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NOVEMBER 2014 • EDITION 145

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EUROPE NEWS

PEOPLE

New dawn rises for ECA as Cezanne takes charge of Europe’s driving force 4

Jay Chun on hopes and aspirations for the Macau industry 30

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VISITOR ARRIVALS UP

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Its monthly revenue growth may not be at levels it wants to see, but Macau remains the focal point for development for the world’s leading resort operators. James Walker explains.

A MACAU

I Operators remain bullish on Macau’s longterm performance lthough Macau may be witnessing a slowdown in growth, when it comes to total receipts generated by the sector, the territory continues to fare well.

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total receipts of the gaming sector reached MOP363.07bn (E35.7bn) in 2013, up by 18 per cent year-on-year.

Receipts from gaming and related services - which include food, beverages and currency exchange increased by 18 per cent yearon-year to MOP362.75bn (E35.7bn).

Gross value added, which equals receipts from gaming and related services in addition to changes to inventories but excludes purchases of goods and commission paid, measures the sector’s contribution to the economy.

According to the survey, gross value added totalled

MOP225.9bn (E22.2bn) in 2013, a 21 per cent increase over that of the previous 12 months.

Operating expenses and compensation of employees in Macau went up by 21 per cent and 13 per cent to MOP21.17bn (E2bn) and MOP16.18bn (E1.6bn) respectively. Non-operating expenditure such as depreciation and interest paid totalled MOP3.57bn (E350m), up by 15 per cent year-on-year.

With an incredible $38bn (E30bn) gross gaming revenue in 2012, Macau’s 32 casinos earns six times more revenue than the whole Las Vegas Strip did in the same year. Indeed, given Macau’s domination of the global gaming industry skyline, the former Portuguese enclave is subject to fervent monthby-month analysis around the world.

It has been widely

reported that gambling revenues for the month fell some 23 per cent year-on-year, the sharpest drop since the Special Administrative Region started keeping records.

“A two-year campaign on corruption has discouraged China’s high-rollers from ostentatious displays of wealth in Macau,” said Bloomberg analyst, Billy Chan. Meanwhile, the industry could be further affected

by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to Macau next month, according to Union Gaming Research analyst Grant Govertsen.

Despite the dip, however, many operators continue to focus on expansion in Macau - the only place where casino gambling is legal in China. Commenting on October’s revenues Steve Wynn, chief executive of Wynn Macau, which is currently building a $4m

($3.2m) integrated resort in the territory, said: “I don’t know if it is a squall or if we are in the rainy season, or how long it will last, but we are still very bullish on Macau.”

Wynn’s sentiments were echoed by Lawrence Ho, cochairman and chief executive officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, which recently posted a drop in third-quarter earnings.

“Macau remains the leading and most exciting gaming destination in the world,” Ho stated. “As the only legal casino gaming destination in China, Macau is ideally positioned to cater to one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world, with a burgeoning middle and upper class which, together with a forwardthinking development and infrastructure blueprint for the region, will ensure Macau’s long term success.”

nformation from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by three per cent year-on-year to 2.4m people in September 2014. Sameday visitors accounted for 52 per cent of the total, at 1.2m. Analysed by place of residence, visitors to Macau from Mainland China increased by six per cent year-on-year to 1.6m, coming primarily from the nearby eastern provinces of Guangdong Fujian Province. Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme rose by 11 per cent. This increase was echoed by a growth in visitors from South Korea (up 24 per cent), Japan (seven per cent) and the US (seven per cent). In the first three quarters of 2014, visitor arrivals reached 23.5 million, up by seven per cent year-on-year, with same-day visitors sharing 53 per cent of the total.

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CR145-p02-03-World_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 12:47 Page 1

News World

NEW OPENING

Royal Plaza opens it doors in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s latest casino, the Royal Plaza, represents a new chapter in luxury gaming on the European-Asia b

A KAZAKHSTAN

fter a soft opening in July, the Royal Plaza Hotel and Casino in Kazakhstan hosted its official opening party on October 25, with guests able to catch a glimpse of the country’s latest luxury gaming and leisure venue.

Located in Kapchagay, 50km north of the city of Almaty, Royal Plaza is the country’s largest casino resort, with 65 international standard rooms and a range of other facilities, including a spa, restaurant, beauty centre and nightclub.

In terms of gaming, the facility has 66 live tables on its main floor - 16 American roulette, eight black jack, 40 poker, one craps and one full size Punto Banco - and eight private gaming rooms.

2 | casinoreview November 2014

According to Evsel Erkosar, chief executive officer for Liberty Gaming, Royal Plaza accommodates 140 of the newest gaming machines from leading manufacturers including Euro Games Technology (EGT), Novomatic, GTech and WMS Gaming, all of which are brought together with systems from Advansys.

Liberty Gaming supplied all gaming equipment and surveillance systems. The Turkey-based group is also managing the complex.

“Local and international guests enjoyed the opening party with one of Russia’s most famous bands, Lyube, and local singers,” Erkosar told International Casino Review.

Kapchagay is one of the

two gambling zones designated by the Kazakhstan government in 2008. The south-eastern gaming zone is joined by Shchuchinsk in the north, 200km from Astana on the shores of Lake Burabay.

Although some operators were impacted by the government’s decision to relocate gambling to the two zones, Kazakhstan represents an interesting proposition for global casino suppliers. High-rollers and mass market gamers around the world continue to expand their range, and the country’s close position to both Russia and China helps to ensure a constant influx of visitors.

However, casinos in the country are not only target-

ing gamers from overseas.

According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan has an increasingly affluent population base, described as an “ u p p e r- m i d d l e - i n c o m e country” with per capita GDP of nearly $13,000 in 2013.

“Strong domestic demand, coupled with increased oil output and recovered crop production, boosted economic growth from five per cent in 2012 to six per cent in 2013,” the World Bank said. “Income growth in the country had a positive impact on poverty indicators, with prosperity shared broadly. Over the last year, the share of the population living in poverty went down from 5.5 per cent in 2011 to 3.8 per cent in 2012,

as measured by the national poverty line. This is a significant improvement from 47 per cent officially registered in 2001.”

In an effort to tap into this emerging consumer base, leisure operators have been slowly ramping up their presence in Kazakhstan. In October, a new family entertainment centre opened in Oral, the country’s largest city. Housed in the City Center shopping mall, the 13th Funky Town venue covers 1,400sq.m and features eight rides, soft play, a toddler area, trampolines, bumper cars and 65 games.

In the hotel and restaurants sector, meanwhile, October 30 saw the opening of Hard Rock International’s first Hard Rock Cafe loca-

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YXYXYXY KAZAKHSTAN / SOUTH KOREA / UNITED KINGDOM / UNITED STATES

ICR NEWS: WORLD 2-3 EUROPE 4-9 ASIA & OCEANIA 10-15 AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST 16-17 NORTH AMERICA 18-21 SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA 22-23 COMMENT & ANALYSIS 26-29 PEOPLE 30-31

KAZAKHSTAN EXPO Architecture and design firm AHR has been given planning permission for the first phase of the ‘Green Block’, the 2017 Expo Village in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Green Block Astana is a 100,000sq.m site that has been masterplanned by architect.

Drawing inspiration from nature and the cellular structure of a leaf, the plan aims to address the nuances of the local climate.

Containing 15 different buildings, from administrative to residential, the site’s public spaces will be linked by ETFE biodomes, which will provide shelter for people in extreme winter months. The $587.6m (E470m) scheme will seek to incorporate a series of cutting edge sustainability measures, in line with the 2017 Expo ‘Future Energy’ theme. Work is expected to start on site in spring 2015, ready for the completed project to be unveiled at the World Expo in 2017.

s its tan

opean-Asia border. tion in Kazakhstan.

Sited in Almaty the new venue boasts three floors, including a large shop on the first floor. The second floor features a central bar and restaurant seating, while the third floor offers intimate restaurant and booth dining with the addition of two VIP lounge areas.

“The opening of Hard Rock Cafe Almaty marks our first location in Kazakhstan, and we are thrilled to bring our world-famous brand to the vibrant and lively city of Almaty,” said Antonio Bautista, area vice president at Hard Rock International. “Almaty is ideal for Kazakhstan’s first Hard Rock Cafe, and we look forward to serving the local community.”

LEGISLATION

INTEGRATED RESORTS

New UK remote gambling legislation comes into effect UNITED KINGDOM

South Korea due for more integrated resorts SOUTH KOREA

he master plan for integrated resort casino gaming in South Korea could see the government of conservative President Park Geun-Hye authorise up to three more venues for Yeongjong Island near Seoul as early as next year.

Home to Incheon International Airport and part of the Incheon Free Economic Zone, the 34,183-acre island, 30 miles from the capital city and its 25.6m inhabitants, is already set to be the site of the $1.7bn (E1.35bn) Paradise City project, which is a joint venture from local casino operator Paradise and Japan’s Sega Sammy Holdings, from 2017 while Caesars Entertainment expects to follow a year later with the $794m (E634m) first phase of its Midan

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City project.

South Korea currently has 16 foreigner-only casinos while locals are only permitted to gamble at the Kangwon Land Hotel and Casino in remote Jeongseon County. Eight venues alone are located on the southern island of Jeju, which benefits visa-free access for Chinese players, with half of the nation’s venues owned by Paradise and the stateowned Grand Korea Leisure.

Jeju is also soon set to feature a new $2.2bn (E1.75bn) casino resort from Malaysian operator Genting, while Paradise, which already operates three venues on the tourist island, has recently announced plans to develop a nearby integrated resort.

“Our checks with officials and industry participants suggest that Yeongjong Island will be the centre stage for inte-

A

grated resort project development,” read a report from Standard Chartered Equity Research.

“We expect an additional two to three casino integrated resorts to form a cluster with the two current projects. According to the government’s target, visitors from China should account for half of the 20m total inbound tourists expected in 2017 versus 4m out of 12m total tourists in 2013. This would translate into a 23 percent compound annual growth rate for China tourists and a 13 percent compound annual growth rate for total inbound tourists in the next four years. Foreigner exclusive casinos should benefit from China tourist growth. China visitors have the highest gaming profile [with] 32 percent higher per visit drop than average and represent the largest customer group.”

fter surviving a legal challenge from the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) in the High Court last month, the UK government has now implemented the provisions of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014.

Passed by Parliament in May, the Act now requires that all remote gambling operators wishing to advertise or offer their services to UK-based players first obtain an operating licence from the Gambling Commission.

Such operators were previously permitted to offer their services to UK-based players if they had been licensed by authorities in Gibraltar, a nation in the European Economic Area or a ‘white-listed’ jurisdiction such as Alderney, the Isle of

RESORT DEVELOPMENT

Wynn pushes ahead with Cotai resort development UNITED STATES

W

ynn Resorts has reported a slight increase in profits for the third quarter of 2014, as strong revenue gains in the US partially offset a shaky performance in Macau.

In the three months to September 30, revenues for the group, which owns the Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau gaming resorts, totalled $1.37bn (E1.08bn), down 1.4 per cent on the $1.39bn (E1.09bn) in the prior-year period. The dip in the company’s top line was

primarily attributed to a 5.6 per cent decrease in revenues from Wynn’s operations in Macau to $997.6m (E784m).

This was partially offset by a nine per cent increase in net revenues from the group’s business in Las Vegas.

Third-quarter profits for Wynn Resorts were up 1.7 per cent to $253m (E199m).

The company is currently constructing Wynn Palace, a fully integrated resort containing a 1,700-room hotel, performance lake, meeting space, casino, spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets in the Cotai area of Macau.

In July 2013, chairman Steve Wynn signed a $2.6bn (E2bn) guaranteed maximum price contract for the project’s construction. The total project budget, including construction costs, capitalised interest, pre-opening expenses, land costs and financing fees, is approximately $4.1bn (E3.2bn), and the Cotai resort is expected to open the first half of 2016.

“During the third quarter of 2014, we invested approximately $301.1m (E236m) in our Cotai project, taking the total investment to date to $1.4bn (E1.1bn),” Wynn said.

Man, Tasmania or Antigua and Barbuda.

As a result, all broadcasters, publishers and sports clubs carrying any gambling advertising must now ensure that the involved operator holds an appropriate licence in addition to displaying a link to the Gambling Commission webpage where further information is to be displayed.

Another key part of the legislation will see all remote gambling operators required to pay a 15 per cent tax on all gross gambling profits attached to transactions from players whose usual place of residence is in the UK. Previously, numerous operators had chosen to base their operations in territories such as Gibraltar where tax rates could be as low as one per cent.

November 2014 casinoreview

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CR145-p04-08-Europe_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 19:11 Page 1

News Europe

With the scene set for an extremely busy 2015, the European Casino Association has appointed a new executive director to represent its members in Brussels. James Walker reports.

TRADE ASSOCIATION

ECA hopes high on Cezanne painting a new landscape for the European casino industry

G EUROPE

lenn Cezanne, former head of institutional relations in Brussels for GTech, has been appointed as executive director for the European Casino Association (ECA).

Based in the ECA’s new head office in Brussels, Cezanne will act as the ECA members’ primary contact for all legal and regulatory issues.

“As with many of the traditional sectors of the gambling industry, there are always many challenges that need to be addressed,” Cezanne told International Casino Review in a conference call earlier this month.

“This is certainly true for the casino sector, and it will be my responsibility to be here

4 | casinoreview November 2014

in Brussels to highlight those important issues.”

“My position will be multifaceted, but there are essentially two key aspects to the role,” said the German national, who has a bachelor’s degree in European Studies and a master’s degree in Diplomacy. “The first I will be specifically focusing on is the assistance and the day-to-day co-ordination of the ECA. This is the ‘executive’ element, and encompasses the workings of the association, ensuring all necessary communications, actions and reactions are dealt with accordingly.”

“The other element of my role is public affairs. One of the main reasons the ECA

was established was to give a strong voice to casino members across Europe. My role is to aid these casinos to be able to represent themselves vis-à-vis the European institutions and any other stakeholders, to ensure that their interests are represented, protected and, of course, heard.”

As responsible for institutional relations for GTech in Europe for five years, Cezanne played a key role in raising the profile of the Italian gaming conglomerate and establishing the group as a key source of information to EU and national policymakers.

Cezanne’s appointment comes ahead of the ECA’s

general assembly in February, where further board elections will take place. He embarked upon his new role in Brussels on November 1, replacing Gwendoline Motte, who left for personal reasons and to spend more time with her family.

“The ECA is very thankful to Gwendoline for all her good work at the association,” said ECA spokesman, Hermann Pamminger.

Equally, the ECA will say farewell to Elise Frketich, who supported the association in its day-to-day workings, and has now taken up a scholarship.

In addition to addressing the key national and EUwide issues currently affect-

ing the European casino industry, the ECA continues to focus on implementing new initiatives for the benefit of its members, their employees and, indeed, the players themselves. The association recently announced that the 2015 European Dealer Championship will take place at HIT Casinos in Slovenia on May 12-13. “This is the biggest event of its kind that generates a lot of interest across Europe’s community of casino dealers,” Pamminger said.

“It is very important for us to create new initiatives,” he added. “The ECA has working groups that focus on a range of different issues, such as responsible gam-

CR145-p04-08-Europe_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 19:09 Page 2

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ABOUT THE ECA he European Casino Association (ECA) represents the interests of approximately 900 casinos and over 70,000 employees across Europe. Founded in the early 1990s as the European Casino Forum, the ECA has progressively grown over the years and today includes 24 members from the majority of the EU’s Member States, Switzerland and Serbia.

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EUROPE ROUND-UP

FINANCIALS

Compulsory registration impacts Swedish gaming revenues

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SWEDEN

he introduction of compulsory T player registration and a range of social responsibility measures in

Glenn Cezanne: the new face of the ECA in Brussels

Sweden have resulted in an expected dip in the country’s gaming revenues.

Earnings after tax for the third quarter of 2014 totalled SEK1.141bn (E124m), according to state-owned gaming group Svenska Spel, down by SEK182m (E19.8m) - or 13.7 per cent - compared with the same period in 2013.

“The decrease is according to plan,” Svenska Spel CEO, Lennart Käll, stated. “We have, in recent years, seen the Swedish gambling market evolve in the wrong direction. Therefore, we showed the way

to a healthier gaming market through the introduction of several initiatives, including compulsory registration. It’s a position that comes before short-term profit motives.”

The compulsory registration was implemented in November 2013, in an effort to both enhance consumer protection and reduce opportunities for fraud in the form of match fixing and money laundering.

“Our decision represents a major

effort to strengthen consumer protection on the gaming market,” Käll said. “We are convinced that a mandatory customer card is an important part of a more consistent and clear approach to responsible gaming, and that it will lead to the development of a healthy and secure gaming market. Meanwhile, we must continue to develop a wide range of attractive gaming experiences, so that our customers do not seek out unregulated gambling sites.”

MARKETS

bling and online gaming. We are all working towards certain goals.”

“The ECA is of course also closely observing individual initiatives undertaken by the members. One example of this is the European Slot Tournament. This slot tournament takes place across several casinos in different countries, and the national champions head to the Casinó di Campione in Italy for the final. Although this could be the feed for something even bigger, perhaps a European jackpot, the important thing is to be innovative and see how we can help our members to be innovative in their core business, which is live casino entertainment.”

Dutch casino decline highlighted in report NETHERLANDS

B

etween 2005 and 2013, gross profits in the Netherlands’ casino industry dropped from E322m to E209, according to new statistics from Dutch gaming authority, the Kansspelautoriteit.

The Kansspelautoriteit’s ‘Analysis of the Dutch Gaming Market 2013’ is the authority’s first indepth report on the country’s gaming industry. It indicated that 8.7m of the Netherlands’ 16.7m residents participate in gambling, on at least a semi-regular basis.

In 2013, gross gaming revenues across all channels totalled E2.3bn,

he European Commission has referred Sweden to the Court of Justice of the EU in relation to its legislation for gambling services. The Commission said it believes the Scandenavian country has enacted a restrictive monopoly and is in breach of European business legislation with its state-owned gaming operator Svenska Spel, which currently has exclusive rights to offer online gambling services in Sweden.

On the other side of Europe, Spain announced its intention to issue an undefined number of new casino licences in an attempt to help the national online gambling regulated market grow. The country’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) said the move will allow operators to apply for a licence to offer online slots and betting products within the ‘dot-es’ market. Applications will be open both for operators currently in possession of a different DGOJ-issued licence, as well as operators that are not currently active in Spain’s regulated online gambling industry.

In the Netherlands, meanwhile, the Dutch gaming authority, the Kansspelautoriteit, has announced it will be accepting online gaming licence applications from prospective suitors from December 1. According to Marja Appelman, director of the Kansspelautoriteit, online gaming operators will be able to express their interest in the soon-to-open market through a simple registration form on the authority’s website. Earlier this year, Appelman said she expected the new Dutch online gaming legislation to come into effect on January 1, 2015. Although the bill has been delayed, the announcement that operators will soon be able to register their interest in the market suggests the legislation is indeed imminent.

with the biggest sectors being lotteries (46 per cent), slot machines (43 per cent), casino games (nine per cent) and sports betting (three per cent).

The drop in casino earnings, according to the authority, “seems

to coincide with the financial crisis”.

Almost 60 per cent of the Dutch population within half an hour’s drive of a casino, almost 20 per cent are 30 minutes away from two casinos. More than 93 per cent of the population lives within an hour of a casino establishment, the report stated.

The Kansspelautoriteit, which has presented its new online gaming bill to the Dutch parliament and is currently waiting for an implementation date, highlighted illegal gaming activity in the country. In 2009, an estimated 205,000 people participated in illegal online gaming, particularly poker.

November 2014 casinoreview

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CR145-p04-08-Europe_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:03 Page 3

News Europe

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PERFORMANCE

LUXURY AS STANDARD

Operational losses have shrunk for SBM, as the casino group reports its best financial performance since 2008.

ociété des Bains de Mer is Monaco’s biggest employer, and one of the world’s leading leisure and hospitality groups. In addition to its five casinos, the group operates four hotels, four sports clubs, 25 restaurants and six bars.

All but six of SBM’s 52 properties are located within the principality, although the company has been expanding into new territories. The group opened its first non-European establishment on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, in September 2011. SBM’s latest development, Pavillons Monte-Carlo, opened last month. The urban planning project, near Casino Square, provides a mixture of green space, recreation and retail.

S

Performance improves for Monaco casino group MONACO

onaco leisure group Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) has achieved its best performance in the past six years, due to a series of cost-cutting measures and successful expansion into new sectors and territories.

SBM, which operates five casinos in Monaco, including the iconic Casino

M

de Monte-Carlo, has reversed a decline in operational profitability that started amid the economic crisis of 2008.

The group’s operating result swung from a profit of E19m in fiscal 2009 to a loss of E33.4m in 2013. This has now been reduced to a loss of E11.8m in fiscal 2014.

At its shareholders’ general assembly in September, the SBM board said the

gaming and rental sectors have contributed to this improvement, while the hotel sector saw a slight drop in performance.

“Following the slight recovery in financial year 2013/2014, the group remains cautious with regard to the results expected for the current financial year,” a management statement read.

“The pursuit of actions undertaken as part of the re-

launch and recovery plan has enabled the group to achieve higher turnover in the first quarter of financial year 2014/2015 versus the same period in the previous financial year. Turnover in fact amounted to E147m versus E144.4 m previously.

This two per cent rise was mainly the result of favourable developments in the gaming sector.”

In the area of online gambling, Betclic Everest

Group, of which SBM group holds 50 per cent, has confirmed its recovery, producing a positive operational cashflow showing strong progression as compared to the previous year.

SBM’s results act as a clear indication that the casino group is on the road to recovery. However, the company said improvements in the gaming sector effects are still “insuffi-

cient to ensure a return to a balanced outcome in the operating results”.

Looking ahead, SBM said it would focus on relaunching its gaming activities. In particular, the group will soon begin to open the Casino du Café de Paris for 24-hours a day, whilst looking into new markets in Latin America and Asia.

The company will also continue to focus on reducing internal costs.

EXPANSION

JOA Group casino expansion nearly complete

FRANCE

J

OA Group, the third largest casino operator in France, will cut the ribbon on its expanded Casino JOA d’Uriage in Saint-Martin-d’Uriage on November 20.

The venue will be inaugurated by Laurent Lassiaz, executive chairman of the group, along with venue director Arnaud Loret and mayor Gerald Giraud.

The expanded Casino JOA d’Uriage will employ 80 people and features 1,000sq.m of additional space, which the operator said will accommodate shows and business seminars. The casino remained open during the renovation work.

According to JOA, the 250-

6 | casinoreview November 2014

seat function room will increase the casino’s footprint to 2,500sq.m. It is intended to create a separate entry between games and entertainment, and non-gamers will not need to present identification to enjoy the shows.

“This extension work, for a

total investment of E5m, will allow the venue to establish itself as a key regional player in the leisure, catering and events,” JOA Group stated.

Lassiaz added: “JOA’s ambition is not to become the number two or even number one company [in France’s] casino

market. Our aim is primarily to make true leisure destinations.”

Loret said: “This restructuring will allow us to remain number one in Isère and position ourselves as a major player in the recreation reference on the region. The new development should satisfy existing customers, but also inspire tourists and businesses to rediscover the casino. With these changes, we expect a 10 per cent increase in visitors.

JOA Group operates 21 casinos across France, in addition to a gaming site offering sports betting and poker. The company employs 1,500 and counts 2,200 slot machines, 100 table games, 21 restaurants, 32 bars, two hotels, three cinemas, seven clubs and two bowling alleys across its estate.

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REFURBISHMENT

OPENING

After extensive renovation,

Casino opens in Hungary’s second city

Napoleons Casinos’ Sheffield Owerlton site rejoins the fold “bigger, better, and bolder than ever before.”

HUNGARY

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Napoleons unveils refurbished Sheffield venue UNITED KINGDOM

ollowing a six-month period of extension and refurbishment, Napoleons Casino has reopened the doors of its Sheffield Owlerton venue.

The $3.21m reinvestment followed two decades of uninterrupted operation on the site: “We’ve been at Owlerton for nearly 20 years now,” commented

F

Mark Allen, chief executive of A&S Leisure Group, of which Napoleons is part.

“After implementing many improvements over this time we felt now was the time to make the investment in drastically improving the facilities.”

A&S have been a longterm presence within the leisure sector in the north of England: last year saw the Yorkshire firm celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Its Napoleons brand operates six separate venues: including two in Sheffield and one in central London.

The Owlerton renovation aims to enhance customer facilities: “By popular demand it was clear that we needed a bigger restaurant and bar area and lounge where customers could relax and enjoy a drink,” stated Allen.

“My personal highlight, however, is our new out-

door gaming terrace; it’s a very exciting addition to our casino and currently the only one of its kind outside of London.”

With Yorkshire steeped in a strong sense of its own identity, Allen argues that the renovation effort will still maintain a locally familiar ambience: “We like to keep a traditional feel to Napoleons with a personal experience; however, we are always looking at ways

we can improve.” He says, arguing that the balancing act lies in “maintaining your true ethos whilst constantly improving & moving forward with the times.”

He continued: “Our substantial investment in the new facilities at Owlerton has made the venue bigger, better and bolder than ever before, ensuring the customer experience is second to none.”

CASINO LICENCES

Two new casinos licences for Belgium BELGIUM

T

he new coalition government of Prime Minister Charles Michel in Belgium has announced plans to amend the 1999 Games of Chance Act in order to increase the number of land-based casinos in the nation by two to 11.

Under an agreement signed following May’s

elections to “help the country’s struggling economy”, the centreright government declared that it is set to review current gaming legislation for the purposes of ‘increasing the number of allowed classone establishments of games of chance to eleven’.

Belgium does not currently collect tax casino winnings but this could soon change with the

8 | casinoreview November 2014

government also due to investigate the possibility of taxing regular poker players. Under plans being considered by the new government, some residents placed in the top earnings bracket due to their gambling exploits could face taxes as high as 75 per cent.

The news of the two new casino licences in Belgium has been welcomed by some observers as a positive

development in the country’s gaming industry.

However, Andrew Laurent from Seeben, a casino products distributor based in the east of the country, notes: “Belgian casinos are losing money and some of them are even reducing staff numbers.”

Other casinos are trying to sell their licenses to interested parties who are looking to operate an online gaming platform in

Grand Casino Knokke Belgium, as to do this you need a bricks-and-mortar venue, Laurent said.

“For example, NapoleonGames.be bought the Grand Casino Knokke to be able to operate casino games online.”

riday, October 17 saw the opening of the Hungary’s newest gaming venue, the Grand Casino, in the eastern city of Debrecen.

Developed and operated

by Aranybónusz 2000, the HUF750m (E2.4m) casino is located at the Debrecen Plaza shopping centre. It has opened with 240 slot machines and four table games.

Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, is about 200km east of Budapest and 25km from the Romanian border.

Aranybónusz, which won the concession to operate the Debrecen Grand Casino for 10 years, has an option to extend its licence for another five years. The operator has

also won the tender for another casino in Nyiregyhaza, also in eastern Hungary.

The two new casinos are among the seven new concession contracts granted by the Hungarian government in May. The remaining five concessions were awarded to Las Vegas Casino, a development group owned by Andy Vajna, the government’s film industry commissioner.

At present there are three casinos operating in Hungary: two in Budapest, one of which is owned by Las Vegas Casino, and one in Sopron, near the border with Austria.

On October 10, 2012, all slot machines outside casinos - totalling some 6,591 units - were banned across the country.

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CR145-p10-14-Asia_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 13:03 Page 1

News

Asia & Oceania

DEREGULATION

Japan casino bid hits stumbling bl Efforts in Japan to legalise casinos and see them constructed in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have hit a major stumbling block, reports suggest.

O JAPAN

n October 16, 2014, an extraordinary gene r a l meeting of Japan’s Alliance for the Promotion of International Tourism (IR caucus) was held at the House of Representatives Second Diet Members’ Hall in Tokyo.

Debates surrounding the IR Promotion Bill - which would paved the way for integrated casino resorts in Japan - have continued

10 | casinoreview November 2014

since the last Diet session, but the bill was not passed as other governmental issues took precedence.

Now, as the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Japan’s efforts to legalise casinos and see them constructed in time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the country’s lawmakers are set to indefinitely postpone the bill, reports suggest.

Citing sources directly involved in the process, Reuters news agency said “Prime Minister Sinzo Abe... lacks the political leverage to pass a bill this

year”.

“The latest in a string of delays for the controversial bill will be a blow for Abe, who has promoted casino resorts as part of his economic growth programme, and for casino developers from Las Vegas to Macau,” the Reuters report stated.

“It also dashes hopes for any casino resort to be built in time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”

Pro-casino lawmakers intend to push back a vote on the bill instead of trying to pass it in the current parliamentary session ending

this month, three people directly involved in pushing the casino bill told Reuters.

“Although they aim to keep the bill on the table, the sources said there was a considerable chance it would not come up for discussion even in 2015,” said the report, which noted that higher-priority bills, including those related to national defence, were likely to take up debate time in the next parliament session.

“If they can’t pass it now, I doubt whether they’ll ever be able to pass it,” one of the sources said.

Until a few weeks ago, most analysts still expected the casino bill to be adopted in November, allowing leaders to pass a second bill outlining regulations in 2015.

Reporting from the IR caucus last month, Akiyoshi Tsuruoka of Gaming Capital Management News said maximum efforts were being made to ensure Japan’s casino bill would be pushed through in time for the 2020 Olympics.

“Although it is a prerequisite that the IR Bill will

CR145-p10-14-Asia_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 13:03 Page 2

AUSTRALIA / CAMBODIA / INDIA / JAPAN / NEW ZEALAND / PHILIPPINES / SINGAPORE / YXYXYXY VIETNAM Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

MACAO SUMMIT: THE MACAO GAMING SUMMIT WILL FEATURE OVER 20 UNIQUE SESSIONS FOCUSING ON THE ASIAN GAMING WORLD. THE 2014 SUMMIT THEME IS ‘ASIAN GAMING: LOOKING BEYOND THE HORIZON’.

CASINO RESORT

Caesars eye Philippines casino licence; but is Manila averting the gaze?

PHILIPPINES

U

S casino group Caesars Entertainment wants to tap into the burgeoning Asian market by obtaining a licence that would allow it to construct a $1bn (E797.5m) resort in the Philippines.

The Las Vegas-based operator has more than 50 properties across America but missed out on earlier opportunities in Macau and Singapore despite recently announcing that the $794m (E634m) first phase of its Midan City project on South Korea’s Yeongjong Island near Seoul could open as early as 2018.

Chairman Gary Loveman (pictured) held preliminary talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino in September regarding the

g block attract foreign tourists to Japan, this does not necessarily involve an exclusion of Japanese residents from gambling,” Tsuruoka said at the time. “It will, however, include strict laws relating to underage gambling and player protection.”

One Japanese casino industry source told Reuters there was a chance legislation could be delayed by three or four years, meaning actual casino development may have to wait until around 2024.

lease of land next to Ninoy Aquino International Airport near Manila, which would put any new development with one hour of 11.8m people.

“There’s no major international brand currently in Manila,” said Steven Tight, president for the operator’s international development division. “There’s a chance to create something that will drive tourism [and] that will really put Manila on the regional tourism map.”

The Philippines awarded four casino licences in 2008 and 2009 to companies including James Packer’s Melco Crown Entertainment for spots in the new 120-hectare Entertainment City complex on the shores of Manila Bay with each operator first agreeing to spend at least $1bn

over five years. But, Caesars Entertainment is currently involved in talks with investors on how to reduce its estimated $18.3bn (E14.6bn) debt while the minimum Manila prerequisite is now expected to start at $1.5bn ($1.1bn).

Caesars Entertainment’s plan has also split the nation’s cabinet with President Aquino recently stating that he is “still awaiting [a] consensus”.

“There are some sectors that are saying [Caesars Entertainment] will not add to the gaming revenues of government,” said Aquino, whose first term is due to expire in June of 2016. “There are those who are saying Caesars Entertainment is a brand name that tells the world that essentially we have arrived.”

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

Australia cracks down on illegal overseas betting industry AUSTRALIA

T

he Australian government has established a new national working group to help crack down on an illegal offshore gambling industry estimated to be worth up to A$1.5bn (E1.04bn) a year.

Unveiled by Victoria premier Denis Napthine and federal social services minister Kevin Andrews, the Illegal Offshore Wagering Working Group includes repre-

sentatives from the horseracing industry and professional sports and wagering organisations and will work under the government’s Gambling Industry Advisory Council to provide recommendations for stamping out illicit betting.

“There are already Australia-headquartered organisations that are operating in this way by basing their betting operations in unregulated international jurisdictions including in the

Pacific and Asia regions,” said Napthine.

“There are significant numbers of illegitimate offshore operators already targeting Australian racing and sport and it is vital that an effective regulatory regime be introduced to address the serious integrity and revenue risks that they pose.”

Napthine declared that wagering incomes were important for the funding of racing and sports while preventative measures could

include requiring local Internet service providers to block access to offshore bookmakers.

“It is unfair that legitimate Australia-based and registered bookmakers pay the product fee required of them by racing and sports bodies while offshore bookmakers effectively pirate Australian product,” said Napthine.

ASIA ROUND UP hipping, construction and real estate magnate Tony Fung (pictured) is hoping to list his Aquis development company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by 2016 in order raise up to A$8.15bn (E5.68bn) to help fund the planned Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort in Australia.

The 62-year-old Hong Kong native is currently in the process of a A$270m (E188.1m) takeover of the Cairns Pullman Reef Hotel Casino and wants to begin construction on the 4,000room first phase of the giant development on a cane paddock in nearby Yorkeys Knob in 2016.

In Singapore, several online gaming operators

S

including Bet365 have begun severing links with players based in the citystate following the passage last month of legislation that will completely prohibit realmoney Internet wagering.

Although measures attached to the new Remote Gambling Bill are not expected to be implemented until 2015 at the earliest, at least two operators have already closed the accounts of their Singapore-based players while another pair have ceased accepting new registrations from those living in the former British outpost.

Elsewhere, Maki Simelum, finance minister for the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, has unveiled plans to construct a new six-star hotel and casino complex near Port Vila.

Due to be built on a small island off the coast of the capital and largest city, the intended Iririki Island Resort will be used to raise revenues for the tiny nation by attracting wealthy tourists from around the world.

November 2014 casinoreview

| 11

CR145-p10-14-Asia_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 13:24 Page 3

News

Asia & Oceania

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

SLOT EXPERIENCE CENTER: VISITORS TO NOVEMBER’S MGS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST DRIVE THE LATEST MACHINES AND PROVIDE CRUCIAL FEEDBACK TO PARTICIPATING MANUFACTURERS. FINANCIALS

SkyCity has made a good start to the new financial year, with figures released in October indicating that momentum gained in the second half of 2014 had continued.

NEW ZEALAND

ubstantial growth in SkyCity Enteratinment Group’s Auckland business, led by the excellent ongoing performance of the Federal Street dining precinct and high hotel occupancy, have helped deliver a strong start to the year for the New Zealand operator SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison said the first quarter of the financial year has been “pleasing” for the company, and with several key projects entering exciting development phases,

S

SkyCity celebrates strong start to new financial year fiscal 2015 promises to be a busy year for the business.

“We have started the year with strong momentum, with revenues across the group up by six per cent on the first quarter of 2014,” Morrison said.

“Our Auckland business has once again been the star of the show, with revenues up by just over 12 per cent, driven by a 41 per cent growth in international business and strong nongaming revenue growth of 17.6 per cent. Gaming revenue growth was 5.4 per cent.

“Our signature restau-

rants are performing strongly, with annualised revenues now in excess of NZ$40m (E24.8m) and healthy margins.”

Morrison said SkyCity has been enjoying high occupancy rates in both the SkyCity Hotel and Grand Hotel in Auckland. “The transformation of Federal Street [leisure development at SkyCity Auckland] into a world-class destination is now complete and signature restaurants Masu, The Grill, Gusto, Bellota, Depot, Federal Deli and The Sugar Club are popular with locals and international visitors

alike,” he stated.

Group-wide, international business also grew strongly in the first quarter of the financial year, up 55 per cent on this time last year, and with record turnover of $2.2bn (E1.4bn).

“We continue to see strong growth from Chinese players, our core target market for the VIP side of our business, which is not only great news for SkyCity, but also for local businesses and tourism operators, contributing to local economic growth,” said Morrison.

In Australia, SkyCity

Adelaide has also experienced good revenue growth overall, up four per cent for the quarter, underpinned by a strong international business performance. Revenues at SkyCity’s Darwin casino were effectively flat, but better cost management saw EBITDA growth of nine per cent for the quarter.

“We are excited about the developments being made in Adelaide and look forward to their completion - it is going to be an outstanding piece of tourism infrastructure for the city, its people and its visitors,” said Morrison.

The operator recently announced it has extended by nine months the deadline for completing construction of the NZ International Convention Centre from the original completion date of September 2017 to mid-2018.

SkyCity said significant progress had been made on the design and planning of the $402m (E250m) convention centre in Auckland.

A preliminary design should be lodged with the Auckland Council before the end of the year as part of the resource consent process.

OPENING

Daman to welcome first casino IINDIA

T

he city of Daman in north-western India is soon to welcome its first casino.

Housed in The Deltin hotel complex, 170km north of Mumbai, the resort’s casino will be up and running within three months.

The casino is being developed by Delta Corporation, one of India’s leading gaming and hospitality groups, and promoted by group chairman, Jaydev Mody.

The Deltin Hotel and Casino, the largest integrated resort in Daman

With 175-suites The Deltin, the largest integrated resort complex in Daman, recently received a five-star rating. The luxury property includes 70,000sq.ft of outdoor pool and events space, three bars, four speciality restaurants

12 | casinoreview November 2014

and high-end retail stores.

Delta Corporation owns a 51 per cent in Daman Entertainment, which is operating The Deltin Hotel and Casino.

The company’s expansion in Daman follows the group’s establishment of

two hotels in Goa on the south-east coast.

Mumbai-based Delta also owns three of the six permitted offshore casino licences in Goa. Its flotilla – which is made up of the Deltin Royale, the Deltin Jaqk and the Deltin Caravela - houses 80

slots and 180 table games, with combined playing positions totalling more than 2,200. The Caravela is currently undergoing renovation and is due to recommence operations next year.

Mody, a 58-year-old entrepreneur, started out

in the real estate and construction business, before moving to casinos six years ago. His passion for gambling, both as a gamer and as a businessman, is reportedly rooted in his 40-odd years as a regular at the local Turf Club.

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CR145-p10-14-Asia_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 13:25 Page 4

News

Asia & Oceania

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

REVVING UP: PERFORMANCE CAR BRAND LOTUS WILL BE EXHIBITING AT MGS. THE FAN CLUB LOTUS MACAU WILL BE AT THE VENETIAN MACAO WITH FIVE LOTUS FROM THE ELISE AND ESPRIT RANGE CASINO RESORTS INVESTMENT

Berjaya seeks casino partnerships SINGAPORE

Harbinger Capital pledge additional $50m towards Grand Ho Tram Strip VIETNAM

s majority shareholder of Asian Coast Development (ACD), Harbinger Capital has announced its upcoming investment of $50m (E39.7m) in ACD’s Grand Ho Tram Strip casino resort in Vung Tau province.

“We remain as excited about the Ho Tram Project today as we were when we made our initial investment in 2007,” claimed Harbinger’s founder Philip Falcone. “We are encouraged by the Vietnamese government’s progress on establishing a robust regulatory framework that will also provide a road map for the establishment of locals

A

VinaCapital secures new development partner VIETNAM

V

ietnamese investment management firm VinaCapital has secured a new partner in the development of its proposed $4bn casino resort in South Hoi An, Quang Nam province.

VinaCapital is yet to name their new business partner, although early indications suggest the unidentified party could be Hong Kong firm Chow Tai Fool Enterprises.

The proposed resort, outlined and approved in 2010, initially drew the interest of Malaysia’s Genting Group, but the company withdrew its support in September 2012.

The new resort will cover 1,000 hectares and offer a 500 key hotel, alongside its own designer golfcourse. Current plans predict construction to begin next year, with an opening date some time in 2017.

gaming in Vietnam.”

The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s first development stage opened in 2013. Including a 541 room hotel and an award-winning golfcourse, it represents one of the largest integrated resorts in southeast Asia.

Future developments will double the capacity of the hotel and add additional leisure facilities.

H a r b i n g e r ’s announcement follows on from an additional pledge of investment from New City Capital, which in July of this year announced investment of $20m (E15.9m) in the advancement of The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s continued development.

CASINO LICENCE

NagaCorp underlines exclusivity rights CAMBODIA

ambodian hotel, gaming and leisure operator NagaCorp has issued a statement through the Hong Kong Stock Exchange designed to reassure investors on the security of its exclusive casino licence in the Asian nation.

NagaCorp operates the NagaWorld hotel and casino entertainment complex in Phnom Penh under a licence that is not due to expire until 2065. The

C

group stated that this also includes exclusivity for all areas within 200 kilometres of the capital for the next 21 years excluding the Cambodia-Vietnam border area, Bokor, Kirirom Mountains and Sihanoukville.

However, critics have recently expressed concerns that the operator’s rights, along with those of its Ariston Sdn Bhd local subsidiary, are closely tied to the political fortunes of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen and could be in jeopardy amid rising domestic opposition to his

14 | casinoreview November 2014

Cambodian People’s Partyled government.

“The company has recently sought and received formal written confirmation from the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia in September 2014 that the government has reaffirmed that Ariston continues to enjoy exclusivity and that this will, indeed, run until the end of 2035,” read the statement from NegaCorp.

“The company has every faith in the Royal Government of Cambodia’s ability

to assist the group in the enforcement of its rights.”

The news followed NagaCorp reporting a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in unaudited gross gaming revenues for the

nine months to the end of September of $271.8m (E217m) while junket and VIP rollings came in at just over $4m (E3.19m), which was a rise of some 25 per cent.

alaysian conglomerate Berjaya Corporation has revealed that it is eager to continue its expansion by partnering up to construct new casino resorts in South Korea and Japan.

Founded in 1984 by businessman and investor Vincent Tan, Berjaya’s interests include everything from shopping malls to lotteries while the Kuala Lumpur-based giant also owns 100 acres of land on the Japanese island of Okinawa that it wants to transform into a gaming resort should local lawmakers legalise casinos.

Tan, who additionally owns European football clubs Cardiff City and FK Sarajevo, stated that casinos are “no longer a very lucrative business unless you go to some countries like Japan.”

“Lots of casinos still focus on high rollers but the mass market is still very big,” said the 62-year-old.

Tan declared that Berjaya is also still interested in obtaining Malaysia’s second casino licence after submitting unsuccessful applications in the past.

Local firm Genting Malaysia operates the Asian nation’s only gaming resort as part of its Resorts World Genting development with the government so far ambivalent towards granting another permit.

“We are interested in Malaysia,” said Tan. “We will still try. We don’t have a habit of giving up, so we will wait.”

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CR145-p16-17-Africa_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 14:12 Page 1

News

Africa & Middle East

LEGISLATION

South Africa mulls over online gamin The South African government is considering a blanket ban on online gaming.

F SOUTH AFRICA

ollowing positive steps in the direction of regulation and legislation, South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry is proposing that all forms of online gambling and other new forms of gambling in the country be prohibited.

The proposal is currently under discussion at the National Gambling Policy Council (NGPC), which brings together national and provincial government representatives to discuss policy.

The department is also proposing that the number of electronic bingo terminals allowed nationally be restricted, along with a ban on newer forms of gam-

16 | casinoreview November 2014

bling, such as dog racing.

Once the policy council has finalised the draft policy it will be submitted to the cabinet for approval and it will then be released for public comment.

In 2008, South African forbade companies from offering internet casino gambling in the country, but by 2011 the government appeared to be softening its stance on the subject after the Gambling Review Commission adopted a number of legal measures designed to prepare South Africa for a possible transition to regulated online gambling.

With this grey market jurisdiction in mind, the opposition Democratic

Alliance had been trying to reverse the old laws, but now the Department of Trade and Industry seems more determined than ever to impose a blanket ban on internet gaming altogether.

The department’s deputy director-general Zodwa Ntuli and chief director MacDonald Netshitenzhe told MPs in early November that the proposal to ban online gambling was based on the view that the government had the capability to enforce regulations of the industry.

Netshitenzhe explained that there was no way to quantify how online gambling can benefit the creation of jobs. He also made a

point to mention that other countries across the world had placed bans on online gambling.

Ntuli, meanwhile, said that part of the department’s desire to impose a ban is because South Africa has a higher level of problem gamblers and players deeply in debt in comparison to other countries.

Part of the proposal is to introduce tighter control over South Africa’s ease of access when it comes to gambling, such as eliminating the ability to gamble in shopping malls. Included in the proposal is a method of regulating betting on horse races. To enact most of these plans, the gambling

industry would have to be greatly adjusted, especially in how licences are issued to operators.

The Democratic Alliance voiced strong opposition to an outright ban on online gambling, arguing in favour of regulation instead.

Commenting on the latest debate, Democratic Alliance spokesman Geordin Hill-Lewis, said: “That is a very, very bad decision. I fiercely disagree with that view. It is completely short-sighted to say that it is better for South Africans not to be allowed to gamble online when there is patently significant demand in the country to do that. It is for government to

CR145-p16-17-Africa_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 14:13 Page 2

NIGERIA / SOUTH AFRICA YXYXYXY Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

GOVERNMENT BACKING: THE DICJ AND IPIM HAVE GIVEN FULL SUPPORT TO MGS AS “RECOGNITION OF MGS’S

EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY PLAN OF DIVERSIFYING THE MACAU ECONOMY REGULATORS

FINANCIALS

Details emerge over gambling board suspension

Mixed results for Tourist Company of Nigeria

AFRICA ROUNDUP

T

SOUTH AFRICA

F

aming ban facilitate that in the safest way possible.”

The politician was keen to point out the high monetary cost required to monitor and police a total ban on internet gambling, whilst also highlighting the gap which exist between the national and provincial governments on the topic.

Gambling regulation in South Africa is similar to that of the US and Canada, at least in terms of the interplay between federal and local governments. While the federal government sets national policy, it is up to individual provinces to decide how each will issue licenses and collect revenues from gambling activities.

ollowing a report in last month’s International Casino Review, details have emerged over the suspension of the country’s entire National Gambling Board (NGB).

South Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies (pictured), suspended members of the NGB pending the outcome of a forensic investigation in September.

According to subsequent reports, the board suspension came about due to mismanagement and wasteful spending on the behalf of the board members.

The board spent ZAR4.1m (E295,000) on trips abroad in three years, including visits to Turkey, Singapore and France, the Times Live website reported. The biggest tranche of cash was spent on flying seven of its members to a Las Vegas gaming conference in 2011, at a cost of more than ZAR936,000 (E67,000), according to Davies.

The board members’ spending habits were understood to have come to light after a parliamentary question on the details surrounding their suspension, which happened in September.

They have allegedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act by “failing to prevent irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure,’ the website reports.

South Africa is currently set to review its gambling laws, with a draft bill presented to government official in April of this year. The draft bill focused on centralising gambling legislation and presenting a new framework for monitoring and regulating online gambling in the region Established with South Africa’s 1996 Gambling Act, the NGB is responsible for the oversight of the regulation in the gambling industry throughout the country.

Seven board members are listed on the association’s website, including chairperson Professor Linda De Vries, deputy chairperson Moipone Magomola, acting chief executive Dominica Muzwayine and board members Professor Sphiwe Nzimande, Matimba Macebele, Brigadier ST Nkosi and Evelyn Masotja.

NIGERIA

igerian casino operator, Tourist Company of Nigeria, has released its unaudited financial results for the three months to the end of September showing a 7.2 per cent drop year-on-year in gaming revenues to NGN309.6m (E1.48m), although the firm’s total losses for the period improved by almost 28 percent to stand at NGN207.1m (E993,000).

The owner of Lagos’ Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Tourist Company of Nigeria posted total revenues for the three months to the end of September of NGN665.2m (E3.19m), which represented a decline of some 13.7 per cent year-on-year, despite a 17 per cent decrease in expenses to NGN772.1m (E3.7m).

The most recent results come after Tourist Company of Nigeria suffered total losses of NGN602.5m (E2.88m) for the year to the end of June 30 in the face of an eight per cent boost in total revenues to NGN 3.458bn (E165.77m). However, this annual deficit was an 128.4 per cent improvement on the previ-

N

he second annual Betting and iGaming (BiG) Africa Summit took place at The Emperors Palace Hotel, Casino and Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, last month and saw industry professionals from around the world gather for a series of panel discussions, case studies and keynote addresses.

The three-day event gave attendees the chance to review new opportunities, developments and strategies in the African market, while casino and sports betting professionals networked with regulatory and government representatives in addition to gaming equipment developers and suppliers.

Also in South Africa, horseracing and tote operator Phumelela Gaming and Leisure has reported a 32 per cent increase year-onyear in earnings for the first six months of 2014 thanks to improvements from its international operations.

The Johannesburg-based firm owns five racecourses with training centres spread across the Gauteng, Free State, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape provinces while also operating a television studio that broadcasts live races including data to other courses, betting shops and private subscribers around the world.

It stated that its global offerings ‘continue to grow’ thanks to tote betting on sports other than horseracing and fixed-odds numbers in the face of reduced betting locally amid high legal costs.

In the face of this challenging domestic market, fellow South African firm Tsogo Sun has revealed that it intends to prioritise its ‘irreplaceable’ casino licences and hotel assets as it has little room to further improve existing efficiencies.

At the casino and hotel operator’s annual general meeting in October, CEO Marcel Von Aulock (pictured) stated that the company’s recent ZAR560m (E40.5m) upgrade and expansion of the Silverstar Casino near Krugersdorp was part of this strategy to make establishments ‘more relevant’ to their target markets.

ous year while the firm’s post-tax result was 381.8 percent higher despite net assets suffering a 33.4 per cent drop to NGN1.2m (E575,274) from the NGN1.81m (E867,705).

Goodie Ibru, chairman of the Tourist Company of Nigeria, stated that the negative annual results were due to difficult trading conditions caused by increased competition along with the economic impact of recent security issues.

“The socio-political climate in the country remained challenging in the financial year under review,” said Ibru. “The trading environment in the first half of the year was difficult and the negative influences that were present during the previous financial year continued to suppress international business travel and the Nigerian hospitality sector in general.”

• In other news from Nigeria, global online gaming software provider BetConstruct has signed a deal that will see it provide local operator UBC365 with a selection of iGaming products including a live sportsbook and customer service solution while additionally redeveloping its casino.

November 2014 casinoreview

| 17

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News

North America

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Planned Vegas super casino in foreign investment drive

Genting has pitched new images of its planned Resorts World Las Vegas complex to investors seeking US resi projected scale is impressive, construction remains embryonic.

M UNITED STATES

alaysian conglomerate Genting has released additional concept art of its upcoming $4bn (E3.2bn) Las Vegas development.

Resorts World Las Vegas will constitute the first major resort planned for construction on the Strip since the onset of the global financial crisis.

Its site will occupy that of proposed Echelon Place, on which building ceased mid-development in 2008.

Echelon developers Boyd Gaming at the time cited “the difficult environment in today’s capital markets, as well as weak economic conditions”, and claimed construction would recommence in 2009. In March 2013 the company sold the 87-acre premises to Genting for $350m (E276m).

The latest raft of images

18 | casinoreview November 2014

A TASTE OF CHINA enting bought a half-finished casino project on the Las Vegas Strip that was previously owned by Boyd Gaming Group. The conglomerate will build around the existing structures, eventually completing a $4bn (E3.2bn) resort-casino with a ‘Chinese village’ theme in a typical grandiose Las Vegas style.

When the first phase of construction is completed, the complex will have 45 restaurants and 22 villas. When the full project is completed it will have the highest observation deck in the city, a terracotta warrior exhibit, a replica of the Great Wall of China, live pandas and a giant exotic aquarium.

Also on the grounds of the Resorts World Casino will be convention space and a large theatre. Genting has added theme park partners to its casino resorts in Malaysia and Singapore, so there is talk of a theme park partnership in Las Vegas, too.

G

come alongside Genting attempts to derive additional outside investment from non-US domiciles.

Reflecting similar successful efforts employed in by SLS Las Vegas and Downtown Grand, Resorts World is offering E5 visa sponsorship to all those investing

$500,000 (E395,000) or more in the project. The E5 programme grants US permanent residency status known colloquially as a ‘green card’ - to the beneficiary, their spouse and any children under the age of 21.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Genting Group

represents the largest gaming conglomerate in southeast Asia, and is the exclusive casino licenceholder in Malaysia.

Resort World Las Vegas will boast a 175,000sq.ft casino floor and a 3,000 room hotel, with architecture and design features all

drawing inspiration from the Orient. The company’s released drawings detail a ‘Great Wall Passageway’, a ‘Forbidden City’ retail centre and a ‘Dancing Dragon’ performance space, where martial arts and traditional dance displays will take place. At the apex of the 640

CR145-p18-20-NAmerica_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 14:23 Page 2

YXYXYXY CANADA / UNITED STATES Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

MACAO GAMING SUMMIT: IGAMING IN MACAU AND CONVERGENCE BETWEEN LAND-BASED CASINOS AND IGAMING FORMS THE CORE SESSION ON THE OPENING DAY OF THE TWO-DAY MACAO GAMING SUMMIT. CASINO OPERATION

Great Canadian renews Hastings Racecourse operating agreement CANADA

asino and horseracing track operator Great Canadian Gaming Corporation has agreed a two-year extension that will see it continue to operate the Hastings Racecourse property in Vancouver until November of 2016.

Hastings Racecourse has been operating at the facility within the grounds of the Pacific National Exhibition in British Columbia for over 125 years and will continue to offer live thoroughbred racing from May to October along with simulcast events, slots and numerous food and beverage options.

“This extension of our operating agreement

C

king US residency. Whilst its foot tower building will be a roof-top terrace featuring a night club and observation deck.

“Our themed resort will cater to the high-end visitor as well as the budgetminded tourist,” said Genting chairman Lim Kok Thay. “We will give firsttime guests a new reason to visit Las Vegas and other tourists a great reason to return.”

In May, Genting outlined a four-tiered construction process, with opening judged to take place at some point in 2017. First-tier construction alone is now projected to cover 10m square feet, with plans for an indoor water-park and panda enclosure planned for future development. To date however, only preliminary construction efforts have been undertaken, placing Genting’s initial opening timeline in shade of doubt.

enables us to continue to offer our guests at Hastings Racecourse live and simulcast racing as well as an exciting gaming experience,” said Darren MacDonald, general manager at Hastings Racecourse.

“This extension allows us to continue working with industry stakeholders towards a long-term, sustainable horseracing programme at Hastings.”

Great Canadian con-

trols 17 venues in British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and across the border in Washington encompassing a trio of community gaming centres, four racetracks and ten casinos. The extension in Vancouver follows last month’s news that it had exercised an option to continue running the Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Surrey, British Columbia, until April of

2024. The deal with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation also saw the Vancouver-based operator agree to carry out market research in order to determine the scope of a planned redevelopment due to begin next year.

“We wish to thank the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for its continued confidence in Great Canadian as the operator for Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino,” said Rod Baker, president and CEO at Great Canadian.

“We are pleased to have exercised the renewal option and look forward to incorporating changes to the property that are supported by market demand and will continue to provide our guests exciting entertainment experiences.”

NORTH AMERICAN ROUND-UP n Nevada, hedge fund firm Perry Corporation has walked away from discussions with Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment Corporation regarding how to further cut the casino operator’s $18.3bn (E14.6bn) debt.

The fund run by investor Richard Perry had earlier signed a non-disclosure agreement in partnership with at least five other ‘first-lien creditors’, but subsequently declined to extend the deal designed to facilitate reorganisation talks. Caesars was forced to shutter its

I

ENERGY

MGM and NRG Renew unveil world’s largest convention centre solar system UNITED STATES

M

GM Resorts International and NRG Renew have completed the installation of the world s largest rooftop solar array on a convention centre. Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, called the 20,000 panel, 20-acre array at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino a ‘major milestone’ for the company, and said plans to build an additional array atop a

future expansion of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, scheduled to begin construction later this year, were well underway. “[This] solar array will offset 20 percent of the resort s peak energy demand, and demonstrates our steadfast commitment to the principles of environmental responsibility,” Murren added.

NRG envisions a thriving, sustainable future powered by renewable energy,” Tom Doyle, President and CEO of NRG

Renew continued. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with MGM in bringing competitively priced, clean energy to Mandalay Bay through the second solar array of this project; further supporting their commitment to reducing energy costs.

Nevada Senator and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid applauded the project, calling it an ‘excellent example of private sector companies working together to develop innovative technologies that protect our

planet’s most precious resources.”

• In further MGM news, the casino operator has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Gold Strike Hotel & Gambling Hall in Nevada to JETT Gaming and Jean Ventures. A statement from MGM did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which it confirmed is part of an ongoing portfolio review, but said closing is contingent upon regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Harrah’s Tunica property in Mississippi alongside the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City earlier in the year and is reportedly considering a prearranged bankruptcy.

Further east, lawyers acting on behalf of Atlantic City, New Jersey, have filed a motion against the now closed Revel Hotel Casino in an effort to claw back up to $30m (E24m) in unpaid property taxes.

The troubled venue declared bankruptcy twice in advance of being sold at auction last month to Brookfield Asset Management for $110m (E88m) and the city has now asked judge Gloria Burns of the US Bankruptcy Court in Camden to lift a socalled ‘automatic stay provision’ that halts lawsuits and prevents creditors from seizing assets.

November 2014 casinoreview

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News

North America

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

MACAO GAMING SUMMIT: LIVELY DEBATE AND EXPERT OPINION INCLUDE REGULATORY CHALLENGES, IGAMING PAYMENT METHODS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WIDER ASIA PACIFIC MARKET. FINANCIALS

DEREGULATION

Penn National revenues exceed expectations

California casino resort plans defeated

UNITED STATES

S racetrack and casino operator, Penn National Gaming, has reported betterthan-expected revenues of $621.1m (E490m) in the third quarter of the year, compared to $644.7m (E508.7m) in the comparable period in 2013.

Net income was down sharply from the $41.3m (E32.6m) posted for the third quarter of 2013, but comparisons between the

U

two quarters are complicated because the company split off its properties into a separate publicly traded company late last year for tax advantages.

Under the new structure, Penn National pays rent on its properties to the realestate holding company.

Commenting on the results, Timothy Wilmott, president and chief executive officer of Penn National, said: “Third quarter consolidated revenue... exceeded guidance, largely reflecting better than pro-

UNITED STATES

jected property operating results including outperformance at some of our larger properties, solid initial partial quarter contributions from Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, and ongoing success in delivering strong consolidated adjusted EBITDA margins.

