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November 28 – December 4, 2014 • No. 2396 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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Industry news Seaside amusements MGS Review B2B Listings Latest machine charts Classified ads and opps Comment & Analysis Newsweek

COMMENT

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If Greene King is successful in its appeal, the UK soft gambling landscape will change markedly - one way or another.

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Fairness must prevail on hi OPERATORS

Addressing its Annual Convention in London, BACTA vice president Jason Frost called on industry regulators and government urgently to remove the discrimination and disparity that was undermining many high street businesses in the amusement sector.

He acknowledged the legitimate pressures that the industry was facing, not least the challenging economic conditions, but failed to understand why unfair and unjust legislation should add to these difficulties.

Frost said: “We have had to grapple with the commercial pressure brought about by a raft of impacts on our various sectors, including the unfairness on the High Street

Operator selected by 2015 General Electio POLITICS

North Somerset Liberal Democrats have selected established se Kravis as the 2015 General Election candidate for the coastal c xperienced operator Marcus Egeneral Kravis will stand at the 2015 election for the LibDems, taking on on sitting MP and former Cabinet minister Liam Fox in therace for a Parliamentary seat.

Kravis, 45, who has been in the amusement industry all his life, has been operating the Arkade in Minehead for over 21 years. Kravis said:“I’m delighted to have the backing of the North Somerset Liberal Democrats and I will work hard for the people of North Somerset to deliver a stronger economy and a fairer society with opportunity for everyone.”

A former Division One chair of BACTA and currently vice chair of Division 3, Kravis is looking forward to the next five and a half months of campaigning.

He told Coinslot:“It is going to be hard work, and whatever the national polls currently say, the fact is that next May is going to be a very interesting election and throw up some results that no one can currently predict.At the last General Election, the Liberal Democrat candidate for North Somerset polled 20,687 votes, the largest vote for a Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate that didn’t actually get elected in the South West.

Since then, Liam Fox has had to resign from the government and then there is UKIP.” He added:“I have had many positive comments from industry members and some not so positive, but when it comes to the Liberal Democrats’ potential performance in May next year you have to look

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INDUSTRY

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Great Yarmouth loses award winning arcade

Does opportunity knock for the Brits in Macau?

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22 November 28 - December 4, 2014 • No. 2396 • www.coinslot.co.uk

il on high street caused by a law which allows one type of gaming machine in one age controlled adult environment and not in another adult age controlled environment. This is simply not fair, nor morally right.”

He called for the government to help reform this position, adding: “Our business, across all sectors is a legitimate part of the commercial landscape and we are an essential part of both the tourist and high street economies. We will do what we can within our own power but we do need help.

Don’t load us with more cost through unnecessary regulation, help the tourist industry through cutting VAT and let us unleash the innovative power of our manufacturers.”

ted by LibDems as ection candidate

established seaside operator Marcus or the coastal constituency. at each seat on an individual basis and not just national swings.The Liberal Democrats passed a motion at our 2013 conference, led by Don Foster, calling for curbs on FOBTs.” Sue Mason, chair of North Somerset Liberal Democrats, said:“Marcus understands that our constituency deserves a visible MP who is a real part of the community. I know that, day in day out, he will demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the residents of North Somerset. In 2010, Liberal Democrat, Dr Brian Mathew came second, with the others far behind and I’m determined to see the North Somerset constituency finally elect a Liberal Democrat to Parliament next May.” Former LibDem PPC Dr Brian

Mathew said:“I’m so pleased that `Marcus has been selected. I wish him and the North Somerset Lib Dems all the best in building on our success.”

Marcus can be contacted via his website www.marcuskravis.com or his Facebook page,www.facebook.com/marcusdkravis.

BACTA CEO outlines far-reaching vision for amusement industry ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Speaking to an audience of nearly 200 industry representatives, John White the new chief executive of BACTA, outlined his strategic vision for the long-term direction of the amusement sector and called on all participants to work together to ensure a successful and profitable future. n a wide ranging speech to delegates at the annual BACTA Convention in London, new chief John White listed the values that he saw as essential in underpinning the industry and from which a new relationship could be developed between all parties including operators, legislators, customers and the Gambling Commission.

These values; Ethical, Sustainable, Modern, Professional, Partnering, Open and Transparent would help change both the style and substance of the industry and would form a launch pad from which the industry could begin a new chapter, necessary for it to prosper in an ever increasing competitive world.

White said:“The values underpin what we do and if we live up to the challenge we will be a professional, modern forward thinking industry, which can work with others to achieve what we mutually want.”

The new CEO also called on the Gambling Commission and government legislators to play their part and work with the industry, especially in ironing out a number of inconsistencies that desperately needed addressing.

White promised to help the industry to help itself for a better future. He concluded:“There is a job to be done.There are challenges ahead,but remember everything is based on achieving a long-term sustainable success.”

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Gambling industry must speak with one voice - Hawkins PRESIDENT’S SPEECH Speaking at the annual BACTA convention, Steve Hawkins, BACTA President, highlighted the importance for the gambling industry to speak with one voice if it was to be successful in addressing many of the challenges the industry is currently facing and endorsed the message of social responsibility that the industry is now embarking on. He praised the work of the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) and welcomed BACTA’s active engagement. He also highlighted the need for a gambling industry group which if successful could act as a single voice of the industry and have a crucial impact in

influencing key issues. He said: “There is definitely a role for a gambling industry group. It make sense for broad cross cutting issues to be dealt with at this level… providing a single voice on the business issues of the day. The last thing we need is three industry bodies, alongside sector trade bodies, all saying similar or in some cases dissimilar things. This would be a recipe for inaction and would be counter-productive. I therefore call on all gambling bodies to find a way to work together with one single voice.”

Hawkins went on to praise the work of BACTA and especially the excellent achievements made by the Compliance Team in developing successful partnerships with local authorities up and down the country and the enormous benefit this had brought to the industry.

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Coinslot November 28 - December 4, 2014

Industry

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Tunnicliffe celebrates two decades of ‘Second Chance Lottery’

COMPLIANCE

K coin-op trade body BACTA is aiming to achieve an independU ent age verification scheme,

Blackpool operator Warwick Tunnicliffe has now given away £104,000 in ‘second chance lottery’ prizes in random draws to locals whose lottery tickets didn’t win at the first time of asking.

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tition allows players to drop their lottery ticket into a raffle for a “second chance” at a prize of £100, and has proved to be very popular with hundreds of people playing every week.

And, in the last two decades, more than £100,000 has been paid out in prize money to second time lucky players.Tunnicliffe had the idea when the National Lottery began in 1994.

He told local press:“I came up with the name ‘second chance’ because all these people were stuck with losing lottery tickets.

I offered it toThe Gazette and we haven’t missed a week since.”

The lottery has now been drawn 1,040 times,which means that Warwick’s Amusements has given away £104,000 in prize money since the draws started.

Tunnicliffe added: “When I saw that figure I felt sick, but I like to think that we’ve had value for money, especially because of the goodwill we’ve spread and we get letters from people telling us what they’ve done with their prize money.”

Warwick’s Amusements has been a Blackpool institution for more than 100 years.Tunnicliffe said:“I have a photograph of my grandfather,Arthur Warwick, in

1906 with a car and a caravan with Warwick’s Amusements written on the side. He opened up the slot machines of the day in 1920 and since then our family have always had slot machines in operation.”

The business remains familyoriented, with Tunnicliffe’s two children John Warwick Jr,40,and Donna-Louise Green,38 running their own amusement centres.

Tunnicliffe concluded:“Both of my children helped during the Easter and summer holidays, even at the end of school day, helping to run the machines and the bingo.”

Brighton operators under fire COMPLIANCE

righton and Hove City Council will review the gambling B licence of two city centre betting shops and arcades after they fell foul of a second undercover operation in a matter of months despite being warned they would be re-inspected.

Owners of the under-fire premises told the local paper, The Argus, that they were taking precautions to stop any incidents of underage gambling on their premises .

