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028 DOND Midas Touch_test 15/06/2014 22:26 Page 1 August 1 – August 7, 2014 • No. 2379 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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Industry news Seaside amusements Pool Report Latest Machine Charts B2B Listings Classified ads and opps Comment & Analysis Newsweek

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...I will need your help to build a strategy for the sector that looks to its longterm sustainable health; one which positions it correctly in the eyes of customers, consumers, government and other stakeholders to enable us to bring forward initiatives and policy changes that will allow your business to thrive....

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‘MOSES’ - multi-operator se A NATIONWIDE SOLUTION?

In the context of the Commission’s specific request for advice on the development of such schemes, the RGSB has provided guidance on how to ensure that any multioperator/collective self-exclusion scheme (MOSES) is fit for purpose.

The paper states that an implementation of MOSES needs careful consideration, particularly to avoid unintended consequences. Although such schemes have an intuitive appeal, it should not be assumed that they will automatically have only a positive effect.

It suggests that any land-based system would need to be sophisticated enough to ensure that ‘information overload’ (for example thousands of photographs) does not actually make identifying self-excluded individuals more difficult.

To avoid this, land-based MOSES might need to: • Be geographically constrained to a particular area/locality and/or • Adopt a ‘risk-assessment’ system – where individuals most likely to breach are more prominently brought to the

attention of an operator and/or • Utilise facial-recognition and other technology-driven identification (such as cardbased play) in order to improve detection of self-excluded persons who attempt to gamble.

The RGSB admits that a multioperator system needs to be acceptable to the user, and meet their needs. Any changes must be driven by this principle, not simply what is practical in terms of IT systems. MOSES must be: • Flexible in that it can be

Sceptre Leisure ac ACQUISITION

a move that is becoming Iinnincreasingly commonplace the coin-op sector, major single site operator Sceptre Leisure continues to expand with the acquisition of Recaf Equipment Limited.

Preston-based Sceptre, which is well-known in the industry as one of the leading suppliers of amusement machines in the UK, has acquired the entire issued share capital of Recaf Equipment, the Midlands-based supplier of amusement machines.

Recaf’s headquarters are in

Droitwich and it operates predominantly in the Midlands.

Brian Merriman, who founded the company back in 1971 and grew it into a well-respected regional operator, will stay on in a consultancy role following the transaction.

The acquisition of Recaf strengthens Sceptre’s position in the Midlands marketplace and adds a strategically important depot in the area.Together, Sceptre and Recaf will operate in excess of 25,000 machines across the UK. Ken Turner, Sceptre Leisure

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August 1 - August 7, 2014 • No. 2379 • www.coinslot.co.uk

tor self-exclusion scheme

RGSB hands Commission RSGB advice on self-exclusion PUBLICATION

The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board has published its advice to the Gambling Commission on self-exclusion. It notes that there are good reasons for promoting selfexclusion more widely and for improving its effectiveness, sets out a number of current barriers to these objectives and suggests some possibilities for overcoming them. he Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s latest publication, entitled RGSB advice to the Gambling Commission on selfexclusion, forms an investigative document as to how the Commission can better promote the process of self-exclusion and improve its overall effectiveness.

The paper states:“Although the empirical support is not overwhelming, and is sometimes methodologically flawed, a number of studies have suggested that self-exclusion can have positive impacts on levels of problem gambling,well-being and social and familial functioning.”

The RGSB believes that there are a number of potential ways to improve self-exclusion which have some evidential basis, make good intuitive sense, impose little extra burdens on operators, and have limited potential for unintended consequences.

It adds:“Even though the evidence base is not always compelling, it is worth piloting and testing some changes to see if they work.”

Also, the RGSB is of the view that it is difficult to argue with the principle of self-exclusion on an intuitive level - if something is causing harm, removing the activity causing that harm can only be beneficial. It may, as the empirical research suggests, be that those players who choose self-exclusion are an unrepresentative sample of problem gamblers.

The paper explains:“These individuals have clearly made a decision to control their gambling, and in these cases self-exclusion may contribute to, but does not, of itself, reduce problem gambling. Selfexclusion may also have limited appeal to those who have yet to come to terms with their problematic gambling.However,this is not an argument for not making self-exclusion more widely available. There may be those gamblers who would like an opportunity to exert some

T

imposing manageable and proportionate obligations on gambling operators.

The implementation of MOSES presents a number of practical challenges, being heavily dependent both on the cooperation of the industry and its willingness and ability to focus collectively on the task at hand. It is also clear that the industry would need to play a leading role in developing and offering the technological solutions required to take forward any form of collective self-exclusion.

e acquires Recaf CEO, stated:“Recaf is an excellent fit with our business and strengthens our presence in the Midlands. It is a long-established and well-run company.

Sceptre remains committed to a strategy of growth, both organically and by selected acquisition.”

Underlining his firm’s steady progress and growth in recent years, he concluded:“As is the Sceptre way, integration of Recaf into our wider business will be effected quickly and efficiently to derive the maximum benefit.”

control; it would be perverse not to provide that opportunity if it can be effectively delivered.”

Moreover,the RGSB has identified that there is clearly a ‘demand’ for self-exclusion from customers, with figures indicating that over 74,000 new self-exclusion agreements were enacted with Commission-licensed operators between October 2012 and September 2013.

Traditional approaches to selfexclusion usually centre on the direct relationship between a customer and gambling operator(s) - i.e. a customer excludes directly and exclusively with the provider(s) of gambling services. However, the

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tailored to the needs of the individual gambler • Accessible in that it is an easy and straightforward process and the person wishing to exclude does not need to visit a gambling venue during the process • Trusted in that whichever organisation operates the MOSES database is professional, confidential and unbiased • Effective, both in terms of preventing self-excluded gamblers from re-entering gambling venues and of

RGSB sees it is arguable that thinking about how best to manage abstinence for those who need it should be thought about in wider terms than just the gambling industry.

It concludes: “Consideration should therefore also be given to broader, and more innovative approaches to self-exclusion that focus more on the mechanisms that enable gambling, for example, by blocking/restricting the method of access or payment, rather than the gambling product itself.”

Following the submission of this advice, RGSB’s Self-exclusion Expert Group has fulfilled its remit and will now close. RGSB will continue to input into the Commission’s consultation on its LCCP and can provide further advice if required.

The RSGB was set up in 2008 to advise the Gambling Commission and the DCMS, on research, education and treatment programmes needed to support a national responsible gambling strategy and associated funding requirements.

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2379-p04-05-industry_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 14:46 Page 1

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Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Industry

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Talarius rejoins BACTA with a renewed sense of enthusiasm OPERATORS

Major UK AGC operator Talarius has gone back to BACTA, citing John White’s recent installation as the trade body’s chief executive as the primary reason for doing so.

alarius, the UK’s largest operator of adult gaming centres, has announced that it will be rejoining BACTA, the trade body for the amusements and leisure sector, with the installation of John White as the association’s chief executive instrumental in its decision.

The company stepped down from BACTA in April last year.However,with the recent appointment of White at the helm,Talarius will once again become a member.

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Commenting on the decision to rejoin, Peter Harvey, chief operating officer of Talarius, said: “We are really enthusiastic about John stepping into his new role at BACTA and the direction he believes the association and wider industry should be taking. His approach will be more successful if adopted universally by the AGC sector, and we wanted to rejoin as soon as possible to play our part.

We look forward to working with BACTA to address the regulatory imbalances that affect our sector.”

BACTA chief executive, John White, said:“Talarius is a key player in the AGC sector and we are delighted to welcome the company back on board.

These are exciting but challenging times for the industry, and we are stronger when we all work together. It is important that we unite in order to achieve a positive change for the amusements sector.”

Through Talarius’ brands Quicksilver, Silvers and Winners, it owns 172 UK-based venues and has approximately 900 staff in permanent employment.

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australia-based gaming company Tatts Group, and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.Talarius is fully compliant with the Gambling Commission’s licensing system and fully adheres to trade body BACTA’s code of conduct.

BACTA, meanwhile, is looking to grow the use of socially responsible recreational machine play to all relevant stakeholders through innovative representation and high quality service provision to its members.

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North Devon operators warned over fake note gang CRIME

musements operators in North Devon have A been urged to exercise vig-

ilance after police released CCTV images of a trio of suspects wanted in connection with the use of fake £20 notes in Ilfracombe.

At least nine retailers were stung by the fraudsters, who paid for more than £200 worth of goods using the notes on July 9.

Each of the notes bore the serial number HE13954709.

CCTV footage of the three suspects, all of whom are thought to be in their 30s, was taken at the Sunspot Amusement Arcade shortly after 1.30pm.

Inspector Roger Bartlett of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “It is very possible that the males involved in this spate of offences may not be local but merely visited the town for a short time before

moving on, but if anyone has any information about who they might be, please contact Crimestoppers or 101 and quote crime reference number CR/88596/14.”

Police have asked businesses to be cautious when dealing with people asking for change, especially if they are offering twenty pound notes for the transaction.

Bartlett added: “If they are suspicious or the notes bear the number, then they need to hold onto the notes, make a note of the description of the suspects, and ring 999 informing the police that the suspects are still at or near the scene.

“Retail staff should be confident and not give the notes back at least until the police attend. If the notes are given back, then other shops will be targeted and the evidence will be lost.”

Autumn Show organisers aim to drive early registration campaign EVENTS

he Autumn Coin-Op Show are stepping up their early registration campaign with just months to go to the Tinaugural expo at Chelsea FC, on 15-16 October.

Pre-registration numbers are high,with visitors enticed by the chance to have their say about forthcoming products and to catch up with colleagues, all in a relaxed, open and friendly environment.

Early pre-registration will guarantee admission to the celebratory First Night Party to be held at the legendary Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill, one of London’s most popular sports bars.

2379-p04-05-industry_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 16:42 Page 2

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK REPORT Coinslot takes a look at the pool tables, cloths and accessories sector through the eyes of operators and suppliers. 10

Bookmaker calls for FOBT ban CATEGORY B2

In an industry first, an independent bookmaker has called for a ban on FOBTs after a customer hanged himself and another attempted suicide. ased on his experiences‘at the coalface’, bookmaker Mike Simons believes that FOBTs should be banned immediately.

Talking to The Sunday People, which is campaigning for a £2 maximum stake on B2 machines, Simons stated:“They can kill.They’re as bad as the worst kind of drug.That’s why they’re called the crack cocaine of gambling. People who use them just can’t stop. I had one customer who won £8,000.The next day he was back and shovelling it all into the machine.”

Simons has been in the gambling industry for nearly 40 years and has worked in amusement arcades, as a cruise line croupier and as a betting shop manager. He now has his own shop near Birmingham with a turnover of £1m a year.

He said:“There’s not much I don’t know about gaming and gambling.

But FOBT machines really frighten me as they’re so addictive.”

Recalling the suicide, he described how the customer regularly had a £5

B

flutter on the horses but then turned to gambling on FOBTs. Simons stated: “He was very respectable. But he must have lost at least £100,000 on the machines. He hanged himself at home.”

When another punter recently tried to take his own life, the LBO operator finally decided to speak out.

He added: “I want these machines banned, plain and simple.”

