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JANUARY 2015 • EDITION 147

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ICE

Preview THE KEY FIGURES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN LONDON ICE PREVIEW 32

EUROPE NEWS

WORLD

Is the Spanish gaming sector showing signs of recovery going into 2015? 6

Macau faces up to the changing needs of a tourist region 4

THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER FOR THE GLOBAL CASINO INDUSTRY

LICENCE

Echo Entertainment and Crown Resorts are once again battling it out for a casino licence in Australia, with both groups unveiling proposals for a new development in Brisbane.

A AUSTRALIA

AQUIS APPROVAL

Brisbane casino war heating up lthough there can be only one winner, the Brisbane skyline is set to experience an ultra-modern transformation, as leisure operators Echo Entertainment and Crown Resorts reveal their designs for a new integrated resort development in the east Australian city.

The rival companies are heading up two consortiums that are bidding for the coveted casino licence at Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane’s city centre.

Crown Resorts, which has formed a partnership with Greenland Group, outlined its vision for a “landmark entertainment and tourism destination” that includes three hotels, a gaming area and a worldclass precinct boasting sig-

nature restaurants and bars.

“With Greenland and our world-class architects, I am committed to building something truly spectacular - a landmark precinct for the people of Queensland,” said Crown chairman, James Packer. “There will be active waterfront and new public places for the community to enjoy live sports broadcasts, fashion, arts, music, markets and public celebrations.”

For its part, Echo Entertainment, which is based in Brisbane and already owns the Treasury Brisbane Casino and Hotel, has partnered with Hong Kong organisations Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTF) and Far East Consortium International (FEC) to create its

lsewhere in Queensland, plans to build a resort and casino in the far north of the Australian state have come one step closer to reality after the project’s environmental impact statement was approved. Located just north of Cairns, the A$8bn (E5.4bn) Aquis Great Barrier Reef resort would include 7,500 hotel rooms, a convention and exhibition centre, two casinos, a golf course and an artificial lake and lagoon.

Developers hope to begin construction as early as next year and the first stage of the resort will open in 2019 if approved. Headed up by Hong Kong businessman Tony Fung Wing Cheung, Aquis Group is developing a foothold in Australia. As the group awaits a decision on the Great Barrier Reef resort, it recently completed the A$6m (E4m) acquisition of Casino Canberra from Casinos Austria International, after gaining approval from the Australian Capital Territory government.

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own vision for the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Project.

Their plans include a publicly accessible sky deck with restaurants and bars, five hotels, a “river arena”, a riverfront moonlight cinema, 12 football fields of public event space and an underground shopping mall.

Echo’s managing director and CEO Matt Bekier said: “We have conducted extensive community engagement in Queensland over the last two years to deliver what will be both a globally relevant and leading Integrated Resort, but also one that is built specifically for Brisbane. I am extremely proud of what the team has been able to put together and am confident the precinct will have signifi-

More than a transaction.

A connection.

cant tourism, economic and associated benefits for the State of Queensland.”

At this stage in the process, both Crown and Echo are barred from disclosing the size of their casinos, the number of machines and table games and the number of residential apartments versus hotel rooms. However, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney reiterated the importance of the gaming aspect of the development.

“The point was very strongly made to us by international tourist operators that this sort of integrated resort development is the emerging product in the tourism market,” Seeney said. “Tourism is one of four pillars of the Queensland

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economy.”

“We have a great many natural wonders which are great tourism attractions for Queensland, but if we are going to remain competitive in that international tourism market, then we have to offer a product that fills this segment of the market as well.”

Crown will be hoping for a similar result it snared in Sydney, where it gained approval in 2013 to build a A$1.5bn (E1bn) luxury hotel and casino at the Barangaroo development, and wrested Echo’s monopoly control on the city’s casino market.

When Crown Sydney opens in 2019 it will come up against Echo’s flagship casino, The Star.

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News World

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Macau chief executive to grow economy through diversification Fernando Chui has appointed a new five-member team of policy secretaries alongside his inaugural anti-corruption chief. All part of a major plan to drive the Macau vision forward; more leisure, more entertainment and squeaky clean governance is the order of the day for the ambitious enclave.

I MACAU

n advance of being sworn in for a second five-year term last month, the chief executive of Macau, Fernando Chui, stated that he wants to diversify the city’s economy away from its traditional reliance on gambling.

The announcement to the Xinhua state news agency coincided with a visit by Chinese president Xi Jinping, who instigated the pervasive ‘tigers and flies’ anti-graft campaign just over two years ago that has contributed to casinos in the former Portuguese colony losing a combined $58bn (E47.7bn) in market value in the past six months.

Previously a haven for local government officials and rich businessmen that

2 | casinoreview January 2015

wanted to flaunt their wealth via private jets and lavish hotel suites, many officials now regard gambling in Macau as a conduit to getting money out of the country.

Chui was first appointed to lead the former Portuguese colony of some 624,000 people in 2009 and declared that he hoped to ‘achieve the sustainable development of Macau’, which was handed over to China 15 years ago and has since been hailed as a good example of the ‘one country two systems’ status it shares with Hong Kong.

“We will continue to focus on economic development and improving people’s livelihood and actively

promote the appropriate diversification of the economy,” Chui told Xinhua.

His statements mirror those made by Xi, who declared that Macau ‘still faces difficulties and challenges that must be properly managed’ and must concentrate on ‘how it can make greater progress on the basis of its achievements in the last 15 years and maintain long-term prosperity and stability’.

“It is important for Macau to adopt a global, nationwide, future-oriented and long-term perspective, formulate appropriate plans and blueprints for its development and promote sound economic and social development,” 61-year-old Xi

naming a new five-member team of policy secretaries in addition to appointing an inaugural anti-corruption chief, Andre Cheong WengChon. This panel includes Raimundo Do Rosario, who has returned after 15 years abroad representing Macau in Lisbon, Brussels and recently proclaimed on Chi- Geneva to serve as transnese state television. port and public works chief, “Focus on building a alongside new administraglobal tourism and leisure tion and justice secretary centre, promote the Sonia Chan Hoi-Fan, a key Macanese economy’s figure as head of the Perappropriate diversification sonal Data Protection and sustainable develop- Office in helping to contain ment. This is of great impor- democracy protests in tance for the interests of the August. people of Macau.”

“They are personalities To aid this diversification with vast experience. It’s a drive, 57-year-old Chui pre- relatively younger team,” ceded his swearing in by said Chui.

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YXYXYXY CANADA / MACAU / UNITED STATES

ICR NEWS: WORLD 2-5 EUROPE 6-11 ASIA & OCEANIA 12-15 AFRICA & MID EAST 18-19 NORTH AMERICA 20-23 SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA 25-25 COMMENT & ANALYSIS 26-27 POLITICS 28-29

TOURISM

LEGISLATION

Package tours push up Macau visitor numbers

Massachusetts considers casino ATMs bill

The number of tourists visiting Macau in November increased by 15 percent year-on-year to just over 2.8m, helped by a 51 percent rise in those using package tours during the month to 1.17m.

Proposed legislation from Stephen Brewer would completely ban cash machines from gambling floors in Massachusetts.

Whilst the hard liners would like to see ATMs off resort completely, the proposal offers a compromise opton off the floor.

MACAU

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ccording to a report from the city’s statistics and census service, visitors from mainland China rose by 28 percent year-on-year for November to 1.97m with 898,373 of these coming from neighbouring Guangdong province while a significant 78,196 originated from nearby Fujian province. Those travelling to Macau from South Korea during the month rose by eight percent to 41,592 although tourist numbers from Hong Kong dropped by three percent to 508,122. There was also a decrease of 19 percent in Taiwanese visitors to 69,625 alongside monthly falls in the numbers of long-haul tourists from the United States, Australia and the UK. However, total visitor numbers to the former Portuguese colony for the first eleven months of 2014 reached over 28.98m, which is an eight percent increase year-on-year, with same-day visitors accounting for almost 54 percent of the total. There was also a boost in the number of long-haul visitors from the United States although this was offset by lowered numbers from Australia, Canada and the UK. The news could be a boost for the city’s casino operators after combined gross gaming revenues for November fell by 19.6 percent year-on-year to $3.04bn (E2.52bn) due to the effects of an ongoing anti-corruption drive, weaker growth in the Chinese economy and an indoor smoking ban.

UNITED STATES

s Massachusetts looks to the opening of the MGM Springfield and Wynn Everett resort casino developments beginning from 2017, one local lawmaker has proposed legislation that would prohibit venues from placing automated teller machines (ATMs) on the gambling floor.

The measure from Massachusetts state senator Stephen Brewer would require gamblers to leave the gambling area and interrupt their play in order to access cash. This, it is hoped, would give players additional time to consider whether they want to risk more money.

In its current guidelines

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for responsible practices acting under language in the 2011 legislation that authorised casino gambling, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission permits ATMs in casinos but stipulates that these should be a minimum of 15 feet from the gambling area. Elaine Driscoll from the regulator stated that her agency would defer to the legislature on the issue but added that ‘it would support a ban on ATMs from the gaming area’ if asked for an opinion while declaring that it would not be ‘reasonable to ban ATMs from the entire destination resort’.

However, the move has raised complaints from anticasino activists with many under the impression that ATMs were already completely banned in Massachusetts casinos. Les Bernal

from the Stop Predatory Gambling group declared that casinos can reap large profits as a result of players ‘chasing their losses’ with this practice ‘extremely financially damaging’ to patrons.

Added as an amendment to a banking reform bill on Christmas Eve, the proposed measure from Brewer would also clarify current law to allow ATMs from state-chartered financial institutions to be sited in casinos. The 1980s saw lawmakers pass legislation that appeared to prohibit ATMs from state-chartered banks at casinos while permitting those from institutions chartered at a federal level and this latest amendment has been designed to level the playing field.

“The overall intention of the bill is to provide the high-

est level of responsible gambling,” said Brewer, a Democrat who serves as chairman of the influential Ways and Means Committee but will be retiring at the end of his current term.

“It is a well-intentioned amendment that tries to bring consistency to ATMs at casinos.”

Brewer’s proposed legislation is currently sitting before the Massachusetts House of Representatives and must be taken up before the start of the next session on January 7, after which all old bills die and must be refiled.

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January 2015 casinoreview

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News

CANADA / UNITED STATES

World

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ATTENDANCE FIGURES AT THIS YEAR’S MGS JUMPED FROM 8,634 IN 2013 TO 11,987, AN INCREASE OF 39% WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

PERFORMANCE

CASINO RESORT

Nevada gaming revenues flat for November

Stay of execution for Trump Taj Mahal

Figures from Gaming Control Board show mixed results with monthly state-wide total win growing by less than one-half of a percent year-on-year. Nevada, it seems, is at the very least making slow progress towards recovery.

UNITED STATES

ollowing three consecutive monthly declines, the just over 260 casinos in Nevada have reported total revenues for November of $876.2m (E729.2m), which represents an increase of 0.04 percent yearon-year.

According to figures from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, total win for the twelve months to the end of November rose by 0.42 percent year-on-year to reach $11.1bn (E9.2bn), while online poker pulled in just $9.95m (E8.28m) annually and $641,000 (E533,687) for the month.

Although venues on the Las Vegas Strip saw revenues for November fall by four percent year-on-year to $508m (E423m), their downtown compatriots reported win of $43m (E35.8m), which was a boost of almost 13 percent. The North Las Vegas, Laughlin and Boulder Strip areas, which cater more to the locals market, also reported double-digit increases while Clark County as a whole saw monthly gaming revenues decline by less than one percent.

Despite the drop, JP Morgan gaming analyst Joe Greff declared that the Las Vegas Strip seems to be healthy after venues in the area saw gaming revenues fall by over twelve percent for the first two months of 2013.

“We maintain our positive outlook for the Las Vegas Strip and believe the overall recovery will continue heading into 2015,” said Greff.

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Further north, casino revenues in Reno decreased by less than one percent for the month to $43m (E35.8m) while the situation in nearby South Lake Tahoe plunged 30 percent to $12m (E9.9m).

A state-wide positive was a 91 percent year-on-year boost in revenues from baccarat. Stifel Nicolaus Capital Markets gaming analyst Steven Wieczynski stated that this indicated that Nevada casinos had not been hurt by reduced baccarat play as has occurred in China due to an ongoing anticorruption drive that is targetting high-end junket operators.

“All things considered, we view the November results in a positive light,” said Wieczynski. “We believe the baccarat results confirm recent headwinds in the Macau market have not proportionately spilled over into Vegas.”

The state collected $47m (E39.1m) in taxes based on November revenues, which represents a five percent drop from the same period in 2013.

UNITED STATES

merican billionaire financier Carl Icahn has agreed to spend $20m (E16.4m) in order to keep the struggling Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City open while it goes through bankruptcy proceedings.

Owned by Trump Entertainment Resorts, the Trump Taj Mahal ceased issuing credit to players last month and looked on its way to becoming the fifth New Jersey casino to close in 2014 behind Revel Atlantic City, The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, Showboat Atlantic City and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Trump Entertainment received formal permission

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from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to shutter its last remaining casino on December 12 but had wanted to instead hand the venue over to Icahn in return for the investor cancelling $292m (E240.4m) in company debt. The 78-yearold was then due to invest $100m (E81.2m) into the property provided that he could reach an agreement with Local 54 of the UniteHERE union concerning worker benefits.

Despite several false dawns that would have seen the Trump Taj Mahal remain open in return for reduced employee pension benefits, the two parties were unable to reach an accord with Icahn calling Trump Entertainment ‘one of the most distressed’ companies he

had ever seen.

“Even though I believe that Atlantic City will be great again someday, many people would still argue that it would be a better financial decision for me to let the Taj close and wait to see whether a global settlement can be reached,” wrote Icahn.

“But I cannot be so callous as to let 3,000 hardworking people lose their jobs while a global settlement with the state and union, which would enable us to turn the Taj around, as we’ve done with so many other failing businesses, remains a possibility.

“Therefore, even though I have no assurance that the state will provide aid or that the union will drop its appeal, I will send you a commitment letter to provide you with up to $20m of additional financing, in accordance with your budget and subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, to keep the Taj operating throughout the bankruptcy proceedings and I will also commit to work collaboratively with the state, the city and the union to try to forge a global settlement that will bring real stability to the Taj and its employees.”

ANNIVERSARY

Hard Rock Casino Vancouver turns one CANADA

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reat Canadian Gaming marked the first birthday of its Hard Rock Casino Vancouver last month by holding a special celebration that included performances by Bif Naked and Grammy Award-winning rapper Everlast.

Previously known as Boulevard Casino, the venue near the

banks of the Fraser River in the eastern suburb of Coquitlam is one of over 190 Hard Rockbranded locations spread across the globe and its casino offers table games including blackjack, baccarat, pai-gow and craps in addition to 950 slots.

The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver also has a twelve-table poker room and welcomed close to two million visitors since opening in late-2013 while presenting

4 | casinoreview January 2015

over 350 signature entertainment events including performances by Ringo Starr, Slash, The Steve Miller Band, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Our Lady Peace and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Some of the proceeds from its birthday celebrations were donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation while its Asylum Sound Stage was opened on the night by the inaugural winner of its Rock the Mic competition,

Best Night Ever, before headliner Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd took over.

“We had a remarkable year and took the opportunity to showcase what the Hard Rock brand is all about,” said Raj Mutti, executive director at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.

“I am extremely proud of our team as they have delivered rock solid experiences for our guests and the community.”

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WE’RE HEADING STRAIGHT TO LONDON WITH THE ANSWER

N O V O M AT I C

– W I N N I N G

T E C H N O L O G Y

International Sales: Jens Einhaus, Phone: +43 2252 606 319, sales@novomatic.com, www.novomatic.com

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CR147-p06-10-Europe_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 10:48 Page 1

News Europe

MARKET FORECAST

Spanish gaming industry looks ahead to 2015 The natural restructuring of the Spanish gaming sector and the country’s gradually improving economy bodes well for the industry in 2015, according to Eduardo Morales Hermo, senior advisor at Ficom Leisure.

“ SPAIN

The gambling industry in Spain appears to be emerging from more than five years of downfall in the income across all landbased segments, and the second half of 2014 is producing signs of recuperation as a result of the natural restructuring of the industry and the pick-up of the economy.

Bingos and casinos have been the worst affected in this crisis. This caused closures of numerous bingo halls and restructuring of workforces, while casinos have had to reduce their employee numbers as well.

Some went into receivership and only a few are able to make money, those located in Barcelona, Madrid and the tourist coast of Marbella.

Authorities in the 17

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Autonomous Regions, which depend on landbased gambling in Spain, have been slightly adjusting the taxation, lowering game tax for the bingo halls in particular, which still have to pay in excess of 3035 per cent game tax depending on the region, but the casino industry still has to put up with the burden of 45-55 per cent game tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) for all table games.

Over 40,000 AWPs had to be removed to readjust the machines deployed in single sites from 220,000 to 180,000, to adjust to the numerous bar closures and the down fall of the bar and taverns downfall and change in the type of premises normally suitable for AWPs, into Starbucks and

Cafe Late style premises.

Similar action had to be taken in the gaming halls segment with 15 per cent of the arcades closing down to 2,300 premises from over 2,700 in 2007, and most survive thanks to the sports betting corners which have been added to their business model and is contributing an average of 25-30 per cent to the arcades income in the regions where they are regulated, which are 12 out of 17 and the remaining five will follow soon.

Retail sportsbetting has been the gambling segment with spectacular growth coinciding with the economic crisis 2007-2014, which means that most of the players in this segment are new to gambling and are contributing to add new

players to the gaming machine segment as well as they are perfect conversion in a significant proportion.

The perspective of the industry for 2015 is positive. All hope and expect that the improvement noticed in this last quarter of 2014 will continue and improve at least for a major part of 2015, due to the improvement of the economy, as the government will release over E8bn for the consumer due to the cut from the income tax, and the savings that everyone is noticing due to over 25 per cent drop in the petrol prices. All in all, this is going to pump more liquidity into the families, enabling them to spare some for the leisure and entertainment industry, which includes gambling.

On the other hand, no major changes are expected in the regulation which the industry was expecting for the gambling machine segment with network based business model, because Spain will have local elections in May 2015 and General Elections towards the end of 2015, and that paralyses any regulatory initiative, making 2015 a transaction year to this effect.

Meanwhile, the online gaming segment has benefited from the Brazil World Cup. This produced significant growth in the wagering and GGR in the third quarter of 2014, with positive perspectives for the fourth quarter and beyond, since the regulator has approved the slots and exchange betting verticals,

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CYPRUS / FINLAND / NETHERLANDS / REPUBLIC OF IRELAND / SLOVAKIA / SPAIN / UNITED YXYXYXY KINGDOM Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: MGS HAS BEEN DECLARED A MAJOR SUCCESS WITH ALL KPIS UTILISED BY THE ORGANISERS SHOWING A POSITIVE YEAR-ON-YEAR TREND WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

LICENCE APPLICATIONS

More operators apply for Spanish licences SPAIN

ccording to Spain’s gambling regulator, Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), a total of 12 new online gambling operators submitted applications before the country’s new licence tender window closed on December 9, 2014.

The DGOJ further clarified that a total of nine sports betting licence applications were submitted, along with another 32 spe-

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cific product applications for specific products, plus 11 ‘other games’ applications.

Among these applications, five newcomers submitted licensing requests.

“The recent licensing tender has seen 12 new applicants, including Eurobet and Unibet, as well as companies like Novomatic, Bally Technologies and the local

manufacturing group Recreativos Franco,” said Eduardo Morales Hermo, senior advisor at Ficom Leisure.

“This is not expected to modify the existing status quo of the market under the control of half a dozen of major operators across all segments, including Poker Stars, Bet365, William Hill, 888 and Bwin.”

The DGOJ will begin to process applications within six months. If approved, operators will be issued with a five-year licence.

EUROPE ROUND-UP artin Hedensiö (pictured) has been appointed as director of communications at Svenska Spel, Sweden’s state-owned gaming group. Current head of communications for the Nasdaq Group in Europe, Middle East and Africa, he will start his new role by May 1, 2015.

Hedensiö, 50, said: “I’ve been working a lot with sustainability and responsibility issues, both in business and as a consultant, and feel well again the dynamics of Swedish Spel’s mission.

“For me it is a fine and important task and a big reason why I became interested in the service. It is an exciting time

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REGULATION

expected to be live sometime during the first quarter of 2015. This will mean an important impact in the casino games GGR, probably in the area of 60-70 per cent over the existing figures with the actual offer.

Online gambling, led by sportsbetting with 50 per cent of turnover and GGR, will continue its growth probably in single digits or lower double digits in 2015, and will make a big jump when the slots are live, expected by the end of the 1Q 2015, so we will notice it when we get the 2Q 2015 data.

Total GGR is expected to grow around 10 per cent in 2015, up to E270m, due to the impact of the slots in the casino vertical segment, and the regulator is confident that will reach E300m GGR by the end of 2016.

Dutch gaming authority issues largest-ever fine NETHERLANDS

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utch gaming authority, the Kansspelautoriteit, has issued a fine of E200,000 to a company providing online gaming services in the country without a licence.

According to the authority, Imperial E-Club was operating seven sites where casino games and sports betting were offered to Dutch consumers.

“Imperial broke the law by offering games of chance without a licence,” the Kansspelautoriteit said in December. “In illegal gam-

bling, there is no control over the fairness of the game of chance, or players are adequately protected.”

Imperial E-Club was under the scrutiny of the Dutch gaming authority from June 2012 to October 2013. The government body ruled that its website, EuropaCasino.com was focused on the Dutch market.

After a warning, the Dutch language option was removed from the site, but Imperial E-Club kept the language option on most of its other platforms, the Kansspelautoriteit said.

Dutch payment options were also found to have been inte-

grated into the sites, and the Netherlands was not included in the list of excluded countries. Imperial E-Club unsuccessfully asked a court in the Hague for an injunction to prevent the publication of its name in relation to the E200,000 fine - the largest ever issued by the gaming authority.

“To date, this penalty is the highest penalty that the Gaming Authority has imposed on an individual company,” it stated. “The reason is mainly due to the large number of websites that Imperial E-Club offered, the large number of gambling options and the price level.”

to enter the Swedish Games and in the Swedish gaming industry.”

Elsewhere, the Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection (IAUI) has once again expanded its blacklist of gambling websites after publishing a number of updates to the list in November.

Websites that are included on the list are banned from operating in the country. A total of 336 domains are now blacklisted, with Unibet one of the highest-profile sites to be targeted.

In Germany, the country’s state governments have been cleared to block financial transactions to unlicensed online gaming sites following a legal review of the State Treaty on Gambling, although divisions remain about the effectiveness of such an approach.

The review, which focused on data protection issues, determined that the gaming authority of Lower Saxony is responsible for illegal gaming under the terms of the State Treaty. It also determined that under section nine of the Treaty, supervisory authorities can prohibit financial institutions from processing payments for unauthorised operators, subject to prior notification of which operators constitute illegal operators.

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News Europe

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: THE NUMBER OF EXHIBITING COMPANIES AT THIS YEAR’S MGS ROSE 30% WITH A TOTAL OF 146 EXHIBITORS ON THE SHOW FLOOR WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

INVESTMENT

NEW MARKETS

Rank eyes Belfast for casino expansion

Bath leading the way in UK tourism

UK operator Rank Group has held talks with councillors in Belfast, as it looks at potential casino sites in historic Titanic Quarter.

