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March 13 – March 19, 2015 • No. 2411 • 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

BUSINESS

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“If you’re not confident about the next three years, just forget it, you’re never going to be. You can’t get a better three year period, in my opinion.” 10

A long time waiti quest for modern

LEGISLATION

A complex, archaic and ineffectual tapestry of laws preside over gambling activity in Ireland. The problem is understood. The structure for new legislation is in place. But, as Chris Webster reports, political will to effect change remains frustratingly elusive.

o the uninitiated,Ireland’s gamTbaffling. bling laws are nothing short of Two pieces of legislation, each with its own flaws and idiosyncrasies, play their respective parts in a puzzle which - up until recently, seemed tantalisingly close to being solved. The 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act is observed by roughly 40 per cent of Ireland’s 300 or so arcades. Whilst progressive in its day, with a six-pence maximum bet and ten shilling payout per game (approximately half a day’s wages at the time), these monetary amounts have never been adjusted in line with either inflation or average earnings.Thus,the absurd situation occurs whereby 3 cents is the maximum a player can legally bet, for a maximum 63 cent return. There are ways and means around this problem.“The 1956 act stipulates stakes and prizes per game, but doesn’t actually account for the technology that now provides play,” notes Irish Gaming Show organiser John Purcell. “These days machines can permit you to play 25 lines simultaneously.” But there’s an added fly in the ointment,and it’s a doozy.“The 1956 act gives local authorities the option of whether or not to implement it at all,”explained John Roche,

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INDUSTRY

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Independent group acquires AMDeX

The Irish Gaming Show sets its stall out 14

10 March 13 - March 19, 2015 • No. 2411 • www.coinslot.co.uk

waiting: Ireland’s dern regulation

Two of Blackpool’s piers hit the market PIERS

general secretary of Irish gaming trade-body IATA. “The consequence is a patchwork effect where in one town an arcade can operate perfectly legally, but in another, machine gaming is effectively outlawed.” Perhaps, then, it’s no surprise that the majority of Irish arcade operators choose to trade in line with the 1992 FinanceAct.Under its terms,there is no upper limit to the amount a player pays into the machine,as they are seen to be purchasing amusement - the act of playing itself - rather than gambling. Prizes are limited to in-game credit or a non-monetary reward worth seven euros or less.

If you’re stumped, then don’t worry - you’re in good company.“I was a Barcrest distributor of old through IGT,” said Crown Direct’s sales executive Darren Chadwick whose IGS stand was itself conspicuously absent of gaming products. “Combined with the comparatively small size of the market, when you factor in uncertainty surrounding its legal status, corporate suppliers are often keen to avoid Ireland entirely.” The punchline to it all is that a draft bill exists which would - if passed - rectify the situation.The Gambling Control Act 2013 set forth the statutes of a modernised, regulated and uniform approach to Irish gaming.With the support of former minister of justiceAlan Shatter, the new act seemed all but signed.Then fate intervened. Shatter resigned in May 2014 amidst allegations of malpractice within the Garda, and the new bill slid back down the ministerial priority list. So much for the what.How about the why? Why has this legal farce been allowed to continue as long at it has? Roche pointed to the state’s upcoming general election.“Gambling laws don’t win votes,”he said simply.“As such,there’s never been a political will to change the gambling legislation in this country.” Which leaves the final question: when?

FAITH, TRADITION AND IRISH GAMBLING Ireland is a country steeped in tradition. In some respects, the nature of the Irish sector - or of its coming together at least - reflects this, wholeheartedly. For the past 36 years, the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every March have seen its small but resolute industry assemble for the Irish Gaming Show - almost as though it were a rite of passage. As its organiser John Purcell freely admits, “We give it a bit of structure, a bit of form - but it would happen anyway.” But does another deeply ingrained aspect of Irish culture - a history of devout Catholicism - inform social and political attitudes towards gambling? “I think that was the case thirty years ago, when the most important person in any Irish village was still the local priest,” Purcell responds. “But the church has had its scandals and there’s been a maturation of us as a culture. We’re still a religious country but faith is increasingly a private thing - it’s not the sectarian tight-rope you had to walk in times gone by.” Perhaps, though, the Republic’s politicians need to explore this view?

A well-known leisure operator has listed three of the UK’s most famous piers – Blackpool South Pier, Blackpool Central and Llandudno Pier – for immediate sale. hree of the UK’s bestknown piers, including two in Blackpool and one in Llandudno, are up for sale following a decision by their current owner to restructure the company’s assets. Cuerden Leisure,an established leisure attraction operator, has listed the historic sites in Bilfinger GVA Retail, Hotels and Leisure as either single or joint businesses. Collectively they are on the market for offers of around £12.6m, with individual guide prices of £4.8m for Blackpool Central, £3.3m for Blackpool South Pier and £4.5m for Llandudno Pier. Known to millions around the world,the piers draw in thousands of tourists and visitors to the two famous seaside towns every year. The piers were constructed in the 19th century using cast iron piles, steel frames and wooden decking, and all feature traditional promenades, amusement arcades, rides and food and beverage outlets. The sale is expected to attract mainstream attention as a result of the piers’ seminal status in Britain’s coastal heritage. Blackpool Central Pier is perhaps best known for its striking 33-metre-high ferris wheel,added in 1990, while Blackpool South Pier features popular rides including the Skyscreamer and the Skycoaster. Llandudno Pier, admired widely for its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Piers’, has a total length of almost 2,300 feet and nestles in the crescent bay between the outcrops of the Little and Great Orme. Income is predominantly generated through a number of annual concession agreements on each of the piers, which col-

lectively generate an income of more than £1.6m per year. Richard Baldwin, director in Bilfinger GVA’s Retail, Hotels and Leisure team, said:“Each of these piers are truly iconic structures, having been popular visitor attractions in two of the UK’s best known resorts for over a century. “Each pier is being offered for sale freehold, subject to the vari-

ous concession agreements in place. As profitable attractions we’re confident this sale will attract major interest.” St John Stott, director at Cuerden Leisure, adds:“These assets are jewels in the crown of the UK’s coastline and we are delighted to offer them to the market either as separate lots or collectively.”

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Coinslot March 13 - March 19, 2015

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Independence is in the DNA of the business, state new AMDeX owners ACQUISITION

A group of independent operators have joined forces to take control of gaming software provider AMDeX, as its long time chief Gerry Parsons retires.

consortium of seven leading independent machine operators, comprising Select Gaming, Essex Leisure,Town & County Leisure, Bob Rudd Leisure, Fair City Amusements, Sims Automatics and Parkinsons M & V Ltd, have completed the purchase ofAMDeX Solutions - a leading supplier of management software products from its founder - Gerry Parsons. With offices in Hampshire, Norwich and Burton uponTrent, Amdex offers nationwide

coverage,supplying systems to over 50 clients. Greg Wood (pictured) of Essex Leisure assumes the post of Amdex chairman, withAndy Brudenell continuing to run the operation as CEO.Under the terms of the agreement Gerry Parsons will remain in a temporary capacity to oversee the transition. New Amdex chairman Greg Wood said:“The principles of independence, security and confidentiality remain in the DNA of the business and are central to its future development.We

have made the purchase to ensure the continued supply of our current software package for ourselves as well as other operators and to facilitate further expansion and improvement in the software and services provided byAmdex. Our focus is to provide the tools to enable operators to be more efficient and effective in their operations and management. Amdex remains a proudly independent operation and will continue to uphold its reputation for delivering robust, customer focused support, security and confidentiality.” He added:“Gerry made a significant contribution to the industry and was instrumental in the creation and management of the BACTA AMEDIS standards used to transmit machine and performance data via EDI from machine suppliers to retailers and consultants. I am looking forward to this new challenge and continu-

ing his brilliant work.” CEO Andy Brudenell stated:“This announcement underlines our investors’ commitment to the industry and provides firm assurance to all of our clients that Amdex will continue to deliver innovative and efficient software to enable them to maximise business efficiencies. Our strategy is to work with clients to ensure that our software continues to add the maximum value to their business. The vastly experienced and dedicated team working at Amdex will continue to push forward with new initiatives, and new products for the benefit of the industry. “On a personal note, I’m sure that everyone who has worked with Gerry over the last 20 years, will join me in wishing him a very long and happy retirement and to thank him for the enormous contribution he has made to our industry.”

Broadland Sands set for major upgrade HOLIDAY PARK

he Broadland Sands Holiday Park is to receive a T£750,000 windfall to develop its entertainment complex, courtesy of owners Park Holidays UK, which acquired the venue in December 2014. The park - located at the Corton holiday village in Lowestoft, Sussex - will make use of the cash to undertake a raft of upgrades, including a works that will affects its gaming and amusement machine arcade. Alongside the creation of a state-of-the-art entertainment venue, Broadland Sands will undergo an upgrade to guest facilities

and park’s central holiday area.“The facilities at Broadband Sands were already of a good standard, but as a company we are committed to keeping our holiday parks one step ahead the competition. That’s why, after taking over the business, we made it our first tasks to walk around and draw up a wish list of changes which would add to guest’ experiences.”

Coin-op legend Bob Deith passes OBITUARY

musement distributing pioneer A Bob Deith passed away at his London home last Friday, of a suspected heartattack. He was 77. Beginning his coinop career in the 1960’s working with Autonumis and later managing London Coin, Deith founded his own distribution business in 1974. The Deith Leisure brand followed some years later. Deith spawned something of an amusement dynasty. His three sons - Simon, Matthew and Leon have all worked within the industry. In 1983, his eldest son Simon emigrated to the United States and established Deith Distributing - an import/export company - in New York state. Matthew is familiar to UK industry as leisure and gaming consultant to Harry Levy amusements. Leon has now left the sector, but formerly worked for the family business. “As a young journalist, I remember spending time with Bob and his beautiful wife Ely during the ATEI show in London,” stated Alicia Lavay, president of US publication Vending Times. “They were so gracious and humble to both I and my father. Bob will be missed by many.” Deith is survived by his wife Ely, their three sons, and their five grandchildren.

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE

B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK EXHIBITION The Irish Gaming Show gave a strong account of itself despite the legislatory impasse. 14

Whipping up a Storm in the arcade sector ARCADES

After a successful ICE that saw the company sealing deals across the globe, Storm Games is looking to increase it presence in a sector a lot closer to home.

torm Games has launched a new community Cat C product and stepped up internal investment in the aim of winning new custom in the UK arcade sector. Although the company has supplied product across the board in the British gaming industry, Storm’s main revenue stream has consistently come from private members clubs. However, managing director Richard Sheldon has said that now is the right time for the company to build its customer base in single-site arcade operations across the country in addition to following up leads in the holiday park sector. “Arcades are a sector that we’ve had our eye on for a while, but haven’t yet been that active in,” Sheldon commented.“Now seemed like a good time because we’ve invested in the people within the company.” Storm has recently increased its software development capabilities

after hiring a new programmer and the company is hoping that its fresh gaming content will be especially appealing to arcade operators. “What we’ve found particularly for the pub and arcade sectors is that the more in-depth the game, the better the response to it and the better the longevity,” said Sheldon.“A lot of our games are very indepth and feature-rich and that works really well for us. Our cash box figures are excellent.” At ICE 2015, the company launched Popeye Community; a Cat C machine that is specifically aimed at the arcade sector, allowing punters to play different Popeye characters in a community game. Sheldon said: “We had quite a lot of interest in that at the show and have already sold some off the back of it, which has been very encouraging. Now we’re just looking to introduce it into the market in spring.” Storm has also secured a number of contracts to

supply product to British arcades, as well as attracting interest from holiday parks. “For us as a company, it tends to be single-site operators that form the majority of our customers - but I can tell you that after ICE we’ve had a lot of enquiries from holiday parks so we’ve been following up on those,”commented Sheldon. “That’s another sector we’re hoping to increase our presence in.” As well as adding to its software development team, Storm has also stepped up its manufacturing output at its factory in Taiwan, and Sheldon hopes that internal investment has paved the way for growth on both a national and international level. “We’ve got leads from ICE all over the world and we’ve produced 17 quotes in 17 different countries,” said Sheldon.“But in terms of the UK market, we’re building traction in arcades - about twenty-five kiosks going into the arcade sector in the next two weeks alone.”

Exports: Legislation trumps demand BUSINESS

igures released last week showed that the Fexport of British manufactured goods are on the up. But for John McLoughlin, sales and marketing director of Bell-Fruit Games (BFG), this tells only part of the story. “Experience has shown us that demand is not the sole criteria for achieving success on the export front,” he remarked. “Sales to key markets such as Holland, Belgium and Spain - where BFG is very active - rely not only on demand for British

manufacturing expertise, but on the legislative regime of those jurisdictions. In other words, it’s all well and good having the best products, but you also require long term stability in terms of gambling legislation.” This very same point was echoed by a litany of suppliers, trade bodies and operators alike at last week’s Irish Gaming Show. Supplier aversion to such an environment is logical. Within it, demand is by rights diminished - as operators are unlikely to invest in new equipment if ques-

tions remain as to its legality. From the supplier perspective, involvement within unregulated markets often runs the risk of indictment and licence-loss in other, more profitable regions as a consequence. Neither factor is conducive to business. McLoughlin also notes the effects of the currency markets upon sales traded abroad. “With the recent rise in the value of sterling versus the euro,” he told us, “the cost of British goods sold internationally have increased substantially.”

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Introducing the “viddie” ride

Ely strikes out

KIDDIE RIDES

Once solely a usedequipment supplier, the face of JNC Sales is changing and for the better, argues its sales consultant Gary Newman. What’s more, as the UK distributor of GoGo Pony - the company has borne canny and direct witness to the growing demand for video-interactive kiddie rides.

