offering, under varying budget limits, the one unit. Operators can make their budget used market has become increasingly go that much further by looking at used important.The company has a large range equipment. RLMS features refurbished of used products available throughout the equipment from Astra, Project, Blue Print, year, workshopped and supported with a Novomatic, Barcrest and Reflex. At this year’s EAG, the company prioriwarranty period to give operators peace of tised products from Astra and Project Coin. mind. Due to the inability to claim back VAT “Astra focussed on the compendium style customers are being more frugal when it offering a range of games within one cabicomes to the procurement of B3 product. net whilst Project Coin opted to revert back
wide range of new products launched. Machine monitoring and data analysis are critical management tools for operators, and detailed information on individual customers form the basis of proper marketing plans and strategies. Embed Player Tracking system is the most advanced solution for providing accurate information on your customers’ habits and spending patterns. Many UK and Irish operators are taking advantage of the data collected to reward their best customers, create promotions and packages, and generate more return visits with selected marketing activity. A critical component of the Player Tracking System is the new Embed Insert Card Reader (ICR). It has expanded features applicable to multiple functionali-
BLUEPRINT
League topping s to the single game approach,” said sales director,Tony Glanville.“Both have their merits and operators will decide which approach suits their venues.We have seen operators with larger venues,and therefore greater B3 allowance, add into their product mix the single games such as the Project Coin Mega Bars.Whereas smaller venue operators have opted for the compendium approach, offering variety through a large game menu on a single terminal such as on the Astra Big Party.” RLMS Sales provide both stand up and sit down cabinets, as well as either single or compendium game offerings and the company’s sales team are always on hand to advise operators on the best styles of terminals for their venues.They are also able to recommend the best game mix or report on how popular a particular product has been in the market at large.Operators often refer to the Coinslot charts to give them guidance as to what models they should be considering and then ring RLMS Sales to discuss the virtues of the product.Thanks to the team’s knowledge of the AGC and bingo markets they are able to work with operators to select the right product. Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
Blueprint games have found success in the B3 sector by implementing a cascading online-first design system. lueprint’s chart-topping King of Slots B3 compendium has consisB tently topped the published league tables for the past 6 months and continues to win over players. Of the 14 games available - Luck of the Irish continues to be the highest grossing on the high street, accounting for 65% of the cashbox on its own. This is complemented by three new games which were released in London in January, namely the highly acclaimed Team17 branded ‘Worms’ game, ‘Winstar’ and ‘Jackpot Gems,’ each of which will include a free tournament mode to further enable operators to engage with their customers. “The success of King of Slots has been remarkably consistent,” says
2364-p12-21-Essential_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 16:13 Page 7
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B 2 B
reading the market
rd readers belies a robust player aximise revenue and marketing operators. ties. The newly designed case has a Color-Glo feature for great visibility and immediate guest communication, allowing the entire device to change colour depending on status or flash to attract player’s attention. The device also features a large HD touch screen for customer interaction and the ability to offer additional promotions or select different offers. With the new ICR, there are more opportunities for customer interaction, for collecting detailed players data, more options for information and communication and more up-selling capability than any other device on the market. Embed has also introduced two new kiosk models to complete the product range.A wall mounted and floor standing terminal for membership & loyalty functions. These are offering operators the
oppor tunity to maintain a database of registered customers. Each customer can use the terminal to take advantage of a site’s promotions, which are designed to generate more visits and extend their stay at the centre by offering vouchers, bonus, raffles and loyalty schemes.
ping success for Blueprint Simon Barff, managing director of Blueprint’s Machines Division. “What’s even more reassuring is that we are seeing a good stake on our games - at around £1.55 on average. This is due to our games design team making the games enticing to play at the higher stake, by putting in added bonuses to enhance the players’ experience.” This year, Blueprint is introducing a number of new themed B3 compendiums to be available alongside King of Slots. Wish Upon a Slot is designed to suit the Bingo and AGC sectors and features four new softer profile games. Meanwhile, Hot Slots 500 is a harder profile offering of four games, more suited to AGCs within the South of the country. The new games will include ‘Wish Upon A Jackpot’, ‘Vikings of For-
tune’ and ‘Fairy Fortunes’. Both compendiums are available housed in either the Vision Casino or Vision Slant Top cabinets. “What sets Blueprint’s B3 product apart from its competitors is the fact that our games start online, then are moved into LBOs before they cascade down to AGC and Bingo, so we are constantly refining the offering ensuring that only those games with the strongest player pedigree are selected,” says Andy Hall, Blueprint Gaming Sales and Operations Manager. “In addition, we are constantly reviewing our content via our SBG system, with the aid of our customers, to deliver the best mix of games, so the end user has the best playing experience and the operator has the healthiest possible cashbox.”
One product. Unlimited security. The MEI CASHFLOW® 9500e offers unparalleled security with both ccTalk® and DES encryption. Designed with flexibility in mind, version four (V4) and five (V5) units in the field are already equipped with the capability to upgrade. The DES implementation process can be easily completed onsite with the simple flip of a switch and firmware upgrade. Call +44 (0) 845 094 4380 to contact a MEI representative to access the firmware required to upgrade your units to DES.
Proven performance. Increased profits. meigroup.com MEI is ISO 9001:2000 certified. ©2014 MEI. All rights reserved.
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
2364-p12-21-Essential_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 15:57 Page 8
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B 2 B
Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Products 24 SEVEN
GENESIS
24 Seven bring Vegas to B3
Genesis boasts top Performer
The glitzy allure of the Las Vegas Strip has been captured by 24 Seven’s new full £500 jackpot game, Vegas 24/7. egas 24/7 is the inaugural B3 machine from the 24 Seven stable. It was first unveiled on the Blue Monkey and Wessex Coin stands at EAG, where it made a very positive impact on visitors. Vegas 24/7 is a standalone game on a rebuild Barcrest Rio cabinet,which is retrofitted with Quixant QXI 200 PC technology. It has an attractive Las Vegas theme, with highly unique and entertaining features. “We are very excited about this latest B3 machine, which is going out on site at the
V
moment, and we are looking to run additional volumes from late this month into May and June,” says 24 Seven managing director Simon McCarthy. “Our intention from the outset was to produce a highly entertaining and interactive game format. We believe we have achieved this, while offering something unique to the player.As it is also very competitively priced, we expect great things,” he adds. Vegas 24/7 has variable stake options from 50p/£1/£2 with the full £500 jackpot only possible on the latter two stakes.The
MULTI GAME PLATFORM WITH MULTI STAKE
CONTACT GENESIS GAMES LTD 2 PHOENIX BUSINESS CENTRE, HIGHAM ROAD CHESHAM BUCKS. HP5 2AJ T:01494 773030 F:01494 772323 www.genesisgames.net email: sales@genesisgames.net
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
The Performer series from Amatic Industries provides Genesis Games with a perfect in-road to the B3 market in the UK and Ireland. enesis Games, the UK and Eire distributor for Amatic Industries, has G enjoyed considerable success with the
general game concept uses multi-reel formats in order to get all available stakes and prizes and a full window of Jackpot symbols will award a jackpot. The game is a five-reel spinner, with up to a 20-winline game and three bonus events of Slots of Cash, Cash Pots and Road To Vegas.Any game can trigger a ‘secondary bonus’.This event will consist of the following: during a random game, the reels will spin, and then fade, with three Vegas Singers appearing over the reels.The player then selects one of these, which will reveal one of a number of awards. For £2 play, a win can be increased at the end of the game via a ‘Hot Rod Bonus’. This is delivered via a ‘hot rod’ car which will zoom on to the screen and award a prize at random between £5 and £500 The player can select to gamble if they wish, when they enter the game. The preset mode will be ‘Gamble all wins over £5’.The player can set this to‘Gamble Off’and‘Gamble On’,while toggling the gamble button which will display the mode currently in play. “It is our intention to make this game in several additional stake and prize categories for the UK, including B4,” adds Simon.“We also plan to complement the UK game format with a Euro version that will be developed for certain European market sectors.” Vegas 24/7 is available via Blue Monkey Gaming and Wessex Coin.
Austrian manufacturer’s 19 inch and 22 inch B3 machines. Along with market leading game development in terms of software, Amatic also lead the way with with machine durability. With the increasing need for machines to function 24/7, it is important for manufacturers to ensure that their products stand up to the demands of new opening hours. Amatic Industries’ background in the casino market means that its products already meet these demands. Quality peripherals and well designed cabinets are the hallmark of the Amatic range. Last year the 22 inch B3 Performer was introduced by Genesis Games to the UK market. The twin monitor cabinet utilises hi-def 22 inch twin monitors. The stylish and sophisticated cabinet and the stunning graphics are enhanced by superb sound effects. The MultiGame platform consists of an extremely strong range of games. Every type of video slot genre available, from simple three reel games to multi-line multi-reel games. Amatic’s most successful range is the Hot Series and these games are well represented by constant updates. There are also theme based games in which Admirals, Princesses, Pirates, Animals, Pharaohs, Kings and Queens abound. The Amatic Performer also caters for the B2 range of games.
2364-p12-21-Essential_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 15:58 Page 9
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B 2 B
CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS
CPI hits the ground running
with other coin hoppers from CPI, the Compact range offers high security and a fast payout for single denominations in ‘single’ or ‘stream’ mode at a rate of up to 8 coins per second from a side,rear or front exit. Though not shown at EAG,the CPI product portfolio also provides a range of bill acceptors to The UK market were afforded a detailed look at the products of the newly the B3 market, including the MEI created Crane Payment Innovations at this year’s EAG expo. SC Advance. The SC Advance evolved from MEI’s winning SC portfolio, which achieved a field roducts from Crane Payment Innovations were show- customer experience. base of more than 1.5m units The Money Controls Universal Hopper cased on the booths of its UK distributors at EAG this worldwide. year.The MEI Cashflow 9500 coin acceptor on the Brent has set the standard with millions The SC Advance features Electronics booth and the Money Controls hoppers on installed worldwide. Among the attribenhanced recognition technolthe Suzo-Happ booth were well-received amongst cus- utes that make it popular are a large ogy, faster bill-to-bill speed, capacity, superior resistance to fraud tomers and visitors alike. improved barcode recognition The CPI portfolio of coin mechanisms - featuring the and exceptional jam prevention and the increased capacity to MEI Cashflow 9500 and the NRI V2 eagle - offer the best through its motor’s auto-reverse funcaccept up to 100 different curacceptance rate, most secure fraud defence technology tion. The Universal Hopper also yields rencies and denominations. SC (with ccTalk and DES Encryption) and lowest cost of a long lifecycle with minimal maintenance Advance also has the industry’s best first-time ownership in the industry. Designed for maximum requirements, thus reducing the overall cost of acceptance rate for valid street-grade notes, including machine uptime, they offer easy maintenance and fast ownership. The Money Controls Compact Hopper also provides those that are damp,crinkled or torn - and that means more firmware upgrades. Operators have a choice when determining how to create secure operations and a superior large capacity, but it does so with a smaller footprint.As money in the cashbox.
P
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
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B 2 B
MARKETPLACE
B2B Amusements
B2B Carpets & Flooring
Ticket House Crane
www.antrimcarpets.com
Listings
Our results reflect the significan changes we have made over the months. We have returned the c growth and delivered a improvement in averag pub across our 4,000 p
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JNC SALES
info@antrimcarpets.com
B2B Change Machines
“Let’s talk about it” Vast ranges of AWPs, SWPs, Drivers, Simulators, Sit-downs and amusement equipment www.jnc-sales.co.uk sales@jnc-sales.co.uk Tel: 0117 9382552 Fax: 0117 9382218 Aftersales Tel: 0117 9382225
“Great range of Change Machines available” Tel: 020 8391 7700 Fax: 020 8391 7760 Email: sales@suzohapp.co.uk www.suzohapp.co.uk
B2B Finance
jcrompton@namco.co.uk
www.namco.co.uk
Amusement and Gaming Equipment Finance with Rates from 3.1% We buy and sell all gaming equipment with over 400 units in stock - From Pool-tables to Fruit machines we have it all.
For the best prices please call us today
Tel: 01795 844 169
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B2B Arcade Crane Services
www.thewon.co.uk
Immediate Funds Available 98% Acceptance Rate
Tel: 0844 800 88 25 info@portmanassetfinance.co.uk www.portmanassetfinance.co.uk
B2B Football Tables
STEPHEN BILLINGHAM, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF PUNCH TAVER
INTERNATIONAL
Embed increases international presence ystems specialist Embed has won the contract to supply the key POS and management systems for the new Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park in Sharjah, UAE. Al Montazah is Sharjah’s first-ever family entertainment destination with 126,000sq.m of fun including a leisure park and water park. Embed system provides for access control at the entrance of the park, simplifying guest experience with the full Debit Card solution. Guests purchase or reload the Al Montazah card at entrance, swipe it
S
at the entry gates, and then use it to play at the indoor arcade games, outdoor amusement rides or to gain access to the water park. Embed POS are used for retail sales and the Al Montazah card is accepted as a form of payment throughout the amusement park giving maximum ease of use for the visitors and high level of control to the management. Embed sales manager for Middle East operations, Pravin Bhagwat, commented: “It was a long journey together with Al Montazah management team, and we are
THE HIGHEST EARNING POOL, AIR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL TABLES
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SALES@SAMLEISURE.CO.UK sales@samleisure.co.uk WWW.SAMLEISURE.CO.UK www.samleisure.co.uk
LUCKY 13 FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ldham-based Innovative Technology is celebrating after being ranked O 13th in the Sunday Times annual league
To subscribe please call sales@leisure-electronics.co.uk www.leisure-electronics.co.uk Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
Sarah Haworth on 01204 396 397
table of Britain’s fastest growing private companies. The annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 league table, now in its 15th year, ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest growing profits based on
the last three years of available accounts. Tony Morrison, Innovative Technology’s sales director, said: “We are extremely proud to have been named as one of the fastest growing companies in Britain. At the height of the recession we invested heavily in new product development. These investments came to fruition over the last three years culminating in a year of unparalleled success in 2013.” He concluded: “We are considered market leaders in our field and are very proud to have been recognised outside of the industry. This year we will complete a
2364-p22-25-Listings Analysis_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 17:03 Page 2
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MARKETPLACE
B 2 B
B2B Gaming Machines
significant operational over the last 15 ned the core estate to livered a four per cent n average profit per 4,000 pub estate.
MAN OF PUNCH TAVERNS
ton-on-Tess-based company is currently promoting a number of kiddie rides, including Jelly Babies, Rosie and Jim and Bananas in Pyjamas, all for £495 each. On the gaming front, Herondata is selling Category D versions of Snow White and the Seven Tenners and Alice in Wonderland for £895 each. The company also has a wide range of Category C machines with both £70 and £100 jackpots.
RECRUITMENT B2B Juke Box Specialists
TWO NEW POSITIONS AT SCEPTRE ceptre Leisure, a leading national supplier of leisure and amusement Smachines to the licensed retail trade, is looking to recruit two dynamic and results driven sales managers - one based in the north and one based in the south of the UK.
kim@arionmusic.co.uk
extremely happy that the project is having a great response from the visitors.” Mirry Glavan, Embed general manager, added: “The huge scale of this park and the diversity of the activities covered by the scope of the project had its own challenges. Embed is using proven proprietary wireless network for indoor and outdoor solutions, and strong back office system to support the project requirements. Having our own office in UAE is critical to provide maximum support to large projects like Al Montazah.”
new state of the art office facility at our UK head office in Oldham and are looking to recruit up to 30 new staff, this independent recognition will undoubtedly aid our ambitious growth plans.”
AMUSEMENT EQUIPMENT
WILLIAM HILL OFFERS NEW OPPORTUNITY
D
illiam Hill currently has an W opportunity for a product and content support manager, who will be responsible for assisting the head of product and content with key duties within the retail gaming function.
SOUNDNET
THE DIGITAL JUKEBOX SPECIALISTS
CALL TOBY: 07970 229124 CALL JAMES: 07836 233176 FOR ALL YOUR JUKE NEEDS & QUERIES
PLAYNATION SEEKS ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR
www.soundnet.net
ue to growth in new business, Playnation, the owner and operator of some D 17,000 amusement machines across
B2B Novelty
almost 1,000 sites in the UK, is looking for an experienced accounts director. In this new role, the successful candidate will manage key accounts and oversee and drive forward Playnation’s team of account managers.
NUMEROUS OFFERS FROM HERONDATA has a wide range of gaming and amusement products. The StockHerondata
www.rlms-sales.com sales@rlms-sales.com
www.zoltaruk.com Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
2364-p22-25-Listings Analysis_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 17:08 Page 3
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B 2 B
MARKETPLACE
B2B Pool Tables & Accessories
Analysis
Distributor of snooker and pool accessories and manufacturers of genuine Superleague tables and spares.
Telephone
01952 586226 B2B Skill Ball Deluxe
B2B Soft Toys & Redemption
CATEGORYC (£1/£100 Max.)
CATEGORYB3 (£2/£500 Max.)
Single site
AGCs
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
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
DOND Winfall BFG DOND Powerplay BFG DOND Lucky Streak BFG DOND The Big One BFG Bank Job - Rob The Lot QPS Worminator QPS DOND Pure Gold BFG DOND Turbo BFG DOND Double Chance BFG Galloping Jackpots REF
Taken from a representative number of sites around the UK Supplied by national operator
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics Mega Bars Big Hit Project King of Slots Blueprint Triple 8 Barcrest Mega Bars £2 Project Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest Big Party Astra A Bet Astra Casino King TS 22 Project Lady Luck Reflex
Based on data supplied by a representative number of UK sites Supplied by RLMS Sales
CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)
B2B Spares *The only Official Cromptons Machines Spares supplier*
www.cromptons-spares.co.uk For Spares, Refurbishments, Repairs and Special Offers call Matt or Terri on 01843 593335 For FREE technical support call Steve or Hugh on: 01843 593353 Email: spares@cromptons.com Fax: 01843 588043
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
4 3 9 2 8 5 -
Magic Games 3 (s/d) Novomatic Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic Magic Games 3 Novomatic Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming Solid Gold Astra Bullion Bars Arena Astra Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP1) SG Gaming Super Big 7 Electrocoin Bullion Bars 3 player Astra
Based on data from a minimum of 10 locations. Supplied by Praesepe
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
TICKETS | LCD KITS | CONSUMABLES TICKET EATERS | CHANGE MACHINES
Members clubs
This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer
This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer
Party Slots Novomatic Magic Games U/R Novomatic Magic Games S/D Novomatic Find The Lady 70 Project Super Big 7 S/D Electrocoin Party Time Aerna (4 Player) Astra Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest Sevens Up Electrocoin Party Time Classic (3 Player ) Astra Pure Gold Project
Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd
WWW.SEGATOTALSOLUTIONS.COM www.segatotalsolutions.com
TEL: 0208 391 8060
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
www.soundnet.net
Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd
FEC - adult 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
http://www.sound net.net/
Party Time Classic (3 Player) Astra DOND (3 Player) Astra Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra Gold Rush Stampede (4 Player) Barcrest Adders And Ladders (4 Player) Vivid Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire Party Games (4 Player) Astra Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra Crazy Fruits Bellfruit
CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
RIO 2
1 2 3 4 5
PALOMA FAITH: A PERFECT CONTRADICTION
1 Street Casino 2014 Tempest Storm 2 Public Enemy Reflex 3 Galloping Jackpot Reflex 4 Cops Judgement Pay BFG 5 Flamin’ 400 Reflex
Based on data from representative sites. Supplied by sector professional
SIGMA: NOBODY TO LOVE
Sponsored by
NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW
Classified
2364-p22-25-Listings Analysis_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 17:08 Page 4
Business Wanted
Business Opportunities
SITE OPERATIONS WANTED IN THE NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND & MID/NORTH WALES AREA’S SMALL/MEDIUM SIZES CONSIDERED (Pub and club sites preferable)
Apply to; Coinslot International Magazine Box Number 262 Bolton Technology Exchange 33 Queensbrook Bolton BL1 4AY
BUSINESSES WANTED Adult Gaming Centres and Family Entertainment Centres. In Hampshire and
For Sale
/LFHQVLQJ IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV DW SULFHV \RX FDQ DIIRUG
FILMCHARTS UK Box Office Chart
&DOO 'HEELH +RXJK RQ
This Last Week Week Name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 6 4
Rio 2 Captain America: The Winter Soldier Noah Divergent Muppets Most Wanted The Grand Budapest Hotel La Boheme The Double The Lego Movie Non-Stop
ZZZ FKDWWHUWRQV FRP
Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA No 44948. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority
PINBALL HEAVEN LTD
PARTS/REPAIRS/ACCESORIES & SERVICE MACHINES BOUGHT & SOLD LARGE STOCK OF PINBALL PARTS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
UK Jukebox Chart Highest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxes This Last
1 3 2 4 5 9 7 8 6
TEL 01772 816677 EMAIL SALES@PINBALL.CO.UK
Happy Pharrell Williams My Love Route 94 feat. Jess Glynne Rather Be Clean Bandit Money On My Mind Sam Smith I Got U Duke Dumont & Jax Jones All of Me John Legend Timber Pitbull feat. Ke$ha The Man Aloe Blacc Dark Horse Katy Perry feat. Juicy J Tsunami (Jump) Dvbbs f! eat. Tinie Tempah
This Last WeekWeek Name
Education Education Education & War Kaiser Chiefs A Perfect Contradiction Paloma Faith Love In The Future John Legend Symphonica George Michael Lift Your Spirit Aloe Blacc Out Among The Stars Johnny Cash The Power Of Love Sam Bailey Girl Pharrell Williams If You Wait London Grammar Going Back Home Wilko Johnson/Roger Daltrey
Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397
Nobody To Love Sigma The Man Aloe Blacc All Of Me John Legend Last Night Vamps Fancy Iggy Azalea ft Charli XCX Happy Pharrell Williams I Got U Duke Dumont ft Jax Jones My Love Route 94 ft Jess Glynne Dark Horse Katy Perry ft Juicy J Rather Be Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne
To advertise:
This Last WeekWeek Name
1 2 6 3 4 9 8
For Recruitment
please see Page 27
FOR SALE LETS GO JUNGLE WITH NEW 50” PLASMA (1 WEEK ONLY)
£3495
01179382552
Wanted
WANTED CMS CHAMELEON CAT C/B3 ANY CONDITION DEAD OR ALIVE Highest prices paid always 07973 188493
BEST PRICES PAID
Downloads 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Telephone Phil on 07894 915971
SEGA RALLY 3 TWIN
Albums 1 10 5 3 4 2 7 11 6
to make quick decision.
