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March 6 – March 12, 2015 • No. 2410 • www.coinslot.co.uk

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COINSLOT

Industry news Seaside amusements Irish Gaming Show B2B Listings Latest machine charts Classified ads and opps Comment & Analysis Newsweek

AMUSEMENTS

4 10 13 17 18 20 22 24

“If the half term is anything to go by then I believe summer will be quite a boost. It’s long overdue - in previous years we have had the footfall but not the spend per head.” 8

Cashino achieve positive Net Pro AGC

Independent market research has revealed that Cashino customers are keen to spread the word about their positive experiences.

The majority of Cashino customers visit at least once per week, prefer simple Bar X style products over branded games, are unlikely to play slot machines online,spend at least one hour on site per visit and have a pronounced willingness to recommend the brand to friends, family or work colleagues. The findings are part of an extensive face-to-face market research survey conducted amongst 433 respondents at 30 Cashino venues spread throughout the country.The independent research was undertaken by Storecheckers, who boast Timpsons, Pets at Home, Madame Tussauds and Manchester United amongst their client base. Following a similar exercise conducted 12 months previously, the Storechecker research findings enable the company to plot changes in the responses and to identify trends in the way individuals perceive their customer journey.The Net Promoter Score (NPS), a universally adopted customer service metric used by flagship organisations including Amazon, Apple, eBay and Lego, measures the willingness of respondents to recommend the brand based on the experience of their last visit. The findings show that Cashino’s NPS jumped 10 percent year-on-year reaching 32 percent. According to the research Cashino’s NPS score compares favourably with a number of flagship businesses that have many years’experience of this metric. The importance of customer service in high street gaming has been put into sharp relief, with the top three words used by respondents to describe their venue coming in as Friendly (16 percent of respondents), Fun (8 percent) and Clean (4 percent). Significantly, Gambling was only referred to by 1 percent of the sample. Cashino staff secured a

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ESSENTIAL GUIDE

INDUSTRY

Killer Queen: guaranteed to blow your mind?

Budget: Industry thinking outside of the box 4

8 March 6 - March 12, 2015 • No. 2410 • www.coinslot.co.uk

ieves increase in Promoter Score

Double digit growth cements Gala Coral status BINGO

Gala Bingo owner, Gala Coral, has announced strong Q1 results, with retail bingo joining the company’s online business in driving an 11 percent increase. It may be a healthy rise in the marketplace, but what tests will the new government bring on the regulatory front? he Gala Coral Group has unveiled its financial results for Q1 2015 and the numbers make positive reading for the casino and bingo operator, marking double digit gains on last year’s figures. Overall EBITDA was up by 11 percent to £6.8m, with the online arm of Gala Coral’s business making a notable contribution. Gross profit rose by 5 percent to £267.4m, with only the British and Italian sports betting divisions failing to make gains. Gala’s retail bingo operations formed a notable part of the company’s success, with sites benefiting from increasing spend-per-head as well as a cut in bingo duty. Profits at these sites amount to an EBIDTA total of £4.8m and a gross profit of £63.7m. This was an increase in EBIDTA of 66 percent over first quarter 2014,which the company attributes to an increase in customer experience investment and the continuation of its ‘everyday low pricing’ policy. Individual customers have been spending more, as a rise in spendper-head at retail bingo operations by 13 percent clearly indicates.This was thanks, in part, to strong machine performance, where income underwent a 9 percent uptick.Gala Coral credit this largely to an increase in the quality of content on B3 machines. These sites did, however, see a drop in low value paper players, implying that the company is more

95 percent satisfaction rating for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency with the quality of the overall customer service, hitting a highly respectable 94 percent. Cashino also compared favourably against other gaming venues. Segmenting the sample into those stating that they played at other gaming establishments (45 percent of the overall sample) 74 percent said that their Cashino experience compared well or very well, a figure which is 4 percent up on last year’s research. Nick Harding, CEO of parent company Praesepe, said: “It’s important to measure how we are performing in the eyes of our customers,particularly when we have an estate which stretches the length and the breadth of the country. I’m particularly pleased at our Net Promoter Score,which

has improved year-on-year and which now stands at a positive 32 percent. I’m told that one highly recognisable consumer brand on the high street registered a minus 9 percent NPS when they began this process.There are a lot of positives that we can take out of this research,but our approach is not to dwell on these but instead to concentrate on those areas and on the venues where the performance is not as strong as I would like to see. We have addressed many of the site specific issues and have been sharing the feedback on machine performance and features with our colleagues in the manufacturing sector. I want everyone connected with Cashino to use the research to keep us on our toes as we pursue our ultimate goal of delivering the best possible journey for our customers throughout the Cashino estate.”

commonly relying on regular customers who not only play bingo,but also reliably make use of gaming machines and other facilities. Gala Coral has continued a much publicised sale of the real estate held by its Propco subsidiary and the adjustment of payable rents, preventing its previously prohibitive expense from halting the company’s 11 percent gain. “The Group has continued to leverage the investments it has made in its key drivers of growth: online, multichannel and Italy,”said Carl Leaver, Gala Coral Group CEO. “This was despite some very poor football margins in both the UK and

Italy. We continued to see very strong growth in our online division, with actives 49 percent ahead in Coral.co.uk and 39 percent ahead in Eurobet.it,driven by successful marketing campaigns. “Coral Connect continues to drive sign-ups to Coral.co.uk in our shops. Connect customers are cheaper to acquire and significantly more valuable than single-channel customers, demonstrating the value of our multichannel platform. On the regulatory front we have continued to work constructively with government and the regulator. However,the forthcoming election brings a degree of uncertainty.”

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Coinslot March 6 - March 12, 2015

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Machine Games Duty: introduction of a new higher rate

Budget 2015: More tax incentives, less red tape tops industry wish list BUDGET 2015

Leading figures from coin-op and finance reveal their hopes for the upcoming budget, as the government prepares to outline its final fiscal forecast just weeks before the general election.

hat could be the most politically charged budget in recent memory is fast approaching, with Chancellor George Osborne due to unveil his claret briefcase on 18 March, less than two months before the general election. For the coin-op industry and many overlapping sectors there are vitally important issues that key players claim must feature front and centre in the government’s plans. “As a manufacturing company, we would hope to see a budget which doesn’t stifle, in any way, the fragile signs of an upturn for the overall economy,” explained Reflex Gaming’s Quentin Stott, “so corporation tax rates, income tax rates and national insurance contributions should be lowered where possible.” But it’s not just on the fiscal side where Stott sees change as necessary; he has also called for the mounting bureaucracy required to operate a successful company to be curtailed. “The huge amount of red tape

required to run a business should also be looked to be reduced,”he said.“For example, the proposal of holiday rates to include standard overtime rates and the impending pension contributions changes are all an extra burden for businesses.” These savings at the manufacturing end of the industry may well be passed on to the high street operator, but for many AGC owners, the real hope is that business rates will come in for some much needed attention.Alex Read of Portman Asset Finance tackled this point head on.“The high street has just been decimated and adult gaming centre operators in the city centre are paying these extortionate rates to the local council, which is making it very hard for them to be viable.” His views are echoed by Stott who has suggested that “a reduction in business rates for the high street - something the whole retail sector is calling for - would be a great help.” At the operational end of the equation, Reflex are also

TAXATION

hoping to see MGD lowered and some statement on the status of a new review of stakes and prizes. Talking ironically in the week when MGD saw a rise in the upper rate bracket, Stott thinks the government needs to think clever when it comes to the taxation strategy.“We need the government to recognise that a triennial review is of utmost important to the softer end of the gambling spectrum,” said Stott, “and there should be no delays from policy makers as we’ve seen in recent times.” “For our wider industry sector, MGD should also be reduced,” he added. “Machine Gaming Duty is at 20 percent of machine income, compared with 15 percent betting duty and 10 percent bingo duty. AGCs are most similar to bingo halls and tax should also be 10 percent.” Stepping into the leisure arena, the pub industry also provides a vital stream of revenue for many coin-op businesses, none more so that jukebox music providers Soundnet.“We are support-

ing the pub industry in their call for a third cut in beer duty in the Budget this year,” explained Toby Hoyt.“Both the BBPA and CAMRA are campaigning for this, and previous cuts have saved at least 1,047 pubs from closing down in the last two years. There are nearly 900,000 jobs supported by UK pubs and over 40 per cent of those working in the pub industry are under 25 year of age. Many people get their first work experience in pubs.” For a business whose stock in trade is music, there’s also a spiritual side to safeguarding the future of British pubs.“With reports of up to 29 pubs a week still closing in the UK, this is a serious issue for our industry as well as for the country and our culture as a whole,” argued Hoyte. “As the number one provider of music to the UK’s pub jukeboxes, Soundnet supports pubs not only as an important market, but also as a place of inspiration and a space to perform, for many music artists.”

