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October 31 – November 6, 2014 • No. 2392 • www.coinslot.co.uk
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Now, consumed by the fear of losing their seats and their prospects for government, perhaps, the main political figures will talk seriously about the future of our industry. About protecting our jobs - not from immigrants, but from terrible legislation....
Cooke basks in Autumn’s aft
Organiser Karen Cooke speaks to Coinslot about her impressions from the first ever Autumn Coinop Show and plans for next year’s repeat performance.
Coinslot: What feedback did you get from exhibitors and attendees during the show? Karen Cooke: ACOS was launched because many in the industry felt that a period of 12 months between the January shows was too lengthy. The show’s objective is to provide an interim event for networking, discussing ideas and showing new product. In the light of these objectives, feedback we’ve received so far from both exhibitors and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Over the coming weeks, exhibitors will have a clearer picture of how beneficial ACOS has been, though several have already told us that they’ve written new business at the show. CS: Did the show run smoothly from your perspective? KC: Everyone seemed to appreciate the convenience of having everything on-site. I think the environment suits the meet. As it’s ground floor it’s easy access for the exhibitors and build up
NSM test Icon BGM at p JUKEBOXES
After a solid showing at two major trade shows, NSM Music’s four leading UK pub chains, with ambitions geared towards exte SM Music now has testN ing of its Icon background music system (BGM) currently underway in four major UK pub groups, with hopes to expand the new product’s application to a variety of retail sectors. It’s been a busy week for the Leeds-based digital jukebox specialists, who have now successfully profiled BGM at both the Autumn Coin-Op Show in Chelsea, and closer to home to an entirely different audience: showcasing at the Professional Beauty Show North at the GMex convention centre in extremely fruitful: Manchester. resulting in us gaining new “Both shows proved to be orders, new customers and new
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INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY
BACTA show new purpose
Will Scotland have its own Gambling Commission?
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22 October 31 - November 6, 2014 • No. 2392 • www.coinslot.co.uk
mn’s afterglow and breakdown is easy, and many specifically mentioned the helpfulness and friendliness of the Chelsea staff. For the visitor, transport links make Chelsea easy-access, and also I think the Chelsea atmosphere adds a great deal - its not just an area with an exhibition hall. CS: Have the two days of the Autumn Coin-op Show given you a more positive outlook on the future of industry? KC:Our industry still faces many difficult issues but I never fail to be impressed by its resourcefulness and willingness to invest in new product development. For me, the sheer quantity of outstanding new products on display at ACOS is proof of our industry’s determination to embrace the future.
venue for next year and have already received exhibitor bookings. The decision to run the show again was taken at the show itself, the exhibitors wanted it, and so did the visitors - it was so successful. We agreed with exhibitors that we’d wait until the show to decide amongst us all whether we’d continue with the dates and the venue.
CS: Are you planning anything new for 2015? KC:We’ll always look for something different at a show. We don’t like to do year in year out exactly the same. The actual concept of the event will remain the same: a small, networking-oriented environment to allow exhibitors to show their products and meet clients; that’ll always remain our priorCS: Do you plan for ACOS to ity. However, we’re always lookreturn? ing and planning and talking to KC: Yes, it’s our intention that exhibitors and visitors, to see ACOS will become a permanent what else we can do to improve annual fixture and we’re the event and bring new ideas pleased to have secured the to it.
M at premier pub chains
NSM Music’s Icon background music system is under trial across d towards extending to wider high-street success. trials,” remarked sales manager Alex Kirby. “We’ve already booked at both shows again for next year.” Shipping with a music portfolio of 1,750 tracks, and with online access to the company’s extensive library of over 120,000 songs, BGM uses an 8 or 10 inch tablet for its means of playlist selection and customisation. With a public release this summer, BGM is now in place in over three hundred separate venues throughout the UK, garnering an enthusiastic response and a growing following.“Feedback has been extremely positive,” stated Kirby,“people think it’s incredibly user-friendly, and its scheduling options are proving a great success.”BGM permits
users to cue-up selected tracks and music genres for specific play-times: allowing them to tailor the mood and ambience of their venue as the hours of business go on. Pending successful completion of its current stage of client testing, NSM holds lofty ambitions for the BGM’s future application: “We’re hoping to cover every major pub group,” says Kirby.“But its potential application extends to any and all highstreet outlets: shops, restaurants, beauty parlours, hair-dressers, gymnasiums: wherever the public go, you can get that unit.” Hyperbole it is not: BGM is already in place at a 24-hour gym with hopes of upcoming franchisation.
Harding heralds new phase in battle for parity B2 MACHINES
AGCs continue to battle against what Praesepe CEO Nick Harding calls “legal absurdity” in the hunt for fairness in Category B. wo of high street gaming’s best known AGC brands, Nobles and Cashino have confirmed to Coinslot their deep concern at what they claim is a haemorrhaging of slot players to licensed betting offices which are able,by law,to offer a much higher machine stake. With Cashino parent company Praesepe on course to open its first ‘Hand-i-Bet’ betting shop using Gauselmann touch screen technology in Watford in December, CEO Nick Harding said:“We are operating socially responsible, safe, adult gaming, but being crucified on the altar of hypocrisy by what is a legal absurdity. “This is a commercial enterprise and we need to respond commercially in order to safeguard the jobs of the 1,600 people we employ the length and breadth of the country. If the government is happy at £50 a spin then so should we.We are now looking at either creating a separate business that will be juxtaposed with an AGC or a bingo club or we may well consider straight conversions to existing properties.The alternative is to simply wave farewell to the exodus of players migrating on a daily basis to the nearest bookies!” Harding’s sense of injustice was echoed by Astra Gaming Group CEO Zane Mersich who told Coinslot: “The sole difference between a B2 machine and a B3,or even a B1 casino slot,is simply the vastly higher amount that a player is allowed to stake on B2.AGCs are at a disadvantage in the market as they have no entitlement to the B2 product category and, therefore, are not able to provide players wishing to stake higher the option
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to do so within a licensed, adult environment.As a consequence, those players have only one choice on the high street and that is to play in an LBO. “The inequity of the situation becomes even more apparent when you consider that casinos, which arguably operate within the most tightly regulated of gaming environments, find themselves restricted to offering a maximum stake of just £5 on machine play. “In order for AGCs to compete more fairly and effectively, there needs to be a levelling of the playing field via parity of stake. We need the opportunity to be able to offer our customers a comparable product to B2, which at this point we are not able to do. Currently, we can see no rationale as to why a balance cannot be struck on machine stakes - a balance that
will enableAGC operators to trade without the wholly unnecessary risk of further negative impact on their business.” Nick Harding, a former BACTA National President, believes the industry must engage robustly with the Gambling Commission and stress the urgency of the situation facing the UK’s 1,200+ AGCs.He said:“AGCs are an important part of the high street and fulfil an important role in communities throughout the country. However,we cannot carry on and watch our best customers leave one adult gaming environment to play games that are only available in another adult gaming environment which, in some cases, are located literally on the other side of the road.The Commission must be made to realise that it makes no sense whatsoever and that it’s hugely damaging.”
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Coinslot October 31 - November 6, 2014
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BACTA reveals a new direction full of purpose
Technical objectives unveiled ACTA’s Technical Committee conB vened recently to
TRADE ASSOCIATION
BACTA is shaping up for an interesting year ahead. A renewed focus on politics, public relations and social responsibility will form the backbone of a campaign for a trade body determined to show its spine.
ACTA will enter the tail-end of 2014 with a new focus and purpose, following its latest National Council meeting. The first for new CEO John White, the assembly gave the association chief a chance to present his vision for the body moving forward and to get approval from BACTA’s governing body. “Last week was arguably the most important since I started with BACTA at the end of July,” said White, “dominated as it was by National Council signing off on a number of issues that will set our work programme for the coming months and years.” Many of those upcoming months will be dominated by preparations for next year’s general election.The topic was at the core of White’s strategic proposition, which agreed that the association’s tradition of a robust political approach needed to be bolstered in the run up to the vote. BACTA intends,“not necessarily to campaign on a single issue, but to educate and inform MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates about our industry so that any arguments we do make now or in the coming years are understood correctly,” said White. The new CEO called on BACTA’s members across the country to engage with their local political figures in support of this strategy, promising that, centrally, a strong PR campaign would stand behind
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their efforts.To that end, the White has committed to the creation of a new position within the organisation.“The National Council agreed to the appointment of a head of communications at BACTA to cover both public affairs and public relations aspects of our work,” said White,“and I will now crack on to find a suitable candidate for that role.” Social responsibility was the second major theme to emerge from the National Council’s 2014 gathering. In an effort to, “build confidence in all the excellent work the industry does around social responsibility,” BACTA will create a new Compliance Committee. This group will oversee “all aspects of our compliance work as well as development of our social responsibility approach on such matters as age-verification testing and self-exclusion scheme,” said White. The BACTA membership at large will gain a deeper insight into these developments, as well as the finer points of the group’s new strategic direction, when they meet for the BACTA Convention on 27 November at London’s QEII Conference Centre. In line with the renewed focus on politics, members are being encouraged to bring their local MPs as guests.“I will be asking you to bring along guests, principally your MP,” said White,“to hear how the industry is developing and its plans for the future.”
ANALYSIS So, BACTA is going for it.The trade body’s National Council has showed its teeth and signalled time for change. The action list, in fairness, may not read like a radical’s pamphlet, but then again, it’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it. There are strong suggestions that it’s seeing the way to do things more clearly now than it has for some time. That’s not necessarily a dig at the way the body has previously operated - but it takes strength in character to adjust to the new environment and change direction. And if we were delving out criticism, then too much spite and misery prevailed in BACTA’s output over recent years. The message, whilst clearly valid, wasn’t just lost but resented. National Council seems to have addressed this and taken a more measured perspective, and that augurs well for the current climate. It is absolutely imperative that BACTA drives the industry message home. We are not a toxic industry: we are employers, we are family run businesses, we are national and multi-national groups, we are local people playing a key role in the local community. In fact, gaming and amusements are no different to any other industry playing their part in the economic and social fabric of UK plc. This finally seems to be permeating into the language of the trade association. BACTA, and the industry it represents, has a story that needs to be told. The signs are that it is going to tell them in a compelling way, and at a crucial time. Now, it’s down to the members and the AGM next month to say yes.
Rentals on song for Soundnet JUKEBOX
There was a strong positive reaction to Soundnet’s jukebox rental deal at ACOS, with 210 new machines shifted during the show.
oundnet continued its strong year for preSorders, with 210 jukeboxes on its competitive rental deal signed at the Autumn Coin-op Show. VHub, manufactured by Sound Leisure, is now among the most popular jukeboxes in the UK, following a number of high profile orders placed since the start of the year, when the Gen 2 software was first unveiled at the EAG and ICE
shows. “We took more significant orders at ACOS from operators keen to take advantage of the rental deal and take delivery before Christmas,”says Soundnet’s Toby Hoyte. “Our rental offer makes even the top of the range 32 inch full touch screen version of the VHub an affordable option for anyone operating machines in the UK.” A brand new VHub, com-
plete with music package, can be rented for a period of three years, after which a small on-off payment is enough to acquire full ownership of the machine. “Operators are finding the figures add up very nicely they can start to make money from day one of installation with no large upfront costs,” adds Toby. “This is a great way of keeping sites happy or winning new business.”
Hoyte went on to say: “We have been taking orders all year but in recent weeks we have seen an increase in rental orders from customers ranging from the larger national businesses such as Select Gaming and Fair City Amusements to smaller newer business such as Leisureplay,Amusement Leisure and Phoenix Leisure.”
explore a variety of issues set to affect the coin-op industry in the coming months. Under the aegis of Project’s Tony Boulton, the committee - which included BACTA CEO John White - identified the work required to implement the group’s new Dataport standards. The discussion touched on AMEDIS, a redesigned £1 coin and new polymer notes set to be introduced during 2016. “It is good to get all of these located within one group and make sure we have synergy,” said BACTA. “We will also be looking at how the new TiTo standard fits in and generally trying to ensure industry standardisation across these non-competitive areas of operation.” The Committee’s members also took the time to discuss the nature and entertainment value of games. “I expect that this will crystallise into a programme of work that will help drive the industry forward.”
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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK TOURISM Wales, it seems, gets a rough deal when it comes to tourism. So much so that this has to change. But how? 11
Face recognition finds success at Cashino trials TECHNOLOGY
Advanced face recognition technology widely in use at institutions around the world is to be used to keep high street gambling safe and socially conscious. When it comes to age verification, the latest face recog system trialled at Cashino could relieve the amusements sector of a major headache. ashino AGCs in London have been participating in a successful trial of the very latest age verification and self-exclusion technology system, which is being marketed in the UK gaming sector on an exclusive basis by Electrocoin. Licensed from Cognitec Systems, the non-military division of US conglomerate Lockheed Martin, the Face Scanner is being used throughout the world by organisations including the Federal Police Agency of Germany, National ID Agency of Mexico, the Dutch Ministry Of Justice and closer to home, London Gatwick Airport which utilises some 54 cameras as part of the commitment to protect the integrity of UK borders. The system being marketed by Electrocoin for the gaming industry starts at under £2,000. Gabino Stergides, head of business development at the London based manufacturer and distributor, believes the reputation enjoyed by
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Cognitec as a world leader in biometric systems, coupled with the adaptations undertaken in partnership with Cashino to suit the gaming space, have contributed to setting a new standard in cost-effective age verification and self exclusion for the industry. “Social responsibility is at the top of every commercial and non-commercial agenda in gaming,” he said, “both in terms of age verification and the policing of self exclusion requests. A single discretely placed camera at a premises entrance uses biometric technology to identify individuals who show characteristics which suggest they are under-25 as well as recognising individuals who have previously submitted a passport style photograph as part of a self exclusion request.When detections are made staff are notified using both visual and audio alerts. “Our trials with Cashino have shown a range of benefits, not least
the added confidence it gives customer-facing staff to ask for proof of age and to police self exclusion. For a business, it enables them to abide by the terms of their gaming licence and for an industry it allows us, with conviction, to demonstrate a clean bill of health as well as a real commitment to age verification and self exclusion. Politically it chimes with current thinking of the main parties as well as the content of the LCCP Consultation document on social responsibility provisions and is therefore also suitable for any licensed location such as betting shops, bingo halls and motorway services.” He added:“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Nick Harding and the team at Cashino for providing unparalleled access to the trial sites and for making such an important contribution to the test programme as we deliver the most robust age verification system in gaming.”
Greene King challenge Gambling Commission’s bingo refusal retailer Greene King has chalthe Gambling CommisPsion’sublenged decision to refuse it a bingo licence. The chain, which operates over 1,900 pubs and restaurants throughout the UK, already offers bingo in a large number of its venues, but is subject to section 279 of the Gambling Act 2005: which places restrictions on maximum stakes, machine number and prize money. The company’s application earlier this year was an attempt to expand bingo operation beyond these limits,
and offer customers a linked-bingo solution which would have them vying for a substantial national progressive jackpot. Speaking to The Publican’s Morning Advertiser, a Greene King spokesman commented: “[The
licence] would enable us to trial new games with our customers, giving them more choice and putting our pubs even more firmly at the heart of their communities.” They added: “We were disappointed with the Gambling Commission’s decision not to grant us a licence and we are therefore appealing that decision.” Greene King has put its case before an appeal tribunal, with a decision anticipated in the coming weeks. If vindicated, the ruling could pave the way for expanded commercial bingo operation throughout the UK pub sector.