Simons has three FOBTs in his shop but cannot get rid of them unilaterally because of the risk to his image.

He explained:“If they weren’t there, it would give the impression we can’t afford to pay out winnings. For a ban to work, it has to be across the board.”

He said he asked his supplier to remove roulette from the machines in his shop, but they refused. Simons knows FOBTs are not essential to bookies like him in small communities, for whom dogs and horses are the backbone of the business. He recalled playing a B2 machine himself in a rival LBO - where he lost £1,000.

He said: “Even knowing all I do about gambling, I got carried away.

When I lost I just wanted to get my money back. I knew what these machines can do to you. But I also knew I might win! I’m no different to anyone else.”

Simons also believes that most punters are in favour of a ban on the machines to remove the temptation to play them.

While an anti-FOBT stance is nothing new to Coinslot readers, Simons’ views mark something of a watershed in that he is the first independent bookmaker to speak out against their apparent dangers.

Retro video games undergo restoration REFURBISHMENT

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rcade machines kept in Cambridge’s UK Computer Museum are being restored after enthusiasts answered a plea for help.

The museum hopes games such as Space Invaders, Asteroids and Tempest will be brought back to working order for the public to enjoy.

Phillip Riscombe-Burton used a games fans forum to call for help to fix the machines,which have been out of use for at least 17 years. Volunteers found temporary fixes for five of

the eight machines, he said.

They will continue to work on the games until they are fully restored.

The museum’s arcade games include Centipede, Xevious and Alien Syndrome. The museum has 150 working computers, ranging from the 1960s until the modern day.

The collection also features 13 arcade games from the 1970s to 1990s, eight of which needed fixing.

Riscombe-Burton, a software engineer, invited forum members to visit the museum, share knowledge

and work on the obsolete machines.

He told the BBC:“Meeting up in person is worth weeks and weeks on the forum.With arcade repair, it’s always like you get an initial fix and then look at the long-term failures.”

Three engineers have taken some of the circuit boards home to continue

working on them. Museum director Jason Fitzpatrick purchased the arcade games from various places including American military bases.

He concluded: “We’re not like the average museum. You can touch everything and play on everything to see what the computers are like.”

2379-p06-07-industry_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 14:29 Page 1

200th anniversary of the seaside pier celebrated

Rudd sets course for new independent frontiers Nick Rudd is one of the younger generation of executives holding senior positions in the UK's low stake gaming sector. With a BA (Hons) in Business and Marketing, he has progressed from helping his father Bob who set up the company in 1989, to succeeding in his footsteps. The quintessential ‘independent’ Rudd assesses the opportunities and challenges ahead underlining the role and the importance of the IOA. ou were one of the first companies to recognise the power of social media, can you provide an update on your activities in this sector?

From our perspective social media is a really important tool and it’s not just about engaging with customers, receiving invaluable feedback or reporting, above anything else social media is now more importantly a vital information source.There is a common misconception that social media is aimed at the younger generation and is all about interactivity when simply this is not the case. Social media in some cases is more up to date and current with breaking news than any other source.Whilst we interact with core players to gain more research as well as promoting new initiatives and products to our customers and in turn their customers, we also use it to provide our clients with latest industry updates. In fact, one of our newest products Screach TV was founded on the basis of visualising social media.

Y

How will you stamp your own

personality on the company?

The company will be celebrating its silver anniversary later this year and throughout those 25 years the cornerstones of what we have stood for have been the delivery of exceptional levels of customer service and a commitment to innovation. My job is to continue this success whilst constantly improving all aspects of the business. It is not my intention to change any of the culture or any aspect of the company that has made it so successful.

How do you see the challenges moving forward and what about the opportunities?

I see the main challenge for operators and their customers being how to replace the SWP.The decision to tax this uniquely British product genre into extinction will have cost companies which had an interest in SWP several £100,000s over the past few years and this loss of income has had to be absorbed by all.The challenge is to either discover or create a new genre or to modify it in order to stimulate income.

It’s not a question of the glass always being half empty: the

implementation of the Category C £100 jackpot and the incremental traction we are experiencing with digital gaming product will lead to maximising machine income across the estate. This is coupled with an analogue manufacturing base which I believe is the most buoyant it has been for many years.

Our role as independent machine operators is to mitigate the negatives and maximise the positives in order to continue to deliver industry best income figures for our customers.

Will the company continue to play an important role within the IOA? The simple and straightforward answer to this isYes.I believe that the IOA is in a market leading position. It has resisted the pressure to cut costs which has led to operational superiority and as a consequence is consistently outperforming its national competitors, as well as recently winning several accounts. The industry needs to have a buoyant and healthy independent sector driven by entrepreneurs and with a ‘can do’ culture.The over-

PIERS

he National Piers Society has marked the 200th anniversary Tof Britain’s first seaside pier with whelming majority are family run or owner managed, which leads to better operational service and more so a wider variety of product choice. Being independent means that we have no vested interests in machine brands, styles or genres: in fact our only concern is performance, which is something we will not compromise on. We only invest in best of breed product which is going to deliver cash box for our customers: nothing else comes into the equation.

What does success look like to the company?

In the short term it's about consolidating our position and growing organically within our five operating areas. Casting forward into the mid to long term I will be looking at strategic acquisition as well as bringing new products to the market as we have done with the recent success of ScreachTV.Everything we achieve will be based on a commitment to service, knowledge and beyond anything else a real passion for the industry I first got involved in working as a van lad for my dad in the school holidays!

EAS 2014 breaks records ahead of official opening EXHIBITIONS

year’s Euro Attractions Show has a record-breaker long before Tthehisbecome exhibition opens its doors due to more

than 10,000sq.m of exhibit space being booked already.

The show, which has attracted several coin-op firms from the UK or with UK-based distributors such as Bandai Namco, Billares Sam, Bob’s Space Raiders, Cogan, Elaut, Embed, Jolly Roger, LAI Games, Pan Amusements, PMS and Sega, kicks off on September 23 for three days at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

EAS 2014 is expected to attract more than 8,500 visitors from 80 countries. To

date, more than 360 manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants from the amusement parks and attractions industry have signed up to display their latest innovations.

The current size of the exhibition floor exceeds last year’s exhibit space, is expected to be the largest in the 11-year history of the event and will feature products in more than 100 categories including rollercoasters, plush, ticketing systems, water rides, 4D theatres and more.

Karen Staley, vice-president of IAAPA Europe, stated: “Last year in Paris 393 companies exhibited, with exhibit contracts still coming in, this year we hope to welcome more than 400 exhibitors that will showcase the latest products and services for the industry.”

an all-day party.

Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight opened on July 26,1814,and to celebrate the occasion the NPS held a day of events on Cromer Pier.

The party coincided with the release of new book covering 200 years of the British seaside pier, written by NPS chairman Tim Phillips and NPS media relations officer Anthony Wills.

Phillips and Wills were present at Cromer to sign copies of the book, which describes piers’ major contribution to Britain’s burgeoning tourism industry by “allowing travellers to disembark and, later, escape into a fantasy world created by the pier owners”.

A party was also held on Ryde Pier, which today serves as one of the main gateways to the Isle of Wight, with trains leaving the pierhead and ferries shuttling passengers between it and Portsmouth harbour.

Derek Tomlinson, volunteer coordinator at the Historic Ryde Society, described the Grade-II listed pier when it was a mainstay of the area.

He said:“In the 1950s and 1960s, the use of the pier was phenomenal. It’s half a mile long and at times you would have people queuing for the boats.

“But with the introduction of cars and coaches, the number of foot passengers coming across to the island diminished.

“In the 50s and 60s, there was a ballroom known as the Seagull, a cafe, rock shops and amusements to keep everyone entertained.

“Nowadays, the end of the pier is just more or less a car park, and not a pleasure pier in the traditional sense of the word.”

2379-p06-07-industry_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 14:38 Page 2

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Folkestone bingo hall closes as players mourn the loss of “their only social evening� with friends BINGO

Seven Bingo hall in has hosted its TlastheFolkestone game and will cease to trade when its licence expires today (Thursday July 31).

Business partners Mike Barnard and Peter Hargreaves have decided not to renew the licence and will now relocate to the northeast of the country.

The pair have run the bingo hall, formerly the Deluxe Club,since 2007,but said trading conditions meant it was no longer viable.

Barnard,who has been in the industry for about 30

years, said when the club opened as many as 500 people would attend every week,but that this had now dropped to about 200.

He explained:“There are a few reasons behind the decision. One is the rates, the next is the number of people who have stopped coming.

“Finally, our lease is coming to an end and we decided a couple of weeks ago to not renew. “There has been a bingo hall here since 1974. It had problems before we took it over because of the smoking ban but we had a couple of good years.�

Regular player Kath Mid-

dleton said the final game had been a sombre occasion for Seven Bingo’s regular players She told local press: “I went at least once a week and they were a great bunch of people. It was always a nice social evening. For some people this was their only social evening when they got to see their friends. “Friday was quite sad as it was the last session but a lot of people came out of the woodwork for it.There were more than usual. If they’d come more regularly, it might be staying open.I wish the two gentlemen all the best.�

AGC sector of machine entitlement LEGACY LAWS

n last week’s feature on B3 machines, we stated: I“Following the new rules

introduced during 2011 by the Gambling Commission, both bingo venues and AGCs are restricted to B3 games making up no more than 20 per cent of their machine portfolio.

However, those premises in existence before 13 July, 2011 can choose between

having eight category B3 or b4 gaming machines in operation or 20 per cent of their total number of gaming machines.�

The Commission has been quick to point out that, in fact, the eight machines allocation is correct for bingo premises but not AGCs as they are only permitted four machines of B3/B4 category or 20 per cent of the total number of machines.

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2379-p08-industry_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 14:27 Page 1

Retro arcade flourishing in west London a remote industrial estate in Acton, equipping it with n amusements refurbished videos sourced industry veteran from amusement busihas described his nesses that have shut efforts to save the high down.

He told the BBC that the street arcade by creating his own from scratch at a business,dubbed“The Hog” by regulars, was the prodsite in west London.

Mark Starkey built The uct of his passion for Heart of Gaming arcade in “offline gaming” and the

FEC

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Thieves target Blackpool LBO ROBBERY

have released a CCTV image of a Pmanolice they want to trace social interaction that goes with it.

Starkey commented:“It really is the last of its kind, the first and last arcade of the twenty-first century over here in the UK. I think the generation of kids that are growing up now most of them started gaming after the last of the arcades

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were gone, so to them this is kind of a new experience.

“Social gaming is something that everyone should experience, as it offers a lot of things to the player that you simply don’t get being sat at home with your earphones in.”

Unlike regular amusement arcades, Starkey charges a one-off entrance fee, rather than follow the coin-op model.

He added:“We rescue a lot of these machines from arcades when they are closing down. Many come from central London and theTrocadero, and we show them

love - repair them, fit them with new parts and when they are ready we put them onto the field of play again.

“We get new people coming through all the time, playing old classics, new games.We’ve had kids as young as seven and eight turn up with their parents and we’ve had people reaching their fifties.

“This is a real example of how retro can not only be cool and fashionable but also of how community spirit and a team effort can turn what some might think of as unfeasible or a pipe-dream into reality.”

