Coinslot 2345 digital by GB Media Corporation

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December 6 – December 12, 2013 • No. 2345 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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COINSLOT

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

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COMMENT

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The frustration of having to wait for engagement by the government....and delays in bringing about...an even playing field...continue to plague our industry 23

Whittingdale praises B SPEECH

While the bulk of John Whittingdale’s contribution at the recent BACTA annual convention concentrated on the thorny issue of fixed odds betting terminals and his support of their installation in ‘over 18s only’ adult gaming centres dependent upon the gathering of sufficient evidence, he saved a few words of praise for the long standing trade body. Whittingdale stated: “BACTA represents an important sector in many parts of the country and not just the seaside - and the DCMS select committee wants, unanimously, to support it and to see it prosper. Furthermore, well done to all in BACTA for what it does for the Rays Of Sunshine charity.” The MP for Maldon, which is coincidentally BACTA president Steve Hawkins’

constituency, closed his address with some words on tightening up online gambling regulation. He stated:

Commission point machine manufactu INDUSTRY DATA

he Gambling Commission has Tstatistics, published its latest industry with growth being seen across the betting, bingo, casino and remote gaming sectors, and a decline in arcades. Although the Commission has been collecting data on gaming machine manufacturer’s since 2007, the latest report included the first detailed report on the sector.As at September 30, 2013, there were 612 Gaming Machine Technical licensed activities.This is a decrease on the March 31, 2011, figure of 659, which included Gaming Machine Technical and Converted Machine licences.The number of employees in the gaming machine manufacturing sector, however, rose from 6,983 in the April 2011March 2012 period to 7,530 in

NUMBER OF NEW MACHINES SOLD

April 2012-March 2013, indicating a reverse in the declining trend. The Commission said there are a number of manufacturer’s which submitted their annual regulatory return information after the cut off for inclusion in the most recent edition of its indus-

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LISTINGS

BACTA CONVENTION

Gala concludes its exit from the UK casino industry

Industry assesses way forward

23 December 6 - December 12, 2013 • No. 2345 • www.coinslot.co.uk

ses BACTA’s efforts

Whittingdale backs BACTA’s B2 view POLITICS

The MP for Maldon and chairman of the DCMS’ select committee, John Whittingdale, has backed BACTA’s campaign for an immediate decision on allowing B2 machines in all adult-only premises. peaking at last week’s BACTA annual conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, the DCMS’ John Whittingdale empathised with BACTA’s view that B2 machines (aka FOBTs) should be allowed in both LBOs and AGCs or, by the same token, outlawed in both while empirical research is done on their alleged addictive qualities. BACTA’s campaign for B2 parity was supported by Whittingdale, who believes that the anti-FOBT lobby, led so vociferously by the Daily Mail, has little or no factual evidence to back up the scaremongering that has led to the machines being dubbed‘the crack cocaine of gambling.’ Whittingdale told conference delegates: “People talk of B2 machines being the crack cocaine of gambling.I’m not so sure they’re even the cannabis of gambling.” When Whittingdale mentioned that the term‘crack cocaine of gambling’ had first been coined by a journalist, EAG organiser Martin Burlin countered by stating:“It was Richard Caborne (formerly of the DCMS) who first called Australian ‘pokies’ the crack cocaine of gambling when he returned from a research visit from Australia. He decided it was fit to allow four LBOs in each licensed betting office.That’s akin to saying crack houses are fine,so long as they only have four chairs.” Long-standing operator and industry stalwart Billy Edwards told Whittingdale of how he had had to close down two arcades purely and simply because of the discrepancy in stakes and prizes allowed on his adult-only premises as opposed to the four per LBO permitted under the 2005 Gambling Act. Whittingdale added:“On a posi-

“Additional enforcement may be required to stop black market online gambling. We must have discussion with

Google to ensure players are properly protected and that search fields point to legal sites.”

points to decline in ufacturing levels

try statistics.Yet while the next edition of the industry statistics, scheduled for publication in June 2014, will contain the full dataset for this period,the current figures indicate a decline in total new machines sold between fiscal 2012 and 2013 (see chart). According to the Commission, the gross value of sales from new machines sold totalled £42m

between April 2012 and March 2013, down on the £58.3m in the April 2011 to March 2012 period. During the five-year period to March 2013, the British gambling industry,as regulated by the Commission, generated a gross gambling yield (GGY) of £6.3bn,a rise of £0.44bn between April 2011 March 2012. The non-remote betting sector represents the largest market within the industry with a 51 per cent share,followed by the casino sector (15 per cent) and the British regulated remote sector (13 per cent). Growth was seen across all with the exception of arcades, which reported a reduction in GGY. A full analysis of the Gambling Commission report can be found on p4-5.

tive note, I believe that the argument for the legitimacy of gambling is won. It’s a leisure activity enjoyed by millions and provides an important contribution to the British economy. It’s not long ago that you simply couldn’t that.” He continued:“Prior to the Triennial Review, there was a reluctance from government - of either colour - to go near gambling.While the Triennial was greeted with remarkably little controversy in Parliament,there was a disappointment from the gambling industry with Category D. I can understand this, given that my first experience (of soft gaming) was with coin pushers in an arcade in Weymouth, near where I grew up. It’s stretching a definition to say that coin pushers are ‘gambling machines’.” Whittingdale said of B2 machines:“The claims of addiction and damage they cause are unproven.We need empirical evidence that they aren’t as addictive as the anti-FOBT lobby make out.

We should conduct some research, with the principle argument being that we need to know a lot more about them before we make a knee-jerk response.” Despite talk of additional research, and thus further delays before a definitive decision is made regarding B2 machines, BACTA members will,however,have been encouraged by Whittingdale’s following remark:“There is no reason why you can’t have the same rules for AGCs. I’m particularly sympathetic to this.If it is established that B2s don’t offer any big danger, I would certainly extend them to AGCs. This is the issue of the moment and the Select Committee is unanimous in that we must find out the facts before changing entire rules.” BACTA CONVENTION REPORT P12

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Coinslot December 6 - December 12, 2013

Industry

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Latest gambling indus reveal new winners and INDUSTRY DATA

The Gambling Commission has delivered a mixed bag to the gaming industry, following the publication of its latest set of statistics, which indicate a rise gross gambling yield across the BACTA CONFERENCE bingo, casino, land-based betting and Speaking to delegates at the recent BACTA Convention, CEO Leslie online gambling sectors, but a decline in arcade gaming. MacLeod-Miller expressed frustration with the Gambling Commission regarding what he felt as ‘inaction’ regarding B2 machines.