WANTED
Based on data supplied by Soundnet
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Funds Available with the ability
For Sale
MUSICCHARTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
West Sussex areas
01179382552
For Sale
FOR SALE USED DAWPOL BOXERS FROM ONLY £1095
01179382552 Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
25
B 2 B
26
HERONDATA HOUSE, ROSS ROAD, PORTRACK, STOCKTON-ON-TEES, CLEVELAND TS18 2NH
B 2 B
CONTACT BRIAN OR ALAN ON
HERONDATA
TEL: 01642-613844
EMAIL: sales@herondata.co.uk WEBSITE: wwwherondata.co.uk FAX: 01642-615679
PUFFING BILLY
£495 TELLYTUBBIES
£1100 ROSIE AND JIM
£495 BANANA IN PYJAMAS
£495 BARNEY THE DINOSAUR
£895
DIAMOND GEEZER
GOLD RUSH
SAFECRACKER
£495
HOT AS HELL DEVIL OF A DEAL STAR WARS DEATH STAR ASSAULT BITE NIGHT HOT HOT HOT
SCHOOL BUS
£550 ENGIE BENJY POLICE HELICOPTER
£495
RAINBOW RICHES ON THE FIDDLE
£495
BARCREST £70
£495
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
RAINBOW RICHES DUBLIN YOUR MONEY
KIDDIE RIDES
£895
10P£5/10P£8 CAT D TWIN HOPPER
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVERN TENNERS
JELLY BABIES
£250 EACH ANY 3 FOR £600
£950
£875
DOND MAKE OR BREAK
£850
DOND COPS AND ROBBERS
£1050
ELVIS 5 LINER
BOOTYLICIOUS
CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR ALL PURCHASES Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
RAINBOW RICHES
PACMAN
INDIANA JONES
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£195 EACH 3 FOR £500
£70 JACKPOT
DOND PERFECT DEAL
£100 JACKPOT MACHINES
DOND LIVE THE DREAM
UNIT 1, CCT BUILDINGS, GREENSPLOTT ROAD, CHITTENING TRADING ESTATE, AVONMOUTH, BRISTOL. BS11 0YB 777° ‡- -° "°1 ÊUÊ- -J ‡- -° "°1
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E
AMUSEMENT MACHINES
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RYTHYM AND BLUES 8PL
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ÂŁ2,495
CHEAPP! CHEA
CHEAP CRANES MEGA CRANE 2PL
ÂŁ1,295
FROM
ÂŁ995
CIRCUS CIRCUS 6PL HEX (BY HARRY LEVY) ....ÂŁ995 GRAND CASINO 6PL HEX (BY HARRY LEVY) .. ÂŁ1,495 GET RICH QUICK SHOW 2PL TICKET (BY CROMPTONS) .. ÂŁ1,695 PARTY TIME 3PL WALL (BY HARRY LEVY) .... ÂŁ1,995 RED HOT JAZZ 6PL HEX (BY WHITTAKERS) .. ÂŁ1,995 PIRATES TREASURE 6PL STRAIGHT (BY CROMPTONS) .. ÂŁ1,995 RYTHYM AND BLUES 8PL ................... ÂŁ2,495 SALSA 8PL HEX (BY HARRY LEVY)............... ÂŁ2,495 POT OF GOLD 8PL HEX (BY HARRY LEVY) .... ÂŁ2,995 BIG TOP 8PL HEX (BY CROMPTONS) ............. ÂŁ2,995 ELVIS 8PL HEX (BY HARRY LEVY) .................ÂŁ3,295
SCOTT TODD SL NV9 (NOTE TO COIN) ..............ÂŁ695 COMESTERO NAMCO 10P PACMAN CHANGE ...ÂŁ895 SLOTTO CHANGER (COIN TO COIN) REBUILD ........ÂŁ995 COMESTERO 2 CHANGE (NOTE & COIN TO COIN) ..ÂŁ995 COMESTERO DOUBLE CHANGE (NOTE & COIN TO COIN) ..ÂŁ995 SLOTTO CHANGER (NOTE & COIN TO COIN) REBUILD ... ÂŁ1,195 SCOTT TODD EL (NOTE & COIN TO COIN)........... ÂŁ1,295 THOMAS 5001 ARDAC ELITE ............... ÂŁ1,695 THOMAS 3004 NV9 (NOTE & COIN TO COIN) .... ÂŁ1,995
CRANEASAURAS (PRESAS) ..........................ÂŁ695 MOSHI MONSTER (PAKAOI) ..........................ÂŁ895 CASH CASINO (ELAUT) .................................ÂŁ895 CANDYMAN CRANE 1PL...........................ÂŁ895 UFO 1PL MINI (PAKAOI) .................................ÂŁ995 MR CLAW (ELAUT) ..................................... ÂŁ1,095 MEGA COSMIC 1PL (ELAUT) ....................... ÂŁ1,195 MEGA CRANE (ELAUT) 2PL ....................... ÂŁ1,295 TELEPHONE BOX (PAKAOI) 1PL ................. ÂŁ1,295 X FACTOR 2PL (CROMPTONS) ...................... ÂŁ1,495 CLEN A FLEX (NAMCO) .............................. ÂŁ1,995
...and many more in stock
...and many more in stock
...and many more in stock
FOR FULL STOCK LIST OF OVER 1500 MACHINES, PLEASE VISIT WWW.JNC-SALES.CO.UK
New & Used Machine Prices Cat B3 ÂŁ2 Stake
T8 VEGAS PARTY PERFORMER 22 KING OF SLOTS SLANT CASINO KING TS22 KING OF SLOTS VISION BIG PARTY 500 A-SERVE MEGA 7 / D&J / MEGA BARS MEGA GAMES SLANT JACKPOT KING RUMPLE WILDSPINS
ÂŁ7,995 ÂŁ7,995 ÂŁ7,795 ÂŁ7,495 ÂŁ6,995 ÂŁ6,995 ÂŁ4,495 ÂŁ2,995 ÂŁ995 ÂŁ995
Cranes E CLAW 900 TWIN E CLAW COSMIC
ÂŁ8,995 ÂŁ4,995
Multiplayer Gaming SUPER REPEATER 3 PLY ÂŁ14,495 RAINBOW PARTY 3 PLY ÂŁ14,495 BULLION BARS STREAK ÂŁ10,995 CRAIC IN FUN 3 PLY ÂŁ5 ÂŁ8,495 PARTY TIME CLASSIC ÂŁ5 ÂŁ8,495 BULLION BARS CLASSIC ÂŁ8,495
Redemption
WIZARD OF OZ 2 PLY ÂŁ12,995 EXPLOSIVE ÂŁ11,995 TICKET MONSTER ÂŁ11,795 CONNECT 4 MINI ÂŁ8,995 HARPOON LAGOON ÂŁ7,995 MONOPOLY ÂŁ7,495 DOWN DA CLOWN ÂŁ6,995 RAINBOW SHOOT TO WIN ÂŁ5,995 MILK JUG TOSS ÂŁ5,995 DOODLE JUMP ÂŁ4,995 TEMPLE RUN ÂŁ2,995
Kiddy Rides GALAXY SPACE FLIGHT ÂŁ6,995 HOT WHEELS ÂŁ6,995 SPORTS CAR GT ÂŁ3,250
THIS WEEKS SPECIAL HOT FLASH AIR HOCKEY
