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January 10 – January 16, 2014 • No. 2350 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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COINSLOT

COMMENT

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

All of the UK’s provincial regions are decelerating in terms of casino growth in drop and win, although Scotland is the only region which has entered negative growth territory...

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Commission reveals five yea STATISTICS

Towards the end of 2013, the Gambling Commission published the industry statistics for the five-year period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2013. While growth in gross gambling yield was seen in some sectors, there was a noticeable drop in terms of overall employment levels. Some of the Commission’s key findings are as follows: • The British gambling industry, as regulated by the Commission, generated a gross gambling yield of £6.3bn between April 2012 and March 2013, a rise of over £0.4bn (7 per cent) compared to the period April 2011 to March 2012. • Growth can be seen in betting, bingo, casino, remote (betting, bingo and casino) and lotteries sectors. Only the arcades sector experienced a decrease in GGY between the two most recent reporting periods. • Gross gambling yield for B2

machines in licensed betting offices was over £1.5bn, an increase of just under £100m (7 per cent) on the figure for the previous reporting period despite a small decrease in

Derby operator set to benefit from council cash injection ADULT GAMING CENTRES

major revamp of Derby city centre, paid for in part by the A European Regional Development fund and in part by a council grant, is set to benefit a local adult gaming centre operator. News of a £685,000 European Regional Development Fund investment into the town’s Shot Tower, which dates back to the 1930s, comes as the city council revealed that work to improve other building frontages in the Morledge area of the town, including Harry’s Amusements, will be complete in March.

A £100,000 council grant has been offered to landlords and businesses in the area to help those who want to restore original architectural features on their buildings.The scheme is set to transform the frontages of Harry’s Amusements, which is next to the Shot Tower, and other nearby shops and takeaways. Mark Greig, joint-owner of Harry’s Amusements, told local press:“We were able to bid for up to £20,000 to help with the improvements.” He added: “We are going to

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INDUSTRY

AMUSEMENTS

Labour gunning for FOBTs

Winds and waves batter the UK’s coastal resorts

4 January 10 - January 16, 2014 • No. 2350 • www.coinslot.co.uk

Gambling Commission publishes review of 2013

ive year overview

REPORT

The Gambling Commission’s latest Licensing Authority update has served as a timely review of 2013 for the whole of the UK amusement and gaming sector while reminding the industry of some important dates for 2014. n its most recent Licensing Authority bulletin,the Gambling Commission has reviewed the UK’s legislative landscape of 2013 as well as taking a look at the prevailing market trends. Last year, the Responsible GamblingTrust published the first phase of its research into gaming machines in Great Britain. The report is a first step in an ongoing research programme commissioned by the RGT in order to better understand how people behave when playing on those gaming machines offering the highest stakes and prizes, and what helps people to stay in control and play responsibly.The first stage looked at transactional data which will provide a solid basis for the next stage of the research which will look at the patterns around consumer behaviour when playing these gaming machines. Meanwhile,licensingAuthorities have been reminded that holders of anAGC or bingo premises licence granted on or after 13 July 2011 are subject to a change in the maximum permitted number of category B3 and B4 machines that can be sited on a premises. From 1 April 2014, the maximum permitted number of B3 and B4 gaming machines on any one site will be limited to 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines made available for use. AnyAGC or bingo premises licences that were granted before 13 July 2011 are not affected by this change. The DCMS first announced these changes in July 2011. To help local authorities with their responsibilities under the Act, the Commission has collated case law that it believes will help local authorities in the interpretation and application of the Act. The Commission has now received approximately 70 responses to the consultations on

the number of B2 machines. However, the split between B2 and B3 game play is not clear (and therefore a portion of the GGY attributed to B2 machines above will have

been generated through B3 game play). • 107,791 people were employed across the industry, a drop of 2,125 from the previous reporting period.

have 1920s-style full-length windows to let in more light and the front will be painted pale blue.” Greig said he hoped people going over the Morledge crossing from the bus station or Council House would be more likely to visit the parade instead of going straight into the centre. He concluded:“We believe the

changes will lead to improved footfall and custom.” A city council spokeswoman said of the Shot Tower: “The building will undergo a complete refurbishment to transform it into a hub with all the resources needed by start-ups, graduates, small and medium enterprises and people looking to become self-employed.”

proposed changes to licence conditions and codes of practice (LCCP), which closed on 4 December 2013.The Commission stated: “We are currently reviewing these formal responses and are developing final changes, taking account of comments made during workshops held during the consultation period. It is expected that the final version of LCCP will be published in early spring 2014.The new and amended LCCP may come into force in a phased manner from early summer 2014.” Since 1 October 2013, various changes to the Primary Authority

scheme have been in force and agerestricted sales of gambling in England and Wales are now in scope, with Primary Authority guidance available on the Better Regulation Delivery Office website.The first gambling Primary Authority scheme to be established is between Ladbrokes and Milton Keynes who are discussing the development of an inspection plan, which will be shared with all licensing authorities via the BRDO website when finalised. The Commission is aware of, and involved in, early stage discussions about other potential partnerships. Finally,looking to the near future, the Commission will hold its third annual seaside summit with coastal/seaside resorts Licensing Authorities on 12 February 2014 at its offices in Birmingham. Updates will be provided on social responsibility, Primary Authority, lotteries and prize competitions as well as the Commission’s priorities for 2014/15.

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Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

Industry

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Labour to push for Commons FOBT vote POLITICS

The Labour party is set to use an opposition day debate in the House of Commons to force a vote on whether councils should be able to ban FOBTs in their area.

abour is to force a vote in Parliament on its plans to give councils the power to ban high-stakes B2 machines from licensed bookmakers. Opposition leader Ed Miliband has already pledged to curb the FOBT ‘epidemic’ if his party regains power, while ministers are waiting on the results of a review of the machines’ impact. Ed Miliband has said that FOBTs are “spreading like an epidemic”. He has vowed to amend planning laws in England, Scotland

and Wales to curb their growth if Labour regains power. There are 33,284 fixedodds betting terminals across the UK, according to the latest Gambling Commission figures, making £1.5bn per annum. Labour has said some players are addicted to them and they are causing “debt and misery”, as well as acting as a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour.The party has accused the betting industry of targeting poorer parts of the country. The average weekly

profit per B2 machine in 2012 was £825, up from £760 in 2011, according to the Gambling Commission, while the number of betting shops in the UK has increased from 8,500 to 9,100 over the past two years. In December 2013, Miliband said that the current limit of four per betting shop had led to clustering, with councils powerless to act. He said a Labour government would legislate to put LBOs in a separate use class so that councils could use planning powers to

control the number opening in their area. The party would also review the number of B2 machines allowed on bookmakers’ premises - including allowing councils to ban them altogether as well as making it a legal requirement for timed breaks in play. The government has not

ruled out taking action to cut the stakes and prizes on FOBTs, with a study into what harm is being caused to individual players due to be published this year.The Liberal Democrats voted to give councils the power to limit the number of bookmakers in their area at their party conference in September.