BACTA promises a challenge to ‘bad regulation’

topic of debate discussion throughToutheandthemain recent BACTA convention was that of B2 machines. This was underlined by Leslie MacLeodMiller’s speech on the morning of the event. He told members: “The issue of the inconsistency of B2 machines being permitted only in LBOs dominates every BACTA meeting and the media. The debate in Parliament on November 27,where the regulation dealing with stakes and prizes was almost defeated on the basis that there was dissatisfaction with inaction on B2s, is a warning about the dangers of the B2 issue affecting the rest of the industry and we need to be alive to how we react to ensure that our public credentials remain unimpeachable. It remains remarkable that the Minister and civil servants continue to miscast the meaning of the precautionary principle but we can expect to see further action and pressure on the Department in the New Year.” He continued: “It is frustrating to hear Gambling Commission executives argue that our part of the industry does not do enough when we have always been at the forefront of social responsibility initiatives and is arguable that the Gambling Commission has failed to protect the vulnerable by dithering in relation to remote gambling and B2 machines.” MacLeod explained that

BACTA has developed social responsibility training in conjunction with GamCare and created voluntary codes of practice for a range of issues from self-exclusion to technical machine standards before they were ever required by the legislature. However, we recognise that with the public debate turning more towards player protection,he admitted that BACTA must do more.He stated:“We are therefore actively working to produce and launch an enhanced statement of social responsibility which will once again demonstrate the facts - that our sector is the lowest risk across a range of public policy area including responsible play, problem gambling, the proceeds of crime and antimoney laundering. We are also actively engaged in increasing our current resource for test purchasing which forms part of the current review of the LCCP.” Despite criticising certain elements of the Commission’s work, MacLeod-Miller acknowledged the way in which the Gambling Commission chairman,Philip Graf, has undertaken his role with integrity, stating: “He has demonstrated fair-minded and proportionate leadership in an extremely sensitive area of public policy.” MacLeod-Miller added: “The failure of the Commission to acknowledge the industry’s joint submission that would enhance social responsibility codes at the

same time as receiving an increase in stakes and prizes seems to indicate a lack of balance in advising the Secretary of State concerning the way in which the triennial review might be taken forward.” BACTA has asked the government to reconsider the advice of the Commission on Category D games, which the organisation believes fails to find the right balance between evidence based policy,growth and public protection. According to MacLeodMiller, many were disappointed in the Commission’s approach to the triennial review, questioning whether the Commission should take responsibility for its view that there is an apparent lack of evidence in advising on changes to stake and prize levels. He said:“The Commission receives information from its regulatory returns and is responsible for requesting which information is included in those returns. It can also approach the industry at any time for clarification and further information which it has not done.” MacLeod-Miller promised to keep challenging bad regulation and push for an even playing field both for social and fiscal law. He concluded: “I will continue with the BACTA team to protect the rights of every BACTA member. It is only with your help and commitment that we can guarantee the future of our industry.”

he Gambling Commission has published its latest industry statistics for the five-year period between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2013, with growth being seen across the betting, bingo, casino and remote gaming sectors, and a decline in arcades. During the five-year period to March 2013, the British gambling industry, as regulated by the Commission, generated a gross gambling yield (GGY) of £6.3bn, a rise of £0.44bn between April 2011 March 2012. The non-remote betting sector represents the largest market within the industry with a 51 per cent share, followed by the casino sector (15 per cent) and the British regulated remote sector (13 per cent). Growth was seen across all with the exception of arcades, which reported a reduction in GGY. Drilling down into the figures, GGY across the non-remote gaming sector totalled £5.2bn in the period from April 2012 to March 2013, compared to £4.9bn in fiscal 2008. During that time, GGY in the land-based betting sector rose 10.4 per cent to £3.18bn. GGY in the casino industry totalled £961m (up 12.4 per cent), while for the bingo sector this figure stood at £711 (up 1.1 per cent). The arcade sector experienced a 29.4 per cent drop

to £339m in the period. Category B1, B2, B3 and D machine numbers increased between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2013, while Category B4 and C machines declined during the same period. According to the Commission, Category D machines have seen large growth since April 2011-March 2012, with the increase being attributed, in part, by the reporting of electronic bingo terminals by a small number of operators. The total GGY generated by gaming machines across all gambling sectors showed growth in each of the reporting periods. B2 category machines generated 67 per cent of the total machines GGY in the period April 2012-March 2013 compared to 56 per cent in the period April 2008-March 2009. The Commission’s latest report indicates the number of people working in the industry has declined slightly overall. The arcades, betting,

bingo, lotteries and remote sectors experienced a decline in the number of employees between April 2011-March 2012 and April 2012-March 2013. Casino and gaming machine technical saw increases across the same period. “For the arcades and remote sectors the decline observed from March 2011 onwards is in part due to the clarification given to a number of operators in these sectors on the classification of staff directly associated with gambling activities,” the Commission stated. “Previously, operators reported all company staff even if their roles were unrelated to the gambling part of the business.” According to the Commission, as of September 30, 2013, 215 operators held non-remote bingo licences. There are cur-

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www.reflex-gaming.co.uk 01636 700 708

ndustry statistics s and losers

iPub rewards players with weekly £1.1m payout TECHNOLOGY

The Astra Gaming Group has unveiled an interesting new statistic indicating that players are winning more than £1.1m every week on its iPub terminals. rently 668 bingo venues in operation across the UK, up on the 641 in March 2009. Gala Bingo and Mecca Bingo remain the clear leaders in the sector, operating 140 and 98 venues, respectively. Employment MARKET SHARE BY levels remain GGY APRIL somewhat 2012 TO shaky in the MARCH 2013 bingo sector, with the figure of 16,048 from March this year less than the fiscal 2011 peak of 17,822 but higher than the 15,917 employees in March 2009. “The make-up of gaming machines in bingo clubs has changed in recent years,” the Commission said. “The introduction and widespread use of electronic bingo terminals by a number of providers accounts for much of the increase in category C and category D machines since April 2010-March 2011.” In the period April 2012March 2013, the number of gaming machines in bingo licensed premises accounted for 28 per cent (24 per cent in April 2011March 2012) of the total number of machines across all gambling sectors. The overall number of gaming machines in betting shops, meanwhile, has remained fairly steady

across the five-year period. GGY, however, has shown consistent year-onyear growth, increasing from £1.07bn in April 2008March to £1.55bn in April 2012-March 2013, a rise of £480m (45 per cent). According to the Commission, there were 143 casinos operating at September 30, 2013. Following the sale of most of the Gala Casinos estate to Grosvenor casinos in May 2013, there are now two companies which own the majority of casinos in the industry: Rank Group (Grosvenor Casinos and ‘G’ Casinos) with 59 casinos, and Genting UK (Genting Casinos/Clubs) with 41 casinos. Finally, the average number of gaming machines in AGCs has declined year-on-year across the five-year period. In the period April 2012-March 2013, the number of gaming machines in AGCs accounted for 31 per cent (34 per cent in April 2011March 2012) of the total number of machines across all regulated gambling sectors. Gaming machine GGY in AGCs accounted for 12 per cent (13 per cent in April 2011March 2012) of gaming machine GGY across all sectors and has been on a declining trend, year-onyear, over the five consecutive periods. AVERAGE AGC MACHINE NUMBERS

ver £1m per week is being won on iPub terO minals, according to the

space.The balance of games stakes and as a result, the styles makes more sense still iPub gaming experience is when you factor in the vital being embraced by all types Astra group.The figure adds contribution made by Bell- of customers,” he noted. significant credence to data Fruit Games with a Cat C lin- “The fact that we are witrevealed recently by the eage that’s rich in top nessing 2.5m games played group showing that more earning titles that our cus- per week on iPub, generatthan 2.5m plays per week tomers simply love to play ing more than £1m in pay outs for players clearly supare being racked up across again and again.” According to Jefferson, ports this view.” national operator Jefferson continued:“The Gamestec’s rapidly expand- the acceptance of ‘£1 only’ stake games has introduced fact that iPub offers a suite lapsed and other sector ing iPub estate. The £1.1m weekly pay a perfect balance to the of casino content along players. Be it a spin on out carries even more sig- multi stake option games with an exciting range of Roulette, eyes down for nificance when put in con- that are available within DOND and traditional pub Bingo or a box to pick with text of the wider UK iPub. “Players are able to fruit games ensures that the Noel, iPub leads where gambling environment in select from low to high platform appeals to new, others follow.” which iPub is forced to contend with some highly compelling and incredibly high profile competition for discretionary gambling spend. Andy Dinning, games design director of Astra Games, put the figure into real world context, saying: “Compare iPub and its £1.1m pay out with, for example, some of the big A MIM JUKEBOX FOR JUST online bingo providers, one of which claims to return more than £5m per week to its customers. On first impressions,it may look like INCLUDES £205 CASHBACK FROM SOUNDNET there’s a very clear margin between those figures, but they’re closer than you think given that we’re up against rivals who boast the ability to attract thousands of ‘players’ on a daily basis. What that £1.1m figure also tells us, quite obviously, is that playing on iPub represents very good value for money for the player.” Pinning down the reasons for iPub’s success, Gamestec account director Lee Jefferson commented: · PROVEN RELIABILITY & SERVICE FROM SOUND LEISURE “It’s exciting to observe the · EVERYONES FAVOURITE MIM INTERFACE AND SERVICE key differential games from Astra adding value as a true · OVER 150 NEW SONGS PER MONTH FROM SOUNDNET, segmentation offer for Cat INCLUDES THE LATEST FULL ALBUMS C gaming in the pub sector. · EXCLUSIVE UK SINGLES CHART The ability to be able to offer tier one content that is recognisable in other sectors helps set iPub apart and supports the product as a soundnet.net soundleisure.com true market leader in its

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Coinslot December 6 - December 12, 2013

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE

Industry

B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK REPORT A breakdown of the key note comments from this year’s BACTA Convention in London. 12

Record business gains for AMS in November

Devon’s top amusement attraction up for sale

REGIONAL OPERATORS

ovember started with a bang, not just because N of Fireworks night, but

PIERS

Prospective buyers have already expressed interest after Paignton Pier, still very much a going concern, was listed for sale. he opportunity to buy one of Devon’s top seaside amusement attractions has arisen after the owner of Paignton Pier put the 134-year-old structure up for sale. Mitchell Leisure is to sell the freehold on the iconic 780-foot (240-metre) tourist attraction as part of a company restructure, with offers in the region of £1.8m likely to peak its interest. The pier’s businesses, which included a large family entertainment centre, crazy golf, food outlets and ten pin bowling, produce an annual

turnover of £790,000, giving any new operator profits of around £250,000 a year. Richard Baldwin, director of property firm GVA, which is marketing the sale, told the Plymouth Herald: “There are only a limited amount of piers in the UK and the opportunity doesn't come up that often. “They don’t come up very often as there are only about 50 in the country and half are owned by local authorities.” Potential buyers are to be granted planning permission to make any radical alterations to the historic,

but not listed, pier. However, Baldwin was positive that the pier’s consistently profitable financial performance would lead to a sale. He commented: “It is trading well. I do think it will sell. We have already had some interest. Pricing is always difficult because it is so unique. It will appeal to a broad base. “It will be sold as a trading entity and I very much expect it to be maintained in its current form with, perhaps, new owners finding new avenues to exploit.” According to the listing,

Paignton Pier’s main income comes from the arcade,ice cream and sweet shop outlets. There are a total of 15 concession agreements on the pier which generate an income of approximately £90,000 a year. The sale includes the family entertainment centre as well as land on the foreshore and any buyer would have to maintain the public right of way on the pedestrian underpass. Documents say the beach area below the pier “must be kept clear at all times to allow pedestrian access”.

IOA out in force at EAG International OPERATORS

Playing a key role in the industry’s development throughout the past 20 years, the IOA values the importance of the EAG in determining its members’ purchasing decisions for the rest of the year.

he IOA, which was originally created as a purTchasing group more than 20 years ago and soon graduated into a national supplier, believes that the EAG is vital, not just for seeking out the best-in-class domestically manufactured AWPs and SWPs, but also for ancillary products from around Europe. Describing EAG International as “a very productive three days”, the group’s CEO Peter Weir and the IOA in general have been k e y sup-

porters of the event since its inception in 2010. The IOA uses the show as the venue for its AGM, at which members will participate in elections and set out the agenda for the forthcoming year. Weir believes that in 2014 there will be much to discuss: “The year has been challenging for our members and their customers, not least because of economic pressures and the reduction in spend of the leisure pound. Revenues from SWPs are in sharp decline and the much awaited Triennial brought no stake change for AWPs, so only time will tell if it has a positive impact,” revealed Weir. He continued:“EAG International presents a real challenge to other shows. AWPs

are the most important products for our members and are always a strong feature of EAG International. We’re also delighted to learn that product from new entrants to the market will feature in January. “The show has evolved dramatically and is now also a great shop window for ancillary product from around Europe. We’re experiencing a degree of product polarisation driven by our sites, so this aspect is important,” he confirmed. Keenly anticipating the opportunities presented by EAG International 2014, Weir concluded:“The show represents a great place to network, meet people from abroad and generally keep up to speed with new ideas and innovations.”

Staff working on the pier are expected to transfer to any new company while retaining their terms and conditions under a TUPE (transfer of undertakings) agreement. Mitchell Leisure bought the pier in June 1994, marking the completion of phase one of a major restoration programme one year later. Emergency work was carried out in 2008 after a major structural fault was found in one of the supporting columns, shutting down two thirds of the pier had to be closed while repairs were completed.

also due to a record number of new business gains for Automatic Machine Services (AMS) that resulted in installations being booked for every week of the month. Jason Jarrett, director of the Kent-based gaming and amusement machine operator, said AMS has also seen many customers reviewing equipment and adjusting types of machines to take advantage of the forthcoming busy period. “Our business development managers have racked up many miles meeting with customers to ensure the latest product information and our expert advice is given so the best results can be achieved,” he said. AMS has also undertaken a complete refresh of its website, which went live on December 1.

Bolton Mecca bingo holds Christmas fair BINGO

here was a full house when dozens of busiTnesses took part in a Christmas-themed fair at Mecca Bingo last week.The event was held to support Boltonbased businesses and attract new members to the club in the town’s Ormrod Street. An estimated 500 people turned out for the 12-and-ahalf hour extravaganza. Sweet treats and personalised Christmas hats were among the items for sale. Will Clarke, membership

manager at Mecca Bingo in Bolton, said: “We just wanted to support local businesses as we have a big footfall and we wanted to add to the customers’ experience. We aren’t all about bingo as we do have themed events.A total of 27 different businesses attended.” The day was also aimed at supporting Bolton’s Urban Outreach, which supports disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the town, as bingo staff encouraged people to bring donations for the cause.

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Coinslot December 6 - December 12, 2013

Industry

INDUSTRY

AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK REGULATION Leslie MacLeod-Miller tells delegates at the BACTA Convention how social and fiscal regulation plagues the industry. 23

Martin hits out at pubcos

RGT chairman responds to ‘inaccurate’ comments RIGHT OF REPLY

SINGLE SITE

Tim Martin has gained a well earned reputation of saying it as it is - or, as his opponents would argue, as he sees it. Whatever side of that particular fence one stands, he is undeniably an industry voice that has to be heard. And what he said recently will not please the great British pubco. ‘Deluded’, ‘reluctant’, ‘denial’ are just some of the descriptions afforded to his industry colleagues food for thought for some, one drink too many for others. But you always have to pull up a chair and listen.

ounder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon Tim Martin has accused some pubco chiefs of being “deluded”. Speaking at last week’s Pub Retail Summit, Martin said that this causes an unwillingness to adapt their businesses and a failure to support positive pub industry campaigns. He gave the example of his company’s early adoption of real ale, for which there was “so much demand”but“the existing players either couldn’t see it or didn’t want to do much about it”. Martin also pointed out that his firm was among the first to introduce no-smoking areas in sites and later smokefree pubs. “Non-smoking pubs did not exist, so there was a gap there and a reluctance to get involved in a controversial area.” Martin said the“reluctance to take on something new”is a “characteristic of the industry”. He added:“The gaps are still there now in many ways. You wonder why these gaps exist in our industry.” He reminded attendees that the big pub companies from 20 years ago, such as

Neil Goulden, chairman of the Responsible Gambling Trust, has issued a response to recent allegations that questioned the integrity of the charity’s trustees.

“ Allied Breweries and Grand Metropolitan, no longer exist and 10,000 pubs have closed in the past decade. Wetherspoon’s boss attributed it to “a level of denial”and said the industry likes to blame other factors, such as changing economic conditions, “nicer” homes and even the weather. He also criticised pubcos’ “remote boards”, telling delegates: “Often the people who get to run pub companies at a higher level don’t actually like pubs.On a Saturday night they prefer to go to a restaurant. They aren’t dyed-in-the-wool pubgoers, which is a problem.” Martin stated that parts of the industry are also out of

touch on political issues. For example, the decision to shift control of licensing from magistrates to councils was opposed by 95 per cent of publicans, but supported by major pubcos.“There’s a level of self-confidence or delusion, I think, among those at the top that they know better.” He also criticised the “negativity” around the campaign to cut VAT headed by Jacques Borel. Martin admitted that mistakes have been made in the campaign and that was natural, but urged the industry to “get real” on the lack of tax parity with supermarkets and “make the turn” to support the campaign.

Empire goes for a Dynamic community approach with AMG CATEGORY D

Games, part of the Astra Gaming Group, has reintroduced Eits mpire highly popular Dynamic range of cabinets as part of an exclusive agreement with distributor AMG Leisure. The collaboration will result in the launch of six new Category D 10p/£5 games in the ‘low-boy’ style cabinet over a 12-month period. Explaining the partnership, Empire director Craig Beer stated:“The decision to bring back the Dynamic name is the result of an approach first made to us by AMG to produce a cost-effective cabinet that would work well in the arcade sector.They wanted a product that would sit lower in the arcade setting and improve sight lines throughout locations. “Dynamic does just that and we are now at a stage where we can confidently

open environment. There’s a steady revenue stream to be generated by the more mature player who is paying for time and that represents a highly valuable part of our business. It’s what creates the atmosphere in an arcade and it’s made all the more possible with a product like Dynamic.” According to Empire and AMG, the Dynamic range will also be unique in that it will go to market as a ‘community’ product.Essentially,the machines will be linkable and have a central take the concept forward with strong, theme running across them. “We’ve compelling game content. The first now got three models in the market examples will be seen at EAG in January place that are slowly but surely acquirwhen AMG will be showcasing three ing carpet space,” added Sowray.“It’s new Dynamic titles.They are Bands of been an exciting start to what we intend to be a highly productive relaGold, Lucky Ladders and Gold Run.” AMG’s Mark Sowray commented: tionship with Empire which will see “The Dynamic range fulfils a genuine the release of six new models every need in amusement arcades for a year with the possibility of more lower cabinet that helps create a more depending on demand.”

The political environment surrounding gambling is highly charged and it would set back the important work of the Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) if Coinslot’s readers - many of them current and potential donors - were misled by the inaccurate comments from Freddy Bailey in last week’s Coinslot. The RGT is dedicated to minimising gambling-related harm and ensuring that those who do experience harm get effective help. The bulk of our money is spent on treatment and education services. Research is only 10 per cent of what the RGT funds but we plan research across a range of subjects which are sensitive to one sector of the industry or another. We remain determined to deliver gaming machine research which does not duck any of the key questions or shirk our responsibility to help develop effective harm minimisation programmes. Freddy says that several RGT trustees are bookmakers and that this endangers the independence of this research. Nothing could be further from the truth. The RGT board has five industry and five independent trustees. I am a non-voting chairman. Liz Barclay is a consumer affairs journalist and acts as our senior independent trustee. With Gerry Sutcliffe (former gambling minister), Jonathan Woolf (an academic),

Alan Jamieson (a clinical expert) and Hilary Stewart-Jones (a gambling lawyer) she forms the cohort of independent trustees. Research is commissioned by a committee comprised only of these independent trustees and which entirely excludes trustees from industry who may otherwise have a conflict of interest. All research is strenuously peer reviewed. The industry trustees - Richard Glynn (bookmaking and online), Clive Hawkswood (online), Nick Harding (bingo and Adult Gaming Centres), Jonathan Paveley (pubs) and Peter Brooks (casinos) - come from a range of sectors and their involvement sharing knowledge and ensuring support from the industry - is vital to our success. The only bookie is Richard. Ralph Topping was last a trustee two years ago and Carl Leaver made way for a trustee from the casino sector. This structure positively encourages the industry to engage as active stakeholders. As testament to this, the co-operation of 13 gambling businesses on our gaming machine research is an unprecedented global achievement of which I am

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Coinslot December 6 - December 12, 2013

Amusements

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Frontierland leisure park promoted as boost for Morecambe Portsmouth pier shut as trust announces acquisition intentions

REGENERATION

Struggling seaside resort Morecambe could be in line for an uplift if plans to redevelop a derelict amusement park get the go-ahead.

PIERS

evelopers hope to create up to 500 jobs if plans for a new £17m leisure and retail park on the site of Morecambe’s Frontierland fairground are given the green light. Opus North held a public exhibition last week to showcase the complex of fashion shops, a hotel, restaurants, a family pub and 376 parking spaces it wants to build on the former amusement park. Frontierland, once part of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach empire, closed in 2000, and the eight acre site has been derelict ever since. David Kerr from Morecambe town council said the scheme “sounds very promising”, commenting: “We will all be very excited and keen to hear what’s proposed.”

he fortunes of Portsmouth’s South TParade Pier have taken

briefs

amusements

Opus North revealed it is in talks to bring several big name fashion retailers to the new development, which would see the resort’s Polo Tower, a leftover from Frontierland, pulled down and replaced with another attraction. A spokesman for the West Yorkshire-based company, which specialises in office, industrial and retail developments, said the plans would provide a major regeneration boost for Morecambe.

He commented:“We are proud to be bringing forward major investment in a well-known but disused site. “It is our intention to create a lasting legacy of jobs and investment for Morecambe.” Following the public exhibitions, which took place last Friday and Saturday, Opus North said it would put in a planning application to Morecambe Town Council. Supermarket giants

ARCADE AIDS CANCER CHARITY An afternoon tea held by FEC operator Bell Leisure has helped raise £1,300 for Cancer Research UK. Tea and cake was accompanied by a male vocalist at the event, which took place at the Lucky Strike amusement arcade in Skegness.

