Coinslot 2378 digital

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July 25 – July 31, 2014 • No. 2378 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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COINSLOT

Industry news Seaside amusements Category B3 machines Latest Machine Charts B2B Listings Classified ads and opps Comment & Analysis Newsweek

COMMENT

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...We have also seen rising public concern over the impact of higher stake gaming machines (FOBTs) in bookmakers on the high street...

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BACTA CEO looks ahead to exc TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

Incoming BACTA CEO John White’s appointment to the helm of the amusement and gaming trade association comes at both an exciting and challenging time for the industry.

J

ohn White took up his post this week as CEO of BACTA returning to the amusements industry after a 15-year spell driving the interests of various trade associations in the baking and timber sectors.

White, 51, has wasted little time settling into his post already holding meetings with the IOA and other operators prior to his official appointment.

The new BACTA chief has set himself a busy schedule in the opening weeks of his tenure with the focus on meetings with both members and stakeholders scheduled as well as finalising plans on his political and membership agenda in the medium term.

White commented: “These are exciting but challenging times for the sector and for BACTA. I am relishing the opportunity to employ the skills and experience I have gained running trade associations to deliver a long-term, sustainable and profitable future for the sector. At this stage, it is important for me to reacquaint myself with some of the great people and businesses I remember and some of the new entrants to the market. We can then collectively start to develop a strategy that is right for the sector.”

Whilst White will understandably be focusing on a meet and greet process in the earlier days, it is thought that top of his

GTech to acquire IG CASINOS

Italian lottery and gaming group GTech is to acquire US slots giant IGT for $6.4bn. James Walker reports. landscape of international Twithhegaming is certainly changing Europe adding another name to the group of powerhouses - and all organised from a UK base. Italian lottery, slots and gaming systems group GTech has entered into a definitive merger agreement with International Game Technology (IGT), the Las Vegasbased casino products giant.

GTech will pay $4.7bn (£2.7bn) in cash and shares for IGT and will also assume $1.7bn (£1bn) of the US group’s net debt.

The $6.4bn (£3.7bn) total is above GTech’s own market capitalisation of $4.4bn ($2.6bn),and marks the largest foreign acquisition by an Italian company this year.

Under the terms of the transaction, IGT and GTech will combine under a newly formed holding company organised in the UK,

where corporation taxes are typically lower than both the US and Italy.The new firm will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

IGT is one of the world’s leading casino products group.With a history stretching back to the 1950s, the group produces slot machines for gaming venues around the world and owns wellknown licenses such as Wheel of Fortune and Avatar.

Over recent years, the company has increased its focus on casino systems and sophisticated linked jackpots, while also venturing into the online and social gaming sectors.

Formerly known as Lottomatica Group,GTech has national lottery concessions in Italy and several state lottery concession in the US. It also sells gaming scratchcards,as well as providing

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE

INDUSTRY

B3 keeps the wheels of invention turning

Industry gets ready to clear its voice

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30 July 25 - July 31, 2014 • No. 2378 • www.coinslot.co.uk

d to exciting and challenging times

agenda will be a repositioning of BACTA’s ‘political’ standing both in parliamentary and trade circles. There is little doubt that White’s arrival is aimed at signalling a younger, more dynamic approach to the association’s message, with White regarded, particularly in his earlier term as deputy CEO, as a reformist.

However, his strong alignment to membership interests - a common thread prominent in his all trade association roles - indicates that White will place a heavy prominence on bolstering the BACTA ranks to reinforce the industry’s voice.

As White indicated in general discussions ahead of his formal hand-over: “No organisation can be regarded as credible unless it genuinely represents its industry. That means the organisation must know its members and know its concerns. It must know where it is going and it must know what techniques to use to get there. It can only do this with a supportive industry in membership, trusting the decisions that get taken. It is my personal responsibility to build that trust and credibility by demonstrating what the BACTA team can do.”

These are indeed interesting times for the coin-op sector.

ire IGT for $6.4bn

IGT PRODUCES LEADING-BRAND SLOTS SUCH AS WHEEL OF FORTUNE

lottery services to third parties in other nations.

IGT will fit within GTech’s casino products division, Spielo, which has been producing quality slots under licence from Popcap, the social gaming arm of Electronic Arts. Its latest slot machine innovation, Sphinx 3D, utilises a 3D display with inte-

grated eye-tracking technology.

Analysts at Reuters news agency said that, with the purchase of IGT, GTech would derive more than half of its $4.1bn (£2.4bn) annual revenues from foreign operations.

It currently makes 60 per cent of sales in the struggling Italian market.

Over recent months, the world - and particularly the US casino industry has experienced a great deal of post-recession movement.

Major manufacturers and suppliers are jostling for position in new markets and tapping new sectors through inorganic growth.

Within the space of two months last year,the industry saw two similarly high-profile transactions: Bally Technologies purchased SHFL Entertainment for $1.3bn (£760m) and Scientific Games Group completed its $1.5bn (£875m) acquisition of WMS Gaming.

Maximising returns tops bingo industry agenda BINGO

After receiving a much-needed tax reduction in March, the UK’s bingo industry is placing increased focus on regulatory compliance. Following its AGM earlier this month, James Walker spoke with Miles Baron, chief executive of the Bingo Association, about the development and launch of its fully revised Operator’s Manual. he UK Bingo Association held its annual general meeting earlier this month, and - following Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement in March that Bingo Duty would be cut from 20 per cent to 10 per cent - the sector is now focused squarely on compliance, regulation and maximising on the tax cut.

“Firstly, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all of our members for their overwhelming and solid support for our Boost Bingo campaign, which helped us achieve the Budget result,” Miles Baron, chief executive of the Bingo Association, told Coinslot.

“It’s demonstration of how, when the industry works together towards a common goal, we can achieve a great deal.”

“However, the work really starts now,” Baron added. “We have the reduction, but we have to put it to work. HMRC will be watching with genuine interest to see how the industry,over time, uses this opportunity. I will be meeting regularly with the treasury to keep them updated on how things are going.”

Baron was quick to note that 2013 was “not a good year for the retail bingo industry”, but expressed hope that the UK’s increasingly more stable economic position, along with the tax reduction, would serve to bolster the sector.

In addition to monitoring the impact of the tax change, the Bingo Association is now placing its focus on regulation.“Regulation is raining down on us in the shape of the Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP),” Baron stated.“However, I am delighted to say that the

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MILES BARON: ‘WE HAVE THE REDUCTION, BUT WE HAVE TO PUT IT TO WORK’

bingo industry will be launching its industry Code of Conduct, which will form a key part of its fully revised Operator’s Manual.”

Baron said the Operator’s Manual has been split into three sections and, once fully complete, will be a comprehensive guide that contains everything operators need to know when it comes to running a licensed bingo premises.

The A-Z guide, according to

Baron, will include an extensive section on all coin-operated gaming categories and ancillary entertainment.“The Operator’s Manual is now live on the Bingo Association website, and the Code of Conduct - which will be an industry first - will be launched in October 2014, once the LCCP has made its amendments.A hardcopy will be distributed to all members later this year.”

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Talarius expands machine estate with £1m Playnation deal

AMUSEMENT RESORTS

arlier this month, developer London EResort Company Hold-

SERVER-BASED GAMING

Playnation is to supply its state-of-the-art Storm terminals to Talarius venues across the UK. alarius,the UK’s largest operator of adult gaming centres, has signed a deal with Playnation to roll out its industry leading HD gaming cabinet, Storm, across a number of its venues.

The deal will serve to grow Talarius’ serverbased estate and connect new machines to increase its ticket-in-ticket-out offering, as well as providing a varied array of new content.

The rollout follows a successful trial of this new server-based technology, which demonstrated the benefits it can offer in terms of customer service and operational efficiency.With unlimited games available on each machine, it supplies an open platform that can deliver both old favourites and new content.This will enable venues to provide customers with greater choice compared to the maximum of nine games currently offered.Other benefits include the option of regular monthly content releases

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and promotional mechanics.

The deal,worth over £1m,forms part ofTalarius’ wider growth strategy to increase its market share by ensuring Quicksilver, Silvers and Winners venues across the country are welcoming more customers through their doors.

Andy Whitworth, Talarius’ head of gaming strategy, commented:“Our initial trial of this new technology proved it to be fantastic from a performance point of view,with a huge number of great benefits.We expect this deal, which is transformational to our business, to be the first of many.”

Ryan Collinge, sales director of Playnation, added:“We are really excited about our partnership with Talarius and the prospect of rolling out Storm, one of our most advanced gaming terminals, to so many of its top venues. Our aim is to inevitably increase Storms market share, as well as revenue for the sites, and it’s another big

RYAN COLLINGE (LEFT), SALES DIRECTOR AT PLAYNATION, AND ANDY WHITWORTH, HEAD OF GAMING STRATEGY FOR TALARIUS

step for Playnation and our focus on providing a strong retail offering for all of our customers.”

Peter Harvey, chief executive of Talarius, stated:“This deal will play a key role in the continued growth of Talarius and help us to build on a sustained period of excellent progress for the company. Ensuring the customers enjoy our facilities by providing them with the greatest choice of machines and games possible is our number one priority, and Playnation are aiding this with their excellent work ethic and technology.”

NSM launches new background music system MUSIC

igital jukebox pioneer NSM Music has D announced the commercial launch of the Icon background music (BGM) system at an entry price of £4.99 a week to the coinop trade.

Since the BGM system was shown at the ICE Show this year, the NSM development team has made the Icon even more user-friendly.

The Icon comes with 1,750 tracks and Touch & Slide selection technology.

Customers can choose from over 120,000 tracks online using an Android 8 or 10 inch tablet.Available genres range from country to Christmas, bhangra to

hip-hop and NSM’s biggest ever selection of Asian and ethnic music.

“The choice of the Icon BGM is a no-brainer for anyone considering using a legal source of background music,” said NSM’s Alex Kirby.“With the help of the licensing authorities and the increased number of prosecutions for playing unlicensed music in public more and more people will be turning to well established suppliers of music. Since the ICE Show we have been overwhelmed by the response and have worked hard to make the system very simple to use.

“The Icon BGM ticks all

the boxes: ease of use, wide choice of music types, programming facility and an affordable price,” Kirby added.“Oper-

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

ators and distributors will be able to target markets outside their normal remit of the hospitality business and seek customers from

venues like gymnasiums, retail outlets and restaurants. Legal music at an affordable price is what our customers want.”

ings (LRCH) held a series of public consultation events relating to the proposed London Paramount Entertainment Resort in North Kent.

According to reports, the events - the first stage of a year-long consultation - were attended by over 2,000 people.

LRCH announced plans to develop the Paramount resort in October 2012, after it received a licence from Paramount Pictures Corporation, the US media conglomerate which has interests in theme parks and visitor attractions.

The Paramount Pictures name will front the proposed £2bn resort development, which would be sited on the Swanscombe Peninsula.

The park will be twice as big as the Olympic Park in East London, featuring Europe’s largest indoor waterpark, theatres, live music venues, attractions, cinemas, restaurants, event space and hotels.

The major project is set to transform the region between Gravesend and Dartford into an international tourist destination to rival that of Disneyland Paris.

The complex would see the creation of 17,000 jobs, with another 10,000 among suppliers and service organisations.