NC sales has undergone something of a transformation in recent years. “When I joined the company six years ago,we were almost solely a used equipment supplier,” remarks sales consultant Gary Newman. “Now, what we offer is approximately a fifty/fifty split of new and used machines.” For Newman, this focuschange has been accompanied with a marked upgrade in product standard.“We haven’t forgotten our roots - used equipment is still very important to us, but we’ve brought up the

quality of those games quite considerably. It’s getting to the point where operators can’t really tell the difference.” Be that as it may,the company’s greatest success story of late has undeniably been with a brand-new title - the development of which JNC played a direct hand in. “At this year’s EAG we sold over 120 GoGo Pony rides,” Newman tells us.“When we first saw it,there were some problems that we rectified ourselves by way of testing and modification. We put everything right before we put it out for industry.” This investment of time

BOWLING

popular bowling alley in Ely, Cambridgeshire, A which plays host to a video

has more than earned its keep - Newman estimates that by the end of this year, JNC will have moved close to 500 units. With the kiddie-ride market already heavily saturated, for Newman, GoGo Pony’s popularity can be attributed to one key ingredient - interactivity. “The in-built video game is so underestimated,” he states.“In testing as a singlestanding unit, we saw the ride take between £70 and £120 pounds a week - outside of school holidays. Then we linked two together so that they could actually race each other and saw that taking nearly triple.” Indeed, in the right location, within its short lifespan GoGo Pony has already proved itself a veritable gold-mine.“We put two into Butlins at Skegness, and in nine days, they clocked up £940,”Newman comments. “I’m not saying it’ll go into every location and make that amount of money, but

in terms of return on investment - it’s fantastic.” This may well be a seminal moment. As hybridisation of core elements from both video and redemption games spawned “videmption” as an offshoot pedigree of its own, so too has the same process ushered in the arrival of the “viddie” ride: a merger of video gameplay with the physical tenets of the traditional kiddie offering. As far as JNC is concerned - this is an example of progressive product development here to stay. “These games can be used by younger kids just as a conventional motion ride, but when they’re old enough to pick up what’s going on on the screen, you can provide them with a far more involving experience,” argues Newman.“It’s the same with our submarine, our train, our fireengine: we’re actively passing by on the kiddie rides which lack this interactive element.”

CATEGORY C

can be switched to a Cat C Lite variant, while the latter is available in separate Cat D model.

MULTIFACETED MACHINES Astra Games is arming the industry with two powerful new Cat C machines, which carry with them some robust flexibility. Both Gold Vault and House of Fortune are available in alternate guises. The former

BINGO BINGO RESHUFFLE There’s been a shake-up at Gala Bingo, following the appointment of Victoria Reed as the new head of online bingo. Her arrival has made space for the former head of online, Alison Digges, to become Gala Coral brand director.

arcade and £100 jackpot gaming machines,is facing closure. Around 20 jobs are at risk at Strikes Bowling Alley, following news that the council plans to taken over the building to house the Cambridgeshire Archives. The current home of the county’s documents and records, some of which date back to the 13th Century, is a building that the council has deemed unsuitable, prompting it to investigate for more suitable premises. Those looking to save the local alley may be out of luck, with a purchase agreement between the council and the Strikes company, which also operators bowling venues in Dereham, King’s Lynn and Sudbury. As things stand, its Ely location will remain open to the summer, when control passes to Cambridgeshire county council. “Ely has excellent heritage connections and is widely accessible and we hope that the new location will appeal not only to loyal existing customers but also attract new audiences who perhaps haven’t yet discovered the archives,” said a council spokesperson, who also confirmed that the purchase of the alley was considered, “far more cost effective than a new build.”

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Coinslot March 13 - March 19, 2015

Amusements

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Handheld luxury

Setting trends

Guarding the coast

Ice-scream to finish

Fans of amusement arcade video classics with cash to spare should look to Swedish designer Love Hulten’s R-Kaid-R. The craftsman is producing a limited edition run of 50 of the handheld portable arcade devices, complete with hand-crafted wooden carry-case. Able to run a huge variety of arcade classic, the only sticking point is that each R-Kaid-R unit is priced at over £1,700.

The feature of UK locations as the setting for popular films and television shows brought in up to £140m to the economy in 2014, up 35 per cent on the 2013 figure. Crucially, so called ‘set-jetting’ - tourism generated by viewers visiting locations depicted on-screen - is thought to attract international visitors away from traditional London sight-seeing hotspots.

The second phase of a £36m coastal protection scheme which will stretch to Clacton pier is now underway. 15 fishtail rock groynes will be constructed to prevent coastal erosion, protecting over 3,000 residential and commercial properties. The work is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.

Building an amusement park in the back-garden of your restaurant is a novel approach to attracting more diners. But that’s exactly what the owner of Osteria ai Pioppi has done. In addition to traditional Italian cuisine, the restaurant, located near the city of Treviso in Italy, boasts slides, rollercoasters, and kids play areas. The facility is due to re-open on March 29.

Dreamland opening creates parking nightmare

Barry Island amusement machines go up for sale

INFRASTRUCTURE

he reopening of one of the UK’s oldest pleasure parks in Margate, Kent is causing Tparking controversy, as local businesses are

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Before a new era comes in at Barry Island Pleasure Park, the equipment from its former incarnation is up for offer to all interested parties. treasure trove of coinoperated amusement equipment and rides from Barry Island Pleasure Park have been put up for sale. The collection includes everything from Category C and D gaming machines to kiddie rides and fairground rides. The sale is being overseen by Ian Rogers,former co-owner of the amusement park, who said that every item must go. He told WalesOnline:“I have been at Barry Island since I was 16 years old and was here when my father, Ken Rogers, bought the Pleasure Park in 1995. “It was my dream to put the Pleasure Park under cover but that was not to be.Now we are where we are.

“People can come here and make an offer.There is no price tag on items.Anyway, how can you put a price on such great memories?” In addition to the arcade machines, plush and redemption prizes are included in the catalogue of items The 4.5-acre site is due to be taken over and run by showman Henry Danter,if current owner Barry Island Property Company and Vale Council can reach agreement on a proposed housing scheme. Danter addressed a public meeting in Barry Island last week ahead of a planning committee meeting due to take place tonight (Thursday March 12).

He said he had agreed a 125year lease and would buy the freehold for his part of the site for £1 once planning permission for the housing scheme went through. Danter is hoping to bring 10 rides to the amusement park in time for Easter and eventually include indoor amusement facilities in a 26,000 square-foot area. It would create several jobs for local people and would be open from 9am to 10pm every day. He told the crowd:“It’s not at its best at the moment. It’s a challenge to myself and my family. We are not going to create miracles, but we can do the impossible. “We can’t wait to get

started. It’s our job to make sure we put on a good show for you. It’s been the biggest challenge of my life and the hardest deal I’ve ever done in my life. “It’s not a good enough attraction. You need a damn good funfair. That’s what we hope to achieve.” Also present at the meeting, BIPC representative Aidan Lynch said a positive outcome was not far off:“In the last week we’ve had negotiations. I am quite hopeful that will now conclude it. I’ve been instructed to move everything possible to get Henry on site. “Henry isn’t here just for today and tomorrow. He’s here forever.”

speaking out in anger. For the past two years, the local Beacon Bingo has leased the use of a nearby car park for its customers, as well as donating 20 spaces free of charge to the neighbouring Clubworld soft play centre. Now, with renovations to the historic Dreamland pleasure park complete, both venues face the prospect of losing out on vital free parking facilities. Customers will still be able to use the nearby main carpark for Dreamland, but at the cost of £4.50 for a three hour stay. “Beacon Bingo kindly let us use 20 of their spaces when we opened so we didn’t think much more about it,” Clubworld’s Donna Burdock told the Thanet Gazette, “but we have been told our customers now need to use the main Dreamland car park. We understand the reasons, but we are a small business. We want the council to offer a discount - we have people come from all over Thanet to visit us.” The council has confirmed that it agreed the lease of the car park with Beacon Bingo, on the understanding that it would come to an end as soon as works were completed on the Dreamland project.