Proposed new AGC causes controversy DEVELOPMENT

he debate surrounding the potential conversion of a Havant pub into Tan AGC continues to rumble on. Opposition to turning the White Hart into an adult gaming centre has come in the form of a letter from Canon Peter Jones, who said the development was inappropriate directly opposite St Faith’s Church and a war memorial. Heritage Property Southern applied to Havant Borough Council for a change of use, including installing around 60 electronic bingo terminals

and up to 35 slot machines, but Havant Civic Society opposed the development and the council received a petition of 69 signatures. Applications are discussed through public debate at the council’s planning committee, where councillors then vote, but the council decided to approve the development through delegated powers without it going to committee. Jones, of St Faith’s Church, told local press: “We would be interested to see how the officers have justified the decision. In the course of time, we will want to interrogate the council as

to why they felt that it could be accepted in the easiest way possible.” Tim Dawes, from Havant Civic Society, added: “Can you imagine what’s going to happen the next time we have a memorial service and people are playing fruit machines nearby?” A council report stated: “While the concerns raised are understood, it is not considered that there are any legitimate means in terms of planning legislation to object to the proposed uses on moral grounds. The proposed uses are legal and are subject to separate licensing rules, they also represent appropriate town centre uses.”

Namco sets out to exceed expectations at EAG NOVELTY & REDEMPTION

Amusement specialist Namco Europe is preparing for a spectacular launch to 2014, booking additional floor space at EAG International to accommodate its largest ever showing of new games across almost 400sq.m.

amco Europe is looking to cram as many N machines as it can onto its largest ever ExCel stand later this month.The firm’s John Brennan explained: “EAG International 2013 was a great show for us,not only in terms of the number of visitors we welcomed onto our stand, but also for the amount of orders received.We anticipate that 2014 will see us gathering further momentum and to this end we’ve reserved additional floor

space.” After a year of sustained investment, Namco Europe will approach EAG International with 29 products, eight of which make their European debuts. Brennan continued: “Our customers come to us for something innovative and different and we always try to exceed expectations; our development teams have really risen to the challenge. This progress has been reflected in every aspect of our brand,includ-

ing merchandising and plush, to support operator requirement for prize games and to support our Pac-Man range.” The products to be shown at EAG are testament to the company’s determination to light up the play environment and deliver experiences that can’t be replicated at home. Enjoying its European debut will be Mach Storm, a jet fighter simulator, while Namco’s Dead Heat Riders, in which play-

ers race their motorcycles head-to head against ghost riders around the streets of London, New York and San Francisco, is also released for 2014. A European debut awaits Super Alpine Racer, the new 55ins screen upgraded version of the popularAlpine Racer,offering fast moving downhill slalom action. Meanwhile, Mario Kart Arcade is an arcade system release featuring the Mario and PacMan characters.

Furthermore, Pac Man Swirl, a four player centre piece ball-drop game, following an extensive and successful UK site evaluation by Namco, will debut. Operators seeking provenTheatre Cabinet 4D high-earners will not be disappointed by Dark Escape with its tailored frights and biofeedback. Deadstorm Pirates 4D, one of the highest grossing theatre-style games ever, will also be back with new features. Stand 530 will also

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B

COMMENT NEWSWEEK EXHIBITION The UK gets ready for its main event - EAG opens the doors to expo season and the annual sales rush. 22

Mecca club staff deliver gifts to children’s ward at Harlow hospital

Gamestec joins the campaign for lower VAT OPERATORS

amestec, part of the Astra Gaming Group G and the largest gaming and amusement machine operator in the UK, has joined VAT Club Jacques Borel in its campaign to reduce the level of VAT in the hospitality sector to five per cent on drink and food. Jacques Borel said:“I am delighted that Gamestec has joined VAT Club JB. It has a large presence in the pub sector and understands the benefits that a reduction in

VAT to five per cent will bring to pub companies and individual licensees.Their inclusion within the VAT Club strengthens our position and highlights the importance of the campaign.” Gamestec commercial director Peter Davies said: “This is a vital campaign for the pub sector as well as the wider leisure and hospitality sector and we are pleased to support its aims.The current VAT regime is inequitable and compromises pubs’ earning potential across the board, from

BINGO

ustomers and staff at Mecca Bingo in Harlow C spread festive cheer when wet sales through to machine revenue.” At present all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared to supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT rate.The campaign by VAT Club JB aims to reduce VAT in pubs to five per cent, which it believes will result in more investment and jobs in the sector. Jacques Borel has already achieved VAT cuts in a number of European countries, including France, Germany, Belgium and Finland.

Northern Leisure extends Peppa Pig range KIDDIE RIDES

eeds-based Kiddy Rides, also known as Northern Leisure Group, will be launching a number of children’s coin-op rides on its stand at the EAG, including a new licensed product from Poppy Cat and an extension to its successful Peppa Pig range. The Poppy Cat ride is a bright multicoloured gel Airplane ride featuring the show’s two main characters Poppy and Zhu Zhu.The ride is fully interactive by

allowing the rider to control the physical speed of the ride. The firm’s Gareth Jones told Coinslot: “Following the successes of the Peppa Pig Car and Rocket, we are going to launch two versions of the new Peppa Pig Carousel - a two seater and a three seater.The carousels will be manufactured in gel coat featuring characters and vehicles from the show with colourful displays.The launch will tie in well with the brand’s 10th anniversary.”