Turnover sources for FEC sector, reveals 2014 survey FEC

musements trade body BALPPA has released the preA liminary results from a new survey carried out by its family entertainment centre subgroup. Responses were collected towards the end of 2014, in the hopes of gathering some hard data that would tease out the major trends of the year. The headline figure is a positive one - of the FECs surveyed, 65 percent reported an increase in turnover during the year, when compared with 2013. An encour-

aging 55 percent also said that year-on-year income had also been up during 2013 itself, adding

extra weight to a continued uptick. Looking at the deeper factors behind this financial surge, BALPPA’s inquiries discovered that 44 percent of respondents had seen a revenue increase from admissions, 56 percent from food and beverage sales, while 50 percent reported that income from parties had risen. The statistics were announced by Janice Dunphy (pictured), chair of BALPPA’s FEC subgroup. “What we are seeing is people are invest-

ing more in their food and beverage and offering better quality and that is paying off,” she said. Location appeared to play a major factor in determining an FEC’s success during 2014, with those venues location in town centres and farms seeing an increase in turnover, while those in leisure parks reported flat figures. The real stars of the year were FECs based in industrial units, where 71 percent of operators saw an increase in annual turnover.

Ahead of the incoming alteration to MGD, HMRC has issued a statement confirming the changes which came into effect at the beginning of March. n his 2014 Budget, the Chancellor of the IExchequer announced the introduction of a new rate of Machine Games Duty (MGD). From 1 March 2015 there will be three MGD rates: the lower rate of 5 per cent; the standard rate of 20 per cent; and the new higher rate of 25 percent. This new higher rate will only apply to machines where it can cost more than £5 to play a game. In practical terms this means that the 25 per cent rate will only apply to Category B2 gaming machines that are typically found in betting shops and casinos. The MGD online return service and the MGD 6 (paper return) is being changed to allow customers to account for the higher rate of duty. In the next few weeks HMRC will publish more advice about the changes on its website.

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE

B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK TECHNOLOGY Killer Queen is taking video gaming to a new level in the States. What could it offer the UK? 14

Majestic and Playnation seal server-based contract B3

Majestic Bingo halls are to be fully stocked with serverbased B3 products for the next four years, following a tieup with major operator Playnation.

laynation has agreed a deal with the UK’s third largest bingo provider, Majestic Bingo, to provide machines to 100 percent of its sites across the UK.This deal continues the strides made by Playnation in recent months to grow its server-based gaming business alongside the company’s core family entertainment centres. Under the terms of the agreement, Playnation will supply server-based games to the entire Majestic Estate

for a four year period.This is first time Playnation has entered the bingo sector and marks the continued growth of internet-connect machines in this area, following a similar deal inked recently between Mecca and SG Gaming. “We’re thrilled to be working with Majestic Bingo,” said Playnation’s director of national accounts, Stuart Green (pictured, left), “along with adding further to the success and growth of our server-based games offering. The new partnership means we can continue to develop and enhance our, and Majestic Bingo’s, customer offering, providing the best experience possible.” The machines will also be TiTo compatible, keeping Majestic on the cutting edge of gaming products in the UK marketplace.“We’re delighted to have Playnation as our partner as we launch our first server-

based games TiTo product, a key part of our on-going strategy and driver within our business,” confirmed Mark Jepp (picture, right), managing director of Majestic Bingo.“We’re looking forward to working together as we expand our business,not just in SBG but with further products and initiatives going forward.” The deal will add significantly to Playnation’s current B3 portfolio as they supply Majestic’s fifteen bingo halls. The company, which formed in 2013, currently oversees machines in over 1,500 locations,including holiday parks, bowling alleys, airports, pubs and motorway services stations. Its clients include Butlins, Haven, Pardon and Welcome Break.While that mix is heavily biased towards FEC products, Playnation and is expected to have over 1000 server-based products active by the end of the first quarter 2015.

“Particularly promising are signs of a return to growth in new export orders, vital for balanced growth in the UK.” The EEF attributes falling oil-prices as having contributed to the creation of clement business conditions for British manufacturers. But Matthew Deith of Harry Levy Amusements tells a slightly different story. “From our perspective, it’s been the transport companies themselves

who’ve reaped the most rewards of transit costs,” said the commercial director. Deith intends to expand Harry Levy’s export activity extensively over the next 18 months. “The pound’s expensive at the moment, which might dampen international sales for other manufacturers,” he continued. “We’re fortunate in that we have a niche product, so we’re optimistic regarding growth in that area.”

UK manufacturers see export upturn MANUFACTURING

ritish manufacturing is going from strength to B strength: so suggests a recent survey conducted by the EEF. The research, conducted by the manufacturing trade-body in conjunction with international law firm DLA Pipe, collated feedback from 400 businesses. The resultant findings suggest that the UK’s manufacturing output will grow by 1.7 percent this year, with a sector GDP forecast of 2.8 per cent.

Significantly, the survey also indicated a sizeable increase in export orders, particularly from European customers. “Any concerns that manufacturing activity might wobble at the start of 2015 have been quashed with our latest survey showing that the main output, orders, employment and investment indicators all remained above their long-term average over the past three months,” stated the EEF’s chief economist Lee Hopley.

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“It stands to reason” that a smoking return is good for coin-op PUBS

The theoretical return of smoking to pubs has got tongues wagging about the prospects of a new gaming machine resurgence. Gamestec’s Peter Davies offers a note of cautious optimism.

he smoking ban is often heralded as the death knell for traditional pubs, in addition to providing a major impediment to the gaming machines they traditionally hosted. Delivering a ray of hope is recently released research, which has revealed that the majority of the general public would support the introduction of dedicated smoking rooms into pubs. Gamestec commercial director, Peter Davies believes it could make a tangible difference.“It’s a fact of life that the smoking ban hit pubs, arcades and bingo halls very hard when it was first introduced which had an inevitable impact on coin-op,” he said.“It’s taken

some considerable time for the sector to show any real signs of recovery from that position.If smoking were to be re-introduced to pubs, in a controlled way with specific smoking rooms, it stands to reason that we could see more our lapsed customers returning to play our games.” These new internal smoking rooms might well provide ideal spots for games to be sited. In theory, smoking rooms would be considered as ideal machine positions,” said Davies,“but there is a balance to be struck. Not all machine players are smokers and vice versa. Much depends on the overall ambience of a location and its clientele.”

With smoking gone and the traditional image of a pub retreating, many venues have shifted towards providing food and a more family-oriented atmosphere. Some have argued that if smoking were to make a return, it would redress the imbalance in marketplace, but Davies is not so convinced. “This is really a question for the pub

retailers to answer, but the reality of the situation is that the move towards food-led pubs was underway long before the introduction of the smoking ban in public places.It’s hard to conceive, therefore, that a shift in attitudes towards controlled smoking areas in pubs would alter that.” Gamestec are progressing along different lines and

are experiencing some success in adapting to the new paradigm.“More positively there is less perceived hostility towards machines where food-led pubs are concerned,” said Davies. “Retailers clearly understand and welcome the contribution that innovative coin-op products can make to the overall offer of all their locations.”

Fortune Hunter figures confirm strength in depth

Dundee hailed as UK’s luckiest bingo town

CATEGORY B3

ast week saw Dundee’s bingo-players scoop over L£200,000 in National Bingo

he latest performance figures released by TProject confirm consistently high levels of play appeal across all eight games in the company’s successful B3 compendium, Fortune Hunter 500. Analysis of the data shows that the top four games, half of the compendium offering, account for 63% of play with the differential between game number 1 and number 8 game in the compendium representing a multiple of 3.75, a figure which is much lower than the overwhelming majority of compendium offerings. Explaining the significance of the figures, Project managing director Tony Boulton said: “A lot of compendiums on the

market offer one lead product and an assortment of what I would describe as ‘vanilla games’, which serve no commercial purpose and simply make up the numbers. Our strategy has been to avoid this approach and provide players with a real variety of games, all of which have appeal. Whilst there is always going to be a league table of popularity, a strong compendium should deliver across the offering. The fact that the top half of the Fortune Hunter 500 compendium represents 63% of play and the low multiple between top and 8th, confirms this stand out feature and I believe, explains the success of the product.” Fortune Hunter 500 is

also garnering appeal on a number of other fronts, with operators attracted by the inclusion of the industry standard TiTo protocol as well as Project’s Mi Games Online initiative, which provides access to a

further six new games every 12 months for a charge of £35/week. Operators with existing Casino Kings also receive a free Fortune Hunter 500 upgrade when they complete a Mi Games contract.

BINGO

Game Association (NBGA) prize money - making it the UK’s luckiest bingo city. The association’s figures showed the Scottish city enjoyed 21 ‘house’ wins, amounting to a total net prize sum of £205,833, with one lucky winner banking £25,000 alone. “We are delighted to announce this year’s lucky town results, which showcase where £13,264,412 in prize money has been won in the last 12 months,” stated NGBA chief executive Miles Baron.“There are some real surprises with last year’s winners moving up and down the rankings.” 2013 saw Blackpool top the annual chart, but the seaside resort finds itself in fifth place in the latest figures.

Instead,Stockton-on-Tees was shown to be the 2014 English front-runner, achieving second place in the UK rankings overall, with £173,306 in total prize-winnings. Fleshing out the rest of the top ten was Bolton, Oldbury, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Stirling. Baron was keen to highlight some of the benefits which accompanied an NBGA prize win. “For many winners, their prizes have been life changing,” he claimed.“Stories from our winners have ranged from buying houses and going on their first family holiday, to starting a new career and retiring.”

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IATA bemoan Gambling Bill delays at AGM Jim Rickard, IATA president, spoke out at the association’s AGM about his disappointment in governmental ‘long fingering’ of new gaming legislation.

utation as a legal grey zone and pave the way for larger international companies to enter the Irish market. Rickard stated that the bill had been due for publication in 2015 but appears to have been long fingered again. He emphasised that both he and his fellow officers were doing all they could to persuade the government to speed up the process and deliver the new legislation before the end of this Dail, which will be over by April 2016 at the latest. John Roche, general secretary of the association,joined with the president in expressing his dismay that since the

middle of last year the proposed legislation had hit a roadblock in the Department of Justice. However, he said, IATA would continue its campaign in the hope of some positive political developments in the near future. Roche also gave a full report on the year’s activities, highlighting the involvement of the Association with the Gambling Care Foundation which he sees as an essential service to protect those who have a tendency to overgamble in arcades and other gaming establishments.

Famous bingo game submits to redemption march FEC

n arcade made famous by the BBC comedy A series Gavin and Stacey has announced that its well-worn electronic bingo game, which featured prominently in the show, is to be replaced. The operator of Island Arcade, on Wales’ Barry Island, has told the local press that the ageing machine simply isn’t generating the profit it once did. Co-owner Andrew Phillips and his partner Harry Phillips had previously operated bingo across seven different venues, with the famous Island Arcade version the last to be shuttered. “We are taking it out because it’s no longer popular,” explained Andrew Philips. “It used to be a 40 player game and it used to get

full, but it’s had a decline in the last four to five years. A lot of people used to save up their points. The most popular was the George Foreman grill at 3,850 points and TVs.” The electronic machine replaced an earlier bottle top bingo that stood in the same location, with four generations of the family having called numbers on the site down the years. The prizes that made the game so popular, however, are not on the

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Research firm release in-depth gaming report RESEARCH

usiness analysts Research and Markets B has announced the release

TRADE ASSOCIATION

embers of the Irish Amusement Trades Association (IATA) gathered last week for their annual general meeting in Dublin just a week ahead of the Irish Gaming Show. Those in attendance at the meeting heard president Jim Rickard express his disappointment at the apparent delay in the long awaited Gambling Control Bill. The forthcoming bill, which is set to replace current gaming legislation dating back to the 1950s, has been a mainstay of IATA’s campaigning work over the past decade. Members hope it will overturn Ireland’s rep-

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way out. Phillips will replace the bingo with modern redemption machines. “It is sad, but we have got to move with the times,” he explained. “People want to win tickets and we are a family entertainment centre. We are going to look towards the family more and the family want redemption machines. It was older people and predominantly women who played bingo. Even the regulars stopped coming.”

The meeting was reported to be well attended, and members present complimented the officers of the association on their work over the past twelve months. Each of the officers, including president and long-standing IATA campaigner Jim Rickard,were voted back into office for a successive year.

of its first UK Betting & Gaming Market Report, focusing largely on the trends observed during 2014 in betting shops and bingo halls. The report takes in the leading trends and issues over the past five years and purports to offer an accurate prediction of the market place up to 2018. “While various trends are impacting these different sectors, overall household expenditure on betting and gaming witnessed strong growth of 8.3% in 2013 alone,” notes the report. Bingo also comes under

close individual scrutiny, with the report arguing that,“bingo halls have been faced with falling visitor numbers owing to particularly hot summers encouraging visitors to engage in outdoor leisure activities instead.”The group’s findings also predict that the industry will continue to face legislative threats, but does note that gaming machines are becoming increasingly innovative.

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Resorts amongst property hotspots

Pier Field decision delayed

Saltdean Lido cash granted

A report by Lloyds Bank has listed Clacton and Margate amongst the top 10 new property hotspots in the UK. House sales in Margate were up 46 per cent last year, while Clacton saw a rise of 44 per cent.

East Lindsey District Councillors have delayed a decision on whether to allow a new development including a Premier Inn hotel on land next to Skegness Pier. An extraordinary meeting on the site’s future will now be held on March 9.

The campaign to restore Saltdean Lido has been granted £4.7m by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The money will help reopen the historic Grade II-listed building, which is currently on English Heritage’s At Risk Register, and regenerate the resort.

Operators quietly optimistic after positive half-term

FEC

With the February half-term showing signs that customer confidence is slowly returning, amusements operators are cautiously confident of a good season ahead. easide amusements operators have expressed cautious optimism after experiencing encouraging business results over the February half-term holiday. Footfall around the coast was either on par or up on last year, but more importantly, spend per head has continued its slight climb upwards.

In Southend, Graham Rawlinson, the owner of Fantasia Leisure, said the week had been upbeat,with customers appearing a lot happier than before. He commented: “Whether that was down to the good whether or because they had a bit more money in their pockets given factors like the fall in petrol prices,it’s hard to say.”

Alan Frost, Fantasia’s manager, reported that not only had the arcade’s clientele been spending,but they had been happy to spend as well, and said this could have been due to changes that had been made to its equipment offering. He explained:“We have gone a little bit retro and brought some refurbished older pieces in, like shovers, pushers and 2p games rather than more expensive games. “It appears to have worked. It has created a more family-oriented environment, where people feel able to leave their kids with some money and know they won’t be back in a matter of minutes asking for more. “If the half term is anything to go by then I believe summer will be quite a boost. It’s long overdue - in previous years we have had the footfall but not the spend per head.” Even though Michael Cole didn’t have his Joyland amusement park open, due to being in the middle of its maintenance programme, he was still encouraged with the performance of the site’s American dinerstyle restaurant. He commented:“Although the weather wasn’t as good as the same period last year, we were fractionally up. “In terms of the restaurant, we’ve had a lot more competition open up in the town - a Frankie & Bennie’s and a couple of Brewers Fayre restaurants - so we are more than happy that we still more than held our own with last year’s turnover. Cole said that last year he

saw customers start to open their wallets a little bit wider, and that compared to five or six years ago, spend per head at Joyland had probably gone up by around six or seven per cent. He continued:“We have noticed that more so in the restaurant over the last three or four years.Whether this is because we are getting a different type of customer coming to Yarmouth, or whether the customers that come here have got more money now,is difficult to know.” Paul Cook, senior manager of Enterprise Amusements, which operates four arcades in Paignton,said the half-term week had been on par with expectations “Our expectations aren’t overly high - we just like to see some upward movement in footfall come these periods.We are glad to see that numbers do increase come half-term holidays - if they didn’t we would be worried.” Although he didn’t see a solid rise in spend per head on 2014, Cook has noticed increase in the number of people playing redemption machines. “That has been a trend over the last 12-18 months, so we have positioned ourselves to cater for this demand by increasing the number of redemption machines,”he added “We are only just getting the results from machine take over half-term, but I expect to see the upturn in footfall reflected in them, especially for the new redemption pieces we have brought in this year.”

Pier sections to reopen Parts of Portsmouth’s South Parade Pier could soon reopen according to owner Tommy Ware. The main façade and awning walkway in front of the pier’s amusement arcade could reopen in a fortnight, once work to make the structure safe is completed.

Clacton Pavilion owner exploring further diversification AMUSEMENT PARK

he owner of a popular amusements centre in TClacton has revealed he is exploring a number of ways to enhance the attraction, one of which could be a new water park. William Peak, owner of Clacton Pavilion, which already features an amusement arcade, rides, ten pin bowling and a restaurant, wants Tendring District Council to grant an exclusivity clause on land it owns around the seafront. If approved, it would prevent any future tenants from using it for a water park for five years. Peak said he could not provide any further details of his plans for the attraction while council talks and the planning process was ongoing. He told the East Anglian Daily Times: “We are further developing the Clac-

ton Pavilion site, and for certain attractions that will be going on we will need the commercial comfort to know that we can make the investment without duplication of some of those we are putting in. “We have got various ideas, but we are not pinpointing any particular one. “All coastal towns are looking for new things, and if they want people to invest you need the comfort to do so financially and a period of time that you can have a chance to invest and know for so many years you are not going to get the same thing happening 100 yards down the road.” Council officers have recommended cabinet members back the exclusivity clause to help promote sustainable economic growth in Clacton, particularly along the resort’s seafront, and help encourage tourism.

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Leisure Scunthorpe Leisure park in the offing

Punch Taverns announce new CEO

Development plans are underway to build a new leisure park in Scunthorpe. Restaurant tycoon Raja Adil has snapped up a 2.5 acre swathe of vacant land near the town’s Glanford Park stadium, and has promised “a high level of investment” and “plenty of jobs”. Construction work is expected to commence in the coming months.

Punch Taverns has appointed Duncan Garrood as its next chief executive. Garrood boasts prior experience as president of food at franchise operator MH Alshaya, and as commercial director of UK airport operator BAA plc.

Closed and costly Dumfries and Galloway Council have said the structural defects of Dumfries’ DG One leisure centre “beggar belief”. Opened in 2008 as south-west Scotland’s premier leisure complex, and closed in October 2014, after persistent problems regarding its structural integrity. The concil’s Alex Haswell claimed the estimated cost of requisite repairs could climb to £10m.

Private leisure centre to be demolished Forest of Dean council have ordered that a millionaire accountant’s private leisure complex which he had constructed in his garden - should be demolished, citing planning restrictions. Boasting a bowling alley, cinema room and casino, Graham Wildin built the centre for his five grand-children.

Pubs toast stall in local licensing plan

A battle for Brighton’s skies TOURISM

a war brewing on the Brighton coast, as Ttwohere’s soaring tourist attrac-

LEGISLATION

As the government backs down on its threat to introduce locally administrated licensing fees, the fine print of its consultation indicates that this yet may be one battle in a long war. ub landlords are raising their glasses this week as the government shelves plans to introduce locally-set licensing fees.The proposed scheme would have seen the devolution of charges levied by local authorities. Fees that are primarily collected to recoup costs incurred through administering the licensing system. In advance of making alterations to the Licensing Act 2003, the government set out to contact both councils and publicans.The feedback received revealed that a majority of pub landlords opposed the changes, with fee-payers of all stripes strongly against the con-

cept of locally-set fees. The licensing authorities themselves were said to be “more content with the proposals” and largely agreed with the government that the National Non-Domestic Rating Multiplier should be abandoned and replaced with a system that revolves around a pub’s closing time - dubbed the ‘late terminal hour’ mechanism. The decision to halt these plans has been warmly welcome by the BBPA.“This is great news in not moving ahead with locally set fees, the government deserves our thanks for listening to our concerns,” said its chief execu-

tive, Brigid Simmonds. “Such a change would have damaged small community pubs, which the government is rightly keen to support. Pubs do not enjoy any subsidy; they pay hugely into the public coffers through the taxation system, through beer and other alcohol duties, business rates, and a host of other taxes, which is why we are campaigning for more business rates reforms for pubs and a third beer duty freeze in the March Budget.” Although the government has made no formal declaration of its intent, there are hints within its consultation report that the

issue could be reopened in future.The Coalition’s decision to halt its plans appears to have rested primarily on the lack of data provided by licensing authorities, rather than the largely negative survey response from licence holders. Only 20 of 250 licensing authorities were able to complete a survey of their costs for each fee-paying process, a low number which was mirrored in an earlier request for information during which only 17 authorities responded. Without concrete data on exactly how much the licensing process is costing local government,Westminster is unable to make

an informed decision on the status of licensing fees. “Additionally,” notes the report, “the limited response from local government implies that not all licensing authorities have the necessary capacity to estimate their costs, which is a pre-requisite for setting fees.” It also notes, however, that Westminster is, “now inviting local government…to provide representative and up-to-date evidence of licensing authorities’ costs in delivering licensing functions, and their capacity to measure them.” Indicating that the war against locally set fees may be far from complete.

tions, the temporary Brighton Wheel and the yet to be completed i360 tower, begin a slanging match over whether the ferris wheel will be permitted to remain on the seafront. Chiefs from the i360 camp argue that during negotiations, the council had assured them that the Wheel would make way for the £35m viewing platform. Now the Wheel’s owners are claiming that they have no obligation to depart before the i360 opens later this year. They suggest that the high flyers could co-exist, with enough tourists visiting Brighton and Hove to accommodate both attractions. The issue may be moot, as the Wheel’s continued existence depends on the renewal of a lease during 2015, with a council spokesman telling the Brighton Argus that, “everyone understood at the time the wheel’s presence to be temporary.”

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Coinslot March 6 - March 12, 2015

Business Varney of ‘antibusiness’ rhetoric The chief executive of Merlin Entertainments has been critical of what he views as recent “anti-business rhetoric” from political quarters. Nick Varney attributed these sentiments to “a lack of understanding across all the parties and a life as career politicians.”

Profit falls at William Hill The profit of the UK’s largest betting shop operator fell by more than £3m in 2014, despite an increase in machine-game revenue. William Hill, which operates 2,362 retail outlets nationwide, made £196.3m last year, down from the 2013 result of £196.3m. The contraction was ascribed to an increase in cost of sales as well as a lower rate of over-the-counter wagering.

Investments old and new AGC

On the back of an encouraging set of half yearly accounts, Talarius COO Peter Harvey talks to Coinslot about the key initiatives which have helped to boost the company’s profits in recent months. In the first of a two part interview, he turns his focus on two key drivers: machine investment and staff training. alarius has been in a celebratory mood of late, thanks to half year financials which revealed robust growth.The upward trending figures have been particularly pleasing for the company’s management, coming as they do in the wake of a program of venue upgrades and machine investment. Although the strengthening economy can take some of the credit,it seems clear that these high level projects have been paying dividends.

“We have invested significantly in our machine estate over the last twenty four months, and are currently experiencing success with investment in machines that are generally doing well across the country,similar to other operators,” said Peter Harvey, chief operating officer. “This includes robust sales growth in our Category C £100 jackpots and community games, as well as our new B3 machines - both stand-alone and server based.”

This program of investment extends not just to new purchases, but also ensures that Talarius’s existing stock is well maintained. “As exciting as it is to introduce new machines to our venues, it is also important to keep the rest of our estate functioning properly,” confirmed Harvey.“Last year we rolled out a new electronic service system to all of our venues to reduce machine downtime and increase the operational efficiency of the business. Through a live database which acts as a central hub for all engineers and venue managers, the system provides real time updates as engineers are immediately informed of any machine faults logged by venue managers. This enables our team of high calibre engineers to manage their time more effectively and service the needs of the company in a far more efficient manner than was previously possible.” This also hints at the company’s investment in people, which it believes is one of the key factors in its recent success. The program has begun at venue manager level, with the help of a tried and trusted provider.“In the last year, we have been trialling and implementing ‘Management 1st’, a management training programme produced by People 1st, the charity organisation set up to drive performance through people across the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors,” explained Harvey. In addition to growing the ability of his employees, Harvey believes that the

8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu

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Senior businessman urges UK to remain in EU

British MME’s go toeto-toe with Germany

The European president of car manufacturer Ford has claimed that it is ‘critical’ for the UK to remain a part of the EU. Jim Farley told the BBC that the company “really hopes” that were a referendum to take place, the British people would vote in favour of retaining its EU member status.

The UK’s medium-sized manufacturing and services companies are more than holding their own against their German equivalents - according to an HSBC study. The research found that in 2014 the British MME sector grew to constitute 17.2 per cent of all domestic economic activity, compared to 16.3 per cent in Germany.

sheer surprise at learning a whole new set of skills has been beneficial to the Talarius workforce.“Learning is not and should not be restricted to the young,” he argues. “Everyone can and should always be learning something new. Life moves on and customer expecta-

tions certainly never sit still, and this is why continued investment in staff training and development is critical for our colleagues across the business.” The effects of undergoing the course have been tangible. “This training has motivated and empowered our

managers,” said Harvey, “many of whom have been working in our venues for more than 25 years and may previously have felt that there was nothing more to learn. It has enhanced the way our venues are run and the experiences had by our customers, and following

2410-p12-Politics_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 15:03 Page 1

Coinslot March 6 - March 12, 2015

Politics Sanders backs VAT slash Member of Parliament for Torbay Adrian Sanders has joined the call for a cut in UK tourism VAT from 20 to 5 per cent. “A reduction of VAT on travel and tourism would make a huge difference to Torbay, resulting in an extra 336 jobs and an additional £10.6m to the local economy,” he remarked.

New economic plan outlined by Scottish government Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken of a renewed focus upon productivity, amidst the unveiling of the Scottish government’s latest economic strategy. “The gap with the rest of the UK has reduced significantly, but we are still some 13% below Sweden and 20% below Germany,” she stated.

8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu

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PSA poll predicts political deadlock

St David’s Day package fails to impress

A survey of over 500 pollsters, academics and political journalists has forecast that the Conservative and Labour parties will level-peg in the upcoming coming general election. The research suggests the Tories will take the largest share of the vote (32.6 per cent), but will win 278 seats, compared to Labour’s 282.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg unveiled the coalition government’s latest proposals on Welsh devolution. Amongst the ‘St David’s Day command-paper’ measures were policies granting Wales greater control of its energy policy, but Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru dismissed the document as “third-rate”.

South West seaside councils to unify COUNCILS

Unification between Somerset and Devon county councils may well be on the cards, with greater regional clout in Westminster the desired goal. But, as one operator in the region asks, can it bring tangible business benefits?

he south western seaside sector may shortly find itself with a more weighty voice on the political stage, as county councils from across Devon and Somerset consider uniting to form a combined authority.These two local authorities have written to the Department for the Communities and Local Government to express a desire to unify, with chiefs looking to acquire “more credence in London” for issues that affect towns such as Plymouth, Torquay, Minehead and Weston-Super-Mare. Both councils form part of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which also includes unitary authorities, Plymouth City Council and

Uncertainty over EU amusements regulations REGULATION

musements operators could be forced to A absorb costly new guest

Torbay Council.While plans for the combined authority currently only include the two county councils, representatives are on record as stating that they hope to combine all bodies covered by the LEP into one consolidated force. Devon’s County Councillor John Hart was quoted by the Local Government Chronicle as stating that he anticipated that a meeting between the four groups would take place in the near future.In particular,the two county councils have expressed a desire to wield greater control over skills and jobs in the region. Trading within one of the affected unitary authorities, one operator privately disclosed his support for a prospective merging of

local governing bodies. “Smaller unitary councils tend to lack the financial clout of larger bodies and struggle to survive on their own.” he explained. “Anything that sees a rectification of that has my backing.” That said, the same operator was sceptical of any tangible business benefit, were the proposed mergers to go ahead. “I’d be hesitant to claim that the issues facing our operation are down to south-western regional specifics,” he continued. “The decline in the British seaside sector is a national issue and that’s our greatest day-to-day challenge. Call me a cynic,but I don’t place much faith in local government turning that around anytime soon.”

protection measures, if regulations being prepared by the European Union comes into effect. The sector would be affected by alterations to the Package Travel Directive, legislation that mandates companies offering package holiday trips to provide, among other requirements, financial protection and repatriation provisions. The key issue for the amusements sector is whether or not holiday and theme parks will be considered to offer package deals if they sell accommodation or other products to customers who are already on site. If the changes that have been proposed by Brussels come into effect, the responsibility for regulating travel firms will also move from the country of sale to that in which the company

is headquartered. The EU’s Competitiveness Council is to begin a second reading in February. Elsewhere in Europe, a gathering of high level tourism legislators took place in Strasbourg in an attempt to define an action plan for EU tourism regulation during 2015. The meeting, which took place at the end of January at the European Parliament, was organised by the Tourism Taskforce (TTF), which forms part of the committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN). Although the TFF has not released a specific plan of attack for the future of European tourism regulation, it is understood that the focus of its gathering was to simplify the regulatory framework, encourage tourism digitalisation and improve workers’ skills. The group also agreed to meet on a monthly basis to foster discussions of tourism issues outside the official TRAN agenda.

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16 B2B Listings and Marketplace

Essential Guide to... Arcade Innovations VIDEO ARCADE

18 This week’s machines charts

19 Classified sales, business opps and jobs

Operators are constantly on the look-out for a product with that special appeal: a public offering unlike anything attainable at home. In creating Killer Queen, two New Yorkers (quite by accident) may well have come up with the arcade’s next secret weapon.

24 Diary highlights and industry calendar

MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2015

Irish Gaming Show 2015 Report Next Week Coinslot MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2015

Queen of the arcade?

