Tuesday, January 31, 2017
BIL and GBG propose to save pub sector minimum of £500,000 a year
Business In Licensing and Gambling Business Group partnership proposal receives support from British Beer & Pub Association and the Gambling Commission. Business In Licensing (BIL) in partnership with the Gambling Business Group (GBG), has formulated a proposal to remove the requirement for pubs and clubs to notify Licensing Authorities that they wish to use their ‘automatic entitlement’ to two machines. The proposal, which also has the support of the British Beer and Pub Association and the Gambling Commission, will save pub operators and machine suppliers £50/notification and remove layers of wasteful administrative burden in the process. The move would save the UK pub [ ] The post BIL and GBG propose to save pub sector minimum of £500,000 a year appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/31/bil-gbg-bbpa/
Namco founder and Father of Pac-Man dies aged 91
Father of Pac-Man leaves a legacy of entertainment. One of the video game industry’s driving forces, Masaya Nakamura, has died: Mr. Nakamura, who was president of Namco, was aged 91. A true entrepreneur, Masaya Nakamura began his amusements career in 1955 when he operated rudimentary, non-electronic children’s rides from the roof of a Tokyo department store. From there he expanded his operation to include a broader selection of children’s rides. In the 1970’s he was at the forefront of the video game revolution and was responsible for the classic Galaxian, which he sold to Midway Games. However it was the [ ] The post Namco founder and Father of Pac-Man dies aged 91 appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/31/namco-founder-father-pac-man/
ICE Totally Gaming host inward mission of US OEMs
A senior delegation representing 13 US OEMs will be attending next week’s ICE Totally Gaming as guests of ICE organiser, Kate Chambers. The Inward Mission of manufacturers is being undertaken to showcase the credentials of gaming’s most international business technology event to prospective first time exhibitors. Expanding on the initiative, Kate Chambers said: “It’s some time since we last staged an Inward Mission and I am looking forward to being able to demonstrate the vibrancy, the energy and the internationalism that are unique features of the ICE experience. The Inward Mission, which has been put together with the kind help [ ] The post ICE Totally Gaming host inward mission of US OEMs appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/31/ice-us-oems/
Asia offers a glimpse into the future of the toy market
Thousands of exhibitors showcased their latest toy inventions in Hong Kong recently, and Smart Tech is definitely the new black. Where Asia leads, particularly in this area, the rest of the world tends to ponder. Will the UK follow and make 2017 the year of Smart Tech? The Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair enjoyed a successful 43rd run, featuring a record 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, making this the largest event of it’s kind in Asia. The fair, not surprisingly, provided an early year indicator of what to expect on the shelves and in the prize machines with [ ] The post Asia offers a glimpse into the future of the toy market appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/31/asia-offers-glimpse-future-toy-market/
Arcade operator to diversify with £2m trampoline park
A Morecambe amusement arcade operator is diversifying with the construction of a £2m indoor trampoline park. The operating company JET, which owns Pleasureland amusement arcade, began work on the Jump Rush park on 16 January, which will feature a huge trampoline area, padded walls, foam pits, a soft play area and a modern cafe. “We will be promoting the trampoline park throughout the North West as well as the local area and are aiming for this to be a major new attraction to draw visitors to Morecambe.” JET’s director Solomon Reader said he was ‘thrilled’ that building work [ ] The post Arcade operator to diversify with £2m trampoline park appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/31/morecambe-operator-diversify/
Monday, January 30, 2017
Gamesman showcase new developments at ICE
Gamesman Sales Director, Martin Rigby, has highlighted the role of major events, such as ICE in bringing the industry together as a community and talking product. He explained: Great ideas come when our industry is able to spend some time reflecting on the business and exchanging opinions. Our job is to come away from ICE with a clear understanding of what a customer wants, understand their issues and then use our passion for engineering and deep knowledge of the industry to provide the best possible solution.” He added: We always bring new developments to ICE, a percentage of which are [ ] The post Gamesman showcase new developments at ICE appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/30/gamesman-showcase-developments/
Global Gaming Ventures roll out the red carpet for ‘Super Casino’ grand opening
The star-studded grand opening ceremony of a ‘Super Casino’ in Leeds has been attended by thousands in the UK city. Thousands of VIPs and industry delegates attended the grand opening of a new ‘Super Casino’ in Leeds on Thursday, January 26, 2017. The new Victoria Gate Casino, which cost £30m, is the third largest casino in the UK and its operator claims will be a key contributor to the northern city. Andrew Herd, Chief Executive of Global Gaming Ventures – the operator of Victoria Gate Casino – said: “The vision for Victoria Gate Casino has been years in the making [ ] The post Global Gaming Ventures roll out the red carpet for ‘Super Casino’ grand opening appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/30/ggv-super-casino-opening/
Updates announced for MIM and VHub in 2017
Soundnet used its appearance at EAG to announce the launch of a series of new improvements to the MIM and VHub jukeboxes. Updates will soon be available as a USB memory stick, which will enable operators to add multiple updates together making any catch up much quicker onsite or back at the office for stock items. Soundnet will also be introducing new MIM programmes for Pop and Rock bringing more focus to the music on the jukebox. Soundnet have also announced that requests of less than 100 tracks for any Venue Favourite will be completed and sent out to the operator in [ ] The post Updates announced for MIM and VHub in 2017 appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/30/updates-mim-vhub-2017/
Helix Leisure confirms new management appointments to support growth
A number of key personnel have been hired within Helix Leisure following last year’s key growth across the brand’s varied companies. Helix Leisure has appointed a number of industry specialists in key positions across the company’s brands following a year of growth in 2016. The company, which includes the Embed, LAI Games and The Locker Network brands, has confirmed three new appointments in three key positions internationally. Rosa Tahmaseb is the new Managing Director for the Helix Leisure EMEA office in Dubai, UAE, overseeing the company’s operations and working to identify and foster new opportunities in the European, Middle Eastern [ ] The post Helix Leisure confirms new management appointments to support growth appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/30/helix-leisure-management-appointments/