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE

B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK MACHINES The essential guide to Category B3 machines - the heartbeat of arcade gaming in the UK. 10

Autumn Coin-Op Show close to capacity

Whitehouse Leisure wins licensing award LICENSING

elebrations all round for Whitehouse Leisure after the Basildon-based C plush toy specialist scooped the top

EXHIBITIONS

rganisers of the Autumn CoinOp Show have revealed that visitor pre-registration numbers are high,with the showfloor likely to reach full capacity shortly.The show, says organiser Swan Events, has received a strong commitment from exhibitors with only a handful of stands now still available.

Concept Games, 24 Seven Gaming and InterClub Lotteries are the latest companies to join the ranks of exhibitors keen to be part of this

O

unique UK-focused event.

The show, which is scheduled for October 15-16 at Chelsea Football Club, was conceived after numerous calls from within the industry for an informal networking event at which exhibitors could invite valuable product feedback prior to the large trade shows in the NewYear.

“In recent years we’ve received numerous requests from UK companies for an event at which they can gain feedback on new products prior to their launch during the January show season,”said organiser Karen Cooke.

Astra Games launches new website MULTI-MEDIA

stra Games has gone live this week with a brand new version of A its corporate website (www.astragames.com).

The portal has been subject to a complete redesign resulting in a cleaner, brighter look and feel that is now firmly aligned with the brand values of parent company Novomatic.

Visitors to the site will benefit from the simpler, more streamlined approach to finding information on new and current products across all categories. Also improved are sections covering corporate background (About us), press and PR (News & Publicity) alongside the more perfunctory features such as Sales, Customer Service and Contacts.

In all, Astra has sought to offer a more direct route to information regarding new game developments

as well as easy access to the company’s official press statements.

Links to sister companies within the Astra Gaming Group also feature prominently.

Astra Games’ sales and marketing director, Alan Rogers, commented: “We are delighted to be able to go live this week with a website that represents more accurately the values and aspirations of Astra Games and the Astra Gaming Group. As it clearly states on the opening page, Astra has always prided itself on progress through innovation; and this pioneering new site boldly reinforces that message.”

prize at an industry awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

Whitehouse, one of the UK’s leading amusement and leisure industry manufacturer and suppliers, won the award for ‘most creative licensee’ by Universal Partnerships and Licensing at the group’s Annual Universal Consumer Products Awards. The company’s wide range of Despicable Me 2 products were at the centre of the award.

The Universal awards recognise the work of its global licensing partners and those that work alongside the production company to deliver an array of product to the amusement, leisure and retail markets worldwide.

Phil Setter (pictured), managing director of Whitehouse Leisure, said: “Universal works with a whole host of revered companies around the world and we are therefore delighted to be recognised for our creative efforts in developing our wide range of successful Despicable Me products to the amusement and leisure industry.

“As expected Universal demand extremely high standards and our thanks go out to all those involved, in particular our development team from our China office whose dedication allowed us to achieve the required approvals on time.

Despicable Me 2 and Minions required a lot of hard work from every part of our company from the early development stages, to our factories, warehouse and distribution operations.We’re incredibly proud to have delivered what must be the biggest license opportunity for the amusement industry of the past 20 years.

Setter added: “Our programme of product development is a continuous cycle and we have a vast amount of exciting and innovative new licensed plush and redemption products in the pipeline for 2015.”

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New gambling group aims to go to places where no trade body has gone before TRADE BODIES

The Gambling Business Group has set its stall out: to unify the interests of a broad based industry and drive it forward with better legislation, better regulation and better business prospects. Will it be a good fit for a diverse and often divided industry? New chief Peter Hannibal certainly thinks so, and in an exclusive interview with Coinslot, he talks candidly about the prospects for the body and the industry as a whole. The GBG has high aspirations and given the language and direction intimated - it could bring high returns.

Over 2000 gambling licences processed in 2013/14

hy do you believe UK gaming needs another trade body?

I think it’s very important to underline the fact that we are not a trade body in the sense that most people would understand the term.We are a strategic body which,courtesy of our broad membership, can speak with authority on the gambling sector as a whole. With gaming suffering from such a negative narrative it is key to be able to represent the sector en masse and to have a powerful strategic voice.Increasingly,the arguments against gaming have become entrenched and polarised.There are powerful groups who are quite adept at getting their voice heard through the media and who have a prejudice against gambling per se, and they are just as aware of the relevance of the phrase‘divide and conquer’as we are.

Currently, their focus is on LBOs but that doesn’t mean that the next salvo won’t be against On-line or B3s, and after that Cat C £100? - and on the argument goes. Our position is to pursue empirically based policy and an open and progressive relationship between the gambling industry and our regulators.

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The Gambling Business Group is very conscious of the good work that the trade associations do in their own sectors of the gambling industry, indeed many of our members chose to also be members of those trade associations. We have no desire to overlap or duplicate the work that they do as that would clearly be counterproductive. We only look to compliment and add value, particularly at a strategic level. If anyone does regard us as a threat there is absolutely no need for them to do so.

Is there any significance in the fact that you announced the formation of the GBG in the same month that BACTA’s new chief executive took up his post?

I am one of the many that remember John as being knowledgeable, approachable and pragmatic from his first term at BACTA and I was disappointed to see him go at the time.

I think John White is an excellent appointment for BACTA and I am sure that its members and its stakeholders will see the benefits very quickly, including ourselves at the Gambling Business Group. However, we have been working up to the launch of the Gambling Business Group for a number of months now and any similarities in dates are purely coincidental.

What do you regard as being the single biggest threat facing UK gaming?

I would say that the single biggest threat facing us today is from the potential for our own government to impose irrational changes to our regulatory environment based upon emotional opinions formed in and/or by the media. Due to the negative narrative I highlighted earlier it is extremely difficult for any government to be seen to be positive to the industry as it is currently perceived.

Negative perceptions are the breeding ground for negative legislation and the industry’s collective job has to be to address why we have so few allies despite our track record on employment, the contributions we make to local, regional and the national economy, our track record on social responsibility,our support for good causes, how in bingo we are dealing with issues such as social exclusion of the elderly and so on. This is about winning over hearts and minds whilst recognising that is simply not going to happen with some single issue pressure groups.The American Gaming Association faces a similar challenge and under its new President and CEO, Geoff Freeman, is taking a more progressive role by setting the news agenda. Obviously, the economy remains a challenge and we need the benefits of the recovery to be felt more widely.

Do the various trade associations regard you as a threat or an ally?

Can GBG succeed where BISL failed?

LICENCES

number of gaming in the UK Tlooksheoperators to be rising, as figures from the Gambling Commission’s annual review show that a large

body of new licences were processed during the 2013/14 financial year.

Over 200 operator licences were processed during a twelve month period, with an additional 1,800 personal licence

It has to be recognised that BiSL had been in successful existence for 25 years before the decision was taken to bring it to a close, which I don’t think can be regarded in any way as a failure. It took the lead on a number of important issues and was respected for its ‘common sense’ approach in the work it carried out.

The Gambling Business Group is a direct result of the thought and insight contained within BISL. However, to be effective organisations have to adapt to their changing environment and we move on stronger and better equipped to rise to the new challenges that lie ahead.

You are reported as having 50 members already what do you see as being an optimum number?

It is important to us that the membership portfolio of the Gambling Business Group continues to be made up of a healthy blend of large and small businesses from all sectors of the gambling industry.We will be more than happy to see the numbers increase and welcome organisations who may wish to add their weight and support to the work we do and to the directions we take. Our membership is key to both our strength and our credentials and this can only be improved upon by increasing the numbers.We have already received a number of new enquiries and requests to join since we announced the Gambling Business Group earlier this month.

GBG is a broad church but with such a diversity of interests are you able to sing from the same hymn sheet?

I think that is an obvious point but it’s not one that concerns me overly and one which doesn’t have much traction.Our premise is that the gambling industry needs a single strategic voice, that without one we will continue to be marginalised and that there is far more that unites the business than divides it. We also have some authority. Our 50 members employ in excess of 100,000 people in the UK, the combined machine

applications passing through the Commission’s hands. Over 600 variations to existing licences were also submitted.

Over 90 percent of the UK’s remote operators

estate is over 150,000 sited machines accounting for the overwhelming majority share of new machines sold in the UK last year.Yes,we are a broad church but our combined voice allows us to speak with authority about the business and to champion gaming in an evangelical manner. My job is to ensure that gaming’s voice is heard and so far I have to report that the response has been excellent.

We have had some very positive meetings with both the Gambling Commission and with the DCMS based on a commitment to have a more open and progressive dialogue.

Will you have a presence at the two UK winter shows and if so how will you use them?

As we all know, the trade shows are a very busy time for suppliers and customers not only to‘do important business’ but also to engage in the increasingly important networking that can identify development opportunities. That the shows are held in London should not be wasted and we will use the events to further engage with MP’s and government departments and ‘showcase’ the gambling industries development and growth potential in a positive light. As an industry we have many positives to shout about and to promote, and the shows are an excellent ready-made ‘shop window’ for us to use.

How do you see the GBG in 12 months time?

The Gambling Business Group was set up purposely in a way that allows it to respond and adapt quickly to the ever changing forces on the industry. We have a difficult 12 months ahead of us not least of all with the B2 research being published and a general election looming. I am expecting the landscape to look very different in 12 months’ time and therefore, the Gambling Business Group’s activities will be adapted accordingly. But whatever the scenario, we will be out there doing everything we can in the interests of the longevity of our members businesses.

have also signed up to use the Commission’s new service, which allows operators to make applications, pay invoices, print licences and make an LCCP notification.

The 2013/14 report

also revealed that the Commission completed the revocation of 800 personal licences during the year, as part of its commitment to license those only who are fit to operate.

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CAMRA calls for councils to protect pubs Gala boss predict connected future

SINGLE SITE

A new report from CAMRA highlights that councils can show how pubs are valued in communities by adopting pub protection policies. he latest report by real ale supporters CAMRA has called for councils to help slow the closures by recognising the important role that pubs play in local communities and aims to empower them to block conversions from would-be developers.

Currently 28 pubs are closing per week across the UK. Landlords are facing increasing costs, high rents and competition from other types of leisure venue and supermarkets selling cheap alcohol. At the same time land value is rising, which means developers are willing to pay high prices

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for premises.

“Pubs play a vital role in many communities,butacrossthecountry this precious resource is being lost at an alarming rate,”LGiU chief executive Jonathan Carr-West told pub trade press.“Councils play a crucial part in protecting pubs and we hope that local authorities will draw inspiration from the examples featured in this report and act now to prevent our pubs from disappearing forever.”

Many local councils have announced their support for community pubs. In a recent survey, 45 out of 49 councils agreed that pubs were valued

community assets that deserved to be protected. However, 33 of the councils thought that current planning regulations fails to offer pubs protection from being demolished or facing a change of use after being sold.

The report highlights that councils can show how pubs are valued in communities by adopting pub protection policies in their local plans and listing the venues as Assets of Community Value. It also suggests councils use Article 4 Directions which would make planning permission a requirement for the change in use of a pub.

ala Bingo’s managing director Simon Wykes believes that server based gaming (SBG) is G the future for gaming machines. Talking to CAMRA’s report also targets central government as Stainer concluded:“Weak planning laws are a major contributing factor to pubs closing and central government need to give councils greater powers so they can do more to protect pubs from developers. At the moment ministers are letting down communities by allowing pubs to be demolished or converted to a whole range of retail uses without any planning permission being required.”

Coinslot’s Essential Guide, Wykes said: “The ability to continually update and offer multiple content again provides the customer with what they want - which is choice.”