“

... today’s players are pretty sophisticated in terms of game literacy. I think they’re after something with a little bit more depth...

quiet revolution has been taking place within video-gaming.A steady march of franchised titles produced by megalith studios are increasingly losing market-share to small,‘indie’ developers, who prize game-design and depth of play over visuals and budget. And how about this for a concept: an indie arcade title. Enter Killer Queen: a ten-player retro strategy title from New York City gamedesigners Josh DeBonis and Nik Mikros. Garnering praise and recommendation from none other than the New York Times, Killer Queen takes pride of place in arcades across the country, as well as in the offices of a number of leading tech companies. “We originally debuted Killer Queen as a field-game - with people running around in London,”explains DeBonis.“That was the moment when we both realised there was something really special about this game: and that we should carry it forward as a video game venture together.” Between both designers, there was never a definitive moment to design a title specifically for the arcade market. “NYU’s Game Centre commissioned us to make a cabinet, but initially we’d never even imagined Killer Queen would even

be a video-game, let alone an arcade game,” DeBonis continues.“The whole thing just happened organically, one step at a time.” Killer Queen’s gameplay centres around two teams of five flying insects, who wage economic and military war against the other. Each team plays on their own cabinet, with one player in each squad taking the role of the queen. The others interchangeably assume worker or soldier roles as the flow of the game dictates. DeBonis claims that in shaping the cabinet, a physicalisation of the game’s mechanics began to emerge. “We wanted to have ten players playing reliably on one machine - that’s an experience you can’t get with a console,” he tells us. “Also - we wanted control over how people were positioned and standing with each other: we wanted the teams to be together and the queen as the leader in the centre of them.” Whilst the game’s dual-cabinet design is greedy in terms of space, choice of placement allows operators to further tailor the feel of the game. Back-to-back creates a head-on, confrontational experience, whilst adjacency is a little more friendly. In terms of artwork - the graphics are retro: fans of 1982’s Joust (from which Killer Queen draws inspiration) could easily draw visual parallels. But it’s in the richness and replay value of the gameplay itself that really marks Killer Queen out from the crowd, and to which DeBonis attributes gathering sales momentum. “Killer Queen does take longer to learn than most arcade games - but today’s players are pretty sophisticated in terms of game literacy,” he remarks.“I think they’re after something with a little bit more depth.”

2410-p14-15-Essential_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 13:14 Page 2

MARKETPLACE

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PERSPECTIVE

Josh DeBonis: the game’s about trying to bring people together US games designer Josh DeBonnis talks exclusively to Coinslot about gameplay innovation and transcending the transatlantic. S: What kind of markets do you foresee Killer Queen proving C popular in? JD:We’re doing very well in the usual arcade and bar/cade markets - I think players are looking for something different, and Killer Queen offers that. The game also seems really popular with kids: I’ve heard parents commenting how great it is that their children are socialising over it.Video-games are often frowned upon as being this solitary experience, but in demonstrations to younger audiences feedback we often get is how great it is that kids are bonding, teaching each other how to play and strategising. Finally, half of our cabinets are actually in tech companies.That seems to be a really strong market for us and it’s something I never would’ve anticipated.These places have the space for it firstly - it’s a big game, so that’s a requisite.They have the budget for it, but it’s also a great team-building tool. CS: Do you plan to release the game on console or on other online channels? JD:We’re constantly asked this. I’m not saying that’s totally out of question, but it’s kind of missing the point - as the game’s about trying to bring people together. I think some of the best moments I’ve had is going to an arcade, Killer Queen being there, and people

saying “these guys are my friends, I met them here at this arcade, playing this game.”That’s the best - I couldn’t be happier than seeing that kind of stuff. CS: How viable do you believe Killer Queen to be as a mass-market arcade product? JD: In terms of manufacturing and distribution - we’ve come a long way from just Nik and I stumbling through! We have a manufacturer based in Wisconsin, and we make cabinets as we take in orders. In terms of commercial appeal: if you look at the current cross section of most video-arcade machines: they tend to be racers and shooters offering unique hardware you can’t get at home, be it a big light gun, a bike, that kind of thing.With Killer Queen, whilst it doesn’t offer that specialist hardware, you can’t get ten people playing the same video game in your home.What marks arcade titles out from other video-games is that they’re titles that can only be played in a particular physical space. CS: When can we expect Killer Queen on European shores? JD: We really want to make an international move. We’re small and slow-moving, and if we find the right distributor - we’ll definitely make it happen.

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Coinslot MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2015

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2410-p16-17-listings_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 17:00 Page 1

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Novomatic group member Empire Games is now taking orders on Odd Bods, a new 10p per-play redemption machine with operator selectable ticket output. In Odd Bods, players spin the body-part reels to create a matching figure. The game is available in red, white and blue cabinets along with seasonal decals.

With an innovative design blending redemption, video and table-gaming elements, Harpoon Lagoon from Sega Amusements has players catch fish rendered on its 47 inch LCD screen in return for ticket currency. Sega tout Harpoon Lagoon, manufactured by ICE, as the perfect centrepiece to any amusement arcade.

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AWP LATEST MACHINES READY TO ROLLOUT of the most anticipated new coinop machines are expected to hit the Spubome sector in the near future, thanks in part to operator AMS, which has taken delivery of a range of new machines it expects to site in the coming weeks. The Blackbeard’s Bounty AWP from 24/7 and the new Deal or No Deal VIP from Bell-Fruit Games. Both machines have received full retailer approvals and are expected to continue the success enjoyed in recent times by both manufacturers.

REFURBISHED MACHINE VARIETY IS THE AZTEC SECRET ztec Coin Equipment A has announced that it currently holds hundreds of refurbished exstock, with machines to cover every arcade and amusement eventuality. Their stock includes plenty of gaming machines, but also a number of products that prove popular across the board. These include the Icon 2 jukeboxes from NSM and a limited edition Hobbit pinball table, based on the successful franchise of motion pictures. Aztec’s range of fruit Coinslot MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2015

machines includes some of the most popular titles from the last few years, including Reflex Gaming’s Alice in Wonderland.

CATEGORY B3 IRISH LUCK NEVER WARES THIN lueprint Gaming’s the Luck O’ the Irish continB ues to be one the company’s greatest successes, attracting players like few other games. It is available in its original incarnation, in a dedicated reel-based cabinet and also in digital format. The B3 digital compendium, King of Slots, features a number of titles, including Luck O’ the Irish, which can now be seen in high definition detail on the new 1080p Aurora cabinet.

REDEMPTION LUCKY DELIVERY FOR RLMS LMS Sales are currently taking orders for the latest redemption title from R Empire Games. The new Lucky Ladders machine is based on the classic Adders & Ladders concept and uses a board game-style setup to keep players engaged. The machine pays out an operator adjustable 500/800 tickets and sits inside the WOW cabinet, which takes advantage of Pluto 6 technology.

2410-p16-17-listings_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 17:00 Page 2

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Components provider Suzo-Happ now carry GeWeTe’s multi-talent WGS300 multi-talent change machine. Permitting coin to coin as well as note to coin functionality, the WGS300 pays out by way of 4 hoppers, permitting multiple coin variant dispensation.

AMUSEMENTS THE WISDOM OF THE SILVER SCREEN

ans of Tom Hanks will remember fondly the mechanical fortune teller from the film Big, which transforms a young boy into a grown man who keeps his youthful mind. Operators looking to add a touch of movie magic to their venues can now purchase their very own edition of The Great Zoltar. The machines are available on a sales, share or rental basis from Harem Leisure, which has the exclusive rights to the machines in the UK.

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CATEGORYC (£1/£100 Max.)