Playdium in tune with operators– states Hardy
The Playdium jukebox, developed by TouchTunes and launched into the UK three months ago, has established itself as the online jukebox of choice, taking more money than any competitive product in the market. Described as the ‘game-changing’ jukebox, Playdium was one of the main talking points at EAG as the industry debated ways in which the music sector can engage with the Spotify generation and establish its credentials as an important component in the wider entertainment mix. Nick Hardy, who was making his first industry appearance in his new role as TouchTunes Commercial Director for Europe, said: “TouchTunes is a [ ] The post Playdium in tune with operators– states Hardy appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/30/playdium-operators-hardy/
Friday, January 27, 2017
New worldwide operations position created for Doug Stagner at IAAPA
IAAPA has positioned Doug Stagner in two roles at the association including a newly created role dealing with worldwide operations. Doug Stagner has been confirmed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Vice President (EVP) of worldwide operations at IAPPA. The attractions industry veteran has been hired both as COO and, in the newly created position, as EVP to oversee the association’s international growth and to ensure it attains its goals globally. Stagner has been in the industry for 32 years in a variety of senior leadership positions, including vice president of international operations for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Doug [ ] The post New worldwide operations position created for Doug Stagner at IAAPA appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/doug-stagner-iaapa/
The Rank Group posts encouraging digital results in half-year report
The latest half-year results have been announced by The Rank Group Plc, with strong showings across digital operations. The British gambling company, The Rank Group Plc, has confirmed its latest half-year results with a focus on digital operations and strategic progress in 2017. Rank’s group revenue saw an overall rise of 2% during the period with digital revenue performing strongly with an 11% surge during the last six months. The company claims the encouraging results form part of wider improving trends in retail casino and UK digital revenues during the second quarter of 2016. Henry Birch, Chief Executive of The [ ] The post The Rank Group posts encouraging digital results in half-year report appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/rank-group-half-year-report/
New coin costs spiral for larger operators
As the wave of new currency continues, two of the UK’s bigger operators shed light on the true costs of reprogramming for the £1 coin. Some of the UK’s largest operators are counting the costs of the new £1 coin, with figures spiralling into the tens of thousands. With the new 12-sided coin set to be introduced 28 March, operators are working flat out to ensure their machines are ready to accept it the current coin will be out of circulation by October. Economies of scale may go some way to reducing the cost of changing each acceptor, but [ ] The post New coin costs spiral for larger operators appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/costs-spiral-larger-operators/
Regulators, legislators and trade CEOs to shape the future of gaming at ICE
Clarion confirms over 557 international regulators will attend ICE 2017. The status of London as the world capital of gaming has been underlined with confirmation that over 557 regulators and legislators from jurisdictions around the globe will be attending ICE 2017 alongside CEOs representing every major gaming trade association in the world. Kate Chambers, Managing Director of the Gaming Division at Clarion Events, believes ICE has developed beyond being just the commercial hub for gaming. She explained: “Naturally, the number one focus for everyone involved is the provision of a professional environment for the world’s top gaming innovators to meet [ ] The post Regulators, legislators and trade CEOs to shape the future of gaming at ICE appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/regulators-legislators-ice/
Leisure Engineering confident of success for evergreen rides
Leisure Engineering’s Bill Hammett is confident that the company’s battery-operated children’s rides will continue to be as popular as ever in 2017, and that their enduring appeal sets the company in good stead for continued success. The family run business has been supplying and maintaining children’s rides for more than 20 years and Hammett believes the market will always be a successful one due to the enduring, well-proven, appeal of the rides. “Children’s rides will always be popular. Rides provide an excitement and an experience that will be fundamental in a child growing up.” 2017 will bring the challenge of [ ] The post Leisure Engineering confident of success for evergreen rides appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/leisure-engineering-confident/
SB Machines: Made in Italy, for good reason
Paolo Sidoli, owner of SB Machines and veteran of the coin-operated ride business, talks up Made in Italy, and welcomes in prospects for another strong year. From Ferrari to Fiat, the Italians have a proud tradition of excellence in manufacturing. For Paolo Sidoli, owner of SB Machines, a dedicated supplier of Italian-only kiddies rides, coin-op is no exception. Poised on a corner of the South Wales coastline, SB Machines has been supplying the UK and Irish market for some 50 years. What started with Sidoli’s father, Gino, supplying amusement equipments to local cafes in the Italo-Welsh community, is today a [ ] The post SB Machines: Made in Italy, for good reason appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/made-italy-good-reason/
JNC’s Jennings makes move outside the industry
JNC Sales has announced the forthcoming departure of its finance director, John Jennings. Jennings, who has held the role for the last seven years and has been instrumental in a successful period of consistent growth, will be leaving the company in the middle of January. “All the team at JNC wish John every success in the future and thank him for everything he has done for the company. John is moving on outside of the industry,” a statement from JNC read. Going forward, current director Tom Clarke will assume the role of managing director and new to the team from outside [ ] The post JNC’s Jennings makes move outside the industry appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/27/jnc-jennings-makes-move/
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Reflex to sign William Hill deal at ICE