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Bitcoin makes gaming debut
CS: Are there any machine types which are impervious to seasonal trends? AM: Redemption pieces and pushers are always popular and perform well irrespective of season.Whilst on average we probably see less AGC activity there are no hard and CURRENCY fast rules…we do still get tourists in the winter, thereecentralised internet fore some weeks will show a currency, bitcoin, is to rise in certain areas depend- be officially accepted by a ent upon the customer gaming company for the profile. first time, as Londonbased developers Cozy CS: What sort of outside fac- Games add support for the cryptocurrency to their tors affect winter takings? iGaming platform. AM:The weather! Specialist payment processor GoCoin is CS: Do you have any advice to fellow arcade operators to acting as the go-between for users who want to top ensure a successful winter PIERS up their online accounts season? S: How significant a step-change is the AM: Plan, plan , plan.You can be with the open source curThe colder months may lead to a autumn to winter disappointed if your plan does- rency. The company said lull in sales, but Brighton Pier season, and what form does it CS: Do you observe any n’t work to have no plan at all is that Cozy Games will take? unacceptable.Take the oppor- experience a dramatic change in customer demogeneral manager Anne Martin tunity of the quieter times to reduction in transaction AM:Autumn to winter this year graphic through the winter puts the downtime to good use: to your customers: good costs, chargebacks and has been a gradual change due months? planning ahead, repairing stock and to the relatively mild weather. AM:It’s a fairly logical transition: talk ideas sometimes come out of cross-border fees when drawing upon customer insight. compared with customers But with November approach- in the winter season we enjoy those conversations. who use conventional money. By accepting cryptocurrencies through the GoCoin payment platform, regulated online gambling operators can engage new markets like the underbanked that are historically difficult to reach,” BINGO said GoCoin CEO Steve he halving of UK bingo duty in and objectives,” he said. Whilst and music from a traditional brass Beauregard. Budget 2014 has proved The prudence of investMarch of this year has proved a some operators have employed the band.Says Jepp:“Externally,the club fortuitous to the expansion boon to Majestic Bingo.The reduc- newly freed funds to offer cus- has been transformed with our new ing in bitcoin has been tion, outlined in Chancellor tomers larger prize sums, Majestic branding. Internally, its been trans- called into question by a and refurbishment efforts George Osborne’s Budget 2014, has taken a different tack.“We were formed from the customer propo- series of high profile cyber of Majestic Bingo, but attacks, which have seen cut tax on profits garnered from doing a lot of work regarding prize- sition point of view.” has also imbued greater With upgrade work currently holders lose cash to crimibingo operation from 20 to 10 money ourselves,” he explains, confidence in the sector as per cent. “where we’ve concentrated addi- underway at Majestic’s largest site nals running covert interThe timing proved providential tional investment is in benefitting in Mansfield, this process of update net programs. a whole, says managing for Mark Jepp, managing director our product, service and gaming and renovation will eventually However, director Mark Jepp. apply across the entirety of the despite at Majestic bingo. His business environments.” the Jepp claims the break has ‘super- company’s location portfolio. coagulated in January - before the Whilst the tax cut has clearly risks, announced tax break - through the charged’ the business’ hall refurpurchase of an ailing chain of halls. bishment efforts. He cites the played a role in expediting Majes- bitcoin “It wasn’t the initial motivation November 3rd opening of Majes- tic’s overhaul, Jepp is also opti- continbehind the venture,” he comments. tic’s first fully refurbished club in mistic with regards to its wider ues to That said, Majestic’s expansion has Castleford: which will boast an benefits.“It’s boosted the sector as prove continued apace (the business now entirely new gaming lounge (dou- a whole,”he remarks,“in some cases popular and extends to fifteen venues nation- bling the pre-existing machine it’s restored competitors who had GoCoin’s service cuswide), and Jepp credits the budget- count), as well as a second-floor unviable businesses back to viabil- tomers can settle transacary alteration with an instilled external balcony complete with ity.” On first glance, the sentiment tions using currency of sense of confidence in its contin- smoking shelter. The ribbon-cut- on behalf of his competition might their choosing. This, they ting ceremony will take place seem curious. But Jepp is adamant: claim, insulates Cozy ued development. “It’s given us greater confidence amidst much aplomb: with atten- “At the end of the day, we want the Games and any other cusin our own business plan, and dance by players from the Castle- sector to do well - you don’t want tomers from market flucMARK JEPP, MANAGING tuations and attacks. allows us to ramp up its speed,scale ford Tigers, a soap-star appearance, to be the last one standing.” DIRECTOR, MAJESTIC BINGO
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CS: What specific preparations do you make for the winter season? AM:As the great rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward has said: it’s a game of two halves, and after each half you should come out ready to play in your new clean kit and with a fresh attitude.Our operational year reflects this: our own two ‘halves’ take the form of a block which runs autumn and winter through to early spring, with the other commencing late spring through to the end of the summer.We undertake considerable preparations for the winter half: we revisit our staffing requirements, we look at what we can promote to encourage footfall and, of course, we carry out a lot of maintenance work.Winter is an opportunity just like summer.
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SNP proposal suggests independent Scottish gambling commission on agenda SCOTLAND
The Scottish Government has outlined its vision of increased devolution: raising unanswered questions for Scottish coin-op and gambling stakeholders. The Scottish Government believes that Scotland should be - and will be, in the future - an independent country.”So begins the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) proposal to the Smith Commission,which in the wake of September’s rejection of independence, will oversee the process of increased devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. The document, entitled ‘More Powers for the Scottish Parliament’, outlines the incumbent governing party’s vision of “reform that lives up to the rheto-
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ric of ‘Home Rule’, ‘near federalism’ and ‘devomax.’” The 42 page paper, submitted to the commission on 10 October, makes a singular reference to gambling. Under the heading ‘Justice and Security’, it advocates “full responsibility for the law on firearms, proceeds of crime, road traffic offences, gambling and drugs.” At first glance, AGC operators seem to have been lumped in with a poor cadre of bedfellows: though this may be reading too much into what probably equates to a poor or scant piece of phraseology. More importantly, taken to its logical conclusion, the statement seems to imply the future formation of an independent Scottish gambling commission. Prior to the referendum, Coinslot spoke to Billy Cullis, director of Cullis’ amusements. The family business was set up
over fifty years ago by Cullis’ grandfather, and operates four amusement arcades in North Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire. Concerned as he was by what he perceived as confused messages from the ‘Yes’ campaign on the business and economic ramifications of an independent Scotland, Cullis eyes the SNP’s proposals to the Smith Commission with similar scepticism. “One of the major failures of the ‘Yes’ campaign was a lack of clarity when it came to the laws of Scotland, and it’s pervasive through the SNP’s followup literature,” he stated. For Cullis, the Smith Commission represents an opportunity for a careful balance to be struck: “It’s very crucial that this commission sets the level of Holyrood’s power properly,” he argued.“The fact that the SNP’s paper is suggesting that all social issues should be dealt with on a separate basis in Scotland, that raises alarm
BILLY CULLIS
As the latest edition of EAG International approaches, the exhibitors lining up to fill London’s ExCel Centre includes plenty of old hands alongside a few new faces making their show debuts.
nly six years since the inaugural show, O EAG International has cemented its position as a major event for the European coin-op and amusements industries. With strong demand for stands and a new events programme, the 2015 show is set to deliver a strong three days for the thousands of buyers and industry professionals planning their trip to ExCel London. Much of EAG’s appeal comes from the wide cross-section of participants. Iconic British manufacturers including Sound Leisure, Innovative Technology,
CRIME
serial criminal who persuaded his son to give him A the security codes of a seaside
bells within our industry we could end up with the bizarre situation where the gambling laws in England are different to those in Scotland.” Whilst the majority governing party in Holyrood, the SNP’s is still just one of five party proposals under consideration. As Cullis surmises: “What the SNP desire and what actually’s going to take place are two different things altogether.” The results of the Smith
commission, forecast as a ‘unified set of proposals’to be completed by 30 November, will aim to be multifaceted. Upon his appointment to his new role, the eponymous Lord Smith of Kelvin,heading up the commission, claimed: “My job is to create a process through which politicians, civic institutions and the Scottish public can come together, work together and agree the detail of what those powers should be.”
Old and new gear up for EAG 2015 EXHIBITION
Father and son convicted of amusement arcade burglary
Reflex Gaming, Astra Games will be presenting their latest business building games and new technology. While international heavyweights can always be relied upon for spectacular new game presentations, such is EAG’s appeal, that several manufacturers will stage European product launches during the show. EAG International has always been strongly supported by UK based distributors. Crown Direct, RLMS Sales and JNC Sales have all reserved substantial space to be filled with literally hundreds of
new products. The manufacturers such as Astra and Reflex will also be out in force deliverig products that will likely shape the fortunes of many businesses over the following twelve months. “As with previous years, EAG International is always pleased to welcome exciting new exhibitors and premiering this year is Sweet Amanda’s,” said a organiser’s statement, “which will be presenting a bulk candy and capsule vending kiosk.” Also new to EAG for 2015 is Semnox Solutions, already active in
over 20 countries, which will premiere a range of technologies designed to optimise revenues and reduce costs for amusements and attractions operators. For 2015, EAG International will be joined by an entirely new event, the Visitor Attraction Expo (VAE). Presented by BALPPA and aimed at all operators of leisure parks, piers, zoos and static attractions, the VAE will run parallel to EAG International with visitors able to pass freely between both shows. The event takes place at ExCel London on 1315 January, 2015.
amusement arcade has been jailed for three years. Brian Powell, 42, of Teignmouth, stole £6,640 from machines and strong boxes and paid his son £1,400 for his role in the burglary at Pavilion Amusements in Dawlish Warren, Exeter Crown Court was told. He was caught when detectives deduced his son, Callum, was the inside man, given that only three people knew the codes and the other two were still employed at the arcade. Powell, who has over 100 previous convictions, broke in through a skylight and disabled the alarm within four seconds. Callum Powell, who worked at Pavilion Amuse-
ments for 10 months but left shortly before the break-in, was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid community work and pay £1,400 compensation. Judge Simon Carr told both men:“This burglary showed a significant degree of professionalism.You abused trust by passing information to your father, who can be described as a career criminal. You did that for financial gain. “You are 19 and of previously good character and must understand that you can follow your father and spend most of your life in prison or see this as a wakeup call. It is the only one you will get. “Brian Powell, you are a career criminal. That is how you live your life. This was a professional burglary... It is an aggravating feature that you used your son’s information and thereby involved him in a criminal enterprise.”