feature a number of new products from Raw Thrills. Brennan revealed:“Batman is a combined shooting and driving experience with weapons launched from a customised steering wheel. Players have a choice of ten Batmobiles and 36 missions.Also from RawThrills, Aliens is the company’s first dedicated shooting game since Terminator.” The redemption sector is covered with Goal Line Rush,Triple Turn and Barrel of Monkeys, a simple and

compelling video redemption game based on the classic ‘swinging monkey’ theme.The Pac-Man sports action game range will be augmented with Pac-Man Smash Hockey and PacMan Basket being joined by Pac- Man Ghost Bowling and Pac-Man Swirl. Namco Europe’s association with Jennison Entertainment Technologies will be celebrated with the European launch of Snow Down. Brennan commented: “We’ve had a good

they visited Princess Alexandra Hospital to deliver Christmas gifts to children on Dolphin Ward. Mecca Harlow general manager Matt Wilkes and staff member Lisa Ayres delivered the presents to youngsters along with local MP Robert Halfon. With the help of PAH staff, the bingo hall compiled a list of 50 gifts which could be bought for children at the hospital to open on Christmas Day. These were written on gift tags and hung on Mecca’s Christmas tree in the reception area of the venue. Customers and staff then took the tags, bought the gifts and returned them to the bingo hall. The company’s raffle, in which customers could win a Christmas hamper, also raised money to buy a gift for the ward, while a charity bucket run raised more than £200 which will go towards new equipment. Wilkes said: “The donations were a success and we will do it again next year, probably for the children’s ward once more.”

relationship with Jennison since their very first game and every single release has been a success.” He concluded: “Apart from a stunning product offering, our team has decades of experience and enjoy excellent long term relationships with our customers. We bring sales, sales admin, logistics and customer service staff to the show. This illustrates our support to our customer base as expertise is immediately to hand.”

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Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK

Industry

STORMS January’s howling winds and crashing waves are causing havoc with the UK’s coastal resorts. 10

Sound Leisure’s Eddie Moss dies

Project hits the ground running with nine £100 games for EAG

OBITUARY

AWP

Jukebox manufacturer Sound Leisure has confirmed the death of former stalwart Eddie Moss who died on January 2, 2014, following an extended stay in hospital.

ndustry stalwart Eddie Moss died last week, at the age

of 86. Moss started in the amusement and gaming machine industry back in the 1960s

when he was a pioneering operator in Leeds. Following this, he set up Tic Tac Toe, a distribution company, which specialised in fruit machine sales and introduced NSM jukeboxes to the UK. During this time, he also spent 15 years on the ATA Northern Section Committee - the forerunner to BACTA. Whilst running Tic Tac Toe, Alan Black approached Moss with the idea to manufacture British jukeboxes. Moss recognised the potential of the plan and provided the financing to set up Sound Leisure, in return for a half share in the business.The

pair remained lifelong friends and, as Black reminisced, “never exchanged a cross word in 37 years of business together”. Moss retained an office at Sound Leisure from the start and was often to be found at his desk with his beloved dogs. His last visit to the office was in October. “Eddie was like an uncle to Mike, myself and my kids and like a brother to my father. We all often went away together on holiday and have some wonderful memories.Eddie was a true gentleman and even though this is not unexpected, the loss of Eddie is devastating to us all,” said

ontent specialist Project is going to the C forthcoming EAG with an

Chris Black. In his latter years, Moss’s love of travel was legendary and he and his wife Irene would spend several months abroad every year. Along with his family and his work, Moss’s other great passion was Rugby League. He was made the Leeds Rhinos Club Patron

Chessington fire cafe fire caused Chessington World forces early of Adventure to close in the run up to A Christmas, with the Surrey theme park Christmas closure turning away scores of distraught visiTHEME PARK

tors. Chessington had been scheduled to shut on Christmas Day alone, but brought forward their closure in response to damage caused by the fire. The Creaky Cafe burst into flames shortly before 8:30 am on Saturday 21 December, 2013. Eight fire engines were mobilised to extinguish the fire, which caused no injuries to guests or wildlife. Animals from the nearby zoo were moved to a safe area as firefighters

in 2000 having been a long time supporter and a founder member of theTaverners club in 1965. As yet, Sound Leisure has no information regarding the funeral arrangements, however, the firm will inform the industry of the family’s wishes in due course.

tackled the blaze. The zoo has been the park’s main attractive over the holiday period, with rides and attractions closed until the Spring. The animal park and sea life centre had been hosting guests, many of whom were unable to make use of their pre-booked tickets, during special ‘festive days’. Guests with hotel packages were still being admitted in the days before Christmas and the park re-opened to those with day passes on 26 December. The London Fire Brigade reported that a single storey building had been levelled by the fire, which also affected a nearby attraction, plant room and a series of retail locations.

BACTA North West ball hailed a success EVENTS

he North West regional division of BACTA has Treported that its Charity Venetian Masked Ball in support of The Children’s Adventure Farm in Lymm was a huge success. The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool were guests of honour at the ball held at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool on 6 December. The event raised over £3,000. On behalf of NW region committee, regional

chairman Chris Manion passed on his sincere thanks to the sponsorsTowergate Insurance, Embed Playsafe and BACTA head office. Manion also thanked the companies providing prizes - BJs Bingo, Brent Leisure, Britannia Hotels, Club 3000 Bingo, Cosmo Bingo, Crown Leisure, Giftworks, Hippodrome Bingo (St Helens), ITM Leisure, PMS International, Puma Hotels, Russko and Whitehouse Leisure.

The regional chairman also praised Barbara Thompson, Bekki Ford, Chris Oldland and Lee Stefani for their hard work in helping make the event a success. Maggi & Maggi UK’s Joe Pritchard, whose firm has supported the BACTA Ball for many years, concluded: “It is a credit to the organisers who have maintained a high standard and arranged a thoroughly enjoyable evening for all during the recent difficult times. It is

important to understand that no matter how hard the organisers try,the event would not be a success without the presence of

the guests and members,so it is equally comforting to see so many continuing to support the event time and again.”

FROM LEFT: NICOLA MANION, TRISH MANION, CHRIS MANION, HEATHER COLLETT (MAYORESS), EDDIE COLLETT (MAYOR), CAROLINE DUNCAN, LESLIE MACLEOD-MILLER, CAROLINE DOWNS AND JOHN DOWNS

unprecedented nine new models designed specifically for the £100 jackpot. Project’s ‘Amusement With £100 Prize’ range, comprises six slots and three pokers, all of which are new single games and housed in the company’s popular V19 cabinet with new top box and topper unit. Expanding on Project’s commitment to £100, managing director Tony Boulton said: “Our strategy is to provide operators with an unprecedented level of choice, and to maximise the opportunities the new jackpot offers right from the outset. B3 is a mature market; the growth is going to come from £100 and there’s no point whatsoever for operators to wait any longer than is necessary to capitalise on this opportunity.” Project believes that dwell time is key to the success of the new £100 prize. Boulton explained: “The evidence that we’ve received and the feedback from the market is that gaming frequently fails to provide players with what they describe as ‘a good game’. The motive for many players is not so much to win money but to have time on a machine and to enjoy the game. Value for money gaming is a central feature of what we are offering with our Amusement With £100 Prize range and one which will certainly engage with players.”