New bingo club opens in Leominster BINGO

ingo has returned to Leominster after the B former Top Ten Bingo

venue was reopened as Clifton Bingo earlier this week.

Top Ten had shut down in May, but Clifton Bingo owner Roger Witnall reopened the hall last Friday.

He said it was a fitting tribute to the venue’s former use as the Clifton Cinema, which provided entertainment in the town

for four decades from 1936.

Witnall, who has been involved in the bingo industry for 40 years, told local press: “Our main aim was to get the club back open before the customers evaporate away. We’ll get it open and then work on putting our own stamp on it over time.

“I was involved in the centre around 10 years ago and used to do the machine maintenance. When I heard it was closing down I saw an opportunity to have another community club.”

following a robbery at Ladbrokes on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool. At around 8.40pm on June 26, a man entered the betting shop where he ran and jumped over the counter and assaulted the shop assistant, demanding money.

The man then stole around £200 in cash from the till which he put into a Lidl carrier bag and left the shop, possibly with another man waiting outside.

The offender and the second man both made off on foot.

DC Mark Anson, from Blackpool CID, said: “The shop assistant has been left understandably shaken by this attack and we are very keen to trace the man responsible. If you saw the two men running away from the shop or saw anyone suspicious in the area leading up to the attack, please get in contact.”

The offender is described as being white, aged in his 30s, with a thin build, and wearing a black bandana covering his face. He was wearing dark clothing.

2379-p09-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 14:21 Page 1

Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Amusements TOURISM

An academic study has shown that the seaside tourism industry bucked the effects of austerity and is thriving as a major contributor to UK plc.

s the school summer holidays start, a new report has brought cheer to amusements operators by showing that the British seaside tourist industry remains in remarkably good health.

Commissioned by British Destinations with financial support from BACTA, its findings counter fears that the recession and subsequent squeeze on house-

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Seaside tourism flourishing in the age of austerity

hold incomes would lead to a big fall in spending on leisure and tourism.

The report,carried out by a research team at Sheffield Hallam University, shows that the number of jobs supported by seaside tourism has continued to grow despite the so-called ‘age of austerity’.

Co-author Professor Steve Fothergill said: “Over

the last few years there has been plenty of media discussion about the rise of‘staycations’ - holidays in Britain rather than abroad - but so far little hard evidence.

“Our figures show that the British seaside tourist industry has weathered the age of austerity very well indeed.

“The survival of a large seaside tourist industry

should be good news, not just for most seaside towns but also for UK plc.”

The report estimates that, averaged across the year as a whole, more than 200,000 jobs in England and Wales are directly supported by seaside tourism.

Its figures confirm seaside tourism is a huge contributor to England and Wales’ economic prosper-

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ity, employing more people than the aerospace, motor, pharmaceutical and steel industries.

Blackpool retains the biggest single concentration of seaside tourism jobs - nearly 16,000 - closely followed by Brighton and Bournemouth. In all, 63 resorts around the coast of England and Wales each have at least 1,000 jobs directly supported by tourism.

Blackpool and Brighton also have the biggest concentration of amusement and leisure jobs,followed by Southend, the Isle of Wight, Torbay and GreatYarmouth.

But the report also showed that some places are faring better than others.

Many resorts along the south coast and in south west England show solid growth in tourism employment.

In a number of other destinations, including in

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

Blackpool, the pressure on visitors’ incomes and spending appears to have choked growth.

Peter Hampson, chief executive of British Destinations, which represents local authorities and tourist bodies,said:“The British seaside tourist industry has too often been written off as a relic of the past, and assumed to be on the same downward trajectory as so many other famous British industries.

“Anyone familiar with the resorts themselves knows this was always a myth, and I’m delighted that the new figures from Sheffield Hallam expose the truth.

“Our seaside resorts still face challenges in adapting to changing tastes and travel patterns, but with the right support from government this is an industry that should have a bright future as well as an illustrious past.”

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10 The Essential Guide to pool table & accessories

Essential Guide to...

Pool tables, cloth & accessories

A pool inheritance 16 This week’s machine charts

17 B2B listings and industry marketplace

The growing number of private pool table owners could serve to drive players back into pubs. “Let’s hope that a new generation of pool players who cut their teeth on the table dad put in the garage are encouraged to play in those pubs and clubs that survive in future and drop a coin in the slot, or swipe their card,” said Liam Barrett of SAM Leisure.

Across the pond American Pool is proving increasingly poplar in the UK and varies from the British version in that it uses slightly larger balls, which feature numbers, unlike their smaller counterparts. American Pool tables also include larger pockets and diamond system markings no the rail for shot-making reference.

The greatest Perhaps the most famous professional pool player ever to have competed was Willie Mosconi (pictured, left), who won the World Straight Pool Championships a record fifteen times. American Mosconi was also famous for the various trick shots that he performed at exhibition events and on television.

KEYNOTE 20 Classified sales, job and business opps

Operators must keep up with the times A changing pool landscape has focussed the market, with those companies investing in tables equipped with modern technology and high quality materials much more likely to succeed, according to SAM Leisure’s Liam Barrett. oinslot: How important is it for operators to have high quality equipment available at all times?

Liam Barrett:The quality of equipment on site is paramount.There is just too much competition out there for the punter’s pound to risk losing it for the sake of an unplayable table. Pool table income responds faster and greater to a fall in standards than other machines,that by and large only need switching on in the morning.

SAM always bangs the drum for AccuVend ball release that ensures the player gets all the balls in the table every time, regular valeting and preventative maintenance, changing batteries annually and ensuring tables have the correct spec cues and tips.

Likewise, operators with quality tables in stock, either new or refurbished, will be able to respond faster to requests from new sites and retailers. In a shrinking market, those who can deliver the fastest may just get the deal over those with a cheaper price.

A few pounds a week rent is small in comparison with a few weeks lost site income.

C

AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

Essential Guide to After Sales & Service Next Week Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

CS: Is pool still a popular pastime for the British public?

JB: Pool remains popular, although participation had decreased and there has been a shift in where the game is played.The traditional pool environments like pubs and clubs have taken a hammering in recent years.The woes of the licensed trade have been debated many times - supermarket beer, smoking ban, FOBTs, high rents, high

rates and so on - but more than that, people’s desires and interests have undergone a sea change. First with the domination of ‘play’ by the games console and secondly by the explosion of the mobile devices that now demand an ever larger proportion of everyone’s waking hours.

Venues have responded by changing their offer and taking the food route to bolster footfall.This accelerates a fall in pool play as pool tables are removed to increase the room available to diners. Conversely, the maturing of players from the 80’s and 90’s means that many homeowners are now buying pool tables for home. Both as a nostalgic exercise, but also to encourage their children to stay at home and socialise.

CS: In what ways have modern technology improved the pool experience for operators and players?

JB: The advent of multicoin coin acceptance has saved players searching for exact change and bending low to push in a slide mech. Not a great hardship maybe, but making it easy to spend money is good.

More important is a variable price system like SAM TriBand. This battery system enables sites to vary price to suit the venue profile, lowering price during quieter periods and maximising price during peak footfall. Offering time periods as well as single games also offers perceived value. Going electronic enables tokens and means card readers can be used, either for credit debit cards or bespoke loyalty/charge cards.

For the serious player, SAM ProActive

cushions offer the most consistent ball response available, endorsed by use at the BAPTO National Finals for more than 10 years.The aluminium extruded top rail is unique to SAM. Cloth manufacturers have innovated and improved both the quality and durability of cloth, good news for the serious player and good news for operators looking to save on maintenance. Printed cloth can also be important. Often just an opportunity for consistent venue branding, but more importantly, a way of offsetting costs by selling advertising space on tables to companies wanting to reach the pool player profile. Even cues have benefitted from new technologies.All manner of laminating, metal cores and layered tips have been used to tempt and beguile the player, as the golf club manufacturers do.

For the operator, something like the Buffalo Click and Go Tip system has proved a boon.A replaceable tip that looks and plays like a glue-on tip. Unlike standard push-on tips, these are tailored to the cue and stay on with suction.Easy for staff to change,but less likely to come off and roll around the floor.

Of course, technology has really been used in the domestic pool market, where tables like the Lambert and Blacklight boast integral lighting, iPod docks and sound systems.

The UK’s largest supplier of Pool Accessories Pool Accessories UK

8

1. THE GAME The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these rules as ‘the game’.

It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play.

The referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.

2. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAME The game is played on a rectangle 6-pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two groups, represented by two different coloured balls plus the 8 Ball which is black.

Alternatively, numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7 which are plain coloured balls, 9-15 which are striped coloured balls.

Balls in the two groups are known as object balls.

3. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME The player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in any order and then legally pocketing the 8 ball (black) wins the game.

4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME (OR RESTART) a) The balls are racked as illustrated (right) with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot which is at the intersection of the centre and the corner pockets. b) Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking or requesting his/her opponent to do so. c) The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball on or within the ‘D’. That player must pot one or more object balls or cause at least two object balls to return to an imaginary line joining then two centre pockets (i.e. to the ‘D’ half of the table). This constitutes a legal break. the breaking player shall then verbally nominate his group of object balls before play continues, even if a foul has been committed when Rule 6 will apply (except as in 4f) d) Any balls potted prior to groups being nominated are ignored for the purpose of establishing a players’ group of object balls. e) If a legal break is not achieved the balls are re-racked and the oncoming player restarts the game with one free shot, following which the group must be nominated before continuing with a normal visit to the table. f) If the player pockets the 8 Ball (black) from the break, the game shall be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. the balls to be re-racked. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball are ocketed as well.

BALL POOL RULES g) If a ball or balls are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either: i) Fails to pocket one of his/her set of allocated balls, or ii) Commits a foul at any time h) Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his/her group of balls first (unless Rule 6b applies) i) A player may legally pocket one or more of their opponents object balls providing the cue ball strikes one of their own group first and providing one or more of their own groups are pocketed on the same shot.

7. LOSS OF GAME a) If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before he/she pockets all balls in his/her own group, except as allowed under rule 4g, he/she loses the game. b) A player going in off the 8 ball(black) when the 8 ball (black) is potted, loses the game. c) A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own group will lose the game. d) If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball or retrieving a ball dropping into the pocket he/she shall lose the game.

5. FOULS a) In off (cue ball pocketed) b) Hitting opponent’s balls before his/her own ball or balls, except when rule 6b applies c) Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball d) Jump shots - defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any object ball e) If a player hits the 8 Ball (black) with the cue ball on the first impact before all his/her own balls have been potted, except when Rule 6b applies f) Potting any opponents balls except when rule 4i or 6b applies. g) Ball off the table i) Any object ball or the 8 Ball (black), shall be returned to the 8 Ball spot (see 4a) or as near as possible to that spot without touching any other ball, in a direct line between that spot and the centre of the ‘D’ ii) If the cue ball, the ball to be played from any position on or within the ‘D’. A ball shall be deemed to be ‘off the table’ if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. h) If the player clothing or body shall touch the ball. i) Player not having at least one foot on the floor. j) Playing or touching with the cue any ball other than the cue ball. k) Playing out of turn. l) Playing before balls have come to rest. m) Playing before the ball or balls have been re-spotted n) Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip. o) Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once p) Playing a shot before the breaking player has nominated a group of object balls following the break shot. q) Push stroke (see 8a) r) Moving an object ball or the 8 Ball (black) when playing away from a touching ball.

