London Resort spending tops £45m amid delays

Leaked emails have revealed the total extent of spending so far on the proposed London Resorts theme park as delays continue to mire the project. A £45m spend before a spade has dug up the first piece of mud is equally concerning. Outlays on London Resort theme park plans have now exceeded £45m as a raft of delays and land disputes continue to mire the project in controversy. A companies house financial filing has revealed an operating loss of £10.2m for London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) in 2016 alone. Leaked emails have also brought to light yet a [ ] The post London Resort spending tops £45m amid delays appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/london-resort-45m-delays/

Virtual reality arcade enters the heart of Bristol city

Bristol has embraced the rise of virtual reality gaming with the opening of VR Star in the city’s Cabot Circus shopping centre. Opened on 15 December with content by Manchester- based VR innovators Immotion, the arcade is the largest VR centre in the UK. “If you have only ever experienced VR at home or a quick demo in a shop, then you are going to be blown away by our platforms,” said Arek Antoniak, operations manager of VR Star. “They engage all your senses to create something that is genuinely immersive and thrilling.” The arcade features Moto and Racer [ ] The post Virtual reality arcade enters the heart of Bristol city appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/virtual-reality-arcade-bristol/

BBPA appoints Fullers boss as new chairman

The British Beer and Pub Association has appointed Simon Emeny, chief executive of Fullers as its new chairman. He will be succeeding David Forde, managing director of Heineken UK. Emeny has served on the BBPA board since 2015 and takes his new role at a time when the British pub industry is facing a period of economic uncertainty and regulatory turbulence. “I am delighted to be taking on this role. Industry-wide issues have never been more important in our sector as we pace the pressures of high taxation and the upcoming challenges of Brexit,” he said. The outgoing Forde [ ] The post BBPA appoints Fullers boss as new chairman appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/bbpa-appoints-new-chairman/

New owner of Norfolk family attraction Pettitts aims for seasonal expansion

Michael Abbott, the new owner of Pettitts Animal Adventure Park in Reedham, is aiming for the perfect balance: building on the successful formula of the park, while opening it up to much brighter future. The new owner of a popular family attraction in the heart of the Norfolk Broads has a rather special affection for his latest purchase and is planning to build on the successful formula that has made it a firm family favourite. Michael Abbott, who bought Pettitts Animal Adventure Park in Reedham last week, is better suited than most to understand what attracts visitors to the [ ] The post New owner of Norfolk family attraction Pettitts aims for seasonal expansion appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/norfolk-seasonal-expansion/

SG Gaming launches Equinox terminal range

Following months of research and development SG Gaming has announced the launch of its brand new terminal range, Equinox. The new range claims to provide customers with a terminal that can be modified to the specific needs of individual venues. The signature Equinox Multi-Player Special is made up of multiple player units which each host a 55” curve feature screen above a 32” player screen,offering the ultimate 4K playing experience. The new terminal is adaptable and can be used as a single player variant that is suitable for venues challenged with limited floor space, and multiple terminals can [ ] The post SG Gaming launches Equinox terminal range appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/sg-gaming-launches-equinox/

Scottish bingo hall to close in new year

Peterhead’s Gala Bingo Hall is to close its doors in the new year, after the building and adjoining nightclub, Drummers Bar, were sold at auction to a private buyer. A spokeswoman for Gala said: “The decision to sell the club has not been an easy one, and does not in anyway reflect on the performance of our management team and colleagues at the club, as they have delivered a first class service to our customers over the years.” Gala said that while the last day of trading will be on 3 January, a final event will be held to [ ] The post Scottish bingo hall to close in new year appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/scottish-bingo-hall-close/

WHO considers classifying gaming addiction as “disorder”

Efforts to tackle gaming addiction received a significant boost after the World Health Organisation (WHO) included “gaming disorder” in a draft classification paper. The addictive qualities of video games have been subject to debate amongst health experts and psychologists for more than a decade. Although still in draft form, the WHO’s 2018 International Classification of Diseases includes gaming disorder under the broader category of “disorders due to addictive behaviors.” The organisation listed three conditions that would classify an individual as suffering from gaming disorder: Impaired control over the game; increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that [ ] The post WHO considers classifying gaming addiction as disorder appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/29/who-gaming-disorder/

Barry Island wheel to make comeback

Henry Danter and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have had their moments and they’re not always good. The latest dispute saw an iconic ferris wheel recently dismantled by the family because of council objections. The restoration of the attraction is back on the cards thanks to some careful diplomacy, which is very handy considering Danter’s Pleasure Park is of major importance to the economy and social fabric of Barry Island. Barry Island’s Pleasure Park will soon see the return of its iconic ferris wheel after a council dispute earlier in the year saw its premature closing. Park owner, [ ] The post Barry Island wheel to make comeback appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/28/barry-island-wheel-to-make-comeback/

Growth in young people’s gambling experiences coming from outside industry

Twelve percent of children in Great Britain between 11-15 gambled in the week prior to being asked, Gambling Commission statistics show, although the regulator also stated that many gambling experiences are coming from outside the industry. The highest percentage of young gamblers in any one industry activity was five percent, with the National Lottery, private bets, and fruit machines the most common in the age bracket. The fruit machine category included pubs and clubs, but also arcades, raising the question of whether the 11 to 15-year-olds from the survey knew the regulatory definition of a fruit machine,or whether it [ ] The post Growth in young people’s gambling experiences coming from outside industry appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/28/growth-young-peoples-gambling/

EAG seminar programme to “deliver real benefit to business”

This year’s EAG & VAE Seminar Programme, scheduled for the EAG International and Visitor Attraction Expo at ExCel London, 16-18 January promises to be one of the most wide ranging and comprehensive staged during the annual event. Presented by trade association Bacta, the seminars will cover an array of topics of key import to the amusements and leisure sector and delivers an element which show organiser Karen Cooke is particularly proud. She explained: “We’ve managed to engage some really interesting speakers on a diverse range of subjects. The show’s appeal is broader than at the outset, with more visitors [ ] The post EAG seminar programme to “deliver real benefit to business” appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/27/eag-seminar-programme-deliver-real-benefit-business/

Tonbridge AGC brings future classics in among old favourites

Selling a machine to the film company responsible for Sheridan Smith’s next production, Mr P’s Classic Amusements has had a busy and successful start to December, which also saw the introduction of Electrocoin’s Monte Carlo Cat C among an array of classic slots. Following a December influx of machines, Mr P’s Classic Amusements’ arcade in Tonbridge is now home to Electrocoin’s new Monte Carlo digital Cat C, with the operator impressed by its“progressive pots”and“amazing hidden wins”. Keen users of Facebook, owners Dave and Amelia Douglas took to their company page to tell players who they fondly call s“nudgers” [ ] The post Tonbridge AGC brings future classics in among old favourites appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/27/tonbridge-agc-brings-future/

High stakes: GVC to buy Ladbrokes Coral for a potential £4bn

GVC is set to buy Ladbrokes Coral in a game-changing deal for the UK betting industry. Should the acquisition go ahead, shareholders in GVC which owns the Bwin, Sportingbet and Foxy Bingo brands will hold 53.5 percent of the combined group. Ladbrokes Coral chair John Kelly said: “Ladbrokes Coral board believes that the proposed combination with GVC accelerates our strategy to improve the customer experience, drive faster online growth and build a more diverse and extensive international portfolio of businesses.” The move comes after the government said it would put a yet-to-be-decided cap on stakes for FOBT [ ] The post High stakes: GVC to buy Ladbrokes Coral for a potential £4bn appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/22/gvc-buy-ladbrokes-coral/

Hastings Pier must take “more commercial approach” Brighton Pier bosses say

Opening to the public in April 2016, winning Pier of the Year and the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017, then entering administration last month, Hastings Pier has a strong momentum. But it will need to change its business model to survive, according to potential buyers. The Brighton Pier Group has revealed the strategy it could adopt were it to take on the troubled Hastings Pier. Confirming that there were “no developments at the moment,” BPG’s chief operating officer Anne Ackford, née Martin, said that the pier, which entered into administration last month after failing to secure the [ ] The post Hastings Pier must take “more commercial approach” Brighton Pier bosses say appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/21/hastings-pier-commercial/

Electrocoin shooting for the stars with sci-fi film pinball machines at EAG

Electrocoin will arrive at EAG 2018 with a host of products and new developments of existing lines for the Single Site, AGC’s and FEC Sectors. Stern Pinball will as ever have a presence at EAG, displaying the new Star Wars Pinball machine. “This game has an enormous appeal,” said Electrocoin’s John Stergides. “We expect it to be one of the most popular pinball machines for some time.” Making its UK debut at EAG, Stern will also present the new Guardians of the Galaxy Pinball machine which is expected to have huge appeal. EAG will also see the launch [ ] The post Electrocoin shooting for the stars with sci-fi film pinball machines at EAG appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/21/electrocoin-shooting-stars-eag/

Industry Icon receives the HD treatment

National distribution specialist RLMS Sales has a new offering from Project that revitalises one of the industry’s most popular low stake gaming machines, bringing new features and enhancements whilst keeping the same gameplay that made the original machine so successful. Launching at EAG 2018 Project’s Free Play 500 HD is all set to build on the original Free Play 500’s iconic status. Cat B3 game Free Play 500 HD is presented in the Project 100 Series cabinet and is built on the robust and reliable Innocore technology. It has a fixed £1 stake with enhanced HD graphics, comes fitted [ ] The post Industry Icon receives the HD treatment appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/20/industry-icon-receives-hd-treatment/

Schmidt to gain all shares in BALLY WULFF

In a major corporate shake-up, the owner of Schmidt Group has announced plans to calve up assets. Ulrich Schmidt is expected to separate his company’s Entertainment and Fitness division (SCHMIDT Gruppe Entertainment, FitX), from its Development and Production (BALLY WULFF) division. Schmidt will give all shares in the Entertainment and Fitness division to his family and receive all shares in BALLY WULFF in return, which the family had bought in 2008. “I view the great success of our new LUX generation and the excellent conversions to TR 5 at BALLY WULFF as testimonials of our success in the German [ ] The post Schmidt to gain all shares in BALLY WULFF appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/20/schmidt-bally-wuluff/

JNC taking amusements solutions to London for EAG & VAE

JNC Sales has continued to develop their comprehensive range of new and used amusement machines and EAG & VAE is the perfect opportunity to present these to their domestic and international customers. As well as a strong mixture of used machines at great prices, from the classic NASCAR twin video game to the ever popular Keymaster redemption machine, JNC will also be demonstrating a taste of some of their latest releases. The new three-seater Happy Bus is widely expected to be one of the most popular kiddie rides in 2018, whilst Aqua Dash (the latest linkable ride from the [ ] The post JNC taking amusements solutions to London for EAG & VAE appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/20/jnc-eag-vae-2018/

SIS chairman departs for William Hill

The Board of Sports Information Services (SIS) today announced the departure of its chairman, Roger Devlin, with effect from 31 January, 2018. Devlin had taken the helm for nine years, and is set to become chairman at William Hill. In a statement, the SIS’s board offered its “congratulations to Mr Devlin, and looks forward to continuing to work with him in his new role at William Hill.” The SIS has already started the search for a new chair, with plans to make an announcement in the New Year. The post SIS chairman departs for William Hill appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/20/sis-chairman-departs-william-hill/

Gambling Business Group endorse ICE consumer protection zone

Cross-sector strategic body, the Gambling Business Group, whose members account for a majority share of gross gaming yield, has given its full backing to the introduction of the Consumer Protection Zone, which has been announced for ICE London 2018 (6-8 February, ExCeL London, UK). The Consumer Protection Zone will feature a mix of commercial and non-commercial organisations involved in the delivery of social responsibility, harm minimisation, education and treatment initiatives in relation to problem gambling. Peter Hannibal, CEO of the Gambling Business Group and a trustee of The Gordon Moody Association, said: “When the Gambling Business Group hosts [ ] The post Gambling Business Group endorse ICE consumer protection zone appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/19/gambling-business-group-ice/

Brighton Palace Pier owner reveals interest in Hastings Pier acquisition

The owner of Brighton Palace Pier has revealed that his company is interested in adding the troubled Hastings Pier to its portfolio. Luke Johnson, chairman of private equity house Risk Capital Partners LLP and The Brighton Pier Group PLC, said he had already begun the process of exploring a bid for the award-winning south coast attraction. The charity that operates Hastings Pier entered into administration last month after failing to secure the £800,000 required to fund it through to 2021. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme last week, Johnson said: “I have spoken to the administrator, and [ ] The post Brighton Palace Pier owner reveals interest in Hastings Pier acquisition appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/19/brighton-palace-pier/

RLMS: Gaming machines crucial to social experience

The increasing prominence of gaming machines within bingo halls has come hand in hand with the game’s overall maturation. Coinslot spoke to Tony Glanville, managing director at RLMS Sales, about his considerable experience within the sector and the future of the market going into 2018. Coinslot: How have you viewed the growth of machine gaming in the bingo market? Tony Glanville: Gaming machines have played significant role in the success of bingo halls ever since the restriction on machine numbers changed and the bingo environment moved away from the old converted cinema type venues to the purpose built flat floor [ ] The post RLMS: Gaming machines crucial to social experience appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/19/rlms-gaming-machines/

Dawn Clarke’s Playdium Picks

After a lesson in Cerco dancing and the issue of having too much of a beloved song with Simon Thomas, Playdium Picks spoke with Dawn Clarke, Head of Electronic Leisure at Mitchell & Butlers, about the power of feel-good music, Jon Bon Jovi and the not-so-hot trend of the Running Man dance! Dawn has grown up in the machine industry, having started out aged just 17 working for Rank Leisure Machine Services as a Customer Services Clerk on an Apprenticeship scheme. Through dedication, hard work and a passion for the industry, she climbed the ranks in the industry [ ] The post Dawn Clarke’s Playdium Picks appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/18/dawn-clarkes-playdium-picks/

Kossway provide plaudits for Playdium

Playdium, the game changing jukebox launched by Touch- Tunes in the UK last year, is having a positive impact on the fortunes of the country’s members’ clubs according to the latest feedback from leading operator Kossway. Rob Hill at Kossway believes the Playdium has raised the bar in terms of both the role of pay- to-play music within members’ clubs and the impact it is having on cash box income. Rob told Coinslot: “Over the past few months we have replaced a number of older jukeboxes in our social clubs with the Playdium. “The clubs have been delighted [ ] The post Kossway provide plaudits for Playdium appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/18/kossway-provide-plaudits-playdium/

Hollywood Bowl customers ’embrace Embed’ following Bandai Namco installation

Customers at the newly refurbished Hollywood Bowl, Oxford are embracing the cashless revolution with enthusiasm following the installation of the latest Embed Cashless system which has been completed on time and on budget by Bandai Namco Services. The 50 machine venue, which features a range of equipment including video, redemption, pool, prize and sports games, underwent a seamless installation of the Embed system which was completed on 6 November. Hollywood Bowl’s Mark Francis confirmed: “The move to cashless at the newly refurbished Hollywood Bowl Oxford is an important step in understanding more about our customers and their favourite games. [ ] The post Hollywood Bowl customers embrace Embed following Bandai Namco installation appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/18/embed-bandai-namco/

Project to launch of B3 and Cat C compendiums for EAG

Project has confirmed that it will be using January’s EAG as the platform to unveil two compendium’s housed in the company’s new V23 cabinet. The compendiums comprise the 27 game B3, Monte Carlo and 5 Star Games, an 11 game Category C offering. Explaining Project’s latest game developments debuting at EAG, managing director Tony Boulton said: “Delivering player choice is at the very top of our agenda as the domestic industry looks forward to its showcase event at ExCeL. “The B3 Monte Carlo and the Cat C, 5 Star Games are the first compendiums to be housed in [ ] The post Project to launch of B3 and Cat C compendiums for EAG appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/15/project-launch-b3-cat-c-compendiums-eag/

SUZOHAPP to highlight its innovations at ICE

SUZOHAPP will be showcasing the solutions alongside components and spare parts at the upcoming ICE, taking place 6-8 February at London’s ExCel. SUZOHAPP is focused on creating technology that will lead the gaming industry toward tomorrow’s solutions. With over sixty years of experience in the component business, SUZOHAPP will show to both manufacturers and operators what they are looking for. The expert sales and support team will advise visitors on the best products to fit their needs. Cash handling equipment is a prominent offering in the SUZOHAPP portfolio and a broad range of components will be showcased at ICE. [ ] The post SUZOHAPP to highlight its innovations at ICE appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/15/suzohapp-highlight-innovations-ice/

Mini Golf set for maxi-growth with Brighton Pier Group investment

Brighton Pier Group will purchase mini-golf operator Lethington Leisure as retail centres see the power of amusements to attract customers. Brighton Pier Group has announced it will acquire Lethington Leisure, the owners of Paradise Island Adventure Golf in a £10.5m deal. The Brighton-based company will purchase the six-strong minigolf chain as part of a strategy to increase footfall in established retail areas. “Shopping centres need to drive traffic because of online shopping,” said BPG chairman Luke Johnson. “Increasingly I think shopping centres will become leisure centres too.” BPG is the first public company to invest in the mini [ ] The post Mini Golf set for maxi-growth with Brighton Pier Group investment appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/14/mini-golf-set-maxi-growth/

Labour launches its own review into gambling

After backing a £2 maximum stake on FOBTs and expressing concern towards sports betting advertising, the Labour Party has launched a review into NHS treatment of addiction. After learning the government does not know how many problem gamblers are being treated by the NHS, Labour has launched its own review into the treatment of gambling addiction with a focus on FOBTs and the normalisation of sports betting among children. Indeed, in a week where the Gambling Commission urged the amusements industry to “stop throwing stones”, hard-objects continued to fly in the bookmakers direction. Labour’s review comes after deputy [ ] The post Labour launches its own review into gambling appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/14/labour-launches-review-gambling/

John White: “The problem is B2’s maximum stake, not those who want to solve it.”

After attending the GambleAware harm minimisation conference last week, Bacta CEO John White disagreed with criticisms directed at those supporting the campaign to reduce the £100 maximum stake on FOBTs. Following criticism of the FOBT stake reduction campaign at GambleAware’s harm minimisation conference, CEO of Bacta John White has responded by saying: “The problem is B2’s maximum stake, not those who want to solve it”. This came after Kate Lampard, chair of GambleAware, called the trade association’s contribution to the wide-spread campaign against FOBTs an “internecine turf war”. Her comments were echoed by Tim Miller, executive director of [ ] The post John White: “The problem is B2’s maximum stake, not those who want to solve it.” appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/14/john-whote-problem-b2s/

New pinball club with 40 machines to open in Croydon

A large pinball club featuring machines dating back to 1936, and modern day versions such as The Simpsons and Game of Thrones, is to open in Croydon. Matt Vince, one of ten pinball machine enthusiasts behind Flip Out London, said: “Pinball is having a real resurgence. A lot of the younger generation are interested. They have pinball games on their phones, and they want to play the real thing.” