BINGO Issue 015 - December 2014 www.bingolife.biz
Showbiz Bingo
ACTION! Discover Clarion Events
Totally Gaming
ExCeL, London
3rd - 5th February 2015
icetotallygaming.com
Editorial Editor in Chief: Glyn Thomas Mob: +380 952 705 596 glyn@ace123.com Editor - Miles Baron miles@bingo-association.co.uk Online Bingo Editor - Mark McGuinness mark@ace123.com Associate Editor - Janice Chaka Guadalajara - janice@ace123.com
Correspondents How is the 2012 EAG International Expo Show Asia - Bill Healey healeywe@gmail.com faring in comparison to previous years,Behan with regard Europe - Andrew to abehan@ace123.com exhibitor number and visitor registrations? International - Damien Connelly dconnelly@ace123.com 2012 will witness the third EAG UK International - Alan Campbell Expo Show. yankeecampbell@yahoo.com Visitor registrations for 2012 areUSA progressing well at this - Jack Bulavsky Las Vegas - jackbulavsky@yahoo.com point and historically we have experienced a final rush in Regular Contributors January so our fingers are Bob Ambrose crossed. 2012 willConsultant also see Independent Gaming 18 new exhibitors showing at Production EAG International Expo Stewart Hyde forDesign: the first time which is stewart@totaldesignworks.com absolutely fantastic given www.totaldesignworks.com current economic conditions. Webmaster and IT: Sudip Banjaree sb@ace123.com
So if you are Amusement Sales andParks Marketing and Adventure Subscriptions: Helen Holmes Operation this is the must subs@ace123.com attend show & and if you are Manager: Chris Sanson in Journal manufacture and supply csanson@ace123.com this is the show to exhibit at, Publisher: Peter White that’s if you can get a booth? Tel: +44 (0) 1892 740869 A show will only273714 become Mob: +44 (0) 7973 pwhite@ace123.com a must attend event if it delivers what the market needs and that is what we Editorial Policy: The views and opinions
expressed in casino life remain principally the views of contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers. The publishers wish to avoid inaccuracies and, whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure that information contained in this journal is accurate, no liability is accepted by the editor or publishers for errors or omissions, however caused. Unless otherwise stated, articles appearing in this publication remain the copyright of the publishers and may not be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written consent. Printed in the UK by MPC Ltd.
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Editor’s comment
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s 2014 comes to a close it is a good time to take stock of where the Industry is and what lies ahead. The excitement around the Duty change has partially subsided and 2015 has to be the year that the Industry starts to invest and grow in response to this award. However, whilst all eyes should be focused on developing the future direction of the Bingo offer, it is hard not to be distracted by the volume and speed of regulation and bureaucracy heading towards the Gambling Industry. For all forms of gambling and their respective trade bodies, there is a need to constantly demonstrate commitment to best practice, particularly around Social Responsibility. The Bingo Association is no exception but a ‘one size fits all’ approach by regulators can be frustrating. Different types of gambling have different characteristics and different issues, and hence have different types of licenses. Therefore it would not seem unreasonable to expect a degree of ‘tailoring‘ around other areas. Bingo clubs have membership schemes, low levels of exclusions, do not have B3 machines and customers can’t gamble on credit. The way the game is played also does not allow for long solo dwell periods on machines. Surely this counts for something? Having said that, there is no argument for slack age verification procedures, self-exclusion measures, non-contribution to harm prevention schemes, staff training or attention to anti–money laundering strategies. The Bingo Association will support through its Industry Code of Conduct (published January 2015) a commitment to many of the principles in the latest LCCP, including Industry self–exclusion. It is nervous however of a National Gambling Industry self–exclusion scheme, or any measures to materially affect the availability of B3 machines in Bingo premises. The Bingo Association has revised its Operators’ Handbook thoroughly, to provide an up to date reference guide on all Licensed Bingo matters. The combination of these two publications should go a long way to reawakening best practice and understanding amongst all operators on their responsibilities to the bingo public, should they need it. The Bingo Association was disappointed to lose Riley’s from its membership earlier this year. Bingo is changing and Bingo licenses can be found in a variety of premises, not just retail Bingo Clubs. We note the commission’s interest in Bingo in pubs and clubs. The Bingo Association has no strong view on this, providing that they attain the necessary permissions and licences to operate. What we need above anything else is for the Bingo Industry to move forward in the light of the duty change. The Bingo Association will work to make ensure that Bingo is not caught up in any regulatory measures that distract significantly from this purpose and that common sense and appropriateness prevail.