8 GENERAL a) PUSH STROKE - defined as when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball once it has commenced its forward motion. b) CUE BALL IN HAND - When a player has a cue ball in hand he/she plays from any position on or within the ‘D’ and in any direction. c) PLAYER IN CONTROL - A player is said to be in control of the table from the time that his/her body, cue or clothing touches the table prior to his/her shot, through his/her visit and up until his/her opponent does likewise prior to his/her visit. Any balls which fall into the pockets during this period (including 8 balls (black), he/she is said to have potted and he/she is liable to any penalties or benefits normally awarded to him/her for the potting of that ball or balls as are accorded to him/her in the rules of the game (rule 5c applies) d) The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is potted in any pocket and all the remaining balls including the cue ball have come to rest, except where rule 4f applies. e) TOUCHING BALL - A player must play away from a touching ball which must not move (see 5s). If the touching ball is one of the players own group, he/she is deemed to have played that ball. If the touching ball is not one of his/her own group the cue ball must strike one of his/her own group. When 6b applies a player must play away from the touching ball and is deemed to have played the game.

6. PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOUL a) Following any foul described under rule 5 the oncoming player may play the cue ball from where it lies or from the ‘D’ as in rule 8b and proceed as in 6b. Moving the cue ball to the ‘D’ does not constitute a Shot or Visit. b) Following a foul the oncoming player is entitled to one free shot which may be played without nomination, play the cue ball directly onto any ball, including oppponents object balls and the 8 ball (black). However the 8 ball (black) may not be pocketed, which would mean loss of the game, unless the player has already pocketed all of their own group of object balls and only needs to pocket the 8 balls (black) to win the game. c) Following the single free shot described in 6a the player will commence his/her normal visit.

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9. STALEMATE Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot cannot be played, then the game should be restarted by the same player whether this situation is arrived at by accident or design. If in the opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to progress or a stalemate situation has arisen, then the game shall be re-started taking into consideration “GUIDANCE”(h) GUIDANCE a) The term ‘shot’ means striking the ball once. b) The term ‘visit’ refers to one turn at the table comprising one or a series of shots. c) The term ‘break’ refers to the first shot of the game or the first shot of the game being re-started. d) Coaching is deemed to be unsportsmanlike behaviour (See rule 1) e) A referee may, if requested, advise on rules of the game. f) There is an obligation on both players to ensure the breaking player nominates a group of object balls. g) The Referee should ensure that excessive time is not taken to play a shot and should act in accordance with competition rules or guidance. h) Re-racks as in Rule 9 may be a reduced number of balls in accordance with competition rules or guidance. i) In Doubles Matches, once a player is in control of the table conversation with others including the partner is unsporting and shall be dealt with under competition rules.

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Essential Guide to ... Pool tables, cloth & ac Sector Overview SWOT ANALYSIS

Good value coin-op entertainment As the only coin-op pastime that develops skill and competitiveness, cue sports have become a regular fixture in pubs, clubs, holiday camps, cineplexes and bowling alleys the length and breadth of the country. hile the traditional pool-playing venue - local pubs - has struggled since smoking legislation and closures due to beer taxes and lower discretionary spending, several other styles of pool and snookerplaying venues have come to the forefront in recent years.

Large holiday camp chains have embraced cue sports since the turn of the century,while pool has become an expected staple of FECs attached to cineplexes and bowling alleys.Furthermore, the emergence of American-

W

themed diners has contributed to a quiet renaissance of cue sports in the UK. While for those of us lucky to have disposable income to spend, the sheer amount of choice is wider than ever before and it is accepted that to spend a pound - or anything under that - for entertainment that lasts more than five or ten minutes represents fantastic value for money.With the norm still being a pound a play, this competitive price point more than stacks up against two spins on an AWP,a single tune on a jukebox or a cheap cap-

SWOT ANALYSIS CUE SPORTS SECTOR STRENGTHS â&#x20AC;˘ Provides a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;social serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for regulars â&#x20AC;˘ Creates a fun, yet competitive atmosphere â&#x20AC;˘ Inclusive for all, even children

OPPORTUNITIES â&#x20AC;˘ Cloth and accessories can be branded â&#x20AC;˘ Waiting for turn on pool table leads to enhanced wet sales â&#x20AC;˘ Cue sports a staple diet of bowling alleys, cineplexes and holiday camps

WEAKNESSES â&#x20AC;˘ Not spectacular earners â&#x20AC;˘ Large footprint

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Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

sule gift. Moreover the addition of modern cash handling and new technology allows operators to switch prices on the fly or enable multi-game and bonus play options.

Leisure venues have long accepted the fact that home and mobile entertainment has grown exponentially and now have to offer the widest possible range of experiences to attract a diverse clientele and keep them there as long as they can.Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a coincidence, therefore, that clubs and venues offering cue sports that survive or prosper are those which offerAmerican pool,music, food, poker and internet access to attract paying punters.

One of the fundamental challenges facing the cue sports sector in the UK is not the quality of the entertainment or the equipment on offer, or indeed from the operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, the price of new accessories, but the expectations of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger generation. Club owners and manufacturers are facing a stern task encouraging teenagers to play the game, although manufactures such as MBS Superleague maintain that younger kids remain as enamoured with old fashioned pool tables as ever before.

Cue sports suppliers have had to work harder in the face of pub closures and reinventions into restaurants than a lack of dedication to the game by the three foremost UK pool organisations.Tournaments run

by BAPTO, GB9Ball Pool and the BWPPA continue to go from strength to strength with increased numbers year on year. Used and promoted correctly, cue sports can be

THREATS â&#x20AC;˘ Smaller, quicker ROI coin-op pieces â&#x20AC;˘ Pub closures

an excellent tool for generating revenue and more importantly, driving footfall. Historically, UK pool grew to become an integral part of the pub scene through investment in promotion, standards and design, not television coverage.

Despite cue sports becoming a more mainstream leisure activity for all, evidenced by rising numbers of female and disabled players, ignorance of how to play all formats still abounds. Because of this, BAPTO believes that there is room for expansion of both specialist and generalist sides of the industry. Experts predict that specialist outlets will continue to be male dominated and for hardcore cue sports players, but that participant numbers could be increased by becoming more female friendly.

There are, however, plenty of bright spots and several in the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital alone.

The Southern Belle on Fulham Palace Road, the Green Room/Bush Bar on Goldhawk Road and Miss Qâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Earls Court Road all opened in recent years showing that there is still an appetite for investment in pool venues and that it can be rewarded handsomely.

Furthermore, the growth of media coverage and new games, like American pool, will help the development of the sport.

Casual cue sports players will continue to play in the comfort of a multi discipline environment, such as an FEC, bowling or cinema complex where they can choose whether they want to play American pool, have a drink, a meal or play a machine

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Market Perspectives TOURNAMENTS

ASSOCIATION

Tournaments a must for operators

BAPTO positive on pool status

or operator Kossway, the success of a pool table depends in a large part on whether an Foperator is willing to support the machine.

British Association of Pool Operators (BAPTO) has TlongheTable been the figurehead of the UK’s pool industry, ushering it through the shifting markets of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Now, in 2014, the group has good reason to be bullish about the status of this muchloved leisure activity.

“The pool sector is in a healthy position and still remains the game that will bring customers into your pub,” said chairman Mike Dicks.“Pool maybe one of the older games in the pub, but is one that the more you practice the the better you get. There is always the incentive to improve your game, even if it’s only good for beating your mates.”

That spirit of competitiveness can also be channelled into tournament play, with a number of venues driving success by organising regular events.“Pool leagues are always a big draw,” said Dicks, “with matches often being played on two or three nights a week.A regular knockout competition will create a lot interest and an in house league can fill winter evenings.”

Technological developments in both electronics and cloth manufacture are helping to produce higher quality tables, which can only serve to improve the fortunes of BAPTO’s members.“The development of the electronic pool table has helped the operators not only with the reliability,” said Dicks,“but the ability to vary the price of play to include happy hours that will increase the cash in box. On the playing side, the new cloths which are now being produced not only give the player a better experience, but also a longer life for the operator.”

Employing this standard of pool cloth and accessories is vital for ensuring that a customer’s

desire to return and play again is constantly rekindled.“It has always been important for the operator to use the best equipment available,” said Dicks,“and also to maintain it to a high standard. That ensures that the end user will have the best experience possible and want to come back and play again.”

Distributor of snooker and pool accessories and manufacturers of genuine Superleague tables and spares.

DEAD CUSH OSE ION H T

S

Organising events such as tournaments and special promotions are vital for fostering interest and can result in a highly profitable table.

“You must, as an operator, sponsor at least one tournament per year,” said the company’s machine movements manager, Terry Smith. “If the site has more than two tables then this should be upped to two or three per year, as the site must have a big following to sustain that amount of tables.”

Keeping your tables in good working order will also go a long way to ensuring that punters are happy to put down a few pounds for a session. “It goes without saying that a clean and clearly marked table will take more money than one that is poorly maintained,” said Smith. “If your customer is a little pro-active and willing to spend five minutes a day brushing his table then he will reap the benefits week after week.”

Ensuring that tables are well looked after may take a little time, but it’s a prudent decision that will ensure early replacements are not needed. For the same reasons, Kossway always ensures that it uses top quality cloth when refurbishing its portfolio. “This helps with the life of the cloth,” notes Smith. “Always recover your tables with the best cloth money can buy and this will save money in the long run and keep you customer, along with his regulars, happy.”

With such helpful advice in mind, Kossway are confident of seeing good returns from pool tables across the country. Even accounting for a slight summer dip, its games are performing well across the board. The pool industry is currently, “very healthy,” according to Smith, “although we saw a slight dip in cashbox take over a 5 week period due to tables being covered during the World Cup matches, but this has now been restored.”

Overall the game remains popular with the British public, thanks in part to continued media coverage of its professional scene.

“Coverage on sports TV has helped in keeping the leisure game popular,” notes Smith, with the general public still keen to seek out tables and engage in friendly competition.

With amateur pool tournaments continuing to draw a crowd and leisure tables continuing to turn a profit, the future is bright for the pool sector, explains industry group BAPTO.

FORGET ALL

Keeping your well maintained pool table the centre of attention is key to ensuring that its cashbox takings are the best they can be. For the likes of Kossway, tournament and events top that paricular agenda.

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Essential Guide to ... Pool tables, cloth & ac Market Analysis

Products

TECHNICAL

SAM LEISURE

Classic pool with modern tech provides radical twist

American pool rides the wave of summer fun

Old fashioned pool and modern technology go hand in hand at Radical Shock, with the company’s products helping to boost the cashbox of operators around the world. n this digital age,pub entertainment has increasingly leaned on touch screens and high definition displays, but there remains a place for more traditional forms of entertainment. Particularly those which help foster social engagements and friendly competition. “I think the physical interaction between players through the medium of the game of pool still provides what many people are looking for, that they they can’t find with more modern forms of pub entertainment,” said Mike Anderson, general manager of electronic solutions provider,Radical Shock.“Of course,with fewer and fewer pubs there are fewer pool tables out there and there is also still a strong contingent of ‘pub pool teams’, which provides a strong team dynamic with competitiveness for younger players coming in to the market.”