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Quentin Stott: Sector ‘fragile’, but displaying signs of recovery MANUFACTURING
A busy showing at the recent Autumn Coin Op Show builds on two years of burgeoning trade at Reflex Gaming. Owner Quentin Stott believes the show’s success could well hint at brighter times ahead.
S: What was the experience of the Reflex stand C at ACOS?
spective of the show:in days gone by we’d take an order band to trade shows and write up orders there and then - we tend not to do that these days. But it was definitely positive in terms of product awareness and product commitment. It’s that commitment which will ultimately translate into pounds and pence.
QS: It was a very busy show for us. Probably the most intense show in that respect for a great many years.It was well attended,and though it was pretty small in terms of the amount of floorspace, the quality of visitor was high. It was a good experience from our perspective: we didn’t have a ‘lull’ CS: How do you judge the throughout the entire two health of the sector at the day period. current time? QS:We’ve had a very good 2014: this year’s shaping up CS: Do you think Reflex’s to be better than 2013, showing at ACOS will translate into an increase in which was successful in its own right. But bear in mind, business? QS:It’s very difficult to meas- we did hit a very low base ure what you would’ve as an industry sector in gotten in any event irre- 2007 and 2008 with things
QUENTIN STOTT
SURJ STOTT, SALES MANAGER AT REFLEX GAMING, AT THE AUTUMN COIN OP SHOW
like the new gambling act and other variables like the smoking ban each taking their toll, alongside the bite of the wider recession. I think as an industry we’ve been through quite a few years of gloom and despondency without much going in our favour. I will say that 2014 seems to have treated anyone who’s seasonally based kindly: coastal arcades, holiday parks, theme parks, etcetera we’ve had a good year for the weather. So that’s long overdue and very welcome.
However,the pub,club, and arcade closures have all slowed significantly. I think people are looking at themselves and have found ways of reinventing themselves to some degree, and seeing where they fit on the high street.That’s been a painful process to go through, but I think in the grand scheme of things, beneficial. And there is a feeling of positivity about. If you look to ACOS as an indicator of health - the show achieved it’s overarching aims:it managed to get key players from across the UK out of their offices, down to the tradeCS: What do you foresee for the sector in the future? floor. That’s an incredibly QS: We’re in a fragile eco- positive sign, and somenomic state - I think we’ve thing I think has been long all got to acknowledge that. overdue.”
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Eastbourne Pier added to ‘at risk’ register
Conservative MPs call for seaside-boosting VAT cut
PIERS VAT
astbourne Pier, which was ravaged by a devastating blaze this Esummer, is among the properties
George Osborne is facing further calls to reduce the rate of VAT for tourism businesses and help seaside resorts thrive - this time from his own MPs. group of Conservative MPs have asked chancellor George Osborne to lower VAT on tourism and help encourage growth at seaside resorts. Research published in July using the Treasury’s own model concluded that cutting VAT on accommodation and attractions would create more than 120,000 jobs and contribute £4bn in revenue over ten years. It was commissioned by the Cut Tourism VAT campaign, led by Butlins operator Bourne Leisure, Merlin Entertainments and BALPPA, which wants the rate reduced from 20 to five per cent. South Dorset MP Richard
A
Drax said lowering tax on tourism was vital for businesses in seaside resorts to thrive. He told local press:“I am completely behind the idea and will continue to put pressure on the government on this issue. “In a very prime tourist area that we have on the Dorset coast, it would clearly ease the burden on businesses and allow them to thrive.” The UK’s VAT rate on accommodation and attractions is one of the highest in the EU, leading many tourism business to say they have been put at a serious competitive disadvantage. Drax believes the UK should join the majority of Europe in offering lower tax on tourism in
order to allow businesses here to compete with overseas holiday destinations. He added:“We will continue to lobby and even if we are not in a position to action this now, it is vital that we get the issue on people’s radars and understand how much of an impact it would make to local businesses. “In France, a lower rate was introduced to encourage more people to eat out.As far as I am aware it is working over there, so I am hopeful it can make a big difference in Dorset.” Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon, said seaside resorts’role in the country’s economic recovery would be even greater with the VAT cut.
He commented:“Tourism is the lifeblood of Britain’s seaside towns and the economic case for cutting VAT to help these places is as clear as day. “Local businesses need a leg up and the chancellor must ensure that coastal communities’ benefits of our long term economic plan as well as London has. “We need to not be hamstrung by anti-competitive tax policies like tourism VAT. There’s now clear proof of a £4bn windfall created by the extra job creation and investment cutting VAT would generate. We have to take a long view and spur on investment in coastal towns.”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach unveils £2m Red Arrows ride AMUSEMENT PARKS
lackpool Pleasure Beach has unveiled plans for a new £2m roller coaster B themed on the world-famous Red Arrows. The amusement park is currently working with the Royal Air Force aerobatics display team to launch the Red Arrows Sky Force ride in time for the start of the 2015 season next spring. Carrying the distinctive and instantly recognisable Red Arrows livery and boasting its own control tower, its creators said the 72ft high, 12-seat ride would take thrillseekers “on a 360-degree tour of the skies”. Amanda Thompson, managing director of the Pleasure Beach, said:“The Red Arrows are a British institution so it was a perfect fit for the UK’s number one amusement park to work with them. “They are an amazing sight to see when they are in the skies and I am certain our new ride will give our guests a unique thrill they will want to experience again and again.”
something unique for thrill-seekers to experience.” The Red Arrows have plenty of connections with the region - they perform at the Blackpool Air Show each summer and their Hawk jets were built by BAE Systems just up the coast at Warton. Squadron Leader Ruth Shackleton, team manager of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said:“The Red Arrows have enjoyed a long association with Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach during the team’s 50-year history. “The new Sky Force ride is a wonderful, and unique, means to continue this relationship and provides an exciting way for people to learn more about the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force and the role the service plays Deputy managing director Nick Thomp- in protecting the UK. “The team are also thrilled the ride will son added:“We cannot wait to launch our take pride of place adjacent to the Big One. new ride for the 2015 season. “We are the first amusement park in the It is also fantastic that the north west of EngUK to work with the Red Arrows on such an land will get to enjoy and play host to a perexciting project and we know it will be manent Red Arrows experience.”
that have been added to English Heritage’s annual At Risk register. The register aims to provide the most comprehensive list of buildings, monuments and sites gardens as well as protected wrecks and battlefields, that are identified as at risk and in need of rescue. English Heritage said the pier, owned by Cuerden Leisure, was “one of the most important of its kind in the country”, and is giving expert advice on its repair. In July almost a third of the Grade II-listed pier, including the building that housed its amusement arcade, was destroyed by fire. Celebrations were held in Eastbourne last month to mark the pier’s eastern walkway being reopened, allowing access to businesses and facilities beyond the damaged section. Visitors are now able to enter the two-thirds of the pier, including its cafe, shops, fishing platform and nightclub. Simon Thurley, English Heritage chief executive, said: “Although there has been a reduction in the number of sites on the register, more than a third of buildings that were on the national register when it first began in 1999 are still there now. “We can’t give up on all these incredibly important historic buildings; getting them back in use will lift the blight from historic areas, bringing back in to use really important buildings and giving people a sense of pride in where they live. “As the economy starts to improve and the demand for development increases, we need to push these buildings forward and find a future for them.”