Reflex Gaming, which marked its official entry to the digital gaming space 12 months ago, enter ICE 2017 buoyed by what Managing Director Quentin Stott has described as a significant business win” with leading bookmakers, William Hill. The games supply contract will be signed at the Reflex stand (S8-110) on the first day of ICE. Explaining his ICE objectives, Quentin Stott said: “As the new kids on the digital block, ICE 2016 was an intense learning experience for us. Since then, a lot has been achieved, not least the hiring of former Inspired senior executive Mat Ingram as Chief Product [ ] The post Reflex to sign William Hill deal at ICE appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/reflex-sign-william-hill-deal-ice/
Brits spend record amount on day-trips in 2016
Holidaymakers spent a record-breaking amount on day trips across England in 2016 and helped to boost the economy by £45.3bn, new research by tourism agency VisitEngland has shown. The Brits have enjoyed their day by the seaside well, many days by the seaside it seems. Figures covering January to November 2016 show holidaymakers spent a record amount of money on day trips, beating the previous best of £44.3bn spent in the same period in 2012, and 7 per cent more than in 2015. The first 11 months of last year also saw the highest number of day trips taken [ ] The post Brits spend record amount on day-trips in 2016 appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/brits-spend-record-amount/
Broadening the appeal with a bit of ‘Netflix and chill’
Mecca Bingo has overhauled its number calls to include a number of modern pop culture references in a bid to appeal to younger players. The bingo chain, which operates 86 clubs across the UK, allowed members to vote on what traditional number calls they wanted replaced by more relevant offerings. The new modernised calls are currently being rolled out on a trial basis in clubs. Caroline Webb, spokesperson for Mecca Bingo, said: “The references to modern culture phenomena and trends, such as hipsters and Tider, and massive stars like Adele and Little Mix are likely to appeal to the increasingly [ ] The post Broadening the appeal with a bit of ‘Netflix and chill’ appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/mecca-netflix-chill/
Scottish-based operator reports bumper year
Scotland-based bingo operator Carlton has revealed a strong financial performance in 2016, with pre-tax profits rising by 27 percent. The bricks-and-mortar bingo hall owner runs 13 clubs in Scotland and north east England from its base in Inverness. During the 15/16 financial year, its pre-tax profit rose to £1.9m, while revenue ticked up five percent to £15.2m. Overall turnover was at £33.2m, of which £18m was paid out to lucky customers, a £137,000 increase on the previous year. While the underlying results reflect the continued cost of living stresses felt by our customers, and increased competition for leisure time, [ ] The post Scottish-based operator reports bumper year appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/carlton-reports-bumper-year/
Brighton leisure leaders slam Southern bosses and unions
As the chaos surrounding Southern Rail deepens, leading Brighton and Hove business people and politicians have renewed calls for action. But while some blame the government, others are directing their rage at the trade unions who called for strike action. Brighton’s leisure bosses, including the new owner of Brighton Pier, have hit out at Southern Rail. Travel disruption between London and the south coast has only intensified in recent weeks, as drivers union ASLEF joined the ongoing dispute between Southern and its train conductors. With fresh rounds of strikes having been announced and ASLEF banning its members from taking overtime, [ ] The post Brighton leisure leaders slam Southern bosses and unions appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/leisure-leaders-southern-bosses-unions/
Bingo Association announce Alan Morgan as new chairman
The Bingo Association has elected Rank’s Alan Morgan as its new chairman. Alan Morgan has been appointed new chairman of The Bingo Association following an Executive Council meeting before Christmas. Morgan joined Rank Group in September 2016 as managing director of Mecca Bingo and has been involved with the Association ever since. Prior to this he was chief operating and commercial officer at Spirit Pub Company and had previously held senior roles within Whitbread, David Lloyd Leisure and Compass. He said of the appointment: “I am delighted to become chairman of The Bingo Association. I am very passionate about the [ ] The post Bingo Association announce Alan Morgan as new chairman appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/bingo-association-new-chairman/
Bassam earns VP role at Innovative Technology
Leading cash handling equipment provider Innovative Technology has confirmed the promotion of Andy Bassam to VP of customer support. Bassam has headed up ITL’s Customer Support for the last five years and has worked in the cash handling industry for more than 15 years. This new role will see him take on more strategic responsibility for the development of the company’s global technical support as ITL continue to grow its product range and expand its market share worldwide. “ITL Customer Support is a truly global operation with staff from different continents providing around the clock support for customers,” Bassam said. [ ] The post Bassam earns VP role at Innovative Technology appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/bassam-vp-role-innovative-technology/
CES 2017 – Virtual Reality: Wait no longer
CES in Vegas ushered in the future earlier this month. Those arcade operators waiting with baited breath for the chance to offer a VR experience to their customers need wait no longer: the time is now. This year’s Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the seminal trade show for cutting edge recreational technologies, was dominated by two letters: VR. There’s been much hype about the technology in amusement arcade circles about how this revolutionary piece of entertainment equipment could one day transform the sector. Yet VR is no longer the stuff of science fiction: it’s already being used as [ ] The post CES 2017 Virtual Reality: Wait no longer appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/26/ces-virtual-reality/
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
UKIP appoints Heritage and Tourism spokesman
Stickney Fen UKIP councillor Victoria Ayling has said she wants to campaign for an all-round tourism season for coastal towns and for Boston following her appointment as the party’s Heritage and Tourism spokesperson. “Unafraid to argue her point, Victoria will get the best deal for the UK tourism industry,” said UKIP leader Paul Nuttall. Ayling’s new position was confirmed just before Christmas and said she confirmed that she has already held ‘brainstorming sessions’. “I want to champion our seaside towns such as Skegness in that everything must be done to encourage tourism to Britain,” said Ayling. “Tourism accounted for 9 [ ] The post UKIP appoints Heritage and Tourism spokesman appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/ukip-heritage-tourism-spokesman/
UKIP appoints Heritage and Tourism spokesman
Stickney Fen UKIP councillor Victoria Ayling has said she wants to campaign for an all-round tourism season for coastal towns and for Boston following her appointment as the party’s Heritage and Tourism spokesperson. “Unafraid to argue her point, Victoria will get the best deal for the UK tourism industry,” said UKIP leader Paul Nuttall. Ayling’s new position was confirmed just before Christmas and said she confirmed that she has already held ‘brainstorming sessions’. “I want to champion our seaside towns such as Skegness in that everything must be done to encourage tourism to Britain,” said Ayling. “Tourism accounted for 9 [ ] The post UKIP appoints Heritage and Tourism spokesman appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/ukip-heritage-tourism-spokesman/
Two piers included in Times’ top buildings
Brighton’s i360 ‘vertical pier’ and Hastings Pier have been included in The Times newspaper’s list of the top 10 buildings of 2016. The list, compiled by critic Jonathan Morrison to celebrate the best architectural creations of the past year, offered praise for the designers of both piers. The i360 was ranked at six, with Hastings Pier one behind in seventh. London’s Newport Street Gallery topped the list. Applauding i360 creator Marks Barfield, Morrison commented: “There’s no doubt that the 162m pole described by the architects, at least, as a vertical pier is an interesting, rather fun, addition to [ ] The post Two piers included in Times’ top buildings appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/two-pier-times-top-buildings/
Self-made magic coming this spring
A fully immersive family adventure ride is coming to Legoland Windsor in May 2017. Young thrillseekers will be able to hold their own against the snake tribes and Kings of the Skulkuns by hurling fireballs, shockwaves, ice and lightning from the palms of their hands in this 4D hand gesture enabled ride. The ride makes use of 4D effects such as smoke, heat and wind to give children the illusion that with a mere wave of their hands they can conjure the elements and use their new magic powers to battle the lego models of five-foot guardian dragons. Families will [ ] The post Self-made magic coming this spring appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/self-made-magic-coming-spring/
They’re bringing pinball back to mainstream
Pinball enthusiast, Andrew Heighway, has spent years redesigning the pinball machine and has made a successful attempt to make the game mainstream again. Andrew Heighway, managing director at Heighway Pinball, felt that the time was right to have a new and innovate pinball machine in the market which would convince operators to invest in the pinball market once more. He said: “Unlike video games, which can be replicated very easily on platforms like Xbox and PlayStation, pinball is very difficult to recreate digitally on games platforms. So real pinball has a big place in coin-op in the future, as long [ ] The post They’re bringing pinball back to mainstream appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/pinball-back-mainstream/
Operators prepare to take a hit as new £1 coin introduced
Amusement arcade owners are getting set to take a hit as they prepare their machines for the arrival of the new £1 coin. Last week, The Treasury announced that the new coin will enter circulation on 28 March and its predecessor will be withdrawn by mid-October. At Skegness’s Tower Amusements, manager Ray Lane said it had cost the business around £30 per machine when the new sized 10p coin was introduced in 1992, and revealed the FEC was already getting ready for the new £1. He told the Lincolnshire Echo: “We’ve had dummy coins issued for about three months now [ ] The post Operators prepare to take a hit as new £1 coin introduced appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/25/operators-prepare-take-hit/
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
New £3m holiday park approved for Great Ayton area
A new holiday park in the Great Ayton area has been approved, after the local council backed plans for a £3m development were given the green light. The area on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors will play host to new site comprised of 54 holiday chalets. This is greatly reduced from the 179 originally proposed by developer Alan Petch, but came after discussions with Hambleton District Council, local businesses and Stokesley and Great Ayton Parish Councils. Although this initial phase of construction does not include plans for a dedicated amusements area, the existence of a reception building and [ ] The post New £3m holiday park approved for Great Ayton area appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/3m-holiday-park/
Laying the groundwork for an easy changeover
The industry has been leaning even more heavily on its cash handling partners over the past few months and will continue to do so throughout 2017. As Astrosystems’ Debbie Malin explains, that places the onus on them to deliver a smooth and easy transition to new currency. The biggest news for Astrosystems in the UK over recent months has obviously been the various changes in currency currently emerging from the Bank of England. The challenge for the experienced cash handling firm was to support its customers through as seamless a transition as possible. “Having a new banknote added to an [ ] The post Laying the groundwork for an easy changeover appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/groundwork-easy-changeover/
Media Watch: Backing the right horse
Should we be cutting tourism VAT, supporting the pinball industry or banning all chess players? These questions and more are asked (if not answered) in this week’s look at the world’s media. In the Mail on Sunday last week, city editor Simon Watkins is arguing that Britain must do more to back its tourist trade: “The leisure sector has been banging this drum for many years, but the dramatic events of 2016 and the challenges of the years ahead –mean that the time has come for Government to act. “The slumping value of the pound since June 23 is [ ] The post Media Watch: Backing the right horse appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/media-watch-backing-right-horse/
Merlin Entertainments hoping for discount visitor bump
Merlin Entertainments is offering sale prices on an annual pass for families, in an attempt to tie in customers for its wide range of leisure attractions. Passes are currently on sale for £109, a discount of £30 over the standard price. The UK-based company will be hoping in particular that the deals help bring visitors back to Alton Towers, which has endured falling visitor numbers since the Smiler rollercoaster crash in 2015. The tickets include discount to entry prices for Merlin’s other major attractions, including Legoland, London Dungeons and Madame Tussauds. There are also premium passes available for £159, down [ ] The post Merlin Entertainments hoping for discount visitor bump appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/merlin-discount-visitor-bump/