Radical Shock manufactures a number of products designed to support the sector,including its Unipool platform. Each of these products is designed with the overall aim of boosting an operator’s bottom line.“This is really where the modern Microcoin SP 115 coin validator and the Unipool PCB platform work so well in harmony,”said Anderson.“With the capability of multi-coin acceptance through the coin validator and multi-game and bonus play settings on the Unipool PCB, the operator benefits from increased revenues through the table.”

I

The addition of this technology is of benefit to both the operator and the player, who can enjoy a smoother and more varied experience.“In essence, the modern electronically operated pool table provides players with a richer experience through additional multi-game options and coin acceptance,” explained Anderson, “whilst the operator benefits from accurate auditing and greater security.”

The system can also be used to create new marketing opportunities.“The operator has the facility to quickly and easily introduce‘promotions’through pricing,multigame and bonus play variations,”said Anderson.

As a company, Radical Shock, are keen to innovate and a number of new upgrades and additions are in the works.

“We have two new technologies that are being applied to enhance our pool products,” said Anderson.“The first, which is available now, is an illuminated coin slot faceplate, which helps to attract players to use the table,whilst assisting payment in gloomier environments.The second technology is our new Dual Pool System, which allows for two different pool game types to be included on the one table,providing the player with a genuine game selection. This also effectively allows the operator to promote double the pool game options through the same number of tables.This is currently being trialled in the USA.”

PUBS

Pool tables still a “win-win” Despite keen tournament players often monopolising the attention of dedicated manufacturers, MBS Superleague believes that pool tables still have a prominent roll to play in traditional pub entertainment. lthough, admits MBS Superleague director Eric Lewis, the pool market has contracted somewhat A in recent years, there are still passionate players in

the marketplace who demand high quality products.

Tournaments and pool leagues remain popular around the country and Lewis says he receives, “two or three calls a week” to discuss cushion bounce and other table features. This has motivated his company to develop a new steel block table that will shortly be coming to market. The table promises to deliver, “20 percent more bounce,” and should, “take the pressure off the operators,” from players who are unhappy with the responsiveness of older products.

Lewis, however, is confident that pool will remain a mainstay of the casual pub and bar market.

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

“When there’s a pool table in the pub, people will always play it,” he said, also referencing the old adage that pool popularity moves in seven year cycles. “As it picks up,” he said, “I think you’ll find that people go back to the pubs.”

Even in the face of games consoles and smartphones, few young children can resist the allure of the pool table. “Any little kids, who can hardly hold the cue, still loves playing and missing balls,” said Lewis.

In fact, the pool table has endured in the face of many more modern forms of entertainment. “The old pool table takes X amount, week in week out,” said Lewis.

“It will outlive many more technical machines and in 12 months you’ll have earned your money back. If a pub takes that seriously, it’s a win-win situation.”

The fun-packed world of American Pool is helping to bolster the cashbox nationwide, with SAM Leisure leading the charge thanks to a range of catching products in diverse shapes and sizes. s the temperature soars punters hit the pub gardens and who’s to blame them. Summer, even a British summer, is never a time of high revenue on the pool tables. Unless, of course, the punters in question are the mobs of young people that descend on bowling centres, holiday camps and FECs as soon as the school holidays arrive.

Fortunately, operators of these venues have learnt over time to make hay while the sun shines and favour American pool tables, more particularly, SAM American pool tables.

The big ball game dovetails perfectly into the all round leisure experience operators strive to create; drawing in the family business and maximising spend by offering fun games with maximum attraction.

Not only is American pool a simpler, easier game for the novice, where modest or even lucky play is rewarded by the satisfying thud of a ball sunk in the pocket, but the faster nature of play means sites are rewarded too, with faster turnover of players and higher revenue.

As the country drags itself out of recession, some sectors that weathered the storm rather better are already looking to expand.

American pool is firmly established as an integral part of successful Bowling and FEC operations like Hollywood Bowl.

JohnAyres has recently refurbished a tired snooker hall on Bognor Pier as a Legends Sports Bar, featuring SAM Magno tables:“The old English pool tables always seemed busy, but there was never much in the cashbox.The new American tables are generating a much better income.Offering £2 for 12 minutes has enabled us to increase price of play without noticeable resistance.The Sports Bar also has a SAM illuminated football table and the concept complements our arcade and nightspot perfectly.”

Innovative bar concepts likewise recognise the allure of the American game,as brands likeThe Bierkeller continue to open new venues.

Customers are increasingly distracted by the digital and virtual worlds, meaning that operators must strive even harder to attract and hold their attention. SAM tables offer a high degree of customisation to do just that.This is includes more than just printed cloth, by utilising fully customised tables and complementary products like air hockey and football tables, SAM can enable venues to reinforce brand image, offer supplier advertising and sponsorship or just make bold design statements.

SAM tables offer the best of both worlds to both player and operator. A professional playfield and fun gameplay on a robust and reliable table, with up to date technology that provides TriBand variable pricing and faultless AccuVend ball separation. SAM’s philosophy has always been, deliver fun and value to the paying customer and they will return again and again. Maximise the operators revenue and so will they.

A

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RADICAL SHOCK

Making a radical impact Experienced pool suppliers and engineers Radical Shock are prepared for rapid deployment and armed with advanced multi-game technology. adical Shock manufactures control PCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and systems for a wide range of market sectors, including pool R table, car wash, barrier control/entry and amusements.

In addition to this, it is the sole UK and Ireland distributer for the full range of MicroCoin payment systems and interface technology.

In particular, Radical Shock has developed a highly successful business providing products and services to the UK and Irish pool table market for more than 13 years.

As a result it has acquired a deep commercial and technical understanding of the pool table business, such that manufacturers, operators and service providers all benefit from the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge and enjoy a rapid response to their requirements.This rapid response has become the trademark of Radical Shock.Whether it is an urgent requirement for a replacement faceplate, battery pack etc. on a Friday afternoon by an independent operator, or a regular supply of parts and components by a large scale

manufacturer, Radical Shock is fully geared up for the challenge.

As the authorised sole distributor in the UK and Ireland for the MicroCoin range of coin and note payment systems in the pool table market, Radical Shock can supply whatever is required. Everything from a simple replacement faceplate to a complete conversion kit from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; series coin validators to fully programmable SP coin validators, including all necessary interface connectivity.

In addition, a whole range of parts and components are readily available from stock such as, motors, crank arms, Unipool PCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Unipool microchips, coin meters, battery packs and switch locks.

Rapid and comprehensive technical support and service has always been seen as a crucial element of the Radical Shock offering and this is provided through an internal dedicated customer support team, headed by Rob Bailey and an external dedicated sales engineer,

James Reed. This resource has the ability to resolve virtually any technical issue that arises regarding the effective operation of a pool table and can often be done over the telephone. Where necessary, of course, a personal visit by James is always easily arranged.

The latest offering from Radical Shock in the pool table market is Dual Pool technology, which allows two totally different pool games to be selected and played on the same table. By having independently controlled ball trays located at each side of the pool table, the player simply selects the game to be played and pays accordingly. Radical Shock provides the complete operating infrastructure for the Dual Pool System and has supplied the first batch of these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kitsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to a major pool table manufacturer in the USA.

SUZO-HAPP the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest seller for over ten years.

All around supplier Suzo-Happâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry into the pool and snooker market has seen them rapidly become one of the largest suppliers of cloth and accessories to the UK industry. ver the past few years, cloth and accessories for pool and snooker O have formed a large and important part of

the Suzo-Happ product portfolio. From selling a few pool cues and other billiard accessories here and there, Suzo-Happ has really focused hard on the pool and snooker market in recent years, becoming the largest supplier of pool and snooker accessories in the UK. Suzo-Happ also supply a strong range of pool and snooker cloth from some of the leading manufacturers, such as WSP Textiles (formerly Milliken) and Eurospeed.

Pool and Snooker operators really value the need for high quality cloth, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the 6811 Tournament Snooker Cloth, the 6811 or 777 napped variants, there is something for all types and budget.

The pool cloth contains a â&#x20AC;&#x153;spill guard â&#x20AC;&#x153; chemical agent as standard, which enables liquid spillages to be cleared up quickly and easily and also greatly reduces the risk of staining the cloth.

Not only is Suzo-Happ able to provide

cloth by the bolt, but the company is also able to produce precut bed and cushion packs to any size, in pretty much any colour people may want, using its house cloth cutting facility.

Suzo-Happ has a wide selection of pool and snooker balls and can offer everything from the world renowned Belgian Aramith range to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own selection of balls and accessories from the newly created BilliardPro line.

To help assist operators and cloth fitters alike, Suzo-Happ has also created its own â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Refurb Kitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for pool tables, which includes everything from cloth and balls to cues and chalk, all in a handy pack. This is ideal for engineers to take to site in the boot of their cars.

All of Suzo-Happâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products are sourced directly from the manufacturers to ensure that it remain competitive and can control its own supply chain.

The company has a lot of experience and expertise in this sector and are always on hand to help our customers choose the right products for them. Its global reach, large stock holding and purchasing direct from the manufacturers enables SuzoHapp to continually add new products to the market and maintain a high level of quality at extremely competitive prices.

American Pool First choice for Sports Bars, Bowls and FECs

Quicker games, higher revenue Stylish modern design, robust construction Cabinet & cloth combinations for every environment Variable price of play options Proven AccuVend reliability

WWW SAMLEISURE CO UK s SALES SAMLEISURE CO UK 4 s&

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

2379-p10-15-Essential_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 16:47 Page 6

16

B 2 B

Essential Guide to ...

Pool tables, cloth & accessories

Products

Analysis

MSB SUPERLEAGUE

New kid on the block The creation of a new steel block table is the latest step in the progress of MBS Superleague as it continues to meet the demands of dedicated pool players. The company explains all to Essential Guide.

In April 2013, David Fisher retired from the pool and snooker side of the industry, as a former director of Master Billiard Supplies and Hazelgrove Superleague, Eric Lewis took over the running of the company.

A new company, MBS Superleague was formed to amalgamate the two companies, streamline the business and operate from a single site in Telford, Shropshire. The distribution side of the business had become rundown, as David had been unwell for some time and it had taken its toll, but the company has gradually been addressing the problem with the reintroduction of many existing and new lines. MBS Superleague has also restarted production of the Imperial,Winchester and Magnum Superleague tables in mechanical and electronic formats.

Among the newest and most exciting developments at the company is the introduction of a steel block pool table to meet the exacting demands of the pool leagues, who consistently complain of poor cushion response in most brands of table.

The table is still in the development stage, but only has the cosmetics left to complete.The company will be marketing this table in conjunction with Mike Yates of Kingswood Leisure and the first tables will are expected to be in use in a Marston’s pool tournament at the ‘Hollywell’ in Ilkley during September.