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T
he National Bingo Game has had a good year. Ticket sales are up on last year along with the number of participating venues, which includes Holiday Parks. In 2014 the National Bingo Game paid out £250,000 to five lucky winners, amounts in excess £50,000 to a further 19 customers, all in addition to the National Prizes won by 950 other players of the National Bingo Game. In total, over £10 million pounds of cash prizes paid to Bingo Players. In addition to these winners, 120 lucky players went on a V.I.P. Cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean, with over 100 customers due to attend a V.I.P. weekend trip to the Grand National next April. All courtesy of the National Bingo Game. The launch of the linked Mechanised Cash Bingo (MCB) game ‘National LIVE’ in July, following investment in Wide Area Gaming 4
System technology (WAGS), has proved tremendously popular, offering instant cash prizes of up to £30,000 for a £1 stake. Record numbers of clubs from across the whole Bingo Industry are joining the Association in order to participate; 90% of the industry currently play this twice daily game. In 2015 NBGA will look to see whether or not the ‘National Bingo Game’ or ‘National LIVE‘ brands can be expanded across other channels, such as on–line, or into premises where traditionally they have not been played. Trials have already been run successfully in Holiday Camps and Parks, which look promising, as do plans to introduce National products to high street venues. Overall 2014 has been a highly satisfactory year for the commercial arm of The Bingo Association, with consolidation and infrastructure development. We look forward to extending the reach and variety of Bingo products in 2015 issue 015
Guest Foreword Why ICE is so passionate about Bingo! Jo Mayer, ICE Marketing Director
“I
t’s certainly been a blue riband year for the Bingo Association led by CEO Miles Baron. The Boost Bingo campaign orchestrated by the Association will surely go down as one of the stand out lobbying initiatives ever undertaken within the broadly based gaming industry, securing, as it did, a reduction in bingo duty from 20% to 10% in the 2014 Budget. Indeed, such was the power of the campaign, which harnessed the influence and passion of the bingo community, that it was the outright winner in the ‘Best Public Affairs Campaign’ category at the prestigious PR Week Awards 2014 held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and compered by television personality James Corden. From one ‘stand out’ campaign to another, the marketing team at Clarion has been working relentlessly to promote the 2015 edition of ICE, which takes place at ExCeL London across 3rd-5th February. Inspired by the pioneering work of French novelist, poet and playwright Jules Verne and his epic stories of adventure, the ICE campaign invites the industry to embark on its own Voyages Extraordinaires and ‘Discover’ the world of gaming which will be at ICE in London. What has become known as the world’s favourite gaming event is on course to eclipse the 2014 success story when an independently audited 23,506 attendees from a record 156 nations travelled to London to see the 515 exhibitors who chose ICE as their international shop window. issue 015
I’m pleased to confirm that the bingo sector is set to take a significantly higher profile at ICE 2015 following a strategic partnership we have agreed with the Bingo Association and Bingo Life. The Association and Bingo Life will have a joint stand presence on the ICE show floor that, we hope, will serve as a meeting point for Association members, the readers of Bingo Life and the international bingo community at large. The success enjoyed by ICE is in no small part due to our long-standing commitment to work alongside the gaming sectors that we serve. Bingo’s enhanced presence on what is gaming’s busiest show floor will most definitely add to the ICE experience and as the relationship develops we hope to be able to work with Miles and his team to help raise further the profile of bingo and to contribute to the strategic objectives of the Association. ICE is 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 and I hope that all readers of Bingo Life will be able to attend February’s epic event and support the first year of what promises to be a positive and productive relationship.” For more information and to attend ICE 2015 – which will once again feature over 500 exhibitors covering the betting, bingo, casino, lottery, mobile, online, social and street gaming sectors – visit www. icetotallygaming.com 5
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Bingo Online
A
nother year has drawn to a close and
bingo advertising being so prevalent on mainstream
we look forward with renewed optimism
television, a trend that looks to continue combined
for both the land based and online
with popularity in mobile commerce shall continue to
bingo industries’ in 2015.
drive market accessibility and growth for both sides of
2014 has certainly been a milestone
year in the bingo industry in the UK, which had everyone in the industry rejoicing the cut in bingo duty
the industries. It shall push the innovation envelope in many ways. Speaking of innovation, Bitcoin if you haven’t
from 20 percent to 10 percent. The Bingo Association
heard about it is a peer-to-peer digital currency
was paramount in this campaign, which had gathered
and payment system that is taking the whole world
more than 330,000 petition signatures and the wider
by storm! And with many so heartedly fed-up and
support of more than 50 MPs for the proposal to cut
distrusting of the current banking system of Fiat
duty, which was formerly announced by Chancellor
currency, pounds, dollars and euros, then Bitcoin
George Osborne in his budget.
could become a major force within the bingo sector.
So what can we look forward to in 2015? Well the
It’s not as out there as you think as mainstream online
sector is looking forward to continued investment,
retail outlets have begun to accept the world’s new
with the opening of new bingo establishments and
favourite digital currency, including the behemoth
innovation which shall expand the customer base for
Amazon. We are already witnessing the emergence
both land based and online. Bingo is hugely popular;
of other forms of online gaming such as Bitcoin
it is more socially acceptable, and regarded by many
Poker, Bitcoin Blackjack, Bitcoin Roulette dedicated to
as being on the softer side of the gambling spectrum.
players that wish to partake of their online gambling
With this investment in the land based bingo, perhaps
entertainment with this new currency. So perhaps we
we shall witness larger purpose built facilities both
shall witness more Bitcoin only Bingo sites throughout
out-of-town and in urban locations. These new bingo
the year. If you what to learn more about Bitcoin you
establishments shall be entertainment destinations
can read our article in this edition.
for patrons to enjoy the latest technologies
So what are you waiting for? Please do get in touch
and compete with other leisure entertainment
with Bingo Life and share your bingo innovation story,
discretionary spend.
we’d love to hear from you.
This shall lead to further convergence of online bingo with that of the land based bingo. With online issue 015
Mark McGuinness, Online Bingo Life Editor 7
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21 24 32
Contents 3 Editor Miles Baron CEO of the British Bingo Association 5 Guest Foreword by Jo Mayer Marketing Director Clarion Gaming 7 Bingo Online Online Editor Mark McGuiness 10 Hippodrome Bingo Simon Shaw, Director, Hippodrome Bingo Club talks to Andrew Behan European Correspondent, Bingo Life 15 The Autumn Coin-Op Show 2014 Peter White interviews Karen Cook during this year’s Autumn Coin Op Show 17 Bingo Bonanza By Bingo Life Magazines Associate Editor Asia, Bill Healy
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21 Cybercrime Gambling industry at risk of becoming cyber-domino as the ISP and hosting companies they rely on join it as the most targeted for cybercrime. 23 Coingaming Mark McGuinness discusses Bitcoin cryptocurrency solutions for the iGaming sector with Tauri Tiitsaar, COO of Coingaming.io. 29 Scheduling systems Peter White Interviews Mike Hennessy, Business Development Director of Shopworks 33 EAG Preview 2015 Chris Sanson chats to Karen Cook ahead of the 2015 EAG Show
The Editorial policy: The views and opinions expressed in bingo life remain principally the views of contributers and do not nessararily reflect those of the editor or publishers. The publishers whis to avoid inaccuracies and whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is accurate no liability is accepted by the editor or publishers for errors or ommissions however caused. Unless otherwise stated articles appearing in this publication remain the copyright of the publishers and may not be reproduced in any form without the publishers written consent. Printed in the UK by MPC Ltd
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£100,000 jackpot winner and Guinness World Record holder Shaban Binaku with Beacon Bingo general manager Steve Lightfoot
London businessman wins £100,000 in World Record bingo game at Beacon Cricklewood
M
ILTON KEYNES, UK (4 December) – A carwash owner from London is celebrating this week after scooping up £100,000 at Beacon Bingo in Cricklewood, and a Guinness World Record* for winning the biggest cash-prize ever playing a game of bingo at one single venue. Shaban Binaku (35) won the record prize at Beacon Bingo’s Colossus event [Sunday 30 November], at an evening that saw over £160,000 given away by the club, which is Europe’s biggest bingo venue with a capacity of 2,500. Shaban said: “I just cannot believe that I have won it, I still feel like I am dreaming. This money will change mine and my family’s life completely, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. “I have family here in London and in Kosovo, Serbia, and it’s hard sometimes as they struggle for extra money. It’s nice to know that I can help and I can treat them at Christmas and in the New Year, they really deserve it.” issue 015
Shaban, who labelled himself as ‘lucky,’ has previously won cash prizes of £10,000 and £5,000 at Beacon Cricklewood, which he attends at least three times a week with his family and friends. “I absolutely love bingo, but I only play at Beacon Bingo,” added Shaban. “Not only are their cash prizes a lot bigger than any other bingo clubs, but their staff are very friendly. I always have a good time when I go.” Steve Lightfoot, general manager of the Cricklewood club added: “We’re absolutely delighted for Shaban, who not only has £100,000 in time for Christmas, but also has a Guinness World Record title to his name as well! “We had such an amazing night, and the bingo hall was packed full of people of all ages who helped us celebrate the record night. Bingo plays such an important and positive role in bringing local communities together, and this event has really showcased that.” Beacon Bingo operates nine bingo clubs across the country. 9
HIPPODROME
BINGO
Simon Shaw, Director, Hippodrome Bingo Club talks to Andrew Behan European Correspondent, Bingo Life 10
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Could we commence this interview with a brief history of Hippodrome Bingo Club? The Hippodrome has been a Bingo Club for 40 years and is a converted theatre, it was extended in the early 90s’ and I have owned the club since 2006, I bought it as I had previously been responsible for opening a new flat floor Mecca club in 1996 and always admired it as being a very solid business. When the opportunity to buy the club I wanted it as it has performed well for many years and it is in a market place I have worked in previously. Last September marked your 30 years in Bingo & gaming industry - Can you tell us how it all started and what career path its has taken you on? I first started in Bingo just before my 18th Birthday, I took a Bingo callers at Mecca job in my hometown of Scarborough, really just to give me a job as I had been accepted to join the Metropolitan Police Force the following February and in those days you didn’t take 6 months out! Once I started I enjoyed the business and I was offered a Trainee Managers job so I decided to put the Police Force on hold, I became Meccas youngest manager at 21 and by 26 was an Area Manager before becoming Club Development Executive when it was my role to open flat floor bingo clubs as part of Ranks aggressive new club programme. I was privileged to have worked with some great managers, in some fancinating market places. To have been responsible for the opening of Clubs such as Forge, Aberdeen, Drumchapel, Stockton, Hull, Oldbury, Oldham, St Helens, Gateshead, Hyde Rd, Hartlepool etc gave me a wealth of knowledge about taking a business from a building site to a successful bingo club. It wasn’t just about building some great admission and income clubs but really setting new and consistent standards across the industry. It was a wrench to leave Mecca after 14 years but a new challenge presented itself when I was asked to join First Leisure’s ailing Bingo Division and within 6 months an opportunity arose for a Management Buyout where I was one of 4 to turn round a loss of £2m to a £7m profit within 2 years before Riva was bought by Gala in 2000. At this point, I could have taken it easy, I was only 33 but that isn’t my style and given a clause in my contract I couldn’t operate Bingo for 2 years. I set about the nearest alternative and along with my wife Eileen who had worked for Rank Amusements and Sega we set up Winners Amusements and from nothing grew an Adult Gaming Centre chain of 15 making it a successful top ten AGC operator when it was sold to Talarius in 2008. In between that time we bought the Hippodrome in 2006, 10 years earlier I had been responsible for opening the Mecca in St Helens just one mile away so I knew the strengths of the Hippodrome and it issue 015
always impressed me as a solid business. I have also managed to have a really well rounded career working for the likes of Mecca/Rank, venture capitalists and for myself. I have learned a lot at all these levels, often you think you know everything when you work corporately but you learn a whole new set of skills when you have to satisfy demanding investors or when you have to do everything yourself without the safety net of a major brand and a whole team of resources at your finger tips. I have always been extremely driven, focused and determined and have carried this passion of the industry through my 30 years. What are some of the aspects of your role you enjoy most as an Owner/Director? It has to be business development, as a small company we can make decisions quickly and seize on opportunities. From my times in more of a corporate role I certainly don’t miss “email overload” but the buzz I get when I see my daily admissions still means what it did. To me it is all about growing a business and admissions are at the heart of that. How much importance to the Team work ethic do you impress upon employees in the daily operation of the Hippodrome Bingo Club? We do have a good team at the Hippodrome, who enjoy their job we have a great mix of people, with ages from 18-70 and those that have been at the club for decades to those that it is their first job. The management team led by Tim Clark includes Mark & Charlie so with me thrown in, we are all in our 40’s and have over 100 years of combined Bingo experience. Since Tim took over the reigns at the Hippodrome he has encouraged staff development and it has been good to see staff learning more jobs which helps to the efficient running of the club. Can you foresee further expansion of the operation by acquiring another Bingo Operation or maybe more? Over the years I have looked at other clubs but the ones that tend to have become available are either in serious decline admissions wise or have been overpriced. Never say never, that’s my motto! How do you relax when not at work? Do you have a favorite hobby or pastime? Anyone who knows me, probably knows I have always worked hard but try to enjoy myself too. I follow Aston Villa Football Club, home and several away games and I do like to travel, particularly driving holidays, I have completed the Cannonball Run, driven all the way down Florida Keys, Great Ocean Drive in Australia and the Ring of Kerry I think Route 66 must be on my half century “bucket list” 11
Would you recommend the Gaming industry as a career, if so what abilities do you consider are important for success? The gaming industry is here to stay and whilst it has become very advanced technologically there does seem to be less entrepreneurs coming through as the major bingo companies have gone towards more of a retail strategy. If you have a flare for truly developing a business and can embrace the changes in technology then I think it is a good career. There is no greater feeling than putting together a bingo policy, deciding on price, prize money levels, advertising mediums etc then going 100 admissions up and all the customers having a great night. Good quality food and bar have been a big contributing factor bingo clubs over the years, has this also in your opinion help add to the success of Hippodrome Bingo Club? At the moment we have very limited catering facilities, it is an opportunity for us to develop with further investment so our current offering is limited to hot drinks, sandwiches and pies. We do have two bars, however and these are very popular but we pride ourselves in offering good value on drinks which contributes to the overall visit for the customer. How important a factor do you think entertainment is in broadening your Bingo’s appeal? It is very important, after all the customer wants a good night out, bingo is at the core of that requirement in terms of value for money and a good prize board but many players also want to be able enjoy bar and catering facilities, ancillary games and fruit Machines. At the Hippodrome, we offer cabaret and entertainment a few times a year and it is well received but our reputation in the market place is for a strong bingo offering. Technology in Bingo is increasing every year with hand held gaming terminals and high tech integrated entertainment becoming more advanced how is Hippodrome embracing these new games? We have Electronic Bingo Terminals and have used the recent cut in duty to invest in new equipment which is more reliable and has greater options for the players. Electronic terminals are here to stay in the same way as the industry went from customers buying single tickets to All-in packages 20 years ago, but at the Hippodrome we are very careful to get the mix right, we offer the option for all our players to play electronic terminals for the same price as paper ticket players which avoids a lot of the ill feeling that paper players have. As a stand alone club we will never be at the cutting edge of technology but we do try and keep up to speed with how the industry is developing 12
and it is right for our customers and our business objectives we will invest in new technology. How are you approaching the tax reduction? Firstly I must congratulate Miles Baron and the team at the Bingo Association for their work in helping to persuade the politicians to lobby for a reduction but also the politicians themselves for finally having the courage to implement a reduction in duty which until 1st July was unfair for Bingo and stifled investment. issue 015
As the Tax reduction had a lot of media publicity, at the Hippodrome we decided to be very open with our customers rather than waiting for them to ask what was happening with the cut in duty. We compiled a questionnaire, asking what was important to them and we received over 1000 back with some very interesting results which we published in a newsletter and have followed up with monthly publications since, telling customers what we have done with the duty saving. We have introduced monthly “Boost Bingo” sessions issue 015
where some are reduced in cost dramatically and others have increased prize money, in September for example we had a “Grand Weekend” where we paid out a £1000 on the last house over 3 days. We also have increased staffing levels and introduced new employees through the newsletter and updated the electronic terminals so customers are seeing a benefit every month, which they very much welcome. This not only demonstrates what we are doing in a transparent way but it also engages our customers more and gives 13
them more confidence in the Bingo product and the Hippodrome. What do you think of the new National Bingo Games? We have not played the National Game for several years, and we have experimented on certain days and for several months at a time. At the Hippodrome we are of the opinion from looking at the results, the customer feedback and our local market place that playing the game would not give us a competitive advantage. We have however started to play the National Live game which has proved very popular, but the fact that we have won it 3 times in 4 weeks certainly helps its credibility to our players but as an MCB game it is perceived as a discretionary cost but when played on paper the customers add it to the cost of their bingo ticket purchase. And finally in your opinion what are the most important qualities of running a successful operation in these challenging times for the Bingo Industry? Call me old fashioned but I still believe admissions are the lifeblood of the industry and should be any Bingo company’s key objective. I have been involved in Bingo for 30 years, 3 recessions and all the highs and lows of the industry and frequently hear of operators talking about extra games and technology to drive extra revenue but unless you don’t have focus on your 14
customers and admissions all that will happen is that you will take more money of the same or even less people and instead of visiting once or twice a week they will visit once a month as feel they need to spend £50-£100 a visit to take part in all the bingo and MCB. Nowadays some operators are reducing the cost of the main session to a very low price, but it still costs £50 to play all the games on MCB (Which a bingo player will want to play as it is in front of them) and that have electronic bingo packages costing circa £100. One of the other qualities is not to knee jerk and make too many changes, we all know our customers don’t like constant changes and a degree of stability is important. At the Hippodrome we take the long term view rather than changing strategies and short term decisions that have been the cause of a lot of clubs decline over the years. Overall what the customers want is good value Bingo (a reasonable price, plenty of the product – bingo and good prize money) and a great night out, we don’t have our own car park, a flat floor environment, an upscale catering operation yet our admissions are within 150 a week of where they were 8 years ago before the smoking ban, on-line growth, recession and previous tax regimes. So the best qualities to have are the ones that have carried me through the first 30 years, determination, focus and passion to succeed. issue 015
The Autumn Coin-Op Show Peter White interviews Karen Cook during this year’s Autumn Coin Op Show
Can you start by providing an insight into the history behind the launch of this new show. The Autumn Coin-Op Show was launched by Swan Events after numerous requests from the UK coin-op and amusements sectors. Many in the industry were looking for an event at which they could gain valuable feedback on new developments, prior to the large amusements and gaming shows early in the New Year. We also received comments that a year between January shows was ‘too long’ and that the industry needed a networking event at some point. These are the two main issues that ACOS has been designed to address. What were the visitor numbers? ACOS 2014 was extremely well attended and exhibitors have told us that they were happy with issue 015
both the quantity and calibre of visitors. We took a conscious decision not to count visitor entries as we felt this was not in the spirit of the event. As an indication of how busy the event was, 1,000 visitors pre-registered for the show and we actually ran out of printed badges half way through the first day! Do you provide evening events so that delegates and exhibitors can relax at the end of a busy day? Both exhibitors and visitors told us that networking was high on the agenda, so we felt that an evening reception would be an important part of the event. We decided upon an early evening drinks reception at the end of the first day, so that those entertaining customers could attend and still take advantage of the fantastic choice of restaurants in the area.
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Will you be returning to the same venue? We received so many positive comments about Chelsea Football Club that we’ve already booked for 2015. Our industry has always favoured West London and the Chelsea site is accessible with a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. Exhibitors were impressed with the ease of loading and unloading and The Chelsea Football Club staff went out of their way to make us welcome. Would you recommend this event to Bingo operators, if so why? I would recommend ACOS to those in the Bingo sector, both as a networking opportunity and a chance to see new products. With regard to networking, there is definitely a trend towards a more cross-industry approach when lobbying government; ACOS presents the ideal opportunity for informal discussion about issues affecting all sectors of our industry. With regard to products, equipment and systems for
bingo were featured, along with the very latest cash handling technology and membership and loyalty programme systems. Manufacturers of AWP’s were well represented at ACOS, including those of B3 product. We’re pleased to say that there were several bingo operators present at the inaugural ACOS. What was the feedback from exhibitors? Feedback from exhibitors has been excellent, with many already confirming their attendance at ACOS 2015. We’ve received good feedback about the quality of visitors and several exhibitors have written business at the show. Where can readers find information on the next Coin – Op event? ACOS is supported by an extensive marketing effort so information about next year’s show will appear in the trade press. Up-to-date news is also available on the ACOS website: www.coin-opshow.co.uk
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BINGO BONANZA
A
By Bingo Life Magazines Associate Editor Asia, Bill Healey provides
n archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands, the Philippines is a tropical paradise that has become one of Asia’s most progressive and popular gaming and bingo destinations. Though several domestic and international companies have stepped in to meet market demand, Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) has clearly emerged as the number one supplier to the gaming and bingo sectors. AB Leisure Exponent (ABLE) - Bingo Bonanza Clearly the dominant bingo operator in the Philippines, AB Leisure Exponent (ABLE) provides professional bingo gaming throughout the Philippines. Doing business as Bingo Bonanza, the company owns and operates bingo parlors and equipment throughout issue 015
the country. Their bingo parlors have become community and entertainment centers, a source of revenue for the government, and a sponsor for fundraising activities relating to social and educational programs. Based in Pasig City, the company was founded in 1993 and operates as a subsidiary of LRWC. Electronic Bingo versus Traditional Bingo If financial results are an indication of the public’s preference between the electronic and traditional versions of Bingo, the electronic (E-Bingo) version is clearly the preferred gaming option. In recent financial results, ABLE had experienced an increase in revenues as a result of growing sales of Electronic Bingo (E-Bingo) and Pull Tabs. Reporting on results for the first nine-months of 2014, the 17
company’s revenues came to PHP 3,116.9 million (GBP 44.7 million), which was an increase of PHP 104 million (GBP 1.5 million) from the same period in 2013. These improved results reported in September 2014 were due chiefly to a 16% increase in E-Bingo and 176% increase in Pull Tabs -- partially offset by a 6% decrease in Traditional Bingo, and a 22% decrease in Rapid Bingo. With it’s continued success with E-Bingo, Reynaldo P. Bantug, CEO of LRWC has stated the company will continue to “focus on expanding our bingo sites as well as the continued roll-out of the electronic variants of our bingo games, which have contributed to the net income increase in our AB Leisure subsidiary.” In his statement at LRWCs annual shareholder’s meeting, Bantug continued to expand on their commitment to E-Bingo by mentioning that “the electronic version of bingo has continued to be the main driver of growth. We added 1,346 electronic bingo machines in 2013 to bring the total to 5,390 by yearend.” Bingo Boutiques At the end of the 2013 ABLE had a total of 74 bingo outlets, of which 39 were traditional bingo halls and 35 Bingo boutiques. Speaking from the firm’s last annual sharholder’s meeting, LRWC vice president Christina A. Bautista mentioned that the company is building an additional 20 Bingo boutiques in Metro Manila and other key cities in Pampanga, Cebu, 18
Bacolod, Bohol and Isabela. She further mentioned the cost of setting up a Bingo boutique would require PHP 10-15 million (GBP 143-215,000). In total, LRWC had planned to spend as much as PHP 300 million (GBP 4.3 million) in 2014 to build more Bingo boutiques nationwide. Bingo Bonanza National Open Badminton Tournament The firm has enhanced their presence through its sponsorship of the Bingo Bonanaz National Open, an internatinoally recognized competition taking place between 11-14 December at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association, the tournament offers a total cash prize of PHP 1.5 million (GBP 21,500) and is pulling in players from around Asia, Europe and the Americas. Al Alonte from Bingo Bonanza has mentioned that “this is a major event, and Bingo Bonanza is here because we still believe that badminton is one of the sports that can bring glory to the Philippines.” LRWC Acquisitions Earlier this year it was announced that LRWC had signed an asset share and purchase agreement with Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp. (PHAC), Digiwave Solutions Inc. and TGXI to acquire 100 percent of TGXI’s outstanding capital stock for P620 million (GBP 8.9 million). The acquisition has been expected to expand the firm’s operations into a new retail brand, taking them issue 015
beyond bingo and into a wider range of e-games. Coupled with the growing tourism sector, these acquisitions would allow the company to maintain the double-digit growth it has recently posted. “With the growth in tourism and the economy, we can feel the increase in patronage in entertainment. So we are optimistic that, with the Philippine economy growing and the population hitting 100 million, [these developments are] directly proportional to revenue. More people means more spending power,” CEO Bantug said. FCLRC Gaming Operations LRWC also runs gaming operations through its subsidiary, First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp (FCLRC), which operates and conducts internet and gaming enterprises and facilities in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Freeport. Because of the work they have done to promote this online jurisdiction, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has given FCLRC an exclusive license until 2031. First Cagayan has developed state of the art facilities at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport for LRWC’s locators. For the first ninemonths of 2014, FCLRC reported gross Revenues of PHP 978.7 million (GBP 14 million), an increase of 62% from the previous year’s figures. Net income of PHP 413.5 million (GBP 5.9 million) was an increase of 83% from the same period in 2013. The improvement in revenues was attributed mainly to the increase in 20
the number of operational locators from 72 in 2013 to80 in 2014 as against 72 last year as well as the increase in locators’ revenues. Hosting fees from restrictive and interactive gaming locators contributed 90.1% to total revenues, while license application and renewal fees accounted for the remaining 9.9%. Accolades for the Philipppines, Positive for Bingo and LRWC In his annual statement to the shareholders, CEO Bantug highlights that the country has received numerous accolades such as: “One of the Next Eleven Economies to watch out for and 14th largest economy by 2050” – Goldman Sachs “16th Largest Economy in the World by 2050” – HSBC “Highest GDP Growth Rate in Asia: 6.8 percent in 2012 and 7.2 percent in 2013” The firm remains “optimistic that these will further stimulate our economy and open more gaming opportunities for your Company. We are providing games that best describe the government’s byline that “it is more fun in the Philippines”. This will attract more players in our venues and we are more than ready to provide entertaining new games not only for the local market but also for foreign players.” issue 015
CYBER CRIME Gambling industry at risk of becoming cyber-domino as the ISP and hosting companies they rely on join it as the most targeted for cyber crime
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ew research from Radware shows a fifth of companies are now under constant attack. ISP and hosting companies have joined the gaming and gambling sector to be the biggest victims of cyber crime in 2014, a trend that will likely continue in 2015. That’s according to Radware, the leading provider of application delivery and application security solutions for virtual and cloud data centres. The findings are from its fourth annual ‘Global application and security report’, which surveys 330 companies globally*, on cyber attacks on networks and applications and act as a strong warning to the betting industry to ensure they do not become a cyber-domino as a result of the security failings of their suppliers. Ring of Fire: As part of the report, Radware publishes a ‘Ring of Fire’, which tracks cyber attacks and predicts the likelihood of attack on major industries. In the last 12 months, ISPs have moved up the risk rankings to become some of the most exposed companies, joining the gambling sector and government at the centre of the ‘Ring of Fire’. Hosting companies have jumped from ‘low risk’ on the outside of the ring to just outside the ‘high risk’ centre. (Figure issue 015
1) Adrian Crawley, UK & Ireland regional director for Radware, says: “It’s the perfect storm to find gaming and ISPs in the centre of the ring of fire. If the online gaming industry continues to grow 15% year on year*, then so will dependency on ISPs. The risk of becoming a cyber-domino will only heighten if steps aren’t taken to protect network infrastructure and applications from attack.” He continues: “The good news is that we know from conversations with CIOs of ISPs and hosting providers that they understand the risks and want to put in place robust solutions. Many of them agree that this is a three step process comprising hybrid solutions that protect them from the very complex and sustained attacks on application networks, collaboration with suppliers and customers, and using expertise from the security industry.” The report also shows that 19% of companies admit they are under constant cyber attack, three times as many as last year, yet 52% reveal they can effectively fight an around-the-clock campaign for only a day or less. The pressure this puts companies under has prompted boardrooms to take the threat of attacks more seriously. Three quarters of respondents said it is now a hot topic in the boardroom as reputation and revenue implications are better understood. Carl Herberger, vice president of security solutions 21
at Radware: “When interviewed, IT and network directors suggested that the shift in boardroom attitudes is not only helping them to raise the issues related to managing existing infrastructure but also the implications of embracing new trends such as bring your own device, the move to the cloud, and the Internet of Things (IoT).” and consumers. Many are already Carl continues: “The Internet recognising that success will rest in of Things will be one of the greatest combining skills with technology.” challenges for CIOs in the coming In support of this finding, more than half five years because of the prevalence (52%) reported changing security processes, of reflective attacks, where protocols and/or mandates, and Figure 1. Radware Global Application and hackers use legitimate routes almost half (48%) of companies Security Report, Ring of Fire into the network to hide their will employ hybrid protection of identity and mask activity. For example, imagine a on-premise and cloud solutions that fight back on casino with internet connected tables and automatic multiple levels. dealers managing players both online and at the table. The report has also revealed that the drivers for Huge damage could be done if algorithms are hacked attacks are not clear. 70% of brands generally have to rig games and jackpot values. no idea of the motive of the attack, though 15% say “CIOs will be challenged in ways they never they have experienced ransom attacks, and 35% expected, as they grapple to identify which future a politically motivated one, reflecting the growing thinking initiatives can be taken to market and as a enthusiasm to exploit geo-political events in the world result, where their responsibility for technology starts – the conflict in the Ukraine being a notable example and ends, and how best to protect their infrastructure this year. issue 015
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Coingaming Online Bingo Life editor Mark McGuinness caught up with Tauri Tiitsaar, the COO of Coingaming.io, a leading platform provider which specializes in the provisioning of Bitcoin cryptocurrency solutions for the iGaming sector. Tauri has been working in the gambling industry for a decade and has direct management experience with all parts of the business having worked in the affiliate, provider and operator environments of the industry 24
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for goods and services and where to pay and so forth. With Bitcoin it is very similar but it is a truly global payment method. Firstly you exchange your everyday paper based or fiat currency to Bitcoin, you open or create an online wallet where you can store your bitcoins and then you start making payments in the same way for goods and services. With the continued usage and adoption of Bitcoin becoming more popular with consumers, you can even get a Bitcoin debit card to make payments in stores, as a large number of retailers now accept Bitcoin as a payment method. How large is the Bitcoin industry? Bitcoin is a large and growing industry. The Bitcoin currency has more users than some country specific fiat or paper based currencies. Each and every person or a company using Bitcoin is directly contributing to increasing awareness by telling their friends or by announcing it through social networks and other forms of digital communication. The usage is increasing every day as people become aware of the numerous benefits over “paper money“. Of course it is not as big as euros or dollars yet but who knows, maybe one day it will happen! I am quite sure that if you ask a few people on the high street they will have heard of Bitcoin or know someone that is using Bitcoin.
Bitcoin - how can you best describe the sector for those that are unfamiliar with this new form of currency? Bitcoin is the most popular of what are commonly referred to as cryptocurrencies or internet based money. The best way to describe it is to think of it as similar to any paper based or fiat currency of pounds, dollars and euros or foreign currency. If you go on holiday to a different country, you need to know how much things cost in that local currency, how to pay issue 015
What are the benefits of using Bitcoins? Over the years’ the banking industry and financial sectors have been receiving a lot of negative publicity over how they treat customers with mis-selling scandals, hidden charges, costs and so on. Therefore two of the most significant benefits of using Bitcoin by far is that there are either very low fees or no fees involved with the transactions. Another major benefit is they are fast. For example when you pay a cheque from another bank into your bank, your bank shall often hold that money for several days, because it can’t trust that the funds are really available to credit your account with. Likewise bank or wire transfers can be another process which always takes longer that anticipated for the funds to clear. Bitcoin transactions are far faster and can be instantaneous which means users have access to funds quicker and can use those funds for whatever they wish. Is Bitcoin trustworthy given the backlash against the traditional banking sector? Bitcoin is as trustworthy as any other currency once you know a little more about it. It can be more volatile than say the paper based dollar or euro, but it also offers much more flexibility. Whoever uses it should 25
apply the same security as they would with fiat currency or payment instrument. You do not share your bank account logins, debit card PIN code or cash with others. With Bitcoin you simply apply the same logic – you have an online wallet, you should keep the logins to it safe. If you are using a debit card then keep the PIN code safe as well. At the end of the day it comes down to the individual user to exercise the requisite care themselves. Bitcoin is here to stay and it is as safe as you keep it. Has there been much interest in the online gambling industry for Bitcoin? Growth was perhaps slower a few years back, but since Bitcoin has grown in popularity more and more people from the online gambling sector are starting to see the potential. Gambling businesses are very much driven by numbers and return on investment, so the early adopters of Bitcoin enabled gambling products are showing strong growth numbers which make others wish to jump on-board the bandwagon. Given the lower transaction fees associated with using Bitcoin both from a player’s perspective moving money into and out of the operators’ gaming platform and for the operators over other payment methods, provides a strong business case and justification for more gaming operators and platforms to enable Bitcoin acceptance. 26
Does Bitcoin therefore have the potential to transform legacy gambling infrastructures? Innovation and change always polarises opinion both positively and negatively. However like most disruption in the digital economy, its consumers driving the change not so much the corporates. With that Bitcoin users tend to be a younger and therefore much sought after demographic segment that has grown up with digital technology. They are able to embrace change very swiftly without any hang-ups or preconceptions. It’s a cliché for sure but they are the now generation not just pushing change but transformation and that means constantly challenging the status quo or legacy ways of that things are done. Just in the same way as mobile has increased the reach and accessibility of gaming to a wider audience, which was the consumers demanding the change as against the operators foreseeing the demand, Bitcoin can certainly help modernise existing gambling infrastructures and business models. There are hundreds of millions of potential consumers that are regarded as ’under banked’ and may not have access to traditional banks, ATM’s or debit cards. But yet that same group are accessing the internet and wish to buy goods and services – so it’s a numbers game and Bitcoin could by a means to service a relatively large and growing consumer market who what to do things differently from the previous generation. issue 015
Scheduling systems Peter White Interviews Mike Hennessy, Business Development Director of Shopworks
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he Shopworks rostering and scheduling system is a cloud based software product, which has led to huge wage savings for major UK leisure operators. It’s designed to make the whole process of sorting out week to week staffing levels easier for operators and staff alike. It started in the betting shop industry, but we’ve found it fits really well into any staff intensive, shift-work based leisure industry – Shopworks is used by the biggest casino operator in the UK, Grosvenor Casinos, and is in all 56 of their Casinos – it is also in a number of bingo clubs for other operators and going into more as we speak. So what are the key benefits to an operator? From the operational side, it’s all about budgeting, convenience and cost saving. Setting a rota is made as simple as possible with a drag and drop system, and of course you can cut and paste swathes of the previous rota. The key is that as you are putting the rota together, the system calculates cost as you go along, and senior management can stipulate a maximum total weekly budget – and the system won’t accept a total higher than that (although it’s all configurable of course). From the convenience side, the system helps to make sure the right skills and experience mix in each department, tracks holiday entitlement, and ties in issue 015
at both ends, so takes care of the timekeeping and payroll integration. Generally we recommend a fingerprint scanner to track staff in and out times – and of course this ties into the rota to make sure pay packets are correct. We also link at the other end to any payroll system, some through direct integration, others through a file export, so it’s as easy as it possibly can be to run the whole process. The cost saving comes partly from senior management having a much better handle on avoiding wasted hours, and partly from elimination of payroll errors. On average our customers tell us that they have saved around 7% of total payroll due to the introduction of the system – that’s a serious saving. And you mentioned it makes life easier for staff ? Absolutely, this is the fun part! As the system is cloud based, each employee has their own username and password to get into the system and access their own rota. Most staff members have smartphones, or at least some internet access, so they can check their rotas online. However, it goes much, much further than that – they can track their paid hours, request holiday or days off, and generally see a whole bunch of things that were always opaque in the past. The other beauty of the system is the flexibility it offers. It can be – and is by all of our customers – tied 29
to a text alert system, so if there’s a change in rosters, or the manager needs some sick time covering, they can just set up a text to all affected staff. Can you imagine how much easier that would be – one of your team members signs off sick for a week, and you just text out the shifts to all trained personnel, who sign up online for the shifts? It takes a huge amount
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of work out of the equation, and takes care of all the record keeping. Staff can check their own hours, and of course will soon make a noise if they feel there have been some missed – the key being that what they see on the system is what they’re set to get paid, so they act as a critical part of the payroll checking.
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This sounds like something that everybody should be doing in the internet age … Well, we do have competitors , although not all have the experience in UK gaming we do, but what I believe sets us apart is our business model. We don’t charge anything up front – we don’t need to, it’s all software based. We never charge until the system is in and working, and have no problem offering a free trial to operators. Because we are so confident in our product, we offer rolling short term (30 day) contracts. Our competitors tend to quote large numbers for setup fees, which just aren’t necessary. This creates a culture at Shopworks which requires us to keep delivering as we may only be 30 days away from losing a customer and we would like to think that shows when comparing to a company that may have taken 80% of its revenue before the system is even live. Any other goodies ? Well, one thing we’re really proud of is the training module. In any industry, especially a gambling related one, there are a lot of bits and pieces to train the staff with – problem gambling, money laundering and so on, up to the softer skills such as dealing with difficult people – quite a key one in bingo ! The system can be configured to hold these modules so staff can work through them at their own pace and they can access their personal training issue 015
programme via their phone, tablet or PC and test their knowledge. We adapt it depending on the industry in question – the package for casinos is subtly different to that for bingo. The key is that all the data is held in the cloud, so the operator has a perfect record of all training that’s been delivered, which stands up in case of a problem. And what about security of data ? We have this very well covered, as you might imagine. We have penetration tests from a third party on a regular basis, and frankly if we can get our system approved by Rank Group, that’s a gold standard, they don’t link to just any system out there. There’s absolutely no doubt that every employer will be using a cloud based system within the next few years, and we feel ours is a cost effective way to get involved. With no upfront fees and a reasonable weekly charge per site (based on our estimate of a quarter of the wage costs each site saves) it’s not an expensive way to streamline the whole process, in fact the savings you can expect to make will ensure you are always ahead on the deal. If you’d like to hear more about Shopworks, drop paul@shopworks.com an email for information and a demonstration
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EAG Preview 2015 Chris Sanson chats to Karen Cook ahead of the 2015 EAG Show How was EAG 2014. Can you provide details on the number of Countries represented by amusement industry buyers and specifiers representatives at this year’s show and which had the most attendees? EAG 2014 was the fifth edition of the show and was attended by 5,460 visitors, an increase on the previous year. At 70%, the largest number of visitors hailed from the UK but trade professionals from 63 countries made the journey to ExCel for the show. After the UK, the countries with most visitors were Italy, Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Greece and Germany.
‘What’s new’ for the 2015 show? The greatest change for 2015 is that EAG will run concurrently with an entirely new show, the Visitor Attraction Expo. Presented by BALPPA in conjunction 32
with EAG, the VAE will appeal to owners, managers, suppliers and developers of leisure parks, piers, zoos, indoor play and static attractions. Visitors will be able to move freely between the VAE and EAG with the convenience of a single badge. Both EAG and VAE will share an enhanced programme of seminars and educational events, hosted by prominent industry figures and reflecting current hot topics. EAG 2015 will be welcoming some new exhibitors, including Sweet Amanda’s, presenting a dazzling bulk candy and capsule vending kiosk aimed at putting the fun and theatre back into candy vending. Also premiering will be Semnox Solutions, showing a range of RFID wristbands, card and locks, plus redemption management and other business enhancing systems.
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Have you found any emerging trends in the industry from your surveys and if so have you incorporated any of those findings into the exhibition? Something that has become more apparent is that there is less demarcation between the various sectors within our industry. Many of EAG’s exhibitors and indeed its visitors, are active across Coin-Op, Attractions, Amusements and also Vending. The launch of the new Visitor Attraction Expo to run alongside EAG is a reflection of this trend. We’ve also noticed that there is increasing unity when addressing political and regulatory issues. This will be reflected in EAG’s seminar and educational programme which will have a broader base than in previous years. On the visitor front, EAG is attracting more international visitors from a growing number of countries. Our international promotion campaign supports exhibitors through partnerships and the distribution of news to 47 international publications, including paper press, online and new media. What message would you like to communicate to the Bingo Industry as to why EAG 2015 is a must attend event? Many of EAG’s exhibitors already cater to the bingo industry. Products on display and of interest to bingo operators will include all categories of AWPs, cash handling technology, terminals, vending and a variety of business management systems. EAG’s seminar and educational programme will be broad-based, appealing to a wide cross-section of the leisure industry and there will be opportunities for networking with other industry professionals, at both formal and informal gatherings around the show. What can visitors expect to see at the 2015 exhibiition? Expect to see products from over 180 represented manufacturers, including: AWPs, admission and crowd control systems, air hockey, amusement rides, AV systems, battery powered cars, carpeting, cash handling technology, change machines, cotton candy, cranes, dodgem cars, financial services, go-karts, inflatables, kiddie rides, laser games, licensed and generic plush, music programming, issue 015
photo booths, pool, pushers, redemption and loyalty systems, shooting galleries, simulators, ticketing and couponing solutions, vending, 6D motion theatre, video games and much, much more. Many manufacturers use EAG as the platform for their European product launches.
For those not familiar with the venue ExCel how easy is it to get to? ExCel London is an award-winning venue with spectacular facilities and easily accessible by air, road and rail. For air travellers, London City Airport is a few minutes’ taxi ride from ExCel. London City handles over 350 flights a day to 40 UK and international destinations. London’s Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick airports are all within one and a half hour’s journey time. London ExCel benefits from three on-site Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations connecting with the Jubilee line on the London Underground. For those arriving by car, ExCel is located close to the M25, London’s orbital motorway. Parking is immediately below the exhibition concourse, with 2,700 spaces. Does it cost to attend the conference? Entry to EAG and its seminar and educational programmes is free to trade visitors. How can one book their attendance at the EAG 2015 Show? Registration is via the show’s website www.eagexpo. com Early registration brings the added bonus of receiving your ticket by mail. Do you provide discounted offers on hotel accommodation for attendees if so how can one locate that information? EAG’s hotel reservation partner, Event Express, is a specialist in the conference and exhibition sector. As well as negotiating favourable prices, Event Express has accessed some very favourable terms and conditions, enabling cancellations and changes right up to the show. Event Express may be contacted via the EAG website www.eagexpo.com
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R Franco
I
The R. Franco Group is becoming an active player in the online gaming market
n view of the huge development of online gaming and the opening of a new period for submitting licences by the General Directorate on Gaming (Direcci贸n General de Ordenaci贸n del Juego (DGOJ)), the R. Franco Group has decided to enter the online industry and applied for the corresponding licences by way of the R. Franco Digital company at the end of November. At present, companies need to apply for one to three general licences in order to perform this activity. Later on, or simultaneously, as the R. Franco Group will do, companies may apply for Singular Licences for operating specific games. Therefore, R. Franco Digital will apply for two general licences: a) bets and, more specifically, sports betting; and b) other games: slots, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. For the time being these are the modalities that will be offered in its online debut, though application for 34
additional Singular Licences is not excluded for the future. The project is led by the Department of New Business Development and, in particular, by Alejandro Casanova. The decision to enter this modality is the logical step for a company which always strives to be at the forefront. This is achieved with every new game launched, always forming part of the most modern systems. This will also be its goal within the online gaming industry. Another major reason is the result of joining forces and a reinforcement of our physical presence in order to create an online brand. The R. Franco Group is soundness, reliability, innovation, ambition. But it is also responsibility and commitment to its customers and suppliers. For this reason, our goal is to supply a large range of games and put them at the disposal of all types of customers in an ever more modernised industry. issue 015
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