Regency Arcade, in West Street, Brighton, and Metrobet Bookmakers, in Boundary Road, Hove, were among six bookmakers and arcades caught out by a sting operation in April.

Brighton and Hove City Council and the Gambling Commission project sent in a 16-year-old boy to walk around the venues and play on their machines for a minimum of seven minutes

without being checked for ID. Warning letters were sent and businesses replied with how they would improve safeguards.

A second round of test inspections were then carried out on October 9 and again the two premises failed.

Staff at Connaught Leisure, in George Street, Hove, as well as Amusements and Silverstreak, both in St James’s Street, Brighton, all successfully challenged the teenager.

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

BACTA to set new standard for age verification

OPERATORS

bright idea to give National Lottery ticket holders a second bite of the cherry has just celebrated two decades of bringing delight to winners.

The Lottery launched 20 years ago in a blaze of publicity,but after the first draw,WarwickTunnicliffe couldn’t help spotting there were a lot of disappointed punters clutching losing tickets.This gave the Blackpool-based amusement arcade operator the idea for the ‘Second Chance Lottery’.

Organised between local paper The Gazette and Warwick’s Amusements, the compe-

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A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said the businesses will have their licences reviewed next month by a panel of councillors who have the power to strip the venues of their licence.

She told local press:“It is very concerning that these two businesses have failed for a second time.With gaming machines on the increase and the real concerns about fixed odds betting terminals where people can

lose a lot of money very quickly, it is more important than ever that we take steps to protect young people.”

Jason Heal, co-owner of Regency Arcade, said:“We have responded to these in a positive manner,we have installed a door chime for whenever somebody comes in, we have more cameras, and we have moved the barriers back to the cash box.

“We have been doing more IDing, we have been IDing people aged 35 and 40 to be sure.

The inspectors have a job to do but we were a bit unlucky because the last test purchase happened while we had one of the machines out and the member of staff was behind fixing the machine.

“We don’t want anybody to play on the machines underage, there is no underage gambling in this arcade.”

Metrobet Bookmakers did not provide a comment.

organised through the UK Accreditation Service, as part of its commitment to improve both the image and performance of the amusement industry.

Phil Silver, head of compliance for BACTA, reminded 200 industry representatives at the BACTA Convention in London that they should be proud of the industry’s pedigree in shaping social responsibility and best practice, but now wanted the industry to go further in setting the bar even higher.

He outlined three areas that BACTA was exploring and called on members to get behind this initiative and support the work that was being undertaken.

These three initiatives to be explored include: • Revising the protocol to minimise identified variables • Undertaking qualitative research to understand the extent to which underage people frequent AGCs and adult areas • Maximising the importance of staff training and continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of this training Silver also took this opportunity to launch BACTA’s new Compliance and Social Responsibility Workbook, designed specifically for members of staff who interface with customers in AGCs and licensed FECs. The training book incorporates test sections to ensure understanding, will be made available to each and every member of staff employed by members who operate age restricted premises.

Silver said: “The British amusement industry has a long history of serving its customers and we are committed to ensuring that the public, the government and the Gambling Commission have confidence in the way we conduct our business. We believe the best way to secure that confidence is to demonstrate…we are committed to doing more than the minimum required by law to promote responsible gambling.”

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INDUSTRY

AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK REFORMATION Work is now underway on restoring arcade pleasures on Eastbourne Pier. 10

TAX REFORM

BRITAIN’S TOURIST HOTSPOTS MUST MOVE ON FROM ITS HOPES FOR A CUT IN VAT

Much to the chagrin of Cut Tourism VAT campaigners, the Tourism Council has decided not to discuss a VAT cut, preferring to focus on skills and jobs.

Tourism Council faces the heat as decision to push VAT reduction off the agenda stirs resentment government spokesperson has revealed that there are no plans to introduce a VAT cut for the UK tourism sector. A statement read: “Our strategy to make the UK a ‘great’ place to visit led to record visitor numbers earlier this year and tourism jobs are growing at double the rate of the average of other industries.To ensure we have the right people to take exciting careers in tourism, the government agreed with industry that theTourism Council should focus on jobs and skills.

While we keep all taxes under review, we do not have any plans to introduce a VAT cut for the tourism sector.”

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The decision came under fire from campaigners, including over 90 MPs,who pointed to the potential benefits of a VAT reduction, such as“a £4bn hike in GDP and more than 120,000 new jobs, according to research conducted using the Treasury’s own economic model”.

The campaign has been pushing for a cut of the tax, currently standing at 20 per cent, to level the playing field between the UK and other European countries, most of which have reduced VAT for accommodation and attractions.

Dermot King, managing director of Butlins, said: “The Tourism Council is meant to be supporting the

sector, so it looks rather ridiculous to have an industry talking shop ignoring the central issue of VAT rates. How can anyone take the Tourism Council seriously when it’s a whitewash before it has even begun?”

According to the government, comparisons with other Member States do not take into account the VAT reliefs that the UK provides for cultural attractions and public transport, or the fact that the country’s VAT registration threshold is the highest in the EU, meaning many small businesses do not have to charge VAT. The British Hospitality Association (BHA), which helped with the creation of the Tourism Council ahead

of its launch, also believes the group’s first priority should be to focus on jobs and skills.

Ufi Ibrahim, BHA chief executive, told hospitality trade press: “The Tourism Council is ground-breaking, allowing government to listen and respond to leaders of tourism and hospitality businesses of all sizes.

For the Tourism Council to deliver real progress in the run-up to the next election, it was agreed at the outset by all parties that the focus would be on jobs and skills.

This is important because we urgently need to attract more talent into our industry and demonstrate the fantastic range of career opportunities available.”

Roger Newborough passes away oger Newborough, co-founder and former managing director of Jolly R Roger (Amusement Rides) Ltd, passed

OBITUARY

Industry stalwart Roger Newborough passed away recently. Another stalwart, David Snook, reflects on the much admired kiddie ride innovator.

away suddenly but peacefully onThursday November 13.

Roger Newborough founded the company in 1988 and together with partner William Hennessy they gradually built a business which became synonymous for its large range of colourful, eye catching and quality kiddie ride products.

During the 1990’s the company became known as market leaders, spear-heading a change towards high end ‘licensed rides’ featuring many characters from popular children’s stories, television and film.

The firm became known for much loved characters such as Mr Blobby, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, Garfield and Bob the Builder; the latter of which broke new ground both with production volumes (eventually reaching over 4000 units) and

with the introduction of video screen technology which gave added interactive value to their products. Over the years the company exported rides to over 40 countries world-wide and together with wife Susan he became a familiar face at all the major industry trade shows.

Roger eventually sold the business to Photo-Me Ltd upon retirement, but his legacy lives on as many of the classic designs are still being produced and can also still be seen in operation today.

Roger was well respected for his love of the industry, his friendly professional manner and for his integrity. He was also noted for his respect towards the many loyal staff and customers associated with the business over the years.

He will be sadly missed by all within the industry.

Roger Newborough leaves a wife Susan, and sons John and Stephen.

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Great Yarmouth’s award winning amusement attraction shuts after seven year run CLOSURE

Just voted as Great Yarmouth’s best tourist attraction, Yesterday’s World has closed down due to a downturn in business.

esterday’s World’s, a popular heritage amusement attraction in Great Yarmouth, has closed after seven years as a fixture on the resort’s Golden Mile.

The news comes despite it being presented with the award for best tourist attraction in Great Yarmouth earlier in the month.

The attraction’s contents, including vintage slot machines and a full-sized Victorian carousel, will now be put up for a sale at a series of auctions that begin this Saturday.

In a statement on the attraction’s Facebook page, its directors explained:“We have put substantial investment into the business during the seven years it has been in the town and naturally deeply regret having to make this decision.

“However, despite all efforts to sell the business as a going concern, no buyer has been found.We would like to thank the many visi-

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BACTA appoints head of communications APPOINTMENTS

ACTA has appointed Simon Storer as its new head of comB munications. Storer has nearly 30

tors who have supported Yesterday’s World.