“During the quarter, Penn National Gaming successfully opened our Dayton and Austintown video lottery terminal facilities in Ohio,” Wilmott added.

“Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway opened on August 28 with 1,000 gaming devices and has been well received by the local community.

“On September 17, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course opened in Austintown with 850 gaming devices. We also opened our new $26m (E20.5m), 154-room hotel at Zia Park Casino. Consistent with the company’s long-term record, all three projects opened on time and on budget.”

Penn National operates casinos and racetracks in 16 US states and one Canadian province. Its tracks include Penn National in Pennsylvania, Zia Park in New Mexico, Charles Town in West Virginia, and the former Beulah Park in Ohio.

The group recently reached the halfway point in construction on the $225m (E177m) Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Massachusetts. The development is set for a June 2015 opening.

BRANDING

INVESTMENT

Donald Trump sues for removal of Trump brand from Atlantic City venue

Churchill Downs buying stake in Saratoga Casino Holdings

UNITED STATES

B

illionaire business magnate Donald Trump, along with daughter Ivanka Trump, is suing Trump Entertainment Resorts, of which he was once head, after the company refused to remove his name from the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

Trump Entertainment had complied with an earlier request to remove all Trump signage and marketing materiel from the Trump Taj Mahal’s sister resort, the Trump Plaza, which closed its doors on September 16. But with the Trump Taj Mahal itself facing imminent closure, the firm has resisted the Trump family’s insistence that it too be stripped of its Trump branding, claiming it would constitute “baseless and

value-destructive” litigation.

In effort to stave off closure of the Taj Mahal, a New Jersey bankruptcy judge has released Trump Entertainment of its contractual union obligations to its 3,000 staff, whilst the company is currently seeking investiture of $175m (E138m) from state and local government sources. If the state aid commitment is met, billionaire investor Carl Icahn has agreed to acquire the casino resort and plough a further $100m (E79m) to reinvigorate its operation.

But the Trump family insists that the name association brings their reputation into disrepute: “The company has been in default of the standards for both the Plaza and at the Taj as well,” Ivanka Trump told the press. “They had a similar benchmark, and they did not live up to the standards we agreed to.”

20 | casinoreview November 2014

UNITED STATES

merican racetrack and gaming operator Churchill Downs has signed a definitive agreement with Saratoga Harness Racing that will see it purchase a 25 per cent stake in the new Saratoga Casino Holdings enterprise for approximately $30.6m (E24.4m) in cash.

Saratoga Casino Holdings operates the Saratoga Casino and Raceway in Saratoga Springs, New York, and also holds a controlling interest in the Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado, in addition to a 50 per cent stake in a new joint venture planned with Delaware North Companies to manage the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Resort in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Churchill Downs and Saratoga Harness Racing have additionally inked a definitive five-year management contract that will see the former run the latter’s properties in New York and Colorado includ-

A

ing the proposed Capital View Casino and Resort in East Greenbush.

Louisville-based Churchill Downs recently released its third quarter financial results showing a six percent year-on-year drop in net revenues to $173.7m (E138.5m). This came despite a 22 per cent rise in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation from its gaming operations to $4.4m (E3.5m) as a result of its share of the increase in operating income from the Miami Valley Gaming joint venture and a full period of results from its Oxford Casino in Maine.

V

oters in California have rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed a Native American tribe to build a Las Vegas-style casino off its reservation near Fresno.

With more than 3m votes counted, 59 per cent of voters cast ballots against Proposition 48.

The measure had asked voters to approve or reject a law passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Jerry Brown allowing the North Fork Rancheria Band of Mono Indians to build a casino resort complex with up to 2,000 slot machines nearly 40 miles from its reservation.

The North Fork Rancheria Resort and Casino was proposed about 30 miles from Fresno and 25 miles from a casino operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria tribe.

The closeness had Table Mountain accusing North Fork of “reservation shopping” to build a casino closer to an urban centre.

North Fork said the 305acre plot was used by the tribe in the 1850s, and a casino would bring 4,500 jobs to the area.

Before the votes were cast, North Fork said 15 locally elected officials, representing “a majority” of the Madera County Board of Supervisors and City of Madera City Council members serving over the past decade had pledged their support for a ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 48.

Tom Wheeler, chairman of the Madera County Board, said the “vital” casino approval would have substantiated and given life to a number of regional revenue-sharing agreements that the community has “carefully crafted within the tribe over many years”.

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News

South America

OPENING

Sun International opens Panama casino

South African operator Sun International has spent $105m to inaugurate Ocean Sun Casino inside Panama City’s exclusive Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower.

P PANAMA

anama now has its latest casino after South African operator Sun International invested some $105m (E84m) to inaugurate the Ocean Sun Casino on the second floor of the 369room Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower.

Situated in the exclusive Punta Pacifica waterfront neighbourhood of skyscrapers in Panama City, the 75,000-square-foot Ocean Sun Casino is the largest in Central America and features 32 gaming

22 | casinoreview November 2014

tables offering blackjack, poker, roulette and baccarat along with a collection of over 600 slots.

The 66-storey venue also comes complete with a gourmet restaurant and revue bar while its top floors house six luxury suites and an exclusive VIP gaming area serving up panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

This is the second casino in Latin America from Sun International following the Monticello Grand Casino and Entertainment World

near Santiago, Chile, and saw the Johannesburgbased operator spend $60m (E48m) in order to build-out and fully develop the venue.

“Located on the mezzanine level, the expansive casino facility [has] a separate [and] dedicated lobby accessible from the portecochere,” read a statement from Sun International.

“For exclusive private gaming, a salon prive [is] situated on the top floor, the penthouse level, which also includes an intimate restaurant and lounge area. The

floor immediately below [has] reserved deluxe suites for elite clientele.”

In addition to the sailshaped Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower, the master-planned Punta Pacifica district offers high-end shops, restaurants, banks and a hospital affiliated with America’s world-famous John Hopkins School of Medicine. It was designed as a quiet community within a metropolis of 1.4m inhabitants and has become popular with for-

eign-born and middle-class professionals.

“The casino will give the Punta Pacifica luxury property market a jolt of energy,” said Duncan McGowan, president of local real estate firm Punta Pacifica Realty.

“It will help solidify the Trump as the cultural and social centre of the neighbourhood and introduce the tower to more people.”

Panama legalised casino gaming in 1997 in an effort to attract foreign tourists and the small nation now

CR145-p22-23-SAmerica_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 12:23 Page 2

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SOUTH AMERICA ROUND-UP

DEVELOPMENT

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino coming to Paraguay

C

PARAGUAY

s it gets ready to inaugurate its first branded café in Paraguay later this month, Hard Rock International has announced plans to open a casino in the South American nation boasting 500 slots and 30 gaming tables.

Due to be located inside a new 250-room hotel in the eastern city of Ciudad Del Este near the border with Brazil, the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is to be the operator’s first gaming establishment in South America and will join its ten others located around the world.

“Hard Rock International is focused on expanding its gambling operations to South America, a region that is already familiar with the brand of cafe and hotel,” said Nelson Parker, The Americas head of business development for Hard Rock International.

“We’re excited to bring a destination for world-class entertainment to Ciudad Del Este and collaborate with Latin America Gaming Group and the govern-

A

ment of Paraguay to establish a national regulatory framework in accordance with the highest international standards.”

Hard Rock International’s branded café for Paraguay will be housed inside the Hotel Guaranu in the national capital of Asuncion with the firm declaring that its decision to locate a casino in the country’s second largest city of Ciudad Del Este followed a comprehensive investigation of the continent conducted by a team of local

specialists well versed in all aspects of marketing, financial planning, legislation and government oversight.

Casino gaming has been legal in Paraguay since 1997 although venues are only permitted in provinces containing at least 250,000 inhabitants. The news from Hard Rock International follows the opening in September by local firm Casinos Paraguayos of the $6m (E4.78m) Carnival Casino Hotel for the southern city of Encarnacion.

POKER TOURNAMENT

Oscar Alache wins Peru stop of LAPT PERU

boasts over 20 venues all located in hotels with around-the-clock guest services and a minimum of 300 rooms.

With interest in the Central American casino industry continuing to grow, the next edition of the annual SAGSE event from organiser Monografie is scheduled to take place from May 13-14 again inside the Hotel El Panama Convention Center featuring numerous leading gaming machine developers from around the world.

T

he seventh season of the PokerStars.net Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) came to a close last month from the Atlantic City Casino in Lima, Peru, with Oscar Alache taking down the $1,700 (E1,358) buy-in no-limit hold‘em main event to bank $135,488 (E108,271) in cash.

The Chilean came top of a field of 692 runners that had generated a total prize pool of just over $1.04m (E831,000) following a three-handed final table deal with Daniel Campodonico of Uruguay and Mexican Jerson Backmann.

This is the fifth time that the LAPT has visited the 3,000sq.m Atlantic City Casino, which is located in the capital’s upmarket Miraflores district offering 1,000 of the newest slots alongside over 50 table games encompassing roulette, baccarat, craps and blackjack, while the annual travelling tournament series is scheduled to begin its eighth season in the Bahamas from January as part of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure from the Atlantis Paradise Island resort.

Open around-the-clock, the multi-floor Atlantic City Casino also features a sportsbook for horseracing and

urrently celebrating its 25th anniversary, global testing, inspection and certification firm Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has had eleven of its technical standards adopted by authorities in Puerto Rico.

The specifications are part of the GLI Standards Series and will now be used by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to improve compatibility and interoperability while also simplifying product development and reducing times to market.

Elsewhere on the American protectorate, the casino attached to the Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach Resort near the capital city of San Juan has reportedly shut with the loss of 53 jobs.

Owned by the Hilton Hotel and Resorts chain, the casino is the third to close in the previous five years with the company blaming major changes in the local gaming industry for its decision, which was taken “after careful and lengthy

other international sporting alongside bars, a pair of restaurants, meeting rooms, karaoke and live music shows.

“Congratulations to Oscar Alache for capping off another great season of the Latin American Poker Tour and kudos as well to Campodonico and Backmann for earning handsome paydays as well and to all of those cashing in the LAPT Peru Grand Final,” read a statement from PokerStars.

“Also worthy of some applause is Horacio Fernando Nicolas of Argentina, who this week clinched the Season Seven LAPT Player of the Year.”

assessment”.

“The gaming industry in Puerto Rico has changed significantly in recent years, affecting the success of well-known casino operations with a good reputation,” read a statement from the venue.

Further south, the Cool Casino Group of Costa Rica has signed a contract that will see American developer Table Trac to provide it with a new casino management system for its RIU Hotel Guanacaste in Playa Matapalo.

In Jamaica, meanwhile, the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) has established an educational fund as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme designed to assist tertiary level students, initially, in the Hagley Park Road area of Kingston.

The BGLC recently merged with the Jamaica Racing Commission and it is expected that the new fund will evolve into an annual programme providing an ever-growing number of communities with higher levels of education.

November 2014 casinoreview

| 23

Venetian Macao 18-20 November 2014

By Asia

for the world

For more information and to book your place at Asia’s ‘must attend’ gaming exhibition contact enquiry@MacaoGamingShow.com, visit MacaoGamingShow.com or telephone www.macaogamingshow.com +853 6363 0080 or +852 6329 6008 PRC hotline: +86 180 6387 4408

www.macaogamingshow.com

MGS is back and even better!

Now’s the time to book your attendance at MGS 2014 18th – 20th November.

MGS is the only show that is truly representative of the Asian gaming industry.

And the only event to earn the title ‘by Asia, for the World’.

Come and see the entire gaming industry Gaming Equipment & Accessories.

Gaming Promoters & VIP Clubs.

Casino Fixtures & Fittings.

Promotional Services & Memorabilia.

Food & Beverage.

Entertainment & Performance.

MGS means business Exhibiting at MGS makes fantastic business sense.

Reach out to casinos, integrated resorts, regulators and gaming affiliated businesses.

83% of MGS visitors are either decision makers or have direct input to purchasing decisions.

An overwhelming majority (99%) said they would be returning to MGS in 2014.

Event Organiser

Supporting Organizations

Feature rich Visit the highly acclaimed Slot Experience Center.

Gain invaluable knowledge at the Macao Gaming Summit.

Promote your brands on MGSTV.

The best networking in Asia Invaluable business networking opportunities.

Get to know potential business partners in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

博彩監察協調局 Direcção de Inspecção e Coordenação de Jogos

Event Co-Organisers

And we will even help pay your way!

The Macao SAR Government is once again offering attractive subsidies to qualified buyers from air fares to hotel accommodation, making MGS the key annual meeting hub for casino procurement teams.

Event Contractor

CR145-p26-27-Comment_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 11:06 Page 1

Comment

TO MAKE A COMMENT, HAVE YOUR SAY OR WRITE A LETTE

& Analysis

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Lawrence Ho, cochairman and chief executive officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, says the company’s latest project developments are gathering momentum.

‘Macau remains the most exciting gaming destination in the world’

“

In the third quarter of 2014, we delivered solid operating and financial metrics, despite a challenging rolling chip environment in Macau, driven by a strong performance in our mass market operations at City of Dreams in Macau.

City of Dreams continued to gain market share in the mass table games segment in Macau, with the property’s mass market table games revenues in the third quarter of 2014 increasing 24 per cent on a yearover-year basis, outpacing the market which grew 16.2 per cent during the same period. We believe City of Dreams’ diverse mix of first-class gaming and non-gaming amenities ensures the property will remain the leading premium integrated resort in the region.

We have made significant progress on our exciting and truly unique development pipeline. The expansion of the luxury retail offering and the Dame Zaha Hadid-inspired fifth hotel tower at City of Dreams in Macau, which are expected to open in 2016 and the first half of 2017, respectively, will substantially expand City of Dreams gaming, hotel, food and beverage and retail offerings.

Studio City remains firmly on track for a mid-2015 grand opening, representing the next standalone integrated resort to open in Macau. This entertainment-focused, cinematically-themed property will bring a vast array of non-gaming attractions not yet seen in the region, which will help

MEDIA WATCH

In Cambodia, the government may be considering lifting a domestic player ban, as Singapore revels in non-gaming revenues. And where would we be without Donald Trump who warns against ‘too much competition’ in the United States.

26 | casinoreview November 2014

T

he government of Cambodia is expecting to see revenues from its 57 casinos increase slightly this year to $25m (E19.9m) due to their popularity with nationals from nearby Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar, reported The Economist.

However, this situation could soon change with members of the national assembly in Vietnam considering lifting the domestic player ban at its six casinos while Myanmar could soon legalise the construction of casinos as a way to lure tourists from Thailand and mainland China.

As a result, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party is studying the possibility of lifting the domestic player ban as it studies legislation in North America and Asia in advance of drafting new laws designed

broaden Macau’s appeal to a more diverse and continually evolving customer base.

We are excited that our first expansion out of Macau is due to open its doors to customers in December, with a grand opening planned in the first quarter of 2015. This integrated resort in Entertainment City in Manila, with its collection of international brands and diverse array of gaming and entertainment attractions, will help put the Philippines on the map as a leading leisure and entertainment destination in Asia.

We remain committed to driving longterm shareholder value. In addition to the ongoing optimisation of our current operating portfolio, we continue to evaluate and

pursue value-accretive development opportunities, both in Macau and across the region, while at the same time returning surplus capital to shareholders through a combination of dividends and/or share repurchases.

Macau remains the leading and most exciting gaming destination in the world. As the only legal casino gaming destination in China, Macau is ideally positioned to cater to one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world, with a burgeoning middle and upper class which, together with a forward-thinking development and infrastructure blueprint for the region, will ensure Macau’s long term success.”

CR145-p26-27-Comment_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 11:07 Page 2

WRITE A LETTER TO INTERNATIONAL CASINO REVIEW: EMAIL JW@SJC.CO.UK TO COMMENT: JW@SJC.CO.UK

LAURENCE HO: “MACAU REMAINS THE LEADING GAMING DESTINATION IN THE WORLD....”

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

IGT: redefining another classic gaming category The development of the S3000 cabinet is helping operators maximise their ROI, according to Joe Sigrist, vice president of global product development and operations for IGT. The gaming industry constantly talks about innovation and the need to create new product categories. IGT continues to work on both these aspects of game development in an effort to help maximise our customers’ return on investment. However, we are also working on redefining existing categories.

One of the best examples of this - which was one of the hits at G2E Las Vegas this year - is the S3000, our new, next-generation mechanical reel cabinet. The S3000 marks an interesting development in that was have taken an existing category that has been around for a long time and created an experience with a new cabinet. This not only allows us to bring across some iconic, legacy games that we all love, such as DoubleDiamond and Red, White and Blue, it also enables us to create new content that makes mechanical reel games attractive to first-time players.

We are looking to make mechanical reels more profitable for operators by generating additional play from traditional mechanical reel players and bringing in the non-traditional player.

On the games side, we are all very proud of our new Ellen DeGeneres Show video slots.

The game is a licensed brand, and develop-

“

to improve casino governance.

Elsewhere in Asia, Forbes has revealed that tight regulations in Singapore have led to the island state’s two integrated resort properties, Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands and Genting’s Resorts World Sentosa, deriving a much higher percentage of their profits from non-gaming activities than do their compatriots in Macau.

Last year saw the pair of venues report that $1.3bn (E1.03bn) of their revenues, which represented almost 25 per cent of their total, had come from non-gaming sources including hotels, retail, conventions and exhibitions with most of these at higher margins than gaming.

In contrast, non-gaming revenues account for around five percent of the

ment came about after we were approached by The Ellen DeGeneres Show production team, who worked closely with IGT from its inception to the finished product. After all the hard work, it’s extremely rewarding to see the machine on the show floor.

When it comes to finding the balance between licensed, entertainment-style games and what I like to call the ‘gambler-style’, high-volatility titles, it’s clear that, especially in resort locations like Las Vegas, there is a very important role for the former category.

People who visit Las Vegas are there to have a good time and gamble a little, and this is where entertainment-focused, licensed products come into play. At the same time, on the other end of the spectrum, you have folks who frequent the casino often - and they are often primarily looking for a gambling experience.

These games not only have to have a higher volatility aspect to them, in many cases they also need to be simpler games. The spinning of the wheels has to be faster and the result has to be provided more quickly.

In the US, what we find is, that as markets mature, players become more frequent in their use of the casino and they tend to migrate from the entertainment style to higher-volatility games.

The S3000 cabinet really is a key development for IGT team because, when you create a cabinet like this, it’s not just about the hardware and the physical box - it’s also the game library.

You have to have a quantity of exciting and successful games that come with it. For us, that’s not just a few games. We launched the cabinet with 20 titles last month, and after the first year we will have a total of over 50 games available, giving operators a wealth of options.”

total in Macau with even the most diversified resort, the Venetian Macao, barely reaching only half of the Singapore average.

Meanwhile in America, Donald Trump (pictured) has claimed that the planned expansion of casino gambling in New York and Massachusetts would lead to the market becoming over saturated.

According to a piece from The Lowell Sun, the 68-year-old former chairman of casino and hotel operator Trump Entertainment Resorts claimed that there is soon to be “too much competition” in the north eastern US’ casino market, which will lead to all of the casinos going ‘down the tubes’.

“The problem is the whole country is becoming one big gambling casino and many of them will die,” said Trump.

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DRGT Europe sales@drgt.net www.drgt.com November 2014 casinoreview

| 27

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C

A

THE BEST WAY TO REACH OPERATORS A

C

Operators

Regulators/Government/Law

84.2%

2%

Global Circulation

Readership breakdown by sector

16,844

B

13.8% Suppliers

A READERSHIP OF INFLUENCERS AND DECISION MAKERS A

C

C-Levels (chairman, president, CEO, partners)

Senior management (Operational managers, sales/ marketing/PR managers…)

30.1%

C

D

A

20.4%

B

D

Managing directors/ general managers

Others (senior game designers, financial directors…)

46.6%

B

USA/CANADA/CARIBBEAN

2,004 11.9%

Readership breakdown by job title

2.9% B

C

D

A

INCREASING CROSS CHANNEL READERSHIP A

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Land based casino

2.5% Lottery

B

D

Slot halls/Street gaming

Online/Mobile

62.9% Readership breakdown by type of gaming

PRINT 4,061

16%

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10,072 59.8%

CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

1,769 10.5% ASIA PACIFIC

1,465 8.7% MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA

539

3.2%

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

995

5.9%

CIRCULATION BREAKDOWN DIGITAL 12,783

CR145-p30-31-People_Coinslot NEW 08/11/2014 10:50 Page 1

People

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014

Macao Gaming Show promises to deliver on its message: ‘By Asia, For the World’

C

asino Review: How have preparations been going for the second annual MGS? Jay Chun: Plans have been going very well. The Macau government and the Gaming Inspection, and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) have been very positive about this gaming trade show.

The exhibitor space is significantly bigger this year, and the show is getting stronger and stronger. We have even stronger junket representation in 2014. This year there will be six big junkets at MGS, along with all of the large machine vendors.

November is an important month for casino operators, as this is the month when they finalise their budget for next year. MGS gives casino managers and procurement personnel the opportunity to sample the latest development in gaming equipment and services. It will be a great opportunity for exhibitors to foster relationships with this group of eager clients.

CR: The junket representation is one element that seems to set MGS apart from other gaming exhibitions. Does this have any challenges or considerations?

JC: Junkets work in the service industry, and like others in the service industry they need to promote themselves. All the junkets who attend MGS understand this very well. They need to show not only the services they offer, but also that they are qualified to undertake these services.

CR: What else will we expect to see at MGS this year?

JC: The Macao Gaming Show prides itself on having an extremely diverse selection of exhibitors displaying products and services from both the gaming and non-gaming sides of the industry. On the gaming side, the world’s biggest and most widely used gaming equipment and accessories suppliers will be on hand showing off the latest products to hit the casino floors and those coming very soon. From slots, table games and hybrids to gaming chips and shuffling machines, you can expect to find everything and anything gaming related across the vast exhibition space.

Now in its second year, the Macao Gaming Show (MGS) takes place in November with an expanded exhibitor line-up.

Jay Chun, chairman of the Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association (MGEMA), which organises the event, discusses the show’s increased scope in 2014.

30 | casinoreview November 2014

CR: What has been top of MGEMA’s agenda this year?

JC: We have been focusing on growing our membership base, and have welcomed a 20 per cent rise in new members this year. They are from different areas of the industry. Our membership focus is becoming increasingly broad, and now includes LED suppliers, IT systems, furniture, lighting and restaurant suppliers.

MGEMA has been strengthening its ties with other trade associations around the world. Our primary focus is to serve the busi- organisers which include MGEMA, Direcção de Inspecção e ness interests of our members and act as a mediator between the Coordenação de Jogos (DICJ), Macau Trade and Investment Institute (IPIM), General Association of Administrators and Proindustry and the Macanese government. moters for Macau Gaming Industry, Associação de Mediadores CR: What are your thoughts on the Macau gaming market de Jogos e Entretenimento de Macau, Macau Jockey Club, Macau in 2014?

Slot, Macao Foundation and Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome ComJC: Over recent years, China has established itself as a key pany to see how authentic our credentials are. emerging market, and now the market is maturing. We have a lot With respect to other organisations, the MGS organisers are of people who love to gamble. The mass market is expanding, and part of the fabric of Macau and not from the US or Europe. Those I believe that if junkets continue to offer attractive programmes behind MGS are representative of the gaming industry and will be then the high-roller sector also has room for growth. heavily supported by the regional players.

An exhibition is nothing without exhibitors and visitors will CR: What, in your opinion, makes MGS the leading event of have access to the very best exponents in their fields. We will also its kind in Asia? have events and features including the Slot Experience Centre as JC: Fundamentally, MGS is the only show that is truly representa- well as the Macao Gaming Summit both of which provide powertive of the Asian gaming industry. You just have to look at our ful additional reasons to attend. Simply MGS is by Asia and it is panel of event organisers, supporting organisations and co- designed to appeal to the world.”

CR145-p30-31-People_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 19:20 Page 2

MACAU GAMING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION YXYXYXY Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

JAY CHUN: “FUNDAMENTALLY, MGS IS THE ONLY SHOW THAT IS TRULY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ASIAN GAMING INDUSTRY.”

EXPANDED SCOPE FOR MACAO GAMING SHOW Due to take place at the Venetian Macao on November 1820, the 2014 edition of MGS will cover six gaming industry segments, including: Gaming Equipment and Accessories • Displaying the latest slot machines and gaming equipment that are drawing the attention of casino executives.

Gaming Promoters (Junkets) and VIP Clubs • Participants and exhibitors have been invited from every corner of Asia, delivering the best opportunity to network and interact with a multinational audience.

Casino Fixtures and Fittings • Casinos spend billions to furnish their venues and MGS provides the most important showcase for products that help casinos retain customers, streamline operation, enhance efficiency and add to their bottom line.

Promotional Services and Memorabilia • Marketing incurs one of the largest costs for casinos and MGS has become a focus for exhibitors who can help gaming-related businesses attract more customers.

MGS 2014 When Where Organiser Co-organisers/ Sponsors Floor space About

November 18-20 Venetian Macao Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association (MGEMA) Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), General Association of Administrators and Promoters for Macau Gaming Industry, Associação de Mediadores de Jogos e Entretenimento de Macau, Macau Jockey Club, Macau Slot and Macau Yat Yuen Canidrome.

10,000sq.m MGS is the first large-scale gaming and entertainment exhibition organised and run by Macau organisations.

Exhibitors and buyers eyeing the Asian market will be coming from all corners of the world. The event will cover six gaming industry segments, including:

Food and Beverage • Casinos offer a full range of F&B services, from food courts to three-star Michelin gourmet restaurants. Be it food supply, F&B equipment, F&B services, restaurant chains or F&B consulting, MGS has become a key playform for the burgeoning sector.

Entertainment and Performance • Casinos work to keep their guests entertained and MGS has become a key target for exhibitors to demonstrate this artistry to one of the largest consumers of entertainment.

A series of seminars and other special events will also be hosted during the exhibition.

November 2014 casinoreview

| 31

g

Everyone in Macao To say ‘hello’ to the A - Z of world gaming, register at:

www.macaogamingshow.com

Hello

Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd All in Translation All-in Limited Angel Playing Cards Macau Ltd Aristocrat (Macau) Pty Ltd Aruze Gaming Macau Ltd Asia Gambling Brief Aspect Gaming Associação de Mediadores de Jogos e Entretenimento de Macau Astro Corp

Hello FutureLogic Asia

Hello Koelnmesse Co Ltd

Hello

Hello Cammegh Ltd Casino Life Magazine Central Link Technologies Ltd China Shenzhen LED Industry Association CMC Trading Engineering (International) Limited Crane Payment Invovations (CPI)

Bally Technologies Ltd BetConstruct Betsoft Gaming BMM Testlabs Brady Corporation Hong Kong Ltd

Hello

Game Time International / Haw Jo Co., Ltd. Gameplay Interactive Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) Gaming Publishing Ltd (G3 Magazine) GB Media Gendai Agency Inc General Association of Administrators and Promoters for Macau Gaming Industry GGR Asia Global Cash Access Gold Phoenix Furniture Group Ltd. Golden Bet Ltd GuangDong ShiFu Lighting Co.,Ltd

Hello

Laxino Systems Ltd Lotus TV LT Game Ltd LVT Lawyers

Hello

Shenzhen FeiNi Shenzhen Hechen Art Carpets Ltd Shenzhen Wangjang Suncity Group

For more information on MGS 2014, download our show brochure at www.macaogamingshow.com

Hello

Hong Yen Technologics Inc Hot Games Huizhou Winner Sporting Goods Co., Ltd

Hello Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association (MGEMA) Macau Polytechnic Institute Macau Tinto Limitada Main Ser Engineer & Service Co. Ltd MakeLiving.com Matsui Asia Ltd MOME

Hello

TCS John Huxley Asia Ltd The Bright Group Pty Ltd The United States Playing Card (Macau) Company Ltd Transcity Asia Ltd

says ‘Hello’

By Asia

for the world

MGS is back and even better!

Hello

Hello

EGL Tours(Macau) Co Ltd

David Group Dolphin Products Ltd Dongguan Hengda Amusement Supplies Co. Ltd

Hello

Come and see the entire gaming industry

Hello JCM Global JOL Macau Ltd

IGT Asia Macau Lda Inspired Gaming Group

Hello Walker Digital Table Systems / WDG Macau Weike Gaming Technology (S) Pte Ltd Winning Asia Technology Ltd World Gaming Group

Gaming Equipment & Accessories.

Gaming Promoters & VIP Clubs.

Casino Fixtures & Fittings.

Promotional Services & Memorabilia.

Food & Beverage.

Entertainment & Performance.

MGS means business

Hello OXO Concepts Ltd

Now’s the time to book your attendance at MGS 2014 18th – 20th November.

MGS is the only show that is truly representative of the Asian gaming industry.

And the only event to earn the title ‘by Asia, for the World’.

Hello

Paltronics Macau Professional Golf Macau Co Lda

Hello Red Clover Creative Design Ltd RGB International Berhad Road Media Limited Royalex Precious Metals, Ltd

Hello Zhongshan DATIAN Lighting Factory

Exhibiting at MGS makes fantastic business sense.

Reach out to casinos, integrated resorts, regulators and gaming affiliated businesses.

83% of MGS visitors are either decision makers or have direct input to purchasing decisions.

An overwhelming majority (95%) said they would be returning to MGS in 2014.

Feature rich Visit the highly acclaimed Slot Experience Center.

Gain invaluable knowledge at the Macao Gaming Summit.

Promote your brands on MGSTV.

The best networking in Asia Invaluable business networking opportunities.

Get to know potential business partners in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

And we will even help pay your way!

www.macaogamingshow.com Venetian Macao 18-20 November 2014

The Macao SAR Government is once again offering attractive subsidies to qualified buyers from air fares to hotel accommodation, making MGS the key annual meeting hub for casino procurement teams.

CR145-p34-40-MGS preview_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:06 Page 1

Preview

ARISTOCRAT / KONAMI GAMING

Macao Gaming Show 2014 Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

KONAMI GAMING

Konami presents tailormade Asia portfolio With a huge number of games boasting region-specific design and features, Konami hopes to win big at the MGS 2014.

A

t this year’s Macau Gaming Show, Konami Gaming will introduce a strong selection of new games with uniquely designed visual experiences built specifically for Asian markets.

The company plans to highlight a broad variety of new multi-language, multi-currency releases for its Podium cabinet.

As part of Konami’s UltraReels product series, King of the World features leftright scatter pays on its 3-4-4-4-3 reel configuration and a unique free game bonus feature that allows players to choose from one of three different feature combinations of free games and multipliers.

Based on the trigger symbols, players can win up to 30 free games or 100x multipliers.

Another new UltraReels title to take the Konami stand will be More Gold More Silver. In its free game bonus, players are put in control when they choose between

three different statues. If the statue reveals a gold ingot, all the silver ingots become gold throughout the free games.

This symbol transformation gives players the opportunity for big wins. If the ingot reveals silver, players still have the opportunity to win big as all gold ingots become silver for the free games.

Meanwhile, Great Luck Great Profit is an Asian-themed game and the third UltraReels title to showcase. In game, any 3, 4 or 5 wild symbols on adjacent reels trigger 5, 10, or 15 free games respectively. During the free game feature, red gates unlock to reveal blocks of the same symbols on outer reels, and 2x and 4x multipliers randomly appear in the middle reels. Additional free games can also be won during the free games.

In another appeal directly to regional markets, Red Fortune is a KP3 platform 5reel game featuring distinct Asian design elements with symbols which spur positive associations for regional players.

During its free game feature, wild symbols include multipliers on reels 2, 3, and

4. If a player hits two or more multipliers, the cumulative value will be applied to the winning combination. This gives players the opportunity to experience highvolatility big wins during the feature.

Finally, the company’s Rapid Revolver is, it claims, “a must-have for markets abroad.” In lieu of the standard upper LCD screen, Rapid Revolver takes a unique spin on classic mechanical reels by mounting six stacked and verticallymounted drums on its oversized top box, surrounded by synchronised high-impact sound and lighting. Designed to stand out on a casino floor and grab the attention of casino guests, it presents two distinct gaming concepts fused into one by combining traditional video reel on the lower screen with spinning reels up top. The game’s elegantly-designed debut themes are Rising Dragon and Northern Treasure.

Rising Dragon will be on display at this year’s show for guests to play and experience its play mechanics.

BOOTH: AU34

ARISTOCRAT

Aristocrat continues Macau mission

A

ristocrat will be making a repeat appearance at this year’s Macao Gaming Show, having committed wholeheartedly to expanding its presence in the area. The company’s Macau subsidiary has been a long time attendant of events in the area and produces a range of products designed specifically for the market.

The company’s output covers both games designed to attract the region’s bur-

geoning gaming populace and systems that enable to the smooth and safe running of casinos from the Cotai Strip and beyond.

The latter selection includes Oasis 360, which incorporates a range of services designed to boost player engagement, bonus management and allow access to on-demand gaming libraries.

BOOTH: AP41

More than a transaction.

A connection.

34 | casinoreview November 2014

www.jcmglobal.com

Live Multi Game

Providing the Most Invigorating and In Innovative Gaming Products

CR145-p34-40-MGS preview_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:25 Page 2

Preview

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES / GAMING LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL / GTECH

Macao Gaming Show 2014

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES

GLI

Bally offers ‘all in’ package with MGS showcase

GLI to mark 25th anniversary at MGS

With machines, tables and utilities all on offer at MGS, Bally Technologies thinks it offers the complete package for Asian operators. ing two optional side bets: Fortune 7 and One Up. Meanwhile, its Utilities segment will be highlighted by the MD3 blackjack and baccarat card shuffler; i-Deal Plus, the next generation i-Deal with improved card reading and reliability; the DeckMate 2 poker room card shuffler; and the iScore Plus baccarat viewer.

Bally believes its eclectic product range will allow Bally to provide a monopolised solution to interested parties.

“We will highlight how operators can ‘go all in’ with Bally with our wide range of games and table game products,” said Ken Jolly, vice president of Bally’s SHFL Entertainment (Asia) subsidiary.

“Our booth will feature an outstanding line-up of new games that appeal to players in the Asia-Pacific market.”

MGS follows on from Bally’s successful appearance at G2E, where it presented with the show’s largest stand area, and presented its table game products for the very first time.

With its focus back to Asia, and MGS just around the corner, the company is optimistic about its fortunes on the continent.

“We see the possibilities for extraordinary opportunities across the growing Asian region,” commented a spokesman for the company, “we are committed to serving the needs of all jurisdictions.”

aming Laboratories International will head to Asia this month to mark its 25th anniversary and present a full range of services, including consulting, IT security testing and auditing, and rule-writing, at the Macao Gaming Show 2014. The independent testing, inspection and certification organisation’s Macaubased laboratory, GLI Asia, will be on hand at the Cotai Strip show to discuss its expanded professional services as they relate to lottery, such as WLA auditing, network risk assessments, project management and responsible gaming.

“The Macao Gaming Show is an important event for GLI because we now have four laboratories serving the Australasia region, three in Australia and one in Macao,” a spokesperson for the Company said. “We are proud to say our Australian and Macao labs are staffed primarily by locals, engineers and other professionals who understand the local gaming landscape and can bring the abilities of GLI’s 21 global locations and provide local service.”

GLI went on to say that it has been very successful in its recent iGaming testing and certification initiatives, which the company is planning to showcase at MGS. GLI was the first laboratory to successfully test and certify iGaming in the Asian jurisdiction, and at MGS GLI will present its many services beyond testing as they specifically relate to iGaming, including standards, project health check and recovery, security reviews and other such professional services.

BOOTH: AB29

BOOTH: AS23

ally’s Technologies has upped the stakes in its Asian operations in recent years: its acquisition of SHFL entertainment in November last year expanded upon an already sizeable footprint in the region. MGS will present an opportunity for the hegemonic US player to demonstrate a number of new products aimed specifically at the Macau market.

Housed in its Equinox cabinet, the flagship of Bally’s MGS game line-up will be Dancing Drums, on the latest title of its widely successful Du Fú Du Cái fourlevel link. Also debuting on the show floor will be Fine Diamonds and Striking Stars, two games based upon the firm’s new Jackpot Vault concept and housed in its award-winning Pro Wave cabinet. The Pro Wave is notable for being the industry’s first concave high-definition monitor.

Table games will also be a strong feature of the Bally repertoire. TableMaster Fusion will be on display, featuring a Chinese version of Bally’s Ultimate Texas Hold’em, along with a Mandarin-speaking dealer. TableMaster Fusion features a 72 inch high-definition LCD display with attractive virtual dealers, 22 inch widescreen player terminals with touchscreen betting, enhanced graphics and multiple side bets. It will also be showcasing proprietary table games including Supreme 99 and Fortune 7 Baccarat, a commission-free baccarat game featur-

B

GTECH

GTech add Sphinx3D to the sights of Macao

W

ith an increasing focus on highgrowth Asian markets, GTech is set to showcase a range of award winning products from its gaming product brand Spielo at the upcoming Macao Gaming Show.

Headlining the MGS stand will be Spielo’s Egyptian-themed Sphinx 3D, the first title in its new True3D product line.

Utilising patented 3D display technology

36 | casinoreview November 2014

designed exclusively for GTech, the machine uses a patented autostereoscopic technology with integrated eyetracking to make images jump off the screen or stretch into infinity in high resolution. Sphinx 3D is presented on the Axxis cabinet, which it says is designed to ‘maximise player comfort, create a sense of personal space, and immerse the player in the game’.

GTech’s stand will also feature two popular titles, PopCap’s Plants vs. Zombies Backyard Showdown and Zuma.

The PopCap library of games is available on GTech’s MaXVusion cabinet which boasts a 32” portrait high-definition LCD top screen, and will be displayed at the show alongside Sphinx 3D.

BOOTH: AU35

G

www.abbiati.com

CR145-p34-40-MGS preview_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:06 Page 3

Preview

CRANE PAYMENTS INNOVATION / IGT / JCM GLOBAL / LT GAMES

Macao Gaming Show 2014

LT GAME

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

JCM GLOBAL

LT partner with IGT as they JCM aims unveil ‘total casino solution’ to increase aradise Entertainment subsidiary LT Game will exhibit at MGS on a shared stand with IGT, following the mutual distribution agreement between the two companies announced in August.

At 1,440 square meters, the LT/IGT booth will be the largest booth of all attendant MGS exhibitors, showing the latest products on offer from both companies. LT Game have stated that the booth will present a “Total Casino Solution” for casino operators.

“When visitors overview our Total Casino Solution package, they’ll feel like they have stepped into a fully operational casino,” stated a spokesperson for LT Game. “Our company representatives will help customers determine the best product mix and customised solutions for their casino.”

A key showpiece on the stand will be one of LT’s most popular live game

P

gent Game Table product range. “We will show visitors a new way to play Baccarat with our E-Baccarat Table,” the company commented. “The new table grants greater player independence as the dealer is not required for the placing of bets or the collection of winnings, providing them with a more private and secure gaming experience.”

The LT booth will also be featuring the company’s intelligent cash access and redemption solution. The independent change station offers a multi-tiered functionality: it allows customers the opportuLT Game’s new E-Baccarat Table nity to break large banknotes into either smaller notes or single tickets, and also to machines, the LMG-6, which allows two exchange multiple tickets to a single ticket players to bet on one terminal simultane- without the need to locate a cashier. ously by way of a multiplayer mode, Others products making an appearance increasing game productivity whilst will be LT’s newly redesigned Personal reducing the amount of dealer-error.