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FILMCHARTS

Single site

AGCs

UK Box Office Chart

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 9

Queen We Are The Champions BFG DOND Next Level BFG DOND Winfall BFG DOND Double Up BFG DOND Box 23 BFG DOND Powerplay BFG Hit the Dracpot REF Worminator QPS Lets Get Kraken BPG DOND The Big One 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

Fortune Hunter Project Triple 8 Barcrest Wish Upon a Slot Blueprint Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics Slotto 500 Astra King of Slots Blueprint Mega Bars Big Hit Project Triple 7 Barcrest Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest Lady Luck Reflex

MUSICCHARTS

AGCs

FEC - family

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Encore T7 (GP2) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming Magic Games 3 Novomatic Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming X3000 Multi Game Amatic Pure Gold Astra Find the Lady Ultimate Project Bar X 7 Electrocoin

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

1 3 5 6 7 8 9 -

Members clubs

This Last Week Week Name / Manufacturer

Magic Games U/R Novomatic Pure Gold Astra Free Play 70 Project Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest Find The Lady 70 Project Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra Win Wall Astra Sevens Up Electrocoin Party Games (4 Player) Astra Party Time (3 Player) Astra

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

Coinslot MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2015

www.soundnet.net

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 5 4 3 6 8 7 10 9

Uptown Funk Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding FourFiveSeconds Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney Take Me To Church Hozier Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran Wish You Were Mine Philip George Gravity DJ Fresh feat. Ella Eyre Real Love Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne The Nights Avicii Up Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato

Albums

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

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

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

House Of Fortune (3 Player) Astra Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra Party Games (4 Player) Astra DOND Plasma (3 Player) Bellfruit 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 Bullion Bars Astra

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fifty Shades of Grey Big Hero 6 Shaun the Sheep Movie Kingsman: The Secret Service The Wedding Ringer Project Almanac Peppa Pig: The Golden Boots The Theory of Everything Jupiter Ascending American Sniper

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

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

7 4 1 5 8 2 -

THE WEDDING RINGER

1 2 3 4 6 8 5 7

This Last Week Week

ROYAL BLOOD: ROYAL BLOOD

Hot Shots Reflex Fiddle a Fortune Reflex DOND Box 23 BFG Street Casino 2015 Storm Jackpot 100 Barcrest

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 3 18 6 8 33 11 7

In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith X Ed Sheeran Royal Blood Royal Blood Wanted on Voyage George Ezra 1989 Taylor Swift Physical Graffiti Led Zeppelin Fan Of A Fan The Album Chris Brown & Tyga A Perfect Contradiction Paloma Faith Liquid Spirit Gregory Porter Hozier Hozier

Downloads This Last Week Week

Based on data from representative sites. Supplied by sector professional

KELLY CLARKSON: HEARTBEAT SONG

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 13 4 5 12 6 8

Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding FourFive Seconds Rihanna/Kanye West/McCartney Take Me To Church Hozier What I Did For Love David Guetta ft Emeli Sande Heartbeat Song Kelly Clarkson Earned It Weeknd Uptown Funk Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars Hold Back The River James Bay Gravity DJ Fresh ft Ella Eyre Sugar Maroon 5

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2410-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 17:06 Page 1

Coinslot March 6 - March 12, 2015

Comment Email: je@gbmedia.eu

Boy, George, do you really want to hurt us? What, asks Chris Webster, can the Chancellor deliver in his upcoming Budget that will win the heart and soul - and votes - of the amusements industry? ax concessions, cut red tape and less onerous business rates. Simples. If ever there was a time for a business friendly budget, now’s that time. Cynicism aside, next week’s Budget will undoubtedly deliver sweeteners for all sectors of the business community and, cynicism aside once again, chancellor Osborne has become pretty savvy at knowing when and what to deliver. But whether we get our desired shifts in MGD; less red tape;VAT cuts for the tourist sector et al, well, we shouldn’t get our hopes up: successive governments have rarely delivered on their promises. At this

particular juncture, it would take a brave chancellor to party with the amusements sector by handing out significant concessions in the Budget. But we need to remember that the Budget is just the foreplay; the general election is where the real action takes place. If we are going to get anything like what we need - and that is those all important tax concessions, less red tape and a Triennial Review that operates fairly and justly, then we must lobby like &*@’ to ensure that our votes go to the person who will turn those shortcomings into legislaton for our futures.

The time has come to seize the day With the economy on the rebound, the future of coin-op looks to be brighter than it’s been for many years. Discuss. Joe Ewens tackles the question. ould we finally be at a turning point? Lines on the graphs are spiking skywards, percentage points are ticking up and generally speaking, there’s a little more positivity - and cash to go around.The overall UK economy has been slowly improving over the past 12 months and it seems clear from various quarters that these good vibes have filtered down to the gaming and amusement industries. In recent weeks Talarius’s numbers have been up and Gala’s figures have soared, so the big boys are definitely

seeing some benefit. But the smaller scale lifeblood of the industry is also making hay while the sun shines.Think of the coastal operators, who are now gratefully gearing up for the vital Easter season with a strong half term in their back pocket. Oil prices hitting rock bottom have continued to play a part. It’s leaving players with more disposable income and means that suppliers with engineers and sales staff on the road can keep their costs down.With some judicious investment into the future we could well be on the cusp of a major shift.

Slow motion Ireland doesn’t seem to be making speedy progress towards new legislation. So how long, asks Ken Scott, can a government hold off the need for change? t’s already been said, and sometimes not very kindly, that the failure of the Irish government to address the needs of the gaming industry beggars belief.The fact that the new Gambling Control Bill is still a good 12-18 months away is too demoralising for words. Working to legislation that will soon be 60 years old may be astonishing in itself, particularly given the unrecognisable changes in the sector, but it’s the opportunities and benefits that the sector and the

country has missed out on that make you look on in sheer amazement. The current impasse would be okay if you’d dozed off in 1956, overslept and woke up 59 years later. But this is an industry that’s been forced to sleep walk its way to 2015 through what can only be described as ludicrous legislation set against the backdrop of the current times. The alarm bell has been ringing for a long time now, it really needs a government to wake up to a brand new dawn.

Humans battle A.I. fo joseph ewens media watch his week, IEEE Spectrum reveals that a new artificial Tintelligence created by Google has developed the ability to learn and master classic arcade games. “This work is the first time that anyone has built a single general-learning system that can learn directly from experience to master a wide range of challenging task—in this case, a set of Atari games—and perform at or better than human level at those games,” says one of the AI’s creators Demis Hassabis, who works at Google DeepMind in London. Hassabis and colleagues detailed their findings in in this week’s issue of the journal Nature. In an artificial neural network, components known as artificial neurons are fed data, and work together to solve a problem such as reading handwriting or recognizing speech. The network can then alter the pattern of connections among those neurons to change the way they interact, and

the network tries solving the problem again. Over time, the network learns which patterns are best at computing solutions. “What we’ve done is developed an algorithm that learns from the ground up. It takes perceptual experiences and learns how to do things directly from those perceptual experiences from first principles. The advantage of these kinds of systems is that they can learn and adapt to unexpected things, and the programmers and system designers don’t have to know the solution themselves in order for the machine to master that task.” The new software agent, called a deep Q-network (DQN), was tested on 49 classic Atari 2600 games, including Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, Pong, Asteroids, Centipede, Q*bert, and Breakout. The agent was only fed the scores and data from an 84 by 84 pixel screen—unlike some other general game-playing AIs, the DQN

2410-p22-23-Comment_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 17:06 Page 2

Coinslot March 6 - March 12, 2015 23

8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

“ ”

quote unquote

“The huge amount of red tape required to run a business should also be looked to be reduced. For example, the proposal of holiday rates to include standard overtime rates and the impending pension contributions changes are all an extra burden for businesses.” REFLEX GAMING’S QUENTIN STOTT ON THE FORTHCOMING BUDGET

“If smoking were to be re-introduced to pubs, in a controlled way with specific smoking rooms, it stands to reason that we could see more our lapsed customers returning to play our games.”