Pushers SWEET FALLS COIN/TKT ÂŁ18,495 MRY GO ROUND COIN/TKT ÂŁ16,995 BIG PRIZE WINNER ÂŁ4,995
ONLY
ÂŁ895 +V AT
All prices subject to VAT and Carriage
gaming...and so much more!
VDOHV#FURZQGLUHFW FR XN
Recruitment
VDOHV#GHLWKOHLVXUH FRP
Accounts Director Playnation own and operate some 17,000 amusement machines across almost 1,000 sites in the UK. We partner with the market leaders in the leisure sector across holiday parks, motorway service stations, bowling alleys and major airports. Due to growth in new business, Playnation are looking for an experienced Accounts Director in a new role to manage Key Accounts and oversee and drive forward it’s team of account managers and contribute to the continued success of the largest provider of entertainment machines in the UK. If you feel you have the skills, personality and drive required for this role, please submit your current CV to: Julie.redfern@playnation.co.uk Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
27
B 2 B
28
B 2 B
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT EXCITING CHALLENGE IN THE GAMING WORLD? Are you an up and coming machines content and product expert looking for your next exciting challenge in the gaming world? William Hill currently has an exciting opportunity for a Product and Content Support Manager who will be responsible for assisting the Head of Product and Content with key duties within the Retail Gaming function. The Product and Content Support Manager must be self-motivated and outcome driven, used to working closely with key suppliers and other key stakeholders ensuring both product and content delivery is aligned to business targets. To be successful in this role you will have ‘hands on’ project management experience, and possess good Product and Content knowledge for the machines industry, with a strong commercial and compliance focus. You will be a strong communicator, as well as having a strong customer focus recognising internal and external customers and establishing effective relationships. Ideally, you will have a good technical awareness and appreciation of the Betting Industry including regulatory, legislative and industry practices gained through practical experience and/or professional qualifications. This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leader within the Gaming Industry in the Leeds area. If you thrive in a fast paced, challenging environment, please apply at: https://careers.williamhillplc.com/uk today to make William Hill your next home!
SALES MANAGERS Sceptre Leisure are a leading national supplier of leisure and amusement machines to the licensed retail trade. We are looking to recruit two dynamic and results driven Sales Managers one based in the North and one based in the South of the UK Excellent salary package including commission Benefits to include:
The successful candidates will have: Proven experience of winning new business contracts within the coin-operated and amusement sector Polished communication, interpersonal and presentation skills Extensive experience of pitch preparation, delivery and closing sales Strong influencing and negotiating skills
Full Health Care Pension
If you would like to apply, please send your cv and covering letter to:
Fully Expensed Company Car
operations@sceptreleisure.co.uk or contact Debbie Arnold/Lisa Wright 01772 694242
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
2364-p29-Surreal soccer_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 14:32 Page 1
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Sponsored by
Current Team Position Name
Manager Name
Weekly Points
Total Points
Current Team Position Name
Manager Name
35
1437
36
THE TEAM THAT WIN
Hugo Illingworth
Lee Clarke
31
1421
37
CASHBOX KINGS
James Illingworth
Mark Sherwin
26
1392
38
CAREFREE ALDON
Glyn Petrie
EVAN TENNER BACK NOW
Stuart Heyden
24
1377
39
NES UNITED
Chris Bell
29
5
THE PERFECT TEAM
Tom Clarke
26
1371
40
JACKSONS JACKPOT XI
Gareth Cammack
6
BOWLERS BOYZ
Andy Bowler
32
1371
41
CLUB TROPICANA
Warren Roffey
7
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David Lees
18
1354
42
IFUN@SUNDANCERS
Shaney Pashley
28
1179
8
LE COINSPINNERS
Lee H
31
1347
43
AMG OOOOSSSHHH
Ian Pawson
22
1172
9
SUSHI SLIPPERS
Derek Lewis
40
1335
44
PARAGON ACADEMICALS
Nick Hardy
20
1165
10
ANGRY BALLS
Laurie Carpenter
23
1316
45
S.A.S FC
David Holmes
28
1159
11
BAYERN OTHER STRIKER
David Lees
39
1315
46
KEEDAYS FINEST
Peter Holmes
32
1158
1
AMG FIRST 11
Terry Farr
2
ABOVE STANDARDS
3
SHERWIN A TEAM
4
Weekly Points
26
Total Points
Current Team Position Name
1192
71
26
1188
72
31
1184
73
1183
74
23
1181
18
1179
Manager Name
HOT CHIPS
Weekly Points
B 2 B Total Points
C Edenborough
34
1077
WARWICKS WINNERS
Warwick Tunnicliffe
19
1075
MICK McCARTHY'S MISFITS
Stoo Evans
22
1066
DIDCOT GOALBUSTERS
John Carpenter
19
1055
75
AINT GOT A KALOU
Stuart Heyden
10
1048
76
ESSEX BOYS 1
Steve Hawkins
18
1045
77
RANGERS RETURN 2
Ashley Temple
31
1045
78
RICK'S BOYZ
Andy Bowler
8
1020
79
BRAMBLEBOYZ123
Andy Bowler
15
1014
80
STEVIE G LUCKY 11
Shoppers Luck
17
1012
12
JABRO LIONS
Tony Brookes
40
1312
47
I WANT DIRTY KNEES 2
Jorzoe-FTM
21
1155
81
AMS VXR GJ
Roger Jarrett
26
1002
13
COSMIC FIRST 11
Terry Farr
28
1285
48
COMRIEAUTOMATICS
Jack Craddock
24
1153
82
DONKEY LASHERS
Andy Williamson
14
996
14
AMG LEISURE
Carl Bearman
52
1280
49
SCUM ON THE RUN
Nathan Holmes
22
1146
83
EE BAH GUM
Simon Shaw
14
993
15
GILLSGILLSGILLS
Colin Smith
39
1270
50
LLL UNITED
Tim Stanhope
18
1145
84
BEST SELECTION
John Jennings
25
987
16
MOTHYS MARVELS
Scott Yarham
31
1269
51
RANGERS RETURN 1
Ashley Temple
36
1145
85
BEADLES 1
Peter Hemmings
16
985
17
THE ELDORADO TRACTOR BOYS
Stoo Evans
30
1265
52
HOLTY'S HOTSPOTS
Tony Holt
9
1143
86
HOLIDAY MONEY
Darrell Webb
17
980
18
DYNAMO KEBAB
David Lees
37
1253
53
SHELL'S ELEVEN
Michelle Martin
6
1142
87
LLL BELLES
Amelia Stanhope
18
970
19
FC CLACTON UNDER 10's
Stuart Heyden
26
1251
54
HAMMERTIME
Brian Wright
10
1142
88
BURSNELL'S BULLETS
Jo Bursnell
20
966
20
CHEEKY MONKEYS
Matty Sirett
30
1242
55
AMS YID ARMY
Jason Jarrett
29
1129
89
DIBBS ELEVEN
Tracey Dibben
21
956
21
THE REAL DEAL
Dave Columbine
18
1239
56
ESSEX BOYS 2
Steve Hawkins
25
1119
90
DO IT THEE SEN LAD
Simon Shaw
13
953
22
KEEPLAYERS
Peter Holmes
31
1231
57
SHOWBOAT ALLSTARS
Ray Harris
32
1117
91
M.O.T
Bill Knowles
18
953
92
ESSEX'S FINEST
Dave Clarke
20
936
93
FERGIES FINEST
Kevin Temple
16
919
94
AK BABES
Andy Water
7
906
95
LLL ACCIES
John Hood
8
905
96
COINSPINNERTRONS
Coopertron
10
905
23
CAREFREE BAZZA
Glyn Petrie
24
1229
58
BUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
Harry Leaveme
25
1116
24
KEEDAY LEGENDS
Peter Holmes
38
1227
59
DELAYZIGITS
Dave Delay
28
1115
25
CAREFREE WEEMAN
Glyn Petrie
24
1224
60
BEADLES 2
Peter Hemmings
10
1114
26
JACKSONS SUPER BLUES
Phillip Nelson
27
1219
61
COSMIC SECOND 11
Terry Farr
19
1110
27
EASY MONEY
Steve Barber
27
1217
62
ALL THIS AND MORE
Gary Newman
22
1106
28
LLL WANDERERS
Jake Parker
23
1215
63
JABRO BOYS
Tony Brookes
26
1103
29
JAMIES SHOPPERS 11
Jamie Lucky
12
1206
64
BIG PRIZE WINNERS
Harry Leaveme
24
1095
97
JOHNNYS SHOPPERS 11
John Mitchell
11
899
30
JOHN WARK'S MILKMEN
Stu & Stoo
18
1205
65
ABSOLUTE REAMSTERS
Alex Lee
4
1090
98
UPHILL SKIERS
Bill Knowles
20
896
31
LLL CITY
Keith Parker
16
1202
66
ABSOLUTE RANKSTERS
Alex Lee
18
1088
99
TOWER POWER
Tony O'Brien
18
888
32
RAYLEIGHS REJECTS
Jody Buckley
34
1201
67
BEACON BATTLERS
Harry Illingworth
27
1088
100
SEE THE AT' TOP
Simon Shaw
21
880
33
KEEDAY RESERVES
Peter Holmes
19
1199
68
DANS DESTROYERS
Daniel Barber
28
1088
101
LAC DE GURSON
Bill Knowles
11
833
34
MUCKING FUDDLERS
Chris Skelly
20
1193
69
JJ'S SHOPPERS 11
JJ Lucky
10
1084
102
2 THE TOP
Reece Newman
18
815
35
11 UNDER PAR
Ross Evans
19
1192
70
JO'S ASSETS
Joanne Crooks
20
1078
103
WARWICKS ELEVEN
Warwick Tunnicliffe
20
724
Major Cup Team Name
Minor Cup Manager Name
Aggregate over both legs
Team Name
Manager Name
SEMI FINALS: 1st Leg - Mar 24th to Mar 30th KEEDAYS FINEST Peter Holmes JACKSONS SUPER BLUES Phillip Nelson
33 28
46 63
KEEPLAYERS AMG FIRST 11
Peter Holmes Terry Farr
SEMI FINALS: 2nd Leg - Apr 7th to Apr 13th KEEPLAYERS Peter Holmes AGGREGATE: AMG FIRST 11 Terry Farr AGGREGATE:
31 77 35 98
32 65 27 55
KEEDAYS FINEST
Peter Holmes
JACKSONS SUPER BLUES
Phillip Nelson
FINAL: 1st Leg - Apr 21st to Apr 27th; 2nd Leg - May 5th to May 11th KEEPLAYERS Peter Holmes VersusAMG FIRST 11
Terry Farr
Team Name
Manager Name
Aggregate over both legs
Team Name
SEMI FINALS: 1st Leg - Mar 24th to Mar 30th UPHILL SKIERS Bill Knowles
26
62
PARAGON ACADEMICALS
SEMI FINALS: 2nd Leg - Apr 7th to Apr 13th PARAGON ACADEMICALS Nick Hardy AGGREGATE: SHOWBOAT ALLSTARS Ray Harris AGGREGATE:
20 82 32 75
20 46 17 71
UPHILL SKIERS HOLIDAY MONEY
FINAL: 1st Leg - Apr 21st to Apr 27th; 2nd Leg - May 5th to May 11th SHOWBOAT ALLSTARS Ray Harris Versus PARAGON ACADEMICALS
Manager Name
Nick Hardy
Bill Knowles Darrell Webb
Nick Hardy
an Only ol Fo April iss dm woul this n out o r! offe
Coinslot APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2014
2364-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 12:36 Page 1
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Coinslot April 18 - April 24, 2014
Comment Embrace the right apps and the cash will follow
alex lee
“It’s Easter - let’s race!”