SicBo Machine and its Multi-Roulette unit.

The company will also be showcasing one of the latest offerings from its Intelli- BOOTH: AW41

CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS

CPI to deliver payment plans for Macao outing rane Payment Innovations (CPI) announced plans to exhibit its full suite of payment solutions at this month’s Macao Gaming Show, taking place at the Venetian Macau on the gaming enclave’s famous Cotai Strip. According to the US-based payment solutions provider, it’s Macau offering will include a combination of MEI’s SC Advance note acceptor, Easitrax Soft Count system and PPM Advance support tool, along with the CashCode SM BackLoad note acceptor and a range of Money Controls coin hoppers.

“These products represent part of the largest portfolio of payment systems and cash management solutions in the industry,” a statement from the gaming firm said.

“The ability to meet diverse operating needs, coupled with a focus on delivering best-in-class service and support, has driven CPI into leadership positions in a wide array of gaming markets and geographies, and the Asia-Pacific region is no exception.”

CPI added that, when used together, SC

C

38 | casinoreview November 2014

coupled with Easitrax Soft Count, the integrated software/hardware cash management system, and with the addition of the PPM Advance support tool, these products not only generate newfound efficiencies from the slot floor to the back room, but they also give operators the most control over their games.

The news comes as Crane Payment Innovation’s parent company, Crane Co., announced a 116.5 percent increase in third-quarter sales of its Payment & Merchandising Technologies segment, which was largely driven by its acquisition of MEI late last year. Comprising Crane Payment Innovations and Crane Merchandising Systems, sales for the division reached Advance, Easitrax Soft Count and PPM $181.1m, compared with $83.6m for the Advance represent one of CPI’s ‘most com- same period in 2013, while core sales prehensive cash management solutions’. growth rose 9.4 percent, to $7.9m. PaySC Advance belongs to the SC family of ments and merchandising profit increased note acceptors that has achieved an to $27.1m in the quarter also reflected the installed field base of nearly one million impact of the MEI acquisition. units across the worldwide Gaming industry. More than 150,000 of those units are BOOTH: AS19

Asian footprint at MGS

S

eeking to increase its Asian footprint, JCM Global will arrive at the Macao Gaming Show with its largest booth to date, where it will display its complete range of Asia-Pacific ready products. Taking centre stage at the US-manufacturer’s Venetian Macau display will be its ‘best-ofbreed’ component products such as the iVizion and iPRO bill acceptors, and the GEN3 Evolution, Paycheck 4 and GEN2 Universal printers.

Discussing its critically acclaimed iVizion machine, JCM said the bill validator comes complete with Contact Image Sensor Technology, 99% acceptance rate, diligent counterfeit protection, RFID ICB cashbox with encrypted and webenabled data, 64 megabit FLASH memory, a self-calibrating sensor package, modular component design, two highspeed processors, patented and proven removable stacker mechanism, and complete compatibility with all gaming protocols.

The stand will also feature system products including the iV8 table game bill acceptor, Tickets 2 Go, Coupon Express and Intelligent Cash Box (ICB) system, as well as showcasing the popular DNA total peripheral management system. The new Dynamic Network Applications system’s bundled enhancement tools empower operators, regulators with real-time monitoring, triggered event alerts, peripheral component management and flexible platform means it can be used in a variety of settings and for a wide range of purposes.

A statement from JCM Global said the expanded MGS offering would allow it to introduce visitors to its high-value Asian domestic market products, while giving the firm a great opportunity to gather important feedback from clients.

BOOTH: AJ23

info@e-gaming.cz

www.e-gaming.cz

CR145-p42-46-Supplier_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:29 Page 1

Supplier

DALLEMEIER ELECTRONIC / G

News

WIDE AREA PROGRESSIVES

G After Wide Area Progressive success throughout Panama, Chile and Uruguay, GTech has rolled out a nationwide progressive jackpot in Peru.

GTech takes King Kong Cash™ nationwide Tech has linked its King Kong Cash™ terminals in a Wide Area Progressive (WAP) network across Peru, providing slot players with a countrywide progressive jackpot.

The WAP is exclusively available to players of the country’s eleven Carolina Consortium casinos.

Offered under GTech’s gaming product brand Spielo, King Kong Cash’s appealing game features and the e- motion cabinet’s award winning ergonomic design have proved popular throughout the Peruvian market.

“The concept of integrating a progressive jackpot with several machines across different casino floors generates huge excitement amongst players,” stated Carolina Consortium’s national casino halls operations manager, Yesenia Sánchez Fernández. “A widely recognised Local Area Progressive such as King Kong Cash, provided by a reputable company such as GTech, is the ideal title for a suc-

cessful Wide Area Progressive.”

The installation of the WAP in Peru was coordinated hand-in-hand with GTech’s commercial partner, Expert Games S.A. “We’re really excited about this new WAP product,” commented its general director, José Miguel Chueca. “King Kong Cash is a game with a long history in Peru, and it still remains a player favourite. Now, with its WAP functionality and higher-value wins, player expectations have increased. We anticipate huge success.”

GTech has a lengthy history in the field of WAP provision. In 1997, it implemented the Bayern Jackpot, Bavaria’s first wide area jackpot offered in each of the 9 Spielbanken Bayern. At Holland Casinos in the Netherlands, GTech has been the chosen supplier for the group’s wide area jackpots for three WAP generations. Connecting approximately 150 machines across the Holland Casino group’s 13 casinos, the Mega

(Left to right) Eduardo Reyes, marketing, Consorcio Carolina, Jose Miguel Chueca, director, Expert Games SA and Sergio Domiciano, technical services and operation manager, GTech.

Millions jackpot has been a great success with players since its initial launch in 2007 and has paid out record jackpots of up to 2.7m Euros.

Recent years have seen GTech expand its Spielo gaming products throughout South America. The company has had an established sales and support presence on the continent since 1996. In 2010, the company’s King Kong Cash WAP went live nationwide throughout Chile’s Dreams Group casino venues, which represented the first

national progressive jackpot in Chile and Latin America as a whole.

GTech also provided WAPs to operators in Panama and Uruguay.

Latin America and Caribbean sales director, Jessica Luna, said: “It’s very gratifying to be able to establish the King Kong Cash WAP throughout all the major cities in Peru through a strategic operator such as Carolina Consortium, with its well-positioned halls such as Money Money and Fargo,” Luna continued.

SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT

Dallmeier completes Panomera European Tour erman surveillance specialists Dallmeier Electronic GmbH have completed a six-week tour of Europe, promoting its Panomera multifocal sensor system.

Commencing in Denmark, the company’s custom exhibition vehicle made its way through Germany, Belgium, France and Switzerland, providing live presentations of its latest sensor technology.

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40 | casinoreview November 2014

Specifically designed to encompass expansive areas, Panomera provides full surveillance coverage across large widths and distances.

Its high frame rate allows for a broad variety of scalability options. Its wider application outside the casino environment allows for detailed facial recognition and text identification from a fixed position over external public areas.

Founded in 1984, Dallmeier supplies advanced surveillance technology to a broad range of industries, but came to wider renown in 1997, after supplying the world’s first digital gambling table security cameras to the Crown Casino, Australia. It now provides security for casinos throughout Australia, Europe, Africa and the United States.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, throughout the Panomera tour the company hosted its own Octoberfest event, providing visitors with beer and Bavarian delicacies.

“The quality of the leads we developed at this year’s trade fair was also very high”, commented marketing director Georg Martin.

“It was evident that the response in the market to

multifocal sensor technology is already extremely positive, and that it addresses definite needs.”

Martin added that the tour had also provided the company with insights it would carry forward: “Or customers themselves are developing new application ideas,” he said, “several approached us with project enquiries that were already quite specific.”

CR145-p42-46-Supplier_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:37 Page 2

LECTRONIC / GAMING LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL / GTECH / SUZO-HAPP Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

SYSTEMS

GLI installs GLI Link at NYCE facilities GLI highlights its commitment to the South American market with Mexico City installation. aming Laboratories International (GLI) has announced the installation of its GLI Link solution across the Mexican facilities of South American standardisation and certification body, Normalización y Certificación’s (NYCE).

The installation was placed in Mexico City, where NYCE serves the entire country through high-speed connectivity and embedded security.

NYCE engineers have been trained by GLI’s experts and will have continuous direct contact with its support team.

Explaining the decision to implement the system, NYCE director of operations Salvador Sanchez said: “With a wide range of international suppliers providing products in this jurisdiction, GLI Link eliminates the problem of shipping devices and systems

G

to locations around the world.

“GLI Link operates remotely and creates a ‘real world’ environment that provides a sense of security and lowers support costs for equipment providers around the globe.”

Karen Sierra-Hughes, director of Latin American development for GLI, added: “As technology has advanced, and now that systems are providing electronic funds transfer and TITO, interoperability is more important than ever, and more and more jurisdictions are requiring this type of testing.

“Taking into consideration the growth in the Mexican markets and the various systems being utilised by casinos to better administrate their operations, GLI Link is a natural solution for system and gaming suppliers to take advantage of a testing envi-

ronment where the communication among their products can be verified.”

This installation counts as the second GLI Link environment available for the Latin American Region.

The first installation was completed and is available now in GLI’s South America laboratory in La Plata, Argentina.

In September, the Last Vegas-based group hosted its annual Latin American Regulators Roundtable in Lima, Peru, attracting gaming and lottery regulators as well as state lotteries from 16 countries across the region.

Described as one of the most successful meetings of its kind, the roundtable focused on a range of issues, including gaming and lottery licences, processes for land-based and online gaming operations, fraud and player protection.

CHANGE MACHINES

Maxi power with Suzo-Happ

I

nternational gaming manufacturer Suzo-Happ has released its new Maxi XL, the largest machine in the manufacturer’s range of change machines.

With up to four hoppers and a capacity of more then 26,000 E1 coins, the changer is designed to handle a large volume of daily transactions. The Maxi XL change machine can be used to change cash into coins or plastic tokens, or plastic tokens and change in regular coins. This machine also has a

lightbox fitted, and the option of a 15” LCD monitor with mediaplayer. LED lighting in the side panels and coin tray can be programmed in a matter of minutes to the desired colour, this way it can also support a certain theme within your location.

There is a wide choice of banknote validators to choose from with the NV9 banknote validator with stacker fitted as standard, but other options include the NV200, Ardac Elite or MEI cashflow.

www.eu.suzohapp.com November 2014 casinoreview

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Supplier

ALFASTREET / APEX GAMING / ARISTOCRAT / KONAMI GAMING

News

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

SYSTEMS

CABINETS

Pearl River selects Konami’s Synkros

APEX introduces 24” at BEGE

ississippi casino operator Pearl River Resort has selected Konami’s Synkros product as its new system.

Tribal casino operator Pearl River Resort selected the US gaming technology supplier to install a new casino management system across its Mississippi estate. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians said Synkros would be installed at both its Silver Star and Golden Moon properties.

“Synkros offers many new capabilities, meaning our customers will now enjoy a wide variety of tournament features, bonuses and offers,” said

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Matthew Perkins, vice president of marketing at Pearl River. “The analytical capabilities included in Synkros will allow us to gain a more holistic view of our individual guests. We will have the ability to offer better customised rewards to individual customers.”

Pearl River Resort, located in Choctaw, Mississippi, has over 2,700 slot machines, 100 table games, 1,000 hotel rooms and 16 restaurants at both locations combined. Available table games include blackjack, poker, roulette and mini-baccarat.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside leadership at Pearl River, because they inherently

understand how systems technology is leveraged to produce real-world conclusions on their patron experience in ways that encompass an entire spectrum of amenities,” Clark Warren, senior director, systems sales at Konami, said. “It will allow them the benefit of real-time data on evolving market demographics both locally and for the gaming industry as a whole.

“As industry competitiveness continues to climb in regions across the nation, Synkros is allowing frontrunners like Pearl River to continue to claim a unique edge in the market,” Warren continued. “Specifically, the system-delivered bonusing and

advanced level of targeting help empower world-class properties with the tools required to standout and zero-in on critical audiences that directly impact long-term profitability and market positioning.”

Looking ahead, Konami said it is currently exploring opportunities to expand its Synkros footprint in Asia. John Gomes, general manager of the group’s branch office in Singapore, confirmed earlier this month that the company was currently in negotiations with a main Asian operator regarding the Synkros system and is looking to make an announcement in “the next six months”.

SUPPLY AGREEMENT

SLOT MACHINES

Alfastreet announce exclusive partnership with KGM

Aristocrat brings ‘The Rolling Stones’ to Europe

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lfastreet Gaming, creator of multi-player electronic gaming instruments with headquarters in Slovenia, have announced an exclusive partnership with KGM, the North American casino supplier and manufacturer .

Made official while both companies were exhibiting their latest offerings at G2E in Las Vegas, this agreement makes KGM the exclusive US distributor of Alfastreet’s line of electronic table games.

The current collection of games includes roulette, craps, sic-bo, blackjack, poker, big six and baccarat. The companies

ustralian-gaming manufacturer Aristocrat Technologies is bring its The Rolling Stones feature top box slot machine to Europe to mark the next stage of the iconic band’s 14 On Fire world tour.

Licensed on the legendary British rock ‘n’ roll group, the multi denomination 40-line slot game has high frequency entertainment-rich feature hits with low volatility, a minimum bet of 50 credits and a max bet of 250 or 500 credits.

Players are invited to play four interactive features; ‘Wild Licks’, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Steel Wheel’, ‘World Tour Picks’ or ‘Start Me Up! Free Games’. World Tour Picks offers players the chance to pick international Licks for credit prizes, while seven free games with bonus sticky wilds are played on an 80-line 10×5 reel set on the 31.5-inch top screen for the Start Me Up! Free Games.

The themed fascia is instantly recognisable to a global audience, with players able to select their favourite Stones songs to play along to, while animations on the interactive LCD screen spin and merge with concert footage.

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are excited and committed to unify their efforts in bringing custom tailored gaming products to all of the US markets, living up to the highest standards that both partners stand for in the gaming industry.

“Electronic table games are an important piece to the evergrowing KGM product line,” Jason Cohen, executive vice president at KGM. “We chose to partner with Alfastreet because their exceptional product standards and forward-thinking technology aligns with KGM’s commitment to continually enhance and progress the gaming industry.”

42 | casinoreview November 2014

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PEX Gaming used its recent trip to the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Exhibition [BEGE] in Sofia, Bulgaria to launch its new 24” Pinnacle cabinet to the industry. The 24” upright cabinet features the same dimensions as the Pinnacle 22”, and includes bezel-free monitors/touchscreen technology that has been adapted to fit in place of the 22” screens used to. “[BEGE] was the perfect opportunity to introduce the Pinnacle 24 to the market,” Johannes Weissengruber, Apex CEO and founder, said. “We were even offering a kit to our customers for the Pinnacle 22 so that they can adapt their APEX Gaming machines to this latest technology.”

The seventh edition of the BEGE also saw the introduction of the EVO platform from APEX, which included high definition games such as the 3D games ‘Mozart’, ‘Royal Fruits’, The Adventure of Captain Nemo’, ‘Ocean Tales 2’ and ‘Wonderland’.

“The EVO platform is a quantum leap,” Weissengruber continued. “Today we have the greatest and strongest product range that we have ever had and this is reflected from the feedback we are constantly receiving at gaming exhibitions”.

The Pinnacle 24” and EVO platform was joined by the slant top Pinnacle SL, the iDROP - a table games solution to enable ticket-in, ticket-out directly at the live gaming tables - the Shuffle King II and the Apex Player Station (APS), a new electronic automatic roulette gaming table that includes the further table games Baccarat, Sic-Bo and Quikker.

www.casino-technology.com

CR145-p42-46-Supplier_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:33 Page 4

Supplier

News

CHANGE MACHINES

INSTALLATION

Merkur unit sees growth in Italy

EGT reeled in for its first US installation

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‘Made in Germany’ change machines from GeWeTe were a hit at this year’s Enada Rome. he success of GeWeTe is clear for anyone who arrives at Rome’s major airport, Fiumicino, as the payment terminals to hire a trolley and the change machines are made by the Merkur Gaming subsidiary.

Moving on to Enada Rome, which took place on October 15-17, the GeWeTe stand was understandably busy all three days.

GeWeTe offers optimal change solutions for all the segments of Italian gaming. The VLT change machine solutions, the Cash Recycler, Cash-Desk Professional and Cash-Center have been joined by the new Cash-Center Compact. Fitted with a choice of banknote recyclers, a 15-inch LCD display, thermal printer, barcode scanner, up to three additional banknote dispensers and three hoppers for coin payout, this compact, PC-based change machine fulfils all market requirements.

Cash-Recycler Compact is the most preferred GeWeTe change machine for the arcade market. The banknote recycler - either

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the Merkur Dispenser 100 or the JCM iPRO RC-200 - ensures that banknotes can not only be validated but stored for pay-out. In this way, the Cash-Recycler-Compact offers a solution for change from coins to notes, coins to coins, notes to coins and notes to notes.

GeWeTe’s expansion into further markets in Italy is evidenced by the performance of the Deposit Compact - a new product shown at the Enada. This intelligent safe is fitted with two banknote readers allowing bulk note feed of up to 50 notes at one time each.

The stackers can hold 2,000 banknotes each and coins can be tipped into the machine and the Deposit Compact does its work. All euro coins - from 1 cent to E2 can be entered.

A time lock gives added security.

The Deposit Compact is being targeted at retail segments, including shops, yet transport service companies and owners of petrol stations are also proving a lucrative area. At Enada, owners of larger arcades were particularly attracted.

A further benefit for users of the Deposit

Compact is that often the money is credited to the bank as soon as the cash-in-transit (CIT) company has accessed the money.

But it’s the German tag that seems to be the allure for the Italian market according to Aristidis Tsikouras, managing director of GeWeTe. He explained why: “Quality, stability and a secure investment. We have been designing and manufacturing change machines for 22 years now. The market knows and trusts GeWeTe. Our ‘made in Germany’ technology is built to last.

“Furthermore, we have an Italian team here directly so our customers know they get local support in the local language here. That is our philosophy and we will be expanding our offices in the UK and Spain as well soon.

More and more operators want security for their investment. Our new products areopening up opportunities in new markets.Even though this year’s ENADA Roma was quite a small show, we were more than pleased with the results we attained from being here on our own stand.”

CHANGE MACHINES

VNE goes Smart at ENADA NE celebrated its recent visit to ENADA in Rome, Italy by announcing that operators had arrived in ‘large numbers’ to see its new Smart Change machine. Discussing the Smart Machine, Lorenzo Verona, commercial director at VNE, said it is aimed at operators with a daily machine coin-in of between 500 and 800 euros, and recycles both notes into coins and coins into

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44 | casinoreview November 2014

notes.

“It’s small, very slim dimensions enable it to be placed practically anywhere in a bar or arcade,” he explained. “And just as with all VNE change machines, the Smart Change can be completely managed online via either the VNE website or by making use of our especially developed VNE app.”

Discussing ENADA itself, Verona added: “[The message] of

the show for us was to cement our position as the biggest change operator in the world. We are going to lever this position and branch out into global sales. We have so many benefits compared to traditional, conventional change machines. Our next step is to exhibit at the BEGE gaming show in Bulgaria, and show visitors there the Smart Machine as well as our portfolio of products.

eel Games has unveiled its first North American installation at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

The Florida installation, supported by Bulgarian gaming manufacturer Euro Games Technology, includes 10 machines from RGI’s Premier 24/24 upright cabinet along with its 39 game theme ‘Premier Multi-3 Game Mix’.

“Reel Games continues to bring us innovative games and technology, and it was no surprise the EGT product Reel Games brought to the table was quite impressive,” Bill Crafts, senior director of casino operations at Isle Casino, said. “Our goal is to increase revenues and enhance player excitement, and I think Reel Games hit this one out of the park!”

“We work closely with EGT to provide the best possible product for the US market,” Sean Smith, President and founder of Reel Games added.

“Both RGI and EGT are excited about our new installation at the Isle and appreciate Mr Crafts and the Isle team in believing in our capability,” In April of this year, Euro Games Technology announced its first licence agreement with Reel Games for the Puerto Rico gaming market. The association has since been extended to the North American market.

CR145-p42-46-Supplier_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 17:35 Page 5

BMM TESTLABS / EURO GAMES TECHNOLOGY / MERKUR GAMING / NOVOMATIC GROUP OF COMPANIES / VNE Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

BUSINESS

TESTING

BMM adopt certification of latest GSA protocol

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MM Testlabs, one of the world’s leading independent gaming testing and technical consultancy providers, has announced that it has successfully expanded its ISO 17025 standards of accreditation to include two of the GSA’s latest protocols - GAT and GDS. Travis Foley, executive vice president Americas, BMM Test Labs

Game Authentication Terminal (GAT) pertains to the connection of a master (typically a PC or laptop) and a gaming machine, and the authentication of software and firmware components within the EGM. The Gaming Device Standard (GDS) protocol is the GSA’s USB-based serial protocol, applicable to instance of gaming devices being linked with peripheral equipment such as printers, card readers and note acceptors.

The adoption of both standards by BMM

brings their certification services into complete alignment with the full spectrum of GSA specified procedure.

“This extended ISO accreditation ensures that BMM is fully able to provide all GSA certification needs for our clients,” remarked executive vice president of Americas operations Travis Foley.

“We are very pleased that BMM is now able to provide certification for both GAT and GDS protocols from the Gaming Standards Association.”

Novomatic take top five position in Austrian business rankings ovomatic has been placed fourth in a list of Austrian companies’ annual turnover.

Business publication Gewinn magazine listed Novomatic revenue at $4.3bn (E3.5bn), behind only energy drink giant Red Bull, paper industry technologist Andritz and steel conglomerate Voestalpine AG. The Austrian gaming firm also improved its

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‘business image’ ranking significantly: climbing ten points from its 2013 position to sixth place. The positive differential represents the largest category increase of any Austrian company.

Regarding the efforts of its marketing and PR department, Novomatic was placed second only to Red Bull. The corporation also achieved top positions in the ‘financial capacity’

(third), ‘management quality’ (fourth) and career prospects categories (fourth).

Gewinn is the second major Austrian business publication to highlight Novomatic in recent weeks. An October edition of Industriemagazin placed Novomatic in seventh position (up two places from 2013), in a list of the top 250 leading Austrian corporations.

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Supplier

AMATIC INDUSTRIES / CASINO TECHNOLOGY / GAME ACCOUNT NETWORK / GAMING STANDARDS ASSOCIATION

News

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

MARKETING

ASSOCIATIONS

Casino Technology confirm FC Ludogoretz sponsorship

Gaming Standards add eight new members

Bulgarian gaming group Casino Technology has obtained a key sponsorship deal, as the company looks to promote its online B2C operations.

asino Technology has been named the new general sponsor of Bulgarian football league champions, FC Ludogoretz.

The deal will see the company’s B2C casino platform, eCasino.bg, placed on the shirts of the Eagles’ official teams during championship matches and other European tournaments.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The news follows a raft of sponsorship deals between gaming companies and football clubs as the sector aims to capitalise on the vast opportunities pre-

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T sented by football’s ever growing popularity. High profile deals include OPAP, the Greek betting and lotteries group, renewing its fouryear sponsorship deal with the country’s national football team, Bwin and Real Madrid’s ongoing partnership, and a raft of UK Premiership sides that have taken gaming advertising, including Stoke City and Aston Villa.

“Casino Technology has a tradition of supporting causes that elevate the prestige and reputation of Bulgaria globally,” Milo Borissov, founder and pres-

EXHIBITIONS

ident of Casino Technology said. “As a company that managed to break into the world market thanks to its own efforts, hard work and policy for selection and training of staff, we are pleased to support FC Ludogoretz in which we see the same qualities and momentum.”

The deal was announced ahead of the 2014/15 season in which FC Ludogoretz seeks to defend its League A, Bulgarian Cup and Bulgarian Supercup titles, after becoming only the third Bulgarian team to achieve the treble in one season.

The Razgrad side also reached the final 16 of the UEFA Europa league, capping the most successful season in club history.

The news also comes on the heels of another successful G2E Las Vegas for Casino Technology. This year, the Bulgarian firm showcased its Big 5 series of animal-themed verticals, including the Buffalo jackpot server, Lion money management system, Elephant remote gaming server, Rhino casino management system and Leopard online casino management platform.

ONLINE GAMING

Amatic arrived at BEGE with ‘full portfolio’

Tom Grant joins GameAccount Network as head of legal

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ameAccount Network, a leading developer and supplier of enterpriselevel B2B gaming software and online gaming content, has confirmed the appointment of Tom Grant to the newly created post of head of legal, with immediate effect. Tom, who previously worked as senior legal counsel for the Rank Group, joins from top tier gaming specialist law firm Harris Hagan, at which he was a partner.

Heralding the appointment, Dermot Smurfit, CEO at GameAccount said: “Tom has directly advised GameAccount on a number of matters in the past and combines an in depth knowledge of the online gaming legislative landscape globally and familiarity with the GameAccount business, its culture and its people. This

matic Industries arrived at the Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) last month with its ‘full-portfolio’ of games for the Eastern European and Baltic region. Topping its 50 machine display at the Bulgarian show was the new slant top Performer Grand Arc, which was available in two versions, either with two or three monitors.

The Austrian-based gaming firm explained that its renowned jackpot system is integrated into the top monitor, and can be linked to a separate monitor in the two-screened version, which is equipped with Amatic’s mult-game configuration.

The gaming firm added that its ‘Hot’ series was also highly popular in Bulgaria, along with games like ‘Wild 7’ and ‘Bells on Fire’, which all are part of the Amatic multi-game configuration.

“The Performer Grand Arc was the true hit for us at BEGE,” Thomas

Engstberger, sales manager at Amatic Industries said. “The design is just so unique, so pleasing to the eye, that players are instinctively drawn to it.

“Naturally, the games keep the players playing and that is our greatest strength - multi-game.

The fact that we can offer over 50 games in our Performer Grand Arc makes Amatic the right investment for the Bulgarian market. We were very pleased with the show and the contacts we made here,” he concluded.

46 | casinoreview November 2014

he Gaming Standards Association (GSA) bolstered its international credentials with the addition of eight new members, six of which come from outside the US, to its growing membership base.

Joining the GSA as a silver member is eBet Gaming Systems of Australia.

Amtek Corp and Reel Time Gaming from Australia, Apollo Soft from Czech Republic, Interblock USA, and Austria’s Greentube join as bronze members.

LT Game International (US), a unit of Macau’s leading electronic table games manufacturer LT Game, also joins the group as a bronze member. LT Game is chaired

by Jay Chun, who also presides over the Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association, which has also joined the GSA as an Affiliate membership, “We are pleased to welcome these eight new members,” GSA President Peter DeRaedt (pictured) said.

“We are gratified that our membership reflects the diversity of the gaming industry - in terms of the various facets of gaming in which they operate and the many countries they represent.

This global membership underscores our mission to bring standards to the entire global gaming industry,” The trade group now has over 65 international members along with offices in the United States, Brussels and Macau.

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is a very positive appointment, as we continue to expand our influence on the world stage, and through our Simulated Gaming solution enable casino operators to effectively lift their casino floor and represent it online, with all of the associated benefits of increase patron visitation on-property and the generation of meaningful levels of new income from an online channel.”

Tom Grant added: “GameAccount is a company that I know extremely well and one which has an exciting vision for the future of online gaming. I am delighted to be part of what is a dynamic, entrepreneurial company and look forward to the many exciting opportunities and challenges which lie ahead.”

www.patir.de info@patir.de

CR145-p48-b2bListings_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 18:34 Page 1

Listings

Business2Business

SYSTEMS

North Star Mohican has an eye for Bally Technologies’ iView system.

Murali Ganesan

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orth Star Mohican Casino has chosen to install an array of award-winning systems solutions from Bally Technologies, at its Bowler, Wisconsin, property.

The property will deploy Bally’s iView Display Manager player-user interface and Elite Bonusing Suite (EBS) floor-wide on 1,200 gaming machines, enabling interactive, floorwide player-bonusing events.

“After extensive due diligence we selected Bally for their stable systems built on state-of-the-art technology which delivers industry-leading and proven bonusing solutions with exceptional ROI capabilities,” said Wally Miller tribal president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, which operates the property.

In addition to iView and EBS, North Star selected a range of products from Bally’s broad systems portfolio, includ-

AWARDS Intralot wins Business Excellence award

LISTINGS

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48 | casinoreview November 2014

SUPPLIER NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

ntralot, the diversified gaming, lottery and systems group, celebrated winning a Business Excellence Award in the Global Expansion category at the InfoCom Awards 2014 by saying it is ‘recognition for excellence in doing business worldwide’.

George Zenzefilis, chief of products and services at the Greek gaming firm, added: “[The award] verifies our innovative approach to doing business… and it inspires us to further expand our global footprint.”

North Star selects Bally’s systems solution ing the SDS slot management system, CMP player-tracking system, Servizio mobile service solutions and the CoolSign media-management solution.

In addition to the 1,200 gaming machines, North Star features 18 table games and bingo, a 130-room hotel, restaurants, a golf course, spa and meeting space.

“We are confident that the core sys-

Consisting of the Rhino casino management system, Buffalo universal jackpot server, Elephant remote games server, Leopard online gaming platform and Lion money management innovation, The Big Five joined the latest version of the manufacturer’s Gamopolis Highway multi-game series in marking its first appearance in Bulgaria alongside the eCasino.bg online platform.

EiG attracts more than 1,500 gaming professionals

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record number of international visitors and gaming operators visited this year’s EiG in Berlin.

EVENTS Casino Technology salutes Sofia success

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asino Technology has hailed its accomplishments at last month’s Balkan Entertainment and Gaming Expo (BEGE) in Sofia after officially launching The Big 5 multi-channel gaming suite for operators in its home market.

tems - combined with iView DM and EBS - provide North Star with a tremendous platform to deliver unique and stellar player experiences,” said Bally sales director, Murali Ganesan.

“These systems solutions create floor-wide excitement for patrons, and measurable ROI and increased profitability for casino operators around the world.”

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS GTech announces bridge loan reduction

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Tech has announced that its 364-day senior bridge term loan credit facility commitment for the acquisition financing of IGT has been reduced from approximately $10.7bn to approximately $10.2bn, as backstop financing for the 2019 Notes is no longer required. The allocation to each bank has been reduced pro-rata.

GTech announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with IGT in July.

Prior to consummation of the deal, Gtech will be merged with Georgia Worldwide.

APPOINTMENTS Genting Americas announces management shuffle Held at the Arena Berlin last month, the event delivered a schedule of sessions and networking that were enjoyed by more than 1,500 gaming professionals from around the world.

In the centre of the exhibition floor attendees engaged in sessions under the ‘Outside-In’ agenda, which offered fresh perspectives in fields such as customer retention, behaviour and engagement.

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enting Americas has implemented a number of key management changes at its US and Bahamas properties, headed by the appointment of Ryan Eller as president of Resorts World Casino New York City. Eller replaces Ed Farrell, who is taking over as president at Resorts World Bimini and Miami, while Kevin Jones has been promoted to General Counsel of Resorts World Casino New York City.

If you’re searching for the very best journalism, the widest distribution and inventive advertising opportunities, International Casino Review is your partner of choice.

For more information on how we can help you deliver your message to the global casino industry community, simply contact John Sullivan at jsullivan@gbmedia.eu to receive your media pack or call us on +44 (0) 1204 396 397.

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CR145-p52-54-Business_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 12:08 Page 1

Business

ARISTOCRAT LEISURE / SCIENTIFIC GAMES

& City News

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Scientific Games making ‘significant process’ amid acquisitions

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Scientific Games has reported a 77 per cent rise in thirdquarter revenues, due primarily to the contribution of WMS Gaming and growth in its lottery business.

Gavin Isaacs: ‘We believe we are making solid progress’

ARISTOCRAT LEISURE

Aristocrat completes VGT acquisition

S gaming and lottery supplier Scientific Games Corporation has reported a 77 per cent increase in total revenue to $415.6m (E332m) for the third quarter of 2014, following contributions from WMS as well as growth from its lottery business.

Attributable EBITDA for the New York-based gaming conglomerate increased to $38.3m (E30.6m), compared to $128.2m (E102m) in the third quarter of 2013. During the period, Scientific Games incurred a net loss of $69.8m (E55.7), inclusive of a $19.7m (E15.7) impairment charge to write down the company’s equity investment in its Northstar Illinois joint venture and $5.9m (E4.7m) of transaction and financing-related costs associated with the pending acquisition of Bally Technologies.

In the prior-year quarter, the company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $0.4m (E0.3m), inclusive of $2.5m (E2m), of WMS-related transaction costs.

“During the quarter, the company generated $126m (E100m) of cash flow from operations, which after $62m (E49m) of capital expenditures resulted in $65m (E5.2m) of free cash flow,” said Gavin Isaacs, president and chief executive officer.

“While our operating results still require further improvement to achieve the level of performance we expect, we believe we are making solid progress in utilisation of working capital, implementation of WMS-related integration initiatives, strengthening the organisationwide focus on disciplined cost management and directing capital allocation only toward our highestreturn opportunities.”

Isaacs added: “In addition to the progress being made with the WMS integration, we are focused on the potential to meaningfully increase free cash flow following the Bally acquisition, which we continue to anticipate closing this quarter, and deploying our free cash flow to reduce net debt.”

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ith all necessary regulatory approvals now in place, Australian games manufacturing giant Aristocrat Leisure has announced that its $1.3bn (E1.02bn) take-over of Video Gaming Technology (VGT) has now been completed.

The acquisition triples the count of Aristocrat machines in North America from 8,200 to 28,400.

Aristocrat have remained insistent that VGT will still

52 | casinoreview November 2014

operate as a distinct brand and business entity within the Aristocrat umbrella going forward.

Founded in 1991 in

As a result of the thirdquarter performance figures, Scientific Games said it expects to yield greater-than-expected financial savings than originally anticipated.

Cost synergies realised from the pending acquisition of Bally Technologies are expected to total $235m (E188m) by the end of 2016.

“In addition, we now expect to realise an additional $15m (E12m) in annual cost synergies from the WMS acquisition, bringing the total to $115m (E92m) annual cost savings by the end of 2015, of which slightly more than half has been achieved to date,” Isaacs stated.

“With contributions from WMS, the exciting launch of the Monopoly Millionaires’ Club lottery game in October, and increased projections for cost synergies expected to increase free cash flow, we remain confident the combination of Scientific Games and Bally will deliver significant strategic and financial benefits as we bring together two organizations with similar cultures: a customer-first approach and deep-rooted passion for the development of great gaming entertainment. The collaborative and productive integration planning by our teams has reinforced this belief.”

Franklin, Tennessee, VGT employs over 600 people and has established a reputation throughout the United States and Mexico for innovation with the Class II machine market.

“The addition of VGT comes at an ideal time for Aristocrat,” claimed Aristocrat’s chief executive, Jamie Odell. “It will build on the sustained operational momentum we have achieved in our core Class III business.”

Aristocrat’s refocus on

BALLY ACQUISITION ollowing its acquisition of WMS Gaming for $1.5bn (E1.2bn) in October 2013, Scientific Games announced plans to purchase US gaming equipment and systems group Bally Technologies for $5.1bn (E4.1bn) in August this year.

Later that month both companies received notice of early termination of the waiting period under the HartScott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2015.

“The combination with Scientific Games will benefit our customers and shareholders,” said Richard Haddrill, Bally’s chief executive officer. “Increased scale, geographic diversity and product development capabilities will create a new runway of growth opportunities through new products and a comprehensive portfolio of customer-focused solutions.

“This transaction delivers immediate value to our shareholders, and the highest share price in our history. We look forward to working with our new colleagues at Scientific Games to execute a detailed integration plan to realise customer satisfaction and additional value.”

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the North American market has been prompted by falling revenues at home.

The company’s US biannual profit up to March 31st rose 4.6 per cent this year, whilst Australian takings for the same period fell 19 per cent.

Whilst Aristocrat remains second only to IGT in the scale of its games manufacturing operation, VGT represents a hugely significant investment for the firm.

Whilst its 2013 earnings

prior to adjustment totalled $157m (E123.7m), Aristocrat has assumed approximately $1.4bn (E1.1bn) of debt to finance the purchase.

Odell stressed the value of Aristocrat’s latest asset: “VGT brings a complementary product offering,” he stated, “it will immediately step change our scale, and significantly accelerate our growth in the critical US recurring revenue segment.”

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Business

AMAYA GAMING GROUP / BOYD GAMING / MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL

& City News

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

MGM RESORTS

Third quarter loss narrows for MGM Resorts International

same period in 2013 while it also announced a one percent rise year-on-year in total revenues to $2.49bn (E1.98bn).

Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International wholly owns 14 properties across the United States and these saw earnings for the three months to the end of September increase by three percent year-on-year thanks to a five percent hike in room revenues. But, the firm’s MGM Macau venue posted a 19 percent decline in VIP table games revenues alongside a two percent drop in net revenues to $794m (E633.9m).

“Our consolidated net revenues increased by one perMandalay Bay Hotel and Casino cent and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased merican casino and third-quarter financial September. by two percent during the entertainment giant results showing a loss of However, the deficit was quarter,” said Jim Murren, MGM Resorts Inter- $20.3m (E16.2m) for the better than the $22.3m Chairman and CEO for MGM national has released its three months to the end of (E17.8m) it posted for the Resorts International.

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BOYD GAMING

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focused on increasing revenues and expanding margins’ while also ‘driving operating leverage in an improving market’.

“Since our last earnings release, we have made significant progress in achieving certain financial goals,” said Dan D’Arrigo, Executive Vice-President, CFO and Treasurer for MGM Resorts International.

“We were unanimously approved for a casino licence in the state of New Jersey and as a result received $83m (E66.2m) in cash from our previous trust arrangement.

MGM Resorts along with AEG secured a $200m (E159.6m) bank facility to fund the development and construction of our new 20,000-seat arena, which is underway on the Las Vegas Strip between New YorkNew York and Monte Carlo.”

AMAYA GAMING GROUP

Boyd Gaming narrows thirdquarter losses merican casino operator Boyd Gaming has released its financial results for the three months to the end of September showing that its quarterly unaudited net loss had improved by almost 60 per cent year-on-year to $15.1m (E12.04m).

The Las Vegas firm reported a net loss of $37.26m (E29.67m) for the same three-month period in 2013 while its deficit for the first nine months of this year stood at $20.61m (E16.43m) as it evaluates creating a real estate investment trust in order to spin-off some or all of its casino holdings into a separate entity.

Boyd Gaming operates 21 venues throughout the US, including the Eldorado Casino, Gold Coast Hotel and Casino and Jokers Wild Casino in Las Vegas and saw its

“In Las Vegas, the market continues to improve as our top line revenues grew three percent. While we expected to have some negative impact to margins during the quarter as a result of the disruptions related to our investments in Delano at Mandalay Bay and the Strip frontage at Monte Carlo, we were also negatively affected by lower year-on-year table games hold and an increase in certain expenses.

“MGM China reported a twelve percent increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to $214m (E170.8m) and margin expansion of 330 basis points despite a difficult market. The construction of MGM Cotai is progressing well and is on time and on budget for a fall 2016 opening.”