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Coinslot March 13 - March 19, 2015

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Pound reaches 7 year high

Lords call for tighter alcohol regulation

EU caps card-payment surcharge

Following the European Central Bank’s commencement of its government bond buying programme and continued concerns of a Greek exit from the eurozone, the pound has climbed to its highest level over the Euro since December 2007. Tuesday saw one pound equate to one euro forty cents, 15 per cent more than last year.

A report submitted by the House of Lords to the EU advocating for more robust alcohol regulation has been called into question by business professionals. Kate Nicholls, CEO of the ALMR, claimed it highlighted “the lack of a robust, reliable and up to date evidence base to underpin policy making.”

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to cap the service fee retailers are permitted to charge customers for payments with a bank. In future, the maximum debit card surcharge will be 0.2 per cent of priced goods or services, rising to 0.3 per cent for credit cards.

Green shoots could put down roots, argues financial expert

ECONOMY

Although the economic recovery progresses at an unhurried pace, coinop financial experts are advising that the moment has come to invest in the future of the industry. Coinslot talks to Alex Read of Portman Asset Finance for an inside perspective.

his could be the year that the last vestiges of the recession fade away, leaving the gaming and amusement industry with a chance room to grow and invest. Early signs are already positive, with financial results from the likes of Talarius and Gala Coral up during the first quarter of the 2015 financial year, while seaside arcades around the country reported positive takings over the first half term of the calendar year. “What I think we’re

seeing is that people generally, including SME business owners, have got a bit more money available to spend,” explains Alex Read, managing director of Portman Asset Finance. The plummeting cost of fuel has helped businesses who need to keep staff and machines on the road, just as it’s helped British families to save up a little more expendable income. “Interest rates are still low, so people have still got low mortgage payments each month,” added Read, “and staff are earning more than they have done historically, so they’re better off. That will affect every SME business.” This growing liquidity is of direct benefit toAGC and FEC operators, particularly with warmer months on the horizon.“The net result is that people are spending a bit more money when they go on holiday,” said Read. “If they’re going to Skegness, for example, on the coast for a family holiday, they’re going to have more money in their pocket when they go to an arcade. It’s also going to be cheaper for them to get there and the net result is, touch wood, that a lot of

amusement operators who have got their arcades geared up towards family entertainment should be very busy around Easter, the summer holidays and half terms.” With the economy slowly returning to rude health, this also means that it’s a great time for businesses up and down the coin-op supply chain to make smart investments.“I would say that if you’re an amusement business and you’re wanting to forecast the next three years with the economy that you’re pretty safe right now, in March 2015, to invest in newer machinery and to finance it over a three year period. The chances of things going backward to the level they were in 08/09 is very very minimal.” Further into the future, the volatility of the global economy becomes difficult to predict, but Read says, if you’re not considering in growing your business now,you might not get another chance.“If you’re not confident about the next three years, just forget it,you’re never going to be,” he said. “You can’t get a better three year period, in my opinion.”

Suzo’s US LCD score LCD manufacturers Wells-Gardner Technologies have selected components distributor Suzo-Happ as its exclusive distributor for the US amusements sector. President of Suzo-Happ Americas Ron Partridge claimed the move allowed his company “to expand our LCD offering with a quality, industry-recognised manufacturer.”

G-Squared Games steps up business development activity APPOINTMENT

The team at G-Squared Games continues to grow, with the addition of a new dedicated business development manager. Cat C developer, G-Squared Games, Ehasstablished announced the appointment of Chris Truswell as business development manager, who has taken up the role with immediate effect. Truswell will be the main point of contact for customers and retailers and is tasked with further increasing G-Squared Games’ market share. Director Andrew Powell commented: “I am very pleased that Chris is joining the team. He brings with him a wealth of industry experience and a passion for customer service. When devising this role we felt it was essential that any candidate had recent operational experience of the pub sector as it is a dynamic and fast moving sector. Chris will be arranging visits to all of our key customers over the coming weeks to set out our plans for the future and to preview our next line of releases. “The appointment of a dedicated business development manager is an important milestone for GSquared Games and comes on the back of appointments of two software

developers. It also marks a complete separation in terms of staffing from Select Gaming. Over the coming months we will continue to further separate the businesses.” Truswell commented: “I am delighted to be joining the G-Squared team at such an exciting time. Having seen the product range being developed I am confident that we will go from strength to strength over the coming 12 months and I cannot wait to get started. We have three new Category C models developed as well as an exciting venture into another sector which we will be previewing later this year. I look forward over the coming weeks to meeting customers old and new, introducing myself and the fantastic product line up we have for 2015”.

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Talarius renovations reveal expansive potential AGC

ccording to statements made at the time of its A recent financial release,Talar-

The catalyst for Talarius’s recent 12 percent revenue spike may well have been a program of targeted refurbishments it carried out throughout 2014. In the second part of our exclusive interview, COO Peter Harvey delves into the principles behind this strategy.

ius’s positive performance was driven by a series of renovations taking place across its estate.A number of venues with potential to grow were singled out as prime upgrade candidates, undergoing extensive renovations to both spruce up the visual appeal and add more player capacity. Although it formed just one part of a broader corporate strategy, these remodels were the subject of special attention in the comments that flanked pages of facts and figures. A fact that is thanks in no small part to the data itself, which backed up claims that customers old and new have been flocking

to these refurbished sites. “We have undertaken an extensive renovations programme over the past six months,” confirmed chief operating officer, Peter Harvey.“Most significantly in our Clapham Junction venue, which was transformed into a next generation model to set the standard for future arcades.In addition,a number of other venues have undergone refurbishment. We decided to invest in these sites because they have potential to grow their market share in the local town.” These renovations are pleasing to the eye, but their true function is to provide a platform for Talarius’s bread and butter: machines and people.“The renovations are just one part of the equation

that has driven our growth,” explained Harvey.“As well as upgrading our venues, we have invested in our machine estate to ensure we are offering the latest machines that are most relevant to the local market.Most importantly, we have invested in our people, providing extensive staff training and team development to enable us to provide the best possible service to our customers.It is the combination of all these factors that is truly making a difference to the experiences had in our venues by both new and existing customers.” With strong initial feedback safely established, the plan is for Talarius to continue this program of renovations across the remainder

of their estate, leading with sites that demonstrate room for growth.“We are focusing on refurbishing those venues where we have identified a clear opportunity to increase our market share in the local area,” said Harvey, “irrespective of how much revenue the sites are currently pulling in. Our programme of refurbishment is expanding and we will address venues in order of how great that opportunity is and how ready the local markets are - we can only grow at a pace our customers can afford to spend more in leisure and entertainment. Thus far, it has taken great strides and seen huge improvements that we hope eventually will be applied across all of our venues.”