Morrisons bought the land in 2001 with the initial aim of opening a village-style shopping complex, but this was never realised. A proposed mixed-used development, to include housing, also failed when developers went bust. A Next, Homebase and gym/sports shop opened on the site in 2008, but Morrisons failed to sell spaces on the rest of the land as the effect of the global economic collapse took hold.

NEW PIER DESIRE REVEALED

West Pier Trust chairman Glynn Jones has revealed that a new pier is only just behind the completion of Brighton’s i360 viewing tower in his list of priorities for the resort. He said he wanted the pier to have “total public access” and be a “centre for creative tourism”.

divergent paths after the resort’s council ordered it to remain shut to the public. On the same day the South Parade Trust was officially launched, stating it wants to reopen negotiations to buy the pier and reopen it to the public. Portsmouth City Council took action to “protect the public from immediate danger” when it learned owners Fred Nash and Dawn Randall intended to reopen the wooden promenade around the 134year-old pier. Claire Upton-Brown, city development manager at the council, said: “The owners have had a voluntary closure in place, on the advice of the council, for more than a year, while arranging for structural repairs.

“The council understands that the owners intended to remove the closure on Monday, so it has had to take action to make the closure compulsory and protect the public.” After the council’s decision, South Parade Trust chairman Leon Reis said it would look again at ways it could purchase the pier from Nash and Randall. He told local newspaper The News: “In view of this dramatic turn of events, South Parade Trust is urgently seeking talks with the owners to see if this brings us any closer to acquisition by the community. “We are keen to play a significant part in repairing the pier so it can be restored to full and safe public access.” The closure does not affect access to the pier’s family entertainment centre at its landward end.

FREE PARKING SCHEME SUCCESSFUL

BLACKPOOL BEACHES CLEAN UP

Free parking on Sundays has been declared a success in Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth. Although both resorts continue to charge during the summer season, the reintroduction of the scheme for winter has helped boost trade for local businesses.

Blackpool tourism has got a boost after the resort’s North, South, Central and Bispham beaches all met European water quality standards for 2013. It is the first time since 2005 all four of Blackpool’s beaches have passed, although St Annes and Fleetwood beaches both failed.

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Euromat Working Group

According to BACTA, the EAG show remains a tribute to the trade’s ability to demonstrate its commercial acumen and the team - led by Martin Burlin and the Advisory Board - continues to work hard to make EAG the benchmark against which international amusement exhibitions are judged. The trade body encouraged those involved to continue to support Burlin in his role.

BACTA has been reviewing how best to protect its UK members from changes coming out of Brussels which could negatively impact the way in which it offers its services to the public. It has formed a Euromat Working Group and Derek Petrie attended the last meeting as a representative of that group.

BRITISH DESTINATIONS

BACTA, British Destinations join forces for new survey British Destinations, which represents over 100 destinations and has 70 member organisations in its ranks, confirmed the progress of a 12-month-old relationship with BACTA, with a view to supplying an accurate snapshot of the seaside coin-op industry in 2014. n 2014, British Destinations and BACTA will produce a joint report on tourism in Britain’s major seaside resorts. At BACTA’s annual conference, Peter Hampson, British Destinations’ CEO, told delegates: “We’re grateful to BACTA and aware of their issues - fiscal, physical, technical and legal. There’s been a relentless attack on the seaside amusements sector over the last 10 years, not least from online gaming and B2 machines. British Destinations doesn’t have the capacity to deal with the issues coastal arcades face, but we’ve been aiming for an opportunity to work together with BACTA.” He continued:“The seaside accounts for 30 per cent of all holiday trips in Britain and 38 per cent of all holiday nights.The seaside accounts for 31 per cent of all holiday expenditure.The seaside, however, suffers a huge issue of popular, ingrained perception and misconceptions. It’s all well and good mentioning donkey rides and Punch and Judy, but that’s just a tiny part of the overall offer.” Hampson explained that there are 3.1m people living in Britain’s 43 largest seaside resorts, making the point that this is approximately the same as the population of Wales.“Wales has a government, the seaside doesn’t,” he remarked. To exemplify his point of the seaside’s importance to the British economy, Hampson stated:“There are 489,000 people in higher education, 463,000 in computer software, 338,000 in insurance and pensions, 224,000 in telecommunications and there are 210,000 in seaside tourism.Black-

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pool alone employs 19,000 people in tourism, which is only just short of the coal mining and fishing industries put together. Can you imagine the outcry if these were both closed down?” The British Destinations/BACTA report will use 2011 census data, 2012/13 UK economic data, will include 121 resort towns and will feature new breakdowns by key sectors within tourism and will be published in early 2014. Hampson added:“The new breakdown of tourism employment by sector in each resort might be expected to cover 6-10 indi-

vidual sectors such as retail, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, transport and amusement arcades.” When questioned about school holiday dates becoming more flexible, Hampson saw it as an opportunity for the seaside amusements sector. He stated: “Summer holidays could broaden slightly, thus giving us a longer season.” Hampson concluded: “Together with BACTA, we can work quicker and smarter to achieve our goals. It’s a new beginning and is mutually beneficial for our working relationship between us.”

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MGD and taxation - Rank and Linneweber The MGD working group has been engaged in detailed review and correspondence with HMRC and Treasury officials regarding the recent Rank tax case. BACTA engaged the services of PWC to provide external guidance and support to every member who receives this as part of their membership. The body continues to work through implementation challenges, calling upon the input and expertise of members of the working group.

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

LEGISLATION

Hawkins acknowled ges role of activists

CEO rues government attention to remote gambling

teve Hawkins, BACTA’s president, credited a number of people for their role in Skeeping his trade body’s issues at the forefront of the government’s minds and spared some words for the late Neil Chinn. Hawkins told delegates:“BACTA continues to engage at the most senior levels of government and continue to retain Peter Bingle to increase the breadth of BACTA’s influence. Leslie MacLeod-Miller attended the three main political party conferences this year, together with Peter Bingle, and met with a number of key MPs and special advisors.” He added:“We continue to make representations to the Treasury team in this the

first year of the new tax regime. We also worked very closely with PWC and provided every BACTA member the option to use the services of PWC for no charge.We are grateful for the support of DCMS officials and in particular Alison Pritchard and Richard Orpin, and we look forward to working closely with the new Minister, Helen Grant. Hawkins stated:“Retaining and increasing membership is one of BACTA’s high profile challenges and I want to thank members of the Working Group for their continued endeavours to launch new initiatives to benefit existing members and encourage new

members, including mystery shopping, security, spares discount, training and membership discounts. The final words of the BACTA national president were reserved for one of early predecessors. Hawkins said:“Special mention must be made of Neil Chinn who very sadly passed away last month after a short illness, aged just 60. Neil had been an outstanding BACTA President and was a good friend to the industry. Our thoughts and wishes are with his family. My thanks are also extended to Peter Weir who has worked tirelessly to help streamline the Compliance Function.”

AWARDS

OPERATORS

Silver picks up longservice accolade

Edwards uses retail analogy for parity argument

hil Silver, who has been a member of BACTA since August 1988, Ppicked up a much-deserved long-ser-

ong-standing south coast operator Billy Edwards criticised the lack of Ldecisive action on the FOBT debate,

vice award at the trade body’s recent annual convention. Before joining BACTA as a liaison assistant, Silver worked for the Metropolitan Police. He is now BACTA’s head of compliance. With 25 years of active BACTA service under his belt, Silver is the trade body’s longest-serving member of staff. BACTA president Steve Hawkins told delegates: “Phil’s award is in recognition of his commitment, loyalty and service to BACTA.”

ing offices) for ages.All I’m asking for is a fair crack of the whip.” He continued:“Imagine if Morrisons claiming that government has had weren’t allowed to sell a particular prodmore than enough time to make a pos- uct, but Sainsbury’s,Waitrose and the itive decision on finally allowing B2 rest of them weren’t.There’d be hell on!” machines to be positioned in adult gaming centres. Edwards stated:“I have plenty of evidence that there is unfair competition. I’m paying my dues and demands, and always have done in my business operating family entertainment centres and adult gaming centres, but I’ve still had to close two arcades.B2 machines have been out there (in licensed bookmak-

n the wake of BACTA’s recent response to the consultation regarding remote gambling, Leslie MacLeod-Miller questioned the motives of the Gambling Commission. He stated: “It is important to reflect that the purpose of the 2005 Act was supposed to deal with gambling on remote devices, mobiles, TV and the internet, but five years since implementation of the Act there is an ever increasing gap between the over-regulation which characterises land-based gambling and gambling provided through remote communication.” He continued: “Despite the remote legislation having been passed by parliament (last week), it remains doubtful whether it goes far enough in terms of enforcement to be effective and I fear that it will be just another opportunity for the Gambling Commission to empire build at our expense. What is of even greater concern to taxpayers should be the delay in taxation of remote gambling which has put money in the pockets of offshore gambling companies while essential services, such as defence, health, fire and education have been cut.” MacLeod-Miller reminded BACTA members: “We have asked pointed questions and lodged a Freedom of Information request about the reasons why the government has dragged its feet and we will continue to push for an even playing field with land-based gaming.” Coinslot DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2013

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ala Coral Group has completed the sale of its remaining four UK casinos based in Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff and Teesside and a cold casino licence in Dundee to Double Diamond Gaming for an undisclosed sum. The four casinos were excluded from a sale of 19 casinos to the Rank Group in May 2013, following a Competition Commission ruling. Carl Leaver, CEO of Gala Coral Group, said: “This transaction concludes the exit of our casino interests in the UK and is a continuation of our strategy to focus on growing our core operations. I would like to thank our colleagues at the four casinos for their hard work and contribution over many years, and to wish them every success under new ownership.” Double Diamond is an independent

casino operator that owns the Rainbow Casino in Birmingham. Commenting on the deal, Duncan Savage, managing director of Double Diamond, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Gala Coral to conclude this transaction. The acquisition is a continuation of our strategy to build a high quality casino group in the UK. It builds on the success of our acquisition and re-launch of the Rainbow Casino in 2010 and we look forward to re-launching the casinos under the Rainbow brand over the Christmas period.” Last month Gala unveiled its full-year results for fiscal 2014. In the 12 months to September 28, group turnover was up six per cent over the previous year, with gross profits up three per cent to £20.5m, reflecting growth in all continuing businesses except the company’s retail divi-

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sion. The sale of 19 UK casinos to the Rank Group for £179m was completed on May 12. “In light of the difficult trading conditions, especially in Q4, the group posted a satisfactory performance in the year, with gross profit ahead in all our businesses with the exception of Gala Retail,” Leaver said. “Performance in the year to Q3 was resilient, but a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather in Q4 resulted in reduced footfall in the UK retail businesses. This, combined with poor sports results (primarily football), resulted in a material adverse impact on Q4 EBITDA. “Trends in the new financial year have been more positive with results and customer volumes returning to more normal levels, and encouraging growth in our online businesses,” he added.

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PRODUCT SALE AMUSEMENT MACHINES FOR SALE ames Bond Amusements of Leicestershire is selling a range of used Jamusement products for UK buyers. The company has Harry Levy pushers including New York, Party Time and Old McDonald for £1,000 each, and a Whittaker Brothers Arabian Gold three-player pusher for £750. In addition, James Bond is selling one stacker for £600, Slam Dunk Basketball for £400 and a range of change machines, among other products. A special deal is available for the buyer who wishes to take all the equipment.

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rewDog has opened the doors on its 13th craft beer bar in Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ShepB herdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bush. Located at 15-19 Goldhawk Road, BrewDog Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bush serves up 40 craft beers on tap alongside several more bottles and cans in the fridges and a BBQ-themed menu. The quirky venue features exposed brickwork and oil drum pub tables, along with coin-operated pinball machines and retro video games. Coinslot DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2013

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he Strictly Disco Pusher is currently MS International has announced the aving recently released 10 new games, available from Crown Direct and launch of Skylanders Swap Force TDeith P H Universal Space (Unis) reported Leisure. The six-player pusher can plush collectibles into the European having the best IAAPA show in five years. be set for token out or ticket out and has a playfield designed to accommodate different merchandise. Available for £4,995 plus VAT, the pusher features a disco ball topper, multi-coloured attraction lighting and stylised artwork.

amusement sector for 2014. Discussing the signing of the licensing contract for the highly successful Activision toy sensation, the company’s Steve Beverley said: “In such a competitive sector we strongly believe that we have secured one of the most exciting properties currently on the market.” Skylanders Swap Force will be soft launched at the PMS headquarters in Basildon, Essex, in December. This will be followed by the official launch at the forthcoming EAG held at London’s ExCeL in January. Stock will be available from spring 2014.

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JACKSONS SUPER BLUES

Phillip Nelson

534

DIDCOT GOALBUSTERS

John Carpenter

466

AMS VXR GJ

Roger Jarrett

410

JOHN WARK'S MILKMEN

Stu & Stoo

531

RANGERS RETURN 1

Ashley Temple

465

ABSOLUTE REAMSTERS

Alex Lee

409

JACKSONS JACKPOT XI

Gareth Cammack

525

JJ'S SHOPPERS 11

JJ Lucky

460

DONKEY LASHERS

Andy Williamson

408

FC CLACTON UNDER 10's

Stuart Heyden

522

WARWICKS WINNERS

Warwick Tunnicliffe

460

BEADLES 1

Peter Hemmings

401

CAREFREE BAZZA

Glyn Petrie

521

ESSEX BOYS 2

Steve Hawkins

458

PARAGON ACADEMICALS

Nick Hardy

396

COMRIEAUTOMATICS

Jack Craddock

520

CAREFREE ALDON

Glyn Petrie

457

BIG PRIZE WINNERS

Harry Leaveme

395

AMG OOOOSSSHHH

Ian Pawson

519

LLL CITY

Keith Parker

457

BUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

Harry Leaveme

391

HAMMERTIME

Brian Wright

517

ESSEX BOYS 1

Steve Hawkins

453

FERGIES FINEST

Kevin Temple

386

LLL WANDERERS

Jake Parker

517

DYNAMO KEBAB

David Lees

453

DO IT THEE SEN LAD

Simon Shaw

374

SUSHI SLIPPERS

Derek Lewis

517

RICK'S BOYZ

Andy Bowler

452

HOLTY'S HOTSPOTS

Tony Holt

507

RAYLEIGHS REJECTS

Jody Buckley

451

JOHNNYS SHOPPERS 11

John Mitchell

367

MUCKING FUDDLERS

Chris Skelly

506

BEACON BATTLERS

Harry Illingworth

450

TOWER POWER

Tony O'Brien

366

MICK McCARTHY'S MISFITS

Stoo Evans

506

AMS YID ARMY

Jason Jarrett

450

COINSPINNERTRONS

Coopertron

365

SEE THE AT' TOP

Simon Shaw

357

AMG LEISURE

Carl Bearman

503

S.A.S FC

David Holmes

450

SOUTH OF THE QUEENS

David Lees

503

CASHBOX KINGS

James Illingworth

450

M.O.T

Bill Knowles

346

WARWICKS ELEVEN

Warwick Tunnicliffe

346

LLL UNITED

Tim Stanhope

501

LLL ACCIES

John Hood

440

IFUN@SUNDANCERS

Shaney Pashley

501

BURSNELL'S BULLETS

Jo Bursnell

439

100 UPHILL SKIERS

Bill Knowles

343

ANGRY BALLS

Laurie Carpenter

501

BRAMBLEBOYZ123

Andy Bowler

438

101 ESSEX'S FINEST

Dave Clarke

342

DANS DESTROYERS

Daniel Barber

500

ABSOLUTE RANKSTERS

Alex Lee

438

102 LAC DE GURSON

Bill Knowles

335

JAMIES SHOPPERS 11

Jamie Lucky

500

DELAYZIGITS

Dave Delay

436

103 2 THE TOP

Reece Newman

332

Coinslot DECEMBER 6 - DECEMBER 12, 2013

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Comment The herbal tea of gambling

“

“No booze in here, madam.” “Why not?” alex lee comment o say that there was some heated debate at last week’s BACTA conference would be a massive understatement.There was enough hot air being blasted to keep Richard Branson up in the clouds for a century.And good on them. Metaphors aside, I could totally understand the frustrations of the masses, especially when the current ‘FOBT situation’ has cost many people’s livelihoods in the coin-op sector. It’s actually laughable how on the one hand licensed betting offices can offer up to four B2 (aka fixed odds betting terminal) machines, but their highly-regulated, safe, clean adult gaming centre counterparts on the very same high street cannot. How about this for a statement for the government to get their teeth into? B2 machines are NOT the crack cocaine of gambling! They never were! According to EAG organiser Martin Burlin, the term was first coined by ex-Minister of Sport Richard Caborn, who was referring to ‘pokie’ machines in Australia having taken a look at what went on down under. I have it on good authority that he wasn’t tripping on an overdose of Vegemite at the time, either. Current DCMS chairman and MP John Whittingdale said himself:“I’m not even sure B2 machines are the cannabis of gambling.” We all love a bit of competition, because that’s what keeps us alive and motivates

us, but when it’s grossly unfair it becomes an impossible pill to swallow.The government’s excuse for this interminable procrastination is player protection and ‘lack of evidence’ regarding the alleged addictive qualities of FOBTs. But as BACTA CEO Leslie Macleod-Miller succinctly put it: “Social responsibility is in our DNA.” With the news that mobile gambling user numbers are set to rise by 100m over the next five years (source: Juniper Research), thus potentially taking even more punters away from adult gaming centres, it’s high time the government donned their oven gloves, grasped this particular political hot potato and gave the coin-op sector the logical parity that it has been campaigning for since the moment the first FOBT was installed. Not allowing FOBTs in AGCs because of addiction fears is like not allowing booze in the Red Lion in case someone gets drunk, but letting the King’s Arms next door serve as much alcohol as they fancy. Ms Miller, Mr Whittingdale, Ms Grant et al - just think of those additional tax revenues, and inevitable job creation, if you allowed FOBTs to be installed in AGCs. Isn’t that reason enough to stop scraping around for‘evidence’that B2 machines in a different setting aren’t going to send us all into a gambling frenzy?

“You might get drunk. Try the pub next door.”

We’re a resilient bunch

The UK tourism in IAAPA has posted entertainment comp

alex lee media watch new report from Deloitte Tourism: jobs and growth A outlines England’s central role in driving the future growth of tourism in the UK, according to Leisure Opportunities. Worth £106bn and supporting 2.6 million jobs, English tourism is said to be key to an industry which has grown faster than manufacturing, construction and retail. England’s tourism economy accounts for 8.8 per cent of the country’s GDP and 9.4 per cent of employment. Both the value of the sector and employment levels have grown in recent years, outperforming the wider economy which the report says further demonstrates the resilience of the industry during times of economic hardship. For the first time, the report provides analysis for London and the rest of England separately, highlighting the importance of the industry throughout the whole of England. Outside of London, tourism

is worth £70bn and supports 1.9 million jobs, demonstrating the importance of the sector to much of the country. However, while for many international visitors London will be their first and sometimes only port of call, the report shows what it calls the ‘massive’ opportunity the rest of England has to use the capital’s international draw to inspire inbound visitors to explore destinations outside of London. Meanwhile, Cirencester’s Brewery Court is to be given a drastic overhaul following Cotswold District Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a new cinema and entertainment complex, according to the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard. Supporters and objectors alike crammed into the CDC chambers on November 13 to listen to the planning committee debate and deliver its final verdict. Oli Christie, founder of Cirencester-based technology

firm Neon Play, said: “The lack of a cinema is a real issue, every town has one except for Cirencester. After 5pm, Cirencester just dies as a town, there is a real lack of things for young people to do.” Oli’s words were matched by Wildmoor Properties director Mark Booth, who said: “The site is crying out for development. You can virtually see the tumbleweed blowing down the street.” The committee also heard objections from residents who believed that the development would have a detrimental impact on life in Cirencester. Corinne Lamus told the chamber that “Cirencester deserves better” in terms of the cinema’s architecture and that the town’s car parks would not be able to cope with the inevitable influx of people. She said: “Without increased parking this will not be optimally effective and will also increase pressure on street parking which will impact all local residents. A

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“A game that contains an element of chance (unless it is so slight that it can reasonably be disregarded) is a gaming machine.”

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GUIDE FOR LICENSING OFFICERS, THE GAMBLING COMMISSION

“ ”

quote unquote “Opportunities to discuss the gambling industry in the House are few and far between. One of the difficulties is that some people take a blanket approach to gambling and oppose anything to do with it because they think that it is alien to our country, but in reality that is not the case.” GERRY SUTCLIFFE, LABOUR

“Government should forge closer relationships with a greater number of trade associations in the manufacturing sector, particularly those with a strong core of SME members, in the initial design of policy programmes, and subsequently in marketing programmes to their members.” STUDY OF CULTURE & COMPETITIVENESS IN UK MANUFACTURING, ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY MANUFACTURING GROUP

“EAG is no longer a fledging show; it is a permanent fixture on the industry calendar and has laid to rest any doubts about whether the London show was still viable or, indeed, necessary.”

Attractions Expo 2013 November 18-22, according to the Vending Times. The trade show floor buzzed with the business of fun as more than 18,200 buyers shopped their way around the largest floor in 10 years. This show brings to a close a recordbreaking year as more than 43,000 people, including 28,000 buyers, participated in IAAPA’s Expos around the world: Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA Attractions Expo. “There was a palpable energy throughout IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013,” said IAAPA president and CEO Paul Noland. “Business is clearly booming. The week was filled with big project announcements, exciting ride reveals, contracts being signed, and education sessions overflowing with attractions professionals.” And finally, from 2014 the major Japanese amusement machine manufacturer Namco Bandai has a change

In his speech to delegates at last week’s BACTA annual convention, the trade body’s CEO Leslie MacLeod-Miller criticised secretary of state Maria Miller while praising some of coin-op’s most influential stakeholders.

leslie macleod-miller politics has seen some important changes.We have a new Minister, 2Helen013 Grant, to replace Hugh Robert-

STAFF WRITER, INTERGAME

UK tourism industry - even locations outside of London - has shown resilience, while PA has posted record attendance figures and Cirencester is set to benefit from a new tainment complex.

cinema might be a welcome amenity but because of a lack of daytime parking availability, is unlikely to achieve optimal financial viability.” Although CDC officers recommended that the proposal be refused on the grounds that it “would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of Cirencester town centre”, committee members voted in favour of overturning the decision. Shortly after the decision was passed, Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown issued the following statement: “This will provide much needed additional activities for younger people so that they have a wider range of options to enjoy in the town, rather than having to travel to cities further away.” Further afield, approximately 29,000 amusement park and attractions industry professionals from 110 nations packed the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida, for IAAPA

Social and fiscal regulation plagues the industry

of name - to Bandai Namco and a suitable reversal of names on its logo, according to the Intergame website. The change was announced by Satoshi Oshita, president and CEO of Namco Bandai Games, during the IAAPA trade show in Orlando, Florida, where the company hosted a reception to announce the changes. Oshita told the assembled guests that the change would reflect the fact that the company not only supplies games but has a strong product line in the toys industry. He said that the group strength would be used with the new name to identify and further expand the business.

son, a new tax regime in machines games duty,new legislation for remote gambling and progress on the triennial review which we hope will result in implementation in January 2014. The frustration of having to wait for engagement by the government and the delays in bringing about fundamental changes to provide the industry with an even playing field both in social and fiscal regulation continue to plague our industry. BACTA has always been most effective when its members work together, both in BACTA’s many working groups and in concert with other sectors. BACTA’s role is to challenge poorly made policy and reveal hidden agendas by pushing for answers from the government and the regulator and we must continue to do this even when other stakeholders are silent. BACTA remains the undisputed dominant voice in the gambling sector and has been the rallying point for hundreds of BACTA members of all sizes to fight for fair treatment and the survival of their businesses and the working groups have delivered some major successes. We have delivered a new tax regime with a discounted rate for Category D machines and exemptions for non-money prizes, thanks largely to the MGD working group lead by John Powell and its members including Derek Petrie making the case directly to Treasury and HMRC officials. Working with other trade sectors, the results of the triennial review have finally been announced and the Statutory Instrument was debated yesterday in the House of Commons by the 8th Delegated Legislation Committee. Player protections formed a considerable proportion of points raised by Committee members and demon-

strated the strength of feeling on this topic. We can expect a significant focus by Ministers on demonstrable progress being made - and a timescale that all parties are working to. The debate (on November 27) completed the final stage of formal Parliamentary scrutiny.We can anticipate the approval motion to be nodded on 2 December on the floor of the House to recognise the decision of the Committee (which went to a vote). We await the European Commission approval by 13 January 2014 to these proposals under the Technical Standards Directive before confirming that the changes have passed all stages without change to the package. The debate regarding the triennial was an opportunity to see the Minister, Helen Grant, in action. Ministerial inaction has been a hallmark of DCMS. While the government talks about transparency, a more apt description would be invisibility.Hugh Robertson met with us on one occasion on an informal basis,but did not on any occasion meet with all of the industry, despite repeated requests to do so.We are hopeful that a change of Minister will bring about a change of attitude, however,we are still stuck with a weak Department and,in Maria Miller,a Secretary of State who seems out of her depth and unable and unwilling to take strategic decisions. With an ineffective Secretary of State and a weak Department we have therefore been grateful for assistance from those at No. 10 and the Cabinet Office for keeping momentum on the triennial review and other issues.We continue to rely on Peter Bingle to keep us informed about what is really going on in Westminster.We have had the first of our parliamentary dinners with James Wharton MP and I encourage you to attend future parliamentary occasions.

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Coinslot December 6 - December 12, 2013

Newsweek IAAPA 2013 RAISES RECORD AMOUNT FOR CHARITY he International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and attractions industry professionals raised more than $115,000 for the association’s 18-year charity partner, Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village in Kissimmee, Florida, through private donations and four events held during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013. Proceeds were drawn from IAAPA’s International Charity Golf Tournament, Motorcycle Ride, 5K/1K Fun Run and Walk, Footprints from the

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EAGLive service bolsters EAG’s media presence AG International 2014’s media presence has been boosted this month with the launch of EAGLive,the show’s new media campaign. EAG Chairman Martin Burlin explained the rationale behind EAGLive:“As a show which is effectively put on by the industry for itself, EAG International has a responsibility to reflect its overall dynamics, constantly adapting to give exhibitors and visitors the best possible experience. “This year we adopted a social media presence, incorporating pre-show information and live feeds plus video gathered from exhibitors on the show floor.The response was very positive and new media will now form an intrinsic part of our “A presence at EAG International represents a campaign for the 2014 show. significant investment on the part of our

Heart, Chance to Win raffle, and private donations. RACING POST RETURNS TO ICE he Racing Post will once again be taking a prominent position

at ICE Totally Gaming, with Richard Thorp, Racing Post’s head of B2B operations describing it as ‘the one event the Racing Post has to be at’. Looking ahead to February’s showpiece event at London ExCeL, Thorp

added: “ICE is the showcase for gaming and betting innovation and the place operators and suppliers attend to discuss and understand current and future technology. “ICE offers priceless information and motivation. Our

exhibitors and visitors and therefore,we must do everything within our power to add additional value.” EAGLive now features on the homepage of the show’s website, www.eagexpo.com. Exhibitors, visitors, trade associations and other interest groups active on Twitter can submit news and views plus product information via Twitter, using the #EAGLive hashtag. Burlin concluded: “EAG International has always been strong on networking. Many within the EAG International community are already seasoned users of social media. “EAGLive will provide additional points of access to these technologies, further leveraging them for the benefit of the wider show community.”

advice to visitors is to give yourself as much time as possible, pre-plan your meetings, avoid rushing and enjoy being inspired at what is the world’s largest and most influential gaming event.”

Calendar UK EVENTS DECEMBER 2013 6 BACTA North West region annual charity ball Imperial Hotel in Blackpool www.barbarathompson@cuerdenleisure.co.uk

JANUARY 2014 21-23 EAG International 2014 ExCeL London London UK www.eagexpo.com

FEBRUARY 2014 4-6 ICE Totally Gaming ExCeL London UK www.icetotallygaming.com

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS DECEMBER 2013 5-7 Atrax 2013 Istanbul Expo Center Istanbul Turkey www.tureksfuar.com.tr

10-12 ECA Slot Summit Enghienles-Bains France www.slotsummit.com

JANUARY 2014 14-17 IMA 2014 Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre Düsseldorf Germany www.ima-messe.com

FEBRUARY 2014 5-7 IAAPI Bombay Exhibition Centre Goregaon India www.iaapi.org

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

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

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