Machines designed to support SBG can download content from the internet, allowing operators to update the games they offer without the need to invest in a new machine.“Some of the content being developed on SBG is terrific and concepts such as community gaming show there’s plenty of innovation out there,” said Wykes. He also pointed to Ticket in/Ticket Out (TiTo) hardware as an important component of gaming success:“Great content, SBG and TiTo are the fundamental drivers not just of Gala but of the industry in total.”

Bob Rudd technician calls the shots TABLE GAMES

arl Forrest, a Leeds-based technician for Bob Rudd Gaming and Amusement C Machines, took part in the World Eightball

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Pool Federation’s World Masters, which was held at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool on June 28.

Forrest, who is a committed eightball pool player, sought sponsorship from the company, which happily obliged to give him the finance needed to enter into this world-class event.

Speaking about the day, Forrest said he was up against a very strong competitive field. He said the atmosphere was electric and it was unlike anything he had played in before.

The technician tends to many of the Bob Rudd Premium Pool tables, and noted that the tables on the day of the World Masters were of a similar exceptional quality.

Forrest was first match on and unfortunately lost 7-6 to a Scottish International player, but overall he said it was a fantastic weekend and hopes to enter again next year.

Embed expands reach at Lady’s Mile DEBIT CARD SYSTEMS

Embed, a leading provider of debit card and point of sale systems for the amusement and family entertainment industry,has extended its service at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in Dawlish,Devon, with the installation of the Embed Cashless System into the laundry facility as well as the new Thomas Pay Station full service kiosk

that can dispense change.

Guests can purchase and reload play cards at any number of point of sale stations and self service kiosks throughout the park now.

With the recent installation of the Embed swipers to the laundry facility guests can now load cash onto the Fun Card when they check in and use this all through

their holiday to pay for anything from a coffee at the breakfast bar to their washing in the laundry facility.

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2378-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 13:24 Page 1

Amusements Seaside amusement parks hailed by TripAdvisor AMUSEMENT PARKS

Three of the UK’s most-loved seaside amusement attractions have been judged amongst the best in the country in the latest TripAdvisor. ravel review website TripAdvisor has hailed three seaside amusement parks as being amongst the most popular and best value attractions in the UK. Blackpool Pleasure Beach was named as the best rated amusement park in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice TM awards, while Brighton Pier and Southend’s Adventure Island came sixth and tenth respectively.

The Lancashire amusement park was also named in the top ten amusement parks in Europe, alongside the likes of Walt Disney Studios Park in France and Germany’s Europa-Park.

Amanda Thompson OBE, Blackpool Pleasure Beach managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be named the UK’s best amusement park in the UK

by TripAdvisor, a trusted travel site where the view of our guests count for so much. We are constantly looking to improve the value for money we give our guests.”

In the water parks category, Blackpool scored a second win with the Sandcastle Waterpark, which was revealed as one of the top 25 in the world and eighth best in Europe.

The awards took into account

the quantity and quality of reviews for amusement parks and water parks worldwide,gathered over a 12-month period.

Marc Miller,Adventure Island’s managing director, said his business’s top ten award was testament to the effort it had put into its customer service.

He commented:“To be given this honour for the second year running further cements Adventure Island’s status within the UK tourist industry.

“We have developed excellent customer service standards which each member of staff plays a crucial role in delivering, which is why this award is such a fantas-

tic achievement.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has been kind enough to go on TripAdvisor and give us such positive reviews and ratings.”

It was not just Lancashire that had cause to celebrate, with the UK now the home to more 2014 award-winning amusement parks than any other European country, with seven winning parks named in Europe’s top 25.

Within the UK, the South East took home more TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for amusement parks than anywhere else in the country.

Paultons Park, Thorpe Park

Resort, Brighton Pier and Fishers Adventure Farm Park took second, fifth, sixth and seventh place in the UK respectively and were all named in Europe’s top 25.

TripAdvisor spokesperson, James Kay, said:“Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for a buzz this summer or a parent planning a family day out during the school holidays,this list of winners should provide plenty of inspiration.

“Blackpool Pleasure Beach is not just the country’s best rated amusement park, it is also one of the cheapest for a family day out among the UK top ten,proving that great value often trumps bigger rides in the eyes of consumers.

Police issue appeal over South Shields arcade theft orthumbria Police has appealed for N information after a bag was stolen from an amusement arcade in South Tyneside.

The theft happened at 2.30pm, on Wednesday,

POLITICS

he Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris has Twarned that EU red tape would

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CRIME

Seaside MP airs fears over EU bathing water legislation

May 28, at The Dunes, on Sea Road, South Shields.

The rucksack was stolen after being left unattended in the amusements.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers are also keen to trace the man in the CCTV image who may have information to assist with ongoing enquiries.

The suspect was a white male wearing a dark baseball cap,a white hoodie and dark jacket.

Anyone who recognises him or who has any information about the theft is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1166 28/05/14 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

‘decimate’ the UK’s seaside tourism industry.

The warning comes just months before the European Union’s bathing water directive comes into force in 2015.

Morris, a known Tory Eurosceptic and chairman of the parliamentary group that represents coastal towns, said the new directive would be twice as strict as current legislation.

In an interview with US website Breitbart, Morris said: “This is European interference taken to a whole new level. This year people will swim in these waters without any problems at all but next year they will be warned they are dangerous.

The water itself will be no different, the only thing that’s changed is that the EU has started meddling.

“Water quality on British coastlines are already tested by the UK Environment Agency and they say the water is safe.

As do the thousands of people who swim in them, so why is it any of Brussels business?

“My worry is that people will take heed of these warnings and stop coming to British coastal towns as a result. This will decimate our tourism industry, in the same way quotas have already ruined our fishing industry.”

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10 The Essential Guide to Category B3 machines

Essential Guide to...

Category B3 Legacy laws

23 This week’s machine charts

24 B2B listings and industry marketplace

11

Following the new rules introduced during 2011 by the Gambling Commission, both bingo venues and AGCs are restricted to B3 games making up no more than 20 percent of their machine portfolio. However, those premises in existence before 13 July, 2011 can choose between having eight category B3 or B4 gaming machines in operation or 20 percent of their total number of gaming machines.

Pushing the envelope Powered by developments across gaming, innovative new hardware is routinely being introduced into cabinets that host B3 games. These include screens of increasing quality and a recent trend for incorporating Ticket In/Ticket Out readers that gives operators the option to run systems that use cashless technology.

B 2 B

A famous face Although many B3 game designers make use of thrilling imagery and exciting motion graphics, there remains much unexplored potential in the world of tie-in licences. Recent offerings include Popeye the Sailor Man from Storm and Jabro Games, with companies such as Blueprint Gaming making use of PopCap puzzle game property, Bejeweled, across other sectors.

KEYNOTE 26 Classified sales, job and business opps

New blood keeps invention flowing Belying B3’s mature status, new kid on the gaming block 24/7 is committed to producing exciting games that break with the orthodoxy in a well stocked market. Simon McCarthy explains.

JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

Essential Guide to Pool Next Week

3 machines have long been a favourite of players around the country, but with this status and consistency comes a fear that the potential for innovation is stymied.Thankfully, there are companies like 24/7 in operation which serve as a timely reminder that there’s no shortage of new ideas.

In our opinion - as we have clearly shown from the content in ourVegas 24/7 B3 product - innovation is possible,” said managing director, Simon McCarthy.“Just simply take a look at the ‘Slots of Cash’ or the ‘Cash Pots’ features - it’s all about presenting the player with an entertaining and enjoyable experience.”

In fact, the B3 sector’s stable past provides 24/7 with even more motivation to produce new and exciting products.“It is our view that due to the fact that the B3 market in the UK is mature, there is all the more reason to innovate,” said McCarthy. “We don’t want to simply produce more of the same, we want our players to come away from playing our games with the

B

thrill and excitement of experiencing something different.”

McCarthy believes that the enduring success of B3 products owes a great to their simplicity and the ease with which players can engage with the machines.“Players can sit back and enjoy the game,”he said,“as the game content is not as complex as that of Cat C hi-tech products and auto play is another aspect of the appeal.”

B3 games also foster a sense of community, with linked machines and a wide selection of machines ensuring that customers feel connected to the sector and those playing around them.“There is also the community approach to multi player participation in the games,” notes McCarthy “In the AGCs and Bingo halls there is certainly plenty of choice for the player and this is a benefit for them of a mature market.”

With a healthy strain of innovation in place and players having a good time playing the machines that 24/7 and its contemporaries put out, McCarthy does not personally see the motivation for another shakeup of stands and prizes. However, he would defer judgement on this to his customers, the operators who fight on the front lines to attract and retain players.

“My honest opinion is that a £2 stake and a £500 jackpot is more than sufficient, but that is my personal viewpoint,” he said.“I do not operate and therefore do not have the issue of having to compete in the high street. Ultimately it is more so what my customers - the operators - are looking for that is important.”

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

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12

B 2 B

Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Sector Overview SWOT ANALYSIS

FOBTS

B3 remains central to arcade proposition SWOT ANALYSIS CATEGORY B3 GAMING

When it comes to testing the creative juices of the gaming industry, Category B3 has brought the best out of the sector. Imagination has certainly played its part in keeping the genre alive and kicking, but it does have a ‘noisy neighbour’ down the bookies - and whilst the FOBTs still seem to be keeping the critics at bay, B3 is managing to position itself as the best alternative to a very unpopular competitive product.

STRENGTHS • B3 gaming terminals remain a core part of AGC and bingo operations, helping bolster revenues and increase customer dwell time • The £2 stake implemented three years ago has paved the way for increasingly attractive game features • The opportunity to install additional B3 gaming machines is driving footfall WEAKNESSES

lmost three years to the day, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) implemented an increase in stake for B3 gaming machines to £2 and upwardly revised the number of B3 gaming machines permitted in adult gaming centres (AGC) and bingo premises to 20 per cent of the total number of gaming machines.

Although no record books were broken in the initial months after the changes were made to the sector, it is clear that B3 remains one of the lead products for the UK’s AGC and bingo operators.And while economic uncertainty continues to hamper consumer spending, suppliers of £2/£500 machines continue to invest heavily in R&D in an effort to create increasingly attractive and entertaining experiences.

Following the bedding in period for the new B3 proposition,owners of bothAGC and bingo venues reported positive movements when it came to average stake per play. However, the UK’s supply chain remains in something of a Catch 22 situation. R&D requires investment on the manufacturers’ part, and this naturally leads to more expensive machines. And in the same stroke, the revenue potential of these new gaming terminals amounts to nothing if operators are not themselves in a position to purchase the product.

A conundrum indeed, but this is certainly not one the UK gaming industry has taken lying down. Invention is its speciality and game development and creativity has served to counter the price obstacle to a strong

A

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

degree, as has a more imaginative route to market. Not only are companies offering exciting compendiums and games that players actually want to play, as a workaround, some suppliers have tackled price head on by implementing enticing rental deals.This ensures that the latest and most innovative B3s are installed in AGC and bingo sites with less of an upfront cost to the operator - a strategy that has worked well in other coin-op sectors, such as jukeboxes.

In fairness, the B3 genre is one close to the heart of the entire gaming industry - and the industry has responded to the pits and falls with some flair and determination for which it deserves huge credit.

But, of course, the debate surrounding the perceived imbalance between FOBTs in LBOs and Category B3 (and other) machines elsewhere on the high street continues. No one needs to be told anymore how important an issue this is for the AGC and bingo sectors.But what to do?Well,on the one hand, the industry can wait for the various authorities to take their fingers out of their backsides and sort it out. Referring specifically to FOBTs in its recently published Annual Review, the Gambling Commission drew attention to the “rising public concern over the impact of higher-stakes gambling machines in bookmakers”... Well, the industry will need to hold that particular thought for a while - nothing is likely to happen there.