UNITED KINGDOM

espite wide based criticism, British casino operator Rank Group is persevering with discussions regarding a proposed plan that would see it build its latest casino in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Maidenhead-based Rank currently operates 56 casinos under the Grosvenor Casinos brand in cities from Aberdeen to Brighton as well as two additional venues in Belgium, but casino gambling is currently illegal in the Northern Irish province and any plan would have to be preceded by a change in the law. It initially presented a proposal for an £18m (E22.6m) venue in September and stated that the enterprise would create 200 jobs, but it has since sweetened the deal by reportedly

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suggesting the development could be larger than originally planned to create double the employment.

Last month saw Rank, which also runs 96 Mecca bingo halls, hold further talks with members of the Belfast city council although no decision was made, but the region’s social development minister, Mervyn Storey, has already come out against the plan. The operator recently held talks with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician, who is due to send new gambling legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly later this year that would maintain the current prohibition.

“In December 2012, the Northern Ireland executive agreed that the current law on casinos should remain unchanged for the present,” Storey told the BBC in mid-

December.

“I see no compelling reason to revisit this issue at this time.”

However, Richard Needham, non-executive director for Rank and a former Northern Ireland minister, stated that the current state of gambling in Northern Ireland is ‘chaotic’ with the government unaware of the number of fixed-odds betting terminals in operation.

“A lot of it is illegal,” said Needham.

“All the evidence goes to show when you have a wellregulated [and] properly-run entertainment leisure complex like this, it’s much easier to deal with problem gambling than leaving it to slot machines where you can lose thousands of pounds.”

Rank has not identified a site for the proposed casino but is looking at the city centre

and the historic Titanic Quarter while stating that it could donate £80,000 (E101,947) a year to the Dunlewey Addiction Services charity.

“We see no issue with casinos providing they have robust protections systems in place that will protect those individuals who are at risk of problematic gambling,” read a statement from the problem gambling charity.

Echoing this view, Alliance Party city councillor Tom Ekin declared that he was supportive of the project ‘in principle’.

“The devil is in the detail and we need to see what is ultimately proposed but in principle I have no problem with it,” said Ekin.

“In fact, I think that if it could be got right and designed correctly and presented correctly, we could have a great asset to Belfast.”

TAXATION

Further delays for Ireland online gambling tax IRELAND

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plan by officials in the Republic of Ireland to institute a one percent online gambling and betting tax has been delayed again and may now not reach the marketplace until well into 2015.

First endorsed as part of the 2011 Finance Act before becoming a reality under the subsequent Betting Amendment Bill 2014, the implementation of the tax, which would also cover wagers made over the telephone, has been

delayed a number of times with the most recent postponement due to concerns raised by Malta over licensing laws for operators that may already be approved by another European jurisdiction.

As his government seeks a resolution to the current delay, Irish finance

8 | casinoreview January 2015

minister Michael Noonan (pictured) has offered bookmakers including Paddy Power, which makes over three-quarters of its profits online, a longer grace period before the charge is levied.

“As soon as the standstill period is completed, it is my intention to progress all remaining stages of the Bill through the Oireachtas,” said Noonan.

However, Michael McGarth, finance spokesperson for the opposition Fianna Fail political party, has criticised the delays and stated that the Exchequer has

missed out on around $62.3m (E50m) in tax since 2011 with this loss now growing at rate of $1.8m (E1.5m) a month.

“While the Minister has provided a number of technical explanations for the delay, the simple fact of the matter is that a considerable proportion of betting activity remains tax free,” said McGarth.

“The bookmaking firms have been expecting to make this payment for a number of years. They simply cannot believe their luck that they have been able to avoid doing so up to now.”

UNITED KINGDOM

he historic British city of Bath is leading the way in the country’s leisure and tourism industry, bolstered by a strong retail offering and a recently-granted casino licence.

As reported by International Casino Review last month, the developers behind the £14m SawClose scheme in Bath have been granted new premesis licence for a casino and restaurant in the city.

Several buildings will be demolished to make way for the new development, including the former clinic and weighbridge kiosk as well as a significant section of the Grade II-listed Gala Bingo Hall.

The casino will be operated by French firm Groupe Partouche in partnership with Global Gaming Ventures.

The granting of the casino licence comes as new research indicates Bath’s leisure and tourism offer continues to grow.

According to property experts in the city, only 20 of Bath’s 1,008 retail units are empty. The two per cent vacancy rate puts the city ahead of cities across the country - the national vacancy rate is 13.9 per cent.

Consultants at Carter Jonas said that, as the

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availability of space declines, rents have increased in the past year by ten per cent to £200 per square foot.

A survey by the firm of Bath’s streets has shown vacancy rates have been falling since 2013 as a total of 22 retailers opening new premises during 2014.

Retail partner at the Carter Jonas Bath office, Mike McElhinney, said: “Bath has seen many great retail brands arrive this year as it continues to attract more London and continental specialist retailers opening their first provincial outlets.

Retail space is at a premium at the moment, which is why we are forecasting rental increases.

“But Bath will continue to strengthen its reputation as a city of retail innovation that welcomes and pioneers new concepts and London brands with lifestyle stores such as recent arrivals Brissi and Hay in Milsom Street and fashion retailer Anthropologie in New Bond Street.

“We need more bedrooms to accommodate the tourism and so it’s welcomed that we have leading brand hotels being constructed.

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CR147-p06-10-Europe_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:09 Page 4

News Europe

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

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LEGISLATION

DEVELOPMENT

The government of president Nicos Anastasiades has sent proposed gambling legislation to Cyprus’ House of Representatives. A move which keeps casino hopes very much alive on the Greek side of the divided island.

Slovakia casino plans scrapped

SLOVAKIA

CYPRUS

A

Cyprus casino plans P remain on track fter being vetted by the office of the attorney general, the government for the Greek half of Cyprus has sent proposed legislation to the unicameral House of Representatives that could see it licence its first casino resort before the end of the year.

Large numbers of Greek Cypriots regularly travel north to the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state recognised only by Ankara to enjoy its casinos and the conservative government of president Nicos Anastasiades wants to legalise gambling in the south as a way to invigorate the tourism industry, create jobs and attract foreign investment in the wake of 2013’s international finan-

cial bailout.

Cyprus welcomes approximately 2m tourists a year and the sector represents about ten percent of its overall output. The previous communist government of president Demetris Christofias, which ruled from 2008 to 2013, flatly refused to entertain the idea of legalised gambling despite reported interest from foreign operators while some Cypriots still see the activity as socially and morally undesirable.

The new government bill defines game types, betting levels and permissible equipment alongside a detailed description of the venues that may house the inaugural casino while additionally containing

rules for the protection of minors and other vulnerable groups. If passed, the proposed legislation would also see the operator selected to run the nation’s sole casino receive a 30year licence that includes a monopoly for the first 15 years in exchange for agreeing to pay a 15 percent gross income tax.

The selected operator would also have to pay annual licence fees of $3m (E2.5m) for the first four years followed by $6.1m (E5m) for the next quadrennial term and build a hotel containing at least 500 rooms and offering a minimum of 1,000 machines and 100 gaming tables. After the eighth year, the proposed legisla-

tion would permit the National Gaming Authority to modify the fee every four years to ‘support its operating costs’.

The government has already invited expressions of interest and declared last month that interest in the licence had been ‘immense’. A twostage selection process is set to follow the passage of the legislation and the eventual winner could be unveiled as early as August.

American casino giant Caesars Entertainment is one of many operators said to be interested in bidding for the Cypriot licence and reportedly has already dispatched representatives to present its case to government representatives.

lans to develop an American-style casino in Slovakia have been shelved.

Investor TriGranit, which is currently developing the Metropolis project in the capital, Bratislava, has cut the casino from its first phase.

The E223m Metropolis development will include a waterpark, congress centre, hotel and a shopping centre.

“At the moment the casino is not [a reality],” Gábor Zászlós, chair of TriGranit’s board of directors, told local press.

Bratislava Mayor Milan Ftácnik said the first phase of the development respects the land use plan and that the municipality still has the right to decide how its territory will be used.

The new congress centre and aquapark might help “develop tourism, as well as use the space that Bratislava and its wide surroundings offer,” he said.

CHARITY

RAY commits to charitable funding FINLAND

F

inland’s state-owned gaming monopoly, Raha-automaattiyhdistys (RAY), is promising to spend $379.8m (E309.3m) this year from slot machine revenues to

fund a wide range of charitable organisations.

Subject to final approval from the social affairs and health ministry, the operator has committed to distributing funds to 790 organisations in the social and health sectors for use on 1,622 subjects while

10 | casinoreview January 2015

additionally pledging $143.6m (E117m) for the rehabilitation and care of war veterans via the state treasury.

“RAY’s funding proposal for 2015 emphasises support provided by nonprofit organisations and preventive action in crisis

situations,” read a statement from the monopoly, which runs the Grand Casino in Helsinki, the Baltic nation’s only legal land-based casino.

“Funding will also be increasingly distributed to projects that promote employment and older

people’s ability to function.

Families with children facing challenging life situations will also be supported.”

RAY stated that it decided which groups would receive a share of the over $523m (E426m) in total funds after consulting

a special evaluation system that it implemented in 2012. This scheme monitors the impact of organisations’ operations on beneficiaries with the operator paying particular attention to the planning and objectives of those that applied for funds.

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CR147-p12-16-Asia_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:26 Page 1

News

Asia & Oceania

CASINO OPENING

PHILIPPINES

City of Dreams opens fo business in Manila Melco Crown and a Filipino backer have cut the ribbon on City of Dreams, the second operational casino in the Entertainment City development near Manila.

T

he Entertainment City gaming and entertainment complex in the Philippines now has its second operational casino following a soft launch last month of the $1.2bn (E973.7m) City Of Dreams Manila development.

The product of Macaubased operator Melco Crown Entertainment and Filipino backer Premium Leisure and Amusement, which is run by local billionaire Henry Sy, City of Dreams Manila has opened

12 | casinoreview January 2015

on a 6.2-hectare site one year after the neighbouring Solaire Resort and Casino offering VIP and mass-market gaming facilities.

Although originally scheduled to commence operations in November, City of Dreams Manila opened for the local market on December 14 and is expected to be live with its full complement of 380 gaming tables and 1,700 slots alongside the same number of electronic table games in addition to 950 rooms by the

next Chinese New Year in mid-February 2015.

City of Dreams Manila wasted no time in getting down to business as its opening night saw the hosting of a special freeroll poker tournament in the twelve-table PokerStars Live Manila room. PokerStars also runs a similar room at the sister City of Dreams Macau development with the area set to host multiple regional tournament series in addition to prestigious competi-

tions such as the AsiaPacific Poker Tour, which is scheduled to visit the development for the first time in July.

The new development also offers six hotel towers including the 260-room Crown Towers and the 321room Nobu Hotel Manila in addition to several restaurants, bars, gaming facilities and a multi-level car park. To attract even more visitors, it is additionally home to Manila’s first family entertainment centre

alongside a live performance area and nightclub housed in the dome-like ‘fortune egg’ structure, which has been designed to serve as the whole structure’s centrepiece complete with creative exterior lighting.

Entertainment City is owned by the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and it is being hoped that the Las Vegas-like complex will help the Asian nation increase its gaming

CR147-p12-16-Asia_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:27 Page 2

AUSTRALIA / MACAU / PHILIPPINES / SINGAPORE / SOUTH KOREA / SRI LANKA / YXYXYXY VIETNAM Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: THE NUMBER OF EXHIBITING COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT MGS THIS YEAR ALMOST DOUBLED JUMPING FROM 11 TO 20. WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

ASIA ROUND-UP

SINGAPORE

OPEN FOR BUSINESS irst envisioned in 2013, the City of Dreams Manila casino and hotel development from operator Melco Crown Entertainment and developer Premium Leisure and Amusement had its soft launch last month with visitors able to check out its hotel restaurants and mass gaming areas as well as one of its nightclubs and a few food outlets and shops. The entire $1.2bn (E973.7m) development is expected to be open for business offering 380 gaming tables and 1,700 slots alongside an identical complement of electronic table games in addition to 950 hotel rooms by the next Chinese New Year on February 19.

I

F

s for

Resorts World Jeju development to commence by Q2 SINGAPORE

P revenues from last year’s $2.2bn (E1.7bn) to $7bn (E5.6bn) by 2019. City of Dreams Manila and Solaire Resort and Casino are scheduled to be joined late in 2016 by the $2bn (E1.6bn) Manila Bay Resorts development of Japan’s Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment before Bayshore City Resorts World, which is joint venture of Filipino billionaire Andrew Tan and Malaysia’s Genting Group, opens in the fourth quarter of 2018.

n Australia, Crown Resorts has signed a deal that will see it spend $41m (E32.8m) in order to acquire an interest in a new luxury five-star hotel and apartment complex being built across from its Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex in Melbourne.

The contract with property developments group Schiavello Group covers four adjoining parcels of land on Queensbridge Street and includes an agreement in principle for Crown to purchase and manage the hotel upon completion with the apartment complex shared on an equal basis.

Meanwhile, South African virtual games specialist Kiron Interactive has inked a multiyear deal with supplier IPG International that will see it supply a customised keno gaming system to the NagaWorld casino resort in Cambodia.

The Phnom Penh venue is operated by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp and will offer the keno platform adjusted for local requirements in a purpose-built area.

“Our new keno solution has benefitted from our long-standing experience in the virtual games industry and a detailed review of operator needs and existing keno systems available in the market,” said Steven Spartinos, co-CEO for Johannesburg-based Kiron Interactive.

Finally, Australasian casino operator SkyCity Entertainment has received final regulatory approval to appoint Richard Tsiang as its latest non-executive director.

The chief development officer for Melco Crown Entertainment in Macau from 2007 to 2011, Melbourne-born Tsiang also has senior management experience with MGM Grand Macau and real estate firm Cendant Corporation while additionally working as CFO for Yahoo Asia for four years from 2000.

enting Singapore expects to break ground on its $2.2bn (E1.8bn) Resorts World Jeju casino resort by the second quarter of 2015, despite resistance from the region’s new governor, Won Hee-Ryong.

Due to be modelled on the 1,500-room Resorts World Sentosa development in Singapore, the Jeju project will feature the ninth casino on the 714 square-mile island and intends to market itself towards foreign tourists, especially the growing numbers from China.

According to a report from finance house Nomura Holdings,

Genting Singapore hopes to pay for the development by selling attached residential properties, which means that the ‘overall cashflow requirement for the project should be lower’.

“Management is actively discussing the Resorts World Jeju project with the governor of Jeju province to address his concerns on the socioenvironmental impact and size of the project,” read the report from Nomura Holdings analysts Tushar Mohata and Alpa Aggarwal. “[Genting Singapore] is still hopeful of being able to break ground on the project by the second quarter of 2015 and hopes to capture the increased

volume of Chinese tourists to Jeju Island.”

Elected on a reformist platform in early-June, 50-year-old Won is not a fan of the planned Resorts World Jeju project or the expansion of casinos on his home island and is lobbying for a revision in gaming taxes alongside the establishment of a Singaporestyle watchdog.

In nearby Japan, Nomura Holdings stated that Genting Singapore is still hopeful that a new law enabling casino gaming will be passed by the middle of the year and optimistically cited the number of subsidiaries its client had established in preparation for this eventuality.

January 2015 casinoreview

| 13

CR147-p12-16-Asia_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:41 Page 3

News

Asia & Oceania

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ‘THE SUCCESS OF MGS HAS SENT OUT A CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL GAMING COMMUNITY’ STATED JAY CHUN. WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

POKER

WPT expands into south-east Asia VIETNAM

T

he World Poker Tour (WPT) could hold a tournament at The Grand Ho Tram casino resort in Vietnam for the first time next year, according to a senior

executive from the venue.

Shaun McCamley, president of the beachside resort - 75 miles south-east of Ho Chi Minh City - said: “We are expecting to go ahead with a World Poker Tour event in May 2015.”

The WPT is a series of

international poker tournaments and associated television series which broadcasts the final table of each tournament. The WPT television show, syndicated internationally, features commentary and analysis by World Series of Poker

bracelet winner Mike Sexton.

McCamley explained that TV coverage is not yet confirmed for The Grand event. Irrespective of broadcast issues, the WPT could further raise the profile of a location that initially struggled fol-

lowing its July 2013 opening, due in part to Vietnam’s ban on locals playing in the country’s casinos.

The venue is also now offering an additional service to its customers live telephone betting.

Available for high-roller

gamblers, players will be able to phone in their bets to a proxy agent present at a designated table.

INVESTMENT

LEGISLATION

Landing inks third South Korea deal

More gaming machines for the Northern Territory

SOUTH KOREA

hinese real estate firm Landing International Development is set to invest further in the South Korean gaming market after agreeing a deal to purchase local casino operator Wealth Seed Group for $112m (E91.2m).

Landing International is already partnering with Genting Singapore to develop a $2.2bn (E1.79bn) casino resort on the southern island of Jeju while also recently announcing a joint venture that will see the pair take over a foreigners-only casino at the nearby Hyatt

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Regency.

For its part, Wealth Seed Group operates a casino attached to the Holiday Inn Resort in Pyeongchang County, which is set to be the focus of international attention due to the 2018 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics taking place at the adjacent Alpensia Resort in February of 2018, and a plan from Landing International will see the venue expanded from its current offering of 16 gaming tables and 42 slots.

“Korea has been the group’s focus of business development and investment since the fourth quarter of 2013,” read a statement from

AUSTRALIA

T “The acquisition offers a valuable opportunity for the group to broaden its market share in the casino industry in Korea and to diversify its investments from Jeju Island to Kangwon province. It is believed that the group can leverage on the prime location of the casino and the enormous marketing opportunity from

the 2018 Pyeonchang Winter Olympics and raise the operation efficiency and profitability of the casino business. The acquisition will increase the group’s market shares and branding in the Korean casino industry, which will foster a positive synergistic effect on the other businesses of the group in Korea.”

TAXATION

Sri Lanka candidate opposes casino tax breaks SRI LANKA

H

oping to oust serving Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse in upcoming elections, opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena (pictured) has promised that he would withdraw generous tax concessions for controversial foreign-funded casino resorts planned for Colombo.

Playing to the island nation’s more conservative Buddhist voters and intending to erode Rajapakse’s largely rural support, Sirisena stated that the

special tax status granted to the three proposed projects, which include a $450m (E368.8m) development from Australian billionaire James Packer, would be revoked if he were to be elected

14 | casinoreview January 2015

he government in Australia’s Northern Territory has passed new legislation that raises the maximum numbers of electronic gaming machines pubs and clubs can operate.

Legislation put in place by the ruling Australian Labor Party in 2008 set a territory-wide cap of 1,190 machines but the subsequent Country Liberal Party-led government of racing, gaming and licensing minister Peter Styles (pictured) has now changed the rules after arguing that the previous limit had been ‘arbitrary’ and disadvantaged newer entrants to the market.

From January 1 and after passing a “rigorous process” of approvals, clubs will be able to house an additional ten machines up to a maximum of 55 while the number authorised in pubs has doubled to 20. In exchange, pubs will be required to pay a one-time fee of A$10,000 (E6,600) per machine while larger venues will be subject to a A$50,000 (E33,000) charge.

Styles stated that Territory gamblers had pumped A$60m (E39.5m) into the machines during the 2012/13 financial year while revealing that the region’s population had grown by 20,000 since the cap was initiated.

“What they haven’t taken into account is that we’ve had substantial increase in our population,” said Styles. “There are numerous new entertainment facilities across the Territory and these people want a level playing field and an entitlement to have a certain number of machines in entertainment areas.

With the cap in place, they have been prevented from doing so and we are restoring an even playing field so that new entrants aren’t competing at a disadvantage.”

The government declared that the changes will generate several million dollars in increased taxation revenues and entitlement fees, which will allow it to boost funding to help those with gambling problems.

president via the January 8 elections.

“I will withdraw the concessions given to the casino projects,” said the 63-year-old Sirisena, who was once a member of Rajapakse’s governing Sri Lanka Freedom Party until defecting in November to run for president.

None of the casino resorts, which also include a $650m (E532.7m) project from conglomerate John Keells Holdings and a $300m (E245.9m) development by local businessman Dhammika Perera, have yet opened but critics say that the ten-year tax holi-

days could end up costing the government up to $914m (749.5m) a year.

Sri Lanka legalised casinos in December 2010 but the legislation has never been implemented while the nation’s gambling industry has also suffered as a result of lower tourist numbers because of the decades-long civil war with separatist Tamil Tiger rebels.

However, fighting ended in 2009 and authorities are hoping that the trio of developments will help increase visitor numbers to the former British colony despite making clear in April that no new casino licences are to be issued.

CR147-p12-16-Asia_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:45 Page 4

News

Asia & Oceania

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

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OPENING

INTEGRATED RESORT

Las Vegas Sands receives Parisian Macao approvals

Opening of Galaxy Macau Phase 2A reportedly delayed MACAU

P

Las Vegas Sands’ latest development could have its soft launch as early as November followed by a full opening in March of next year. The American casino giant is in a hurry to bring a touch of Paris to the streets id Macau.

MACAU

merican casino and resort operator Las Vegas Sands has announced that its majorityowned Sands China subsidiary has received all of the necessary approvals required to complete construction on its $2.7bn (E2.2bn) Paris-themed integrated resort.

A quarterly filing in August saw Las Vegas Sands reveal that construction of the Parisian Macao development was still pending receipt of “certain government approvals” while an early-September statement from the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau disclosed that Sands China had only received permissions for the foundation and podium area of the resort with work still ‘partially suspended’ following an on-site accident in June.

Although Las Vegas Sands has yet to officially announce when its latest Macau venture will open, its third-quarter earnings statement in mid-October intimated that the Parisian Macao would have a soft opening of hotel rooms only in November or December

A

16 | casinoreview January 2015

followed by a full opening including a casino in March of 2016. When completed, the venture will offer more than 3,000 hotel rooms and suites alongside in excess of 490,000sq.ft of retail space, diverse food and beverage offerings, meeting and convention facilities and a 152m replica of the world-famous Eiffel Tower.

When finished, the Parisian Macao will bring Las Vegas Sands’ total investment in the former Portuguese enclave to over $10bn (E8.2bn) encompassing the 6,000-room Sands Cotai Central, the 289-suite Sands Macao and The Venetian Macao with its 3,000 rooms.

“From the moment we put our first shovel in the ground we have been committed to helping Macao secure its future as a centre for leisure, business and entertainment,” said Sheldon Adelson, chairman for Las Vegas Sands and Sands China.

“Our investment has provided tens of thousands of new jobs in areas such as retail, entertainment and hotel operations. We’ve enabled local companies

and suppliers to grow their businesses and we’ve helped the government expand its tax base and diversify its economy.

“The Parisian Macao is 100 percent consistent with that vision and we look forward to families taking pictures in front of our Eiffel Tower in the near future.”

The approvals came despite Chinese president Xi Jinping reiterating during an official visit to Macau last month that the city of 624,000 needs to diversify its economy away from a reliance on gambling and into more sustainable areas.

“It is important for Macau to adopt a global, nationwide, future-oriented and long-term perspective, formulate appropriate plans and blueprints for its development and promote sound economic and social development,” 61-year-old Xi said on Chinese state television.