2411-p12-Leisure_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 12:10 Page 1

Coinslot March 13 - March 19, 2015

Leisure

8 Email: je@gbmedia.eu

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Southend still a place for arcades despite closure FEC

ne of Southendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest running seafront amusement arcades has closed down and is set to be replaced by a number of national food and beverage outlets. Paul Kettley, who has operated Circus Circus for the past 45 years, said he thought the new development would be a success, despite being a major change of use for the building. Kettley also said that

even though he was selling up, there was still good demand for amusements at the resort. He told the Clacton Gazette:â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is something that will attract people in the winter and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an alternative to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s down there at the moment, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone inside. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I decided to retire and sell up Circus Circus, [but] it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything to

do with the suggestion that arcades are dying out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the contrary,they are still very popular and we get people from all over the country coming to try out the arcades on the seafront.â&#x20AC;? Martin Richardson, owner of Southendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happidrome amusement arcade, agreed with Kettley about arcadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; popularity, but was not sure the new venture would succeed. He commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

arcades are what people come down here for.They want the kiss me quick holiday of an ice cream,stroll on the beach, and play on the arcades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ghost town down here for six months though, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to work. Even McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t survive down here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But hats off to them,they have balls of steel to try it. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done

their homework, and have got an A instead of a D.â&#x20AC;? Paul Thompson, chairman of the Southend Seafront Traders Association, plans to transform Circus Circus arcade with big brand outlets like Costa, Dunkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Donuts and Subway. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the seafront is moving away from the traditional fish and chip shops, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gone for big names that have a lot

of followers that will attract both residents and tourists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a place for arcades on the seafront, but we need to bring in other offers as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Subway is the biggest takeaway in England now and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some brands that are big in America, but are breaking into the English market, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very excited to have something else to offer to people down on the seafront.â&#x20AC;?

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Politics

Current electoral calculus predicts that Labour will win the most seats in the next election, but be unable to grasp power without a coalition. The most likely candidates remain the Scottish National Party - leading to the possibility of Scottish MPs voting being required to vote on England-only issues. PIERS

he government has launched a £3m initiative that it says will help communities unlock the economic potential of ‘hardto-tackle’ buildings like piers. The National Piers Society has drawn up a list of 48 piers that could now benefit from the new Coastal Revival Fund. It said that Weston Birnbeck Pier, Bognor Pier, Herne Bay Pier,and Swanage Pier are some of the historic structures that could receive financial support. Grants will be used to get restoration projects underway by funding initial work that will it is hoped attract additional financing from the

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that will get the revival of hard-to-tackle local coastal attractions underway and support new businesses.” Over £1m will also be provided to create 110 Coastal Community Teams that will be tasked with creating a long-term improvement strategy for their town. Each team will be awarded £10,000 to bring individual projects in their community together to promote local economic growth. Mordaunt added:“Coastal Community Teams will be essential for pulling together a shared vision that makes that most of local heritage, skills and know-how that can make our seaside towns and communities thrive.”

Piers stand to benefit from new coastal fund

private and charitable sectors. Projects bidding for a share of the fund will need to demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people want to live and work in, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Coastal communities minister Penny Mordaunt said: “There is enormous potential in our coastal areas that we are determined to unlock so they can rise up and create new jobs. “Our new heritage fund is an important catalyst for drawing in additional funding and community good will

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2411-p14-15-Essentials_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 13:46 Page 1

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Essential Guide to...

B2B Listings and Marketplace

INTRODUCTION 18 This week’s machines charts

19 Classified sales, business opps and jobs

24 Diary highlights and industry calendar

MARCH 13 - MARCH 19, 2015

The Irish Way: It’s good to meet you inancial recovery - after what was Ireland’s brutal experience of the recent global financial crisis - formed the backdrop for the Irish Gaming Show 2015. No wonder then, that demand for exhibition space was so high. Companies from 12 different countries made the trip to Dublin last week, despite ongoing ambiguity regarding new gaming legislation. Exhibition space was sold-out almost immediately. Indeed, so many were left disappointed that the event’s facilitators have been convinced to expand to a larger venue for next year’s show. Whilst at first this might seem cause for celebration, organiser John Purcell is cautious of tinkering with the event’s intimate setting and atmosphere. “This show is kept small for a reason you don’t need a presence at this show, you come here to transact,”he explains. “As soon as we move to the large exhibition side of things, the expense to be here goes up, and I feel that we risk losing this as the business-centred show that it is.” Irrespective of the size and form IGS embodies in the years to come, the character of business in Ireland elevates the show’s necessity above and beyond its larger European equivalents. “We do business through relationships - that’s just the Irish way,”states Purcell.“A lot of people come here because they know that to get an Irish customer to buy from them, they literally have to meet them face-to-face.”

JOHN ROCHE (LEFT), WITH IATA PRESIDENT JIM RICKARD

1 ABBEYCREST TRADERS

Textual healing ith 23 years of experience as a supplier of ticketing systems to nightclub box offices, Roger Bourke, MD of Abbeycrest Traders, fell into the Irish gaming sector quite by accident. A chance encounter led to his attendance at IGS - and with that, a proposition. “An arcade operator had been sending out vouchers by post, and running up thousands of euros worth of cost in doing so,” he remarked. “He asked me - Roger, can you fix us something up that goes out by text? Four years on - we’re the market leaders in the field.” Abbeycrest’s SMS Texter MEMLOY provides a loyalty solution which maximises privacy and security. “In Eastern Europe, going to the arcade is a family activity,” Bourke explained. “In Ireland - it’s still a bit taboo. Our product is a cheap and efficient way to privately send out unique loyalty vouchers, ensuring, through self-redemption, that each player receives the pledged reward in a secure and discrete fashion.”

2 CROWN DIRECT

A new jewel in the Crown rown Direct have been supplying the Irish market for nearly 15 years, though like others, the degree of its trade took a dip alongside the country’s economic fortunes. “It’s a solid market for us, but the recession had a huge impact on our trade here,” said sales executive Darren Chadwick. “Ten years ago, it was booming - you could hardly move on our IGS stand for customers. Now, it’s nowhere near where it used to be.” That said, the latter part of 2014 saw an

C The Essential Guide to plush Next Week Coinslot MARCH 13 - MARCH 19, 2015

JOHN WADE (LEFT) WITH PAUL CUR

upturn in Irish sales for the company, and it followed that its 2015 presence at IGS boasted one of the most hotly sought after products on the market. “The Minions Pusher is the result of a quiet, brilliant piece of work from my boss Dean Harding,” said Chadwick. “Contracts were confirmed and in place by November, and we saw sales straight away.” At £20,000 a pop - the product is by no means cheap, but that hardly seems to deter prospective buyers. “We’ve already sold over a hundred of them,” Chadwick confirmed. “It’s incredible - I’ve been at Crown 21 years now, but this is arguably the biggest licence I’ve ever seen.” 3 CUMMINS ALLISON

With digital precision he Euro is a friend to currency sorters. “In Northern Ireland for instance, different issuing banks and variations of individual notes is a real challenge,” commented Cummins Allison sales executive Rob Clarke. “At any one time there can be upwards of 70 notes in circulation.” Still, Clarke was enthusiastic about the products his company had brought to Dublin. “Our new JetSort LX coin counter is approved by the European Central Bank, and processes 4,000 coins per minute with high-speed coin discrimination: off-sorting any counterfeits, damaged or foreign coins,” he said. Meanwhile, the company’s latest two-pocket IFX note counter counts and separates mixed note-piles, sorting and re-bundling them for banking. “Both products can be linked together - feeding data to a computer to maximise accuracy,” Clarke went on. “As well as saving invested time, that’s what you’re getting here: accuracy that the human eye simply cant rival.”