Lack of warning about Triennial stacks the deck against the industry
Gambling consultant Steve Donoughue argues that by keeping the industry in the dark about the Triennial announcement the Government is marching to the beat of its own drum. I cannot work out how, unless the industry was warned of the Triennial Review beforehand, that Tracey Crouch’s desire for substantial amounts of data can be provided in just six weeks? The cynic in me thinks that by asking for vast amounts of data and research in such a short time frame the government are setting up the industry, specifically the bookmakers and their B2s and TV advertising for a reduction in [ ] The post Lack of warning about Triennial stacks the deck against the industry appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/lack-warning-triennial/
Southern Rail Strike – Off the Rails
Beyond a bit of catharsis, I take no particular delight in being compelled to return to the subject of the sorry state of Southern Rail. As I’ve mentioned in these pages before, the company’s route from London to Brighton is one I venture onto regularly to reach the Coinslot offices, so the ongoing debacle is a knife particularly close to my heart. This week, the whole escapade seems to have been turned up a notch. As you will have seen, Brighton’s leisure operators have been speaking with great passion about the situation. And elsewhere, one of the striking drivers penned [ ] The post Southern Rail Strike Off the Rails appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/southern-rail-strike/
InterGame’s David Snook and NetEnt CDO, Åsa Bredin to open ICE 2017
Veteran gaming journalist David Snook and NetEnt’s Åsa Bredin, who is one of the leading advocates of recruiting more women to senior positions within gaming, have accepted invitations to officially open the 2017 edition of ICE Totally Gaming. They will be joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by senior members of the ICE organising team, including Kate Chambers, Managing Director of the Gaming Division at Clarion Events, and the person responsible for overseeing the development and growth of ICE including its relocation to the ExCeL Exhibition Centre. “David reported on his first ATEI, the low stake gaming and amusements show [ ] The post InterGame’s David Snook and NetEnt CDO, Åsa Bredin to open ICE 2017 appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/24/asa-bredin/
Monday, January 23, 2017
Greeks love illegal VLTs so much, they may soon be legal
As Greece struggles to enforce its ban on the highly popular unlicensed video lottery terminal market, moves are afoot for a sweeping liberalisation of this E1bn industry. Greek Authorities raided a staggering 480 gaming venues in 2016 suspected of operating unlicensed gaming terminals. The figures suggest that the appetite for amusements is alive and well in Greece, despite the prohibition, and is fuelling efforts for an overhaul of the antiquated law. An official report published by the gaming watchdog, Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) shows police made 1,513 arrests last year related to gaming machine operators, and seized around E160,000 in [ ] The post Greeks love illegal VLTs so much, they may soon be legal appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/greeks-vlts-may-soon-legal/
eQube’s multi-venue bingo solution now available for casinos and AGCs
Toronto-listed bingo solutions firm, eQube, provides the only regulator-approved system in the world capable of operating, optimising and managing multiple bingo venues so capable, in fact, that even Canadian gaming regulators use it. The 17-year-old company is now expanding its scope, making this all-encompassing and highly customisable bingo system available to any venue, in any sector. eQube CEO John Purcell speaks with Casino Review about the strategic benefits of bingo, and how eQube’s solutions empower operators to retain customers and offer the quintessential social game on their terms. COINSLOT: What is eQube? John Purcell: We’re a bingo company. Everything [ ] The post eQube’s multi-venue bingo solution now available for casinos and AGCs appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/equbes-multi-venue-bingo-solution/
Eurocoin Systems: Joined-up solutions for UK gaming operators
“Our customers work hard enough already! Our goal is to make sure our systems make their lives a whole lot easier ” Eurocoin’s new division is on a mission. Eurocoin Systems is the new division of the Eurocoin Group, developing, installing and supporting the company’s main networked payment and management solutions for UK operators. As director Colin Veitch points out, the company is on a clearly-defined mission to deliver affordable and innovative systems that will help grow their gaming clients’ businesses. “Eurocoin Systems now incorporates our major brands Playsafe Monitoring and Thomas Automatics, plus a growing range of proven solutions such [ ] The post Eurocoin Systems: Joined-up solutions for UK gaming operators appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/eurocoin-solutions-uk-gaming-operators/
Electrocoin unveil new year’s resolutions
Kevin Weir talks to Coinslot about the areas which Electrocoin where he serves as business development director are targeting in 2017, providing a clue into the sectors most likely to grow in the year ahead. Coinslot: Where do you see potential to expand in 2017? Kevin Weir: We have three areas of concentration in the next 12 months. Firstly, we believe that the redemption side of the market will continue to grow. We are investing in new products within this sector as well as continuing to expand our market share of the ticket eater market with Elmac’s range [ ] The post Electrocoin unveil new year’s resolutions appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/electrocoin-years-resolutions/
Japan’s multi-billion dollar arcade industry should get the west taking notes
The enduring success of Japan’s multi-billion dollar arcade industry should get us in the west taking notes The British holiday could hardly be thought of without the archetypal amusement arcade. But there is another country where the arcade industry holds a similar pride of place in the nation’s culture: Japan. Game-centres, or what the Japanese call “geesen”, are thriving in the land of the rising sun. From the oodles of small scale venues that litter Japan’s back alleys, to the Sega Akihabara, a giant arcade located in front of JR Akihabara Station in Tokyo, game centres are not losing any [ ] The post Japan’s multi-billion dollar arcade industry should get the west taking notes appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/japans-arcade-industry/
Challenges and opportunities underpinning the year ahead