“Focus on building a global tourism and leisure centre, promote the Macanese economy’s appropriate diversification and sustainable development. This is of great importance for the interests of the people of Macau.”

olitical and economic concerns have reportedly seen the opening of the second phase of the giant Galaxy Macau casino resort postponed until May despite the fact that the building is scheduled to be ready by March.

According to investment analyst Cameron McKnight from New York-based Wells Fargo Securities, the delay could be a sign that macroeconomic and political factors in mainland China have created less than ideal conditions for a new casino in Macau.

Issues that may be affecting the casino market in Macau include an ongoing corruption campaign in mainland China and stepped up scrutiny on cross-border money transfers. In addition, Chinese president Xi Jin-

ping recently reshuffled the government for the former Portuguese enclave and stated that he expects the city to do more in the way of monitoring its gambling industry.

“Checks suggest that the opening of Galaxy Macau Phase 2A may not occur until May although the majority of the casino resort is ready to be opened by March,” said McKnight.

“We believe this likely signals that the environment in Macau, both policy/macro settings and gaming revenues, is not healthy enough to support an opening at the moment. In any case, we believe the eventual opening of Galaxy Macau Phase 2A will be an important catalyst for the market and will likely indicate that the forward outlook for Macau has inflected.”

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CR147-p18-19-Africa_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:51 Page 1

News

Africa & Middle East

MARKET ANALYSIS

Despite a proposed increase in gambling winnings as well as ongoing threats to internal security, the future prospects of the Kenyan casino sector continue to defy the odds.

Small but sturdy KENYA

T

he past two years have been challenging for Kenya. Long admired as one of the most stable and economically developed countries on the continent, its support of the African Union mission in neighbouring Somalia has, as of 2012, earned it the wrath of jihadist terrorist group alShabaab. Sporadic incidences of horrific violence, such as that of the massshooting at Nairobi’s Westgate Shopping Mall last year, have dogged the country since and attracted global media attention.

It’s a backdrop of events that seemingly sows poor prospects for the country’s tourist-based economy, with obvious ramifications for casino stakeholders.

“It’s been a tough year because of insecurity,”

18 | casinoreview January 2015

chairman David Moshi of the Association of Gambling Operators of Kenya (AGOK) told Business Daily Africa. “This has been a big challenge because our industry relies heavily on tourism.”

Yet in 2013, the year which saw the peak of the most recent spate of violence, the profits of the state’s thirteen licensed casinos actually increased 7.6 per cent in year-on-year taking, grossing a record amount of $18m (E14.5m).

Compared to European, North American and Asian equivalents, the sum is a mere drop in the ocean. But the scale and character of the Kenyan industry (with small-scale operations often playing second-fiddle to hotel services) defies this description. Indeed, whilst annual GGR growth

has fallen from the headydouble digits of the mid 2000’s, the sector’s continued strong performance has been enough to catch the attention of the Kenya Revenue Authority. The Finance Act of 2013 saw a blanket 20 per cent withholding tax imposed on all gambling winnings: a move strongly challenged by AGOK, concerned the legislation would drive away business. At first, their legal challenge saw an initial postponement of imposition, pending resolution of the suit. Whilst AGOK’s petition was overruled earlier this year, implementation of the tax continues to prove enigmatic, as the sector and the KRA thrash out the practical implications and methods of execution.

Regardless of this foggy timeline, onlookers could

SPOTLIGHT: KENYA he distribution of casinos within Kenya reflect the sector’s reliance on the country’s tourist industry: with six found in the capital Nairobi, five in coastal tourism hub Mombassa, and the other two located close to regional airports. In August 2013 the Kenyan government ruled that local county authorities would be permitted the right to award their own small-scale betting-house licences, although the state’s Betting Control and Licensing Board has opposed the move, leaving the potential for growth within this sub-sector of the market uncertain. Nevertheless, the country’s casino sector fits within a secure wider economy.

Whilst 2015 GDP growth is forecast at 3 per cent for 2015 (its lowest rate since 2009), the recent PwC analysis proposes this to be a temporary dip, with growth rates climbing to 6.5 per cent by 2018.

T

CR147-p18-19-Africa_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 11:52 Page 2

KENYA / SOUTH AFRICA YXYXYXY Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ‘THE SHOW FLOOR WENT BEYOND JUST GAMING. WE HAVE A BROADER EXHIBITOR BASE SHOWCASING TOP GAMING AND NON-GAMING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES...’ WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST ROUND-UP

REGULATION

South African minister hits back over NGB allegations

outh African gaming and leisure operator Sun International has settled a land claim that the Mgungundlovu Community (MC) instituted on the land on which the Wild Coast Sun and Casino (pictured) is built, just south of Port Edward. This brings to an end 18 years of haggling, including three years of legal tussling in the Land Claims Court.

The profit share agreement was made an order of court in December

by Judge Eberhard Bertelsmann. In court papers, Sun International defended its rights to the land, alleging that the Transkei government initially granted a 25-year lease on the property in 1978 and a year later changed it to a 50-year lease.

Nigerian bookmaking firm 1960Bet has announced that it is due to integrate Betradar’s Live Channel product onto its sportsbetting website. Providing the livestreaming of sports events, Live Channel Retail is due to roll out across 5,000 1960Bet stores through the use of a local satellite network. Chief executive of 1960Bet Dotun Ajegbile stated: “We have had a strong and trust-

S

SOUTH AFRICA

A

fter suspending the country’s National Gambling Board (NGB) in September pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of financial irregularities, South African trade and industry minister Rob Davies has now hit back at political opponents over claims that he has been keeping them in the dark.

According to the Times Live, the NGB was suspended due to mismanagement and wasteful spending that included ZAR4.1m (E295,000) on foreign trips to places including Turkey, Singapore and France over a threeyear period. The biggest chunk of this ZAR936,000 (E67,000) was spent flying the seven members of the regulator to Las Vegas for a conference in 2011 while the domain reported that these actions allegedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act by “failing to prevent irregular, fruitless and

y

wasteful expenditure”.

“I reject with utter contempt any allegation that I have been evading the committee and parliament,” Davies told the Cape Times newspaper.

“There is an investigation taking place and it is important [that] no member of parliament sullies that investigation. Let me give this assurance, the chips will fall when they fall. We will not shield anybody.”

South Africa is currently

undergoing a review of its gambling laws and a draft bill was presented to government officials in April. The proposed measures focus on centralising gambling legislation and establishing a new framework for monitoring and regulating online gambling.

Established as part of South Africa’s 1996 Gambling Act, the NGB is responsible for the regulation of the nation’s gambling industry.

ANNIVERSARY

be forgiven for reasoning that a proposed hike in gambling tax combined with internal security issues should, by rights, spell a toxic future for Kenyan GGR growth.

But seemingly, they would be mistaken. In its most recent analysis of gambling industries across the continent, Pricewaterhouse Coopers considered both security and tax concerns to be merely shortterm challenges within a wider picture of a burgeoning Kenyan economy.

With the study forecasting gambling revenue growth of 6.8% on a compound annual basis over the next four year, despite recent uncertainty, for many Kenya will continues to present a fertile region for industry expansion and investment.

Tsogo’s Beverly Hills celebrates 50th anniversary SOUTH AFRICA

entral player in the South African casino market Tsogo Sun celebrated a milestone this month, with fifty years of operation at the company’s exclusive five-star Beverly Hills resort Umhhanga, near Durban.

Opened in 1964, the hotel has achieved global notoriety for its stunning ocean views and 1.1 kilometre stretch of private, unspoiled coastline. Over the years it has catered to members of the Zulu royal family as well as A-list celebrities like Janet Jackson, Sigourney Weaver and Morgan Freeman.

Construction of the Beverly Hills commenced in 1963, by the then 29-year-old budding entrepreneur Sol Kerzner, who would go on to found Sun International. Whilst the name evokes the glitz of wealthy suburban Los Angeles, the hotel actually takes its name from Kerzner’s daughter, Beverly. Upon its foundation, it was one of the first premium hotels in the whole of South Africa.

Offering 88 rooms including 45 luxury king-sized and 21 queen-sized beds, the resort prides itself on the extra luxuries it provides: free tanning lotion is

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provided to sunbathers to prevent skin damage, and a bell is rung whenever dolphins are spotted from the pool area for the convenience of spectators. The grandeur of the service and decor combined with the breathtaking location have turned the Beverly Hills into a prime choice for newlyweds: on average, 75 couples per year choose the resort as their honeymoon destination.

“It has been my privilege to lead the hotel team in its fiftieth year,” claimed the hotel’s general manager John de Canha. “It has been an extraordinary journey, and we thank the Beverly Hills for creating so much magic and giving us this opportunity.”

ing relationship with Betradar since we launched in 2012, and the quality of their services have gone a long way in driving the growth of our company.”

Finally, hackers from Iran were responsible for taking down the computer system of gambling magnate Sheldon Adelson’s casino empire, wiping hard drives clean and shutting down email. The attack took place in Feburary 2014, but the full extent of the hack on Las Vegas Sands Corporation (LVS) was revealed in a Bloomberg Businessweek report in December.

According to Bloomberg, the attackers went in through LVS’ weakest link, its casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They slipped in through a vulnerability in the casino’s web development server and started scraping up login credentials that allowed them to hop to the company’s major computer system.

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News

North America MARKET PROFILE

NEW MARKETS

Upstate New York casino locations named

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Three upstate communities in New York have hit it big after being named as the preferred sites for casino expansion in the US state. James Walker reports.

UNITED STATES

n December 17, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) announced the three destination gaming resorts which will be considered for commercial casino licences by the New York State Gaming Commission.

The destination resorts to be considered are the Montreign Resort Casino in the Catskills/Hudson Valley Region (Montreign), Rivers Casino and Resort at Mohawk Harbor in the Capital Region (Rivers) and Lago Resort and Casino in the Eastern Southern Tier/Finger Lakes Region (Lago).

According to the GFLB, Montreign, Rivers and Lago will collectively create more than 3,600 total direct jobs through combined capital investments of more than $1.3bn (E1.1bn). Once operational and based on blended tax rates, the facilities anticipate generating $212.4m (E177m) annually for education state-wide on top of existing state aid. In addition, each eligible region and host county/municipality will

20 | casinoreview January 2015

receive between $8m (E6.7m) and $10.3m (E8.6m) annually.

The announcement follows New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signing of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act in July 2013. The act authorised up to four Upstate destination gaming resorts to join Resorts World Casino New York City, which opened in 2011, along with numerous native American-run casinos and ‘racinos’ - horse racing facilities with video lottery terminals.

“We believe these destination gaming resort proposals are of the right scope, right size, right financing and in the right locales which should help New York State bring thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic development to long-distressed regions of the state,” said board chairman, Kevin Law. “We were impressed by the strong interest in investing in Upstate New York and appreciate the effort, care, time and skill that each applicant put forth through-

NEW YORK STATE Current number of casinos 9 Gaming’s economic impact $3.66bn Number of employees 14,602 Wages $839.6m Tax revenue $1.32bn Source: Oxford Economics (2013)

out this process.”

Upon signing the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act, Governor Cuomo and the legislature reasoned that New Yorkers spend more than $1bn (E830m) per year at out-of-state casinos. As those dollars leave the state, so do jobs, tourism and economic development that could be kept and grown within New York’s borders, Cuomo argued.

Highlighting the economic importance of new casino development in New York, Ryan Eller, president of the sprawling Resorts World facility in Queens, said: “In just three short years Resorts World Casino New York City has become an economic engine for the local community and for the state of New York, creating over 1,700 jobs and generating over $1.5bn (E1.2bn) in tax revenue.”

While the three Upstate communities celebrated the announcement, analysts were quick to note that any new casinos will enter the market amid fierce competition across the north-

eastern US. The GFLB seemed to take this into account by declining to recommend a fourth resort, as allowed by law, in part to give the other three a better chance of success.

It also rejected six applications in Orange County the region closest to New York City - in favour of a single resort in neighbouring Sullivan County (Montreign), citing the need for economic development.

“In particular, the board studied projections under various assumptions of gross gaming revenue and impacts to state revenue after accounting for potential cannibalisation of revenue from existing video lottery gaming and Native American facilities and the potential impact of competing new casinos within a single region,” the GFLB said.

The recommendations will now be evaluated in the coming weeks by the state Gaming Commission, which has the power to issue licences. The final winners will have two years to open a casino.

THE NEWCOMERS ontreign is expected to generate $82.7m for state-wide school aid and/or property tax relief, $10.3m for local governments in the Catskills/Hudson Valley Region, plus an additional $10.3m to be split between Sullivan County and the Town of Thompson Rivers is expected to generate $65.7m for state-wide school aid and/or property tax relief, $8.2m for local governments in the Capital Region, plus an additional $8.2m to be split between Schenectady County and the City of Schenectady Lago is expected to generate $64m for statewide school aid and/or property tax relief, $8m for local governments in the Eastern Southern Tier/Finger Lakes Region, plus an additional $8m to be split between Seneca County and the Town of Tyre.

M

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YXYXYXY CANADA / UNITED STATES Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: OUR GUESTS SAW AT FIRST HAND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

LEGISLATION

New Jersey ponders ‘boutique’ casino legislation construction, which would allow projects to use existing buildings.

“The original requirements for casino licensing were set in a very different time and place,” said New Jersey Senator Joseph Kyrillos, who co-sponsored the legislation in partnership with New Jersey Senate President Steven Sweeney.

“There seems now to be an artificial constraint that a casino be associated with a hotel of a certain size.”

The boutique casino plan is seen as a way of enticing new developers and operators into the Atlantic City market at a price much lower than the $1.5bn (E1.1bn) to $2bn (E1.5bn) it normally takes to build a higher-end casino. The 1,400-room Revel Hotel Casino cost $2.4bn (E1.9bn) to construct but closed in September after less than two years and without ever turning a profit.

UNITED STATES

eeling from the closure of five large Atlantic City casinos over the past year, lawmakers in New Jersey have proposed new legislation designed to attract developers and operators of smaller gambling venues to the seaside resort.

The proposed bill, which was approved by a New Jersey Senate committee last month, would change regulations signed into law by governor Chris Christie in January of 2011 that require all new casinos to offer at least 500 hotel rooms and could lead to ‘boutique’ venues with as few as 200.

The legislation, which will now be sent for a full vote before the New Jersey Senate, would additionally eliminate a requirement that projects be housed in new

R

NORTH AMERICA ROUND-UP he World Poker Tour (WPT) is currently in the midst of running the second series of its Alpha 8 high-roller poker tournament series and revealed that the $100,000 (E80,605) buy-in travelling extravaganza will next stop at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The Hard Rock Poker Open will take place from January 17-18 at the venue owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and is due to feature a slew of top professionals alongside some of the world’s wealthiest amateurs competing for a share of a $3m (E2.4m) guaranteed prize pool.

With 145,000 square-feet of gaming space, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is one of the largest venues of its kind in the state and offers games of blackjack, baccarat and pai-gow while its unique outdoor poker room has been designed to provide a club-like atmosphere with dozens of tables in addition to big screen televisions.

After filing for bankruptcy and closing its doors for good in September, the Revel Hotel Casino in Atlantic City is seeking to have its $110m (E88.6m) sale to Torontobased Brookfield Asset Management can-

T

OFF-TRACK BETTING

Century Casinos subsidiary wins Alberta OTB contract

UNITED STATES

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merican casino operator Century Casinos has announced that its 75 percent-owned subsidiary has been selected by the Horse Racing Alberta regulator to run the

parimutuel off-track betting (OTB) network for southern Alberta.

The award follows a review of submitted proposals by an industry evaluation committee and the Strategic and Sustainable Development Committee that began in June and will see Century Casi-

nos’ subordinate operate all OTB venues located in or south of the city of Red Deer. The licence also covers the cities of Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat along with rural outlets in the area while all enterprises north of this dividing line are to be run by Northlands Park out of Edmonton.

“This licence will enable us to professionally develop and operate OTB offerings throughout southern Alberta,” read a statement from Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, founders and co-CEOs for Colorado Springs-based Century Casinos, which also runs five casinos in Colorado and Alberta while holding a 66 percent stake in Casinos Poland.

“It is an exciting time in the parimutuel industry with various new technologies that will assist in

growing and servicing the Alberta OTB network.”

Century Casino also operates casinos on 15 cruise vessels and saw its net operating revenues for the third quarter of 2014 decrease by two percent year-on-year to $28.12m, while the ninemonth figure of $88.79m represented an increase of 18 percent.

The firm established in 1992 by the former Casinos Austria executives is additionally responsible for 200 slot and 19 table games at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino and Spa and purchased a 7.5 percent stake in Argentinean machine leasing firm Mendoza Central Entretenimientos in October with the intention of pursuing ‘other landbased and online gaming opportunities throughout Argentina and Latin America’.

celled in favour of a $95m (E76.5m) offer from developer Polo North Country Club.

Lawyers for the New Jersey venue have asked a federal bankruptcy judge to abandon the original sale after the Canadian firm walked away from the purchase due to debts from a costly power plant. Owned by Florida entrepreneur Glenn Straub, Polo North finished second in the original bankruptcy auction and has proposed several uses for the former resort casino including transforming it into a ‘genius academy’ where the world’s best minds would look for solutions to society’s problems.

Elswehere, Caesars Entertainment has defaulted on an $18.4m (E14.8m) debt after its operating subsidiary refused to pay $225m (E181.3m) in bond interest payments.

Currently involved in discussions with first lien bondholders regarding a possible restructuring, the Las Vegas-based gaming giant may now be forced to declare bankruptcy after earlier announcing that it could run out of liquidity by the fourth quarter of the year.

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News

North America

Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ‘MGS HAS BEEN ABLE TO PLAY A PART IN ASSISTING INTERNATIONAL GAMING DELEGATES TO UNDERSTAND THE DYNAMICS OF THE CITY....’ WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

COMPACT AGREEMENT

APPOINTMENT

New Mexico tribe agrees tentative compact

Goldstein replaces Leven at LVS

T A deal would see Jicarilla Apache Nation continue to operate Dulce and Cuba casinos for at least 22 more years. That’ll do nicely thank you.

UNITED STATES

he Jicarilla Apache Nation of northern New Mexico has signed a tentative agreement with governor Susana Martinez that would allow the aboriginal group to continue operating its pair of casinos for at least 22 more years.

The deal, which must now be approved by the New Mexico legislature and the federal US Department of the Interior, includes a new revenue sharing arrangement that would see the state collect two percent of annual earnings up to $6m (E4.9m) and 8.5 per cent on anything beyond this amount.

Holding the Jicarilla Apache Nation to the same terms as other tribes in the western state, the compact will see the group continue to operate its Wild Horse Casino and Hotel in Dulce and The Apache Nugget Travel Centre and Casino west of Cuba while recognising that the expiring deal did not limit the number of venues it could operate.

In other news from New Mexico, a panel of lawmakers from the Navajo Nation has unanimously settled on terms that the tribe would like to see adopted as part of its new gambling compact with the state. The group operates the Las Vegas-style Fire Rock Navajo

UNITED STATES

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Casino near Gallup and the Northern Edge Navajo Casino outside Farmington alongside the low stakes Flowing Water Navajo Casino close to Shiprock under a deal that is due to expire at the end of June and has been negotiating with the administration of governor Martinez for an extension over many months.

“Today’s approval of the gaming compact with New Mexico is the result of months of negotiations with the governor’s office and has resulted in a compact that is fair for our people and for the people of New Mexico,” said Lorenzo Bates, speaker pro tem for the Navajo Nation.

Under the terms of the proposed deal, the tribe would share 8.5 per cent to 10.75 per cent of its annual revenues with the state depending on the amount of net

win and the number of years the compact has been in place. The Navajo Nation’s trio of establishments generated nearly $80m (E66m) in win last year with the rate for the next three years expected to rise from eight to nine percent to contribute an estimated additional $3m (E2.4m) to state coffers. This tariff would subsequently increase to 10 per cent in 2018 before topping out at 10.75 per cent by 2030.

“Recently, within the last 60 days, we began working with the other gaming tribes under the 2001 gaming compact and I believe it is a compact that is better for all parties,” said Bates.

“We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the other gaming tribes and to move the compact to the state legislature for ratification.”

merican casino giant Las Vegas Sands has named hospitality and gaming veteran Robert Goldstein as its new president and chief operating officer in place of the retirement of Michael Leven.

Goldstein joined Las Vegas Sands in 1995 and has served in several of its executive positions including president and chief operating officer of The Venetian and The Palazzo while he was most recently president of global gaming operations.

“Our company is in the enviable position of having the most diverse set of assets and the strongest balance sheet in our industry as well as being best-positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities as they happen,” said Sheldon Adelson, chairman and CEO for Las Vegas Sands.

Goldstein spent 15 years developing casino-hotels in the United States and the Caribbean prior to joining Las Vegas Sands and has been instrumental in helping to further the American firm’s global retail strategy and individualised dining, nightlife and entertainment concepts.

“I’ve been part of this industry for my entire professional career and I’m humbled and thankful for the opportunity to help lead a company that by almost any metric has become the most successful in our industry’s history,” said Goldstein.

PLAYER LIMITS

Penn National Gaming to test new ‘play management’ system in Massachusetts UNITED STATES

s part of its Plainridge Park Casino in Massachusetts, American casino operator Penn National Gaming is planning to test a new monitoring system that has been designed to help gamblers set limits on their slots wagering.

Expected to open adja- legislation passed in 2011, tion to an upscale casual dincent to Plainridge Race- Plainridge Park Casino is set ing restaurant and the inaucourse in June under to feature 1,250 slots in addi- gural Doug Flutie Sports

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22 | casinoreview January 2015

Bar. Although the new Plainville venue will not offer table games such as blackjack, it will have a fourvenue food court alongside a harness concourse bar, multi-purpose banquet room, entertainment lounge and casino bar.

Penn National Gaming’s voluntary ‘play management’ system, which has been approved as a two-year pilot by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, allows gam-

blers to designate a dollar amount they intend to spend during a single session, day or month before on-screen reminders provide notifications as punters approach, reach or exceed these limits.

Participants must actively acknowledge messages in order to continue gambling while the innovation could soon be made mandatory for all gambling facilities in Massachusetts.

Stephen Crosby, chair for

the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, revealed that the programme will be the first of its kind in the United States while stating that the gambling industry had previously been ‘very reluctant to even consider’ such a system. He declared that the pilot was part of the Commission’s efforts at minimising the ‘negative consequences’ of gambling by keeping these ‘to the barest possible minimum’.

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News

South & Central America

LEGISLATION

New legislation permits a trio of venues in the hope of creating new jobs and stimulating a floundering tourism industry.

Can Bermuda drive its economy through the well oiled machinery of the casino industry?

Bermuda passes casino bill

A BERMUDA

mid vociferous debate and controversy, Bermuda passed legislation last month that will see the archipelago nation license up to three resort casinos in hopes of increasing tourism and creating jobs.

The Casino Gaming Act 2014 tabled by tourism development and transport minister Shawn Crockwell was ratified by the House of Assembly on December 13 following a ten-hour debate before being unanimously approved by the elevenmember Senate four days later.

The legislation, which follows the passage last year of the Cruise Ship (Casino) Act 2013 that permitted vessels to keep their casinos open while overnighting in port, limits the number of casinos

24 | casinoreview January 2015

at three although the minister in consultation with the Casino Gaming Commission may select additional sites as being suitable for a gambling venue. All casinos would have to be located inside a hotel to aid the sluggish tourism and construction industries while a $120m (E99.7m) St Regis resort already planned for St George’s Island is currently the front-runner for the initial licence.