2411-p14-15-Essentials_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 18:00 Page 2

Irish Gaming Show 2015

EFT) WITH PAUL CURLEY

ROB CLARKE (LEFT) WITH BRIAN COUSINS, ENGINEER FOR IRELAND

4 GEWETE

Building the brand eWeTe are still relative newcomers to the Irish block. “Our initial IGS exhibition - as a distinct entity - was just last year,” explained sales manager Mark Edmundson. “As such, we’re aiming for continuity and brand awareness - both of our cash handling equipment and of our Merkur kiddie rides.” Manufactured in the same German facility as GeWeTe’s change-machines, the company’s Merkur brand boasts an exclusive Disney licence. “Which gives us an edge,” said Edmundson. “The rides are iconic, and instantly recognisable.” Regarding his core product, Edmundson was looking to make gains within Irish TITO provision. “Ticketing in Ireland is an evolving process, and we’d like to be a part of that,” he told us. “We’ve got a solution for it, but we need to marry up with a systems provider for the handling end. This year’s show serves as a great networking platform to that end.”

5 HARRY LEVY AMUSEMENTS

The benefit of experience arry Levy Amusements is no stranger to Ireland. “We’ve been supplying this market since the company was first founded,” explained the company’s Mick Kennedy. In that time, the Republic’s market has leant more heavily towards gaming at the expense of amusement, but Kennedy notes redemption’s continued appeal to the Irish operator. “That’s something we’ve seen in both the north and south,” he confirmed. “It has a rounded appeal - it doesn’t carry with it any association of gambling and it fits the family market well.” It was the very same family market that Kennedy was looking to target with World of Toys - a versatile

crane product whose actual cabinet glows (as opposed to exterior lights) and changes colour. “It can be switched to a pure vending machine, or retained as a regular crane,” he said. “We think it’ll prove particularly popular here - it’s half the price of similar products.” 6 IATA

Fighting the good fight ounded in 1979, for over three decades the Irish Amusement Trade Association (IATA) has endeavoured to speak out for its membership. “Our objectives are naturally to represent our members, and to ensure that on both a local and national level, the gaming and amusement industry has a voice - particularly at the government level,” says John Roche, the organisation’s general secretary. “Our more long-term goal - and unfortunately it has remained so for the past thirty-odd years - is to actually get new and effective legislation.” Ireland’s extant gaming laws are outdated and subject to variable interpretation, application and enforcement. But it’s in fighting this uphill battle that IATA has enjoyed buoyed membership of late. “Our membership has always remained steady, but in recent years has grown,” Roche explains. “People are understanding that what’s required is a voice within government circles to effect meaningful change.”

the company’s senior business development manager. He cited particular operator interest in the company’s new SMART Coin System and printing range. “We launched the SMART Coin System at ICE, it was great to bring this revolutionary bulk coin feeder, validator and hopper to the Irish market. The unit proved very popular, complementing our state of the art product range.” Whilst signs of a wider economic recovery in Ireland remain tentative, senior support engineer Wade seemed cautiously optimistic: “There are very recent signs of growth,” he stated. “Yesterday and today have been a real indicator - there’s people here genuinely looking for cash handling solutions.” 8 JNC SALES

10 SUZO-HAPP

Hitting the road

7 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

NC Sales director Gary Newman’s trip to Dublin came on the back of a concerted effort to drive business within the Republic. “We did a lot of work with Irish customers prior to coming over here at EAG,” he said. “We specifically bought this American Road Trip ticket-out pusher for the ROI market.” The game is unusual in that it is a coin-in, ticket-out pusher, but Newman thinks it’s well suited to a market increasingly hungry for new redemption product. “It’s been happening in the UK as well,” Newman commented. “Since we’ve started putting out our GoGo Pony we’ve found that a lot of people want our ticket-out add on installed.”

A welcome surprise

9 IRISH GAMING SHOW

anning the Innovative Technology stand were Paul Curley and John Wade, and both were upbeat at the level of customer traffic they’d enjoyed. “It’s been very busy - a lot busier than we were expecting,” said Curley,

Hard lessons well learned

recession. Along with his fellow show organiser Susan Feery, John Purcell - the mouthpiece of IGS and Ireland’s sole management and technology consultant for the gaming sector - might well have claimed at least some of the glory. But instead, he was self-effacing: “The strengthening Irish economy takes the lion’s share of the credit,” he put simply. The recent financial crisis hit Ireland hard - but Purcell noted certain industry positives which have emerged as a consequence. “As an industry, we’re no longer the back alley, hidden away, old-fashioned market that we used to be,” he told us. “We’re now more hospitality focused, leisure focused, more main-stream.”

ast week, orders were being placed at the Red Cow conference centre on a level that hadn’t been seen since before the

Back in earnest he size of the Irish market - not to mention the Republic’s recent economic woes - might lead one to suppose that heavy-weight players such as Suzo-Happ would give IGS the cold-shoulder. But they’d be wrong. Not only did the global components giant take out a stand at this year’s show, but one of the company’s most senior executives was also at the helm. “It’s part of our overall strategy,” said Harald Wagemaker, Suzo-Happ’s executive vice president of sales and marketing for the gaming and casino sectors. “We’re aiming to support all local shows as much as possible throughout Europe.” Whilst the company has maintained a constant visitor presence, 2015 represented its first stand at IGS in almost a decade. “Most of the customers recognise us as a brand,” Wagemaker explained. “But by exhibiting, we display a clearer regional presence - as well as making for a more interesting show.”

Coinslot MARCH 13 - MARCH 19, 2015

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Coinslot: Do you think that presenting a game in high definition is something that players respond positively to? Andy Hall:Yes, of course players respond to the quality of the graphics which makes the game more attractive to play and immerses them more completely in the features. It allows Blueprint Games to create more exciting games, which is positive for everyone. CS: What kind of feedback have you received while the Aurora has been out on test?

AH: The feedback has been incredible the players have responded extremely well to Aurora and this has been translated into great cashbox returns. CS: How has this feedback and the high visual standards demanded by the new cabinet influenced the games you are creating right now? AH: It means we can do more with the games we are creating.We are not simply seeking to translate reel games into digital, we are able to take the player into more exciting features and develop new

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tors to keep a bigger chunk of the gold pot at the end of the rainbow. The hit machine, which also comes in Cat C Lite and Cat C options, has a playful, Irish theme featuring shamrocks and leprechaun hats as symbols on the three-reel slots. The game comes attractively housed in a sleek GLO cabinet fitted with the NV9 note acceptor. Operators also have the option of adding the NV11 note recycler to the package for maximum efficiency and reduced costs.

with the quirky Winwall multiplayer. This £70 jackpot Cat C machine, which boasts luminous colour-changing lighting from Illumi-vac, offers three terminals for participants in the virtual ‘game show’. Astra has promised that the virtual show host is 100% player friendly after an intensive period of market research, and the quiff-sporting character’s voice has gone through the same intensive research process to maximise player involvement.