IATA mobilises forces for the coming year

PETER DAVIES OF GAMESTEC ON THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT SMOKING SURVEY

“All coastal towns are looking for new things, and if they want people to invest you need the comfort to do so financially and a period of time that you can have a chance to invest and know for so many years you are not going to get the same thing happening 100 yards down the road.” WILLIAM PEAK OF CLACTON PAVILION ON THE NEED TO PROTECT INVESTMENTS

“The decline in the British seaside sector is a national issue and that’s our greatest day-to-day challenge. Call me a cynic, but I don’t place much faith in local government turning that around anytime soon.” SOUTH WEST OPERATOR ON PROPOSAL TO MERGE COUNCILS

Computers have begun playing themselves, but humans show they are still the masters of the arcade, while the stars simply shine down on everyone.

pressing keys randomly and then figuring out when this leads to high scores,” Google DeepMind’s Vlad Mnih. However, such a button-mashing strategy often does not work in games requiring more sophisticated exploration or long-term planning. The New York Daily News has also highlighted a viral video of a Japanese man who has mastered the art of hitting the top score on arcade basketball games. A video showing a man’s unorthodox, underhand shooting style — more like a flip — using both hands on a pop-a-shot machine went viral again last week. The man on the far left machine — in his shorts and tucked-in polo shirt — casually flicks the balls into the arcade hoop, seamlessly alternating between his right and left hands in a juggling-like motion. After seemingly breaking the machine’s scoring system, he

john roche politics

A.I. for arcade supremacy

did not know the rules of the games it played beforehand. The system ran on a single GPU-equipped desktop computer and trained for about two weeks per game. The DQN performed at a level comparable to that of a professional human games tester, achieving more than 75 percent of what the human tester scored on 29 games. The agent also outperformed the best existing reinforcement learning agents on 43 games. The nature of the games at which the DQN excelled were highly varied in nature, including side-scrolling shooters, 3-D carracing, and boxing. “This system is able to generalise to any sequential decision-making decision,” says Koray Kavukcuoglu at Google DeepMind. The games where the DQN did not do well reflect the limitations of the agent. “Currently, the system learns essentially by

Irish Amusements Trade Association secretary John Roche explains the growing need for new members and the importance of having a strong political voice.

starts chucking the ball off the wall off of the next hoop — and scoring — before tiring of his arcade dominance. And Finally, the Westmoreland Gazette has quite literally shed light on some unusual developments involving Praesepe. Quoting authorities at the Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal, apparently, if you look at Jupiter at the moment you’ll notice something to its right, like a misty cloud several times the size of the Moon. This is actually one of the most famous star clusters in the sky - Praesepe. Known in informed circles as the Beehive, due to its resemblance to a swarm of bees, the paper reassures its readers that they are not at risk from any stings, as the cluster is almost 600 light years away’, which means the light entering star gazers’ eyes set off from Praesepe in the year 1438 - that’s what you call being ahead of your time!

are rarely quiet moments for campaignTershere in the trade, but certain events require lobbyists to engage even more actively with those in power.When the Irish Amusements Trade Association (IATA) met last week at its annual general meeting in Dublin, officers seemed poised to take a forthright position especially regarding the upcoming Gambling Control Bill. “With the difficulties surrounding the proposed new legislation everyone in the business should be a member of IATA,”said John Roche, the general secretary of the association. “There is currently a serious sense of concern, mostly due to the delay in the government indicating a date for publication.” One of the association’s key priorities for the next 12 months is therefore to compound and increase a membership that has been steadily growing over the past few years. Roche explained: “There is plenty of space for cooperation between the various sectors in the gambling industry in Ire-

land, and there is plenty of room for further collaboration. At the moment, for instance, all sectors sit together on the Gambling Care Foundation together.” Some of the issues Ireland is facing will also resonate with those in the UK, with coastal economies and FOBTS also featuring on IATA’s agenda. FOBTs are not currently allowed in Licensed Betting Offices in Ireland and, under proposed legislation, will be totally banned across the country. Although there has been an increase in the number of overseas tourists visiting Ireland in recent years, a faltering domestic economy has meant that the hospitality and tourism industry is still suffering. However, Roche is taking a pragmatic approach. “With regard to seaside locations, we all recognise the need for further investment,” he commented. “But we are also realistic enough to know that the overall economic position in the country will dictate this.”

2410-p24-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 03/03/2015 11:27 Page 1

Coinslot March 6 - Mach 12, 2015

Newsweek EUROMAT SUMMIT DATES CONFIRMED illing itself as the only industry event dedicated to the landbased gaming sector, the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT) Summit will tackle the major issues affecting the gambling industry on the continent, which employs over 250,000 people. This year’s summit promises to tackle the major industry, commercial and regulatory trends of the moment and hopes to set the policy and business agenda for the next years. The event is to be held on 28 May, 2015 in Amsterdam, Netherlands,

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

BALPPA heads to Westminster ALPPA members seeking political discourse should look to the trade body’s annual Parliamentary Luncheon event, due to take place Monday 9 March. Competition to register attendance may well be fierce,as changes within the facilities of the parliamentary function rooms have limited maximum attendance numbers to 40, with 20 seats allocated for sitting MPs. “We are sorry to be

capacity restrictions invitations are to be issued to the body’s wider membership in order of priority, based upon prior attendance to the event. On its website, BALPPA was keen to reassure those members unable to snatch a spot. “We will send out a guest list to everyone in due course,” it claimed.“We are management sure that those members unable to open up the invi- restrictions that have been BALPPA’s tation to everyone as we placed upon the event,” committee have already attending the event will be have done in previous years claimed a statement on been allocated their respec- pleased to raise any specific but hope you understand behalf of the organisation. tive places, due to the issues you may have as appropriate.” Whilst the officers of our position in terms of the

with the specific venue yet to be announced.

world of signage is once again lined up for the German city of Cologne, as the town gears up for Europe’s only dedicated event for the visual communications industry. European Sign Expo 2014 brings with it the

SHOWING THE WAY FORWARD he annual celebration of what’s new and exciting in the

is being held alongside the FESPA 2015, Europe’s biggest event for the wide format print industry. The cohabiting shows will share space in the Koelnmesse expo centre in Cologne, Germany from 18-22 May, 2015.

usual mix of networking and product displays, promising to showcase the latest technologies and software in architectural signage, channel lettering, illuminated displays and digital signage. This year the event

Calendar MARCH 2015 6-7 RAAPA Expo 2015 Pavilion 75, VTTs, Moscow, Russia www.raapa.ru

10-12 Digital Signage Expo Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA www.digitalsignageexpo.net

18-20 China Attractions Expo China National Convention Centre, Beijing, China 18-19 FADJA Peru Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Centre Lima Peru www.fadja.com.pe

18-20 Enada Spring Rimini Fiera Rimini Italy www.enadaprimavera.it 24-26 Amusement Expo 2015 Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA 25 TiLEzone London London Transport Museum, London, UK www.tileweb.org TBC FER Interazar 2015 Madrid Spain www.ferinterazar.com

APRIL 2015 14-16 DEAL2015 Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE www.dealmiddleeastshow.com

EDITORIAL Edition Editor: Joseph Ewens Email: je@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01273 699 900 Contributing Editor: Chris Webster Contributors: Imogen Goodman, Nick Norton Editorial Director: Ken Scott Email: ks@sjc.co.uk Tel: 01273 699 900 ADVERTISING SALES Kathryn Norris Email: knorris@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01257 277400 Fax: 01257 271329 SUBSCRIPTIONS Ann Sullivan Tel: 01257 277400 DIGITAL VERSION Marc Lawton Email: mlawton@gbmedia.eu Tel: 01257 277400 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 Oak House, 1st Floor, Suite 4, High Street, Chorley, PR7 1DW

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