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Leisure BACTA backs calls for Welsh tourism strategy
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19 TOURISM
BACTA and local amusements operators have aligned with calls for increased support of the Welsh tourism industry, following a damning report from the Welsh Affairs Committee. ACTA has backed MPs calling on the UK government to develop a cohesive strategy to makeWales a ‘first choice’ tourist destination. The move follows a report published by the Welsh Affairs Committee (WAC), which cited concerns that,despite“boasting a wide range of activities and a high quality of life,”Wales only attracted the third smallest number of international visitors of any UK region. Simon McCarthy, BACTA chairman for South Wales, said he was “disappointed” to hear the concerns over Welsh tourism figures and urged the government to place its full support behind ongoing tourism initiatives.According to a report
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from the Office for National Statistics, visitors have fallen by nearly 35 percent since 2006,to 854,000 per year. “We would like to see Welsh tourism promoted with a more cohesive strategy, and urge the UK government to give the country its full support,” he said.“But there are some fundamental issues that it must tackle to encourage more visitors in the short term, namely by cutting the VAT on tourism to five percent. “Only two out of 27 member states of the EU have failed to take advantage of EU VAT rules that allow a lower rate of tax for tourism - the UK and Denmark and it’s high time to rethink this policy,”he explained.
The WAC report, titled ‘International Representation and Promotion of Wales by UK Bodies’, also found that Wales had a low profile overseas compared to other parts of the UK, despite boasting “some of the most spectacular landscape in Britain and Europe.” John Bollam, managing director at AMECO, owner of Mumbles Pier in Swansea, added: “Tourism in Wales has got to be the single most underdeveloped industry in the UK. There is great opportunity for expansion, but it seems the tourist industry has been sidelined in favour of attracting big business. “Welsh tourism should be fully supported by the govern-
Classified sales, job and business opps
ment, with a targeted campaign showing how much the country has to offer in the way of tourism, along with a plan of development,”he added. The Welsh Government responded to the report by highlighting evidence that overseas markets were ‘starting to recover’. It pointed to a recent International Passenger Survey report which showed a 21 percent increase in the number of overseas visitors to Wales (415,000) between January and June, and a one percent rise in related expenditure to £149m.The figures showed that the UK as a whole saw a nine percent increase in visits and a two percent expenditure boost.
UK leisure spend takes a hit SPENDING
Pub drinking makes way for eating out during September, as British leisure spending dropped by six percent during the month. Are we tightening our belts or did we all have a late summer holiday? OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014
O
verall leisure spend was down across the UK during September, according to the latest Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker.The average household spent six percent less on leisure than during the same period in 2013.That amounts to a drop of £13 on average, per household, contributing to an average spend of £207 during September. The activity most closely associated with the pub-based coin-op contingent, drinking out,was a key contributor to this fall, which took a hit of six percent.“A fall in consumer confidence is likely to be responsible,” said Greene King’s report, with the warmer weather motivating more time spent outside than during the previous year. The only core leisure activity to see a noticeable upturn in its fortunes was eating out, with the average household spend increasing by seven percent.This may drive more and more pubs towards
rise faster than their incomes, despite improvements in the economy,”said Steve Jebson, Greene King’s commercial director. “With the run up to Christmas, it will be interesting to see if consumers act more prudently next month.” The largest declines were seen in London and the South East, where spending dropped by 10 percent, or £27 per household. Leisure outgoings fell by less than half that figure in the rest of the country, averaging at four percent when these areas were removed. “Even though households are still findincreasingly popular food-led tactics that have typically been hostile to the siting of ing it tough,it is interesting to see the concoin-op machines.These rises are driven tinued increase in spend on eating out, largely by families, who spent 29 percent indicating it is becoming a more common more on going for meal than during Sep- activity and less of an occasional treat,” said Jebson. “We have also seen housetember 2013. “We have seen leisure spending dip in holds allocate five percent more of their September compared to the same month total leisure spend to eating out compared last year, as most people are still not feel- to this time last year, further highlighting ing better off as their costs continue to its growing importance.”
Category C Report Three Weeks Time
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Listings Amusement photos uncovered Rare photos of the North East Coast Exhibition have been unveiled, hidden in a Newcastle loft. Local man John Moreels, found them in a cache of 150,000 photographs stored in the former premises of a photographic developers.
“It’s the right time of year for the industry to meet up. Obviously, it fills a slot that the industry was used to meeting in: in the calendar there’s always been an event at this time of year - and that’s been lacking.” KAREN COOKE ORGANISER OF THE AUTUMN COIN-OP SHOW
MGS reports surge in international interest with Brits keeping close watch on Macau Figures suggest that the Macao Gaming Show is attraction attention from the UK gaming industry, while companies such as Inspired Gaming blaze a trail for British exhibitors.
ow moving into its second year, the Macau Gaming Show has reported a ‘massive’ increase in international interest for its gaming event, taking place on November 18-20th at the prestigious Venetian Macau. Following a largely domestic-facing launch in 2013, MGS organisers said that site traffic from macaogamingshow.com, which it noted is a good early indicator of visitor demographics, is showing that the UK and US have broken into the top five visitor figures behind Macau, China and Japan.
Discussing MGS’ surge in interest from non-Asian countries, UK-based Inspired Gaming, which will be attending MGS to discuss its Virtual Sports proposition, said it wasn’t surprised by the announcement, as the event had quietly developed into one of the ‘leading shows in Asia’. “There are huge opportunities at an event such as MGS for companies like Inspired to share learnings and guide implementations, in anticipation of a huge uptake across retail, online and mobile channels in the AsiaPac region over the coming years,” said Harmen
REDEMPTION
game challenges players toss balls into the waiting milk jug or surrounding holes to win tickets. All the while an interactive carnival voice eggs them on or congratulates them on skilful shots.
N
A REDEMPTION STAR new take on the legendary carnival game, Milk Jug Toss, is the star buy A from Crown Direct and Deith Leisure this week. This popular redemption piece is the work of worldrenowned manufacturers Ice and is designed to capture the sense of old fashioned fun which has helped redemption become a major force in UK arcades. The Coinslot OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014
HEROES IN A HARD SHELL
T
ying in with the recent movies release from the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtle franchise, Whitehouse Leisure are offering a 48
Brenninkmeijer, SVP Asia and strategic markets, Inspired Gaming. “Markets in the region are just opening up, which Inspired has witnessed first hand having been active in the region for a number of years, and a show like MGS allows us to engage governments and regulators, and help educate them with the implementation of new regulations. Ross Zhang, MGS event operation
manager, called the influx of international interest a “clear indication of the power and growing influence of the MGS brand.” “Of course our primary objective has been to bring the leading names in gaming to Macao in November and to this end we have been extremely successful attracting companies from Asia and beyond,” he concluded.
piece set of 12.5 inch plush redemption prizes in the form of the hard-shelled heroes: Leonardo, Donatello, Rafael and Michelangelo. The four distinct designs make a timely addition to any crane prize collection.
responsible for servicing machines in London and the south. Gala Bingo operates over 130 clubs around the country, with a team of more than 4,000 staff already in place.
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ala Bingo is looking to add new faces to its nationwide team and has begun the hunt for a new Machines Field Engineer. The new member of staff will be
MARKETING BOARD GAME FOR VICTORY Gaming is offering fans of its products the chance to win their very Reflex
2392-p14-17-Listings_Coinslot NEW 28/10/2014 18:06 Page 2
8 own fruit machine. The company’s facebook page challenges users to list their favourite board gaming experience and in return, will enter them with a chance to win a Reflex product that they can take home themselves. Reflex even promise to personalise the machine, meaning that the prize winner is likely to become the owner of a one-of-a-kind game.
COMPLIANCE TRISIGMA ENTER UK TESTING SCENE Gambling Commission has Trisigma as a testing house Tfor heapproved a number of gaming categories in the UK. In order to be given the go ahead, the Dutch company - co-founded by Rob Hubregtse (pictured) and Frank Otte were required to pass two stages of integrity and independence checks. Following its acceptance by the Commission, Trisigma are now certified to test for compliance with standards relating to remote gambling systems and gambling software and the complete list of gaming machines, including server networked and downloadable gaming, wireless gaming, cashless gaming systems and linked progressive gaming machines.
LEGAL SERVICES LICENSING LEGAL EXPERTISE Debbie Hough at ChatterPtonsartner Solicitors, a specialist in gambling and licensing law, has been driving the company’s activity in the industry, with a specific focus on businesses looking to obtain their own licence. Based at the firm’s Spalding office, aside from her gambling legal expertise, Hough hasalso been proactive in dealing with issues pertaining to business and personal disputation, employment disputes, and commercial and residential repossessions. With around 200 staff and 29 partners,
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TRADE SHOW
Astra hails classic timing for ACOS The return of an Autumn trade show was timed to perfection according to Astra Games. Bringing with it an air of renewed optimism for the coin-op industry. Astra Games has hailed the recent Autumn Coin-op Show (ACOS) at Stamford Bridge as a welcome addition to the industry calendar, citing the event as an unqualified success in terms of both networking and sales. Coming in for particular praise from the company was the choice of venue, organisation and its October timing. The game line-up assembled by Astra comprised the immensely successful Slotto 500, accompanied by Party Slots 100, Bullion Bars Arena (three-player), Megaslot (two-player), Gold Vault Streak (three-player), House of Fortune multistake (three-player) and TITO ticket redemption machine. Providing an eyecatching backdrop to all the technology and innovation was the firm’s VIP Wall, an example of which has been installed at Aspers’ Westfield Casino to stunning effect. Talking shortly after the show doors had closed, Astra sales and marketing director Alan Rogers (pictured) commented: “The timing of ACOS was excellent. With the holiday season having come to an end, it served perfectly in getting the industry back to focusing on what will be needed for EAG and ICE.” He added: “In regard to sales, it’s always a challenge to firm up orders ‘at show’ - normally it’s the case that they are fulfilled post-show. But we did some interesting deals over the two days, which we will be following up. And we got to meet and talk with some quality stakeholders from the pub retail, AGC, bingo, motorway service and coastal sectors. In summary, you’d have to say ACOS proved that much of the ‘doom and gloom’ appears to have lifted from the business. It was nice to see some smiles for a change!”
Chattertons are one of the leading firms of solicitors in the East Midlands.
CATEGORY C PLETHORA OF CHOICE FROM DLS
medieval theme, the multi-stake £100 AWP’s main feature is it’s Super Start/Mega Start stream: which lucky player can access through the Maid of Money symbol on the machine’s third reel.
ldham gaming suppliers Data Leisure Sales O continue to provide a vast
PINBALL
variety of Cat C machines, including the latest £100 AWP offering from Reflex Gaming: Hit the Dracpot. The company also offers a diverse range of Bellfruit Games’ portfolio, including its popular Deal or No Deal Turbo machine.
ANGELS OF PINBALL
FOR THE LOVE OF A MAID rand new for October 2014 is the latest hi-tech Cat C from Reflex Gaming: B Maid of Money. With a tongue-in-cheek
reston-based pinball specialists Pinball Heaven Pcontinue to offer the latest in both new and used pinball machines. The company stocks new Stern offerings Star Trek and Iron Man Pro (pictured), as well as JJP front-runner Wizard of Oz. The company is also promoting its spares and repairs services activity.
NEW DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR: 13 – 15 JANUARY 2015 ExCeL London Exhibition Centre
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ICE organisers confirm record investment for world’s favourit exhibition An advertising onslaught built to match the show’s continued growth is underway, with the new ICE ‘Discover’ tagline set to appear across a variety of outlets.
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SHIPLEY SEARCHES FOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
Centre in London on 3-5 February. The ICE 2015 ‘Discover’ creative project will appear in over 120 adverts throughout 90 specialist b2b gaming media, using both print and digital channels. Advertising will be supported by an extensive media relations and PR offensive, with ICE organisers engaging with over 200,000 individuals working for 85,000 companies through sector specific e-shots and mailings. A heightened emphasis on social media will see ICE build on its twitter following as well as utilising LinkedIn, Facebook, Tumblr and the exclusive ICE mobile networking app. In keeping with its status as the biggest and the most international exhibition on the
Estates Ltd, parent company of Shipley Bingo & Amusements, Sarehipley looking for a suitable candidate to fill their vacant operations manager position. The selected individual will run their portfolio of AGCs and high-street bingo halls within the Midlands area.
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TRADE SHOW
RLMS Sales welcomes networking opportunities The promised focus on networking at the Autumn Coinop show materialised in a big way for RLMS Sales, who also saw potential in the number of sales generated.
ecord marketing vourite gaming gaming industry calendar, the ICE campaign will engage with potential visitors based in over 150 countries worldwide. Expanding on the record breaking marketing investment, Jo Mayer said: “2014 was our fifth consecutive year of growth and it’s essential that we do everything in our power to continue that momentum and continue to deliver a quality audience of international buyers to the 500 + exhibitors who will be at ICE in February. We have a compelling creative campaign and my department’s job is to take that forward and ensure that the maximum number of industry professionals accept the invitation to discover the world of gaming at ICE in February.�
RLMS Sales has heralded the inaugural Autumn Coin-op Show as a major success, particularly on the networking and organisational fronts, and predict that the event will spark some strong seasonal sales. In the wake of the show, managing director Phil Boulton welcomed a strong turnout from the industry. “It attracted the right calibre of attendees, many of whom seemed to be there for some part of the two days, combining an overnight in London,� he said. “So whether it was seeing people on the stand, at the bar, walking around the exhibition, the on-site hotels or at the ‘Under the Bridge’ party, there were ample opportunities to meet people throughout the two or three days.� Addressing the issue of sales, Boulton commented: “Whilst most exhibitors and attendees were upbeat about this inaugural show, it mustn’t be forgotten that such events still represent a significant expense to exhibitors, specifically when stand costs, hotels, travel and expenses are all taken into account. We always, therefore, try look at the hard facts in terms of sales generated, as we do with all exhibitions. Our rule of thumb is to take the sales taken over the two days and allow a two-week cut-off to try close on a number of follow-ups generated. So, on that basis, it’s perhaps too early to assess the total result from ACOS. “However, based on orders taken at the show, it certainly covered the costs and, hopefully, will help lead to a decent autumn of sales in the run-up to Christmas. The timing also dovetails nicely with a natural testing period for some of the models that the manufacturers were showing for the first time. These will have in excess of two months’ site testing, allowing us to go into EAG knowing exactly how they’ve performed�
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2 1 3 4 5 6 10 9 8
DOND Box 23 BFG DOND Winfall BFG Hot Shots REF DOND Midas Touch BFG Fiddle A Fortune REF DOND Powerplay BFG Mega Rich BFG Worminator QPS DOND Crazy Chair Gold BFG Best Of British REF
Taken from a representative number of sites around the UK Supplied by national operator
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10 2 5 1 9 6 -
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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 Double Cash Astra Adders And Ladders (4 Player) Vivid Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire Goldrush Stampede (4 Player) Barcrest Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra Golden Games (3 Player) Mazooma
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Taken from a representative number of sites around the UK Supplied by Amusement Equipment Co Ltd
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All About That Bass Meghan Trainor Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran ChangingSigma feat. Paloma Faith Budapest George Ezra Bang Bang Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj Shake It Off Taylor Swift Blame Calvin Harris feat. John Newman Rude Magic! I'm Not The Only One Sam Smith Waves (Robin Schulz Remix) Mr Probz
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BEN HOWARD: I FORGET WHERE WE WERE
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WANTED NV8/10 note acceptor metalwork for Barcrest “G� series cabinets + Any late Empire Games fruit machines in good condition. Call 07836 239 932 or 01984 634565 afternoons For recruitment please see page 21
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Coinslot OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014
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FOR SALE
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UPCOMING FEATURES CAT C Issue 2395 - 14th November
+VAT
All prices subject to VAT and Carriage
GAMES CONTENT
gaming...and so much more!
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Coinslot OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014
Issue 2397- 5th December
DATA LEISURE SALES LTD. Unit 12 Data House, Trent Industrial Estate, Duchess Street, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 7UT £70 MACHINES DIAMOND GEEZER ...........................................£175 STAR WARS DEATH STAR ................................£150 DUBLIN YOUR MONEY ......................................£150 ON THE FIDDLE................................................£150 TAKE IT OR LEAVE ...........................................£125 CRAZY TRAILS ................................................£125 PACMAN POWER UP ........................................£125 POOL 7X4 TOURNAMENT ..........................................£795 6X3 TOURNAMENT ..........................................£795 7X4 PRINCE .....................................................£745 6X3 PRINCE .....................................................£745 7X4 WINNER ....................................................£645 6X3 WINNER ....................................................£645 BELLFRUIT GAMES DOND TURBO ...............................................£1,795 DOND POWERPLAY .......................................£1,695 BANKERS OFFER..............................................£995 GOING FOR GOLD ............................................£995 JAILBREAK.......................................................£995 MONOPOLY TAKEOVER ....................................£995 DOND LIVE.......................................................£995 BULLSEYE ON THE OCHE .................................£945 FAMILY GUY DRUNKEN CLAM ..........................£945 STRIKE GOLD ...................................................£895 DOND GO ALL THE WAY ..................................£775 ELIMINATOR ....................................................£775 DOND SEAL THE DEAL .....................................£775 RAPID ROUND ..................................................£775 BIG EASY .........................................................£775 DOND BANK ON IT ...........................................£775 COPS & ROBBERS STREETWISE.......................£745 DESERT ISLAND...............................................£745 COPS & ROBBERS ...........................................£745 SPANK THE BANKER ........................................£745 DOND EAST WING WEST WING ........................£695 DOND RED HOT ...............................................£695 QUIDS IN AMERICA ..........................................£695 CASH AHOY .....................................................£695 RED MIST ........................................................£645 LIVE THE DREAM .............................................£595 PLAY THE GAME ..............................................£595 MAKE OR BREAK .............................................£495
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Data Leisure Sales
REFLEX GAMING £100 HOT SHOT ................................................. £2,225 MAID OF MONEY........................................ £2,225 FIDDLE A FORTUNE ................................... £2,225 HIT THE DRACPOT ..................................... £2,225 LETS GET JACKPOTTED ............................. £1,395 GALLOPING JACKPOTS .............................. £1,395 LADY LUCK TRAIL OF RICHES .................... £1,195 SNOW WHITE & 7 TENNERS ...................... £1,195 CASH ENCOUNTER..................................... £1,195 ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS....... £1,195 JACKPOT ISLAND....................................... £1,150 LADY LUCK TRAIL OF RICHES (HORIZON) ...... £995 CAVEMAN CASH ........................................... £995 PAYMAKER ................................................... £950 DOUBLE AGENT ............................................ £925 CHOPS & CHANGE ........................................ £800 CHOPS & ROBBERS ...................................... £800 ALICE IN WONDERLAND ................................ £725 CLUB B4 DOND LIVE......................................................POA BEST OF BRITISH (ATOM CAB) ................... £1,945
MAID OF MONEY
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DELIVERIES TO ANYWHERE IN THE UK & IRELAND
Contact Karl or Steve on Tel: 01706 883838. Fax: 01706 883839. E-mail: karl@dataleisuresales.co.uk
Recruitment
We’re recruiting for a Field Service Engineer (FSE) to join our Gala Bingo Machines Field Engineering team. The role will be home based covering London and the south, but UK travel may be required. As an FSE you will ensure that our Bingo clubs receive a high quality of service, you will be expected to deliver exceptional standards to the clubs and the machines department. You will be responsible for the installation of new AWP and Server Based Gaming machines, maintaining existing machines and providing a rota based weekend call system. The ability to adapt to new products and technologies would be a useful asset to have. Gala Bingo is the UK’s Number 1 bingo operator with over 130 clubs, more than 5 million members and up to £28 million in prizes every week - and with a team of over 4,000 colleagues, there is scope to grow with us! Interested in being part of our team? Your work will involve the repair and maintenance of AWP and Server Based Gaming (SBG) equipment, portable appliance testing (PAT), installations of machines and carrying out project work. You will need to be able to prioritise issues, making sure that you are always liaising with club managers, providing on-going training and support to colleagues as well as providing weekend cover on a rota basis. Desired Skills & Experience t Previous experience working within a technical role, ideally within the gaming/electronics field t Previous trainer experience is an advantage t Ability to diagnose faults to module/component level t Ability to trace and repair cabling faults t Possess strong PC skills t A desire to learn new products and technologies t Ability to work away from home on occasion, where accommodation will be provided t Strong customer service skills t Excellent communications skills t Excellent time management t A full UK driving licence What’s In It For You... Salary at £18,000 and you’ll also receive a great benefits package including pension, Company vehicle (car or van), mobile phone, uniform and a range of other benefits that you’d expect from a leading leisure business of our size.
If all of this sounds like the job for you, apply at www.bingocareers.co.uk Coinslot OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2014
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Coinslot October 31 - November 6, 2014
Comment Make your next vote count The face of UK politics is set for change. Forget the colour, forget the allegiances - the political parties certainly have, so why can’t the industry? The next election is all about deals and who can make the most and the best ahead of next May’s vote.
ken scott comment e have six months to save the world. Clearly, it’s only our own very small world that we’re talking about - but nonetheless, a very big world for hundreds of thousands of people engaged in the amusements, coinop and wider leisure and tourism industries. Next May marks what could be a seismic shift in the power dynamics of UK politics - a move away from the two/three main parties and the emergence of a new wave of populist political representation in the shape of UKIP. Quite frankly, over the years they’ve all performed a masterclass in duplicity - they’ve just worn different colours as they’ve sashayed their way across the political dancefloor. We know this through the bitter experience of an industry that has been misled and manoeuvred out of progressive and coherent legislation for the best part of a quarter of a century - by each of the main parties. In their defence - and it rankles a little to provide such balance politics is a tough game. Running the country is a tough job, balancing conflicting interests is a tough task. But is this good enough reason for bad government? Probably not,but it has kept the pendulum swinging from left to right and right to left - to the point where we don’t even bother looking all the way around to find a different option. In May 2015,this chance will be delivered to the industry - albeit in the very alarming guise of UKIP. The party has momentum at the moment - a message that certainly resonates, but definitely too few policies that could seriously drive the whole country forward.
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All of which makes it the next election’s Liberal Party - the party that could shape the structure,formation and direction of the next government. A possible 30 seats are up for grabs - although 5-10 is more likely; the UKIP card is now the joker in the pack. Clacton, Great Yarmouth, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Skegness, Grimsby, Folkestone, Waveney, and especially Thanet South where UKIP leader Nigel Farage will be contesting - it’s a seaside amusements roll-call. And the perfect forum for our industry to lobby its case. Now, consumed by the fear of losing their seats and their personal prospects for government, perhaps,the main political figures will talk seriously about the future of our industry. About protecting our jobs - not from immigrants,but from terrible legislation; about a regulatory landscape that builds business, not decapitates it; about a tax system that generates growth not liquidation;about governance that promotes legislatory equality and consistency, not industry haves and have nots. We need those people who are seeking our vote to understand that the industry wants to deliver quality entertainment, creative technology, greater employment and more money to the Treasury. But it needs a fair deal, fair legislation and fair regulation. It’s not a toxic industry and it contributes massively to the economy - particularly at the coast. If this isn’t a message that the main political parties will seriously listen to in the build-up to next May, then you may need to play the joker card: UKIP. But remember, you may only want to play the joker, not be run by him - after all,this isn’t Gotham!
Is Farage the joker in the lobbyist’s pack? Operators show their support
Live music is set to m of operators and Don of the US is inevitable
alex lee media watch playing of live and music between T8amherecorded and 11pm before an audience of up to 500 people will be deregulated, according to the Morning Advertiser. The Legislative Reform Order will deregulate the playing of live and recorded music between 8am and 11pm before an audience of up to 500 people in licensed premise, while Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling will be deregulated before 11pm up to an audience of 1,000. Currently, pubs with 200 or more customers must have a special licence to play or host music. Following the House of Commons Regulatory Reform Committee’s decision that the deregulation can proceed using the Affirmative Procedure - meaning it must be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to become law - licensing solicitors have said the changes should come into effect next spring.
Meanwhile, the Autumn Coin-op Show was a purely UK event, to the point where nonBrit exhibitors were actively discouraged, according to Intergame’s David Snook. This is presumably in deference to the EAG trade show in January - both that and last week’s Autumn Coin-op Show are organised by Karen Cooke’s Swan Events. But it brought back the “preview” - note the careful use of the lower-case “p”, for it in no way attempted to hijack the name of the highly successful little show that used to be held at the Novotel in London. The show was held at Chelsea football club’s Stamford Bridge ground, utilising the extensive promenade area inside the stadium. Running it in the middle of October puts it exactly where the old Preview used to be run in terms of dates and no-one would dispute that Cooke has a signal success on her hands. It was patronised by around 20
British companies and a high level of turn-out from British operators. Further afield, Massachusetts voters should pay no heed to one-time casino mogul Donald Trump’s warnings that the casino market in the north east of the US is already over saturated, according to the Lowell Sun. Trump, who no longer has financial interests in casinos in New Jersey, predicted that New York’s planned expansion of four upstate gambling facilities would flame out. He said: “Ultimately, there’s too much competition and they’ll all go down the tubes. The whole country is becoming one big gambling casino, and many of them will die.” Clyde Barrow, chairman of the political science department at the University of TexasRio Grande Valley, said that Trump’s predictions were unnecessarily dire. While at UMass-Dartmouth, Barrow’s research findings over the
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Coinslot October 31 - November 6, 2014 23
8 letter to the editor
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Dear Sirs I wonder whether I’m missing the point when it comes to local councils and their responsibility in making coastal resorts as inviting and safe as possible for visitors. I know Coinslot has an anchor in Brighton, so you will know exactly what I’m saying when I criticise the council for its total neglect of protecting the city’s heart and soul from a flood of vagrants and drunks who have descended on the Palace Gardens. Forget the immigrants coming into the country - they’re working their testicles off in our city getting up at 5 in the morning to keep the hotels alive. Let’s put our attention to the 30 or so drunks from around our very own country who now occupy the street by the theatre and not only abuse tourists and visitors to the city, they beg aggressively, urinate in the doorways and just make a visit to Brighton an unpleasant experience. And what do the Green councillors do? Nothing. These people clearly have problems; and now, so does the city of Brighton. Our social services are inept at helping these people, and our council is just simply inept. It’s a demoralising situation.It’s demoralising to see people reach such depths of despair; and it’s demoralising that we have elected such desperatley poor local politicians. If this is a tourism policy at work, god help us.