2411-p16-17-Listings_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 16:44 Page 2

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The advanced crane processor payout system is specifically designed to make crane operation simpler and more lucrative for operators, using a fruit-machine style monitor for an optimal balance of winning and losing grabs. The company states that the fully automated and self-adjusting system can also make for an improved user experience resulting in greater player satisfaction and fewer complaints. Players also have the option to play-to-win. On the operator side, The WON is easy to install and also makes it quick and efficient to change stock in the crane. and exciting effects to keep them coming back for more. CS: How has the fact that your products need to work both online and offline benefited the games you create? AH: Online connectivity allows us to monitor which games are being played most by the player, at what times of day and for how long. We put this information back into the research and development of new games in order to create consistently best in class games across all of our divisions.

CRANES KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY oy lovers can win their favourite licensed plush Tproducts in the appealing Toy Family crane from Harry Levy. The machine is a bright, child-friendly exterior with a colourful logo and teddy and robot cartoons meets a range of operator-friendly options such as programmable pricing. The crane also features multi-mech coin handling, toy storage and detection, and the option to play until you win or opt for a single-game standard crane experience.

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2411-p22-23-comment_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 17:45 Page 1

Coinslot March 13 -March 19, 2015

Comment Email: je@gbmedia.eu

Luck o’ the Irish be damned Friendly and often informal, Irish cultural norms dictated the atmosphere at the Irish Gaming Show (IGS). Which is why, suggests Chris Webster,attendance figures were up and suppliers registered orders across the board. ven with a whistle-stop visit to Dublin,it’s tough not to be bowled over by both the welcome and interaction in the Republic of Ireland.The people are warm and inviting;selfeffacing jokes abound,and questions are answered frankly and without reservation. IGS certainly has a few cultural lessons to share with the European show circuit. And they did.This sense of informality carried through to the manner in which business was conducted;and it worked. A significant number of the deals being thrashed out took place over a pint,rather than at the respective stands. And the forging of relationships - a staple in Ireland simply thrived on the face-to-face contact which

perhaps goes some way to explain why senior corporate figures such as Suzo-Happ’s Harald Wagemaker could be found on the show floor. But you cannot hide from the key observation business - seemingly in volume - did take place. The show’s attendance figures reached a hitherto unprecedented high. Deals were done. Orders were placed. They call the Irish ‘lucky’. In a country near brought to its knees by the recent financial crash and still lacking definitive modern legislation, the success of IGS represents a significant achievement - but one in which luck played no part. Rather, it was earned by way of persistence, graft, and - naturally, as always - a fair degree of charm.

Everybody’s going cashless

The in-depth and the

Anyone for a Cardslot subscription? We’re all wondering if cashless is set to overtake cash in the near future, but new payment systems may not be the harbinger of doom, argues Imogen Goodman. righton & Hove City Council’s decision to scrap half of its parking meters has prompted a new wave of speculation about the future of our Great British coinage. But it’s not just transport that’s emptying its coffers; the amusements and leisure sector are also blazing a trail for cashless, with Clacton Pier and Lady’s Mile Holiday Park both making the switch in recent months. Aside from prompting a re-brand for Coinslot, what does it mean for a traditionally cash-focussed industry if the world rids

itself of small change? Of course, this is still a hypothetical question - the Payments Council estimates that 19.4bn cash transactions were made last year alone but it’s one we should consider. People like the manageability and tangibility of cash, but cashless can also be seen as an opportunity for easier tracking of payments and exciting new loyalty schemes, adding the unmistakeable scent of modernity to a traditionally British experience. But there’s still one major issue: we don’t think Cardslot has the same ring to it.

This old dog is teaching everyone new tricks Coin-op old fashioned? No way, argues Joseph Ewens, who suggests that there’s more modernity in the industry than many realise. n some quarters, coin-op has an illdeserved reputation for being a stuffy old-fashioned sort of endeavour, but anyone looking closely at the industry would find themselves quickly disavowed of that opinion. In many areas, the industry rides the wave of popular culture, helping to propel the zeitgeist onwards to new and exciting areas. Just look at some of the latest video redemption machines. Converting handheld smartphone apps into large scale, family-oriented, cabinets has been a successful venture over the past few years. Games like Flappy Bird and

Plants vs. Zombies have taken what’s popular in video games and made it fresh for the arcade. That’s the work of innovative companies, who are highly connected to what’s what in the world at large.This is something you see all across coin-op, from technology driven Cat C pub machines to slick and trendy jukebox systems. Coin-op may have a legacy to be proud of, but that doesn’t mean that the industry as a whole is not a forward-looking entity, and the more it’s able to latch on to what makes modern culture tick, the better we all will fare.

joseph ewens media watch n SBC News, gambling consultant David Clifton has O been weighing in on the underly-

of people a little and harms a few people a lot”, the Gambling Commission sees the changes as “strengthening social responsibiling logic behind the recent ity” - the very title it has given to changes to Gambling Commisits document describing the sion regulations. changes - and, again in its own Greater consumer protection words “stopping the less responhas certainly been the theme sible from undercutting the behind the latest raft of changes responsible”. to the Gambling Commission’s The Commission makes it LCCP announced in February, he abundantly clear that the central said, but it is premises-based operators who will have to step up thesis on which its system of gambling regulation is based is the to the mark. principle that responsibility for In addition to underage gamdelivering the licensing objectives bling protections, by April 2016 rests first and foremost with gampremises-based operators must have in place schemes that allow bling operators. With particular concern that the a customer to make a single anonymity inherent in cash-based request to self-exclude from all gambling makes identifying and operators of a similar type within reducing harm more challenging their area, typically where they live and work. The Commission is than it might otherwise be, the also working with remote industry Commission is throwing down the gauntlet to the industry to demonrepresentatives to develop a strate to its satisfaction that measnational multi-operator selfures taken by it (combined with an exclusion scheme, which should increased use of data available be in place in 2017, in which all licensed remote operators will be online) are providing the Commisrequired to participate within one sion with increased understanding and scope for effective harm premonth of it being established. vention and mitigation. It warns By way of contrast, commentthat the removal of anonymity and ing that, “gambling benefits a lot

2411-p22-23-comment_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 17:45 Page 2

Coinslot March 13 - March 19, 2015 23

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“ ”

quote unquote

“With the recent rise in the value of sterling versus the euro, the cost of British goods sold internationally have increased substantially.” JOHN MCLOUGHLIN OF BFG ON THE INTERNATIONAL PULL OF UK PRODUCTS

“It’s not a good enough attraction. You need a damn good funfair. That’s what we hope to achieve.” SHOWMAN HARRY DANTER TALING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BARRY ISLAND PLEASURE PARK

“If you’re not confident about the next three years, just forget it, you’re never going to be. You can’t get a better three year period, in my opinion.” ALEX READ OF PORTMAN ASSET FINANCE TALKING ABOUT THE

CHANGING FACE OF THE BRITISH ECONOMY

“The arcades are what people come down here for. They want the kiss me quick holiday of an ice cream, stroll on the beach, and play on the arcades.” MARTIN RICHARDSON, OWNER OF SOUTHEND’S HAPPIDROME, TALKING ABOUT SOUTHEND’S EFFORTS TO DRIVE PEOPLE TO THE SEAFRONT