Crockwell, who was appointed in December of 2012 and is a member of the ruling One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) political party, revealed that other high-end resort operators have expressed an interest in developing similar projects especially with the 35th America’s Cup scheduled to

be hosted by Bermuda in June of 2017.

Bermuda is the oldest self-governing British Overseas Territory and the OBA had initially promised to hold a referendum on whether to allow casinos but scrapped the idea last year in favour of filing the Casino Gaming Act 2014.

“In the past 30 years, Bermuda has moved from a tourism industry leader to an industry outsider,” said Crockwell. “The Bermuda tourism sector has seen near zero compound annual growth in total visitation over the past three decades while during the same period global tourism has experienced exponential growth.”

Crockwell said that his legislation ‘represents a significant and critical adjust-

ment to our tourism product and to Bermuda as a destination’ while declaring that resort-based casinos will generate economic expansion and increase the nation’s tax revenues. He revealed that there had been ‘virtually no investment in new properties in Bermuda’ in decades but that the country still had ‘an opportunity to regain its position as a tourism industry leader’ via ‘improved service levels’ and ‘new products [that] include new properties, amenities and entertainment activities’.

“By no means is the introduction of casino gaming the panacea to revitalise our tourism industry but it can certainly be a catalyst for jobs and aid the recovery of tourism,” said Crockwell.

CR147-p24-25-SAmerica_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 12:28 Page 2

BERMUDA / CUBA /YXYXYXY JAMAICA Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ‘OUR SURVEY SHOWED THAT OVER 96% OF ATTENDEES ARE LIKELY TO RETURN TO MGS IN 2015...’ WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM

SOUTH AMERICA ROUND-UP

NEW MARKET

US casinos eyeing up return to Cuba CUBA

fter over 50 years of stalemate, last month’s historic decision by US president Barack Obama to begin the process of normalising diplomatic relations with Cuba could see the island nation once again become a magnet for gamblers.

Before the January 1, 1959, socialist revolution of Fidel Castro, Cuba was home to 13 casinos attracting thousands of tourists a year, but the controversial leader soon abolished so-called ‘sin industries’ including gambling and an estimated 270 brothels as a drain on the country’s financial resources.

“Especially in the 1950s, Cuba really was a thriving gambling destination

A

enators on the US Virgin Island of St Croix have voted in favour of allowing operator Golden Resorts to increase the number of floors at its proposed $250m (E206m) casino development from six to eight.

Governor John deJongh (pictured) is now reviewing the bill, which sponsor Senator Sammuel Sanes said will allow the Great Pond Bay casino development to move further away from “crucial, nearby wetland wildlife habitats”.

Discussing the bill, Casino Control Commission member Violet Ann Golden - no relation to the Golden Group - said the regulator had no objection to adding a further two storeys as it

S

because there was no legitimate gambling in the United States outside Nevada and Las Vegas was still developing,” David Schwartz, gaming research director at UNLV, told The Daily Beast. “In those days, I think it really filled a need.”

However, now under the control of Castro’s younger and more pragmatic brother, the 83-year-old Raul, and with relations with its giant neighbour thawing, Cuba could soon again welcome casinos. The South Florida SunSentinel newspaper is reporting that numerous US operators are already considering the prospects of entering the market although the opening of any new venues could be up to ten years away.

“I don’t think there’s any question

every casino executive in the United States and beyond is thinking of a plan to get into Cuba,” Bob Jarvis, a professor at Nova Southeastern University, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“It was the play land for the United States in the 1940s and 1950s and it could be again. It’s fabulous. It’s going to be huge, absolutely huge.”

REGULATION

New regulations for prospective Jamaica casino operators JAMAICA

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ew regulations before the parliament of Jamaica could see prospective operators seeking one of the nation’s two remaining casino resort licences required to pay a one-off fee of $150,000 (E119,700) to the Casino Gaming Commission.

Under the Casino Gaming Act of 2010, the Caribbean nation authorised the construction of three casino resorts with the first licence due to be awarded to either Cele-

bration Jamaica Development or Harmony Cove Limited soon.

According to a report from The Gleaner newspaper, the proposal tabled last month would see onethird of this fee treated as a nonrefundable application charge while the remaining $100,000 (E79,800) would be used to investigate the suitability of the applicant.

However, the Casino Gaming Commission would be required to provide regular updates on its expenditures with any unused portion of the $100,000 deposit returned once a decision was made.

Successful applicants would then be faced with a flat fee of $250,000 (E199,600) plus $50,000 (E39,900) per gaming table, although the new regulations remain mute concerning the upper and lower limits allowed per casino. After this, an annual licensing fee of $250,000 would apply in addition to $1,000 (E798) for each gaming table with operators also subject to payments of $250 (E200) to $750 (E600) for every worker classed in one of a number of special categorisations.

meant little to the impact of the development on the island.

The news comes months after Paul Golden told a press conference that the company planned to break ground and begin work on the project - which is set to feature a casino, 400room hotel, 1,400 capacity convention centre, restaurants, spa and 18-hole golf course – in February 2015.

In further news, the Saint Croix senate also voted to override a measure vetoed by DeJongh that creates a new category of casinos and allows casinos in Christiansted and Frederiksted. DeJongh had argued in his veto message that the casino measure did not go through the Senate committee process and therefore did not have proper scrutiny.

Further south in Argentina, proposals to ban the promotion of gambling outside of gaming halls was presented to the country’s National Congress last month. If passed, advertisements and other publicity for games of chance would be banned in print, press, online media, and public places such as shopping centres and football stadiums.

Under proposals, in-house promotions within gaming halls would be permitted, but only with warning messages alerting players of problems associated with compulsive gambling.

Back in Central America, Croc’s Casino Resort has teamed up with technology integration solutions company Percipia to kit out their guest room and mobile application requirements. The 17storey property, with 152 rooms and 44 luxury residences, will use Parallax software, complete with coloured touchscreen applications.

Ninety minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport, Croc’s has a full Las Vegasstyle casino, fitness centre, spa, three restaurants, retail stores, dance club, and beachfront bars.

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Comment & Analysis

Back to business... Konami adapts to dynamic gaming market YEAR IN REVIEW

VIEWPOINT JAMES WALKER

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nlike many other industries, the gaming world never sleeps. This became clear - once again - over the Christmas period.

While those in other sectors were busy putting up their feet and treating themselves to ‘just one more’ chocolate, the Casino Review newsroom was treated to an influx of news, press releases and leads relating to all manner of new venue openings, legislative changes and business activity.

It’s true that there’s never a dull moment in this industry. And, luckily, the organisers of ICE continue to pull out all the stops to ensure that, come early February, everyone is up to speed and ready to tackle the New Year head on.

The importance of ICE as the meeting place for all of gaming has been put into sharp focus with news that a record 100 international gaming regulators are expected at the 2015 event, which takes place on February 3-5 at ExCeL London. And while much of the attention is - perhaps understandably - focused on the trade show floor, the International Casino Conference (ICC) continues to expand in both size and scope.

This year, the iconic Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square, has been chosen as the venue for ICC on February 2, bringing together presidents, CEOs and board members of all the largest casino groups in Europe.

Amid an increasingly complex industry landscape, events such as ICC are becoming increasingly vital tools for operators, as they look to new markets and hone their existing offering.

And if that wasn’t enough, the organisers of ICE are embracing the 2015 edition’s ‘Voyage’ motif by hosting the World Regulatory Assembly (WrA) Cocktail Reception on the Cutty Sark, the 19th century clipper that worked between Britain, China, Australia and Egypt.

Supported by key gaming organisations including International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) European Casino Association (ECA), National Casino Forum (NCF) and the World Lottery Association (WLA), the WrA Cocktail Reception - also on February 2 - will provide invited delegates with the opportunity to peer-to-peer network with executives, gaming regulators and influencers in advance of the exhibition.

Happy New Year, and see you at the show.

26 | casinoreview January 2015

Following a successful 2014, Konami Gaming is looking forward to more of the same over the next 12 months.

Eduardo Aching, international sales vice president for the Las Vegas gaming firm, explains why hopes are high for 2015.

Konami Gaming and our exclusive distributors had a great year overall and customers saw strong results for several landmark game releases. Casino professionals and executives continued to enjoy the depth of our games library with both the quality and quantity of content helping operators to diversify their casino floors.

We’re also always branching out into leading-edge opportunities for innovation with an ever-present focus on performance. This business mentality results in landmark advancements such as our Rapid Revolver cabinet and versatile SeleXion multigame cabinet, both of which we anticipate will see substantial international growth in 2015.

From Asia, to Europe, to Central and South America, we’re truly honoured to partner with a fantastic diversity of gaming markets across the globe.

Over the course of the past year we’ve been able to maintain or increase our presence through a majority of regions despite challenging climates.

The nature of our business is that we’re constantly moving to adapt to whatever variant climates may enter any given space at any time and through it all our European customers remain an important part of what we do and how we focus our resources and development initiatives.

Our SeleXion multi-game was a

“

top hit internationally this year. It’s a smart investment and leverages casino gaming space in the best way possible. The machine’s flexible configuration and game change speed make it incredibly practical as it hosts up to eight different game themes with players able to instantaneously switch between titles, denominations and languages. It also features a scrolling multi-game attract mode designed to alert customers to the machine’s special functions and variety.

We are also seeing great reception for our extra large Goliath cabinet, which uses all the same KP3 platform games available on the standard Podium Upright and Slant, only bigger.

The game’s sound quality, 360degree attract lighting and huge 32inch dual high-definition liquid crystal displays really make an impact and attract a diverse array of audiences.

ICE is definitely among the top gaming industry events we’re proud to attend each year. It’s a meeting point for casino gaming representatives from across the globe and we will be bringing a wealth of international games and technology releases to share with industry leaders. Attendees can expect to see a broad selection of international product launches spanning video slots, multi-game cabinets, standalone and linked progressive games, systems technology and more.”

ll education is good and not a gamble unless, of course, you’re attending New York state’s first licensed casino-dealer school.

The Big Deal Casino Academy, according to nypost.com, is awaiting approval from the state Education Department, and once granted, will open for business in New York City.

Certified dealers, or casino supervisors, will train students in blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, craps, carnival games or Spanish 21, and also the finer points of catching a cheat.

The UK’s Daily Telegraph has reported on the Hakkasan empire’s big expansion plans, across the globe.

Having successfully launched a nightclub at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the company is now building a hotel on the Palm in Dubai, with plans for luxury properties in Beverley Hills, New York and London.

The hotel and restaurant openings will take Hakkasan to $1bn in revenues within two years. The company recently secured a $36m deal to buy nightclub chain The Light Group, which owns 22 clubs, including the Aria, Mirage, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay hotel-casinos in Las Vegas; all venues operated by MGM. Meanwhile, in a case study of how to act positively to a potential crisis scenario, Eurasia Review explained how Gauselmann responded in style, and with its reputation intact, after announcing the removal of its Hindu god Shiva-themed slot gambling game following complaints.

Paul Gauselmann, chairman of Espelkamp, wrote to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed explaining the imminent and complete removal of the game and apologising for any distress caused.

MEDIA WATCH

As New York prepares for its first casino school, Hakkasan’s ambitious plans for high-end venues are revealed, while Gauselmann diffuse a potentially bad situation.

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CR147-p26-27-Comment_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 16:46 Page 2

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MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ATTENDANCE FIGURES AT THIS YEAR’S MGS JUMPED FROM 8,634 IN 2013 TO 11,987, AN INCREASE OF 39% WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM NEW YEAR

Casinos welcome in the New Year Casinos around the world saw in 2015 with a big bang - and none more so than Las Vegas. redictions of snow failed to materialise, but there was still a nip in the air as over 350,000 revellers headed to the Nevada desert to wave farewell to 2014.

Seven casino resorts along the Las Vegas Strip - which was closed to traffic all night joined forces to produce a stunning, synchronised seven-minute firework display from their collective rooftops, using 80,000 pyrotechnic devices to create a colourful spectacle for the chilly partygoers.

There were some explosive performances from artists too as Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett crooned at the Cosmopolitan, Jennifer Lopez belted out her hits at the Colosseum, while Maroon 5 performed at Mandalay Bay. So successful was this New

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Year’s Eve that city venue websites are advising visitors to book up now for this year’s festivities.

Nearly 7,000 miles away in New Zealand, New Year celebrations began earlier than other cities. The most spectacular event was in Auckland where a fantastic firework display illuminated the city as comets, star mines and Roman candles lit up the night sky from the top of the southern hemisphere’s tallest manmade structure, the 328m Sky Tower, part of Sky City.

Home to 1,600 gaming machines, and over 100 table games, the entertainment complex’s casino, bars, restaurants and clubs saw in 2015 with bands, DJs and circus performers.

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| 27

CR147-p28-Politics_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 12:52 Page 1

Politics

AUSTRALIA / DENMARK / ISLE OF MAN / NEW ZEALAND POLITICAL NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

TAX RELIEF

New measures from selfgoverning dependency went into effect last month following the UK’s decision to implement a 15 percent point-ofconsumption tax.

Isle of Man offers tax relief to licensed online operators

F

ollowing the UK government’s implementation of a 15 percent online gambling point-of-consumption tax in November, the Isle of Man has passed new double duty tax relief measures.

The Isle of Man has licensed 56 online gambling operators and the activity currently represents 13 percent of its

economy. It is hoped that the concession will aid operators that would otherwise struggle to cope with the financial impacts of the UK tax while additionally ensuring that the self-governing dependency remains an attractive base for iGaming enterprises.

The new double duty tax came into effect on

Man, declared that the relief measures were introduced after the government recognised the burden a new UK tax would have on its licensees.

“We recognise the burden that the new UK tax will place on our licensed operators and while we are not legally bound to offer this relief we have decided that this is the best approach,” said Greenhill.

“In addition, the Isle of Man’s positive relationship with the United Kingdom’s HM Revenue and Customs means that our operators will not have to appoint a fiscal representative in the United Kingdom, thereby saving them substantial costs.

“This decision provides reassurance to Isle of Man licence holders so that they can continue to run their operations from data centres on the Isle of Man and base their decisionmaking capabilities here as well so as to protect against any future claims under base erosion and profit shifting.”

December 1 and allows operators licensed by the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission to claim back a monetary maximum equivalent to the amount of gambling duty that otherwise would be due to the island’s treasury on the same activities.

Peter Greenhill, electronic gaming development CEO for the Isle of

PROBLEM GAMBLING

Operators ‘need to improve’ problem gambling identification

N

ew Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is working with gambling operators in the country to improve their identification and management of problem gamblers following the results of its new research.

In the first of its kind for the gambling regulator, the DIA initiated a mystery shopper campaign that sent undercover gamblers to casinos, pubs and hotels to test whether patrons showing warning factors that could indicate potential

28 | casinoreview January 2015

problem gambling were adequately dealt with by venue staff.

Whilst overall participation in gambling by New Zealanders has reduced, Ministry of Health figures show that problem gambling rates have stayed much the same.

“Although we recognise challenges exist in approaching patrons about their gambling, the results are disappointing,” said Raj Krishnan, director gambling compliance. “But this provides a baseline of information and we will be working

hard to ensure gambling operators improve their performance in this area.

“Regulations state that staff at gambling venues must be trained in identifying problem gamblers.

If a gambler is showing signs of problem gambling, staff should be intervening to ensure that person is alright, providing help if necessary.

“In pubs and hotels our undercover gamblers found the amount of intervention by staff was minimal. We believe the same can be said for casinos.”

LEGAL

Tatts wins Court of Appeal decision in Victoria

I

n Australia, the state of Victoria has been ordered to pay lottery and gaming firm Tatts Group just over A$540.4m (E359.7m) in addition to costs after losing its case with the Court of Appeal.

The summary judgement saw the court uphold an earlier decision from the Supreme Court of Victoria in favour of Tatts Group and the state is now on the hook for at least A$451,157,286 (E300,500,000) plus interest of A$89,310,601 (E59,480,000).

Tatts along with TabCorp held a poker machine duopoly for 18 years in Victoria with the pair eventually operating some 27,500 machines. However, reforms by premier John Brumby that came into effect in 2012 permitted pubs and clubs to take control of their own machines with the operators soon suing in order to have funds they paid for their gambling licences returned.

Melbourne-based Tatts successfully argued before the Supreme Court of Victoria in June that the state’s obligation to pay compensation dated to its privatisation of the TAB and subsequent listing of TabCorp on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1994 and claimed that this obligation had been recognised by the state in its annual budget papers over a 14-year period from 1994 to 2008.

“Tatts welcomes the decision, which again upholds an agreement entered into with the State of Victoria in 1995,” read a statement from Tatts.

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CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 16:12 Page 1

Preview

ICE 2015

EVENTS

Celebrating 20 years in gaming

Kate Chambers, portfolio director for ICE Totally Gaming, discusses the show’s continued growth since 1995, and looks ahead to the ExCeL show in 2015.

C

asino Review: How would you begin to compare the ICE of 1995 with the edition that will open on February 3 at ExCeL London?

Kate Chambers: Apart from the obvious differences of venue and the sheer physical size of February’s event, I think the revolution in technology, both how it impacts communications and the entertainment channels our customers use, are the most significant differences. Despite these differences one of the great things about the brand has been its ability to interpret change and to respond to challenges positively. Much of this is down to the huge amount of goodwill that it enjoys from its stakeholders and their desire to see ICE prosper. Anyone writing the history of the gaming industry would no doubt reference ICE as the place where I would say all of gaming’s most significant products have been shown if not launched. Thanks to the passion of our exhibitors and the innovative spirit, which is at the heart of ICE, it has earned the reputation for being the world’s favourite gaming exhibition.

CR: Can major exhibitions such as ICE help shape the industry?

KC: I don’t think exhibitions define or set trends, but what they are is the forum in which trends can be first identified and in that sense they are an essential resource for businesses wanting to be the first in the market and in the process gain a commercial advantage over competitors.

Applying this theory to ICE, you can understand why it has become such an important business event on the gaming calendar. ICE attracts all of gaming’s best-known names as well as start-ups which may not be that well established, but are rich with ideas and which challenge conventional thinking. I think it’s the surprise element of exhibitions and of ICE in particular that motivates visitors to travel half way around the world in search of the unexpected, that’s why our Discover creative is so appropriate. In terms

32 | casinoreview January 2015

of what visitors can expect to see at ICE the simple answer is everything that’s new and relevant to all of gaming. ICE is the only exhibition which covers the totality of gaming – both online and offline – and with over 50 nations represented on the show floor, the only event which provides a world as opposed to a regional perspective on the industry.

CR: Post 2014, there was some criticism that there wasn’t sufficient out of hours networking - how have you addressed this?

KC: We actively seek feedback and pay special attention to any negatives and you are correct to highlight this. We’ve developed the London Casino Club, a high-profile hospitality and out of hours networking programme that involves selected gaming partners comprising the Hippodrome (Leicester Square), Aspers (Westfield Stratford City) and seven Grosvenor Casinos situated throughout central/west London.

Developed in conjunction with National Casino Forum, we are providing a wide range of hospitality offers including an American themed Super Bowl party at the G Casino in Piccadilly, a Champagne reception and free to attend poker tournament at Aspers and a complimentary shuttle service from ExCeL, free drink and casino tour courtesy of the Hippodrome. London Casino Club events will help operators get the very most out of ICE week after they’ve spent the day with the 500+ exhibitors on what is gaming’s busiest show floor.

CR: Can you quantify the resource you put behind the marketing of ICE? KC: Each year we work extremely hard in partnership with our creative agency Scott & Jones to produce a campaign which is impactful, imaginative and relevant to the brand. The 2015 Discover campaign is not only the most creative it is also one of the biggest ever undertaken in support of a gaming exhibition. It comprises over 120 adverts throughout 90 specialist B2B gaming media, extensive media relations and an engagement programme with over 200,000 individuals working for 85,000 companies. This is augmented by

ICE TOTALLY GAMING 2015 ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

social media comprising twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Tumblr and our own mobile networking app. Overall we will engage with potential visitors based in over 150 countries worldwide. As you can see we work extremely hard to maximise the number of serious buyers coming to ICE. I am pleased to say this is an epic campaign for what is set to be an epic event.

CR: What emphasis do you place on the learning programme at ICE? KC: Our Conference programme has become an extremely important part of ICE week. It starts on Monday, February 2 with the International Casino Conference (ICC), which is being held at the iconic Hippodrome Casino, situated in London’s Leicester Square. This is the first time that the International Casino Conference has been taken out of a conventional conference-style setting and we could not have wished for a more prestigious and appropriate venue than the Hippodrome, which is taking the casino experience to another level and is the perfect venue at which to host our delegates. Co-organised with the European Casino Association, the 2015 ICC will bring together Presidents, CEOs and Board Members of all of the largest casino groups in Europe. The Conference will provide delegates with a platform to exchange views on the most burning issues affecting the land-based industry while giving them access to key speakers including Harrie Temmink, Deputy Head, Online and Postal Unit, DG Internal Market and Services at the European Commission. The ICC is one of eight targeted learning events that cover all of gaming’s vertical markets. Delegates can opt for an access-all-areas passport, which gives the freedom to explore the entire ICE Conferences programme or, alternatively, select a single conference of interest. In addition to the ICC the programme comprises: Betmarkets; CrossPlatform and Multi-Channel Gaming; Cybercrime, Security and Regulatory Compliance; Data Insight & Business Intelligence; Game Design and Development; Lotteries For The Future; and, World Regulatory Briefing. In addition we have a range of free to enter seminars which deal with contemporary topics including Bitcoin, Tribal Gaming, the IMGL Masterclass, a Start-Up programme and Digital Think Tanks.

CR: If you were given 30 seconds to sell ICE to a ‘non-believer’ what would you say?

KC: I would have to start with the statistics, which in reality only tell part of the story. Nevertheless, in 2014 we had an audited attendance of 23,506 attendees who travelled to London from a record 156 nations to see the 515 exhibitors who chose ICE as their international shop window. ICE is essentially about the exhibitors and we are fortunate to have the most powerful and smartest innovators in gaming on our show floor. Thanks to the imagination and creativity which ICE exhibitors apply to their presentation at the event, 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. If ICE was a movie it, would be a number one blockbuster - unmissable.

To register for ICE, visit www.icetotally gaming.com

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CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:37 Page 2

Preview

ICE 2015

KONAMI GAMING SYNKROS | TRUE TIME TOURNAMENTS GLI TESTING & CERTIFICATION GTECH TRUE 3D TITLES | SPHINX 3D

KONAMI GAMING

GAMING LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL

Konami Gaming to demonstrate new Synkros tools at ICE Konami will unveil its latest products in London encompassing video slots, multi-game cabinets, standalone and linked progressive games and systems technology. onami Gaming will use next month’s ICE spectacular to showcase its broad selection of international product launches spanning video slots, multigame cabinets, standalone and linked progressive games and systems technology to the over 23,000 expected visitors from upwards of 100 jurisdictions.

This year’s ICE, which is scheduled to take place from February 3-5 inside London’s ExCeL, will also see Konami exhibit its latest games while additionally demonstrating the Synkros casino management system.

Further evidence of the company’s innovative nature, Synkros will unveil a series of new marketing tools and automations through the system-delivered True-Time Tournaments community gaming application. This advancement uses True-Time Windowing to bring tournament games to any video-based electronic gaming machine while player-on-demand functionality is to be advanced via the new SynkStart feature, which allows groups of players to enjoy a game at the same time.