“We would also like our staff to know how much we genuinely appreciate their support, loyalty and enthusiasm over the years we have been in Great Yarmouth.”

Alan Carr, head of tourism at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, described the closure as “a huge disappointment” and said he hoped the building would not be empty for long.

The multi-million pound attraction opened in 2007 in a former amusement arcade and holds over 150,000 nostalgia exhibits, which are expected to fetch as much as £300,000 when they go up for sale at Chippenham Auction Rooms.

Principal auctioneer Richard Edmonds told local press: “The owners naturally regret having to sell the contents, however, due to a downturn in business, the attraction had been under-performing and is no longer financially viable

to operate.

“Yesterday’s World is a real cornucopia of nostalgia items and collectibles. We haven’t seen anything like this come onto the market for many years.

“Our aim is to ensure as many of the items as possible remain on public display somewhere or go to collectors or restorers who will really value them. Items like old shop fittings, vintage tills, slot machines and enamel signs are highly prized by specialist collectors. We would expect to have interest from both the UK and internationally.

“We’re still cataloguing all the items as there are just so many of them. It’s a huge job but one we’re thrilled to be doing.”

The first of the items, which include a range of enamel signs and advertisements, as well as vintage toys and the contents of five preserved shops,will be put up for auction on November 29.

Beacon Bingo’s Simon Coombes named Praesepe Executive of the Year imon Coombes, who reports directly to Beacon SBingo operations director Larry Kehoe, has been named the Praesepe Executive of the Year for 2014.

Coombes (pictured with Nick Harding) received the prestigious award at the company’s Business Round-Up Seminar which was attended by senior members of the Praesepe executive team, representing all strands of what is the UK’s fastest growing low stake gaming business on the high street.

Praesepe CEO Nick Harding praised the contributions made by Coombes, not just to the Beacon brand, but to the business as a whole. He said: “Businesses like ours are built on the dedication, insight and professionalism of individuals such as Simon.Although he is involved primarily working on our Beacon brand, his enthusiasm and indefatigable energy have had a profound influence on the way in which we operate across the board.”

Harding concluded: “Our

169 venues, comprising bingo,AGCs and FECs located throughout Great Britain, operate in an ultra-competitive market and adhere to the very highest levels of customer service delivered through a combination of dedication and teamwork.

Simon is an example of an executive who not only gets on with his job to exacting standards but also with everybody else he works with. He is a very deserving recipient of the Praesepe Executive of the Year Award.”

years’ experience of public affairs, public relations and communications and brings a wealth of experience to BACTA at a very interesting time for the industry.

Storer was previously director of communications and public affairs for manufacturers in the construction industry and also worked for nearly ten years as public affairs manager at the Channel Tunnel project during its construction phase.

He has advised local authority housing schemes, worked in other sectors including food and wine and gave the Faraday Lecture for the Institute of Electrical Engineers for the annual lecture tour in 1995/96.

He said: “I very much look forward to working in the amusement sector, where I know there is a number of strategic issues that need to be addressed - many of which will I’m sure prove to be extremely challenging but also very interesting.”

He continued: “I understand there is a strong desire to modernise the image of the industry and ensure that the relationship BACTA has with its partners and members is strong, successful and beneficial. I look forward to being instrumental in ensuring this happens and helping BACTA meets the expectations of all those involved.”

John White, chief executive of BACTA added: “I know he will make an enormous impact and become a valuable member of my team. We are setting out with a new vision for the industry and the appointment of a communications professional is another step in the journey to deliver an effective, influential and successful trade association on behalf of the amusement industry.”

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Mecca occupy Southport’s Garrick Theatre

A good time was had by all - regardless of how far they progressed in the tournament - at the latest BAPTO Annual Pool Finals at Norbreck Castle, Blackpool.

BINGO

BAPTO celebrates national finals weekend ational pool operator association BAPTO returned to its spiritual home to stage the 38th Annual Pool Finals last weekend.The Norbreck Castle in Blackpool has established a reputation for one of the finest pool tournament venues in the country. Players and visitors praised the venue and the tournament organisers.

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Thirty-three Sam Atlantic tables were used to ensure that the UK’s best amateur players were able to deliver the best quality pool. The addition of live streaming of finals matches proved popular at the BAPTO tournament weekend.

Teams from around the country competed for the BAPTO Team Trophy and The Butchers Arms from

Barnsley finally triumphed over their near neighbours Stinkers ‘A’ from Sheffield six frames to three.

The event, which was managed by BAPTO’s organising committee and Rob Pearce of UK Pub Pool, saw success for other regions around the country.

The Team Plate was won

by Four Cockerels and a Hen from Derby who saw

off Norfolk and Chance.

Craig Lakin of Yorkshire defended his Men’s Singles title against Rob Southey from Hertfordshire, while Shona Lucas of Wisbech defeated Julie Betteridge from Derby to lift the Ladies Trophy. Ian Morris and Amanda Watson won the Mixed Doubles event, beating Dave Graham and Hanna Beaven in the final.

Sam Leisure’s Liam Barrett concluded:“Not every player left the Norbreck Castle with a trophy or winnings but the verdict from those attending was a big thumbs-up for a great weekend of pool, in a great new venue that afforded plenty of room to play and socialise as well as the obvious attractions of a night out in the iconic seaside town.”

2014: The re-birth of land based bingo?

BINGO

365 days ago, no-one had heard of Majestic Bingo.

Now an established retail bingo brand across the country, its success lies in managing director Mark Jepp’s determined belief in his product.

ith UK economic recovery still in embryonic stages, W little more than a year ago the prospect of establishing an entirely new and independent chain of landed bingo halls would have seemed to many, if not most - to be folly.The growth of the online market, along with the combined effects of the smoking ban and a steady hike in rental prices all seemed to add weight to the ominous sound of a nail being readied for the coffin of UK retail bingo.

But as the year draws to a close and the Castleford venue of Mark Jepp’s Majestic Bingo opens to much local aplomb, it’s hard not to credit him with breathing new life into the landed sector.

Formed in January through the purchase of two ailing chains,Jepp has been busy refur-

bishing and rebranding his portfolio of fifteen venues nationwide. Seemingly out of nowhere, his business is now steadily gathering momentum.

It’s a curious but welcome success story, and Jepp’s genuine enthusiasm for bingo plays a significant role in its explanation: “My product is to offer a great fun experience to our customers,” he said. “Forget the smoking ban and Section 21s that was years ago: now it’s time for bingo to grow on the back of strong management and investing in the customer proposition by creating an improved product and environment for all.”

Jepp concedes that Majestic’s conception coincided with a fortuitous turn of events: “2014 will be a year to remember for the sector in regards to the tax reduction,” he remarked. Indeed, the

lowering of GPT is itself an influential factor in the swift rise of Majestic - one which Jepp credits to the campaigning efforts of other key players:“A big thank you should go to Miles Baron at the Bingo Association and also to BACTA, who have worked very hard for the sector too.”

In this regard, at the helm of a company in the business of luck, it seems that Jepp has made his own luck. But then as the old adage goes - fortune favours the brave, and Jepp’s tenacity is born out of a relentless positivity and belief in the core product. “On the back of the reduction in tax, the bingo sector can only go up and up,” he enthuses.“The formation of Majestic marks the birth of a soon to be fantastic bingo brand - a company that truly believes in UK retail bingo.”

an art-deco venue once played host Itot’swhich a line of A-star acts, including Julie Andrews and Laurel and Hardy.

Now, the Garrick Theatre in Southport, Merseyside, is to be recast in its latest role as a bingo hall.

Acquired by Mecca Bingo earlier this year, the transformation has seen the auditorium become the new bingo floor, with royal boxes refashioned into VIP betting booths.

The theatre first opened its doors in 1932, with a capacity of 1,600 people. The elements of its striking art-deco design, as set forth by architect George E Tonge, are still incredibly well preserved both inside and outside the building.