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Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

Industry

MANUFACTURERS

Newark-based Reflex Gaming is anticipating a landmark EAG in 2014, with its most comprehensive range of machines to date.

a significant level of investment in the people, technology and hardware to serve the sector,” he adds. Reflex Gaming is also showing a range of new Category C machines designed especially for the new £100 jackpot, which will be introduced in mid-January. In addition, the Newark-based company will be taking three brand new B4 machines, kicking off the New Year with a diverse and dynamic range of £2 stake, £400 jackpot club machines. “This sector hasn’t enjoyed a change in stake and prize for almost two decades, so we’ll be

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Marketing Blackpool formally wound up

Reflex reveals groundbreaking EAG line-up

his month will see the unveiling of Reflex Gaming’s long-awaited ATOM cabinet - the first time that the firm will have its own dedicated Category C reel-based vehicle for single sites. ATOM is the result of a year’s worth of research and development. “The ATOM cabinet will enable Reflex to continue to make significant progress in the Category C pub retail sector,”said MD Quentin Stott. “I believe that Reflex is in the minority of manufacturing companies serving the UK spin-reel Category C market,that is making

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TOURISM

spearheading new game opportunities for that market,” said Stott. Stepping into a different arena, Reflex has also confirmed that it will reveal Starlight at the ExCeL event in a fortnight’s time.This is a videobased, four-game compendium targeted squarely at the AGC and bingo sectors with Cat C content. “EAG will be especially impor-

ouncillors from both sides of the chamber have voted to C bring Blackpool’s tourism com-

tant for us this year, with the Triennial and the launch of our ATOM cabinet and Reflex Gaming will be marking a new era,” concluded Stott.

Murden takes over as chairman of BACTA Bikers CHARITY

ndy Murden has taken over from A Dave Orton as chairman of BACTA Bikers. Murden explained: “It was a shock for all the BACTA Bikers when our beloved leader ‘Wing Commander’ Dave Orton announced his retirement as chairman of the BACTA Bikers. It’s been 21 years since his inspiration led to the formation of our troupe. His drive and leadership has propelled us the length and breadth of this country three times, driven us to Hell in Norway, sampled the extravagance of Monte Carlo, taken us to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone and to the Normandy beaches.” He added: “We have completed 10 major charity rides with Dave at the helm, raising circa £150K for a number of worthy charities.

Dave cited his dodgy knees as the reason for him hanging up his boots.” Murden paid tribute to Orton’s leadership, stating: “Dave has been a rock and a guiding light to all the BACTA Bikers, have and always will be a great inspiration and friend. Our thanks also go to his lovely wife Di who has always been supportive and allowed you to come out ‘on loan’ for our biking exploits.” In recognition of his valued work for the Charitable Trust, Orton has been awarded a lifetime membership of BACTA for which he is rightly proud. Murden concluded: “Watch this space for our cunning plans for this year.”

pany back in-house. The move means Marketing Blackpool will now be formally wound up with all its assets and liabilities transferred back to the council.This includes debts of £288,000 which includes losses from 2013’s Illuminations Switch-On ceremony. Tourism marketing will be absorbed into the council directorate headed by Alan Cavill, assistant chief executive for regeneration. Council leader Simon Blackburn told a meeting of the full council:“I believe this decision was right to take. I agree there needs to be a tourism head in Blackpool and people can expect an announcement about that in due course.The former managing director has chosen to move on. I am happy that Mr Cavill’s directorate is the right place for this to sit.” Marketing Blackpool was set up two years ago as an “arms length company” to encourage private sector involvement in tourism although it was council financed. Cllr Blackburn said one aim had been to try and scale back the annual expense of the Switch-On event which was costing the council, on average, around £150,000 a year. He told local press:“We had hoped that by Marketing Blackpool taking a more commercial approach to the Switch-On that, over a period of time, the contribution by the council would lessen until we reached a point where net contribution to the Switch-On was zero.To be fair to Marketing Blackpool, there was never an expectation that net cost would be zero in the first year but clearly I shared the disappointment the loss was what it was. But there was a specific set of circumstances.” Last year’s event saw The Script pull out at the last minute, with Gary Barlow stepping in to replace them in return for a donation to Children In Need. It meant the Switch-On made a loss of £372,109. Conservative group leader Cllr Tony Williams concluded:“It’s all very well to take it in-house but not to just lump it in with another officer’s portfolio. In the long term we are losing that expertise.”

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Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B

COMMENT NEWSWEEK CASINO Just how has the UK casino sector been performing? The first ever ECA performance report explains. 23

Jukebox proves a hit in club venue

Pauline Chinn thanks industry DONATION

JUKEBOXES

eil Chinn’s wife Pauline has thanked everyone for their N cards and kind words of condo-

Soundnet and the Firs Club in Wolverhampton have worked together to create the exact ambience that the club was after. As a result, takings have risen accordingly. he Firs Club in Wolverhampton has had a Sound Leisure digital jukebox for the past year and because of dialogue between committee members and Soundnet, both the venue’s atmosphere and the jukebox takings have gone from strength to strength. “Committee member Barry Turner has provided us with lists of music that the club members would like on their jukebox and we have been happy to work with them and put their selection into their Venue Favourites category,”

said Soundnet’sToby Hoyte. “This is something we offer to all of our customers. However, we have to say that the selection that Barry has asked for has to be among the most diverse and obscure that we have ever seen,” he added.The club was particularly interested in playing original ska and dancehall reggae tunes, such as Rudy,A Message to You - Dandy Livingstone,Train to Skaville - The Ethiopians and Liquidator - Harry J and the All Stars. Soundnet uploaded the tracks for the Firs Club, making the juke-

box more personal to club members and helping increase takings. In order to give the members inspiration for tracks to play, and to promote the jukebox, the club also placed the British Hit Singles & Albums book next to the jukebox. Due to the level of interest the club members showed in their music choices and the number of obscure tracks they enjoyed, Soundnet advised them to upgrade their digital jukebox to the VenueHub from Sound Leisure. The VenueHub has over 7m tracks available to download and

is geared up for places where the customers have diverse musical tastes. Hoyte explained: “Music Spider allows customers to interact with the jukebox as sometimes people find their minds go blank when they are looking for music to play.” Firs Club committee member BarryTurner concluded:“Just over a year ago we had some committee members with doubts that a jukebox would even work.Now it couldn't be further from the truth. The jukebox is the heartbeat of the club.”

lence following Neil’s death. She told Coinslot: “A very generous donation, in excess of £1,700, has now been forwarded to the British Lung Foundation. I hope this will go towards research into treatments that can ease the symptoms of any other patients who have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Thank you to all who attended the funeral and contributed to this wonderful amount.”