“Both versions of True-Time Tournaments are available through an integrated module for full back-end management and leaderboard functionality,” read a state-

K

ment from Konami Gaming.

“Compatible across both player-ondemand and SynkStart, an ever-growing library of Synkros tournament games will be launching and rolling during this year’s show, allowing Synkros customers to always keep marketing offers fresh.”

Konami Gaming is also excited about its SeleXion multi-game cabinet, which offers up to eight game themes and is to be exhibited in upright and slant-top machines.

Offering operators the ability to instantaneously switch between games, denominations and languages, this innovation will be on-show complete with unique game packages for jurisdictions including Spain, Sweden, Holland and Switzerland.

“Its scrolling multi-game attract mode is designed to alert customers to the special functions and variety of game themes available,” read the statement from Konami Gaming.

“Operators can choose from an everincreasing array of available KP3 themes to add to their SeleXion game libraries. Konami Gaming will display a variety of new multi-language and multi-currency releases including titles such as Inari Riches, Exotic Princess, More Gold More Silver and Spellbound Princess with each providing a versatility and variety that audiences across diverse regions will enjoy.”

As if all of this wasn’t enough, Konami Gaming’s stand will also feature upright and slant-top versions of its c l a s s i c Podium cabinet in addition to the latest configurations for its Podium Goliath, which has 360-degree attract lighting and 32-inch dual high-definition liquid crystal displays.

STAND: S5-110 34 | casinoreview January 2015

GLI will bring it all to ICE 2015 International testing and certification laboratory GLI will be at February’s London show to exhibit its full range of services.

A

large number of the land-based, lottery and iGaming firms at next month’s ICE 2015 show in London will be exhibiting devices and systems that have been tested and certified by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

GLI will be showing off its full range of testing and certification expertise as well as the many other services that have made it the go-to laboratory for regulators, operators and suppliers.

The body issues more certifications than any other testing laboratory at around 120,000 per month for in excess of 455 global jurisdictions and only products that have met the highest testing standards can display its GLI Certified mark, which gives confidence to regulators, agencies, players and operators alike.

An associate member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), the Latin American Corporation of State Lottery and Betting (CIBELAE) and The European Lotteries, GLI will be shining at spotlight on its auditing services at ICE 2015. Containing a critical package of auditing facilities ranging from WLA compliance to IT security, these services have been designed to help regulators, operators and suppliers improve governance, risk and compliance processes across an entire operation.

In addition, GLI offers a portfolio of packages including the testing of security, lottery and land-based and online gaming devices and systems as well as

rule writing, consultation and professional services. Specifically designed to make doing business in the lottery industry faster and more effective, these services are divided into four categories encompassing project management, governance, risk and compliance, technical services and training via its GLI University.

Numerous groups from all over the world receive training through GLI University with the most recent examples including at September’s Latin American Roundtable and the subsequent Argentinean Regulators Seminar. This year alone the service has brought together more than 90 representatives from regulatory entities and state lotteries in 25 Latin American jurisdictions for training and discussions.

As if this wasn’t enough, GLI University also recently completed its first Master’s Level Commissioner Certification Training for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). The service is also scheduled to stage the North American Regulators Roundtable event from March 4-5 in Las Vegas before travelling to Rome for the European Regulators Roundtable from May 28-29.

Finally, GLI stated that it also boasts an array of exclusive tools designed to streamline processes and speed time to market encompassing its awardwinning GLI Link, Point. Click. Transfer, Point. Click. Submit, GLI Mobile and the recently released GLI Cloud.

STAND: N3-210

CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:37 Page 3

GAMING LABORATORIES / GTECH / KONAMI GAMING ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

GTECH

GTech to bring comprehensive offering to ICE 2015 GTech will be in London to show off its complete portfolio of games, cabinets, systems and interactive solutions.

Tech will be at the upcoming ICE 2015 extravaganza with its Spielo subsidiary to exhibit a full array of games, cabinets, systems and interactive solutions for the land-based gaming, interactive, sportsbetting and lottery sectors.

Of particular note from GTech for the London show will be a full library of True 3D titles. Using patented three-dimensional display technology, this product line provides operators with games such as the award-winning Sphinx 3D while visitors will also be able to check out the new Bejeweled 3D, Dragon’s Temple 3D, Dreams of Asia 3D and Aladdin’s Fortune 3D titles.

Emphasising its expertise in linked gaming products, GTech will also exhibit its Peruvian Riches and Secrets of the Sea multi-level mystery jackpots, which allow operators to select nearly any title from its games library before inserting this into a progressive bank.

Making its debut in London will be The Money Drop multilevel progressive, which was recently licensed by Endemol and comes complete with an innovative risk-based progressive play-off, alongside the new Terrific Teal and Luxury Lilac editions for the European version of the Diversity multi-game suites.

“GTech will also present a new suite specifically adapted to UK requirements,” read a statement fromthe company.

“Furthermore, plenty of core games will be presented to visitors with a variety of new and unique gameplay features.

GTech’s line-up will also include yet another internationally-recognised licensed title from the exciting Deal Or No Deal franchise with the newest version in the series, Deal Or No Deal: Las Vegas!, presented on the MaXVusion cabinet.”

As a provider of single and multi games for the Italian AWP market, Gtech is set to additionally showcase several performers on its Delite cabinet with visitors able to select which of these they would like to adapt to player preferences in their market as part of special sales programme.

On the casino systems side, GTech’s System2go slot management innovation

G

will be on show complete with a host of new features alongside the Galaxis ninemodule portfolio and JP2go turnkey jackpot advance.

“System2go is the essential packaged solution for single and multi-side slot venues,” read the statement from GTech.

“It is simple to operate, requires less training than traditional slot systems and does not require a large IT infrastructure. With the latest addition of the Platinum View edition, GTech has added a player display to the mix. The player display can be connected to any gaming machine and helps operators to set themselves apart from the competition.”

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STAND: N3-160

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January 2015 casinoreview

| 35

CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:40 Page 4

Preview

IGT / NOVOMATIC

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

IGT CRYSTAL DUAL CABINET | PARTY TIME NOVOMATIC GROUP OF COMPANIES DOMINATOR CABINET | PANTHER ROULETTE

IGT

NOVOMATIC

All eyes on London for IGT

Giant ICE presence for Novomatic

Gaming entertainment giant IGT plans to show off its new Crystal Dual cabinet complete with a revamped version of the Party Time multi-level progressive theme.

G

aming entertainment specialist International Game Technology (IGT) is all set to appear at next month’s ICE 2015 in London with its complete portfolio of cross-platform content and results-driven systems innovations.

The Las Vegas-based leader will showcase its full range of hardware and interactive products including the new Crystal Dual cabinet, which is a sister to the Crystal Core predecessor.

“The Crystal Dual is a for-sale cabinet that will attract players with its dynamic player experience and modern design while operators will value the hardware’s improved serviceability features and the refreshed look that it will bring to casino floors,” read a statement from the company.

Boasting a touchscreen display and a user-friendly digital player panel with a static Bash Button, the Crystal Dual is additionally filled with a complete library of content including legacy titles and new themes such as Golden Eagle, The Fates and the recently introduced King Reels.

Also at ICE 2015 will be a re-vamped and re-energised version of one of IGT’s most popular multilevel progressive themes, Party Time, for use on Crystal Dual cabinet.

Boasting the same maths as the original version, this favourite now comes complete with refreshed versions of the Mystical Mermaid, Wolf Run Party, Prairie Party and Trailer

Park Party games in addition to improved sounds, graphics and presentations all complemented by bonus events from Tipsy the pink dancing elephant.

After having its premiere at the last Global Gaming Expo (G2E), the spinning reel S3000 cabinet will make its first appearance in Europe at ICE 2015.

Backed by a library of more than 50 game themes including enhanced versions of classics such as Double Diamonds, Double Gold, Wild Cherry and Super X Pay, this for-sale cabinet also boasts newer themes including Red Hot Tamales and Stacked Red White and Blue.

IGT declared that the S3000, which is available in three-reel, single payline and five-reel configurations, also comes complete with ‘exceptional sound and intelligent lighting package’ that enables operators to ‘create a spinning reel destination on their casino floors’.

Finally, IGT will show off the commitment of its IGT Interactive division via yield-driving features and a number of meta-game and revenue-enhancing developments deployed on the American firm’s remote game server.

“IGT will showcase new MegaJackpots

36 | casinoreview January 2015

games in the company’s ever-expanding licensed interactive portfolio including Wheel of Fortune, Sherlock Holmes and Family Guy,” read the statement from IGT. “Prowling Panther, already a global landbased success, will take centre stage ahead of its imminent simultaneous release in the UK across land, mobile and online.”

STAND: N2-240

Austrian gaming leader Novomatic will use February’s ICE show to present a range of new innovations. ntegrated gaming firm Novomatic will again bring a massive stand to ICE in order to provide enough space for each of its many international subsidiaries and affiliates that cater for almost every segment of the industry.

The front of the Austrian giant’s booth inside London’s ExCel is to be reserved for its Astra Gaming Group subsidiary and associated Astra Games, Bell-Fruit Games, Empire Games, Gamestec and Mazooma Games divisions alongside partner Eurocoin of The Netherlands.

Admiral Sportsbetting is to present its wares on the right wing from February 3-5 alongside Novomatic Interactive and its varied online and mobile product offerings from the likes of Greentube, iGaming2Go, Mazooma Interactive, Extreme Live Gaming, Novomatic Lottery Solutions and Betware while the left will be reserved for the AWP and video lottery terminal offerings of Novomatic Gaming Spain, Lowen Entertainment, Novomatic Italia and Crown Technologies.

The main section of Novomatic’s booth will see it present the full range of gaming technologies from Austrian Gaming Industries and Octavian while welcoming guests to a hospitality area featuring a plethora of quiet meeting rooms.

“Visitors are well advised to give in to their curiosity and head straight for

I

the Novomatic booth where they will be heartily welcomed and greeted with the famous Austrian hospitality while they discover what’s behind the curve,” read a statement from Novomatic.

The Gumpoldskirchen-based leader stated that the new Dominator cabinet will be ‘behind the curve’ as it will have its debut at ICE 2015 alongside a selection of new specially-developed games encompassing mystery progressive stand-alone jackpots.

An enhanced Panther Roulette will also be on display complete with redesigned LED features while the Novostar VIP II with its large screen is to be presented in Astra’s VIP Wall extravaganza as well as a large range of new games, mixes and jackpots.

“For anyone and everyone looking to see what’s around the curve for gaming innovations in 2015, Novomatic is heading straight to London in order to present the answer,” read the statement from Novomatic.

“The final preparations are now well under way and the Austrian Gaming Industries team as well as the colleagues of the various Novomatic companies are looking forward to the show with eager anticipation and will be ready to welcome all visitors to Novomatic’s world of gaming at ICE 2015.”

STANDS: S4-110, S4-130, S4-140, S4-150, SG21/22

More Vi] More Õ ] more *À w ÌÃt

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CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:41 Page 5

Preview

GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL / JCM GLOBAL

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL V-SERIES CHIPS | SECURI-FILM JCM GLOBAL GEN2 UNIVERSAL PRINTER | PAYCHECK 4

GAMING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL

JCM GLOBAL

GPI to exhibit latest advancements at ICE Global casino currency and table game equipment provider GPI will use the upcoming London show to exhibit its new V-Series chip line and Dragon’s Eye and Ribbon plaque designs. lobal casino currency and table game equipment provider Gaming Partners International (GPI) will be at the upcoming ICE extravaganza to showcase its latest currency, table game and RFID advancements.

GPI will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of its Bourgogne-et-Grasset (B&G) currency line by exhibiting the new VSeries chip line. An American-style chip composed of a new stronger and more durable injection material formula, this portfolio has been designed to offer operators more currency options via a variety of configurations.

Las Vegas-based GPI revealed that its new V-Series also includes the antimicrobial ChipShield substance as standard to help inhibit the growth of staincausing mildew for a cleaner and more sanitary chip surface while customers ordering four or more colour shots will receive their chips with an exclusive infrared security feature.

GPI is additionally set to display a pair of innovative plaque designs in its Dragon’s Eye and Ribbon, which will be available in two ribbon pattern widths and can be designed using several new material patterns and colours.

“For customers who choose lunettes for their plaques, they now have the option to select from four new Chameleon plaque materials that shift color when rotated in order to provide a stunning visual effect,” read a statement from GPI. “These new choices are available in

G

38 | casinoreview January 2015

both transparent and opaque options, extending the design possibilities even further.”

As part of its commitment to providing customers with additional options to protect their money, GPI will also showcase a pair of new currency security options in the three-in-one UV taggant and SecuriFilm decal. Both can be layered with most of the supplier’s other currency security offerings while the UV is added to plastic injection-molded chip materials for the quick validation of chips in stacks or racks and will remain invisible under standard ultraviolet wavelengths while offering three levels of authentication including a forensic verification using scanning electron microscopy.

“We will also be demonstrating SecuriFilm, a new decal security film with a semi-transparent hologram-like effect that enables quick authentication,” read the statement from GPI. “SecuriFilm can be easily authenticated at the table and includes an additional covert security feature enabling a higher level of validation.

The feature also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the decal’s design.”

As if all of this wasn’t enough, GPI declared that it will also demonstrate its ‘latest RFID products and solutions’ at ICE including those that provide ‘valuable efficiencies to help operators streamline their operations on the gaming floor, the cage and back of the house’.

STAND: S6-230

Better connections with JCM Global JCM’s diverse product range includes better, smarter and faster systems solutions alongside innovative bill validation and printer technologies.

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he upcoming ICE 2015 extravaganza will see JCM Global showcase its compete range of advanced and diverse products designed to help operators create better connections via better, smarter and faster systems solutions and bill validation and printer technologies.

The Dusseldorf-based firm stated that better connections begin through the use of its bill validation technologies, which encompass the iVizion, iPro and iPro-RC innovations. Featuring an acceptance rate of over 99 percent, iVizion has the most advanced validation security features and anti-stringing technology available while the flexible and secure iPro also has high first-time acceptance rates alongside faster note-to-note acceptance speeds and a special sensing and anti-stringing package. For its part, iProRC also comes complete with an optional recycling package, which means that the unit needs to be refilled less often.

JCM Global declared that its printer technology will further enhance better connections and it intends to additionally showcase its PayCheck 4, Gen2 Universal, TableXchange and Ticket2Go products. Featuring the most standard memory of any printer in its class, PayCheck 4 produces and presents a complete ticket twice as fast as competitive products while its print head comes with an average life span of 640,000 slot-type tickets.

The Gen2 Universal family of printers is compatible with existing gaming platforms such as RS232 and NetPlex as well as the next generation of downloadable, server-based and USB games, JCM Global proclaimed, while offering com-

patibility with existing floor games.

Streamlining operations by virtually eliminating the need to replenish chips at table games, the TableXchange innovation from JCM Global allows players to use cash-out vouchers by connecting to a casino’s existing ticket-in ticket-out (TITO) network and scanning and printing vouchers.

Finally, the Ticket2Go product delivers a networked TITO solution alongside a networkless ticket payout feature that is perfect for AWP and low-payout markets. Multi-lingual and multi-currency, this unit also offers a retrofit solution for gaming machines that do not support open standard ticketing protocols.

Completing the provision of better connections is JCM Global’s range of system solutions, which include its Dynamic Network Applications (DNA) and PromoNet products. The German firm stated that its DNA will empower operators and regulators with real-time health and event monitoring of peripheral components used inside an electronic gaming machine, table game or redemption kiosk. DNA utilises a wired or wireless connection to a local server and can monitor an almost limitless number of peripherals such as bill validators, ticket printers, card readers, digital displays and coin acceptors.

Finally, the PromoNet intelligent couponing solution identifies valuable players, can target carded and noncarded clients and link promotions to gameplay in order to deliver promotions exactly where and when they are needed.

STAND: N3-220

More than a transaction.

A connection.

The real moment of truth on the gaming floor is when a player gives you the money. Only the money is not being handed out to you. It is handed out to us.

From the moment that currency touches our JCM Global bill validator, we are responsible for providing an effortless, accurate transfer of cash into play. We accept your customer’s wager with reliable grace and efficiency, just the way you would personally. We are your representative on the gaming floor.

This philosophy has earned JCM Global its position as the industry leader for both OEMs and operators, with more bill validators and printers in play than all other brands combined. And now, we are about to reveal how a simple cash-in can lead to a level of player engagement that goes beyond the transaction. We’re going to help you make connections.

www.jcmglobal.com

CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 16:16 Page 6

Preview

CASINO TECHNOLOGY / GAMEACCOUNT NETWORK / MERKUR GAMING

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

CASINO TECHNOLOGY BIG 5 | RHINO CASINO MANAGEMENT GAMEACCOUNT NETWORK SIMULATED GAMING MERKUR GAMING EVOLUTION | HIGHFLYER

MERKUR GAMING

CASINO TECHNOLOGY

Merkur Gaming preparing for ICE

Casino Technology betting on innovation

Gauselmann Group subsidiary Merkur Gaming will be at ExCel London to showcase the very best from its portfolio. asino and gaming machine innovator Merkur Gaming will join its fellow Gauselmann Group subsidiaries at the upcoming ICE show in London to exhibit it range of eleven cabinets and 20 high-definition games alongside a pair of banknote recyclers.

Merkur Gaming stated that it will be at ExCel London on a 650sq.m stand to demonstrate just why ‘Made In Germany technology is the future for global gaming’ and is hoping to offer visitors an “unforgettable time”.

The range of on-show cabinets from the German firm will encompass the Evolution, Privilege Plus, WB 4, Vision Plus, Uno, Motion, Motion 2, Highflyer, Evolution SL, Avantgarde SLT and Ozone, which are tailored for individual gaming markets such as Spain, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy and South Africa.

“Merkur Gaming offers so much more than just upright or slant top gaming machines,” read a statement from Merkur Gaming.

“For example, the Highflyer is a slant top with a real difference. The upper monitor here seems to be floating in the air.

Extensive marketing research followed by focused research and development work led to this solution where players can choose between two fundamental seating positions; either focusing on the lower gaming screen or choosing the gaming screen to be on the upper monitor with the desire to lean back and relax to this unique gaming experience.

“Talking about unique, the Ozone is just that. This gaming orb allows the player to completely indulge him or herself in this wonderful gaming experience. It has the feeling of an amusement machine as the player sits inside the orb and is

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shielded from the outside world. The sound effects can naturally be made most use of with such a design.”

Merkur Gaming is set to be joined by sister firms adp Gauselmann, Blueprint Gaming and Cashpoint where it intends to show off its commitment to future investment with 20 new high-definition games.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, Merkur Gaming is set to showcase its cash management knowledge with the innovative Merkur Dispenser 100 banknote recycler while the furtherimproved Merkur Dispenser Gold will also be on display.

“Never before has Merkur Gaming offered so many gaming possibilities,” said Ralf Markmann, managing director for Merkur Gaming.

“We understand that each market has its own special requirements and can draw upon great internal knowledge from our long-standing multilingual team and naturally from a cabinet and games choice that incredibly keeps continuing to grow. Made In Germany with all the local market requirements in-built. Merkur Gaming has so much to offer to global gaming.”

“The very best social casinos manage somewhere around five percent while our Simulated Gaming product is currently monetising above 15 percent of registered players through to deposit and play. The feedback we are receiving from landbased casino operators is that it presents the perfect opportunity to engage with their current, lapsed and future patrons as well as allowing them to prepare for realmoney online gaming in a pre-regulated environment.

“For players, it’s a positive experience that allows them to earn rewards where regulations allow while playing their favourite slot games and using brand names they trust.”

server, which are both part of The Big Five and provide operators with ways to attract new customers and improve the performance of their slot floors.

The Elephant remote game server and Lion money management system work in conjunction with the Leopard online gaming platform to complete The Big 5 and allow operators to take advantage of the virtual revolution in gaming via a ‘white-label’ solution for European jurisdictions.

Cabinets will also be an important part of Casino Technology’s ICE 2015 stand courtesy of the Aurora upright and Sensa Plus and Tangra models hosting the latest additions on the Gamopolis Highway multi-game series “With more than 15 years of experience in the land-based business, Casino Technology has the huge advantage of knowing which math models, game types, bonus schemes and other features provide those experiences that keep players coming back for more,” said Sonia Nikolova, business development director for Sofia-based Casino Technology.

“Gamopolis Highway, which was recently expanded with new titles and an improved game selection interface, has already proved to be one of the sure winners on any casino floor.”

STAND: N2-310

STAND: N5-140

GAMEACCOUNT NETWORK

ICE debut for GameAccount Network’s Simulated Gaming nline gaming content developer GameAccount Network will be at ICE 2015 to showcase the strategic and commercial benefits of its unique Simulated Gaming offering to an international audience of land-based casino operators.

Simulated Gaming from the Londonbased innovator enables bricks-and-mortar casinos to move into the online gambling space and is set to be live with at least five operators in the United States by the end of June while additionally having its premiere in Australia.

“We developed Simulated Gaming as an off-Facebook social gaming product to enable land-based casino operators to offer a fully immersive gaming proposition for their customers when not on-site,” said Daniel Lindsay (pictured), commer-

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cial director for GameAccount Network.

“The trust and integrity of the landbased brands are brought online and the same games are available. In essence, it’s a mirror image of the land-based environment where virtual credits purchased allow continuous play and, where regulations allow, cash-back incentives, using land-based loyalty cards and casino management systems.” GameAccount will highlight commercial benefits that include the ability to generate incremental revenues via a ‘new channel of entertainment’ while additionally ‘reactivating’ lapsed players and driving up casino visitations.

“In general, social gaming monetises players, registration to deposit, at around two percent,” said Lindsay.

ollowing recent successful installations at casinos in Peru, Chile and Panama, gaming machine developer and manufacturer Casino Technology will be at next month’s ICE 2015 to showcase a mix of land-based and online solutions.

The centerpiece of the Bulgarian company’s stand will be The Big 5 multichannel gaming solution featuring new functionalities and further improvements for linking land-based operations with their online counterparts.

Visitors to London’s ExCeL will also be able to check out the variety of flexible options and advanced tools offered by Casino Technology’s Rhino casino management system now complete with an added live games module in addition to its Buffalo universal jackpot

FASCINATION is the key.

It is the passion of our game design teams to create games that are great entertainment, capture players’ attention, who then witness unforgettable pleasure in playing – in short: we focus on player fascination. That is why we offer most diverse games with different themes, gripping winline concepts and exciting features.

Visit us on booth N4-260!

Be MERKURious It‘s more than just a game.

MERKUR GAMING | Borsigstrasse 22 | D-32312 Luebbecke | Phone +49 (0) 5741 273 6930 | www.merkur-gaming.com | sales@merkur-gaming.com

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Preview

APEX GAMING / GAMING SUPPORT / TCS JOHN HUXLEY

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

APEX GAMING PINNACLE CABINETS | EVO PLATFORM GAMING SUPPORT BONUS BOX | MULTI DEMON TCS JOHN HUXLEY GAMING FLOOR LIVE | BLAZE LED

APEX GAMING

GAMING SUPPORT

Full ICE line-up for Apex Gaming

Gaming Support provides a new workstation

Austrian gaming machine manufacturer Apex will exhibit updated Pinnacle cabinets in London alongside a new Evo platform and iDrop solution.