comment y teenage children, and my wife to a lesser degree, are obsessed with apps and I’m sure our demographic is reflective of many in the UK.The coin-op sector has caught on to this, up to a point, knowing that by repurposing popular apps or console incarnations, the latest video games bring with them a massive potential audience that is already familiar with the gameplay concept. While competition largely from home consoles, internet gaming and smartphones - could be seen as a threat to the coinop sector, the competitive element inherent in all video games gives them a strength that many of the other branches of venuebased amusements simply don’t have. Furthermore, twin-seater race games, peer versus peer sports simulations and two-player shoot’em-ups are an established part of the FEC stable these days,the obvious benefit from an operational point of view being that twice the number of coins drop into the cashbox each time a game is played. Since the halcyon prepackage holiday era of the 1970s, arcades and FECs have evolved into high-tech futuristic venues with their video game offering an important, integral part of
M
“
that evolution. Moreover, the positives of video games from an operational point of view are many and varied. As we head into the Easter break, it’s worth mentioning that both video games and simulators do not have cash payouts they are free of MGD and equally as importantly aren’t restricted to positioning in ‘gaming’ environments. A simulator, for example, could just as likely show up in a museum or exhibition setting, while video games often find a home in bowling alleys, leisure centres and cinema complexes. Coin-op video games are one of a rare breed of machines that can pit up to four players against each other in the same game simultaneously and in realtime without making graphical or gameplay compromises. We all saw a number of these at EAG in January. They’re not restricted to over-18s, they demand repeat play and they appeal to the competitive spirit in everyone. In fact, one could reasonably argue that they are an essential amusement attraction. Care to admit it or not, but the trend of popular app, console and handheld games making their way into the amusement sector has breathed new life into the coin-op video genre.
Maria Miller resigns from DC
In recent news, Cult Jackson, the man b
alex lee media watch aria Miller, who quit as culture secretary after an M expenses row, has insisted it was her decision to resign as Culture Secretary according to the BBC News. The contention comes amid claims that she was forced out by No 10 after a row over her expenses. In the Commons, Labour leader Ed Miliband accused PM David Cameron of having “undermined trust in politics” with his handling of the row. Conservative MP Sajid Javid has been named as the new culture secretary. The MP for Bromsgrove has been promoted from his current role as Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Javid, a former banker, was elected to the Commons in 2010. Miller was cleared of funding a home for her parents at taxpayers’ expense, but was told to repay £5,800 of the expenses she claimed. The independent parliamentary commissioner for standards had previously recommended she repay £45,000. But the lower sum was
approved by the Commons Standards Committee, which has the final say on whether to accept the commissioner’s recommendations - a decision which sparked a backlash across the political spectrum and calls for changes in how complaints against MPs are investigated. The committee also criticised her “attitude” during the investigation, which it ruled was a breach of the parliamentary code of conduct. David Cameron’s official spokesman said the PM and Miller discussed her future last Tuesday and her resignation was confirmed on the Wednesday. In a TV interview, she dismissed speculation that she had been pushed into resigning by Downing Street, saying: “I take full responsibility for my decision to resign. I think it’s the right thing to do.” At Cameron’s weekly Commons question session, Ed Miliband said: “The reason the public was so appalled was that
if it had happened in any other business, there would have been no question of them staying in their job.” The Prime Minister, however, invited the opposition leader to join him and other party leaders and work out “what can we do to put beyond doubt that this is a good and honest Parliament, with hardworking people” in it. The Prime Minister said he was sorry to receive Miller’s resignation but accepted her decision. “I think it is important to be clear that the Committee on Standards cleared you of the unfounded allegations made against you, a point which has been lost in much of the comment in recent days,” he wrote. Cameron said he hoped Miller would return to the cabinet “in due course”. In other news, Henry Jackson, the man behind the takeover of collapsed electricals group Comet, is eyeing bingo group Gala Bingo, according to the Financial Times.
”
2364-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 15/04/2014 12:38 Page 2
Coinslot April 18 - April 24, 2014
“I was cleared of the central allegation made about me by a Labour MP. I hoped that I could stay, but it has become clear to me over the last few days that this has become an enormous distraction, and it’s not right that I’m detracting from the incredible achievements of this government. I continue to support, obviously, my colleagues here in Parliament, the government, and above all the Prime Minister.”
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Email: al@sjc.co.uk
MARIA MILLER, EX-CULTURE SECRETARY
“ ”
quote unquote
“Gerry Robinson, who did much to found the Association of Amusement and Leisure Equipment (ALES UK) and worked on the start-up of several international trade shows which are continuing successfully today, has stepped down as secretary of the organisation.” DAVID SNOOK, INTERGAME
“To pay these sky high rents a pint of lager is on average 80p per pint higher and ale is 65p per pint higher than justified by inflation and like for like changes in taxes since 1987. This is pricing pubs out of the market and they have closed in droves.” STEVE KEMP, GMB UNION
HANK SCHLESINGER, VENDING TIMES
m DCMS
nt news, Culture Secretary Maria Miller has quit after a row over expenses, while Henry son, the man behind the takeover of electricals group Comet, is eyeing Gala Bingo.
over the top”. But prospects for the bingo industry were boosted in the recent Budget, when Chancellor George Osborne slashed bingo duty from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. OpCapita’s recent record has been mixed, with its successful turnaround of video game retailer Game Retail overshadowed by the collapse of Comet, the defunct electricals group. Comet collapsed in 2012, taking 7,000 jobs with it. It later emerged that OpCapita pocketed about £70m in fees from the deal, while creditors – including the government, which was owed £50m – were left short. But other OpCapita-led deals have proved more successful. Jackson’s firm led the takeover of Game Retail, the video game retailer, which performed strongly over Christmas, with sales up 83 per cent year on year. It emerged this year that Elliott, the US hedge fund, had amassed a stake of 99 per cent
A joint effort on behalf of five sectors of the gambling industry has been set up to better promote socially responsible gambling in the UK.
igrg politics
“Tetris was big in the 1990s, but it became really big on April 5 when gaming fans got the chance to play a jumbo-size version on the side of Philadelphia’s Cira Centre. Tetris stunt was part of a promotion called Arcade@The Oval, which helped kick off Philly Tech Week. Programmers reprogrammed the 1,400 LED ornamental lights embedded into the glass façade of the 29story, 437ft office tower in the University City district. Players preregistered to play the classic video on the 100,000sq.ft screen on the north and south faces of the building.”