There are several advantages to a steel block table: 1) Initial tests show an increase of approximately 20 percent in rebound using West of England napped cloth and one would expect that to increase with the use of speed cloth.The percentage rebound is the same for Aramith or polyester balls, although the phenolic ball travels further as a result of its greater weight.

2) Cushions sit flat on the slate, as can be seen in the accompanying image, and run absolutely true to the edge of the slate.

3) Cloth is actually clamped to the table, which eliminates cloth movement and makes it remarkably easy to fit.

4) Balls striking the cushion make a uniform solid sound all around the table, thus alleviating the problem of the unclamped hinged side of the top frame.

5) Slates are fitted in a fixed position within the table body, so alignment can be perfect and the steel sub frame helps to keep the slate level.

6) The steel block cushions can be fitted after the slate is in position so there is little extra weight to contend with when installing the body of the table.

MBS Superleague reports that initial comments from interested parties have been extremely encouraging, with most many simply saying,“this is so good, why have you never done it before?”

“

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

2 1 3 4 6 5 7 8 10 9

Fiddle a Fortune REF DOND Winfall BFG Best of British REF DOND Lucky Streak BFG Worminator QPS DOND Powerplay BFG DOND Time to Play BFG DOND The Big One BFG DOND Crazy Chair Gold BFG Mega Rich BFG

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

Slotto 500 Astra King of Slots Blueprint Triple 8 Barcrest Mega Bars Big Hit Project Coin Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatic Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest Lady Luck Reflex TS22 Project Triple 7 Barcrest Rumple Wild Spins Astra

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

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.) FEC - family

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

3 4 5 9 8 7 -

Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic Magic Games 3 (s/d) Novomatic Encore T7 (GP1) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming Bullion Bars Arena Astra Bullion Bars Streak Astra X3000 Multigame Amatic Mega Jackpots Project

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra Party Time Classic (3 Player) Astra Party Games (4 Player) Astra Golden Games (3 Player) Mazooma Adders And Ladders (4 Player) Vivid Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire Goldrush Stampede (4 Player) Mazooma Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra DOND (4 Player) Bellfruit

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max) FEC - adult

Members clubs

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

Magic Games U/R Novomatic Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest Magic Games S/D Novomatic Pure Gold Project Free Play 70 Project Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Win Wall Celebrity Astra Bar X Diamonds 7 Electrocoin Win Wall Celebrity Astra Party Time Player Astra

Taken from a representative number of sites around the UK Supplied by Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

1 3 4 5 2 8 7 9 6 -

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Alice Queen of Hearts Reflex Jackpot 100 Barcrest DOND Live BFG Street Casino 2014 Storm Flamin’ 400 Reflex

Based on data from representative sites.

Supplied by sector professional

2379-p10-15-Essential_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 16:48 Page 7

Sponsored by

17

MARKETPLACE

B2B Amusements

B2B Change Machines

JNC SALES

NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

“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

FILMCHARTS UK Box Office Chart

gspencer@namco.co.uk

This Last Week Week Name

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

http://www.sound net.net/ www.soundnet.net

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 1 3 7 4 6

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes How to Train Your Dragon 2 Transformers: Age of Extinction Monty Python Live (Mostly) Andre Rieu's 2014 Maastricht Concert Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie Pudsey the Dog: The Movie Boyhood The Fault in Our Stars 22 Jump Street

www.namco.co.uk

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

MUSICCHARTS

Email: Stuart@starleisure.biz

UK Jukebox Chart

B2B Arcade Crane Services

Immediate Funds Available 98% Acceptance Rate

Tel: 0844 800 88 25 info@portmanassetfinance.co.uk www.portmanassetfinance.co.uk

Highest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxes This Last Week Week

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 1 3 5 4 7 6 8 10

B2B Football Tables Waves (Robin Schulz Remix) Mr Probz Ghost Ella Henderson BudapestGeorge Ezra Hideaway Kiesza Sing Ed Sheeran Stay With Me Sam Smith Summer Calvin Harris It's My Birthday Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise Happy Pharrell Williams Wigglle Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg

Based on data supplied by Soundnet

THE HIGHEST EARNING POOL, AIR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL TABLES

www.thewon.co.uk

B2B Carpets & Flooring

Albums 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 3 4 5 8 6 9 10 16

T 024 7646 1234 F 024 7646 4433

SALES@SAMLEISURE.CO.UK sales@samleisure.co.uk WWW.SAMLEISURE.CO.UK www.samleisure.co.uk

B2B Gaming Machines

This Last Week Week

LA ROUX: TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Amusement and Gaming Equipment Finance with Rates from 3.1%

X Ed Sheeran Blue Smoke - The Best Of Dolly Parton In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith Wanted on Voyage George Ezra Ghost Stories Coldplay Trouble In Paradise La Roux Caustic Love Paolo Nuitini 5 Seconds of Summer 5 Seconds of Summer Halcyon Ellie Goulding A Perfect Contradiction Paloma Faith

Downloads

www.antrimcarpets.com

info@antrimcarpets.com

B2B Cash Handling

This Last Week Week

CHERYL COLE FT TINIE TEMPAH: CRAZY STUPID LOVE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5 1 6 4 3 7 -

Crazy Stupid Love Cheryl Cole ft Tinie Tempah Rude Magic Boom Clap Charli XCX Ghost Elle Henderson Me And My Broken Heart Rixton Budapest George Ezra Problem Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea It’s My Birthday Will I Am ft Cody Wise Right Here Jess Glynne Always Mk ft Alana

COIN AND BANK NOTE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 360Cash is an independent maintenance service provider on a wide range of cash handling equipment. We have fully trained engineers located throughout the UK who can provide service on a call-out basis. Alternatively our central repairs centre can offer a ‘back to bench’ repair service on a range of manufacturer’s cash handling equipment.

PROCOIN CURRENCY TECH

Tel: 01270 211565

SCAN COIN DE LA RUE

GLORY MAGNER

We also supply cash handling equipment

Email: admin@360cash.co.uk www.360cash.co.uk

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

B 2 B

2379-p18-19-Listings_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:38 Page 1

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MARKETPLACE

B2B Gaming Machines

B2B Gaming Machines

Listings MERCHANDISE SHAUN IS NUMBER ONE haun the Sheep has been voted the best ever BBC kids’ character in a poll Sby the Radio Times magazine. The spinoff character from Aardman Animations’ famous Wallace and Gromit series triumphed over the likes of Postman Pat and Bob the Builder in a contest that collated over 41,000 votes.

The results of the poll are no surprise to us,” said James Anderson, general man-

Ultra machine. The game, which is housed in Novomatic’s FV623 cabinet, is a B3 title that with stake options of 25p/50p/£1/£2 that can pay out the full £500 jackpot.

The Magic Lotto Ultra has been available since late 2013. Its new kits can be purchased via Astra’s regular supplier partners, Crown Direct, Deith Leisure and RLMS Sales.

BUSINESS OPP BIRMINGHAM AGC ON OFFER

B2B Juke Box Specialists

kim@arionmusic.co.uk

perators looking to setup in the Birmingham area can act quickly to hoover O up a leasehold adult gaming centre in a

ager for Namco Amusement Europe, the exclusive distributer of Shaun the Sheep plush characters for the amusement industry. “Our latest range of characters are flying off the shelves and we expect demand to soar with the increased marketing in the run up to next year’s movie.”

SECURITY

prominent position in the south of the city.

The location is two miles from the city centre and has the capability to hold four B3 machines, 17 Cat C and 10 Cat D products. The new lease will last until 2027, with 900 square feet of gaming floor, plus offices and toilets, up for grabs.

AFFORDABLE SAFETY ricklewood Electronics has a range of professional grade CCTV products C on offer, with reductions on a selection of

SOUNDNET THE DIGITAL JUKEBOX SPECIALISTS

CALL TOBY: 07970 229124 CALL JAMES: 07836 233176 FOR ALL YOUR JUKE NEEDS & QUERIES www.soundnet.net

B2B Kiddie Rides

...our business is child’s play!

Family FUN...

For Everyone! www.worldofrides.com

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

products across the company’s catalogue. Many of these digital camera setups come bundled with a hard drive system for recording footage and the hardware to rapidly swift between perspectives via DVR. All of the Cricklewood systems include the ability to view live feeds over the internet from any location, including via mobile devices. The company has also thrown in free aftersales support for any technical or fault issues that may arise.

SWP EGYPTIAN TREASURE he dynamic skill game, Return to Pharaohs Gold, Tis now available from well

known suppliers, RLMS. This skill with prize title pays out a top award of £50, requiring players to use a built-in crossbow to hit spinning and sliding icons that emerge from the tomb of a long dead pharaoh. After collecting cash and bonus games, players will take up their bow one more time to hit a final target which will unlock their winnings.

ONLINE MACHINE KITS ASTRA HAS SOME NEW TRICKS has announced that new kits are available for its successful Magic Lotto Astra

SMART CHOICES LEAD TO SUCCESS and land-based gaming outfit, the Smart Gaming Group, is reporting Ia nternet sharp increase in its online gross revenue. Figures are up 35 percent when

2379-p18-19-Listings_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:39 Page 2

19

MARKETPLACE

B2B Machines

BINGO

B2B Skill Ball Deluxe

POOL

POOL IS BOOMING Gala FOR AMS breaks â&#x20AC;&#x153; bingo balls world record

Speaking from our own perspective, the pool sector is very healthy and has a history of being the most stable part of our business,â&#x20AC;? said Jason Jarrett of Automatic Machine Services.

Not only does he think the pool industry is performing well, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success has a knock on effect for the rest of a venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those customers who have teams in local leagues also have the added luxury of regular busy nights, which generate income in other areas of their business, such as wet sales, food and maybe even extra income to other equipment.â&#x20AC;?

www.segaarcade.com

sales@segaarcade.com

B2B Marketing

B2B Soft Toys & Redemption

Get great PR from the industry experts

S&J communications

For a quote call Chris Jones +44 (0)1273 699900 ! # """ !

gaming | betting | gambling

B2B Monitor Repairs B2B Spares

ala Bingo has set the world record for the biggest bingo balls ever used with a special one-off game played on the set of the Coronation Street tour.

As well as achieving the Guinness World Record, the event also saw past stars of the long-running soap opera join in to help raise money for the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign.

With This Morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alison Hammond calling each of the 90 custom-made balls, in total around ÂŁ10,000 was raised for the charity.

Alison Digges GalaBingo.com Director, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to do something special for the launch of Corrie Bouncy Balls, something involving balls. And a Guinness World Record title attempt seemed like a good way to get everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we organised a bingo game on Coronation Street, invited some ex-cast members and have raised money for charity, all at the same time. We are delighted with the result.â&#x20AC;?

G

BINGO

*The only Official Cromptons Machines Spares supplier*

BINGO TAKES TO THE LINKS

www.cromptons-spares.co.uk For Spares, Refurbishments, Repairs and Special Offers call Matt or Terri on 01843 593335

T

he Bingo Association has announced plans for a Golf Day and associated dinner on 24 September, 2014 in Redditch, Worcestershire. This forms part of the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new charity partnership with Variety, the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity. Existing Bingo Association members will be given the option to book four places at half price at what it hopes will be a fun day out and a fantastic networking opportunity.