But on the other hand, it can rely upon itself to produce constant creative solutions.

And this is perhaps where the Category B3 genre really comes into its own.

• Despite their added draw due to the £2 stake, B3s continues to struggle against FOBTs in bookmakers • Although permitted to install more machines in each venue, new machines are costly, with some operators expressing reticence to bolster their estate • Continued economic uncertainty in UK has perhaps hindered B3 from achieving its full potential OPPORTUNITIES • New game compendiums and technology gives the sector increasing promise • Opportunities to attract a new player demographic as consumers realise the benefits of the B3 option THREATS • Continued threat from FOBTs and the proliferation of LBOs in UK high streets • Sustained economic downturn may hinder the growth of average stake per play

FOBTs remain a menace to B3 machines The constant spectre of FOBTs have made life harder for small operators to flourish in B3, according Minehead’s Marcus Kravis. lthough there are a number of exciting new B3 machines on the horizon, the view from some A local operators is more tempered. Speaking as a small independent operator, Marcus Kravis - of the The Arkade in Minehead, Somerset - is cautious on the prospect of short term progress in the B3 sector, predicting that it will remain stable during the second half of 2014.

While new machines are needed to keep his gaming centre fresh and interesting for players, Kravis shares the view of the majority of suppliers and operators alike that the cost of B3 products across the marketplace still needs to find its mark.

“It’s the same as any machine,” he said. “It needs refreshing, but costs of machines are prohibitive.”

The industry has been recent months, the industry has taken action on this front, producing machines that contain compendiums of multiple games or introducing rental deals that allow operators to refresh their offering without breaking the bank.

Kravis feels that a shake-up of stakes and prizes would serve the industry, but pressure from Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) in high street betting shops is also providing a major negative influence. “We need to be able to supply a greater variation of games,” said Kravis, “and unfair competition with the bookmakers means that the B3 industry will find it tough until its resolved.”

The lack of equality between FOBTs and B3 machines has long been a source of dismay for the AGC industry and Kravis believes that it will take serious intervention to redress the balance. “We are being caught in a Catch-22 spiral downwards,” he said, “struggling to compete on a fair and level playing field and not being able to re-invest. This industry is all about re-investment and moving forward.”

The disparity is such that it appears ludicrous to those looking at the situation from the outside.

“When you explain to FOBT versus B3 situation to a non industry layman, they do not usually believe you,” said Kravis. “FOBTs are like having a product that the government has set a fixed price for, but the government has decided only one supermarket of their choice can sell it.”

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14

B 2 B

Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Market Analysis MARKET VIEW

Success in partnership is key for RLMS With the backing of both Project and Astra, RLMS sales director Tony Glanville is confident that his company has the potential to continue its success in the B3 sector, despite supply chain challenges and the constant presence of FOBTs.

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

oinslot: How would you gauge the current health of the B3 sector?

Tony Glanville: The health of the sited machine base is good, with players still enjoying the product genre, while B3 remains the lead product in the operators’ portfolio.The B3 supply chain, however, has had a challenging 18 months.

After operators got their estates to the optimum B3 level, within the 20 percent ruling from last year, the market slowed whilst operators recouped their investment and evaluated which products and game styles were best suited for their venue. Suppliers have risen to these challenges and continue to develop products that looks to improve cash box returns.

Allowing operators to remove the lower performers within their B3 range and intro- cess and Slotto 500 has become our biggest duce new games to stimulate the player and selling B3 product for a considerable time, demonstrating there is demand in the refresh the appearance of the venue. market and operators are willing to invest if you can get the package right. Similarly CS: Is B3 development stymied by the Project has responded to the cost issue by sector’s status as a mature market?

TG: Our key supply partners are always releasing a number of classic games and working at ways of stimulating the market rebuilds with price points of less than five to drive injection of new product. Both thousand pounds.

In relation to games and content, again Astra and Project listen to feedback from the market and look to respond positively both Project and Astra work hard at introto overcome any concerns raised. A key ducing new games and changes to the way issue recently has been the price of prod- that the content is presented to enhance uct. With the combination of new advance- the product. For example, currently we are ments in cabinets and technology, the testing a new game from Astra, Mega growing need for wider choice in the pro- Grandstand, which has a fantastic new vision of content,combined with the inabil- gamble feature where the player is asked a ity for a lot of operators to be able to reclaim sporting question from sporting legends the VAT on any purchases, unit prices were such as Michael Vaughan from cricket, reaching close to ten thousand pounds.This Michael Owen from football and Ricky really became a stumbling block in a lot of Hatton from boxing.After the player has instances, with operators unable to justify selected his answer they are played a clip of sports footage which shows whether such significant amounts of capital.

Both Astra and Project have reacted to their answer was right or wrong.

Project has on test Mega Gamble, which that.Astra has come at it from two angles, firstly by offering operators the opportu- takes its iconic Mega Bars concept to a new nity to rent.Magic Lotto Ultra has been able level with the introduction of a new to be rented for just £35 per week, which gamble facility, offering the player the has been a significant benefit to operators, opportunity - depending on which gamble allowing them to be able to put new equip- they select - to either double or quadruple ment on the floor at a very favourable rate. their win.Also the operator on the Project More recently we saw the introduction of TS 22 product now has the opportunity of Slotto 500, meaning that we were able to nominating a title as a ‘Feature’ game. On offer operators a compendium of twenty the menu screen the player will see a flag two games that was delivered to market, indicating it is a feature game as well as including VAT, at less than five thousand Oscar style red carpet running out under pounds.This has been a resounding suc- the game icon.

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CS: What kind of influence do FOBTs exert on the fortunes of the B3 sector?

TG: Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) are the competition, therefore our supply partners are constantly looking at ways of providing the AGC and bingo operators product which allows them to compete and provides them with a unique selling point over FOBTs. The imbalance in terms of stake that can be offered between B2 and B3 product remains and until that changes the B3 suppliers are always facing an uphill challenge.

However, B3 designers have risen to the challenge and along with AGC and bingo operators are working tirelessly to promote the B3 product genre and the operators to present it to the players in an environment that offers something different to the FOBT setting.

CS: What developments in the B3 market would you like to see during the remainder of 2014?

TG:As Steve Jobs once said:“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

At RLMS we are very fortunate to be working with two great innovators in Astra and Project, who are without doubt leaders in the B3 market.They are both in tune with the market and we know at RLMS the developments made by them both going forward will be the right ones for AGC and bingo operators to develop their businesses and generate returns that give them the confidence to reinvest in new products and keep the supply chain moving.

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B 2 B

Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Market Analysis OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS

Disposable income drives B3 success Head of machines for large-scale operator Praesepe, Nigel Davis, tells Coinslot about the difficulties of narrowing down the archetypal B3 player and how the desire for new products is not always motivated by the games themselves. oinslot: How do you differentiate the B3 offering from the £100?

Nigel Davis: Essentially, the point of differentiation is the prize and our venues major on the £500 jackpot. From a retailing perspective we always aim to keep the B3’s in their own area with as much space around them as we can afford. Our ultimate aim is to create a more sophisticated,VIP style area for our B3 players.

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CS: Is there a specific demographic which engages with B3 product?

ND:We’ve worked extremely hard to identify a demographic or series of demographic groups for B3s, using our membership data, focus group and observational research but unfortunately these groups don’t exist - it’s a shame because marketing would be a lot more straightforward if they did! Our experience shows that it doesn’t matter about gender, age, lifestyle or attitudes, it’s all about disposable income and to compound matters,levels of disposable income can change. B3 players are something of a moving target in marketing terms, much like Section 16 players before them.

CS: Why play a B3 when you can go to a LBO and play for more?

ND:We find ourselves in the slightly illogical situation of offering an adult only form of gaming entertainment but unable to offer the same products as other forms of adult gaming on the high street! To compete with higher stakes we navigate a different course and one which places much greater emphasis on customer knowledge and customer care. It’s all about the levels of customer service and player/staff interaction: obviously some players are more private so it’s about ensuring the staff are engaged with the player at the level they want to be engaged at. Delivering a positive customer experience is what we do best.Yes, we deliver gaming, but it’s always underpinned by the experience, which I’m not confident you get elsewhere on the high street.

CS: Are B3’s an M25 phenomenon?

ND:That might be what you’d Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

expect, but it’s definitely not the case in our extensive experience with venues throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Some games may be more popular in London, but that’s equally the case with Category C. I would say the key drivers are firstly footfall - the busier the passing trade the greater the demand - but equally levels of disposable income and you are as likely to get that in Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as you are in London.We also shouldn’t forget that the term is ‘disposable income’ and not simply ‘income’ - there’s a big difference between the two.

CS: Are B3’s gaming’s equivalent of the everlasting light bulb – once one’s sited there’s no need to buy another?

ND:This point needs to be looked at from the perspective of the player and the perspective of the operator or retailer. For players there are some games which have incredible longevity, notably games such as Luck of The Irish (Blueprint), Rainbow Riches Pots of Gold (SG Gaming), Reel King Potty (Astra), Mega Bars (Project Coin) and Haunted House (CMS).

However a gaming machine, irrespective of its category, is just like any other piece of technology in that consumers (in this case,the players) want the latest whether it’s a widescreen HD offer, digital stereo sound, enhanced ergonomics or a note payout facility. A consumer might have an iPhone 3, but it doesn’t stop him or her wanting to upgrade to an iPhone 5s and I think that analogy is equally relevant in gaming.

As operators we are always looking for more data, so server based gaming gives very detailed information around average stake, play times and much, much more.This can only be obtained from the latest machines.We also need to ensure machines are able to embrace player loyalty systems and TiTo, advances which many older machines can’t deliver without purchasing expensive upgrades.

Technology and the desire to have ‘more’ is the driver on both counts.

Gala values B3 input B3 provides Gala Bingo with a potent vein of income, as the prospect of server based gaming and increasingly impressive production values leads to an expectation of continued success. ingo is naturally the focus for nationwide operator Gala, but there’s no denying the role of B3 machines in shoring up the company’s success.

B These machine are popular with bingo hall goers the country over and are providing Gala with a strong boost to their existing revenues. “B3 is underpinning the Gala Bingo growth story and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so. Great content, server based gaming (SBG) and Tito are the fundamental drivers not just of Gala but of the industry in total,” said managing director, Simon Wykes.

Gala’s positive performance has been built on offering a wide range of entertainment options to its patrons, a role that B3 machines fill nicely. “Our customers choose to come to our clubs for the warm, welcoming atmosphere and to have fun in a safe and secure environment,” said Wykes. “The great thing about bingo - is that, with a little bit of luck, they could well come out with more money than they came in with. Once they are in our clubs they have a range of activities that they can do on top of the core main event bingo. They can play some more games, have a bite to eat or a drink, choose from a range of machines or simply sit down and have a chat with friends and family.”

Those B3 games which are particularly successful in this context make use of modern screen quality and striking visual design. “Machines can add to the fun,” said Wykes, “and I believe most of the growth in machines revenue is that content developments are as much about the customers interacting and playing with media rich content as hitting and hoping the prize comes in.”

In addition to aesthetic appeal, there are a number of technological advancements which are providing Gala with more options than ever before.

“Some of the content being developed on SBG is terrific and concepts such as community gaming show there’s plenty of innovation out there,” said Wykes.

However, the Gala director has concerns over regulation losing touch with the ceaseless advance of technology. “The issue with stakes and prizes is that customers increasingly want more choice,” he said. “We still offer a range of stakes on our Vegas Jackpot machines from 10p to £2 as customers want flexibility. Our challenge is that the world of regulation and the world of innovation (particularly in technology) move at very different speeds and are regulated differently, which always disadvantages the bricks-and-mortar operator. So stake and prize flexibility always helps but we need more than that.”

The potential created by server based gaming - to regularly refresh the games on a machine over the internet - is the most exciting prospect for Wykes. “The ability to continually update and offer multiple content again provides the customer with what they want which is choice,” he said. “Customers want to play compelling games on clean and inviting machines, in a warm and friendly environment, receive great service and have some wins along the way. Providing the customer what they want is what’s important and ultimately the customers will decide if the existing machine is fit for purpose or there is a need to buy another.”

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B 2 B

Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Market Perspectives

Products

CREATIVITY

SG GAMING

“The game matters C most,” for Astra Alan Rogers, sales and marketing director for Astra Games, is confident that creative new ideas can triumph over tricky market conditions, providing that game quality remains his company’s guiding light.

oinslot: How would you gauge the current health of the B3 sector?

Alan Rogers: All machine categories go through challenging times and tough trading conditions, and B3 is no exception.The sector remains undeniably demanding due to a number of issues, including the cap on numbers, fierce competition for floor space and a market reluctance to invest in new hardware. That said, it’s often during those challenging times that resourcefulness and creativity come to the fore.A perfect example of that theory in practice is Astra’s Slotto 500, a product that has captured the imagination of players and operators alike.

CS: Do you think that multi-game products are the way forward for B3?

AR: In the case of Slotto 500 we’d have to say a resounding‘yes’,but we would never rule out the prospect of releasing single B3 games as long as they meet our strict criteria of strong cashbox,great value and player appeal. However, there is one important caveat regarding the quality of the games themselves. It’s all well and good having a great looking cabinet with lots of choice in terms of game content, but those games must deliver real entertainment and must do so consistently.

CS: Astra often features very striking aesthetic themes on its products, what styles and subjects have you found to be most successful in the B3 sector?

AR: Again, I’d have to point you in the direction of the quality of the games. It’s one of Astra’s founding principles that at the heart of everything is the game itself.

First, last and always, the game matters most.That isn’t to say we aren’t acutely aware of the importance of the ‘walk-up’ factor. Our talented design team devotes a huge amount of time and energy into making everything we produce more appealing and,crucially,different to what the rest of the market is doing.

CS: Do you feel that the sector still fosters innovation or is a big change - such as an alteration to stakes and prizes required to shake things up?

AR: The obvious answer is that if the industry was to rely solely on stake and prize reviews or other ‘big changes’ in legislation to shake things up, it might have gone out of business long ago! So yes,we most definitely foster innovation and constantly encourage our game designers to break new ground. As for stakes and prizes, clearly we welcome the excitement and anticipation that builds around each and every review.

The process resets our creative focus and reinvigorates the market and is something we value tremendously. As such it’s a vital cog in the industry machine, but there must always be that drive to innovate.

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

Experience and evolution the key to success at SG Gaming Building on a long history of providing quality games to the B3 market, SG Gaming has bolstered its already broad offering. ince the early 1980s,SG Gaming, via its Barcrest games brand, has Sbenefited from long-standing partnerships with a number of AGC and bingo operators.The company has many years of experience in producing well-known titles for the sector, including Red Hot Roll, Super Streak, Gold Rush Stampede, Tutti Fruiti and, more recently, Rainbow Riches and Money Mad Martians.

The company also introduced successful titles from other sectors into AGC and bingo, including Thai Flower and Crown Gems.The cross-platform offering has broadened through SG Gaming’s sister company,WMS Gaming, resulting in these popular titles being available online and on mobile, as well as on land based terminals.The range of B3 content is further expanded with the addition of the WMS Gaming library, which includes recent releases such as Zeus II, Black Knight and Over The Rainbow.

SG Gaming realises that cutting-edge content needs new and exciting technology to bring it to life.The company’s exciting content is available on a variety of cabinets, including its newTriple 8 cabinet,which features superior wide-screens, enhanced HD graphics and video top boxes to deliver an engaging gaming experience to players.

Phil Horne, group managing director, said:“The range of B3 content we provide the AGC and bingo sectors is extremely important to our customers. It means they are able to compete effectively with other sectors with SG Gaming’s wide variety of games.What’s more,we pioneered the introduction of extremely successful community games in the UK.These include B3, Cat C and three-player specials, such as Rainbow Riches Community Cash.

“Operators value our‘one-stop-shop’solution, which includes an enhanced technology platform and operational tools.All SG Gaming terminals have the facility to provide a ticket in, ticket out (TITO) solution as well as a range of promotional functionality, including tournaments and loyalty schemes, all of which allows our customer to provide an easily integrated gaming solution.”

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B 2 B

JABRO GAMES

Jabro dish out the spinach New entries into the Categories B3 and C, featuring the famous animated character Popeye the Sailor Man, are currently in production at Jabro Games.

Games has secured a new contract with Storm Games to manufacture and supply to market a brand Jnewabro range of Popeye products which are now in stock and ready for delivery. Tony Brookes, managing director of Jabro Games, commented that his staff at the factory were all on a strict diet of spinach until the first batch of machines were built and finished!

This brand new range, available direct from Jabro, features the top performing B3 slot from Storm Games - ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’.The game features £500 jackpot, multi stake options from 25p to £2 play and is now available as a standalone in the Jabro Casino Cabinet.

Popeye the Sailor Man B3 is packed with features, including free spins with locked wilds, the spinach can gamble tower and a further six graphic intense feature

games, all rolled into one amazing slot which is streets ahead of the competition.

The Jabro Casino Cabinet features twin screen with a lower 19 inch touch, brand new Quixant PC, note validator as standard and high capacity azkoyen hopper.

The base is solid steel for extra security and features LCD lighting.“Priced at just £3495, plus VAT, Popeye the Sailor Man is a must have for any arcade or bingo club right now,” said Brookes.

Along with the new Popeye the Sailor Man B3 product, Jabro Games are also manufacturing the brand new dual screen ‘Popeye triple play’ product from Storm Games.This new £100 Jackpot Category C product features three great games on the menu, all with a Popeye theme. The three games include the original Popeye

the Sailor Man 10 line slot, packed with feature games and Popeye V Brutus 20 line slot, which features transforming symbols. The machine will also boast an appearance from the very latest licensed release, ‘Popeye spinach to win it’ hi-tech three reel slot. All three games feature stakes from 25p up to £1 play and the product has switchable percentage settings to suit all venues.

“This exciting new Popeye triple play product has different games to appeal to a wide range of players,” said Brookes.“I expect Popeye triple play to become a best selling Category C machine in the market place especially given the price tag of just £1795 plus VAT”

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

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Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Products 24 SEVEN

RLMS SALES

B3 on tap around the clock Ahead of the Autumn Coin-op Show, 24 Seven is ramping up its B3 operations, including a new deal to market E-Gaming’s product line in the UK. 4 Seven is increasing its commitment to the B3 sector with two unique offerings to suit different tastes and budgets, as well as confirming a stand at the Autumn Coin-op Show.

Vegas 24/7 is the first B3 product from the company - which is increasing production based on demand. It is a standalone game on a rebuild Barcrest Rio cabinet, which is retrofitted with Quixant QXI 200 PC technology.It has an attractive Las Vegas theme, with highly unique and entertaining features.

“Our intention from the outset was to produce a highly entertaining and interactive game format,” said 24 Seven managing director, Simon McCarthy.“We believe we have achieved this, while offering something unique to the player.As it is also very competitively priced, it offers a niche opportunity for those looking for something different.”

Vegas 24/7 has variable stake options from 50p/£1/£2, with the full £500 jackpot only possible on the latter two stakes.The general game concept uses multi-reel formats in order to get all available stakes and prizes and a full window of Jackpot symbols will award a jackpot.The game is available through 24 Seven’s UK distributors Blue Monkey and Wessex Coin.

In addition, 24 Seven Gaming is marketing the multi-game compendium from Czech-based E-Gaming in the UK, which is available in both B3 and B4 formats.“The EGaming VLT product is on site in its thousands throughout Europe and so it is proven,” said McCarthy.“The other advantage for UK operators is the security of the cabinet and the reliability of the hardware.

It is available to operators under a number of options including outright purchase, rent,profit share or a fixed daily fee.We have really thought outside the box in order to be competitive.”

24 Seven Gaming has reviewed EGaming’s vast back catalogue of games in order to identify five games as a starting point, which will be ideal for the B3 sector.

These offer a range of styles from three,four and five reel games as follows: Multi play

2

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

81 (four reel), Triple 7 Wild (three reel), Hunter’s Dream (five reel), Big Show (three reel) and After Dark (three reel).

“We first showed the product at EAG and received huge interest,”said McCarthy.“The combination of proven and interesting games with a wide range of finance options means that we have very high expectations of this compendium in what is quite a competitive market sector.We look forward to presenting both these models at the first ever Autumn Coin-op Show in October.”

Slotto 500, it ticks all the boxes RLMS is touting the new Slotto 500 from Astra as the premiere B3 machine for this year, with a range of games packed into a sleek modern cabinet.

LMS is confident that the the Astra Slotto 500 is the must have B3 for 2014.

Astra has listened to all the feedback from the market and answered all R the questions in one product. The Slotto 500 first hit the market in June and has become our biggest selling B3 model of the last three years.

The success of this model is the compelling package it offers operators.

The content is packaged in the aesthetically striking dual screen FV762 cabinet, which comes with illuminated top box and belly glass - making it a stand out product in any operator’s B3 lineup.

In terms of cash management the machine is fitted as standard with an Innovative Technology NV11 note recycler, giving the machine the ability to hold up to 30 notes in a float. The content provided on the machine is managed via Astra’s MCU (Machine Configuration Unit), which gives the operator total flexibility and control to manage the content within the product.

“The key to any successful product is the content and this is where the Slotto 500 excels,” said sales director, Tony Glanville. “This machine comes with the largest and most comprehensive suite of content ever provided within a single terminal to the UK B3 market. A total of twenty two different titles are loaded onto the machine. The beauty for the operator having the MCU technology fitted is they have total control over the content being displayed on the menu screens, meaning that they can offer as many or as few games as they wish. This then gives the operator the opportunity to rotate games and over time introduce different content to keep the machine fresh and appealing to the players.”

Another of the machine’s significant features is the broad spectrum of games styles that have been included. Across the twenty two included games are the Iconic Reel King and Bullion Bar brands, as well as Novomatic style games such as Dolphins Pearl, Lucky Lady’s Charm and Sizzling Hot in addition new games within the compendium include Five Hundred to One, Aloha Money and Totally Bonkers. “There really is something for everyone on this machine,” said Glanville. “The hardware and software package on offer is a compelling enough reason for operators to invest in Slotto 500, but the killer blow is delivered in the price. Customers cannot believe that Slotto 500 is being delivered to market for only £3,995 plus VAT. This machine is unrivalled in the value for money it offers. My advice to all operators is don’t hesitate and call us now at RLMS Sales to get your Slotto 500 secured.”

2378-p11-22-Essential_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 16:19 Page 8

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B 2 B

BLUEPRINT GAMING

Blueprint roll out in force Bringing some of the company’s most successful online titles to bricks-and-mortar establishments across the country, Blueprint Gaming is all set to deliver a huge array of new titles to market. lueprint Gaming is building on its huge B3 success with the chart-topping B King of Slots, with a new compendium of games called Wish Upon A Slot.