Murren stated that the company remains ‘highly

Eldorado Casino

Amaya implements Cadillac Jack strategic review

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third quarter net revenues improve slightly to $738.84m (E589.37m) despite a 0.7 per cent increase year-on-year in total expenses to $665m (E530m).

The company revealed that total third-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation had improved by 5.5 per cent year-onyear to reach $163.86m (E130.75m) while its cash on hand stood at $120.9m (E96.45m) with total debt now $3.48bn (E2.77bn).

“This was a solid quarter for our operations as we improved operating margins in every segment of our business,” said Keith Smith, President and CEO for Boyd Gaming.

“Growth resumed in our Nevada business as our Las Vegas

54 | casinoreview November 2014

locals and downtown Las Vegas operations both achieved positive earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation comparisons. We saw initial signs of stabilisation in our regional business as well. We paid down an additional $70m in debt in the quarter to bring our total debt reduction to more than $165m (E132m) so far this year as we continue to use free cashflow to deleverage the balance sheet.

And we began work on several projects in our long-term initiative to reposition and enhance select non-gaming amenities in our portfolio.

“In all, we continue to make good progress executing on our strategy to drive profitable growth and increase long-term shareholder value.”

maya Gaming has implemented a strategic review of its Cadillac Jack subsidiary so that it can explore ‘various alternatives’ for the B2B land-based gaming solutions business. David Baazov, chairman and chief executive officer of Amaya, said executive management had initiated the review with the fundamental objective of expediting Cadillac Jack’s growth strategy and maximising value for Amaya’s shareholders.

“In light of recent consolidation within the gaming machine supplier industry, we believe that this is an appropriate time to review and evaluate potential strategic alternatives for Cadillac Jack that may further maximise value for our shareholders,” Baazov continued.

He also said that there is no defined timeline for the strategic review, and no assurance that the process

will result in the consummation of any specific action.

“Cadillac Jack has matured greatly as a company under Amaya’s ownership,” Mauro Franic, chief operating officer of Cadillac Jack, continued.

“We have developed a robust product library and enhanced our operational efficiencies.

We will now consider alternatives that will accelerate our market expansion and add value to our current and prospective customers.”

The Canadian gaming firm has engaged Macquarie Capital and Deutsche Bank Securities as co-financial advisors to assist with the strategic review.

In further news, Amaya Gaming formally announced that its gaming brands, in addition to PokerStars and Full Tilt, have obtained a continuation license to allow uninterrupted service to consumer and business customers in the United Kingdom.

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CR145-p56-Sectors_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 11:55 Page 1

Sectors

APPOINTMENTS / AWARDS / LOTTERIES / PATENTS / VIDEO BINGO / VIRTUAL GAMING

& Services

SUPPLIER NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

PATENTS

AWARDS

TPG licenses ‘Dunn’ patent

GameAccount Network CEO honoured amongst business elite

A WMS Gaming has signed a deal with Tipping Point Gaming surrounding its Dunn secondary controller patent.

merican aftermarket gaming equipment, systems and software applications designer Tipping Point Gaming (TPG) has signed a deal to license the ‘Dunn’ secondary controller patent from WMS Gaming.

Las Vegas-based TPG stated that the patent was one of the first that allowed additional data such as advertisements to be introduced into a picture-in-picture gaming machine application in order to produce different and desired outcomes on the video display.

“Dunn was truly a visionary and pioneer in the area of picture-in-picture for the gaming industry and this patent is significant in that it is one of the earliest active patents in this category predating any other picture-in-picture patents on the market,” said Sam Johnson, CEO for TPG. “We are pleased to have taken an

exclusive licence to such an important patent.”

TPG stated that its flagship PlayItVision patented proprietary picture-in-picture-style system is capable of offering wager-based side games, customised and targeted marketing promotions and event-based bonusing for any existing deployed electronic gaming machine.

“Licensing the Dunn patent not only helps pave the way for TPG’s proprietary picture-in-picture delivery technology, it exemplifies our commitment to expanding our intellectual property portfolio that now stands at more than 30 intellectual property assets,” said Johnson.

“We are eager to employ this powerful portfolio of intellectual property to continue to provide unique and innovative gaming and bonusing applications for our casino partners.”

D

ermot Smurfit, CEO of GameAccount Network, has been honoured at the prestigious 2014 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme, which recognises the achievements of Irish entrepreneurs based in locations throughout the world. Dermot, who joined GameAccount in 2002 and has overseen its development into one of the UK’s fastest growing tech companies, was named runner-up in the International

LISTINGS

LOTTERIES

APPOINTMENTS

Novomatic signs contract with Israeli lottery

Apex Gaming promotes Pessnegger

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s part of a corporate restructure, Austrian gaming manufacturer and operator Apex Gaming has promoted Max Pessnegger to the post of CEO while company founder Johannes Weissengruber is now set to serve as chairman.

Max Pessnegger Pessnegger for(left) and Johannes merly served as chief Weissengruber of technology officer and Apex Gaming has been praised for expanding the Hagenberg-based firm’s product portfolio, which now covers almost every market segment including landbased through to mobile and online.

ovomatic, one of the largest integrated gaming groups in the world, has signed a seven-year contract with Mifal Hapais, the Israeli national lottery, for the provision of its state-of-the-art video lottery system.

The system includes a central system, 150 retailer terminals and 500 of its newest generation video lottery terminals. Novomatic will also provide customised games, together

with maintenance and support services for the entire duration of the contract.

The contract has been concluded after a thorough procurement process and allows Mifal Hapais the option to renew it for up to an additional thirteen years.

Novomatic expects to generate around E23m of revenue over the initial period.

56 | casinoreview November 2014

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VIDEO BINGO Zitro showcases Revolution at SAGSE

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itro unveiled its new Zitro Revolution video bingo machine at SAGSE, Argentina, which it described as the

‘biggest innovation’ in the company’s history. The games manufacturer said the new Revolution’s features include ‘more community games, new functionalities and brand new titles’. A spokesperson for Zitro said that it had also taken its ‘innovative’ portfolio of products’ especially prepared for the Latin American market to the South American show, which it called ‘very successful.

VIRTUAL GAMING Inspired signs Virtual Philippines deal

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nspired Gaming has signed a multi-year agreement in the Philippines with DFNN Inc., which, through its subsidiaries, is a licensed partner of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Under terms of the deal, Inspired will provide a number of Virtual Games to PAGCOR for use across its authorised and regulated land-based retail betting locations nationwide.

category, an achievement which was officially recognised at an Awards Gala held in Dublin on October 23.

Commenting on the honour Dermot Smurfit said: “A little less than 12 months ago GameAccount Network was one of only a handful of companies permitted to launch on Day One in New Jersey’s then newly regulated internet gaming market. What was a superb example of innovation, ingenuity, and teamwork, set the tone for what has turned out to be a transformational year for the company on so many levels, and now to be shortlisted alongside such an elite group of business leaders and then to finish runner-up, is a further honour not just for myself but for the entire GameAccount Network team.

There’s no doubt that we can look forward to the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead with a large measure of confidence and excitement.

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Events

CARIBBEAN GAMING SHOW / ICE TOTALLY GAMING / TABLE GAMES CONFERENCE

& Diary EVENTS NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

ICE 2015

The organisers of ICE 2015 are encouraging industry professionals to ‘Discover’ the world of gaming.

Huge response to record-breaking ICE campaign

T MARKET LEADER CE 2014 had attendees from a record 156 nations, a statistic which puts the world’s biggest gaming event amongst the elite of UK-hosted exhibitions. The statistic, part of a comprehensive external audit commissioned by ICE, underlines the brand’s status as the only truly global event at which exhibitors can engage with buyers from every conceivable gaming jurisdiction.

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60 | casinoreview November 2014

he industry’s appetite for major blockbuster gaming events was put into sharp relief when organisers of February’s ICE show in London announced that over 1,000 international gaming professionals had registered to attend within three days of the 2015 website going live.

Reflecting on the response, Jo Mayer, marketing director responsible for ICE said: “In 2014 we succeeded in attracting a total of 23,506 attendees to London - an achievement which represented our fifth consecutive year of growth. I am delighted at the speed with which the gaming community has shown its commitment to ICE 2015 and the enthusiastic manner in which they’ve responded to our campaign.”

The ICE campaign Mayer refers to is inspired by the pioneering work of French novelist, poet and playwright Jules Verne and his epic stories of adventure. It invites the industry to embark on its own Voyages Extraordinaires and ‘Discover’ the world of gaming which will be at ICE in London.

Kate Chambers, who is responsible for the Totally Gaming portfolio, which in addition to ICE includes EiG and GiGse, believes

that the campaign captures the essence of ICE and the unique benefits that it delivers stakeholders. She said: “Jules Verne is probably most famous for the adventure novel Around The World in Eighty Days: ICE enables attendees to travel around the entire land-based and online gaming world in just three days, a feat which no other event on the gaming calendar can match.

“ICE has become an adventure where gaming professionals and entrepreneurs discover new suppliers, discover ground breaking technologies and discover those landmark products which have the potential to transform the way the industry does business. I am pleased to say this is an epic campaign for what is an epic event,” Chambers said.

Whilst having a strong creative is one thing, ICE organiser Clarion is putting its money where its mouth is by investing substantial resources into taking the Discover message to the world. The ICE 2015 Discover creative will appear in over 120 adverts throughout 90 specialist B2B gaming media using both print and digital channels.

Advertising will be supported by an extensive media relations and PR offensive with ICE organisers engaging with over 200,000 individuals working for 85,000 companies through sector specific e-shots and mailings. Meanwhile, a heightened emphasis on social media will see ICE build on its Twitter following as well as utilising LinkedIn, Facebook, Tumblr and the exclusive ICE mobile networking app.

In keeping with its status as the biggest and the most international exhibition on the gaming industry calendar, the ICE campaign will engage with potential visitors based in over 150 countries worldwide.

Expanding on the record breaking marketing investment, Mayer said: “It’s essential that we do everything in our power to continue the upward momentum and continue to deliver a quality audience of international buyers to the 500+ exhibitors who will be at ICE in February. We have a compelling creative campaign, and my department’s job is to take that forward and ensure that the maximum number of industry professionals accept the invitation to discover the world of gaming at ICE in February.”

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CR145-p60-63-Events_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 14:26 Page 2

Events

Macao Gaming Show November 18-20

ASIAN GAMING SUMMIT

SLOT SUMMIT

Talking shop on the Asian gaming world

Slot Summit en route to Colombia

The Asian Gaming Summit has an extensive range of experts speaking across a variety of topics.

he globetrotting Slot Summit is headed to South America for its next outing, making a debut appearance at the Hilton Bogota, Colombia on 10-12 December, 2014. The three day conference will follow the template laid down by previous Summits, presenting managers working in bricks-and-mortar or electronic casinos with presentations on a wide variety of issues relating to slot machines and equipment.

The event will cover topics relevant to both the global slots industry and the local Colombian market. Talks on the status of the country’s gambling regulations will sit alongside advice on how to leverage casino visitor profiles and impact the mathematical concept of standard deviation has on the ‘feel’ of a game.

Representatives from all around the world are being encouraged to attend, with simultaneous translation available for a variety of languages. The event is sponsored by a number of leading manufacturers, who will be taking part in networking events throughout the threeday conference.

& Diary

he Macao Gaming Summit is set to feature over 20 unique sessions focusing on the Asian gaming world. The 2014 Summit, whose theme is ‘Asian Gaming: Looking beyond the Horizon’, will feature a specially curated selection of sessions and speakers, including the Asia-Pacific regulatory environment; the future of gaming in Macao and beyond; opportunities in Asia-Pacific as well as updates on mature, emerging and future markets; the latest developments in i-Gaming and organisational best practices.

Ira Iskandar, conference manager, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Macao Gaming Summit now features over 20 ‘must see’ ses-

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sions, with an array of subjects and speakers aimed at giving attendees a deep and powerful understanding of the Asian gaming world.

“The Summit forms an important and complimentary motivator for attending the Macao Gaming Show and is eagerly anticipated by delegates and exhibitors alike. Our program has been tailored to meet the knowledge needs of gaming professionals wanting to do business in the Asia Pacific region.”

Inspired Gaming Group’s Harmen Brenninkmeijer, senior vice president, Asia and strategic markets, is the latest thought leader to confirm his participation at November’s Macao Gaming Summit, which runs alongside Macao

Gaming Show. Brenninkmeijer will be moderating a series of iGaming panels, which will cover a comprehensive range of topics from ‘Tapping into the Lucrative Chinese Market: the Chinese consumer, gaming behaviour, and trends’, to iGaming in the Asian cruise ship sector.

Iskandar added: “With a collection of the World’s foremost thinkers and experts on the Asian gaming market already confirmed, and with more to be announced, the Macao Gaming Summit is fast shaping up to be a must attend event for gaming professionals wanting to learn more about the key issues relating to iGaming in Asia. I believe there will be a depth of iGaming knowledge not previously shared in Macao.”

MGS ASIAN IGAMING NETWORKING PARTY

Igaming Networking Party to make a Splash The official MGS Igaming Networking party is being organised by the Sports Betting Community and Asia Gaming Brief.

62 | casinoreview November 2014

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GS has announced that gaming news specialists Asia Gaming Brief and Sports Betting Community are hosting the Official iGaming Networking Party at Macao Gaming Show on Tuesday 18 November 2014. The event sets the stage for AGB and SBC to break new ground by holding their first Asia Gaming Social in Macau, as the party preludes the iGaming track of the Macao Gaming Summit.

Frank Scheungel of SBC Asia said: “We’re very excited about teaming up with MGS for what should prove to be a great night. SBC’s and AGBrief’s Asian networking parties in Manila have been extremely popular because of the way they provide the opportunity to network with others in the industry in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. We’re confident that holding one alongside the Macao Gaming Summit will attract even more of the region’s key players.”

The event is being held at the spectacu-

lar Splash venue in the Four Seasons Macao and is free to attend thanks to the support of the event sponsors. Alongside headline sponsor MGS, the event is also being sponsored by EveryMatrix, BetConstruct and Play’nGo. The involvement of these brands means that there will be an enjoyable night of networking for the iGaming industry in Asia.

Anyone wishing to attend the event has been advised to pre-register their interest on the SBC News or the AGBrief websites to ensure their place at the event.

SBC and AGBrief have a long running collaboration in throwing popular industry networking parties in Asia. Last September over 200 industry professionals gathered at one of Manila’s hottest nightspot.

Dubbed the “Monsoon Meetup”, the name proved fitting as guests watched torrential rains covering the city on the outside, while drinks were flowing freely on the inside at the prestigious 71 Gramercy Nightclub and lounge in Makati.

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CR145-p60-63-Events_Coinslot NEW 07/11/2014 13:49 Page 3

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Ken Scott Email: ks@sjc.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1273 699 900 Edition Editor: James Walker Email: jw@sjc.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1273 699 900 Reporters: Joseph Ewens, Chris Webster, Alan Campbell ADVERTISING Neil Judson

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions: Sarah Haworth Email: shaworth@gbmedia.eu Tel: +44 (0)1204 396 397 Publishers GB Media Corporation Ltd, Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY, UK Tel: +44 (0)1204 396 397 Publisher: John Sullivan Email: jsullivan@gbmedia.eu

CARIBBEAN GAMING SHOW

Professionals from almost every area of the gaming landscape will be at the Caribe Hilton in March for the seventh annual edition of the Caribbean

Gaming Show and Summit. multitude of leading operators, developers, suppliers and manufacturers from almost every area of the gaming industry will descend upon the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 18-19 in order to take part in the seventh annual edition of the Caribbean Gaming Show and Summit.

The event will also feature a series of conference sessions covering subjects as varied as new technologies, slots, marketing, human resources, surveillance and social, online and mobile gaming complete with Spanish/English translation services.

“As a crossing point between North America, Europe and Latin America, the Caribbean is among the most significant and dynamic [areas] in this part of the world and contains the most important casinos and resorts below the American border,” read a statement from CGS, which has offices in Las Vegas, Miami and Lima, Peru.

“The international gaming industry will find important professionals from Caribbean casinos.

“If you want to do real business in this region, you have a trip to plan. With more than 200 casinos and key decision-makers, you will enjoy the wonder of a relaxing

Opportunity knocks in San Juan

Opinions expressed in this publication should not be regarded as the official view of GB Media Corporation Ltd, except where stated. Views, opinions and recommendations contained in this publication are put forward for consideration only. No action should be taken in reliance upon any such views, opinions or recommendations. Neither GB Media Corporation Ltd nor contributors accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person howsoever caused or arising as a result of or in consequence of action taken or refrained from in realiance on the contents of this publication.

YXYXYXY

Notes for contributors The Editorial Board welcomes the submission of articles for consideration by the editor with a view to publication. Articles submitted will not be returned and accordingly contributors making submissions should retain copies. Submission of an article will be held to imply that the article contains original unpublished work which GB Media Corporation Ltd may lawfully publish. All submissions are made at the owner’s risk. © GB Media Corporation Ltd 2014 All rights strictly reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission is given, full acknowledgement of author, publisher and source must be given.

| DIARY NOVEMBER 2014 11-13 SAGSE Latin America Costa Salguero Convention Centre, Buenos Aires, Argentina www.monografie.com 17-19 Table Games Conference Paris Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, US www.tablegamesconf.com

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18-20 Macao Gaming Show (MGS) Venetian Macao, Macao www.macaogamingshow.com

JANUARY 2015 13-15 EAG International Expo ExCeL London Exhibition Centre, London, UK www.eagexpo.com

FEBRUARY 2015 3-5 ICE Totally Gaming ExCeL London Exhibition Centre, London UK www.icetotallygaming.com

business environment and a variety of countries visiting this two-day show and summit.”

CGS declared that the conference sessions tied to its 2015 show will have the support of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas,

which means that regional operators will be able to send their employees to San Juan in order to learn locally from some of the best in the business.

Exhibitors include Aristocrat Technologies, DLV, Gasser Chair Company and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

MARCH 2015 9-11 Gaming Technology Conference Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, US www.gamingtechnologyconf.c om

TABLE GAMES CONFERENCE

Cutting Edge Table Games Conference confirms complete speaker line-up

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he Cutting Edge Table Games Conference has confirmed its full speaker list for the Las Vegas event, taking place across November 17-19 at The Paris Hotel. The line-up features specialists from across the table game sector, including Dr. David Schwartz, director of the UNLV Center for Gaming Research; Max Rubin, author of Comp City: A Guide to Free Gambling Vacations; Sean McCreery, senior vice president - casino operations at The Venetian; and London Swinney, vice president of casino operations at

the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Dennis Conrad, president and chief relationship officer for organiser Raving Consulting, said: “We have assembled a first-rate group of speakers, many of whom

are well-known in the games world, and all of whom are leaders at what they do.”

Following the Advantage Player Pre-Conference Workshop and a VIP Reception and Tradeshow event,

sponsored by slot machine manufacturer Bally Technologies, the Conference programme will begin with Dr. Schwartz’s 3rd Annual Table Games Report, and continues with discussions including ‘Threats from Both Inside and Outside - Scams, Cheats, Collusions, and Other Current Table Game Situations That Eat Away at Profitability and Player Trust’, and ‘The Science versus the Art of Game Protection’. The Conference will also host an active exhibit hall with over 35 booths situated next to the main hall.

18-19 FADJA Peru Atlantic City Convention & Entertainment Centre, Lima, Peru www.fadja.com.pe 25-26 Caribbean Gaming Show & Summit 2015 San Juan, Puerto Rico www.caribbeangamingshow.c om 30-1 Indian Gaming San Diego San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, US www.indiangaming.org/events /tradeshow

November 2014 casinoreview

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