Praesepe CEO Nick Harding offers his assessment on three key issues facing the amusements market as it enters into a new and potentially transformative year. The Triennial Review Well, at last the process has started. The Triennial Review of stakes and prizes was finally announced by the government after, literally years of lobbying by the industry, a programme which Praesepe played a full and active part in. The Triennial Review is the method by which the government can establish a level playing field between the socially responsible low stake gaming entertainment offered by businesses such as Cashino and Beacon and [ ] The post Challenges and opportunities underpinning the year ahead appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/opportunities-underpinning-year/
Dreamland operator receives £10m investment for sale
Operators of the Dreamland theme park, which went into administration in May 2016, have agreed to extend its loan facility with Cayman Island-based hedge fund company, Arrowgrass, to almost £10m in order to prepare the site for sale. The sorry tale of Margate’s troubled leisure complex Dreamland continues, albeit with an end-game in mind. Having initially been loaned £600,000 in May 2106, an agreement has now been reached between operators Sands Heritage, administrators Duff and Phelps, and Arrowgrass to increase the park’s loan amount to £9.915m to prepare the site ready for sale. The Dreamland story is not a comfortable [ ] The post Dreamland operator receives £10m investment for sale appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/dreamland-10m-investment-sale/
2017 tourism boom could bring year-long benefits
UKIP’s new Heritage and Tourism Spokesman is encouraged by 2016’s tourist spend and expects a large increase in visitor numbers for 2017, particularly from foreign tourists. Tourism in England hit a new record bringing in £45bn in 2016. This figure from Visit England, reflects an increase in the numbers of day trips and ‘Staycations’ taken by British families. I am pleased that there has been an increase throughout parts of the country from Cornwall to the Lake District. The figures were taken from January to November 2016, so all year and not just in the summer. With the weak pound, [ ] The post 2017 tourism boom could bring year-long benefits appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/2017-tourism-year-long-benefits/
Bookmakers ramped up “gifts” to MPs as triennial takes centre stage
A parliamentary register of interests reveals the bookmaker and horse racing lobbies have quadrupled their “donations” to MPs in the year ahead of the triennial review. Bookmakers and horse racing execs escalated their complements to British MPs in 2016, at a time when politicians have been weighing up tighter regulations on FOBTs. A register of MP’s interests, which details the value of gifts and donations received by politicians, has revealed that the UK’s largest bookies and horse racing firms quadrupled their efforts to win-over policymakers ahead of the triennial review. Thirty-three “gifts” to MPs were registered over the year, such [ ] The post Bookmakers ramped up “gifts” to MPs as triennial takes centre stage appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/bookmakers-ramped-gifts-mps/
“100 arcade game” FEC Pizzeria to open in California
A new concept Pizzeria-FEC, John’s Incredible Pizza Company, is preparing to open its doors in NewPark Mall, California. The giant restaurant features several themed dining rooms, including Tahoe-style “Cabin Fever”, the kids favourite “Toon Time Theatre” and a “Hall of Fame” sports room. But the main attraction is a 65,000 square foot FEC replete with bowling alleys, mini golf, bumper cars, fairground rides and “100 arcade games”. “Guests will enjoy adult-sized bumper cars; Twister, an intense spinning experience; Mini Bowling Alley and Air IncrediBear, a swinging plane,” a company spokesperson said. “Plus kids are sure to love their furry, dancing [ ] The post 100 arcade game” FEC Pizzeria to open in California appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/23/fec-pizzeria-california/
Friday, January 20, 2017
Alton Towers provide games to children’s ward
Alton Towers has designed bespoke mobile media units to entertain children at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. The theme park’s Merlin Magic Making team has created two stylish pods which contain games, TVs, crafts and other activities. Consultant paediatrician Melissa Hubbard said: “Some of the children are unable to access the playroom due to illness and the units will help ensure they don’t miss out as they can be taken to the patient’s bedside.” The units were made by the Merlin Magic Making team, which create attractions for Merlin’s tourist sites. Sandra Hazel, head of Merlin’s Magic Wand, added: “We [ ] The post Alton Towers provide games to children’s ward appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/20/alton-towers-provide-games/
ICE marketing campaign hits home with pre-registration up 6%
The World of theatre, Shakespeare themed, multi-media marketing campaign in support of ICE 2017 is proving effective with pre-registration figures showing a 6% uplift, year-on-year. Senior Marketing Manager, Dan Stone, who has been responsible for implementing the campaign, confirmed the figures were ahead of where ICE was at the same stage last year. He said: “Pre-registration figures serve as an indicator only. What it means is that we have more people considering coming to ICE than we had at this stage 12 months ago. The majority of our pre-reg will be committed, long-term supporters of the brand: the additional 6% [ ] The post ICE marketing campaign hits home with pre-registration up 6% appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/01/20/ice-marketing-campaign/
William Hill remains a ship without a captain
William Hill might not be the first driverless plc, but is six months without a CEO at the helm already indicative that the ship is sailing dangerously close to wind?
Topping looks to 2017: Not the usual suspects?
Revered veteran of the bookmaking game and former chief executive at William Hill, Ralph Topping shares his perception of the industry past and present and the changes ahead in 2017.
AGA’s Geoff Freeman to explain the impact of Trump administration at ICC
The International Casino Conference (ICC), which opens the ICE VOX programme of learning and networking, will feature keynote addresses from some of the most influential figures in the gaming industry, including Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association.
Populism over pragmatism: Shares tumble on stake reduction hype
The market jitters on the news that British MPs have recommended the harshest reduction in machine betting stakes. While the reaction reveals how exposed certain bookmakers are to the risk, analysts remain sceptical that ministers will ultimately be so self-harming.
Japan wakes the beast of gamblification
Japan has long been a heavily restricted gaming market, yet this has done little to prevent its citizens from finding a flutter, if only in the obscurest of forms. With the landmark approval of two integrated casino resorts this month, could the floodgates soon be pried open, as both the pressure and the gains become too much to resist?