Taking the fight to the people BACTA has rediscovered its mojo. The recent National Council sounded a clear signal - it’s time to shape up and get moving.
john white t BACTA’s recent National Council we A had a long discussion
pport for autumn event
usic is set to make a comeback in pubs, the Autumn Coin-op Show saw a high turnout rators and Donald Trump believes that cannibalisation of gaming venues in the north east US is inevitable according to industry-related media reports.
grown $2bn and if you look at the income distribution, the two major areas left in the north east for expansion is Massachusetts and New York. These are the two states that have the population and the money.” Barrow said little evidence exists to support claims that casinos will cause a spike in gambling addiction, suggesting scratch tickets and sports betting are the biggest problem games nationwide. He also offered a counter-argument to the claims by casino opponents that the state’s successful Lottery would be cannibalised by casinos, hurting local aid for cities and towns. Repeal the Casino Deal, the group behind the ballot question to repeal casinos, has argued that casinos could cost the Lottery up to $103m in annual revenue, a predicted 21.9 per cent decline based on a 2008 legislative study. Barrow said the experience in most states has been a slow-
Email: al@sjc.co.uk
politics
Name and address supplied.
years were often cited by casino backers to make a case for their legalisation in Massachusetts. “Donald Trump filed for bankruptcy with casinos when the market was going gangbusters, so he doesn’t have a very stellar record as a casino operator,” stated Barrow. Voters in November will decide the fate of a ballot question that would repeal the state’s three-year old casino gambling law. The state Gaming Commission has issued licenses so far for resort-style casinos in Springfield and Everett and a slot parlour in Plainville. Barrow said New Jersey casinos have suffered from competition in New York and Pennsylvania and Connecticut casinos have been hurt by gaming in New York and Rhode Island. “There will continue to be some movement of money and redistribution of market shares. But even on top of that redistribution, the market’s
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ing or flat-lining of Lottery revenue growth, and in states that did experience a slight decline a rebound occurred within three years. Based on revenue projections for three resort casinos and a slot parlour, Barrow said the worst case scenario of an 8 per cent decline in Lottery revenue would still leave cities and towns with a net $50m in additional local aid due to casino revenues steered to state accounts. For opponents’ claims of Lottery decline to come true, Barrow said: “Something would have to happen that hasn’t happened in 39 other states.” And finally, Play Expo, the North’s biggest and most diverse video gaming expo and returned to Manchester’s EventCity for its third successive year recently, according to Coin-op Community. “It was very successful for us - it is a unique event and we always enjoy being there” Electrocoin told Coin-op Community.
about our strategic approach and our political work. I will be describing in much more detail the strategic thinking at the Convention on 27 November, but there are a couple of things on the public affairs side members will want to know. We continue to maintain a strong political thread to what we do. This will become increasingly important as we run up to the election. Not necessarily to campaign on a single issue but to educate and inform MPs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates about our industry so that any arguments we do make now or in the coming years are understood correctly. We will have to therefore maintain good on-going relationships with a large number of stakeholders, and incidentally not just those in Parliament and in government. Members’ work in the constituencies will be crucial to the success of this strand of our work. This will have to be backed up by good PR and good communications, and again not just to our political audiences. National Council therefore agreed to the
appointment of a Head of Communications at BACTA to cover both public affairs and public relations aspects of our work. I will now crack on to find a suitable candidate for that role. One of the key elements of the new strategic approach at BACTA will be about developing the market (and is why research is so important). Part of that work will be building confidence in all the excellent work the industry does around Social Responsibility. National Council agreed to the formation of a new Compliance Committee which will cover all aspects of our compliance work as well as development of our social responsibility approach on such matters as age-verification testing and self-exclusion scheme. On a more social, but still politically important stage, I had the very great privilege of presenting to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Betting and Gaming. This gave me another chance to sound out key politicians on the new strategic thinking we ultimately adopted at National Council the following day. It was a positive response and we will be working further with this group of MPs.
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Coinslot October 31 - November 6, 2014
Newsweek WESTON-SUPER-SCARE eston’s Grand Pier may well be seeing an upsurge of monster proportions on Friday evening: it’s Halloween Ghouls Ball offers live music and a sinister three-course meal (including such delicacies as ‘mummified chicken with a death bed of monster mash’). With a ‘twisted circus’ theme, the event will use actors to terrorise those brave enough to enter the designated live horror zone. Those feint of heart are advised to stay clear - but over eighteens are welcome, and a prize will be awarded for guest with the best costume.
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8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE
BACTA issues papers for upcoming AGM will take place in the morning: with an opening address from BACTA vice-president Jason Frost. Both members and guests are welcome to the morning session, which will see Graf address the assembly alongside fellow guest speaker Lucy Cronin, partner at PR firm Instinctif. An informal panel session will take place towards the end of the open session, with a closing address from BACTA president Steve Hawkins. Lunch will be served in the venue’s Mountbatten Lounge from 1pm.
he BACTA Convention and AGM returns to The Queen Elizabeth II Convention Centre in Westminster on 27 November,with a keynote address from Philip Graf CBE, chairman of the board of commissioners at the Gambling Commission. Papers were despatched to all members and relevant parties this week for what should be one of the most important annual assemblies for the association in years. In a reverse of usual proceedings, next month’s open session
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COIN-OP KEY PLAYERS GEAR UP FOR SAGSE 2014 ovomatic and Konami will both be travelling to Buenos Aires in the coming weeks for SAGSE: the largest gaming
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and gambling trade event in the South American calendar. The Argentinian capital’s Centro Costa Salguero will provide the setting once again for the three-day trade event. Now in its twenty-second year, the 2013 edition of
SAGSE saw a slight decline in visitor numbers on the previous outing. However, event organisers highlight an increase in the calibre of attendees: 36 per cent of visitors worked in managerial positions, 35 per cent of
guests were deemed to be ‘actively involved’ in the process of influential purchases and the remaining 29 per cent of delegates were classed as ‘final decision makers.’ SAGSE 2014 takes place from 11-13 November.
Calendar NOVEMBER 2014 7 BALPPA HR Seminar Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool UK www.balppa.org
11-13 SAGSE Latin America Costa Salguero Convention Centre Buenos Aires Argentina www.monografie.com
14-16 BAPTO National Finals Norbreck Castle Hotel Blackpool UK www.bapto.org.uk
17-21 IAAPA Attractions Expo 2014 Orange County Convention Centre Orlando Florida US www.iaapa.org 18-20 Macao Gaming Show (MGS)Venetian Macao, Macao www.macaogamingshow.com
27 BACTA Convention & AGM QEII Conference Centre London UK www.bacta.org.uk
DECEMBER 2014 4-6 Amusement, Attraction & Park Industry Exhibition (ATRAX) Istanbul Expo Centre Istanbul Turkey www.atraxexpo.com
JANUARY 2015 13-15 EAG International Expo ExCeL London ExhibitionCentre, London UK www.eagexpo.com 13-15 Visitor Attractions Expo (VAE) ExCeL London ExhibitionCentre, London UK www.attractionsexpo.co.uk
EDITORIAL Editor: Alex Lee Email: al@sjc.co.uk Tel: 07772 280 299 Assistant Editor: Joseph Ewens Email: je@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01273 699 900 Contributors: Chris Webster, Steve Turner Managing Editor: Ken Scott Email: ks@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01273 699 900 ADVERTISING SALES Kathryn Norris Email: knorris@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 SUBSCRIPTIONS Sarah Haworth Tel: 01204 396 397 DIGITAL VERSION Marc Lawton Email: mlawton@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 PRODUCTION Designer: Gina Lloyd Email: gl@sjc.co.uk Ad Production & Pre-Press: Dave Roderick Email: gdk@sjc.co.uk PUBLISHER Director: John Sullivan GB Media Corporation Ltd, Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton, BL1 4AY
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