“We saw an opportunity to bring new players to B3 with a different type of product offering.Wish Upon a Slot is designed to suit the bingo and AGC sectors and features new, softer profile games. We have had a number of these new models out on site test with the UK’s leading AGC operator and the figures have been outstanding,” said Blueprint’s sales and operations manager,Andy Hall.“We have seen that with the right content management Wish Upon A Slot will compliment the King of Slots menu, side by side in venue.

Wish Upon A Slot is housed in the wellestablished Vision Slant Top and Vision

Casino cabinets.The new games on the Wish Upon A Slot menu are Wish Upon A Jackpot, Vikings of Fortune and Aztec Gold.These games compliment the ninegame menu, which also include Luck of The Irish and Worms. All have appeared online and in LBOs and are proven highearning titles.

Meanwhile, the King of Slots continues to win over players. Of the 14 games available – Luck of the Irish continues to be the highest grossing game on the high street, accounting for 65% of the cashbox on its own.The latest games introduced on the King of Slots menu, which include Winstar and Jackpot Gems, have the Tournament mode facility. Following the success of Tournament mode within the AGC venues, this has also been introduced into

the Wish Upon A Slot compendium.

“The success of King of Slots has been remarkably consistent,” said Simon Barff, managing director of Blueprint’s Machines Division. “What’s even more reassuring is that we are seeing a good stake on our games – at around £1.55 on average.This is due to our games design team making the games enticing to play at the higher stake, by putting in added bonuses to enhance the players’ experience.”

“What sets Blueprint’s B3 product apart from its competitors is the fact that our games start online, then are moved into LBOs before they cascade down to AGC and Bingo, so we are constantly refining the offering ensuring that only those games with the strongest player pedigree

are selected,” said Andy Hall, Blueprint Gaming sales and operations manager.

“In addition, we are constantly reviewing our content via our SBG system, with the aid of our customers, to deliver the best mix of games, so the end user has the best playing experience and the operator has the healthiest possible cashbox.”

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

2378-p11-22-Essential_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 16:51 Page 9

22

B 2 B

Essential Guide to ... Category B3 Products ASTRA GAMES

WEXEL GAMING

Zero space slot machines Combing the latest in technology with old fashion gaming entertainment has allowed Wexel to create a produce which allows operators to run more games with a smaller footprint.

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

loor space is something operators can ill afford to take for granted and Wexel Gaming has designed the ideal product to allow even more machines to fit into the same area.

The compact PlusTab terminal fits in between existing slot machines or can be used as a handheld device. It is designed to offer customers a more varied choice without having to leave their preferred terminal.

PlusTab takes advantage of Wexel’s powerful BLIS system,packing in the latest bingo and slots content and the ability to play the fast-growing Blis linked bingo.The Cat C content ranges from lo-tech slots to Rapido Bingo and Poker Plus, all of which can also be set to Cat D to take advantage of the low 5 percent Machine Games Duty.

Power consumption has also been addressed in the design of PlusTab. Both hardware and software features combine to create the most power efficient,fixed base,slot machine available from Wexel Gaming, resulting in the absolute minimum impact to operator’s energy bills.

With low power consumption and zero floor space required, PlusTab is also the perfect product for making linked bingo available in locations short of space. Blis linked bingo is growing into the most sophisticated link system designed for the high street, eliminating the need for more than one or two players and offering a true bingo experience to customers, with the ability to up-spend and win larger prizes. All of these features fused together into an inexpensive device create a whole new market for your machine players, allowing them to enjoy slots and bingo without having to move an inch.

PlusTab is compatible with other products from Wexel, including GTab and Bingo Plus. GTab is a self service kiosk designed to fit into the same space as a standard slot machine whilst holding up to 20 Cat C/D machines. Customers can simply walk up to the kiosk and credit a tablet themselves and then find a comfortable location to play either slots or bingo. B3 content is also available.

Bingo Plus has been built specifically for in-house cash and ticket bingo, as well as Blis linked bingo.A large 19 inch touch display offers the latest features and unrivalled design to customers,creating a comfortable playing environment.

Whilst bingo is not in play, Cat C/D and B3 games are available as well as tournament games.

F

Slotto 500 gives the power to the people

Astra’s latest creation is all about handing control to the operators, with a fully stocked package of B3 titles contained within a single product. s Steve Jobs once famously commented: “You can’t just ask customers what they A want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” In other words, they need something that puts the power of choice in their own hands straight away. Working to that tricky brief, Astra Games has delivered what many in the industry believe to be one of the best Category B3 products in recent times – Slotto 500.

The 22-strong compendium has, in no uncertain terms, bucked a trend over the last 12 months, in a Category B3 sector that has found the going tough, thanks to capped machine allocations and shrinking carpet space. Dial in an understandable market reluctance to reinvest in new hardware and the challenging picture becomes complete.

What Astra has done with Slotto 500 is take the widely lauded FV762 cabinet and fill it with some of the most successful titles ever to emerge from the Astra and Novomatic stables.

To make the compendium stand out further from the crowd, it has given operators full control of the game suite via the very smart, but incredibly simple Machine Control Unit (MCU).

By using a straightforward ‘drag and drop’ menu they can tailor what is on offer to perfectly suit the location and player demographic. In keeping with Astra’s ‘think of everything’ methodology, the unit has also been ergonomically modified with the note acceptor now positioned more conveniently in the button panel.

Sales and marketing director, Alan Rogers, is confident that Slotto 500 offers something different for the market and true flexibility for operators. “Much has been said in recent times about the need to design tailor-made gaming solutions for operators,” he said, “but nothing comes close to Slotto 500. Crucially, it puts the power of choice directly in the operator’s hands, enabling them to package a range of games that perfectly fits the player profile in their location. They are the experts when it comes to understanding what the players in their locations want. Giving them the means to exercise that knowledge was a no-brainer.”

2378-p22-Analysis_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 18:06 Page 1

Sponsored by

Analysis

B 2 B NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

CATEGORYC (£1/£100 Max.)

CATEGORYB3 (£2/£500 Max.)

FILMCHARTS

Single site

AGCs

UK Box Office Chart

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 -

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

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Slotto 500 Astra Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics King of Slots Blueprint T8 Barcrest Mega Bars Big Hit Project Triple 7 Barcrest Lady Luck Reflex Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest TS22 Project Rainbow Kings Astra

FEC - family

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Encore T7 (GP2) SG Gaming Encore T7 (GP1) SG Gaming Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic Magic Games 3 Novomatic Find the Lady 2 card Project X3000 multigame Amatic Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming Bullion Bars 4 pPyer Astra

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Members clubs

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

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

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

www.soundnet.net

1 2 3 4 5

1 5 2

Highest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxes This Last Week Week

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 1 5 4 3 7 9 8 10

Ghost Ella Henderson Waves (Robin Schulz Remix) Mr Probz Budapest George Ezra Sing Ed Sheeran Hideaway Kiesza Summer Calvin Harris Stay With Me Sam Smith Happy Pharrell Williams All Of Me John Legend Wiggle Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg

Based on data supplied by Soundnet

Albums

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

FEC - adult 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

UK Jukebox Chart http://www.sound net.net/

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

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Transformers: Age of Extinction How to Train Your Dragon 2 Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie The Fault in Our Stars Begin Again 22 Jump Street Boyhood Maleficent Tammy Chef

MUSICCHARTS

AGCs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

4 1 2 3 6 5 7

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

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

23

This Last Week Week

MORRISSEY: WORLD PEACE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 3 4 5 9 7 6 20

X Ed Sheeran World Peace Is None Of Your Business Morrissey Blue Smoke - The Best Of Dolly Parton In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith Wanted on Voyage George Ezra Caustic Love Paolo Nuitini Jungle Jungle Ghost Stories Coldplay 5 Seconds of Summer 5 Seconds of Summer Halcyon Ellie Goulding

Downloads This Last Week Week

Based on data from representative sites.

Supplied by sector professional

RIXTON: ME AND MY BROKEN HEART

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 4 5 4 8 6 7

Me And My Broken Heart Rixton Your Love Nicole Scherzinger It’s My Birthday Will I Am ft Cody Wise Problem Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea Ghost Elle Henderson Budapest George Ezra Right Here Jess Glynne Sing Ed Sheeran Somebody To You Vamps Gecko (Overdrive) Oliver Heldens & Becky Hill Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

2378-p24-25-Listings_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 17:22 Page 1

24

B 2 B

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“Great range of Change Machines available” Tel: 020 8391 7700 Fax: 020 8391 7760 Email: sales@suzohapp.co.uk www.suzohapp.co.uk

B2B Finance

Listings EXHIBITIONS

GB Media win exclusive sales contract with Macao Gaming Show After a hugely successful inaugural year, the organisers of Macao Gaming Show have appointed GB Media to cover stand sales and associated exhibition and conference sponsorships for the event in 2014.

B Media, publishers of the industry leading international gaming titles International Casino Review, Betting Business interactive and Coinslot International, has secured a prestigious commercial contract covering stand sales and associated exhibition and conference sponsorships for November’s second Macao Gaming Show (MGS).

The agreement covers key regions comprising Europe, the US, Central and South America, the Middle East and Africa, all of which are being handled by GBM on an exclusive basis

G

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B2B Gaming Machines

APPOINTMENTS THEME PARK NEEDS COIN-OP SUPERVISOR B Leisure are looking to hire a new amusement general manager to work H at the world famous Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire.

The successful applicant will be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day management of prize games and coin-op amusements in the park, with a responsibility to maximise the earnings these machines generate.

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racing simulator Final Furlong and madcap driving game Crazy Taxi. These titles are all available with 28 days of warranty a full suite of aftersales support.

To compliment many of its slot machines and other products, JNC Sales is also offering a range of stools, in a range of colours and styles, which can be delivered the very next day.

wift delivery and low prices are the bywords for JNC SSales, as its offers customers a wide array of arcade machines at cost-effective prices.

Among their offering are a number of popular video titles, including horse

many popular licensed rides available for operators to enjoy.

Well known characters such as Barney the Dinosaur and Thunderbirds form a major part of the offering, with a many of these machines available at £450 or less.

Herondata is also offering customers the chance to pick up second hand iBoxer machines for only £695 and some of the most popular Deal or No Deal £100 Cat C machines - including Red Mist and Perfect Deal.

NOVELTY STICKING TO SUCCESS innovative tattoo vending machine is on sale at Novelty World, a Ancurrently

2378-p24-25-Listings_Coinslot NEW 22/07/2014 17:22 Page 2

8

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

Marina Wong, general manager and event director of MGS said: “GB Media enjoys an excellent reputation across all gaming sectors and throughout all geographical regions. The number of companies they have existing positive relationships with plus their knowledge and reputation in all markets makes them the ideal commercial partner. We look forward to building upon the very productive media partner relationship that is already in place and to build on the success achieved by the first MGS in 2013.”

After the tremendous success of MGS

2013, which saw almost 8,000 international visitors walk through the doors of the Venetian Macao to meet with 102 exhibiting companies, MGS has established itself as the chosen meeting place for exhibitors, operators, managers and buyers interested in doing gaming business in Asia.

MGS 2014 takes place on November 18-20 and will also feature the Macao Gaming Summit, which will see speakers and gaming industry experts from around the world discussing and debating the important issues confronting the Asian gaming industry.

leading supplier of licensed plush and many other novelty products. The ‘stickers and tattoos’ machine dispenses sheets of removable tattoos or stylish stickers to excited kids.

Operators looking to stock up on fillers for their existing machines, of any model or make, can also purchase supplies from Novelty World, who offer a free facecard with each purchase.

trend in our industry at the moment. Our partnership will uniquely focus on leveraging the convergence between console gaming, mobile and gambling. We have some great ideas in the pipeline and we look forward to launching these hit games together.”

GAME DEVELOPMENT INSPIRED PARTNERSHIP WITH GAMING VET erver based gaming providers, the Inspired Gaming Group has Sannounced a partnership with tabletop gaming godfather and video game developer, Ian Livingstone. As the co-founder of Games Workshop and co-author of the Fighting Fantasy ‘choose your own adventure’ series, Livingstone is a veteran of the game design industry and has partnered with Inspired to produce new games for the UK-based gaming company.

“I am both personally and professionally excited to be working with Ian Livingstone,” said Luke Alvarez, founder and CEO of Inspired. “Convergence is a key

25

MARKETPLACE

B2B Gaming Machines

B2B Gaming Machines

B2B Juke Box Specialists

kim@arionmusic.co.uk

SUPPLY NAMCO INK BOWLING MACHINE DEAL

N

amco Amusement Europe has announced a new agreement with Tenpin Limited to provide new machines for its bowling and amusement locations.

Tenpin, which is part of the Essenden group, expects the deal to drive considerable growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 and beyond. The deal follows a strong early summer performance for bowling operator Essenden, which performed well despite the World Cup drawing away potential customers. “The foundations are now firmly set,” said CEO Nick Basing. “There is more potential for future growth.”

SOUNDNET THE DIGITAL JUKEBOX SPECIALISTS

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Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

B 2 B

B2B Marketing

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Classified To advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397

S&J

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

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£8,495 £8,495 £5,995 £4,750 £3,995 £3,495

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Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

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Leeds Leisure Ltd

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TELEPHONE - 01132 040885

CLUB MACHINES

LETS GET JACKPOTTED .................................................... £1,895 ALICE QUEEN OF HEARTS ............................................... £1,895 FLAMIN 400 NEW ................................................................ £1,895 COPS SMASH & GRAB............................................................£895 STAR WARS ................................................................................£395 ROAD TO RICHES ....................................................................£350 ITALIAN JOB ..............................................................................£195 CORONATION STREET .........................................................£125

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CASINO LOW TECH

POUNDSTRETCHER £100.....................................................£795 POUNDSTRETCHER (£70) ....................................................£395 CASINO DOND (VIDEO)......................................................£350 MIDAS TOUCH ..........................................................................£350 THE FULL MONTY ..................................................................£295 CASINO WHEEL OR WEALTH.............................................£295 DOND CASINO .......................................................................£295 ROLL X .......................................................................................£295 MEGA JACKPOTS (£35) ..........................................................£295 CASINO RED HOT ROLL 20P-£10......................................£295 WIN CAN ALLEY......................................................................£245

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Tim Stanhope, Keith Parker or John Hood Tel: 01132 040885 Fax: 01132 560180 John mobile: 07766 247876 Email: leedsleisure@aol.com Unit 59/62L, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, LEEDS LS28 5LY

777 ,%%$3,%)352% #/ 5+

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MAGIC SLOTS............................................................................£995 PLAYMAKER ...............................................................................£995 KING POTS.................................................................................£995 STAR ATTRACTION ................................................................£795 WORLD OF GAMES ................................................................£695 FREE PLAY 500 ...........................................................................£595 SUPER 500 ...................................................................................£595 DOUBLE ACTION SLOTTO ..................................................£595 PARTY SLOTS .............................................................................£495 MONTY PYTHON ...................................................................£395 RAINBOW RICHES ..................................................................£395

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FIDDLE A FORTUNE ................................................................ POA HOT SHOTS ............................................................................... POA STREETS CASINO (DIGITAL) RITE CAB ....................... £1,995 LADY LUCK TRAIL OF RICHES ........................................ £1,395 JAIL BREAK ............................................................................. £1,175 BANK JOB GO FOR GOLD .............................................. £1,145 DOND LIVE ............................................................................ £1,095 DOND GO ALL THE WAY ................................................. £1,050 COPS STREETWISE ..................................................................£995 SHOOT THE LOOT..................................................................£995 ALICEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WONDERLAND .......................................................£950 FAMILY GUY DRUNKEN CLAM...........................................£950 DOND EAST & WEST WING ................................................£895 BANK ON IT..............................................................................£895 DOND RIGHT DEAL RIGHT TIME .....................................£850

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HOT HOT HOT ........................................................................£175 SAFE CRACKER.........................................................................£175 PACMAN POWER ....................................................................£125 INDIANA JONES HOLY GRAIL ............................................£125

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Unit 12 Data House, Trent Industrial Estate, Duchess Street, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 7UT REFLEX GAMING £100 HOT SHOT ................................................. £2,225 FIDDLE A FORTUNE ................................... £2,225 EASTERN PROMISE .................................... £2,225 LETS GET JACKPOTTED ............................. £1,595 LL TRAIL OF RICHES .................................. £1,395 SNOW WHITE & 7 TENNERS ...................... £1,295 JACKPOT ISLAND....................................... £1,150 DOUBLE AGENT ......................................... £1,095 PAYMAKER ................................................ £1,050 ALICE IN WONDERLAND ................................ £895 BELLFRUIT GAMES ROB THE LOT............................................. £1,695 PURE GOLD ............................................... £1,595 MILLIONAIRES ROW ................................... £1,350 DOND GO ALL THE WAY ............................ £1,195 JAILBREAK................................................. £1,195 BULLSEYE ON THE OCHE ........................... £1,150 BANK JOB GOING FOR GOLD ..................... £1,150 MONOPOLY TAKEOVER .............................. £1,050 COPS STREETWISE ....................................... £995 FAMILY GUY DRUNKEN CLAM ....................... £995 BANK ON IT .................................................. £895 SHOOT THE LOOT ......................................... £895 RIGHT DEAL RIGHT TIME............................... £795 RED HOT DOND ............................................ £795 PERFECT DEAL ............................................. £795 MAKE OR BREAK .......................................... £795 QUIDS IN AMERICA ....................................... £795

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POOL 7X4 TOURNAMENT ....................................... £795 6X3 TOURNAMENT ....................................... £795 POOL (USED) 7X4 TOURNAMENT ....................................... £345 7X4 PRINCE .................................................. £345 7X4 MAYFAIR................................................ £265 7X4 REGENCY ............................................... £265 7X4 BEACH ................................................... £265

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Recruitment

GENERAL MANAGER ALTON TOWERS - £30K+ We are looking for a General Manager who has proven man management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff through delegation and training.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in this premier Theme Park in Staffordshire.

Our ideal candidate will embrace the fast paced and energetic environment and be as confident whether heading development projects, leading management meetings or training staff. You will be hands on and focused to deliver the best possible commercial results by keeping your team focused and engaged.

JOB DESCRIPTION

7.. x 4'52105+$+.+6; (14 6*' &#; 61 &#; /#0#)'/'06 1( 4+<' #/'5 and Coin Operated Amusements #:+/+5+0) 6*' 5#.'5 4'8'07' #0& 241(+6#$+.+6; 1( 6*' $75+0'55 #0#)+0) 4'.#6+105*+2 9+6* #4- #0#)'/'06 16+8#6+0) #0& &'8'.12+0) 6*' 6'#/ +0 6*' #%*+'8'/'06 1( #.. 12'4#6+10#. and financial targets REQUIRED SKILLS: $+.+6; 61 /7.6+g6#5- #0& 6417$.'5*116 6*417)*176 6*' 12'4#6+10 6410) +06'42'4510#. 5-+..5X #46+%7.#6' #0& %10(+&'06 %1//70+%#614

#0&.' 24'5574' %#./.; #0& 241('55+10#..; &'#..; ':2'4+'0%'& +0 /#0#)+0) # .#4)' 6'#/X 9+6* x 4'52105+$+.+6; :2'4+'0%' +0 4700+0) # %7561/'4 (#%+0) 12'4#6+10 1//'4%+#..; &4+8'0 #0& #9#4' :%'..'06 14)#0+5#6+10#. 5-+..5 Competitive salary offered plus bonus scheme and relocation package available.

Please write to Julie Rogerson, Manager, H B Leisure Ltd, 82 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2SB or email recruitment@hbleisure.co.uk www.hbleisure.co.uk

Playtech, with over 3,500 employees worldwide, is seeking to recruit a number of key positions at our Ash Gaming offices in the London Bridge area.

Ash Gaming, a Playtech company since 2012, specialise in the creation of online and land based games in the iGaming sector.

Current opportunities at Ash Gaming include: s 3ENIOR 'AMES -ATHEMATICIAN s 'AMES -ATHS -ODELLER s 'RADUATE -ATHEMATICIAN For more information on any of these positions, or for a detailed job description, please email careers@ashgaming.com or contact Eoin O’Toole via LinkedIn on uk.linkedin.com/in/eotoole

Coinslot JULY 25 - JULY 31, 2014

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Coinslot July 25 - July 31, 2014

Comment A fresh perspective, a fresh impetus for the industry Y INDUSTR

james walker comment here seems to be a subtle change in the air - so subtle, in fact, most of us will barely notice it at all. It’s almost like a hidden agenda: lay the foundations for when the sustained recovery arrives.

Now,given the precarious state of the business, some may never get to see this turnaround - and that’s a whole different crime in itself and one which legislators deserve to lose their heads over. But, there’s an election on the horizon and the keys to economic recovery are up for grabs all of which requires a different approach.

On both sides of the table.

And that’s what makes things interesting.The political parties actually have to listen to us over the next year or so - hear what we say, and promise to act on what we need.

It’s this change in the wind that makes the recent developments in our own political backyard so fascinating. We have a new trade body the Gambling Business Group; and a new CEO at the helm of BACTA. That in itself is a fresh approach we have the prospect of an allembracing gambling body that will put business at the top of the agenda.

And boy,how that will make a change in response to the tired, laboured mantra coming from the authorities on the other side of the table over the years.

And then there’s a new - albeit,not so new to most of us - chief at BACTA who has the experience and knowledge to put the association back on course, not just internally, but also to the outside world.

It’s an exciting opportunity all round.Given the personalities on the new GBG, business is going to top their agenda.The gaming and gam-

T

bling business driving employment; driving technological development; driving community; driving growth; driving export; driving manufacturing; driving change; driving recovery. That’s, hopefully, what the GBG will be driving on with. It’s time to take the industry’s agenda forward and over all the barricades thrown in front of us during the past decade.

Business is the new black. It’s the new thing, the new buzz-word.And it’s what the politicos will want to score big points on pre-election - so, if ever there was a chance to knock the tedious anti-gaming arguments off the board, now’s the time to act with a strong and resonant business case. I sense the GBG is certainly up to that task.

And backing this up with a slightly more introspective perspective is BACTA.It’s always refreshing to have a new voice putting your case forward - and John White brings with him a completely different approach to his predecessors.And it just might be that the White approach is the right approach for these times.In fairness,the new chief returns to the industry with a new viewpoint garnered in other sectors - so,that in itself will help.But,somehow, BACTA needed a fresh direction at this particular point - it couldn’t go into a new election with the same, some would say, hostile, stance.The industry is in need of a repositioning, a rebranding even and BACTA’s new appointment comes at the right time.

We sense, too, that the new chief and the main association protagonists are up to that task.

These are going to be a very interesting 12 months ahead.It’s a golden opportunity we simply cannot afford to miss.

“ ”

Sh*faced and Kn*bhead bann

The Portm Britain’s pi

joseph ewens media watch he body responsible for monitoring standards in the drinks industry has Tdolled out scathing criticism for a series of promotional campaigns, reports the Morning Advertiser. A WKD cocktail promotion, a beer produced for a grammar school, and a set of drinks with expletiveladen names have all fallen foul of the Portman Group’s code on the marketing of alcohol.

The WKD Halloween Cocktail promotion was found in breach of alcohol marketing rules for encouraging immoderate consumption after a complaint from Northampton Borough Licensing Team.

The Portman Group panel ruled that consumers might end up drinking directly from a cauldron that was part of the promotion and, therefore, “would not be able to gauge how much they had consumed”.

The panel noted the assurance that producer SHS Drinks made in its subsequent response to amend its guidance to bar staff, but its decision was “made on the material that was subject to the complaint” and accordingly, the panel found the product in breach of Code paragraph 3.2(f). A separate complaint that the promotion might appeal to under-18s was not upheld, after the panel accepted that Halloween was also popular with adults, and that the promotion was restricted to the on-trade.

In a separate ruling, a complaint about the packaging of Centenary Beer, produced by Irwell Works Brewery, in Rams-

bottom, Lancashire, on behalf of Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School, in nearby Waterford, has been upheld for having a particular appeal to under 18s. The beer was the subject of a complaint from a member of the public concerned that the school brand was being associated with an alcoholic drink.

The panel acknowledged the procedures the school and brewery had put in place to ensure that the alcohol was not seen by pupils. However, it considered that a school emblem was used by a school to instil a sense of loyalty and identity among pupils, and “this would still apply even when the emblem appeared on other products”.

The panel went on to say the fact the product label featured the words ‘grammar school’ immediately associated that product with a child, and any school, or school-related material – so was likely to have a particular resonance with under18s. In addition, the panel it could not control children seeing the product if it was taken home. It upheld the complaint under Code paragraph 3.2(h).

Newcastle brewer Direct Beers - which produces beers with names such as Cat P*ss, Dog P*ss, Bullsh*t, Dandelion and Birdsh*t, Big C*ck, A**e Liquor, Sh*tfaced and Kn*bhead - was ruled against on 10 complaints for appealing to under-18s, three complaints for encouraging immoderate consumption, and two complaints each for association with sexual

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quote unquote The Spanish coin machine industry was shocked to learn of the death of Joaquim Falgas Pages of Industrias Falgas, the world’s largest producer of kiddie rides, on July 17. He was only 41 years. Joaquin had grown Falgas from a small operator of children’s rides to a major operating company in Spain and developed his manufacturing business into the leading producer of kiddie rides in the world – a business continued successfully by his late son.

INTERGAME ONLINE REPORTING ON THE DEATH OF JOAQUIM FALGAS

Industry analysts pinpointed that GTech could face antitrust blocks/hurdles in the acquisition of IGT due to industry consolidation that has already occurred within the sector. Private equity firms, meanwhile, could face a financing challenge stemming from a likely lengthy regulatory review in various markets.

SBCNEWS ON THE OBSTACLES FACING GTECH’S PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF IGT

As Mario Kart 8 has wonderfully shown, there is still space in the market for well-crafted local multiplayer games, and Gang Beasts perfectly replicates that experience of being huddled round an arcade screen playing Golden Axe, laughing.

And let’s face it, we will probably never tire of watching what looks like drunken people in animal costumes inexpertly brawling. That’s pretty much timeless.

THE GUARDIAN PROVING THAT IT DOES HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR WHEN IT COMES TO GAMING AND THE LATEST INDEPENDENT GAME – GANG BEASTS

d banned from drinking any more The Portman Group is cracking down on expletives, the Telegraph celebrates the resilience of Britain’s piers, while vintage railway posters command a high fee at auction in New York.

activity, and association with bravado or anti-social behaviour.

Direct Beers said none of its products were intended to appeal to under-18s, and explained that the vast majority of its drinks were sold in person at retail events, where it operated a Challenge 25 policy. However, the panel found that “frequent references to scatological humour, defecation, urination, genitalia, vomiting and other bodily functions could prove particularly attractive to under-18s”. It also noted that this appeal was exacerbated by cartoon illustrations shown on a number of the products.

Elsewhere, the Telegraph online has published an ode to the seaside pier, on the occasion of their 200th birthday, by the writer Harry Mount. “In autumn evenings, at dusk, Brighton’s starlings put on a unique show for free, as they swirl in huge flocks around the ruined West Pier. For all the tragedy of the 2003 fire that wrecked the building,” he writes, “the starling murmuration is a sight that sums up the bittersweet charms of the British seaside pier: the nostalgic mourning for those that have been lost, mixed with the joy in those that remain. There is nothing in the world to match their madcap, sea-

side architectural style.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reveals plans for the Swann auction house in New York to sell off vintage British railway posters.

They are the nostalgic images that capture a glorious bygone era – a sepia time of domestic travel, short journeys and unfussy breaks on UK soil. And now, a range of promotional posters depicting the golden age of British seaside holidays looks set to make a small fortune in America. Vintage rail posters advertising seaside resorts in Devon and Cornwall are in line to fetch around £2,000 at an auction on the other side of the Atlantic next month.

One poster alone - emblazoned with the words ‘Newquay on the Cornish Coast’, produced for the Great Western Railway in 1937 by artist Alfred Lambart - is expected to sell for between $1,000 and $1,500 dollars (£584-£877) in New York on 6 August. Another pre-war poster - produced for the Southern Railway in 1935, featuring the words ‘Bude for sunshine and surf’ - is set to fetch between $800 and $1,200 (£467-£701).

A poster for British Railways, produced circa 1956 – bearing with the words ‘Paignton, Torbay’s ideal holiday centre’ – is valued at

between $700 and $1,000 (£409£584). Another British Railways poster - featuring the words ‘Teignmouth IS Devon’, produced in or around 1960 - is expected to sell for between $400 and $600 dollars (£233-£350).

In the early and middle parts of the 20th century, when comparatively few people owned cars, and when expensive overseas holidays were beyond the financial reach of many people, railway companies commissioned artists to produce colourful, eye-catching posters featuring seaside resorts, beauty spots and places of historical interest. They were a romantic bid to boost rail travel throughout Britain - and they worked.

In recent years, these posters, which once adorned and brightened railway station platforms and waiting rooms, have become increasingly sought-after and valuable mementoes of a gentler, more innocent age. Their value was ably demonstrated 12 years ago. In 2002, at Christie’s auction house in London, a 1932 Great Western Railway poster by artist Bruce Angrave – featuring the words ‘Newquay, Cornwall’s finest Atlantic resort’ – sold for £8,225. Before the auction, the anticipated price had been £3,000-£5,000.

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

Graf outlines Commission objectives The coming months are set to be an extremely busy time for the Gambling Commission, which published its 2013/14 Review earlier this month.

philip graf politics year has seen Gambling CommisTsionhetheatpast full stretch on a number of fronts in pursuit of our objectives and duties.

There have been significant changes in our remit.

The long awaited merger between the Gambling Commission and the National Lottery Commission was finally achieved on October 1, 2013, and the implementation of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act later this year will bring under Commission regulation the over 85 per cent of the British remote gambling market currently regulated overseas.

In short, in addition to advising central and local government on the impact of gambling and its regulation, we are now charged with keeping virtually all commercial gambling in Britain crime free, fair and safe, and subject to those overriding public protection objectives, ensuring the National Lottery raises the maximum amount for good causes.

We have also seen rising public concern over the impact of higher stake gaming machines (FOBTs) in bookmakers on the high street; over the growth in broadcasting of gambling advertise-

ments, particularly around and during sporting events; and over indications the UK might be at risk from sports betting corruption.

We continue to work with the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) and the Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) to encourage operators, particularly the larger ones, to use technology and innovation to improve their approach to player protection.

We will be consulting in the summer on proposed measures to strengthen both licence conditions, codes of practice and associated technical standards. These measures will emerge from the review of responsible gambling provision by operators now underway.

In parallel, we are consulting on an updated and slightly expanded edition of our statement of principles, which sets the framework within which the Commission works.

We are bringing our combined National Lottery and social lottery experience together to provide advice to government on the challenges from technological and player convergence faced by those raising money for good causes.

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Coinslot July 25 - July 31, 2014

Newsweek ENTERTAINMENT ARENA AWARDS omania’s Entertainment Arena Expo will hold the first edition of its Arena Entertainment Awards this year.

The inaugural awards, which show organisers hope to make an annual ceremony, have been created to recognise and reward the innovation and quality of the products and services of the participating companies. In order to ensure the impartiality and accuracy of the vote, voting will be

R

8

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: jw@sjc.co.uk

Summit set to explain secrets of mobile gambling success he Mobile Gambling Summit is to convene some of the brightest minds working across bingo, casino, poker, sportsbook and social to give brands the context they need to understand this fast-changing market.

With the mobile revolution creating huge opportunities and challenges, the event will explain how to deliver a consistent experience, while at the same time ensuring your products are relevant for each channel.

It will also outline how to offer the simplest on-the-go interactions

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undertaken by visitors to the event which takes place at Romexpo Fair Ground in Bucharest on September 24. The categories they will vote on will be: ‘product of the year’, ‘manufacturer of the year’, ‘best stand’ and ‘best game graphics’.

on smartphones, with longer, richer, more immersive experiences on tablet, and stay ahead of the competition.

Throughout the day attendees will be able to meet for consultations with mobile industry experts who will be briefed to address key business concerns.

In addition to the main programme, and for the first time at the Mobile Gambling Summit,The Innovation Lab will host a number of startups whose tech solutions are aimed at gambling operators. at the role that social media, mobile The event will take a detailed look advertising and direct marketing play

GAMBLING STUDIES CONFERENCE PROGRAMME PUBLISHED he preliminary programme for the 10th European Conference on Gambling Studies & Policy Issues has been

T

published. It will offer sessions on a wide range of subjects, including regulation and the management of risk in commercial gambling in Great Britain, and how big data can assist in understanding and protecting players. The event,

in acquiring not only new customers, but the right type of customers.

It will also look at analytics, tracking and product differentiation within a marketplace where small advantages can play a significant role in making effective marketing investments and optimising player values.

With the Place of Consumption Tax only months away from coming into effect, the summit will also engage attendees in a conversation about the regulatory environment.

The Mobile Gambling Summit takes place at OneAmerica Square in London on September 18.

which takes place at the Hilton Kalastajatorppa in Helsinki on September 9-12, aims to increase the dialogue between all who are professionally

involved in commercial gaming.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITORIAL Editor: Alex Lee Email: al@sjc.co.uk Tel: 07772 280 299 Assistant Editor: James Walker Email: jw@sjc.co.uk Tel: 07816678021 Managing Editor: Ken Scott Email: ks@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01273 699 900 ADVERTISING SALES Kathryn Norris Email: knorris@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 SUBSCRIPTIONS Sarah Haworth Tel: 01204 396 397 DIGITAL VERSION Marc Lawton Email: mlawton@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01204 396 397 PRODUCTION Designer: Gina Lloyd Email: gl@sjc.co.uk Ad Production & Pre-Press: Dave Roderick Email: gdk@sjc.co.uk PUBLISHER Director: John Sullivan GB Media Corporation Ltd, Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton, BL1 4AY Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748

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