“Our new heritage fund is an important catalyst for drawing in additional funding and community good will that will get the revival of hard-to-tackle local coastal attractions underway and support new businesses.” COASTAL COMMUNITIES MINISTER PENNY MORDAUNT ON MAKING GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SEASIDE TOWNS

A detailed analysis of the latest LCCP updates, Cat C permit small print and an unexpected machine jackpot.

the publication, that a number of conditions are automatically attached to such permits and the Gambling Commission has issued a code of practice for premises with an alcohol licence, which will assist you. All gaming machines must be positioned so that they can be supervised during their use and this may be achieved by designating responsibility to particular staff members or by other means such as via CCTV. You should also be aware that if you have a cash machine at the premises, all gaming machines must be placed so that anyone playing the machine must stop if they wish to obtain cash. Because you are providing category C machines, while the implementation of a specific age verification policy regarding the gaming machines is not a condition of the permit, you must ensure that under-age gambling is prevented. And finally, other less glamorous coin operated machines have been unexpectedly muscling in on gaming’s turf, according to the Metro. Most of

BALPPA director Paul Kelly gives an update on the progress of the flagship school holidays bill campaign.

paul kelly politics e are continuing to lobby aggressively around the W school holidays debate. Follow-

d the in-luck

a movement in future to account-based play, at least for harder forms of gambling, could result if that challenge is not adequately met. Justifying the changes to the LCCP, Philip Graf (the Chairman of the Commission) describes the regulator as having to achieve a balance between its legal obligations. Many in the industry, including those online operators accustomed to the licensing and regulatory systems in operation elsewhere, might consider this latter obligation as being intended to support the business aims and ambitions of licence-holders. However, the Gambling Commission sees it differently, instead regarding itself as obliged to minimise the regulatory burden associated with protecting the public rather than obliged to promote the industry’s growth. Elsewhere, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser is offering concerned landlords some advice on the nature of their Cat C licenses. You should be aware, says

The government is feeling the pressure on holidays bill

us will begrudgingly stick a few quid in an overpriced parking meter when we’re out for the day. But when a motorist in Essex paid £5 for an all-day permit, she got the kind of surprise that you’d usually expect from a pub fruit machine. Stephanie Corder, from Rayleigh, was left stunned as the machine spat out £32 in coins, and had to gather the unexpected jackpot as it continued to fly out. “I had to scoop the money up to stop it falling on the floor”, she recalled to the BBC. “There was so much I had to keep taking it out and put it in my pocket - it just kept coming out - a bloke behind me said “you want to go and play the machines. He said I should keep it, but I couldn’t do that - it wasn’t my money so I just walked around to the police station. The lady in there was a bit astonished as well.” Unsurprisingly, Rochford District Council didn’t let Ms. Corder keep her jackpot, but rewarded her with a day’s free parking to reward her honesty.

ing our amendment at the Committee Stage, Lord Clement-Jones agreed to table a second one at the Report Stage. This had the effect of forcing a debate in the chamber and making the Government defend their policy. Lord Clement-Jones did an excellent job of arguing our position and the Labour front bench supported BALPPA’s amendment too. Lord Stevenson, Labour’s lead for the bill, said of the need to consult:“I wonder what force this advice will have. Will it be in the form of a circular of some type? Can he expand on that? Will there be any sanctions for those who do not behave to the letter of the law, as so well expressed by the noble Lord the last time round?” Later in the debate, Lord Clement-Jones also managed to wrong-foot the responsible minister. Lord Wallace of Saltaire had summarised the concerns of the amendment lobby by saying that all schools should act reasonably and transparently when determining term dates. “This will include considering the impact on those likely to be affected by their decisions, including pupils, parents, staff, the local authority and businesses,” he added. When asked by Lord Clement-Jones to detail where in the bill the obligation of

responsibility is written, Lord Wallace replied:“I am fairly sure it is in briefing and guidance. It is not something that is enforced upon schools because that does not seem necessary.” This was all very positive and helped us make the point that these changes have not been thought out. We’ve also had some positive developments – in Norfolk where there were proposals to implement a four week summer holiday, these have been shelved in favour of a five or six week option. We intend to make a submission to their consultation calling for the six-week option to be taken. The next stage in Parliament was on the 4th of March, which was the third reading (the final Lords stage).This was followed on the 10th March with the ‘ping pong’ or Consideration of Amendments stage, where the Commons must agree to the amended bill from the Lords. This could take some time. Our aim moving forwards is to continue briefing Lords and Parliamentarians on the bill, but also extend this out to councils and authorities that try to use the powers. If the bill goes into the ‘wash up’ at the end of the Parliament, there will be an opportunity to get the clause removed completely. This is because, at this stage, anything even slightly controversial can be removed if it threatens the passage of the bill as a whole.

2411-p24-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 10/03/2015 15:29 Page 1

Coinslot March 13 - Mach 19, 2015

Newsweek SERBIA TO HOST FORWARD-FOCUSSED EXPO he next frontier for the European marketplace is set to undergo thorough investigation at the upcoming Belgrade Future Gaming trade fair. Continuing a lineage which began in 2007, the show provides companies with the first chance of the year to present their products in Southeastern Europe. “Companies that have already participated, as well as those who would like

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Continental expertise gathers under IAAPA banner “We chose Turkey because it represents some of the most interesting developments in Eastern Europe,” said Karen Staley, VP of IAAPA European operations.“Participants will take part in a seminar about emerging markets that will highlight the major developments in Turkey and other Eastern European countries.” The knowledge on tap, however, will be of use to

lobal amusements trade body, IAAPA, has announced the dates for its latest forum, taking place this May in Istanbul, Turkey. The IAAPA Europe Spring Forum 2015 hopes to bring together attractions industry professionals from Europe, with organisers hoping for increased input from the continent’s easternmost countries.

to participate, will have the opportunity to improve their business operations in the fastest and most efficient way,” reads an organiser’s statement. The Belgrade Future Gaming show will be held in Hall 5 at Belgrade Fair in the Serbian capital between 19-21 May, 2015.

MAY’S MACAU MAINSTAY espite some recent turmoil, Macau remains the primary power in the gaming industry, which means that its big trade shows are still spectacles of global impor-

operators from all corners of the continent, with a particular focus this year on updated safety information. “The safety of our guests is top priority,”said Staley. “We continually work with governments to promote the highest of safety standards.” The even is scheduled for the 21-22 May, 2015 at the Vialand and Kidzania amusement park in Istanbul, Turkey. joined the global throng in China’s special administrative region. As with the previous year, the show floor will be complemented by a conference running alongside the main event.

tance. This year’s G2E Asia is scheduled for the 19-21 May, 2015 at the Venetian Macau. It’s 2014 incarnation attracted over 8,000 visitors, nearly 45 percent up on its previous outing. These were overwhelmingly from overseas, as UK and Ireland travellers

Calendar MARCH 2015 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 24-26 FER Interazar 2015 Madrid Spain www.ferinterazar.com 25 TiLEzone London London Transport Museum, London, UK www.tileweb.org

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

MAY 2015 6-7 NORTHERN SHOWCASE 2015 The Pines Hotel, Preston Road, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7ED www.crowndirect.co.uk

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