The broadsheet understands that Jackson, who heads investment group OpCapita, is preparing a potential bid for Gala Coral’s bingo wing. The gambling group has been seeking to sell its bingo business for about £250m since last year as it considers plans for a float. Gala Bingo has been looked over by some of the leisure industry’s biggest investors but has inspired mixed responses as the sector struggles to recover from falling customer numbers, the smoking ban and high taxes. “We have had a look – but I wouldn’t say that it would be top of my list,” said Hugh Osmond, the financier who launched PizzaExpress and Punch Taverns. Other potential suitors include former Channel 4 chairman Luke Johnson, via his Risk Capital Partners firm. Simon Wykes, Gala Bingo’s MD, said investors should steer clear of the sector “unless [they] had a huge amount of capital and didn’t mind paying
IGRG sets out manifesto
in the video game retailer, guaranteeing a large payday for the hedge fund if Game Retail goes ahead with its mooted £300m initial public offering. OpCapita declined to comment, while Gala Bingo could not be reached for comment. Gala Coral appointed bankers to examine a potential float in September last year. The gambling group completed the sale of its casino division to rival Rank early last year, after a drawn out wrestling match with the Competition Commission over the sale. Mecca Bingo owner Rank has also struggled in recent months. For the six months to December 31, visits to Mecca Bingo fell 8 per cent, which caused operating profit in the division to drop from £22.5m to £13.9m.
he main trade associations for each of the five sectors of the gambling Tindustry have established the Industry Group For Responsible Gambling. This provides a structure to better promote socially responsible gambling in the British gambling market. Building on existing relationships and work streams, it will also provide a crosssector forum to consider matters of common interest associated with the licensing objectives in Section 1 of the Gambling Act 2005. The IGRG is comprised of the Association of British Bookmakers; British Amusement & Catering Trade Association; Bingo Association; National Casino Forum and Remote Gambling Association. These trade bodies represent businesses whose primary purpose is the provision of gambling opportunities, whose memberships reflect the spectrum of businesses trading and which have a detailed understanding of their respective areas. The IGRG’s first piece of work will be to undertake a stock-take exercise of responsible gambling initiatives. Various companies, industry groups, and associations have been pro-active in this area and that work will be reviewed. This project will highlight what good practice could be shared across sectors and will inform any future decisions about work that the associations might undertake collaboratively through IGRG. Precedence will also be given to overseeing the review of the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising following a request to do so from Maria Miller MP, erstwhile Secretary of State for DCMS. Leslie Macleod-Miller, CEO of BACTA, representing the British amusement industry added:“The traditional amusement industry is proud of its long history of social responsibility and is actively engaged in a range of additional measures which will underpin the licensing objectives set out in the 2005 Act. BACTA will shortly be launching its new Social Responsibil-
ity Manifesto building upon existing codes of conduct.We look forward to continuing our work across a range of initiatives with other industry sectors.” Clive Hawkswood,CEO of the RGA, commented:“The trade associations have been working together constructively for some time,especially on consumer protection issues, and the establishment of IGRG is a natural evolution of that. IGRG will also incorporate the good work that has been done recently by the P3 Group of companies. Our focus will be on identifying practical measures to augment the existing safeguards for consumers.” Tracy Damestani, CEO of NCF, added:“There is an enormous amount of work being done by companies and the various trade bodies. Formalising our relationships and looking at the work across all the sectors should ensure that we deliver the best and safest products across the industry.” Miles Baron,CEO of the Bingo Association, said:“The Bingo Association is pleased to be involved in areas of common ground across the Gambling Industry particularly where player protection is concerned.We look forward to working with our colleagues from other trade associations as part of IGRG.” Dirk Vennix, CEO of the ABB, said: “When we launched our new Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection in October 2013 we wanted to make a difference to customers who are at risk of problem gambling and we are confident we will. We hope this group will build on the learnings from the ABB’s Code and form a hub for ground-breaking cross-sector initiatives in the future.” Russell Hoyle, chairman of P3 Group,remarked:“Creating a more collective and cohesive focus on the minimisation of harm caused by gambling is welcomed and is a very positive development.” IGRG chairmen will be appointed on an annual basis.The initial chairman will be Clive Hawkswood (RGA) and the vice-chair will be Tracy Damestani (NCF).
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Coinslot April 18 - April 24, 2014
Newsweek ASIAN EXPO TO INCLUDE EDUCATION CONFERENCE AAPA’s Asian Attractions Expo 2014 will include five days of education sessions featuring speakers from world-class amusement parks and attractions. The event is expected to bring more than 5,000 international attractions industry professionals to the China National Convention Centre in Beijing, China on June 17-20. Its comprehensive education program has been designed to allow attendees the opportunity to learn from industry veterans and management from several worldrenowned attractions. Attendees can participate in eight unique education programs from June 18-20. IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland commented: “As the attractions industry in Asia continues to expand at
I
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BACTA South West set for race night and open day welcome drink reception,two bottles of wine per table and live music after the racing. Tables are of 10, but individual seats can be booked. The following day,BACTA South West Region will hold its Open Day Exhibition’ at the Woodbury Park Hotel & Golf Club. It has already confirmed that some of coin-op’s largest suppliers will attend, with cross section of exhibitors from all categories of the business. For those wishing to stay overnight, exclusive use of Woodbury Park Hotel has been arranged for the Tuesday night.A‘special rate’has been arranged: Single Rooms are priced at £80 per night and double rooms at £100 per night,which includes breakfast and VAT.
ollowing on from the success of 2013, BACTA’s South West Region will be staging another Race Night and Open Day. Last year the event raised £10,000 for children’s charity Rays of Sunshine,and BACTA is hoping to achieve another generous amount for 2014. The Race night will take place onTuesday May 6 at 5.30pm in the Haldon Suite at the Exeter Racecourse. There will be a presentation by ‘Rays of Sunshine’ on arrival at 5.30pm and the first race will start at 5.55pm.There will also be a hot and cold buffet throughout the evening and that all-important bar in the room. Tickets are priced at £65 + VAT, which also includes the race card, a tipster for the evening, a
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such a rapid pace, the education conference becomes
increasingly important to fostering successful and safe operations within the region. “The high-calibre learning opportunities provided by global industry leaders is one way IAAPA supports the development and refinement of the attractions industry in Asia.”
GAMING EXPO BELGRADE CANCELLED aming Expo Belgrade, one of South-Eastern Europe’s regular amusement and gaming shows, has been cancelled. No details have been released to explain the show’s cancellation. Its website now displays a
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blank page, other than words declaring “Gaming Expo Belgrade 2014 cancelled”. The first Gaming Expo Belgrade was held in 2007 to give manufacturers and suppliers a staging post at which to demonstrate their products to businesses in South- Eastern Europe. The only event of its
type in the region, it quickly established itself as the region’s premier coin-op exhibition on the international coin-op calendar.
EDITORIAL Editor: Alex Lee Email: al@sjc.co.uk Tel: 07772 280 299 Assistant Editor: James Walker Email: jw@sjc.co.uk Tel: 07816678021 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
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Calendar UK EVENTS MAY 2014 7-8 Crown Northern Showcase Pines Hotel, Clayton-Le-Woods, Chorley, UK www.crowndirect.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS APRIL 2014 23-24 FEEL Expo Corferias, Bogota, Colombia www.feelexpo.com
MAY 2014 8-10 GTI Asia Taipei ExpoTaipei World Trade Centre, Taiwan www.gtiexpo.com.tw/taipeien
UK EVENTS JUNE 2014 4 Park Avenue Open Day, Park Avenue, London, UK www.electrocoin.net
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS JUNE 2014 18-20 Asian Attractions Expo, China National Convention Centre, Beijing, China www.iaapa.org/ AsianAttractionsExpo
SEPTEMBER 2014 2-4 Entertainment Arena Expo, Romexpo Fair Ground, Bucharest, Romania www.earena.ro 23-25 Euro Attractions Show, RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.iaapa.org/eas
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