Platform provider to integrate slots and table games
Digitain link-up with Betsoft in new deal.
Trump: A battle for no man’s land
A combination of conservative morals and economic pragmatism has left US gaming law in a state of flux. Yet with a nepotistic businessman and former casino tycoon heading for the White House, everything is to play for in 2017.
Yggdrasil completes hat-trick of content deals
December has seen Yggdrasil Gaming, the Swedish-based B2B games developer, securing a hat-trick of deals to provide its award-winning gaming content and marketing tools to three high-profile operators.
Gaming media to support ICE in record numbers
ICE 2017 (February 7 –9, ExCeL Centre, London) is set to be one of the most reported on events in gaming industry history, with an unprecedented 42 accredited media organisations taking their own stand space and a total of 130 journalists and publishers expected to attend the world’s biggest business-to-business, gaming technology event.
Gaming Support are setting their sights on the American market
Through focused corporate strategy and lucrative regional contracts Gaming Support have established themselves as a European market leader. They are now forming an American sales office to make inroads into the market.
Major European brands join to double Playtech customer base
Playtech-powered RAY and win2day have signed an industry-first liquidity sharing agreement to launch a joint poker network in Europe.
Gaming Support are setting their sights on the American market
Through focused corporate strategy and lucrative regional contracts Gaming Support have established themselves as a European market leader. They are now forming an American sales office to make inroads into the market.
Gasser take the driving seat in the post-recession market
The ability to create high quality, bespoke furniture has seen Gasser Chairs establish themselves in the USA. They are now looking to make the most of positive market conditions and continue their worldwide expansion.
Digital Sports Tech enters Latin America market
Digital Sports Tech, a B2B provider of sports betting solutions, has struck a deal with Mexican operator, Caliente to provide its unique player proposition betting product.
https://www.casino-review.co/digital-sports-tech-latam-market/
Nagaland issues first Indian online gaming licences
In India, the small northeastern state of Nagaland has begun licensing online poker operators with the first license going to K365 Web Assets and its domain at Khelo365.com, while operator Club Empire Tech Private Limited has also been issued with poker-only authorisation.
Bangladeshi social clubs gain temporary gambling reprieve
Following government ruling to cease all gambling activity immediately, clubs in Bangladesh have been granted eight weeks to implement the new legislation.
Microgaming’s record-breaking slot pays out mega January jackpot
The Guinness World Record holding Mega Moolah slot from Microgaming has paid out over €6million after a player hit the game’s progressive jackpot.
David Baazov officially resigns as CEO of Pokestars’ owner Amaya
Owner of Pokestars and Full Tilt Amaya has confirmed the resignation of David Baazov from the official positions of CEO and Chairman of Amaya, with Rafi Ashkenazi being appointed as the new CEO on a permanent basis.
ICE 2017 confirmed as the biggest on record
Gaming professionals planning their annual visit to ICE Totally Gaming will need to allocate some additional time on the show floor.
Revamped Sun City returns to market after $7m investment
The Sun City resort has unveiled a new look following extensive modernization.
BHA calls for immigrant visa guarantees
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) is calling on the government to guarantee more than 100,000 work visas for its sector. Cuts to immigration, which are both government policy and exerted a major impact over the Brexit vote.
Uncertain future for Scottish tourism Post-Brexit
While Scotland’s leisure and hospitality sector has enjoyed a strong season, uncertainty remains about the future of the country’s tourism industry following the Brexit referendum.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2016/10/01/uncertain-future-tourism-post-brexit/
Weak pound sees export boost for machine suppliers
Comparatively slow economic growth in the EU combined with a strong demand for British goods and services elsewhere in the world means that the UK’s biggest trading partner is declining in importance while UK exports benefit from the weak pound.
Owners looking to a bright future for The Royal Pier
The Royal Pier, Aberystwyth, was bought out of administration in September 2016, and the new owners are already looking to a prosperous future. We spoke to general manager Lee Price about the pier’s new start.
Keeping it in the family – Michael Cole shares his thoughts
Michael Cole, owner of Joyland amusement park is a fixture on the Coinslot Review annual roll-call. A barometer of the industry temperature, Cole has a clear perspective on how family-owned businesses are coping with the highs and lows of the market forces. Here, he shares his thoughts on 2016’s successes and why change should not be made for the sake of change.
Park Holidays UK to be sold to Tiger Bidco for £362m
Park Holidays UK is to be sold for £362m, after owners Caledonia Investments agreed a deal with Tiger Bidco.
Players finding confidence in product and parley
With expansion planned in 2017 following a successful year, Players Amusements director, Kevin Birch, is looking to networking opportunities at EAG to provide insight into the direction of market trends.
Innovation and market knowledge are keys to rejuvenation
TouchTunes believe that the introduction and deployment of the Playdium smart jukebox by Sound Leisure will kick start the process of rejuvenating the UK market.
And now for something completely different?
The talk amongst Las Vegas execs this year is all about skill-based slots. Perhaps once the triennial is over, suggests Aden Simpson, this is something we should all be talking about.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2016/12/13/something-completely-different/
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2016/12/13/something-completely-different/
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Betsoft confirm game launches for ICE
Slotfather to take centre stage on gangster themed stand at ICE Totally Gaming 2017.
TPD secures major distribution deal with Argentine racecourse
The UK race data supplier, Total Performance Data, has confirmed a new agreement with the prestigious Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo racecourse in Buenos Aires.
Philip Davies MP to call for more innovation in responsible gambling at ICE
Philip Davies MP, the Chairman of the UK Parliament’s All Party Betting & Gaming Group, to deliver a keynote at the Annual Regulators’ Lunch, part of the World Regulatory Assembly agenda at the world’s largest gaming B2B show
Betway boost National Hunt sponsorship
Online bookmaker continues investment in racing.
BALLY WULFF to showcase Innovative Strengths at ICE
BALLY WULFF will be presenting its latest machines and creative game packages to an international audience at ICE Totally Gaming.
Lightning Box Games signs North America distribution deal with Everi Games
The independent slot game designers, Lightning Box Games, will roll out its titles in North America following an agreement with supplier Everi Games Inc.
Microgaming’s record-breaking slot pays out mega January jackpot
The Guinness World Record holding Mega Moolah slot from Microgaming has paid out over €6million after a player hit the game’s progressive jackpot.
ERRON Factory bvba Specifies CPI as Default Supplier
Agreement with Belgian manufacturer specifies both coin and note products from CPI.
Cherry AB commence external recruitment for new CEO
Following the announcement of current CEO Fredrik Burvall’s departure, Cherry AB has appointed an acting CEO until a new head is recruited.
Extreme Live Gaming partners with Betsson
Extreme confirm Betsson Group as one of its latest Live Dealer partners.
EZ Baccarat hits its stride in Asia following LT Game and SG deals
After securing an exclusive deal with LT Game in Macau, and Scientific Games acquiring distributor DEQ Systems, it’s no surprise Francisco ‘TJ’ Tejeda compares his best-selling EZ Baccarat brand to a horse finally hitting its stride.
Alfastreet views Mexico as a gateway to Latin American market
Slovenia-based Alfastreet has seen its share in the Latin American market increase in recent years, and attribute much of the growth to tackling the crucial Mexican marketplace.
Casino Technology aim to deliver omni channel action to the market
Bulgaria-based Casino Technology will be among the finalists at the 10th International Gaming Awards as it gears up to spotlight its omni-channel solutions at this February’s ICE.
https://www.casino-review.co/casino-technology-omni-channel/Ciudad del Este tender could launch by March
Media reports suggest that the tender for a casino resort in Paraguay’s second city could open during the first quarter of 2017 but the launch has been beset by setbacks and a fresh legal challenge.
Crockfords comes to Cairo: Genting is opening new gaming venue in Egyptian capital
Genting, one of the UK’s leading casino operators, is opening a new gaming venue in the Egyptian capital.
IGT bringing its best for a strong showing at ICE
Industry-leading end-to-end gaming manufacturer, IGT, will be showcasing its substantial portfolio of content, technology and new player experiences at ICE including exclusive product debuts.
Merkur Gaming set for largest ever ICE presence
Merkur Gaming will have its biggest ever presence at ICE 2017 as part of the Gauselmann Group’s wider showcase. The aim: to highlight the company’s commitment to product innovation and diversity.
Tranchant Pau moves to more spacious quarters
French casino operator, the Tranchant Group, has announced plans to relocate its Pau casino licence from Palais Beaumont, currently situated in the central southwestern region of the city, to an industrial area in the north.
Novomatic to unveil complete gaming solutions at ICE
Novomatic are giants in the pantheon of ICE Totally Gaming. A stalwart supporter of the London show, ICE is a second home for the Austrian manufacturer. Just as well really given the size of its stand. But size is not the all-important for Novomatic – it’s the breadth and depth of their product offering that will speak volumes.
First casino opens its doors in Sochi gaming zone
The Black Sea resort of Sochi has welcomed its first casino. Is this the start of a thaw within the Russian government towards new opportunities in the casino gambling landscape?
Pub experts predict price hikes of 30p a pint
Brexit driven inflation and hike in business rates spell disaster for pub trade
Powered by play – World of Rides unveil their all new range at EAG
For over 46 years, World of Rides has provided fun and excitement for young children and their families. At EAG 2017 they will unveil their all new range of budget-priced, battery-powered kids’ rides.
ERRON Factory bvba Specifies CPI as Default Supplier
Agreement with Belgian manufacturer specifies both coin and note products from CPI.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2017/01/17/eurocoin-seamless-reporting-fecs/Eurocoin deliver seamless reporting for FECs
Eurocoin launch integrated FEC Redemption System.
ERRON Factory bvba Specifies CPI as Default Supplier
Agreement with Belgian manufacturer specifies both coin and note products from CPI.
Quentin Stott on the 2017 gaming machine market
Reflex Gaming’s MD, Quentin Stott, gives us his impression of the gaming machine market in 2017 and how his company is leading the charge for contactless technology.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2017/01/17/stott-2017-gaming-machine-market/Rogers sees a market for TITO and beyond
With TITO’s popularity rising in 2017, Alan Rogers from Astra Games believes that the next step for the industry could be a cashless solution.
BBPA responds to Prime Minister May’s Brexit Speech
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive for the BBPA, has responded to Theresa May’s Brexit speech welcoming the PM’s focus on business tax rates.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2017/01/17/bbpa-responds-brexit-speech/Blueprint kick off EAG with major investment deal with Bob Rudd
Whilst many visitors were still arriving at EAG eager to see what the show had to offer, Blueprint machines had already signed a major investment deal with leading independent operator, Bob Rudd. The deal for 500 King of Games category C units was completed within the first hour of the trade show and Bob Rudd managing director, Nick Rudd believes it stands as testament to the ongoing investment programme the supplier has with the product range.
Bacta’s political campaign gets into gear
Bacta’s 2017 political engagement programme has hit the ground running.
Chris Black provides his take on future trends and partnering TouchTunes
In an exclusive interview, Sound Leisure’s MD Chris Black discusses the Playdium jukebox, his 30 years in the industry and the challenges facing the sector in 2017.
https://www.coinslot.co.uk/2017/01/18/chris-black-future-trends/
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