For FREE technical support call Steve or Hugh on: 01843 593353 Email: spares@cromptons.com Fax: 01843 588043

B2B Novelty

www.zoltaruk.com

B2B Pool Tables & Accessories

APPOINTMENT SYX BRINGS IN NEW BLOOD compared to the same period last year, buoyed by strategies implemented by CEO Rob Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new management team.

The company saw particular success in its Smart Live Gaming brand, which streams live casino games over the internet to players, who can interact with proceedings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made a strong start in 2014 by focusing on only B2C,â&#x20AC;? said Clark, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will maintain this growth by focusing on product development and increasing marketing on our brand.â&#x20AC;?

new member of staff has been appointed to the UK team for Syx A Automations. The company, which creates management systems for the leisure industry, has hired Jonathan Taylor as sales manager.

Headquartered in Ypres, Belgium, Syx also has a presence in the Nijkerk, Netherlands and London.

Taylor moves on from his previous role as sales manager at Gladstone MRM.

FOR ALL YOUR SPARES LAI GAME

Distributor of snooker and pool accessories and manufacturers of genuine Superleague tables and spares.

s 07442 491384 eric_lewis_mbs@btconnect.com

CALL NOW 01843 866464

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

Next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feature is After Sales/Service To advertise, please call Kathryn on 01204 396397 Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

B 2 B

20

B 2 B

Classified

20 21 21

Crown Direct JNC Sales Wexel Gaming

To advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397

Business Opportunities

Wanted

Leasehold Adult Gaming Centre situated in a prominent position in a busy south Birmingham district, 2 miles from the city centre.

USED POOL TABLES

4-B3 / 17-Cat C / 10-Cat D.

WANTED FOR EXPORT

Approx 900 sq ft (gaming) plus ofďŹ ces and toilets.

Rent ÂŁ15,525. To suit owner/operator.

Enquiries: Box Number 266, Coinslot International Magazine Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY

For Sale

New & Used Machine Prices Video

SWEET FALLS COIN/TKT ÂŁ18,495 MERRY GO ROUND COIN/TKT ÂŁ16,995 BIG PRIZE WINNER ÂŁ4,995 R/R SHOOT TO WIN 2PLY ÂŁ3,995 SALSA ÂŁ2,495

10P ÂŁ5 MULTI-PLAYERS PARTY TIME CLASSIC 3 PLY BULLION BARS CLASSIC CRAIC IN FUN 3 PLY BANK RAID 3 PLY RAINBOW KING 3 PLY DEAL OR NO DEAL 3 PLY

ÂŁ8,495 ÂŁ8,495 ÂŁ5,995 ÂŁ4,750 ÂŁ3,995 ÂŁ3,495

Cat B3 ÂŁ2 Stake T8 PERFORMER 22 KING OF SLOTS VISION REVOLVER MEGA 7 / D&J / MEGA BARS SLOTTO 500 CASINO KING SLANT HOT HOT 500 MEGA GAMES SLANT LADY LUCK JACKPOT KING RAINBOW KING GAMBLE KING

ÂŁ7,995 ÂŁ7,995 ÂŁ6,995 ÂŁ5,995 ÂŁ4,495 ÂŁ3,995 ÂŁ2,995 ÂŁ2,495 ÂŁ1,995 ÂŁ1,295 ÂŁ995 ÂŁ995 ÂŁ995

LARGE OR SMALL

TABLES TO PURCHASE FOR EXPORT ONLY

Lease until 2027.

Pushers

TRANSFORMERS THEATRE ÂŁ11,995 SUPER ALPINE RACER TWIN ÂŁ11,995 DEAD STORM PIRATES ÂŁ7,995 SUPER ALPINE RACER SGL ÂŁ6,495 RAZING STORM ÂŁ3,995 TERMINATOR SALVATION ÂŁ3,495

Redemption WIZARD OF OZ 2 PLY TICKET MONSTER HARPOON LAGOON CONNECT 4 MINI GOAL LINE RUSH SINK IT SINGLE DEAL OR NO DEAL DOODLE JUMP

ÂŁ13,495 ÂŁ8,995 ÂŁ7,995 ÂŁ6,995 ÂŁ6,495 ÂŁ6,195 ÂŁ3,495 ÂŁ2,995

THIS WEEK STAR BUY HI-ROLLER A SERVE B3 ONLY

ÂŁ2,995 +VA T

All prices subject to VAT and Carriage

Telephone: (00353) 719644043 or 00353 872543778 Email: info@lyric.ie

For Sale

FOR SALE

10p ÂŁ5 BARCREST $SBJD O 'VOĹŚ Ĺ­ 1MZS 0OMZ NPOUIT PME c WBU

MAD WAVE MOTION THEATRE 3 1"/ ".64&.&/54 (6/ 4)005&

5FMFQIPOF 07774 191 191

FOR SALE OUTRUN 2 TWIN WAS ÂŁ3,395

1 WEEK ONLY ÂŁ2,750

**FULLY WORK SHOPPED**

01179382552

FOR SALE

FORD RACING TWIN WAS ÂŁ2,495

1 WEEK ONLY ÂŁ2,100

**FULLY WORK SHOPPED**

01179382552

FOR SALE

MARIO KART GP1 TWIN WAS ÂŁ4,495

gaming...and so much more!

VDOHV#FURZQGLUHFW FR XN

VDOHV#GHLWKOHLVXUH FRP O #G LWKO L

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

For Sale

1 WEEK ONLY ÂŁ4,000

**FULLY WORK SHOPPED**

01179382552

PINBALL HEAVEN LTD

PARTS/REPAIRS/ACCESORIES & SERVICE MACHINES BOUGHT & SOLD LARGE STOCK OF PINBALL PARTS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

TEL 01772 816677 EMAIL SALES@PINBALL.CO.UK

UNIT 1, CCT BUILDINGS, GREENSPLOTT ROAD, CHITTENING TRADING ESTATE, AVONMOUTH, BRISTOL. BS11 0YB 777 *.# 3!,%3 #/ 5+ s 3!,%3 *.# 3!,%3 #/ 5+

TEL: 0117 9382552 AFTERSALES TEL: 0117 9382225

R E E Y L M Z A M A S R U C S LIGHTHOUSE

GUITAR HERO

£500

£2,000

Y R 1 WEEK ONL O F ID L A V S E PRIC BATTLEGEAR 4 TWIN

BATTLEGEAR 3 TWIN

£3,100

£1,750

DEAD HEAT 32” LCD

TEMPLE RUN

FORD RACING TWIN

LETS GO JUNGLE 50” PLASMA

£2,000

£3,495

ICE AGE

£4,500

GHOST SQUAD DLX WITH 42” LCD

£1,750

MAXIMUM TUNED TWIN

MAGIC SAFE

£1,550

£700 WONDERWHEEL

£1,200

SPEED DEMON 2PLY (+JACKPOT)

WHEEL A WIN

£3,500

£2,100

BENCHMARK 1 DOOR TICKET STATION

£3,500

TIME CRISIS 4 DLX

NASCAR DLX TWIN LCD

£1,200 NBA HOOPS

£900

3 FOR £2,495

STACKER

£800

SEGA RALLY 2 TWIN

£2,100

TIME CRISIS 3 TWIN

£3,295

£3,295

SILENT HILL DLX

SPIDER STOMPIN

£600

£1,000

£1,100

£6,500

£3,700

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 3 DLX

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 4 MIDI

SLAM A WINNER

£2,500

FOR THESE PRICES ALL MACHINES ARE FULLY WORK SHOPPED

MANY MORE MACHINES AVAILABLE FOR SPEEDY DELIVERY

£1,500

GALILEO MK1 TICKET EATER

£2,700

REDEMPTION

BARGAINS

CYBER TICKETS 2PLY .... £1850 BIG RIG TRUCKING 2PLY .. £1300 CRAZY FROG WHACKER.. £1100 WACKY DUCKS ................£900 HAPPY FROG (USED) .......£850 CYCLONE.........................£700 LUCKY ZONE ...................£700 TIME BUSTER ..................£500

// 1 WEEK ONLY // 1 WEEK ONLY // 1 WEEK ONLY //

// 1 WEEK ONLY // 1 WEEK ONLY // 1 WEEK ONLY //

JNC SALES

CALL US ON

ALL MACHINES COME WITH 28 DAY WARRANTY AND FULL AFTERSALES SUPPORT IF REQUIRED

0117 938 2552

UPCOMING FEATURES AFTER SALES & SERVICE Issue 2380 - 8th August

BOWLING ALLEY & CINEPLEXES Issue 2381 - 15th August

GREAT BRITISH PUB Issue 2382 - 22nd August

BINGO Issue 2383 - 29th August

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

21

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2379-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:34 Page 1

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Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Comment Be careful what you wish for....

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ken scott comment OBTs got another PR pasting this week - and you can almost hear the bells ringing out for the anti-gambling lobby around the country.And in fairness,this one was a great angle - we learnt that a bookie - yes, a real life bookmaker of many decades standing - has jumped ship and sided with the antiFOBT campaign, telling his traumatic tale to the Sunday People.

What a coup, you’d think, for the anti-crack cocaine campaigners - a suicide, an attempted suicide, thousands of pounds lost (and won) on the machines - it is all too much to bear for the said bookie. Ban them immediately, he argues.

Except he personally hasn’t.

“They’re as bad as the worst kind of drug,” he tells the paper. But he continues to operate them, in fact three of them, according to the interview.

And all through the read, you can imagine the journalists and the anti-campaigners salavating at the prospect of another blow to the FOBT. I suppose it is a dent to the credibility and sustainability of the machines: but then it hardly reflects well on the anti-FOBT brigade who have opened themselves up to criticism for dancing around the graves of suicide victims and dragging despair and despondency out of the sanatorium and into the public arena just to score points in the FOBT debate.This is one story that just ticks too many boxes of the argument to be totally credible.

Convenient or not - it doesn’t really make any difference, the betting industry simply cannot win this round. In fact, it can’t win any round, even when the

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empirical and statistical arguments support its case - and god knows enough surveys have been conducted to find that smoking gun.

But it’s the PR nightmare of the FOBT that’s the real issue here - for all of us. Hate them, or really hate them,it doesn’t matter - for FOBTs read virtually any gaming machine.The mentality of the anti-brigade is not particularly selective.There’s no distinction in their mindset between B2 and B3: it’s gaming machines per se. It’s only a short step from FOBT to B3, Cat C, slots and on and on.

And here is the warning:if anybody in the broader industry thinks the campaign will just stop at FOBTs, it could be a dangerously naive perspective.

Be careful what you wish for.

As welcome as it is for most of the amusements and gaming sector, the bash the FOBT campaign has serious implications for everyone - it’s simply inconceivable that the anti-gambling brigade has a one genre agenda.

At the moment, they have a very easy and divided target to battle against:there’s that bookie who thinks FOBTs should be banned; there’s that arcade owner that thinks the machines should be removed; there’s that body that thinks FOBTs should either be banned or allowed in all adult only environments.

Even to those in the industry these arguments sound laden with hypocrisy - can you imagine what they’ll sound like when the nay sayers packages them up to an MP who cares little about facts and everything about image?