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aming machine manufacturer Apex Gaming will be at next month’s ICE in London to showcase its full portfolio of products including updated Pinnacle cabinets alongside the new Evo platform and iDrop solution.

The Austrian firm recently underwent a management shake-up that saw Max Pessnegger become its CEO while founder Johannes Weissengruber assumed the role of chairman with Kubilay Ozer coming on board as global sales director.

Apex Gaming is especially keen to show off its range of Pinnacle machines, which recently underwent a facelift that saw the upright 22-inch model upgraded with a 24-inch screen while the slant-top SL model has been improved with a 27-inch screen.

“This not only retains the youth of the Pinnacle but also offers even more space to present the high-definition graphics of Apex games,” read a statement from Apex Gaming.

“These new gaming machines retain all the benefits customers are accustomed to such as optimal component choice, security and a patented cooling system to enable around-the-clock gaming entertainment.”

Apex will also showcase its new Evo platform, which it stated allows two and three-dimensional games housed in its Pinnacle machines to be ‘brought to life’. The innovation permits operators to offer players a standard choice of games encompassing five three-dimensional titles alongside 20 classic attractions and the new Red Hot 20 and Red Hot Burning entertainments.

“The games are clearly structured on the screen and can be

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simply chosen with the same technology that users are used to from smartphones and tablets,” said Kefermarkt-based Apex Gaming.

As if this wasn’t enough, the manufacturer will also showcase its new iDrop innovation, which is a compact unit that provides a way for operators to link live and slot gaming via the use of tickets. Billed as ‘the perfect table game solution’ and designed to fill ‘an important gap in the market’, iDrop contains a banknote reader with bunch note feed capabilities in addition to a ticket printer alongside a touchscreen display. “iDrop can be integrated into all systems and its real-time accounting information enables management to have complete and immediate information of the iDrop contents,” read the statement from Apex Gaming.

Finally, the Apex stand will be fitted out with examples of its mobile slot games suitable for any Android-enabled handset such as Leonardo’s Code, Arriva, Ocean Tale and Red Hot Fruits.

“We are dedicated to taking gaming to the next level,” said Weissengruber.

“Our new management structure represents this and our product range has never been so large and innovative. This will be an ICE never to forget.”

aming Support, the Dutch signs-to-systems group, is constantly looking to develop new solutions that make operators and customers lives as convenient as possible.

Over recent years, this objective has delivered numerous innovations, including Bonus Box, which has found its way to casino floors worldwide, the Multi Game and Multi Denom jackpot controller, award-winning media systems and the elegant and lightweight Slim Line signs.

“We choose to develop a reliable and secure mobile platform that allows the casino to have full control over their operational needs, being part of the gaming floor and standing next to their customers,” the company said. “At ICE 2015 we will also show our re-invented accounting and ticketing system which focuses on both operator and customer, controlled at your fingertips with the industry’s leading tablet manufacturer.”

“Over the past year we have spent time developing a new critical part of our business, which we will disclose at the ICE show in London. This latest addition in our product range is completing our product offering.”

STAND: S3-350

STAND: N2-210

TCS JOHN HUXLEY

Live gaming brought to the fore at ICE CS John Huxley, the live gaming solutions specialist, will showcase its leading edge technology product portfolio at ICE, with Gaming Floor Live plus the new Blaze LED suite taking centre stage.

“2014 has been a busy year for us and we are excited to present a lot of new products at ICE for the first time,” said Tristan Sjöberg executive chairman of UK-based TCS John Huxley.

“Although the emphasis has been on developing and launching the new Gaming Floor Live platform, we have not diverted our focus from the existing product range. In fact, much of the established portfolio such as the benchmark Chipper Champ 2, Saturn

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roulette wheel and e-FX display products are now technology enabled to connect to the new platform.”

Gaming Floor Live now includes the additional games of roulette and sic bo, and visitors to ExCel will

42 | casinoreview January 2015

also see GFL Bonusing Solutions, the powerful floor-wide event and mystery progressive platform that can adapt to almost any table game, and GFL Media, featuring e-FX table displays.

New additions to the range

include the 21-inch Punto Banco Display, the 23-inch Portrait and Landscape displays and Multi Table Display which can show statistics, game results and animations simultaneously for up to four different tables on one screen.

On show for the first time at ICE will be the full Blaze LED surface technology suite for rRoulette, Sic bo and Money Wheel. Blaze is a sophisticated illumination system designed to add excitement and entertainment for players and increase security on the casino floor. The system features a slimline, energy efficient LED matrix fitted below the cloth surface of the gaming table.

Attraction sequences, winning number highlights and dynamic light displays

are fully customisable and integrate with e-FX displays and Gaming Floor Live.

The Saturn Auto wheel, also sees its launch and is the latest addition to the company’s world-renowned roulette wheel range. The Saturn Auto wheel is designed to sit perfectly on any live roulette table as it has the same footprint as a standard Saturn Wheel.

Integrating fully with Gaming Floor Live, Saturn Auto incorporates a patented ball firing mechanism, which has the flexibility to operate as a fully automated wheel using fixed betting cycles, driven by a third party system (ETG) or controller via a manual launch button.

STAND: S5-250

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Preview

AMATIC INDUSTRIES / EURO GAMES TECHNOLOGY

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

AMATIC INDUSTRIES C24 UPRIGHT | HOT 81 EURO GAMES TECHNOLOGY PREMIER SERIES | STORK TERMINALS

EURO GAMES TECHNOLOGY

An event like no other for EGT

G AMATIC INDUSTRIES

Amatic Industries has something for everyone Amatic will premiere its new three-monitor C24 upright cabinet at next month’s ExCeL show. ustrian gaming machine and multiplayer roulette stalwart Amatic Industries will be at London’s ExCeL next month for ICE to showcase its entire portfolio of solutions including its new C24 cabinet alongside the Hot 81, Red Chili and Square Fruits games.

Amatic Industries will be exhibiting its Performer Grand Arc slant-top three-monitor cabinet alongside the new C24 upright, which is the latest in its Performer series and features a trio of 24-inch monitors.

The Rutzenmoos-based innovator will additionally have the new V24 AWP cabinet on display, which also comes equipped with 24-inch monitors and is billed as the ‘perfect solution for gaming arcades or stand-alone operations in bars’.

“We continue to focus on our highly regarded games range,” read a statement from Amatic Industries.

“Our understanding of the international player has allowed our team to regularly create new games in varying themes. This year’s ICE will continue this tradition and we will be presenting a variety of new games that will have their international pre-

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miere at the ICE. Visitors will be able to discover many more exciting games at the show with something for everyone on our stand, especially when these are integrated into one of our multi-game configurations.”

Amatic Industries is also excited about showing off its Roulette Grand Jeu 22WS integrated dual wheel electronic roulette machine. Built for around-the-clock play, this unit is made of the finest materials and incorporates only the best electronic components such as 22-inch monitors. Available in five, six or eight-player configurations, the Roulette Grand Jeu 22WS can be connected to other terminals while competitors can select to compete at one or two wheels depending on their local legislation.

“The beauty of being a designer and manufacturer of electronic gaming and roulette machines is the possibility of marrying solutions together in order to bring true added value to both players and operators,” read the statement from Amatic Industries.

“The Grand Jeu electronic roulette machine range has one thing in common; operators can additionally offer players multi-game slot games.”

As if all of this wasn’t enough, Amatic Industries will also display its Solitaire electronic roulette wheel, which it declared is the ‘perfect solution’ for operators looking for a space-saving roulette solution that can also be easily connected with its gaming terminals.

“The attractive design of the Solitaire embodies Amatic Industries’ passion for style,” the company declared.

“All of our electronic roulettes will be on display at ICE complete with faster number recognition than ever before. This means more hands per hour and subsequently more turnover and more profit. Number recognition now takes less than a second, which makes Grand Jeu electronic roulettes one of the quickest in the industry.”

STAND: S3-150 44 | casinoreview January 2015

aming machine innovator Euro Games Technology (EGT) will be at ICE in London next month to premier a large number of new products including an impressive jackpot system in addition to a range of multi-game mixes.

The Bulgarian firm is to use its stand to also launch a new trio of slot cabinets from its Premier series while showing off diverse configurations of its Stork terminals featuring bingo as well as live and automated roulette wheels.

In league with its principle of providing 360-degree solutions for every aspect of the casino market, EGT is to cap its ICE appearance by demonstrating a multitude of online games with many available to enjoy on the go.

“I’m thrilled to say that ICE 2015 is expected to be a show like no other for EGT,” said Stanislav Stanev, sales and marketing director for Sofia-based EGT. “We will welcome visitors with an overwhelming variety of new developments from all of our product divisions encompassing slot machines, multiplayer solutions and interactive games.

There will be not only renewals but completely new series and types of products backed up with state-of-the-art improvements in hardware, software and design.

“We will not be modest. We can’t be. EGT is growing faster than ever before due to our market coverage, know-how, portfolio, business potential and manufacturing capacity.

We aim for the best and I am confident that our display during ICE 2015 will be considered a must-see presentation by visitors.”

STAND: S3-130

London, 3rd - 5th Feb. Booth S3-150

www.amatic.com

THE SLANT TOP

CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:56 Page 9

Preview

ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES / SUZO-HAPP

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES HELIX CABINETS | DIAMOND DYNASTY SUZO-HAPP BILL TO BILL NOTE RECYCLER | CUBE FLOW

ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES

SUZO-HAPP

Aristocrat foresees a ‘step change’ in ICE content

60th birthday celebrations for SuzoHapp at ICE

Developer Aristocrat Technologies will be at ExCeL in February to launch more than 60 new games into the European market. lobal games developer Aristocrat Technologies will be at ICE to launch more than 60 new games into the EMEA market with the majority set to be hosted on the firm’s range of Helix cabinets.

Aristocrat Technologies declared that Helix offers “a whole new dimension of gaming” that is encapsulated in a sleek, sensuous and futuristic cabinet with enhanced audio-visual capabilities, advanced processing power and refined aesthetics and ergonomics and that is an ideal vehicle to parade its player-centric gaming segments.

“Coinciding with the introduction of this supreme machine, Aristocrat is making a step change in the game content it provides,” said Donal Maguire, European sales and marketing director for Aristocrat Technologies.

“Leveraging the key learnings from the hugely successful E-Series family of games, the very best elements of their maths, video animations and audio effects have been integrated into two new families, the J-Series Jackpot games and C-Series Core games. All three families will feature an extraordinary array of innovative concepts whose massive player appeal will become very quickly evident to visitors to our stand at ICE. “Max Stacks was a powerhouse game mechanic behind much of the E-Series success in 2014, starting with the Sky Rider and Temple of the Tiger game families and compounded by later models, Moon Maidens and Pearl Warriors, incorporating Double-Up and Triple-Up features. The next chapter in the story, Flowers of Babylon, takes this theme to the next level with addition of a threelevel standalone jackpot over base games Heart of Iris and Lily of the Nile.”

Following the most recent release in its E-Series family, Magic Flower, Aristocrat Technologies will be using ICE to bring even more exploding reels action to EMEA gaming floors with a pair of new titles under the Diamond Dynasty theme, Heart of Eternity and Star of the East, while its 3 Emperors titles continue this theme offering a triple standalone progressive overhead jackpot.

The E-Series Mega Symbol range is also getting a boost with the introduction of two new families with the first being The Goddess Sisters incorporating Queen Coral and Viper Princess. Extending this concept further, the Sacred Guardians family pushes

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Technologies will additionally premiere two more Quickfire Jackpots games to European visitors at ICE in Panda Paradise and Pharaoh’s Ransom while additionally launching its Gold Pays four-level jackpot concept complete with the Golden Festival and Golden Princess variants.

Aristocrat Technologies stated that its core Player’s Choice multigames, Deluxe and Diamond Edition, have ‘gained tremendous traction throughout EMEA over the last twelve months’ and this is set to continue with the release at ICE of three similar packages in Sapphire, Gold and the highdenomination Ultra.

There will also be a new format for the C-Series’ Wonder 4 complete with a spinning wheel and overhead jackpots for each of its four multi-play games, Buffalo Deluxe, Miss Kitty, Wicked Winnings II and Wild Panda, as well as an overarching grand jackpot.

There will moreover be a third Mega Reel Power game in Celtic Queen while ICE is to see the launch of the new Mega Line Power sister category brandishing the Silver Wolf and Downtown Diamonds titles.

Finally, underlining the transformation of Aristocrat Technologies’ core games segment, a further four CSeries families will be unveiled on the show floor encompassing Super Feature games Fortunes of Atlantis and Sunset King. Joining these will be Super Wheel Blast titles Lion of Venice and Miss Liberty as well as Extra Bonus Wilds games Birds of Pay and Wild Lepre’Coins followed by the configurable standalone Wild Inferno and Wild Wings progressives.

“The combined effect of Aristocrat’s 2015 portfolio of E-Series, JSeries and C-Series games is simply awesome and a ‘must have’ for any operator looking to grow their gaming revenues over the next twelve months,” said Maguire.

“Add to this the ‘Helix factor’ and a slew of new jaw-dropping gaming operations centrepieces, of which more will be revealed in the final weeks before the show, and what we have here really does go beyond the next level. It will take players and operators into a completely new dimension.”

the limit one more step with the addition of a four-level standalone progressive jackpot.

F u r t h e r demonstrating the continued innovation from this range will be the launch of the new E-Series Romance of Fire and Rain family offering Dual Reels technology and a five-level standalone progressive incorporating the Heart of Fire and Strength of Rain games.

Aristocrat Technologies stated that its JSeries Jackpot family has just begun hitting gaming floors in Europe with Jackpot Streak games Garden of Amazon and Sparkling Royal joining Quickfire Jackpots titles Electric Boogaloo and Golden Peach in showing early signs of popularity.

As if all of this wasn’t enough, Aristocrat STAND: S2-250

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aming, amusement and vending parts and accessories distributor Suzo-Happ is celebrating its 60th birthday this year and will be marking the occasion at the upcoming ICE show in London with one of its largest ever portfolios.

The European section of SuzoHapp was established way back in 1955 and the company will be at the ExCel to show off its extended product range, which includes the Bill-To-Bill bank note recycler alongside its Cube, Flow and Evolution hoppers and Xenon LED, Towerlight and Video toppers.

Suzo-Happ will additionally exhibit a range of RBG lightstrips designed to brighten up any slot machine in addition to its portfolio of pushbuttons including those utilising liquid crystal display technologies.

ICE 2015 will moreover mark the first time products from Italian change machine manufacturer Comesterogroup and printer firm TransAct Technologies have been exhibited by Suzo-Happ in London. Visitors will be able to check out a wide range of international and nation-specific solutions from Comesterogroup such as the Rock and Swing machines in addition to the Pro range encompassing the Jolly and Dual Coin models while those on show from TransAct will embrace the Epic 950 printer and the Epicentral promotional software system.

“We are in a celebratory mood,” said Harald Wagemaker from Suzo-Happ (pictured). “Please come and toast to our 60 years in business at ICE and then take the opportunity to see just how much we can do for you.”

STAND: N4-110

CR147-p32-48-ICE preview_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 15:52 Page 10

Preview

ABBIATI CASINO EQUIPMENT / E-GAMING

ICE 2015

ICE Totally Gaming 3-5 February 2015

ABBIATI TIE CHIPS | CHIPS & PLAQUES E-GAMING UPRIGHT CABINET | ONLINE PLATFORM

ABBIATI CASINO EQUIPMENT

E-GAMING

Abbiati has it all for ICE 2015

New innovations from e-gaming

aming equipment developer and manufacturer Abbiati Casino Equipment will be at ICE 2015 next month to exhibit its complete portfolio of products including chips, plaques, jetons, roulette wheels, tables, multimedia winning number displays, shufflers and sorters incorporating the latest in design and security innovations.

The Italian firm stated that it is especially excited about showing off the new features now being incorporated into its chips, plaques and jetons including 13.56 MHz PJM radio-frequency identification technology and holograms in addition to visible and invisible security pigments.

Turin-based Abbiati will

t ICE 2015, e-gaming, the Czech Republic-based manufacturer of server-based gaming systems, will present numerous new developments for the world gaming industry.

Among the company’s latest innovations is the new Upright cabinet, which features two 23-inch screens with LED technology and a cutting-edge design.

According to e-gaming, many new games will also be demonstrated to the public for

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also premiere its new Tie chips at ICE 2015, which it declared feature multiple injections, see-thru inserts and ‘a combination of intricate and inventive rim and edge inserts’.

As an exclusive global distributor for Modiano, Abbiati Casino Equipment will furthermore present a range of plastic and plastic-coated playing cards incorporating high security features such as tracking mechanisms and barcodes designed specifically for the live online gaming vertical.

Abbiati will also demonstrate its full range of turnkey solutions for live online casino operators, which incorporate dedicated design tables and GLI-25 certified American roulette wheels

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featuring upgraded and patented invisible laser technologies.

“In presenting our line of products to visitors, we want to demonstrate yet again our flexibility and ability to manu-

facture exclusive, high-end and customised equipment,” said Giovanni Abbiati, founder of Abbiati Casino Equipment.

STAND: S5-230

CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS

London premiere for new MEI SCR note recycler ayment solutions manufacturer and supplier Crane Payment Innovations (CPI) will be exhibiting its full product range at ICE 2015 next month including the new MEI SCR note recycler and CashCode one and Money Controls Ardac Elite acceptors.

CPI stated that the MEI SCR, which is set to be rolled out to the European AWP market beginning with Germany later this quarter, has been yielding ‘impressive results across multiple field trials’ and is the latest extension of the SC product line.

The American innovator additionally declared that the MEI SCR combines ‘proven components with new technology’ in order to

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open up ‘new possibilities for what note recycling can offer as part of a total cash management solution’.

“It follows the same winning formula as the CashFlow SC and SC Advance note acceptors, raising performance expectations to deliver a more efficient, secure and cost-effective way to handle cash payments,” read a statement from CPI. The Pennsylvania firm revealed that the MEI SCR’s value proposition begins with utilising the same acceptor head and 600-note cashbox as the SC Advance while a pair of 60-note recycling drums provides it with the capacity to meet diverse

48 | casinoreview January 2015

applications within a small footprint.

Malvern-based CPI will also have a variety of solutions for casino slot machines, AWP applications and video lottery terminals on stand. Alongside the CashCode one and Money Controls Ardac Elite will be the SC Advance and its portfolio of modular extensions encompassing the EasiTrax Web cash management system alongside a variety of cashbox sizes.

CPI will also be displaying the MEI CashFlow 9500 and NRI G-13, v2 eagle, v2 pelicano and v2 colibri coin acceptors next to an assortment of coin hoppers.

the first time at ICE, along with a range of proven titles from 2014.

E-gaming’s latest version of the online platform will also be showcased during the London expo. This new platform, which is available in several languages, has a variety of casino table games, poker and, of course, a complete library of video slots from egaming.

“With this new flexible platform it is also possible to offer third-party game content so that online casino operators have the choice to add games from most of the developers,” the company stated.

“This platform is already online, as egaming offers game content to some online casinos in Belgium. All video slot games can be played on laptops, PCs, tablets and smartphones.”

STAND: N3-320

STAND: N1-450

Around the World in Eighty Days

ICE is where it happens

A key date in our events calendar

We would never miss the ICE show

The most important international show of the year

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SLOTS

GTech brings Sphinx 3D to France The first slot in the True 3D family is now live at four Groupe Partouche casinos including Casino Le Pharaon in Lyon.

GTech has been pioneering its own mini French revolution.

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lot fans in France can now enjoy the first in the True 3D family from developer GTech after operator Groupe Partouche premiered 24 Sphinx 3D games at four of its casinos.

Based on the successful Sphinx theme and the first game of its kind to use a glasses-free three-dimensional display, Sphinx 3D slots housed in the Axxis cabinet are now available for the first time in France at Groupe Partouche casinos in Lyon, Pornichet, Aix-enProvence and Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.

“We have chosen GTech’s Sphinx 3D machines because they are a true innovation,” said Fabrice Paire, gen-

GTech debuts My Choice in Latin America

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eral director for Groupe Partouche.

“For our locations, it is the perfect highlight on the slots floor with lots of potential to create very strong external communication around it. The eye-catching exterior of the Axxis cabinet combined with the amazing three-dimensional effects are exactly the kind of product we want to offer our players. We believe that these are the best premium machines.”

Using patented and award-winning three-dimensional display advances, Sphinx 3D pairs autostereoscopic technology with eye-tracking innovations to constantly adjust on-screen images based on a player’s line of sight.

This generates high-resolution likenesses that seem to leap off of the screen while GTech declared that the

housing of the game in the Axxis cabinet creates ‘a sense of personal space’ and ‘maximises player comfort’ to produce an ‘all-encompassing threedimensional experience’.

“The feedback we are receiving from operators as well as players is extremely positive,” said Marcel Heutmekers, commercial gaming international vice-president for GTech.

“Players are enjoying the threedimensional effects as they enhance the typical gaming experience and add an extra level of excitement. The efficiency of the installation as well as the customer satisfaction has demonstrated our team’s professionalism and commitment. We are looking forward to introducing more True 3D titles to the industry in the months to come.”

Tech has launched its new My Choice multigame in Latin American after inking a supply deal with Peruvian operator Nevada/Alpamayo Group.

Nevada/Alpamayo Group operates over 10,000 slots in 113 casinos spread across Peru and the My Choice multigame is to be placed in 13 of its Money Money and Fargo venues housed in the new prodiGi Vu cabinet developed exclusively for Latin America.

“GTech has developed a strategic partnership with our group, not only through consistent technical support but also marketing support and ongoing development analysis of each product in its portfolio including the My Choice multigame,” said Felix Rosenberg, president and CEO for Nevada/Alpamayo Group.

“We’re pleased that GTech offers this support not only in Lima but at all our locations, many of which are in remote provinces far from the capital city.”

The My Choice multigame comes complete with nine game suites each with four distinct titles from the developer’s core Spielo library including player favourites from around the world.

For its part, the prodiGi Vu cabinet is controlled by the sensys EP platform and features dual highdefinition 22-inch liquid crystal display screens, optimised multichannel sound and light settings designed to attract players.

“We are proud to be the first in Latin America to offer GTech’s My Choice multigame in our halls,” said Andrea Pino, CFO for Nevada/Alpamayo Group.

INSTALLATION

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Premier installation for South Africa’s Emperors Palace 52 | casinoreview January 2015

ulgarian gaming machine firm Euro Games Technology (EGT) has installed eight of its Premier series P24/24 Up upright slots at the Emperors Palace Hotel and Casino in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Sofia-based developer stated that its P24/24 Up slots, which were distributed into South Africa for the first time with help from local firm distributor Custom Gaming Solutions, have added to the ‘timeless classical elegance and sheer excitement’ of the venue next to OR Tambo International Airport and are proving to be the ‘preferable choice’ for operators.

EGT declared that its P24/24 Up cabinet comes with a pair of 24-inch screens while the technology is driven by the new Exciter II

platform complete with the Premier Multi-3 game mix consisting of 39 multi-denominational titles that can be changed to suit an individual operators specifications.

“Custom Gaming Solutions and EGT are very pleased with the reception these machines have received,” said Steve Diversi from Custom Gaming Solutions.

“The newly delivered bank on the main floor of Emperors Palace is proving to be incredibly popular with customers. Peermont Global, the hospitality and gaming company that operates the venue, is extremely satisfied with the P24s so far and this new installation increases the number of EGT products on the gaming floor at the Emperors Palace and sits alongside already on-site Vega Vision Up cabinets.”

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ACQUISITION

PRODUCT LAUNCH

Novomatic notches up another acquisition F

Ainsworth brings new cabinet to London

ollowing its purchase of Dutch gaming equipment developer and distributor Elam Group in November, Austrian giant Novomatic has now announced that its Novomatic Gaming Spain subsidiary has acquired a majority shareholding in GiGames.

Gumpoldskirchen-based Novomatic is one of the world’s largest gaming groups and stated that GiGames, which is a Spanish gaming machine manufacturer, and operator Conei Group, are now ‘confident of ensuring continued growth as APPOINTMENTS manufacturers and distributors’ while additionally expanding and improving their product offerings.

“Novomatic management is convinced that the long-standing experience of GiGames and the Conei Group, as a local and successful manufacturer and operator, will greatly help the company to consolidate and further enhance its future market position in the Spanish gaming sector, [which is] clearly acknowledged to be one of the most important gaming markets in Europe,” read a stateRick Meitzler ment from Novomatic.

Major appointments for Novomatic Americas

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aming machine group Novomatic has promoted Rick Meitzler and Lawrence Levy to new positions, as it seeks to strengthen and enhance its management capabilities in North, Central and South America.

The Austria-based developer, manufac-

turer and operator has promoted Meitzler from his previous role as North America sales vice-president to Americas sales president, and he will now handle every jurisdiction in North America including Canada, while additionally having responsibility for the firm’s Cruise Line and Caribbean market sectors.

The group has also appointed Lawrence Levy to the post of general manager for its Crown Gaming Peru subsidiary and he will now take over the running of this important enterprise throughout Central and South America.

“With these important changes, Novomatic signals its clear commitment to successfully engage and expand in markets across all the Americas, South, Central and North, and to further enhance Novomatic’s position as a global market leader,” read a statement from Novomatic.

PRIZES

LT Game confirms Paradise jackpot payout

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T Games revealed that a customer at the Kam Pek Paradise Casino, Macau, has won the maximum cash prize on its Machine Paradise live multi-game jackpot.

Deputy general manager Jack Lau, praising the win, announced that Mr Ng had won HK$2,281,226 (E244,320) on the Baccarat-based progressive machine. Following the presentation of a cheque and

a further prize of a custom motorcycle, Lau said that Mr Ng and the staff at Kam Pek Paradise Casino would jointly donate MOP 80,000 (E8,326) to Tung Sin Tong, a local community support charity.

The award follows a MOP5 0,000 (E5,203) donation made to the charity organisation by Jay Chun (pictured), chairman of Paradise Entertainment and chief operating officer of LT Game, Betty Zhao as representatives of LT Game Limited in support of the charity’s Walk of Million event, staged in association with the Macao

Daily News. As a result of his “ongoing passion and contribution to the charity”, the readers of the newspaper named Jay Chun as the Honorary Advisor for the Charity Fund.

In a statement, LT Game said that it is pleased to give its ongoing support to the Tung Sin Tong foundation, which it has been involved with since 2012, and is dedicated to assuming and implementing corporate social responsibility, especially to support local community and society’s development.

insworth Game Technology will be in London next month for ICE Totally Gaming to present its newest cabinet, the A560 SL. With a 32-inch High Definition display, 19-inch LCD Topper option for Jackpot promotion, premium surround sound technology and ‘sky high’ stacks, the new A560 SL will also feature an entertainment package comprised of Rumble Rumble, Big Bang Bucks, Flying Horse, King Cat, Fire Wizard, Ice Wizard, Power Fruit 7’s and Mega Fruit 7’s.

Robert Dijkstra, managing director of Ainsworth, said: “This is going to be a very exciting year for Ainsworth. We have pushed the boundaries of technology with our A560 SL cabinet to ensure that players receive an enhanced gaming experience, and we are looking forward to sharing this new product at ICE 2015.”

A new line-up of themes for Ainsworth Game Technology’s core Game Plus library will also be on offer at ICE, including Quad Shot, Double Hit, Play 40/50/100 Lines, Wheel Winner, Multi Win and High Denom.

A i n s w o r t h ’s group general manager strategy and development Scott Clarebrough called the lineup a combination of “innovative game mechanics and hardware, and exceptionally entertaining math models” that have been designed to provide enhanced player experiences and create excitement on any gaming floor.

“We will be showcasing our most exciting and diverse product portfolio to-date at ICE on our booth,” he said.

“The new products on display will once again demonstrate the creative and innovative edge Ainsworth brings to its product design and development,” he added.

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SYSTEMS

TESTING

Shoshone Rose Casino selects Synkros

BMM announces approval from CONAJZAR

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Popular Wyoming venue, the Shoshone Rose Casino, is to replace itsexisting casino management system with Konami Gaming innovation as part of Spring expansion programme. he Shoshone Rose Casino in Lander, Wyoming, has signed a deal that will see it install the Synkros innovation from slot machine and casino management systems designer and manufacturer Konami Gaming.

The 325-machine casino along US Highway 287 is set to begin an expansion project in the Spring and will subsequently utilise the casino management system and its suite of marketing capabilities, operational efficiency functions and

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customer experience enhancements across more than 500 games.

“The Synkros system was chosen after careful review of all casino management systems,” said Robert Pokorney, general manager for the Shoshone Rose Casino.

“I have completed Synkros installations at two other properties I have managed so I am already familiar with what Konami Gaming can do for a gaming property.”

Owned and operated by

the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, the Shoshone Rose Casino is located along the Wind River mountain range on a route frequented by visitors to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Already one of the most popular casino and entertainment destinations in Wyoming, the upcoming expansion will also include the addition of hotel and more restaurants alongside other new leisure and entertainment amenities.

“The Shoshone Rose Casino wanted to enhance

the player experience for all of its customers and, by using Synkros solutions such as the Advanced Incentives Bonusing Engine, it is able to customise dozens of unique rewards for greater excitement and ‘time on device’ for all levels of players,” said Clark Warren, systems sales senior director for Las Vegas-based Konami Gaming.

“Another enhancement accompanying the Synkros installation is the addition of True Time Tournaments,

an innovative and systemdelivered slot tournament series that turns regular video slot machines into tournament games without additional set up, optioning or shut-down. It allows for both on-demand and traditional synchronised tournament games so the property can offer its players a variety of bonus promotions in whatever frequency the campaign allows. It helps set them apart and creates more reasons for players to frequent Shoshone Rose Casino.”

ami Gaming stating that the selection of Synkros will see it introduce a ‘comprehensive selection of leading systems innovations’.

“As markets in Victoria continue to get more competitive with the introduction of loyalty and pre-commitment, Synkros empowers leading venue operators to continue to establish a unique competitive edge,” said Jay Bertsch, business development senior manager for Kon-

ami Gaming.

“Specifically, the system-delivered bonusing and an advanced level of customer segmenting to help empower venues with the tools required to standout and zero-in on critical audiences that directly impact longterm positioning in the market. This coupled with the backing and knowledge delivered by PVS places the venues supported by PVS at the very forefront of the Victorian market.”

Richard Whitehouse, director for PVS, declared that the analytical capabilities of Synkros innovation will permit his firm to ‘have a

more complete view of our venue’s customers’.

“We will have the ability to offer more customised and, therefore, appealing rewards to individual patrons,” said Whitehouse.

“Synkros offers PVS a robust set of the latest marketing and player loyalty capabilities that our venues until now have never been able to leverage. PVS managed venues and their customers will now be able to benefit from a wide variety bonuses and offers while leveraging Synkros’ integrated monitoring across gaming and non-gaming services.”

SYSTEMS

PVS selects Konami Gaming’s Synkros solution

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he Australian division of Konami Gaming has signed a deal that will see gaming machine operator Progressive Venue Services (PVS) utilise its Synkros player loyalty and marketing system at 15 contracted locations in the state of Victoria.

Melbourne-based PVS manages and supports more than 1,500 electronic gaming machines across 30 venues in Australia’s second richest state with Kon-

54 | casinoreview January 2015

MM Testlabs has received approval and test lab registration from the Paraguayan gaming commission.

The registration with La Comisión Nacional de Juegos de Azar (CONAJZAR) covers devices and systems for gaming and lottery.

Travis Foley, executive vice president of operations for BMM Americas, said: “We are very pleased to confirm that BMM is now accredited in Paraguay through this recent approval from CONAJZAR. “BMM will continue to support the regulators and operators in the South American market and we are looking forward to expanding our services into Paraguay.”

Drew Pawlak, senior vice president of business development for the testlab, added: “BMM has provided testing and certification services to the Latin America region for over 10 years, and we will continue to offer this support as regulated gaming in the region continues to expand.”

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BMM TESTLABS / GAMEACCOUNT NETWORK / GTECH / KONAMI GAMING / WMS GAMING Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MASS MARKET GAMES, LEADS BLOOMBERG TO PROJECT STRONG GROWTH TO RETURN

SIMULATED GAMING

GameAccount inks Simulated Gaming deal fter recently signing a deal that will see Philadelphia’s Parx Casino utilise its Simulated Gaming online games innovation, developer GameAccount Network has now inked an agreement that will see the service feature HTML5 titles from Spin Games.

Reno-based Spin Games is to have its remote games server integrated into the GameStack system relied upon by casinos for the operation of Simulated Gaming in order to offer a range of new mobile-optimised games including

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video slots and poker in addition to keno variants.

“Spin Games has developed a strong mobile-first portfolio of HTML5 games content including a wide range of video poker, slots and keno likely to appeal to casino patrons online,” said Dermot Smurfit (pictured), CEO of GameAccount Network.

“As our first remote gaming server integration for Simulated Gaming in the United States, we’re delighted to distribute Spin Games’ gaming content across our growing network of major US casino opera-

tors engaged in offering Simulated Gaming to their casino patrons.”

Launched a year ago specifically for land-based casinos in advance of prospective regulation, Simulated Gaming offers an online gamingas-entertainment service

complete with a portfolio of slot, table and skill-based games such as poker, backgammon, gin rummy, poker dice and blackjack alongside a range of monetisation features.

“GameAccount has deployed its Internet gaming system for various major casinos in the United States, into diverse regulated-real money Internet gaming markets including New Jersey and represents a compelling distribution opportunity for Spin Games’ HTML5 gaming content,” said Kent Young, CEO for Reno-based Spin Games.

JACKPOTS Slot fan become Willy Wonka millionaire

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slot fan in Las Vegas hit the wide-area progressive jackpot tied to the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory game from developer WMS last month to become an instant millionaire.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory offers bonus rounds drawn straight

from the classic film with the unnamed player banking a cash prize of just over $1.1m (E893,300) while enjoying a few spins at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

GTech’s King Kong Cash pays first WAP jackpot in Perue

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Tech’s King Kong Cash has paid out its first Wide Area Progressive (WAP) jackpot in Peru, at Lima’s Money Money Casino. Available in Peru at casinos operated by the Nevada/Alpamayo Group, and presented exclusively on GTech’s e-motion cabinets, King Kong Cash WAP paid the lucky winner $9,000.

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Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

SUMMIT

ONLINE GAMING

Euro Games Technology supports Slot Summit Europe

Grupo R Franco hoping to enter Spanish online gaming market

or the second consecutive year, gaming machine developer and manufacturer Euro Games Technology (EGT) served as a gold sponsor for the Slot Summit Europe, which was held from November 25-27 at the Hotel Casino Barriere in Lille, France.

Sofia-based EGT recently installed eight of its Premier series P24/24 Up upright slots at the Emperors Palace Hotel and Casino in Johannesburg, South Africa, and

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stated that the Slot Summit Europe saw over 150 of the world’s most prestigious operators, analysts, regulators, associations and suppliers sharing expertise on how to maximise revenues while analysing the market’s ‘key opportunities and issues’.

“We highly appreciated the networking aspect of Slot Summit Europe and being able to meet with visitors from Belgium, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Lebanon, Malta and Portugal,” said

S advantages of Slot Summit Europe have their roots in its genuine atmosphere that is nothing like the busy schedule rhythms we all experience during G2E or ICE. We had enough time available to feel comfortBorislav Prokopiev, sales able communicating with manager in France for our colleagues.”

EGT. EGT used the French “During the event we event to showcase a porlaid the groundwork for tion of its product portfolio new business relationships including the Egypt Quest and sales and were able to progressive jackpot sysmeet face-to-face with tem alongside a multisome of the leading author- player configuration of its ities in the industry. The Stock terminals complete

with an automated roulette wheel.

“Slot machines sales in France are growing slowly but surely,” said Prokopiev.

“Land-based casinos are gradually shifting their preferences from coin incoin out to ticket in-ticket out systems but the process is unfortunately being slowed by the still excessive amounts of old models within the country.

In comparison, Germany and Switzerland are renewing their machine park at a higher pace.”

CONTENT

Playtech signs BetIt brands Thrills and SuperLenny to its Open Platform Fast-growing Nordic brands gain access to the industry’s most cutting-edge gaming content. Playtech is enjoying an expansive moment. laytech has announced that BetIt brands Thrills.com and SuperLenny.com have both joined its Open Platform. The Nordic-facing websites have gone live with an initial 29 games, consisting primarily of in-house designed Playtech and Ash Gaming titles. The multi-channel gaming software supplier said it will also provide both BetIt brands with ongoing support, which includes realtime content and competitor performance league tables in order to "maintain and drive" innovation and performance.

“We’re delighted BetIt has selected the Playtech Open Platform to offer their players exclu-

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sive, best-of-breed content,” Steve Schrier, VP of Sales, Playtech, said.

“Both Thrills.com and SuperLenny.com are growing rapidly, particularly in the Nordic market, and we’re confident this will significantly strengthen their expansion plans.”

The Isle of Man-based tech company revealed that, under terms of the deal, BetIt will be able to select from a range of classic table and card games, progressive jackpots, scratch cards and fixed odds games from it’s in-house content studios as well as from more than 30 of the gaming industry’s largest online and land-based suppliers.

Playtech’s content library includes

56 | casinoreview January 2015

a selection of classic slot games, multi-line video slots and premium branded slots with movie themes such as Gladiator, War of the Worlds, The Marvel Series, Rocky and Pink Panther.

Henric Andersson, COO, BetIt Group, added: “Access to the Playtech Open Platform enables us to be among the first to offer new and exciting games to our fast growing community of players at any time, across any channel and on any device.”

The Malta-based BetIt Group launched Thrills.com in late 2013 with SuperLenny.com following shortly after in early 2014. It sold 15 per cent of its shares to multi-

national sports betting and gaming group GVC in May 2014 for a total of €3.5m as part of an ongoing international expansion strategy. Under terms of the deal, which values BetIt at around €23m, GVC has the option to purchase the remaining 85 per cent in 2017 at a minimum price of €70m.

The news comes amid ongoing speculation that Playtech is currently preparing to make a major deal in the gaming arena. Following the launch of a £315 bond issue in November, the gaming group has amassed a ‘war chest’ of nearly £365m, which analysts are predicting is in preparation for a major acquisition.

panish gaming machine supplier Grupo R Franco wants to enter its home nation’s online gaming space and has participated in the most recent round of tenders by applying for several new licences.

Ahead of the licensing process, the Madrid-based firm stated that it wanted to participate in the virtual market due to the vertical’s ‘tremendous development’ with a new R Franco Digital subsidiary being led by new business development chief Alejandro Casanova.

Grupo R Franco declared that its move into online gambling was a ‘logical step’ while its subsidiary has now applied for licences to offer online sportsbetting as well as games such as slots, roulette, blackjack and baccarat.

In order to enter the online gaming market, Spain’s Direccion General de Ordenacion del Juego (DGOJ) regulator requires prospective operators to apply for one to three general licences while they may also request single permits for specific games. The authority revealed that last month’s tendering process saw twelve new operators file applications for 20 general licences including nine for betting while there was an additional 32 productspecific applications lodged.

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INSTALLATIONS

AWARDS

Latin American success for Casino Technology

TCS wins innovation award

ulgarian gaming machine developer and manufacturer Casino Technology has recently had its products installed at a trio of Latin American casinos in Panama, Chile and Peru.

The Sofia-based firm revealed that Casino Luckia in the northern suburbs of Lima, which is operated by local firm EGASA, now offers its Gamopolis Highway 24 multigame innovation in the Sensa cabinet. This is only the latest successful installation in Peru with the series also on the floors of Mega Casino, Mega Tragamonedas, Casino Maximus and the new Casino Pachanga.

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“The acquiring of Casino Technology’s top products by Casino Lukia was celebrated with a tournament for players who were able to see for themselves the huge diversity of game types, maths models and bonus options of the Gamopolis series,” read a statement from Casino Technology.

“This casino is located in Mega Plaza shopping centre in northern Lima and it’s a popular destination for customers looking for worldclass entertainment. Casino Technology already has an established image in Peru as a manufacturer of innovative and high-quality casino solu-

tions and our Sensa and Tangra cabinet lines with the Gamopolis series can be seen installed in leading casinos across the country.”

Casino Technology has also had success in Panama with Hilton Hotels and Resorts selecting its Gamopolis 25 and 26 series in the Sensa Plus cabinet and 7 Wonders of the World games suite for installation at its latest Panama City casino.

These successes were preceded by Chile’s Casino De Vina Del Mar, which is managed by Enjoy, signing a deal for several Gamopolis Highway 60 and 61 series also in the Sensa Plus cabinet.

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ive gaming specialist TCS John Huxley received an innovation award at the 2014 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards, which were held in Singapore on December 9.

The awards are a global initiative, led by Marina Bay Sands’ corporate headquarters in Las Vegas. They reward exemplary providers and suppliers that demonstrate outstanding success in their work.

Team members of the integrated resort nominated various organisations that were then placed through two rounds of judging. TCS John Huxley was the only winner within the gaming industry.

The reward acknowledged the UK-based company’s solutions that

work seamlessly with the integrated resort in areas including in-house innovation and product development, consistently providing Marina Bay Sands with innovative solutions, prompt service, personalised research and development and technical support.

Tristan Sjöberg, executive chairman of TCS John Huxley, said: “We continually strive to provide innovative solutions and unparalleled service to our customers and this award is great recognition of what we’ve worked so hard to achieve. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Las Vegas Sands group to help them realise their strategic vision and operational goals.”

www.msi.com/ipc

ipcsales@msi.com

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EXHIBITION

PAYMENT SYSTEMS

Aruze bringing ‘proven performance’ to ICE

International demand drives GeWeTe forward

aming machine designer and manufacturer Aruze Gaming America will use next month’s ICE 2015 to continue growing its European footprint by exhibiting new titles in four of its six products lines.

The Las Vegas-based firm revealed that its latest additions will be in the G-Series and GDeluxe video lines, the Ultra Stack series and Innovator and I-Deluxe stepper lines and centre on showing off what its ‘proven performance’ tagline really means.

Sure to occupy a prominent position on the ExCel stand will be new titles for the GSeries video products

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including the 243-waysto-win and four-level progressive jackpot Extreme Progressive series, the 1,024-waysto-win Stackin’ series featuring three types of video play mechanics and Ultra Stack with several first-time themes.

Also to be on show in London will be additions to the G-Deluxe platform from Aruze Gaming America encompassing five-reel video gameplay, mega top boxes, and numerous ‘events and anticipations’ such as Dark Samurai and Mermaid Fantasy, each with a large top wheel used to determine which of five bonuses is awarded.

Aruze Gaming Amer-

ica stated that it will also showcase both models of its Innovator stepper featuring Radiant Reels, which it called ‘a revolutionary spin on stepper technology’ complete with large reels, multicoloured LED lights and variable spin speeds designed to ‘build player anticipation for winning combinations’.

The American firm’s stand will also see the Innovator Deluxe platform exhibited with top boxes and new themes alongside the G-Station product line with the multi-station Lucky Big Wheel electronic table game.

STAND: S3-201

PRODUCT LAUNCH

James Cameron’s Avatar Treasure of Pandora comes to Germany ast month saw slot aficionados in Germany welcome the latest video slot innovation from developer International Game Technology (IGT), James Cameron’s Avatar Treasures of Pandora, to the nation’s Casino Stuttgart and Casino Baden-Baden.

Inspired by one of the world’s highestgrossing films, the award-winning James Cameron’s Avatar Treasures of Pandora is housed in the CrystalCore cabinet and transports players into the middle of some of their favourite movie moments via a 42inch touchscreen display.

The first time IGT’s Premium Plus content has been made available in Germany, James Cameron’s Avatar Treasures of Pan-

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58 | casinoreview January 2015

dora comes complete with a player panel and a ‘super button’ for easier wagering. The game also boasts a unique ‘merge’ feature where the two base games come together to create a 7,666 ways to win.

“The introduction of IGT’s Premium Plus portfolio in Germany represents a pivotal step in further propelling gaming entertainment in the region,” said Sabby Gill, international sales senior vice-president for IGT. “IGT is deeply committed to our customers and their players in this region and placing titles such as Avatar gives operators a tool to drive coin-in and elicit player excitement.”

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oney changing and payment systems specialist GeWeTe will assert its commitment to the global market at London’s upcoming ICE by exhibiting its full range of cash handling products and children’s rides.

The Gauselmann Group subsidiary is to display its complete range of change machines on stand S6-240 at ExCeL from February 3-5 including its Cash Recycler, Coin Recycler, Cash Centre Compact and WGS200 models, which could see their popularity grow even further as the VLT market in Europe becomes ever more established.

The Germany firm stated that it has placed ‘particular focus’ on the British market and has recently installed more PC-based machines than in previous years while it is now well placed to offer ‘a very flexible and secure cash handling system’ to support operators as the popularity of ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) continues to grow.

“Our European team is growing continually as we have offices in Italy, Spain and the UK alongside our core market in Germany,” said Aristidis Tsikouras, Managing Director for Espelkamp-based GeWeTe. “We have sold tens of thousands of change machines throughout the world and can look back on more than 22 years of experience. Our customers know and trust our ‘made in Germany’ technology. We have so much to offer and have a great team to support the global market.”

STAND: S6-240

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Listings

GAMEACCOUNT NETWORK / GAMESMAN / INTERBLOCK / TRIPLE CROWN / ZITRO

Business2Business SUPPLIER NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

Gamesman looking forward to its ‘home show’

PARTS & COMPONENTS

I Gaming equipment components and systems manufacturer Gamesman will make its 18th consecutive ICE appearance next month to present its latest solutions and services.

International gaming equipment components and systems manufacturer Gamesman will make its 18th consecutive appearance at ICE next month where it will present its largest ever assortment of off-the-shelf solutions and the bespoke product development services.

UK-based Gamesman is part of the Esterline Corporation and refers to ICE, which will take place this year from February 3-5 at ExCeL, as its ‘home show’.

Its N3-140 stand is also due to be filled with liquid crystal display and touchscreen solutions alongside a wide range of its own push button decks and toppers.

“Exhibitions, and in particular ICE as the most international gathering on the gaming industry’s calendar, provide an opportunity for the entire chain of innovators, suppliers, operators and manufacturers to come together, discuss issues impacting the business in its broadest sense and move forward with

CONTENT GameAccount content comes to Italy

LISTINGS

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60 | casinoreview January 2015

nline gaming content developer GameAccount Network can now offer its full portfolio of desktop and mobile games to players in Italy after signing an integration deal with platform provider Net Entertainment.

Bjorn Krantz (pictured) from Net Entertainment called the agreement a great team effort from both organisations, and revealed that GameAccount content is already live with Eurobet.it and will soon premiere on other Italy-facing sites including SNAI.it and Sisal.it.

LIVE GAMING

an injection of confidence and, in our case, with a raft of new product ideas to work on,” said Mark Smith, managing director for Gamesman, which has a dedicated office in Las Vegas alongside a wholly-owned manufacturing facility in Shenzen, China, to compliment its home site near Gatwick Airport.

With technology at the heart of its business strategy, Gamesman is currently in the process of strengthening the research and development team working out of its West Sussex headquarters.

“Our strategy is to ensure that head count in research and development is always ahead of the number of customer projects we are working on particularly with a growing demand for the development and delivery of bespoke gaming solutions for individual customers,” said Martin Rigby, sales manager for Gamesman.

STAND: N3-140

the G5 MiniStar Roulette with five, eight and 10 player stations; a terminal for Power Tournament support; and other products in the G5 range.

G5 Poker is the latest addition to Interblock’s range. The video poker solution features a variety of titles and is available as a single game or part of a multiplay setup. established in 2009, Triple Crown will attend ExCeL in search of yet more international partners after recently inking a distribution deal with Spain’s Grupo Orenes.

Zitro bringing its range to London

B SUPPLIERS Triple Crown returning to ICE

Upgraded Interblock suite at ICE

I

nterblock, the Slovenia casino equipment manufacturer, marks its 18th visit to ICE Totally Gaming in February.

The company will showcase a range of innovations at the ExCel event, including

E

lectronic roulette specialist Triple Crown will again be at London’s ICE in February to exhibit its full collection of products including those from the eight-player Key One family.

A joint venture of Mozzart and Fazi

ingo and keno innovator Zitro will be at the upcoming ICE showing off its complete range of products including the Bet electronic system and its large network of available prizes.

The Luxembourgbased firm will additionally display the latest advances to its Revolution system in London from February 3-5 while its interactive division is to be on hand with products designed for the online

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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WHY INTERNATIONAL CASINO REVIEW IS THE INDUSTRY’S MEDIA PARTNER OF CHOICE! B

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

C

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%

18.6%

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CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

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995

5.9%

CIRCULATION BREAKDOWN DIGITAL 12,783

CR147-p64-65-Business_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 13:20 Page 1

Business

& City News

DIVESTURE

Gala Coral offloads bingo venues UK gambling operator Gala Coral has decided to lease back its sold clubs and divest the remaining properties before the end of March. eight casinos in addition to two freehold bingo properties for £58m (E73.9m).

The deal leaves Gala Coral with six remaining bingo properties although it declared that it anticipates offloading these ‘in the first quarter’.

However, Nottinghambased Gala Coral is staying on as an operator at the sold properties after signing 25year leases with new landlord M&G Investments while it has additionally made a payment of around £34m (E43.3m) to reduce the rent on these venues by approximately £9m

(E11.4m) to around £15.5m (E19.7m) per year.

Gala Coral revealed that all proceeds from the sale are being used to repay debts and cover costs while the possible sale of its Gala Retail bingo division remains on-going. “[This] announcement is good news for Gala Coral as it further streamlines our financial structure,” said Paul Bowtell, CFO for Gala Coral.

“In addition, the move to current market rents on these clubs for Gala Bingo will enhance the profitability of the business.”

The sale follows Gala Coral posting a nine percent year-on-year increase in total profits for the year to the end of September of £890.1m (E1.13bn) although Gala Retail reported a comparable rise in gross profits of only £100,000 (E127,470) to £204.7m (E260.9m) despite a boost of some £7.7m (E9.8m) in annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to £32.9m (E41.9m).

“The group’s financial performance in the full-year was very pleasing with all major divisions reporting

underlying growth in both gross profit and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation,” said Carl Leaver, CEO for Gala Coral.

“The turnaround in Gala Retail during the year was encouraging with admissions returning to growth and a focus on tight cost controls helping deliver a 30 percent increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. The process to explore a possible sale of Gala Retail was launched in the third quarter and remains ongoing.”

OPERATIONS

MARKETS

APPOINTMENTS

Delta looks to offload Advani stake

AGEM Index highlights November decline

Codere names European COO

A

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

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ritish betting shop operator Gala Coral Group has sold 47 of its bingo properties to M&G Investments, which is a subsidiary of Londonbased Prudential Group, and is due to offload a further five to the financial services firm ‘shortly’ for a total consideration of £173.4m (E221m).

Gala Coral stated that it has been seeking a buyer for the bingo venues through its 2005 Propco Three Limited subsidiary for ‘the last six months’ with the late-December transaction following the earlier sale of its remaining

fter acquiring a 34.87 per cent stake in Advani Hotels and Resorts in 2008 for $36m (E29.4m), Delta Corporation is looking to offload its entire holding in the hotel operator and has appointed Yes Bank to serve as its agent.

Mumbaibased Delta Corp runs two casinos and a pair of hotels in the Indian state of Goa as well as a luxury hotel in the city of Daman while Advani is responsible for The Ramada Caravela Beach Resort at Varca Beach and its Goa Nugget casino.

64 | casinoreview January 2015

he Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has released its Index report for November showing a month-onmonth decline of some 1.41 points or almost one percent to stand at 185.58.

The monthly AGEM Index tracks the performance of stocks for 16 publiclytraded gaming suppliers, with the most recent showing a fall of 7.89 points of 4.1 per cent when compared with the same period in 2013.

AGEM stated that November was the third consecutive month of declines while the purchase of Bally Technologies

by Scientific Games saw the Las Vegasbased manufacturer subsequently removed from the report.

A

lejandro Pascual has been appointed chief operating officer of Codere Europe. Pascual will be responsible for Codere’s business in Italy and Spain, two European countries in which the group is already active but into which it is hoping

CR147-p64-65-Business_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 13:23 Page 2

AMERICAN CASINO AND ENTERTAINMENT PROPERTIES / GALA CORAL / GOOGLE / SCIENTIFIC GAMES Macao Gaming Show November 17-19 2015

MACAO GAMING SHOW 2014: ‘CURRENT MOVEMENT WAS CAUSED IN PART BY A BIG PUSH FOR MASS MARKET VISITORS ON THE PART OF MOST OF THE MAJOR CASINOS [IN MACAU]’. WWW.MACAOGAMINGSHOW.COM ADVERTISING

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Russian regulator fines Google for gambling ads oogle, the world’s leading search engine, found itself in hot water with Russian authorities last month following a complaint regarding illegal online casino advertisements.

Google was fined RUB100,000 (E1,500) and ordered to remove gambling

G

ads from appearing in its future searches by Russia’s Federal Anti-monopoly Service (FAS). The US search engine said the banned advertisements were imlpemented automatically by ‘bots’, which can circumvent AdWords filters.

A Russian internet operator, Yandex, was awarded

the same penalty for a similar infringement just a few months before.

Apart from designated territories - Vladivostok, Altai Territory, Kaliningrad and the Azov Sea/Black Sea area - gambling is banned in Russia, which also holds a stringent stance against online gambling, blocking

Stratosphere owner reverses quarterly loss access to websites by restricting regional ISPs and imposing transactional payment blocks on Russian credit card payments.

A FAS spokesman, citing a Google statement, said: “Unfortunately, in some cases, questionable advertisers attempt to find holes in our filters by various means

and sometimes they succeed. We are constantly improving our system and working on the reliability of our filters.”

In July 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law to allow gambling zones to also be set up in Crimea and Sochi, host of the Winter Olympics earlier in the year.

APPOINTMENTS

Scientific Games names new board members

U

S gaming giant Scientific Games has elected two additional members to its board of directors in Richard Haddrill (pictured) and Gabrielle McDonald.

The previous CEO for Bally Technologies, Haddrill was elected to the board as executive vice-chairman last month following Scientific Games’ earlier purchase of Bally for about $3.3bn (E2.6bn), while former US District Court judge McDonald was

appointed in late October to serve as a director.

“Scientific Games is pleased to welcome two extremely accomplished, talented and highly qualified leaders to our board,” said Gavin Isaacs, president and CEO of Scientific Games.

“Richard is an extraordinary executive who led Bally to record profits and revenues and has a deep background in growing highperforming companies. Gabrielle has an internationally renowned

to expand. He has worked for Codere since 2000, first as director of administration before moving into various management positions in the company’s Italian division.

Meanwhile, Jose Antonio Gonzalez Lainez has been promoted from his position as commercial director for Codere Espana to chief of Spanish operations.

The senior appointments will play a key role in the Spanish gambling operator’s future growth strategy, as the operator sets to turn around its declining financial performance. Codere had reported eight straight consecutive losses and has suffered from failing casino investments in its Latin American business division.

OLG announces new CEO

T

he Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has appointed Stephen Rigby as president and chief executive officer, starting January 5, 2015.

record for integrity and fairness as well as a deep background in law, compliance and international business. Richard and Gabrielle are strong additions to our already outstanding board.”

Scientific Games stated that Haddrill will now focus on assisting the company in “realising its business and financial objectives in connection with the integration of Bally” while additionally assisting in new business development and general strategic guidance.

“Stephen Rigby was chosen for his skills and experience in leading organizational change,” said Philip Olsson, chair of OLG’s board of directors. “Under his leadership, OLG will keep its focus on responsible gambling while building a strong lottery, gaming, charitable gaming and iGaming industry.”

Rigby has led major transformations as president of the Canada Border Services Agency and in the role of associate deputy minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Most recently, he was the national security advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada.

A

merican Casino and Entertainment Properties (ACEP) has swung to a profit in the third quarter of the year.

In the three months to September 30, consolidated net revenue for Nevada-based ACEP, which operates the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas along with Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin Nevada - totalled $87.9m (E71m), up 4.1 per cent on the prioryear period.

Net income for the group totalled $600,000 (E480,000), driven by higher occupancy across the company’s four venues.

This compares with a loss of $14.7m (E11.8m) in the third quarter of 2013.

PAYMENT SERVICES SafeCharge acquires 3V

S

afeCharge, the AIM-listed provider of payments services, risk management and IT solutions for online businesses, has acquired 3V Transaction Services for E14.5m.

The Acquisition is strategically significant in that 3V will become the foundation of SafeCharge’s card issuing activities through its new issuing division, accelerating the group’s entry into this rapidly growing sector.

Commenting on the acquisition, David Avgi, SafeCharge’s chief executive, said: “The acquisition marks a further milestone in the execution of SafeCharge’s strategic plan to enter new product verticals and deliver innovative payment technologies.”

Stratosphere ACEP’s leading property, which dominates the Las Vegas skyline with its 1,150ft observation tower - saw revenues increase 6.2 per cent in the third quarter, due to a 2.2 per cent increase in occupancy and a slight uptick in casino takings.

January 2015 casinoreview

| 65

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People

GTECH

TO COMMENT: JW@SJC.CO.UK

GTECH

‘GTech has enjoyed a very successful year’ Following a highly successful 2014, Walter Bugno, president and CEO of GTech International, discusses the lottery and gaming technology group’s plans for the future.

Because most operators had to be more conservative in their investments over the last few years, Europe now represents enormous potential for the gaming industry because operators will need to refresh their floors in order to stay competitive.

66 | casinoreview January 2015

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asino Review: Business for GTech has been good in 2014, but do you have any particular milestones that stand out?

Walter Bugno: In the commercial casino segment, GTech has enjoyed a very successful year where, despite all political and economic challenges across the European continent, we have managed to show growth for the third year in a row. We continued the rollout of our successful Diversity library across European operations and successfully installed our first PopCap-licensed products and our award-winning Sphinx 3D game.

The most memorable aspect of 2014 for us has been the loyalty of our customers, who continue to show high interest in our products and their strong performance. Looking back at 2014, we are also especially proud of receiving our own distributor licence for the French market. We’re additionally proud that Casinos Austria International has selected us as its preferred supplier for casino system solutions and we have secured several larger projects with some of the most respected operators in Europe.

On the public gaming side, we are excited about our deepening relationship with OPAP, the Greek lottery operator, through our interactive sportsbetting and systems contracts and recently-announced video lottery terminal award.

CR: How important is Europe to your business and how would you assess this market?

WB: The European market is very important for us, not only in terms of business and volume, but especially due to the longstanding relationships we have with most operators. Now that more and more operators are expanding their activities in areas such as interactive, we are happy to be part of their journey by offering our extended portfolio, which includes every aspect of gaming across all channels.

Europe has gone through a difficult economic period and, although this has been challenging for our clients, their professionalism has helped them survive and has made them even stronger. As a result, we’re now seeing the first signs of recovery for quite a few operators and we expect this to continue. That said, we are well aware that our customers are not yet where they were five years ago, and we will continue to support them with special offers that will help bring their business back to pre-crisis levels.

Because most operators had to be more conservative in their investments over the last few years, Europe now represents enormous potential for the gaming industry because operators will need to refresh their floors in order to stay competitive.

Looking to other gaming segments, the launch of video lottery terminal markets such as Greece’s represents exciting new opportunities for GTech. Spain is a very interesting AWP market for us and it could provide a potential video lottery terminal opportunity over time.

CR: Which of your products are proving the most successful in Europe and why do you think this is the case?

WB: We’re pleased that Diversity has proven to be a strong and steady performer. It features a large library of suites with different flavours for each type of player and player experience. As well, our award-winning Sphinx 3D game offers a truly unique-to-theindustry player experience in a package that truly stands out on the gaming floor.

CR: How important is ICE in your annual show calendar and what should we be looking out for on your booth?

WB: ICE is one of the most important shows in our annual events calendar. It is and always has been the most important gaming event in Europe. We meet almost all of our European clients there and a lot of overseas clients also make their way to London each year. The quality of visitors is great and there s a lot of business conducted at the show.

At ICE 2015 we will be exhibiting a full array of games, cabinets and systems across land-based gaming, interactive, sportsbetting and lottery.

On the casino slots side, visitors should look out for our True 3D product line with our award-winning Sphinx 3D game. We will be introducing several additions to the True 3D games library that are specifically designed to appeal to different player segments.

With regards to linked gaming products, Peruvian Riches, Secrets of the Sea and The Money Drop will be making their ICE debut and with Terrific Teal and Luxury Lilac there will be new editions to the wellknown and highly successful Diversity multigame suites.

CR: And how have things progressed on the interactive side of your business?

WB: On the interactive gaming side, visitors will be able to experience GTech’s total iGaming solution at ICE including entertaining interactive casino games, bingo, poker, sportsbetting and iLottery products as well as exciting new mobile additions for players on the go. GTech play-for-fun social casino offering contains a complete mix of games that are available across platforms including mobile. In addition, these offer the ability to monetise social gaming by selling virtual currency for real money.

Also on show will be WagerWise, GTech’s new single-integrated and end-to-end sportsbetting platform, which is backed by the comprehensive GTech Betting Services to provide support across all channels and markets.

Finally, on the casino systems side, GTech’s System2go slot management system will be impressing at ICE with new features. With the latest addition of the Platinum View edition, GTech has added a player display to the mix. There will also be Junkets, the newest product in the Galaxis Tables module, which streamlines the management of junkets for a casino by providing reliable accounting and reducing the costs of operations.

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CR147-p68-70-Events_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 13:02 Page 1

Events

& Diary

BOGOTA / LONDON / SAN DIEGO

SUPPLIER NEWS: JW@SJC.CO.UK

ICE 2015

ICE will host international gaming regulators and VIP decision makers at the World Regulatory Assembly reception aboard the world-famous Cutty Sark in February.

All aboard: ICE 2015

T

he organisers of ICE Totally Gaming are embracing the 2015 edition’s ‘Voyage’ motif by hosting the World Regulatory Assembly (WrA) Cocktail Reception on the Cutty Sark, the 19th century clipper that worked between Britain, China, Australia and Egypt and is arguably the world’s most famous trading ship.

Supported by key gaming organisations including International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) European Casino Association (ECA), National Casino Forum (NCF) and the World Lottery Association (WLA), the WrA Cocktail Reception (February 2) will provide invited delegates with the opportunity to peer-to-peer network with C-Level executives, gaming regulators and influencers in advance of the exhibition, which opens its doors to the international gaming community the following day.

Kate Chambers, portfolio director

68 | casinoreview January 2015

responsible for ICE, said: “The Cutty Sark, which is situated just across the River Thames from our home at the ExCeL Centre, is a unique symbol of international trade and commerce and represents a fantastic environment to begin the networking opportunities for which ICE week is famous. The WrA reception is an invaluable event for guests to meet, to discuss the week ahead and explore all the opportunities that ICE and the WrA has to offer.”

Taking place alongside ICE, the WrA comprises a series of high-profile events designed to share knowledge and deliver high-level networking opportunities. They include the World Regulatory Briefing (in association with IAGA), an event within the ICE Conference programme that will focus on crucial updates on worldwide regulatory updates; the Annual Regulators Lunch, which brings together the international Regulatory community to network while hearing keynote addresses from industry leaders; and the IMGL Masterclass, a full-day free-to-attend session where key regulatory stakeholders share knowledge on current industry updates.

DYNAMIC APPLICATIONS

V

isitors, exhibitors and delegates attending ICE and the co-located ICE Conferences have the opportunity to tap into all the latest developments taking place in and around both events courtesy of the new dedicated ICE app.

Available for free on Android and iOS devices, the app. allows visitors to access the full event schedule, browse the latest product launches, receive information on all of the speakers taking part in the ICE Conference and Seminar programme, as well as develop a personal event planner to remind them of appointments, business meetings, and other events. It also features a detailed interactive floorplan to help attendees navigate the 60,000 square meters of show floor space as well as keep stakeholders fully up-to-date with the latest developments through a link to the ICE2015 social media tag.

Marketing director Jo Mayer said: “The ICE app is full of new ways for visitors to engage with the show, plan their week, discover who’s exhibiting, arrange meetings and see who’s speaking. It’s also an interactive tool that allows visitors to post updates and comments in the activity feed, share photos and even earn points and badges for participating.

“We wanted to create an app that complements ICE by opening up a dynamic, mobile window onto the event, and give attendees their very own view of the countless commercial and networking opportunities that are part of the fabric of the world’s biggest gaming exhibition. It really is an essential tool for all attendees, and invaluable in helping everyone get the absolute most out of what ICE has to offer.”

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CR147-p68-70-Events_Coinslot NEW 05/01/2015 12:57 Page 2

FADJA 2015 / ICE 2015 / INDIAN GAMING SUMMIT / ELA 2016

Casino Review is the premier b2b publication for the international casino and gaming industry. With a combined print and digital circulation in excess of 14,000 per month, Casino Review has become the first choice read of casino operators, legislators and senior casino executives. Sign up for your free digital version at www.casinoreview-online.com corporation ltd

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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

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.

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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

INDIAN GAMING TRADESHOW & CONVENTION

Indian Gaming Summit has high hopes

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

MARCH 2015 9-11 Gaming Technology Conference Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, US www.gamingtechnologyconf.com 18-19 FADJA Peru Atlantic City Convention & Entertainment Centre, Lima, Peru www.fadja.com.pe

A host of international suppliers will be lining-up to present their latest innovations at San Diego’s Indian Gaming Summit. ith the Indian Gaming Summit about to enter its 30th year, event organiser the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) said the San Diego show is once again set to welcome a host of the world’s leading gaming suppliers. Taking place from March 30 to April 2, 2015, the summit will welcome international firms Ainsworth Game Technology, Aristocrat Technologies, BMM Testlabs, Crane Payment Innovations, GameAccont Network, Gaming Laboratories International, Gaming Partners International, JCM Global, Konami Gaming, Novomatic Americas Sales, Scientific Games and Suzo-Happ, who will all be

W

appearing at the four-day event to showcase their newest products and service innovations, and highlight industry trends.

NIGA said that, alongside the main exhibition, the Indian Gaming Summit would also feature a “comprehensive schedule of workshops and conferences”, including the ‘What’s Hot in Indian Gaming’ and ‘Leadership in the Tribal Casino’ seminars.

“We have been working very hard to strengthen and enhance our show to ensure that it effectively meets and exceeds the needs of every member of the Tribal Gaming community, as well as the many other businesses that serve and support Indian

Gaming,” said Ernest Stevens, chairman of NIGA. “The goal of our tradeshow is centered upon NIGA’s mission to promote Tribal sovereignty and Indian self-reliance to advance the lives of Indian people economically, socially and politically. Significantly enhancing our educational offerings is just one of many ways we’re working to make sure our 30th Anniversary edition is the best yet.”

To celebrate the landmark occasion, organisers have revealed that rock band Foreigner will be performing on Wednesday 1 April as part of the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award Banquet & Concert.

25-26 Caribbean Gaming Show & Summit 2015 San Juan, Puerto Rico www.caribbeangamingshow.com 30-1 Indian Gaming San Diego San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, US www.indiangaming.org/events/tradeshow

APRIL 2015 8-9 FADJA Colombia Corferias, Bogota, Colombia info@fadja.com

MAY 2015 5-7 Southern Gaming Summit & Bingo World Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Centre, Biloxi, Mississippi, US www.sgsummit.com

FADJA 2015

ELA

FADJA interest gathers momentum

ELA returning for 2016

he organisers of FADJA 2015 have confirmed that over 30 of the world’s largest gaming companies have already signed up for the show, taking place on April 7-8 in Bogotá, Colombia.

Jose Anibal Aguirre, general director of FADJA, said that visitors to the 17th edition of the South American event will have access to the best gaming firms the sector has to offer, with more companies to be announced in the coming months.

Explaining the international interest in the show and surge in bookings, Aguirre stated: “We are stepping on the gas. We are finishing the early business stage and discount of show bookings, with many companies already confirming their participation.”

He also revealed that the show will this year open with a ‘Casino Night’ in aid of a foundation supporting retired artists and actors with problems, supported by many of Colombia’s gaming venues which will donate profits on the night to the cause.

Firms already confirmed to appear at the two-day event are Aristocrat, Odrex, GTech, Ainsworth, AGI Gaming, Novomatic, Dip Diseno, Golden Race, WMS, Zuum, Crane Payment Innovations, Pompei Group,

F

T

70 | casinoreview January 2015

Mundo Video, Alfastreet, CN Cortar, Bingo Lotto, Gold Club, JCM, Suzo Happ, Interbet, Sirplay, GLI, UB Gaming, CDM Equipos, Inspired Gaming Group, Copag, Casino Estereo, Conexmet, and Automated Transactions Y Route Gaming.

ollowing last month’s news that the proposed Federal Betting and Lottery Act had passed the lower legislative house in Mexico, trade show organiser Expo Azar has announced that the next edition of its ELA exhibition is now scheduled to take place in May of 2016.

The Mexican legislation, which is the product of an eleven-member committee first convened in April of 2013, passed the Chamber of Deputies by a vote of 297 in favour versus 34 against with 17 abstentions and will now head to the 128-member Senate for consideration. Should it be subsequently signed into law by president Enrique Pena Nieto, the planned Act would replace

existing regulations that date back to 1947 and completely reshape the Latin American nation’s gambling landscape.

Expo Azar is hoping that the prospect of new legislation will increase interest in ELA, which has been running since 2008 but has suffered in recent years due to continued uncertainty over the future regulation of gambling in Mexico. In fact, so many exhibitors and visitors declined to attend this year’s edition that the event has been postponed until 2016 for an asyet-to-be-decided venue in Mexico City or the more tropical Cancun.

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