Whilst bingo customers will be treated to the trademark decor of the 1930’s - including ornate blue and white plasterwork and plush red seating - some hidden gems remain sealed off to the public.

Fire-proof doors, original to the theatre’s original opening, are still in place, as well as sealed dressing room and the old theatre telephone exchange: artefacts in stasis from an iconic age.

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Amusements It’s time for a new start in Eastbourne as work commences on rebuilding the Fantasia amusement arcade, which was burnt to a shell during a summer blaze. First steps will see the structure removed from the pier, and then it’s down to the real hard grind delivering a new iconic amusements offering to the south coast town.

PIERS

ork to dismantle the burnt-out ruins of W the Funtasia amusement arcade on Eastbourne pier, destroyed by a huge blaze in July, has begun.

A giant hydraulic crane was put in position on Eastbourne’s promenade last week and manoeuvres to remove the steel shell of

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Work to remove Eastbourne Pier arcade ruins underway

Arcade manager ordered to pay back money taken from owner manager of an amusement at the Welsh seaside Tresorthearcade of Tywyn stole more than

the arcade building began this week.

The state-of-the-art crane will lift workmen to the top of the structure to enable them to cut through the frame, which will then be removed piece by piece by a second crane.

With the work being carried out in ten-day sessions, the pier will be closed during the day

when safety requires it to do so, although it will remain open every evening.

The removal of the structure is scheduled to be completed by Christmas.

In the meantime, a campaign has started to rename a new arcade after the worker who fell to his death whilst carrying out repairs on the

Dr Chris Bateman, a senior lecturer in games studies at the Unilans to demolish an iconic Isle versity of Bolton, has called on of Wight amusement arcade planners to reject the application have been criticised for bringing to replace the Gaiety amusement about the potential loss of ‘an arcade on Ventnor seafront with important part of the history of new a new block of apartments.

Dr. Bateman, who was a Ventgames’.

P

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

CRIME

pier after July’s fire.

Michelle Nichols is asking Eastbourne residents to sign a petition calling on Cuerden Leisure, the pier’s owner, to name the arcade Penny’s, in memory of worker Stephen Penrice.

Penny was the nickname of 44-year-old Penrice, who suffered fatal injuries when he fell

from the arcade’s structure in August.

Nichols told local press:“I have already had some response on Facebook and I have also started a paper petition.

“I feel the more public demand I get with this campaign the more chance there is of my proposal of the arcade being renamed in Stephen’s memory.”

Plans to knock down iconic arcade draw criticism

FEC

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nor resident for 20 years, said more effort could be made to save one of the resort’s few remaining historical landmarks, proposing that it could instead be converted into an amusement arcade machine museum.

He told local press:“I am writing a paper about this arcade for submission to the Digital Games Research Association’s 2015 conference - and I am rather shocked to discover by the time this paper is published, the building it refers to could be demolished.

“With the loss of Ventnor Pier, the Gaiety is the last surviving remnant in Ventnor of an important part of the history of games.”

Developer Wilky Investments has submitted the new plans to

knock the arcade down and replace it with seven flats to Ventnor Town Council.

It claims the Gaiety is in need of extensive repair and could not be easily adapted for other uses.

A report accompanying the planning application explained: “The amusement arcade business has declined, with the Gaiety owners advising the current operation is not viable.”

In 2005 an application was made for a luxury 25-apartment block on the site, only to be withdrawn after it attracted a large amount of opposition from local residents.

Their main objection was the design and proposed height of what was to be a fourstorey block.

£6,000 from its owner before confessing to the police, a court has heard.

Ian Shaw, 46, a resident of the town, was given a six-month suspended prison term and ordered to pay £6,546 compensation at the rate of £100 a month by a judge at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The prosecution said Shaw had been employed by Patrick Jeffries, of Cheshire, to run the arcade single-handedly, giving him sole responsibility for its cash.

When Jeffries visited the arcade in February he was told by the defendant, unprompted, that he had taken money to pay his personal debts.

An audit of the arcade’s accounts found a loss of £6,646, and both Shaw and his wife signed a notice of debt.

A probation officer told the court that Shaw was his disabled wife’s carer and claimed the appropriate benefits.

Summing up, Judge Niclas Parry said that while Shaw had committed a gross breach of trust, his was an exceptional case.

He commented: “It’s no exaggeration to say there’s little more you could have done to right your wrong.

“You clearly acted out of character and are a full-time carer for your disabled wife.”

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Coinslot November 28 - December 4, 2014

Leisure

8

Pub closure rate lower than previously thought PUBS

Well here’s a bit of good news: the rate of pub closures is falling. It’s still five per week, but the slowdown is indicative of a positive trend. But now a warning: political intervention could seriously damage your health. The BBPA are urging on MPS to keep the beer tie and avoid risking all the good recent tax changes have brought.

new survey has shown that the tenanted/ leased pub closure rate now stands at five per week, in the year to September 2014.

As the pubco legislation reaches a critical stage in Parliament, new research has shown that recent pub closure figures in the leased/tenanted sector are

A

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five per week, much lower than previously thought, and illustrate that statutory intervention that would damage the pub trade and risk a return to far higher closure rates is not needed, according to the BBPA. The figures, which cover the year to September 2014, were prepared from a survey of BBPA members operating nearly one-third of all pubs and analysed by leading economic analysts, Oxford economics.

While no analysis of the independent pub sector was undertaken, as noted in the report, the figures also correspond with

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

analysis of the Valuation Office Agency ratings database which suggests a closure rate of around 13 per week for the whole sector based on the number of outlets classified as pubs in the database compared to a year ago.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, commented: “These figures reflect the increasing confidence we are now seeing in the pub sector, very much supported by government action on beer duty, business rates and other measures introduced.

“However, we are now facing very important legislation which could affect Britain’s pubs for decades to come, and it is vital this recovery is not put at risk.

“MPs who are being urged to take action that will slow the rate of pub closures need to be aware of these figures, and consider that the government’s own research shows that up to 1,400 pubs would close, with 7,000 job losses if proposals being supported by some MPs to end the beer tie are passed into law via the Small Business Bill.”

Service station pub-takings down on competition MOTORWAY SERVICE STATIONS

D Wetherspoons’ opening of the Hope and JChampion, the UK’s first

THE AMUSEMENT & LEISURE SHOW

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motorway service station pub in Britain, has yet to yield tangible results.

The pub opened at the Beaconsfield M40 services in January,incurring the disapproval of the RAC and other road-safety organisations, concerned at the prospect of increased rates of drink-driving.

Whilst the pub operator’s most recent financial results showed a 6.3 per cent increase in like for like revenue, takings at the Hope and Champion have been light.

“McDonald’s and Nando’s are doing better than us,” conceded Wetherspoon chairmanTim Martin to M&C Report.“There’s a

feeling people would rather have a coffee at the service station then a pint when they get home.”

Longterm, the future of the Hope and Champion remains unclear. Food sales have been healthy, and Wetherspoons hold a 30 year lease on the premises.

Taken together,the two factors may well provide its ‘passenger-pub’ concept with a sizeable window of time to prove itself, as Martin attests:“We’ll probably look again in eight or nine years.”

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

Entertainment complex to fill old bingo site DEVELOPMENTS

the end of an era as as Kingston in Surrey Iist’sfarconcerned as the traditional home of bingo in the Surrey town finally made way for a new vision.

It’s not the news that bingo lovers and the broader gaming industry would want to hear, but plans by CNM Estates to renovate the old Gala bingo hall in Kingston have been unanimously approved by councillors.

The vote, at a development control meeting, followed months of negotiations between the developers, Kingston Council officers and groups including English Heritage.

Once refurbished, the iconic Richmond Road building will boast new flats, offices, a cinema, restaurant and a dance studio. The parties will now work on the fine details of the design.

CNM Estates chairman Wahid Samady told local press: “We now look forward to the next step of delivering it. Naturally with buildings of this complexity there has to be detailed design. (We will) continue to consult with English Heritage and various other bodies, whose input has been valuable.”

Theatre consultant Roger Fox, who objected to the plans alongside the Cinema Theatres Association (CTA), however, raised concerns about the viability of the proposed restaurant and other plans.

Peter Wild, of the CTA, added: “It is entirely possible to restore and use this cinema as a single space.”

2396-p13-Essentials_Coinslot NEW 25/11/2014 17:24 Page 1

Essential Guide to...

14 B2B listings and industry marketplace

Macao Gaming Show 2014 EXHIBITION

18 This week’s machine charts

19 Classified sales, job and business opps

MGS signposts British future in Macau?

The Macao Gaming Show is a growing expo with huge ambitions. And why not? It's run by the vastly influential Macau industry, and represents the most explosive region in world gaming and gambling. Intent on joining the top table of industry exhibitions, MGS has set its stall out on expansion, both in numbers and sectors. So, can the Brits make capital on this: Is Macau offering a land of opportunity for UK businesses? f the message wasn’t already being transmitted loud and clear, the success of the recent Macao Gaming Show (MGS) clearly indicates that this Chinese peninsula is the place to be. Despite a recent dip in growth - albeit still knocking on the double digits door! - the thirst for gaming in China’s special administrative region remains unquenchable,as was evidenced

by Macau’s second major trade show.The number of exhibiting companies rose by 30 percent to 146, while visitor traffic soared from 8,000 to 15,000 people - not a bad starting point for an event run by the local market but with huge international aspirations.

The presence of UK exhibitors, representatives and conference delegates - modest at this stage but still significant - indicates that British companies are taking stock of the vast potential. Last week, these included not only representatives from the gaming manufacture and supply sectors, but also British firms who serve the demands of Macau’s multifaceted tourism industry. Bearing in mind the considerable wealth of the region,the appearance of car companies Lotus and Aston Martin, who dominated areas of the floor with expensive vehicles, nestled into the show with the comfort one would expect from such a luxury item.

Opportunities to support the needs of Macau’s humungous casinos are rife and as MGS expands - and virtually every gaming authority knows it will - the opportunity for British companies who provide everything from security systems to kiddy rides will soon be emerging in China’s gambling hub.

A concerted effort on the part of the major casino operators to pursue mass market visitors over the traditionally popular VIP sector delivers new areas of growth for UK companies, who are well practiced in appealing to the man on the Clapham omnibus.With both G2E Asia in May and the return of MGS in November, 2015 could be the year that the UK contingent fully embraces the potential offered by the biggest and brightest star in gaming’s global constellation.

I

NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2014

Content feature Next Week

UK casts a watchful eye over Macao Gaming Show aming professionals from throughout the world, including G representatives from the UK, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Cambodia and the US, attended the second edition of the Macau Gaming Show last week, which comprised a record 146 exhibitors occupying more than 13,000sq.m of stand space.

“A fantastic celebration of gaming in Asia,” is how Jay Chun, chairman of trade body MGEMA, described the event at The Venetian in Macao.

Reflecting on the exhibition, Chun said: “Macao Gaming Show has made significant progress over the last 12 months. This week, we have welcomed a strong contingent of international visitors to Macao Gaming Show and delegates to our

co-located Macao Gaming Summit which has debated the key topics impacting gaming in Asia.”

Exhibitors with a UK interest included Crane Payment Innovations, Futurelogic, Global Cash Access, Inspired Gaming, JCM Global, Sega Sammy and TCS John Huxley.

“MGS is the only show that is truly representative of the Asian gaming industry. Our task is to build on the success of 2014 and continue the development of MGS as one of the world’s ‘must attend’ gaming events.”

The third edition of the Macao Gaming Show (2015) will be held at the Venetian on November 17-19 November 2015.

Coinslot NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2014

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Unique coin-op models of any kind aren’t seen every day. But a fully animatronic construction site built out of Lego and complete with moving workmen may well be a coin-op first. With a joystick to control its miniature crane, and buttons to move a mining car and dumpertruck, the one-of-a kind model is being sold on handmade by the store All Things Pretty.

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With the completion of Scientific Games’ buyout of Bally Technologies, SG Gaming has the weight of one of the gaming industry’s largest business entities behind it.

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Including its £0.96m 2013 take-over of slot-machine manufacturer WMS Industries, Scientific Games now consists of 10 separate business components serving the slot machine, lottery, casino and venue management sectors.

Scientific’s chairman, billionaire Ronald Perelman, explained to the assembled gaming commission how the merger would aid the range of both companies’ product distribution.

“I think the answer is one word - content,” he said. “These two companies provide a great base to distribute content across a greater platform and that’s what our customers want to see.”

APPOINTMENTS

South America.

“Over the last year Suzo-Happ has almost doubled in size,” commented James Brendel, CEO of Suzo-Happ. “As we continue executing our growth strategies, it is essential to have the right management teams and leadership in place throughout the organisation.”

egulators have provided the final nod to SG Gaming’s parent company, Scientific Games, to take over US slot-machine giant Bally Technologies.

Thursday, 20 November saw the Nevada Gaming Control Board take less than 45 minutes to unanimously recommend approval of the bid, which will see Scientific pay £53.15 per Bally share, placing a total value on the purchase of £2.1bn. Scientific is also assuming £1.2bn of debt in the transaction.

Announced in July, the acquisition places SG Gaming as part of the world’s most diversified global gaming groups.

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RECRUITMENT BELL-FRUIT SEEKS NEW TEAM-LEADER UK manufacturer Bell-fruit Games is seeking a suitable individual Leading

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Innovative going global Products from UK-based cash handling expert Innovative Technology will be hitting South Africa in the near future, via the company’s new Johannesburg trading partner, MP Gaming. In addition to locally supplying Innovative’s bank note validators, recyclers and ticketing products, MP will also be offering local sales and support assistance to South African customers.

SG REQUIRES SITE MANAGER Gaming is seeking a new site manto aid the maximisation of prodSuctGager, performance across their customers’ estates.

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RON PERELMAN, CHAIRMAN OF SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Regulatory approval heralds the closing stages of one of two major buyouts to shake-up the global gaming market in 2014. July also saw the announcement that Italian lotteries conglomerate GTech Holdings would acquire established US gaming manufacture International Game Technology for £4.08bn. The latter transaction is still pending and forecast for closure in early 2015.

CONTENT BLUEPRINT INKS DIGITAL DEAL lueprint Gaming has signed a deal with gaming technology solutions B provider Comtrade to supply its games

to fill the role of head of material control at their Nottingham headquarters.

The occupant of the new permanent role will oversee a team of three material controllers and will report to the company’s logistics manager.

to mobile and flash clients via Blueprint’s Remote Game Server. The supplier deal will allow Comtrade’s licensed operators to gain access to a large swathe of Blueprint’s popular content, including Wish Upon a Jackpot, Casper and Plants versus Zombies.

“Comtrade Gaming is rapidly gaining acknowledgement as a leading provider for gaming platforms,” said Matt Cole, managing director for digital gaming at Blueprint Gaming. “This partnership will give us access to their existing client base, but more importantly it means we can be an essential supplier as [Comtrade’s] iCore platform roles out in new markets.”

SOUNDNET THE DIGITAL JUKEBOX SPECIALISTS

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tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been over 12 months since Gauselmann change-machine subsidiary GeWeTe established a landed presence in the UK, and business seems to be thriving. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2014 has been a great year for GeWeTe, especially in the UK,â&#x20AC;? comments Mark Edmundson, sales manager UK and Ireland at GeWeTe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have installed more of our PC based machines than in previous years and as the expansion of TITO continues we are well placed to offer a very flexible, secure cash handling system to support it.â&#x20AC;?

Whilst still administered from Germany, GeWeTe has locked down the core products driving regional UK-centric business. Edmunson used the Autumn Coin-op Show to bring these products to bare: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We focused on the core products

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for the UK: the Cash Recycler, Coin Recycler, Cash Centre Compact and WGS200,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They generated a lot of interest and orders across the two days.â&#x20AC;?

This ongoing success has translated into one sure sign of growth - a drive for recruitment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our plan was always to expand the company,â&#x20AC;? says Edmundson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having increased our market share not only in the traditional sector of gaming and amusement and outside it, we now need additional skills to support our customers.â&#x20AC;?

All this bodes well not only for GeWeTe, but also for the health of the sector job-market. As Edmundson attests, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to grow the UK division of the group in the near future.â&#x20AC;?

both an engaging and challenging title in Skill Snooker.

Players select which stake theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to play, are allocated a random number of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;chalksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (equating to play attempts), and after â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breakingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, must attempt to skill stop first a red ball, and then one of the six

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Developed in strict accordance to current UK legislation, Skill Snooker is a worthy entry into the SWP market.

AGC/BINGO A WHOLE NEW MARKET 10” Plus Tab device from Wexel sees the company bring TlinkedheGaming bingo and Cat C content in the form of an AGC tablet.

Utilising their BLIS system, Plus Tab offers players the latest in the growing linked Bingo experience, as well as lo-tech slots gaming, Rapido Bingo and Poker Plus, all of which can be optionally downgraded to Cat D to take advantage of lower machine-games duty.

With a constant online player base and free of the demands for machine floorspace, Wexel are confident that Plus Tab will further open up linked bingo to the UK high street.

17

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Background tunes

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The Icon: BGM continues to be a front-line contender in background music provision. NSM Music continue to offer the tablet-based jukebox, which offers an extensive music library along with the option for licencefree content.

LED kiddie ride Gogo Pony garnered significant interest on the JNC Sales stand at the Autumn Coin-op Show last month.

The ride has its little passengers either ‘steer’ their charge through an in-built video landscape, or simply lets them enjoy the gentle rocking motion of the ride itself.

Astra Games’ House of Fortune continues to be a top-seller for the Novomatic subsidiary. Since September, the Cat C title its £100 jackpot in a classic three-reel format, with multi-stake options of 30p, 50p and £1.

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EXHIBITIONS EAG ISSUES REGISTRATION REMINDER ith its promise of three days packed with new products, relevant seminars W and unparalleled networking opportunities, EAG 2015 is set to attract industry professionals from over 60 countries. The show organisers are now offering a badge mailing service to those who pre-register online, ensuring immediate access to the show floor on arrival at ExCel. Visitors registering prior to January 7, 2015 and residing in the UK will enjoy the convenience of having their badges sent directly to their nominated address. From this date, online registration will continue to be available right up to the EAG, with badges available for collection at the show’s registration desks. Registrants for the event will also be able to use their badges to access the Visitor Attraction Expo, which runs alongside EAG.

WISH UPON A BONUS BLUEPRINT

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he magic of fruit machine entertainment has been captured by Blueprint Gaming in their latest addition to the Cat C market, Wish Upon a Bonus. This new £100 jackpot community game is comes in a two or three-player format, containing four standalone games lead by the eponymous Wish Upon a Bonus. The machine, which made its debut at the recent Autumn Coin-op Show, takes advantage of the high resolution graphics of the Chrome Genie Cabinet. Other available games include Genie Jackpots and Luck of the Irish Hot Slots. In designing these new titles, Blueprint took inspiration from the most successful games in across multiple machine categories.

ROYAL £100 REFLEX GAMING

perators are often looking for something ‘different’ - a new and exciting O element to add into the mix of the tried and the tested. The Royal £100 digital compendium from Reflex Gaming may well be just that. Housing ten Cat C titles within its singular Video Atom cabinet, Reflex offers the unit on a two-year rental basis in which fresh content, including hitech and slot-style games, will automatically be provided electronically. As a product, the games are designed to move through retailer rent bands in much the same way as a reel-based title. Once the initial rental period has ended, customers simply return their old machine to Reflex.

CLUBBING TOGETHER INTERCLUB LOTTERIES

ocal lotteries have long been a mainstay of UK clubs and with Interclub’s Lrange of of Flexitab products the future looks bright for this well loved tradition.

The machines, which dispense lottery tickets from between one and four columns, are designed not only to be fun for players to use, but to help fruit machine operators protect their sites from competitors who can offer a pull-tab style lottery. The Flexitab machines all come with NV10 note acceptors fitted as standard, with notes becoming a increasingly popular way of paying for tickets. These products are also licensed except in clubs, helping these venues to continue the 30 year tradition of lottery club fundraising.

Coinslot NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2014

2396-p18-19-Analysis_Coinslot NEW 25/11/2014 16:51 Page 1

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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 4 5 3 7 8 6 9 10

DOND Winfall BFG DOND Box 23 BFG Hot Shots REF DOND Midas Touch BFG DOND Best Offer BFG Worminator QPS DOND Powerplay BFG Mega Rich BFG Hit the Dracpot REF Fiddle A Fortune REF

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

1 3 2 4 5 7 6 8 9

Slotto 500 Astra Triple 8 Barcrest Wish Upon A Slot Blueprint Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics Mega Bars Big Hit Project Triple 7 Barcrest King of Slots Blueprint A Bet £100 Astra TS22 Project Lady Luck Reflex

MUSICCHARTS

AGCs

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 Ultimate Project Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming Bullion Bars Streak Astra Timeless Tic Tac Toe Fair Games/CMS

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 -

Members clubs

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest Magic Games U/R Novomatic Free Play 70 Project Pure Gold Project Find The Lady 70 Project Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Win Wall Astra Sevens Up Electrocoin Party Games (4 Player) Astra DOND Cops and Robbers Bellfruit

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

Coinslot NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2014

www.soundnet.net

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Highest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxes This Last Week Week

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 4 3 7 8 5 6 -

Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran All About That Bass Meghan Trainor Changing Sigma feat. Paloma Faith Shake It Off Taylor Swift I Don't Care (Clean) Cheryl Blame Calvin Harris feat. John Newman Bang Bang Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj All Of Me John Legend Budapest George Ezra Don’t Tell ‘Em (Clean) Jeremih feat. YG

Albums

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

FEC - adult 1 2 3 4 5 6 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 Monopoly (4 Player) Mazomma Adders And Ladders(4 Player) Vivid Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire Goldrush Stampede (4 Player) Barcrest Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra Full house Empire

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Interstellar The Imitation Game Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?

Mr Turner The Drop Gone Girl The Book of Life Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fury Ouija

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

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

1 2 3 8 4 7 6 -

THE IMITATION GAME

1 2 4 6 3 5 7

This Last Week Week

ONE DIRECTION: FOUR

Best of British Reflex Flamin’ 400 Reflex Jackpot 100 Barcrest DOND Live BFG Street Casino 2014 Storm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

3 4 1 2 6 10 -

Four One Direction X Ed Sheeran In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith The Endless River Pink Floyd Sonic Highways Foo Fighters It’s The Girls Bette Midler 1989 Taylor Swift Wanted on Voyage George Ezra Nothing Has Changed - The Very Best Of David Bowie Home Sweet Home Katherine Jenkins

Downloads This Last Week Week

Based on data from representative sites.

Supplied by sector professional

BAND AID 30: DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 4 9 1 -

Do They Know It’s Christmas Band Aid 30 Real Love Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne Wrapped Up Olly Murs ft Travie McCoy Dangerous David Guetta ft Sam Martin Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran Steal My Girl One Direction Blank Space Taylor Swift Wake Me Up Gareth Malone’s All Star Choir 6 Words Wretch 32 Wait On Me Rixton

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20

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B 2 B

Technical Support Engineer The company & Role: GeWeTe the specialist cash handling solutions provider and due to the rapid expansion of the customer and machine install base in the UK & Ireland we have a vacancy for an experienced Technical Support Engineer You will be required to cover the UK and Ireland for both the traditional and nontraditional sectors: s Undertaking machine installations, staff training and technical support on our wide range of machines, including our Merkur Kids range s Provide onsite technical support to maintain the equipment to a very high standard s Provide technical support via our Service Hotline as required s Organise parts to and from customers / suppliers You will be a vital part of the growing Team for the UK division of the company, and as part of the Gauselmann Group of companies you will be part of a major Group supplying a wide range of products and services throughout the world Desired Skills: s Previous experience with cash handling equipment / gaming equipment s On site / field experience with strong customer service skills s Possess strong PC skills s Ability to diagnose to pcb level, or component level s Excellent communication skills s Excellent time management s Ability to work away from home as required s Full UK driving licence We are offering an attractive salary and benefits, to apply please email Mark Edmundson at MEdmundson@gewete.com

Business Development Executive Competitive package including company car

connected

entertainment

Connected Entertainment (Part of the NRM group of companies) is a leading provider of PC based entertainment solutions to the UK Holiday Park, Bingo, Pub and club sectors.

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Interested applicants should in the first instance send your CV and a covering letter (in confidence) to: HR@connectedentertainment.co.uk Coinslot NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2014

21

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2396-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 25/11/2014 11:14 Page 1

22

Coinslot November 28 - December 4, 2014

Comment Bingo landscape could change radically

Free house or full house?

alex lee comment ubco Greene King’s recent application for a licence to provide bingo in pubs hit the headlines in Coinslot recently as did its subsequent rejection, followed swiftly by its appeal against the decision. If Greene King is successful in its appeal, the UK soft gambling landscape will change markedly - one way or another. For a start, the pubco has more than 1,000 venues in the UK. Secondly, will its potential bingo offering cannibalise existing traditional bingo clubs or actually extend the game’s audience and make its appeal more universal among adults?

Greene King clearly believes the concept of a ‘bingo pub’ is a pretty neat idea, while the notion of having bingo in a pub to some is as alien as (cough) setting out to be family friendly and relying just as heavily on meals as booze to boost the bottom line.

If, and of course it’s currently a big ‘IF’, Greene King was to be awarded a licence from the Gambling Commission, the pubco could just as easily offer the size of prizes associated with the National Bingo game as offered by the UK’s major bingo operators Nick Arron, from licensing specialist Poppleston Allen, told Coinslot:“What I suspect is that all the other pub groups are watching

P

“

this case very carefully.”

He went on to say:“There are so many suburban pubs which have free space which could be ideal for this kind of activity. The Gambling Commission is concerned about a ‘floodgates’ scenario.”

Indeed, the Commission predicted as many as 60,000 pubs may be up for hosting bingo. Arron, however, believes that a few hundred sites could spring up - if Greene King’s appeal is upheld - at absolute best.

Still, the question remains: “Just how popular is bingo?”

My hope is that the answer is “Extremely popular.” I shudder to think what could happen otherwise.

While I’m all for getting more people into pubs, and by default, more playing AWPs, SWPs, jukeboxes and pool tables, but will pubs with bingo drop their coinop offering like a hot potato?

When you consider that if Greene King’s appeal is successful there will be nothing to stop all the other major pubcos following suit, only time will tell as to whether bingo is‘the’soft gaming pastime for the UK public or whether, ironically, it will simply cause a new acceleration in traditional bingo hall closures and, just as bad, see single site operators have even less pubs in which to position their machines.

London theme park is of Param

In six years’ time Lon Chatham in Kent is to continues to rule the

alex lee media watch firm behind the upUK Paramount Tresorthecoming is aiming to drive the project forward, according to Attractions Management. The Paramount Park is expected to feature themed attractions including The Italian Job, Star Trek and Mission Impossible London Resort Company Holdings Ltd, the company behind the proposed £2bn entertainment resort in the south east of England, is hoping to drive the project forward with its debut at the 2014 IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida.

The resort - scheduled to open in 2020 and currently moving through the planning process having been classified as a project of national significance by the British government - will feature a theme park, waterpark, sports facilities, an entertainment street, staff training academy and 5,000 hotel rooms.

LRCH director Fenlon Dunphy said the company delegation - also comprising director David Testa and IP expert

Teri Ruffley - would use its week at IAAPA to have a small number of meetings with potential suppliers, exchange ideas and continue to build momentum behind the fast moving project.

Dunphy added that the week would provide the ideal opportunity to showcase the project to the rest of the attractions industry and provide an overview of its progression.

“We are delighted to be attending this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo. 2014 has been hugely positive in terms of realising our vision for the London Paramount Entertainment Resort,” he said.

“We have received nationally significant status from the British government and are pressing ahead with our planning application for the project, which will be submitted autumn of next year. We have also progressed discussions with prospective commercial partners, in addition to Paramount Pictures with whom we hold an exclusive licence.”

Meanwhile, Medway Council and the Association of British Bookmakers launch new measures to tackle gambling in Chatham, according to Kentonline.co.uk, where gamblers will be able to exclude themselves from betting shops.

Medway Council, the ABB and gambling and gaming operators will launch the pilot project in Chatham next month.

The measures will then be rolled out to shops across the locality. When a customer indicates they wish to self-exclude from a gambling outlet, they will be given help by the council and encouraged to ban themselves from every participating shop nearby. Previously they had to ban themselves from each shop individually.

Gamblers who sign up will be asked to provide photographs and personal details which will be passed on to shop staff who will watch out for them.

The launch of the scheme follows a campaign to tackle gambling in the area, with particular concerns about fixed

2396-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 25/11/2014 11:14 Page 2

Coinslot November 28 - December 4, 2014 23

“Major new research into the effects of violent movies and video games has found no longterm links with real-life violence. The methodology of previous laboratory studies, which have used spikes in short-term aggressive behaviour to suggest a causal relationship between screened and real-life violence have also been questioned in the report.”

8

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: al@sjc.co.uk

KEITH STUART, THE GUARDIAN

“ ”

quote unquote

“On the websites of Britain’s bookmakers gamblers can bet around the clock on anything from soccer in Azerbaijan to financial market fluctuations, while others in betting shops feed high-stake machines that can devour £300 a minute.”

STAFF WRITER, ECONOMIC TIMES

“This change (to market rent only) effectively breaks the ‘beer tie’, which has served Britain’s unique pub industry well for nearly 400 years. It would hugely damage investment, jobs, and results in 1,400 more pubs closing, with 7,000 job losses - as the government’s own research shows. There are serious legal and competition issues which must be faced, as it rides roughshod over what are previously agreed contracts, and creates an unworkable, two-tier market. I hope Parliament will rethink as the bill continues its progress.”

BRIGID SIMMONDS, BBPA

“Your local fun zone, amusements centre and theme park is facing an existential challenge these days. They need to lure you off your sofa with your high resolution, interactive video games and into their world of fun - real life fun. A decade or two ago, folks went to theme parks big and small to experience the latest in entertainment and technology. Now, attractions need to come up with something better than the amazing quality of entertainment you can get on your computer or TV.” TAMARA LUSH, CANADA.COM

Paramount importance

years’ time London will be home to a £2bn movie-themed entertainment resort, am in Kent is to pilot a scheme in conjunction with the ABB and bulk vending ues to rule the roost in the US.

odds betting terminals dubbed the ‘crack cocaine’ of betting.

Last year, the Medway Responsible Gambling Partnership was set up, consisting of representatives from the council and the gambling industry, to discuss local issues around gambling and come up with ways of fixing problems.

Perry Holmes, the council’s assistant director of legal and corporate services, said: “We are pleased all the partners have agreed to establish a localised self-exclusion scheme in Chatham on a pilot basis and look forward to seeing how the measures contained within both the pilot and the wider agreement work to reduce gambling harm in Medway.”

The measures are designed to help people like Muhammad Jahanpanah who took betting giant Coral to court after his gambling habit cost him £250,000, his home and his marriage.

And finally, operators offering simple bulk vending - and only bulk vending - can still make it on the street in the US, according to the Vending Times.

The biggest challenge, owner Scot Clayborn explained, is keeping product costs down around the 30 per cent range. “There are certain things that never quit selling, like high-bounce balls, but new toys keep coming out,” he said. “The toy mix is what you have to keep changing.”

Adding to On the Ball’s profitability is the company’s refurbishing shop.

This facility not only keeps the company’s own machines looking good, but also has grown into a profitable side business. “We started selling used equipment in 2008. And that money has helped grow our

route business,” said Clayborn. “We do everything. We get machines in, strip them down, powder-coat them and put in new coin mechs, new wheels and new globes. By the time we get done, they look like new machines.”

Clayborn is well aware that he’s bucking several current trends, among them higher vend prices and equipment diversification, but so far his concentration on the industry’s traditional core seems to be paying off. In an age when route operators of all sizes are struggling, his back-tobasics approach, coupled with stringent cost control, has proved itself to be a reliable formula for expansion. Clayborn is the first to admit there is nothing remarkable about his approach to bulk vending, except the impressive success that it has afforded him.

Abolition of beer tie should be celebrated Adrian Bailey, Labour MP for West Bromwich West, has praised the new clause 2 ruling of the Pub Industry Statutory Code, which has abolished the ‘beer tie’.

adrian bailey politics shall confine my remarks to new clause 2, because that very wellIresearched clause is consistent with nearly 10 years of successive recommendations from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, and because it will address an issue that all the other proposals have failed to address: the unfair relationship between the pubco and the tenant.

That unfairness, and the need to redress it, was spelt out to me in a letter that I received from a tenant, who wrote:“The pub company wins all the time, they get a share of the games machines, the pool table, the rent and they also put £30-£50 on top of each barrel so we pay a lot more for our beer than buying it off a wholesaler or warehouse.”

The government’s last consultation received an enormous number of responses, and it took them a long time to reach their conclusions. I therefore see no grounds for any further consultation.

The issue here is the deeply entrenched position of the BBPA, which has consistently paid lip service to the BIS Committee recommendations for the introduction of a voluntary code while dragging its feet and procrastinating at every stage of the procedure.There is no reason to believe that any further consultation over the next two years will make any difference whatsoever.

Many people would describe the closing of 27 pubs a week, which is happening at this moment,as a pretty disastrous scenario. I do not pretend that all the closures are a direct result of the beer tie or that all the pubs are owned by pubcos, but those are undoubtedly major factors in a high proportion of the closures.

While the market rent only option will not solve all the problems by itself, it is an essential part of the regulatory machinery that could poten-

tially do so.The proposals for a code and an adjudicator are welcome, but without a mechanism such as market rent only, they will not be sufficient in themselves to change the fundamental imbalance in the relationship of which I spoke earlier.The market rent only option, as spelt out by the new clause, provides a mechanism that should give some reassurance to the industry while addressing the core problem.

I understand the government’s circumspection about introducing a “big bang” approach, given that such a mechanism could undermine pub companies and lead to even more pub closures. I think that it would give more entrepreneurial bodies an opportunity to buy pubs and run them successfully, but I agree that there are no certainties. I do believe, however, that the incremental and graduated approach proposed in new clause 2 will enable the market rent only option to be introduced over a period that will give the industry a good chance of adapting and making the necessary changes. I believe that it will preserve the core of the industry, while addressing the worst excesses of the injustices that are currently endemic in it.

We know that behind every closure there is a personal story of people investing their life savings and working all hours and then having to close their businesses because the imbalance in the fundamental economic relationship between them and the pub company was so unfair that they just could not keep going. If we add to the personal tragedies that are happening in our constituencies every day of the week the loss to local communities of pubs, which are community hubs, we realise that there is a problem that has to be sorted, and this is our best ever chance of sorting it.

2396-p24-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 25/11/2014 16:05 Page 1

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Coinslot November 28 - December 4, 2014

Newsweek WHERE EAST MEETS WEST urkey’s international amusement expo, ATRAX, will be looking to build its international audience this year. Now in its third term, the three-day Amusement, Attraction and Park Industry Exhibition will commence on 4 December at the Istanbul Expo Centre, with the theme: “The Future of the Amusement Industry is Glittering”. Last year saw attendance numbers rise 20 per cent on the show’s debut outing, with a total of 183 companies from 24 different

T

8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Twenty years of vending to be celebrated at AGM Museum, alongside a series of conference talks on topics as diverse as coffee, fiscal policy and branding.

Part of the proceedings will include a celebration of the Association’s two decades of progress, looking back on the group’s lobbying successes and the establishment of its own trade event in 2003.The retrospective will also cover the EVA’s pivotal role in the creation of the Worldwide VendingAssociation,with the aim of easing global collaboration among the vending industry.

elebrations for the 20th year anniversary of the European VendingAssociation (EVA) are set to form the centrepiece of the group’s upcoming AGM. Since its founding in 1994, the group has been representing the interests of Europe’s vending industry from its base in Brussels.

The Belgian capital is also the location for this year’s annual meeting, held at the city’s Hotel Le Plaza on 11 December 2014.

The day will include both a cocktail and dinner event at the the Belgian Comics

C

provides full, unlimited access to all its rides. It’s like Christmas came early.

countries exhibiting their products and services, including Sega and AMF Bowling.

THE LATEST IN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING RESEARCH

THRILLER THURSDAYS s the first true chills of winter begin to bite, Brighton Pier has decided to inject a little fun into our lives. For pier vis-

A

itors, every Thursday in November is ‘Thriller Thursday’, with guests paying just £5 for a wrist-band which

he Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT) will be holding its second annual Harm Min-

T

imisation conference on Wednesday 10 December.

The focus of this year’s programme will be a body of independent research into gaming machines located in licensed betting offices.

Marc Etches, chief executive, Responsible Gambling Trust, said: “The research is complex, there is a lot of it and it will require careful

thought and consideration by all concerned.

The Harm Minimisation Conference provides an opportunity for the research team to present their work and explain their findings in their own words.”

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

Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748 Email: jsullivan@gbmedia.eu OFFICES Editorial and Production: 3rd Floor, 20 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UF (UK) Tel: 01273 699 900 Advertising and Subscriptions: Coinslot International, Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY Tel: 01204 396 397 Fax: 01204 392 748

Calendar DECEMBER 2014 4-6 Amusement, Attraction & Park Industry Exhibition (ATRAX) Istanbul Expo Centre Istanbul Turkey www.atraxexpo.com

JANUARY 2015 13-15 EAG International Expo ExCeL London ExhibitionCentre, London UK www.eagexpo.com 13-15 Visitor Attractions Expo (VAE) ExCeL London Exhibition Centre, London UK www.attractionsexpo.co.uk

13-16 IMA 2014 Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre Düsseldorf Germany www.ima-messe.com

20-22 The Toy Fair 2014 Grand Hall Olympia London UK www.btha.co.uk/toy-fair

FEBRUARY 2015 1-5 Spring Fair NEC Birmingham UK www.springfair.com

2-4 ICE Conferences ExCel London UK www.icetotallygaming.com/conferences

3-5 ICE Totally Gaming ExCel London UK www.icetotallygaming.com 11-15 IAAPI Amusement Expo Bombay Exhibition Centre Mumbai India www.iaapi.org

Opinions expressed in this publication should not be regarded as the official view of GB Media Corporation Ltd, except where stated.

Views, opinions and recommendations contained in this publication are put forward for consideration only. No action should be taken in reliance upon any such views, opinions or recommendations. Neither GB Media Corporation Ltd nor contributors accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person howsoever caused or arising as a result of or in consequence of action taken or refrained from in realiance on the contents of this publication.

Notes for contributors: Coinslot welcomes the submission of articles for consideration by the editor with a view to publication. Submission of an article will be held to imply that the article contains original unpublished work which GB Media Corporation Ltd may lawfully publish. All submissions are made at the owner’s risk. © GB Media Corporation Ltd, 2014 All rights strictly reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission given, full acknowledgement of author, publisher and source must be given.

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