The industry is letting itself down.On the one hand,the coin-

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op sector cannot sustain its argument that FOBTs either get banned or granted permission to operate in AGCs. It’s simply not sustainable and it undermines any credibility to the industry.And the betting sector should add some brains to its ludicrously big balls: instead of fighting the PR offensive head on,win the hearts and minds and tackle the FOBT issue with pragmatism. There is a commercial solution to be found here - start using all that creativity we hear everyone screaming and shouting about and put it to long term positive use: curb the worst excesses of a machine that is undoubtedly unpopular (albeit unsubstantiated by evidence), apply a fair and palatable framework that will sustain its commercial success, take control of the situation and turn a problem into an opportunity. And make that an opportunity other sectors of the industry can share in as well.

At some stage, the industry has got to start working with each other effectively - before it turns around one day and finds that the industry has been eroded away by the lobby of the discontented.

Glasgow taps into the c joe ewens media watch ith the Commonwealth Games in full swing, W Leisure Opportunities are

reporting on a 158 percent spike in hotel prices during the course of the competition.

According to hotel comparison website Trivago.co.uk, the average price of a Glasgow hotel room for one night spiked to £344 for the duration of the Commonwealth Games (23 July to 4 August).

This is a 158 per cent increase on the previous week,

when one night was reported to cost an average of £133. In July 2013, one night in Glasgow cost an average of just £78.

The price hike is in contrast to the situation around the London 2012 Olympic Games, when the city’s huge hotel capacity, meant room rates only rose 17 per cent in the lead-up to the Games. The website’s research claims the most expensive night to book a room in Glasgow was Sunday 27 July, with guests facing the prospect of fork-

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Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

“If they weren’t there, it would give the impression we can’t afford to pay out winnings. For a ban to work, it has to be across the board.”

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BOOKMAKER MIKE SIMONS TALKING TO THE SUNDAY PEOPLE ON THE REASON WHY HE CANNOT REMOVE FOBTS FROM HIS SITE

Letter to BACTA Members from new CEO

Opening his dialogue with the members

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Dear Member I thought I would drop you a short note to say how delighted I am to be your new Chief Executive at BACTA. As many of you will know I have been away from the sector for around 15 years after a 12 year career at BACTA as number two to Alan, Warren and then Julian.

A lot has happened since then.

The amusement machine industry has seen quite momentous changes to the cultural and legislative framework in which members operate; a brand new Gaming Act; the rise and rise of internet gaming, and computing power that has developed to the point that I thought I would only ever read about in Science Fiction novels. This truly is the digital age.

These have all presented challenges and opportunities.

Personally, I have run two trade associations as Chief Executive since leaving BACTA. Firstly, the Federation of Bakers, which represented the sliced and wrapped bread industry. The challenge there was broadly a reputational one. That is

to say reminding customers and consumers that whatever they may think, the convenience and nutritional benefits of sliced bread meant that it truly was the best thing since…!

From there I moved on to run the Timber Trade Federation.

Again there was a reputational challenge (around illegal logging) which required a clear communications strategy and the development of a suite of business tools that would prove that illegal wood was not a significant problem for the UK. Addressing that meant we could then go on to develop the market, free from reputational risk. I also had to reform the organisation which had suffered previously from poor management.

In both cases the key metric of success was the success of members’ businesses.

And that lies at the heart of what I hope to do at BACTA. I will need your help to build a strategy for the sector that looks to its long-term sustainable health; one which positions it correctly in the eyes of

o the common wealth

customers, consumers, government and other stakeholders to enable us to bring forward initiatives and policy changes that will allow your business to thrive.

In the coming weeks and months I will be trying to meet and to speak to as many people as I can to hear your views on the industry and on BACTA. I would welcome any input. Please feel able to drop me an email at john.white@bacta.org.uk or give me a call either on the office number 0207 730 6444 or on my mobile 07875 687370.

These are challenging but exciting times for the sector. What I do know from my previous experience here is that this is a great industry with tremendously resourceful and talented individuals. You are backed by a strong team here in Victoria. Together I am sure we can develop the market for the products, services and fun we provide to our customers.

With my very best wishes.

”

Yours sincerely John White

Glasgow hotel prices spike massively due to the Commonwealth Games, while the US casino industry dips worryingly.

ing out an average of £448.

Hampden Park stadium made its Games debut hosting the first athletics events on that day, following a £14 million refurbishment.

Elsewhere, Bloomberg Businessweek has revealed a dim future for the US bricks-andmortar casino industry. They quote a credit-rating agency that paints a grim picture of much of the casino industry’s future, finding that “long-term, robust same-store growth in US bricks-and-mortar regional gaming is unlikely.”

Fitch Ratings, in a report released Monday, attributes its pessimism to saturation across

regional markets; stagnant wages among lower-tier players who spend less than $100 per casino visit; reprioritisation of disposable income; younger generations’ potentially lower propensity to gamble; proliferation of online/social gaming; and baby boomers’ lowered preparedness for retirement.

The Fitch report comes three weeks after Moody’s Investors Service downgraded its outlook on the U.S. gaming industry from “stable” to “negative.”

Moody’s cited recent declines in gaming revenue. While its report focuses on all U.S. casino-based gaming, with the exception of the Las Vegas

Strip, Fitch says its analysis is applicable, for the most part, to tribal gaming, too. Fitch says it excludes the Las Vegas Strip because that market’s operating performance is largely driven by nongaming amenities while its gaming revenues are driven by foreign players.

“The US regional gaming supply has largely met demand, with most states now having some form of casino-based gambling,” the Fitch report says. However, it adds, some “pockets of opportunity” exist, one of them being the “Bostonarea license that could have attractive return on investment prospects.”

Moving things forward The Bingo Association are intent on making capital on the new tax rules for the sector. CEO Miles Baron set out the organisation’s agenda at their recent AGM.

miles baron politics ompliance and regulation take centre stage for all C gambling companies in 2014 and Bingo is no different.The challenge for a trade association like the Bingo Association is when is it right to join forces with the rest of the gambling sector, and when is it best to focus on your own specific interests?The Bingo Association has recently joined a coalition of the five major trade associations called the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG).The idea behind this coalition of associations is to determine which areas and initiatives the sector can reasonably deliver on collectively with regard to Harm Prevention and Social Responsibility.The IGRG are about to publish their ‘stock take’ of all current activities underway by sector,highlighting areas where they believe the gambling industry can move forward together and speak with a single voice.This will cover things like AML, intervention training for staff, messaging, socially responsible advertising etc. In many ways this is not about doing anything new, it’s about doing it better.There is no doubt that the increased focus on LCCP is bringing the industry trade associations closer together which is a good thing.

Outside specific harm prevention and social responsibility initiatives,issues like the new £1 coin and plastic notes; security,including the sharing of instances of criminal activity, and dispute resolution procedures are all areas where closer co-operation across trade associations makes

sense and is beginning to happen.

But it’s not that easy. The gambling industry is a broad church. Associations can’t always agree and individual members within associations don’t always agree.The Bingo Association is likely to focus on a comprehensive and mandatory annual age verification test, a standard bingo industry self-exclusion scheme, compulsory contributions to research,education and treatment, and a commitment to AML protocols including TITO/ATR machines.

These areas are likely to be enshrined in the first ever Bingo Industry Code of Conduct. As always the devil will be in the detail and some of that is still to be worked out, however with Licensed Bingo Industry members’ support this could be live by January 2015.

Of particular interest to the Bingo Association is any discussion on bingo in premises not normally associated with the playing of bingo (a non traditional environment). The Bingo Association has over 171 members from the ‘Bingo Extra sector’ i.e. outside traditional retail premises.‘Bingo Extra’ premises make up 50% of all licensed bingo venues in Great Britain and are drawn from ex-snooker clubs,Working Men’s Clubs,holiday parks, and former AGCs.These members are an important and established part of the bingo industry and the association will be watching closely to see where this goes although it is not anticipating any issues at this particular time.

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Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Newsweek EAS TO OFFER EXTENSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME he Euro Attractions Show (EAS), taking place on September 23-25, will boast the largest exhibition floor in the history of the event and an extensive educational programme.

Prominent speakers from the sector will share their vast knowledge about current issues, trends, and advances affecting the attractions industry. In total, attendees can take advantage of more than 20 hours of workshops and presentations at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre and behind-thescenes tours at a number of local Dutch attractions. In

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ENADA aims to open gateway to Italy affaele Curcio, chairman of Italian amusement and gaming trade association SAPAR, has urged that participation in ENADA Rome 2014 is a must for anyone who wants to get a firm grip on developments in the country’s market.

In the latest edition of Automat, the industry magazine published by SAPAR, Curcio discussed how the association is continuing to monitor the progress of the country’sTax Bill, cerning the bill are taken into con- commitment to safeguarding the interests of its members and solving as well as cultivating the relevant sideration.

The effort underlines SAPAR’s any of the day-to-day problems they contacts to ensure its requests con-

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addition to the more than 400 businesses displaying their products and services on the exhibition floor, EAS 2014 offers three-days of education seminars. Managers from renowned amusement parks and other major public venues will discuss a variety of current topics that will con-

tribute to the further development of the sector. The education programme will begin on September 21 with an IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers and continue in the days leading up to the exhibition hall opening with a showcase of the latest technologies and products.

UK PINBALL OPEN REGISTRATION OPENS egistration for the UK Pinball Open and the Team Tournament, the UK’s premier WPPR-ranking tournament, is now open. To register, and for more details, entrants should go to

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face, he wrote.

Curcio commented:“The legislative obstacles and uncertainties that our sector all too frequently face are due to on-going regulations that hinder and slow down our companies.”

Bearing this in mind, the next edition of ENADA Rome will present a key opportunity to thoroughly examine the various problems, network and discuss what can still be done.

The expo will run from October 15-17 at its regular venue, the Fiera di Roma in Rome.

www.ukpinballparty.com/t ournament/, where they can secure their places with a secure payment through PayPal. Pre-registrations are always over-subscribed, so the event’s organisers recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Calendar AUGUST 2014 12-14 Australasian Gaming Expo Sydney Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia www.austgamingexpo.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 2-4 Entertainment Arena Expo, Romexpo Fair Ground, Bucharest, Romania www.earena.ro 2-4 Playfair at SALTEX 2014 Royal Windsor Racecourse, Windsor, UK www.playfairuk.com

23-25 Euro Attractions Show, RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands www.iaapa.org/eas 30-2 LIW 2014 NEC, Birmingham, UK www.liw.co.uk

OCTOBER 7-9 Brand Licensing Europe Olympia, London, UK www.brandlicensing.eu

15-16 The Autumn Coin Op Show Chelsea Football Club, London, UK www.coin-opshow.co.uk 15-16 Kiosk London Expo & Digital Signage London Expo Barbican Centre, London, UK www.kiosklondon.co.uk / www.digitalsignagelondon.co.uk

15-17 ENADA Rome Rome Expo Centre, Rome, Italy www.enada.it 16-17 Surexpo Expo XXI Centre, Warsaw, Poland www.wigortargi.com

30-2 G2E 2014 Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Las Vegas, US www.globalgamingexpo.com

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