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Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

Amusements

Seaside resorts endure severe winter storms Coastal resorts across the UK have endured months of persistent storms since bad weather began in late 2013. easide locations are taking repeated battering from wind and water as powerful gusts continue to pummel the coast. Locations in the south and west of England have been most adversely affected, with key resorts such as Weston-Super-Mare, and even as far north as lackpool, suffering extensive damage. In Blackpool, high winds during the past week have hit locations that were already recovering from £1m worth of damage suffered in late 2013. Following a recent storm, a number of streets were closed or inaccessible and the nearby Cleveleys Promenade had been shut down. In the town itself the council worked fruitlessly to pump water from the Prom-

briefs

amusements

enade as it poured in from the rising sea. The historic North Pier, which is currently undergoing renovation, was subjected to serious damage at the hands of high winds. Having originally opened in 1863,the pier’s wooden construction was badly splintered in the storms of late December, 2013 and continued to suffer as bad weather extended into the new year. This damage occurred despite a £100m sea wall designed to protect Blackpool from high tides. An investigation has been launched into their suitability after the defences were breached for a second time in the past week. In many locations onlookers ignored government

warnings to avoid the seafront. During the bad weather that hit the town shortly after the New Year, around 40 people gathered on Clevedon Promenade near Weston-Super-Mare to capture the waves on their cameras. Unlike many other areas of the country,the seaside resort was protected from the worst of the damage by a £29m package of sea defences installed in 2010. However, local amusement businesses still suffered,as the local council advised visitors and residents to stay away from specific areas, including the Grand Pier and Seaquarium. Many other resort towns were also affected. Bad weather in the past week prompted the Environment

Agency to issue a severe weather warning for floods in Bournemouth, indicating that there was a “danger to life” for anyone who ventured onto the seafront. In Brighton violent tides propelled shingle onto the promenade, covering paths and benches in small stones, while around 9 feet of cliffface fell into the sea at Birling Gap near the seaside town of Eastbourne. Travel to and from seaside locations has also become perilous for many tourists, with roads shut and trains disrupted across the country. Almost 100 flood warnings were issued for storms in early January, with winds of up to 70 mph and around 1.5 inches of rain expected to hit parts of the country.

SUPERBOWL STRIKES OUT

TEDDY PAYS OUT FOR CHARITY

The XS Superbowl in Longbenton has been shuttered. The bowling alley in North Tyneside, which provided entertainment to residents for almost 40 years, shut its doors for the last time on 5 January, 2013. The venue’s owner Namco Funscape are directing bowling customers to its Funscape venue at the Metrocentre.

Teddy’s Amusements has presented a large sum to Macmillan Cancer Support following a company-wide competition to secure the largest charity donation. Emma Copping and her staff at the Holderness Road branch in Hull raised over £600 to be crowned the contest’s champions. In total, Teddy’s raised over £5,000 for the charity in 2013, having raised around £4000 the year before.

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Pleasure Beach price freeze for 2014 OPERATORS

prices at Blackpool Pleasure Beach are to be frozen during 2014 in an effort to boost visiEtorntry numbers.With many potential customers still recovering from the credit crunch, management at the leisure resort are hoping that the promise of a stall on price rises will encourage visitors to make the trip. The news follows a 2013 price drop, which saw adult tickets fall from £35 to £29.99 and child fares from £30 to £26.99. New offers will also be introduced during 2014 to provide discounts for those who book more than 10 days in advance or who purchase family tickets for three or more people. The Pleasure Beach also hopes to entice guests during its low season with a cut-price entry wristband priced at £15.99. The decision to freeze entry fees comes as surrounding attractions continued to increase their fees during 2013.The viewing platform, ballroom and circus for Blackpool’s famousTower each raised their charges by around £1-2 during the year, as did the local Sealife Centre and Madame Tussauds. With it’s winter break drawing to a close, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will reopen on Saturday 8 February, 2014 and continue with a weekend-only schedule until 1 April. Guests can then visit during every day of the week until the next winter closure on 2 November. The park’s newest attraction is the Wallace and Gromit Thill-O-Matic, which takes guests through a series of scenes from the duo’s famous on-screen adventures.

THIEVES TERRORISE YARMOUTH PIER Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward after thieves attempted a series of raids on the Marine Parade pier in Great Yarmouth. The crimes began on 1 December, 2013, when burglars smashed their way into the building and stole an unknown quantity of cash. On 21 December the location was targeted again, with the culprits making away with toys and money. Most recently, an attempted robbery on Christmas Day was thwarted by a security guard.

STRONG POUND THREATENS UK TOURISM Tourism group Visit Britain has warned that the UK’s improving economy could damage the national tourism industry. They fear that the increasing strength of the Pound against the Euro means that the country risks losing its status as a “value for money” destination. The industry group issued the warning alongside predictions that the number of tourists visiting Britain will increase by 2 per cent to 32.6m during 2014.

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21 Jabro Surreal Soccer season

EAG INTERNATIONAL 2014 Where: When: Who: What:

ExCeL London January 21-23 100+ global exhibitors Organised by BACTA, EAG International is the UK’s leading trade show for the amusement industry, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world each year

As preparations for the 2014 edition of EAG International reach the final stages, the event’s organisers have implemented new technologies to help exhibitors promote their products and services in real time. n January 21-23, EAG International 2014 will open its doors at ExCeL London, with visitors flocking from around the world to experience the latest innovations from over 180 manufacturers and service providers. London has hosted an amusements and coin-op show for over 70 years but, not surprisingly, the format has changed significantly. EAG International chairman Martin Burlin explains:“EAG International was born four year ago because there was a desire from within our industry for a focused show which gave the industry its own identity. In today’s fast-moving business environment it’s possible to be pulled in a variety of directions as new opportunities arise.Sometimes it’s good to stop, reflect, and remember what we set out to do. “This is particularly important in the area of communications to exhibitors and visitors to the show,” Burlin added.“After all, an expo is purely about communication, whether it be product information, discussions about the trading environment or informal networking.As show organisers it’s our responsibility to ensure that all of our communications about the show and its participants are relevant, unambiguous and timely.

JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014

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“As the event draws close and the excitement builds,so does the level of information, as exhibitors wish to inform of new products and initiatives, whilst other organisations need to alert visitors to special events at and around the show. Last year we turned to new media as a way of reaching visitors, both in the weeks building up to the show

MAKING THEIR DEBUT... EAG International 2014 welcomes a raft of first-time exhibitors from around the world. COMPANY COUNTRY B&B Exporting China DPL UK Effeci Italy Fos Games Poland FutureLogic Europe UK Interclub Lotteries UK Lordsvale Sales UK Marsaplay Spain OPL Medicare UK Pure Novelty UK Meno Electronics UK Reflex Gaming UK Teddy Mountain UK The Kidz Painting Party Company UK

and during the event itself. Many of our participants were already active on social media, but we knew that we had to be proactive in assisting the flow of information.” EAG International 2013 saw the successful launch of EAG Live, the show’s new media campaign, designed to help participants extract every last ounce of value from their time at the show. Exhibitors, visitors, trade associations and other interest groups can now submit news, views, product information, video links and photos via Twitter, using the #EAGLIVE hashtag. Also new for 2014 is the capability for exhibitors and other participants to submit product information, news releases and other information direct to EAG International’s media relations team. EAG Live will be active throughout the show, with the events team visiting stands to gather information, photos and video feeds for immediate posting.Alternatively, information can be dropped off at the EAG Live office in the show’s Media Village. “This is a marvellous opportunity for exhibitors to communicate before, during and after the show,” Burlin said. “This is about as current and targeted as it gets; we urge everyone to participate in EAG Live.”

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The landlord of Great British Pub of the Year 2012 says he has been forced to surrender his lease by owners Greene King. The pub giant has now activated a minimum purchase clause for The Lass O’Gowrie in Manchester and contractually obliged the pub to carry out a dilapidations survey costing them £40,000.

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uzo-Happ Group has completed the acquisition of two product lines from Crane Company, the Currenza C2 coin recycler for the European marketplace and the Bill-to-Bill (B2B) banknote recycler for the global marketplace. The rights to the Currenza C2 family of coin recyclers have been licensed by Suzo-Happ for the European marketplace on an exclusive basis whereby Crane will no longer sell these products in Europe, and the B2B banknote recycler business, including all assets, technology and patents, has been acquired outright by Suzo. The acquisition follows the announcement in December that the European Commission had approved Crane’s planned acquisition of rival MEI Conlux

Holdings on condition that it divested the Currenza C2 and B2B product lines. Crane will provide transition services in order to facilitate the integration of both product lines into Suzo-Happ’s global operating structure. Suzo said it has also hired key employees for the product lines from Crane, including members of sales and technical service teams, in order to provide seamless support to its new and current customers. “Completing the acquisition of these globally recognised market leading technologies represents a major milestone for our company and our strategic initiatives to expand our core technology and offering of manufactured products to key vertical markets,” said James Brendel, CEO of Suzo-Happ. Marcel Oelen, managing director of

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Arcade unaffected by pier troubles The arcade on Portsmouth’s South Parade is to remain open despite extensive work required to repair the entire pier. Local council members have warned that it could be up to two years before restoration is complete. Leon Reis, chairman of pier owners South Parade Trust has estimated that the repairs will cost around £650,000.

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ONLINE GAMING CASINO TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE ONLINE CURRENCY itecoin, billed as a successor to online Lcurrency Bitcoin, is set Suzo-Happ Europe, added: “Including the Bill-to-Bill banknote recycler to our existing portfolio of component solutions for the transportation market significantly increases our value proposition to key customers throughout the region. The expansion of our long history of coin handling expertise with the addition of Currenza C2 gives us access to the growing vending market with substantial market share opportunities for our existing product lines.”

ONLINE CONNECTIVITY

mbed International launched two new online products and services last month, as the group aims to help operators increase efficiencies. EmPOS is a mobile point-of-sale app for the Embed Card System. It allows operators to run POS operations, guest service or control access to attractions directly from an iPod or iPhone, fitted with a case that allows magnetic stripe and barcode reading. The website Guest Banner, meanwhile,

to become legal tender on the Bitcoin Entertainment Network slot game, BetCoin Reels. The online operator is in the process of updating its entire range of titles to work with Litecoin and plans to add support for fellow alternative currencies Primecoin and Namecoin during 2014.

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VIKING LEADS THE CHARGE FOR VNE AT ICE talian change machine manIufacturer VNE is bringing its Viking machine to the ICE Totally Gaming expo. This secure device, which weighs in at 150 kg, features two heavy-duty hoppers with a capacity of 2,500 coins each. It’s front door boasts two layers of thick steel protecting the cash inside from any unauthorised entry. The Viking also incorporates biometric security, which gates access to the machine via the user’s fingerprint.

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used machines for operators looking to bolster their offering in the new year. The best value can be found in the redemption section, with JNC running a deal where customers can buy three machines and get the cheapest half price. Included in the offer the likes of Dog Pounder and Hollywood Reels, alongside a variety of other prize and ticket-out machines.

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he centrepiece of Leeds Leisureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amusement catalogue is undoubtedly a selection of slot machines based on the hit TV show, Deal or No Deal. There are fifteen different titles to choose from, including a range of ÂŁ100 jackpot machines such as Seal the Deal and Bank on It. The games are manufactured by Bell-Fruit Games and can be purchased from Leeds Leisure starting at ÂŁ1045.

AZTEC LOOKING TO BUY AND SELL he price list for Aztec Coinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gaming features something to fit Tmachines most budgets. At the cheaper end, titles such as Fighting mania and Paragon pro 23 are available for around ÂŁ350, while operators with more to spend can find X putt golf and Final furlong 2 for ÂŁ1295. The distributor is also looking to purchase machines, with pinball tables and Manx TT high on their list of priorities. Coinslot JANUARY 10 - JANUARY 16, 2014

matic Industriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Performer video cabinet is available in the UK and Ireland through Genesis Games. The striking Performer cabinet is a dual, 22-inch monitor design. High-resolution graphics, superb sound effects and a high quality well branded cabinet are amongst the initial features that attract the player. A range of new games has been designed for the cabinet. The library is continually being added to, ensuring the longevity of the product. All genres of game are in the compendium - from simple three line games up to 50 line games with multiple win options. Win spin features, mystery bonuses and free spins ensure players are entertained during their playing time. Various forms of cash redemption can be utilised with the Performer - from the traditional hopper to TITO, and from a simple standalone handpay to a sophisticated back office management system.

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2350-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 07/01/2014 12:33 Page 1

Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

“

Comment All shows offer new opportunities “Lovely meeting you in the flesh. “Likewise! Shall we do a deal?”

alex lee comment his year’s raft of shows presents a great opportunity for us all. Forgive me the cliché, but the painful truth is that you only tend to miss something when it’s gone.Preview and Norbreck Castle anyone? While times change and things move on, both those shows were relevant and timely in their day, until circumstances prevailed and they disappeared from the show calendar. This month, for those of you vacationing on Mars since Earls Court shut up shop, heralds coin-op’s biggest UK-based show - the EAG International at ExCel. Of equal interest to me, and I’ll confidently predict legions of operators, are the provincial shows around the country throughout the year which are hosted by manufacturers and distributors with a view to creating as buoyant a market as prevailing economic conditions will allow. Let’s not forget either that while the ICE show next month is aimed squarely at the casino and betting sectors, there is certainly an element of cross-over into coin-op and if nothing else worth a visit to keep abreast of what’s out there in terms of business opportunities in our industry. Of course, EAG International is certainly no one-off event.As we all know it has established itself in the hightech surroundings of ExCel as well as proving that with a bit of bottle, dialogue and ambition can go a long, long

way when it comes to hosting something that coin-op stakeholders from all over the world can make good, profitable use of. While a much bigger proportion of communication and networking is done online these days, (cliché alert, sorry) there’s quite simply no substitute for meeting the people you’re doing business with in the flesh and checking out their products up close and personal. I’m a major fan of trade shows, large and small, as like it or not they do offer up a flavour of where the industry is and, indeed, where it may be heading.While the days of pulling the cheque book out of your pocket and arranging for someone to cart off a piece of equipment are largely well behind us, a day or two at any UK-based trade show allows us all to accurately assess the state of the market - and hopefully do a deal or two that suits both the buyer and the seller. Besides prosperity for all, and some serious, definitive governmental intervention on the FOBT front, my wish for 2014 is that the coin-op sector remembers how important its customers are. By this, I don’t mean the machine buyers, although of course they need love and attention too, I mean the person in the arcade, pub, bingo hall, working men’s club or FEC who shoves that first coin in and likes what they see so much that they shovel a few more in for good measure.

Strykers struck by fire

In recent press report Working Men’s Cl of 11,000 video gam

alex lee media watch Wolverhampton ten pin bowling centre has gone up A in flames, according to the Express & Star. A landmark bowling alley has collapsed in a huge inferno. Paul and Nathiena Williams, who live on Bushbury Lane opposite the building, caught the dramatic scene on camera and sent it in to the Express & Star. Plumes of smoke billowed into the sky while roaring flames leaping from Strykers bowling alley glowed blue due to the intensity of the heat from the fire which ravaged the closed-down complex. Dozens of firefighters were faced with a ‘fierce and intense’ blaze as they battled to bring it under control. Loud popping sounds, along with explosions and crashes, could be heard, as part of the building crumbled two days before Christmas. For three hours, fire crews fought the blaze defensively from the out-

side as chiefs feared that the building was structurally unsafe and likely to collapse. As the fire took hold, police extended the cordon, and the side wall and back of the building started to collapse. Bystanders watched as flames leapt through the glass-fronted entrance, walls collapsed and nearby trees caught fire. Elsewhere, a Stoke Working Men’s Club has taken on the duties of a local community centre which was forced to close a year ago, according to the Stoke Sentinel. The Norton Community Centre had fallen victim to council cuts as funding for dozens of similar centres across the Potteries was withdrawn to save cash. Hundreds of people using the St Nicholas Avenue centre for bingo, dancing, clubs and events were left devastated when its doors were closed for good in January 2013 after serving the area for 51 years.

But now its former members have given a nearby workingmen’s club a new lease of life and a £6,000 makeover after its owners stepped in and offered the use of the club for their activities. Norton Working Men’s Club secretary, Eddie Chell, said the refurbishment marked a new beginning for the venue. The club’s management is even considering renaming the venue as Norton Social and Community Club. Chell said: “We’ve joined forces. When the centre closed it really upset a lot of people, especially the hundreds of people who went to the bingo there every week. Initially, I just stepped forward to say they could use my club for bingo if they wanted. But it has become more than that now. Over the year more and more people have been coming, not just for the bingo but to use the club’s facilities. And then a few

2350-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 07/01/2014 12:34 Page 2

Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

“At the heart of every successful business is leadership. The clear leader is typically the owner, who builds a management team. Often one member of the team runs the day-today business operations. Then it happens: One of the key members of the team gives notice. He’s leaving. Where? To a competitor. Ouch!”

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IRV BLACKMAN, VENDING TIMES

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“Riyadh is the big-population, major demand capital city of the biggest market and the biggest operators. An appreciation of amusement games in the Middle East begins here and it’s no wonder that the delegations from each big operator are welcomed with open arms at IAAPA and they are the biggest buyers at DEAL. One operator alone has over 4,000 games - big numbers in this region.” DAVID SNOOK, INTERGAME

“Cash handling is a well-known subject, but what’s interesting to me is how many of the sector’s main companies are now diversifying out of the amusement sector and into other, nonrelated areas.” JONATHAN SWIFT, EUROSLOT

MIKE BENNER, CAMRA

nt press reports, a Wolverhampton bowling alley has gone up in flames, a Stoke ng Men’s Club has been given a new lease of life and a US man has amassed a collection 000 video games.

more and more people come every week. We’ve brightened the club up a bit now and we’re looking to the future in terms of what else we will run out of there. We don’t miss the council breathing down our necks.” And finally, 31-year-old Michael Thomasson of Buffalo, NY, is the newly crowned world record holder for having the largest collection of video games, with 11,000 of them, according to the Mercury News. Along with the games, he has the devices to play them on such as 1995’s Casio Loopy, the only game system specifically geared toward girls, and the Pippin, released by Apple the same year. Thomasson began collecting almost immediately, but the path to the world record had a couple of restarts. He sold off his collection twice, first in 1989 to raise money for a Sega Genesis (aka Mega Drive), then again to pay for his 1998 wedding.

The European Casino Association’s European Casino Industry Report for 2013 was published recently and the document featured a low-down on the UK high stakes gaming sector.

ron goudsmit

“The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is resolutely determined to secure reform of the beer tie as operated by the large pubcos. As a consumer group, we want to see a thriving, healthy and diverse pub sector.”

months ago they suggested they use some of the old management committee’s money to spruce up the place a bit. Now it looks brilliant. It’s really brought it into the 21st century and it’s moved away from the old-fashioned workingmen’s club look.” An additional 200 people are using the club every week. Chell said the extra patrons have given the club’s profits an £8,000 boost. He added: “This is a difficult environment to be successful in at the moment, so we’re really pleased at the extra patronage. It’s quite something that our bar takings have actually gone up where elsewhere they are falling.” Mick Salih, who helped run the Norton Community Centre, said: “When the community centre closed, there were some who didn’t come with us to the workingmen’s club. It was strange at first trying to get used to a new atmosphere. But

London leads way in UK table gaming spend

Since then, Thomasson has rebuilt the collection, averaging two games per day on a strict $3,000-a-year budget. He estimates the collection is worth around $700,000. Thomasson designs games and teaches 2D animation, game design and the history of video games at Canisius College in Buffalo. Guinness lists the number of games in Thomasson’s collection at 10,607, though he said the number exceeds 11,000 now, a year after the official count and after discovering forgotten stashes of games after the counting crew left.

politics o changes that affect landbased casinos have occurred N since implementation in 2007 of the Gambling Act 2005.The Gambling Act 2005 removed the membership requirement for casinos and bingo halls as well as the 24hour waiting period for membership. It introduced a regulatory framework for remote gambling within the UK and created the Gambling Commission. There are 2,729 gaming machines in casinos,most of them (2,682) category B1 machines. These machines generated a profit of £129m in 2010-2011. There are 6,190 tables (counting roulette seats as an individual table) in the UK. In its submission to the UK Competition Commission regarding the proposed acquisition of Gala casinos by Rank Group plc, Genting noted more than half of the bricks and mortar gambling in the UK is now controlled by two large Malaysian-controlled companies. In January 2013, the UK government began a consultation into gambling machine stake and prize limits with the reintroduction of the so-called triennial review system. A great deal of debate has been generated around the vexed issue of FOBTs in UK betting shops, which critics contend have introduced casino-type gaming into high street betting shops. The UK government has indicated it would prefer to take no action on the issue of FOBTs (defined as B2 machines) until the study into gaming machines by the RGT has been completed. Additionally, the government has indicated it would like to raise the maximum stake from £2 to £5 for B1 casino gaming machines (technically defined as B1 machines).

A total of 146 casinos and two licensed card clubs operate in the UK.Two casino groups operate the majority of casinos: Genting UK with 44 casinos and Rank Group with 55 casinos. The UK’s casinos saw total revenues of £872m (€1.035bn) in 2012,a 9.4 per cent jump on the previous year,as table games grew their takings by 9.6 per cent and slot revenues swelled by 8.4 per cent. More visitors than ever before came to the UK’s casinos in 2012 with a total of 18,240,000 visits,up 4.9 per cent on the year before,and Britain’s casinos employed 14,323 staff, a 6.6 per cent increase on the year before as nearly 900 new jobs were created. London’s high-end casinos have continued to outperform those casinos designated as “Other London” and “Provinces” in terms of growth in table game drop, and experienced a particular boost from the 2013 Champions League final that took place in London. All of the UK’s provincial regions are decelerating in terms of casino growth in drop and win, although Scotland is the only region which has entered negative growth territory. Machine Games Duty was introduced on February 1, 2013, replacing the former Amusement Machine Licence Duty with an effective 20 per cent taxation rate on machines in casinos and adult gaming centres. There are now two “large”casinos, in London and Milton Keynes, operating with Gambling Act 2005 licences. The others operate within Gaming Act 1968 limits. London casinos their outperformed have regional rivals in terms of table gaming as spend by foreign gamblers has remained strong.

2350-p24-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 07/01/2014 11:17 Page 1

Coinslot January 10 - January 16, 2014

Newsweek MILESTONE FOR IRISH GAMING SHOW he Irish Gaming Show -formerly Amex - takes place at a new venue this year, the Morans Red Cow Conference Centre in Dublin, on March 4-5. The 2014 edition of the show marks the event’s 35th anniversary, and the organisers said the new venue has

a 4m ceiling height, which will allow exhibitors to bring larger items for display and larger stands to be constructed. The Irish Gaming Show caters to numerous sectors within the industry, including amusements, casino,

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It’s a whole new ball game! low on March 26 and 27. Also, new this year, the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Amusement and Music Operators Association (AMOA) are partnering with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) to grant all of the operator attendees at the IAAPA FEC Las Vegas programme - which will be conducted at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort on March 23-25 free access to the Amusement Expo. While the 2014 exhibitor list is yet to be published, the 2013 edition of the Amusement Expo attracted numerous leading coinop groups, including Elaut, Embed International, Jersey Jack Pinball, LAI Games, MEI, Namco, Sega and Suzo-Happ.

new format for the annual Amusement Expo in Las Vegas places a strong focus on networking and education. The 2014 Amusement Expo, the annual event for the coin-op and revenue-generating amusement, music and family entertainment industry, has a new look, with the three-day programme featuring a full day of education and two days of exhibits. The new format will begin with a full day of ‘Knowledge Sessions’ beginning at the Las Vegas Convention Centre on March 25. According to the organisers, these educational sessions will address timely topics and provide useful information for all who attend.Two full days of exhibit time will fol-

arcades, bingo and business services. SEMINAR TO ADDRESS BITCOIN PHENOMENON itcoin has been dominating the headlines with the

price of a single Bitcoin soaring to $1,000 in November. With this in mind, ICE will stage a special seminar dedicated to the phenomenon on February 4. The seminar will provide an

in-depth look at the Bitcoin trend, unravelling what it really is, and discussing what regulatory considerations and commercial

opportunities it has for gaming. Jon Matonis, executive director of the Bitcoin Foundation and a regular contributor

to Forbes will be speaking at the seminar where he will be joined by Erik Voorhees, founder of SatoshiDice; Ivan Montik, CEO and founder of Softswiss; and Steve Beauregard, founder and CEO of GoCoin.

Calendar UK EVENTS 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 11-13 Digital Signage Expo Sands Expo Center Las Vegas Nevada US www.digitalsignageexpo.net

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

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

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

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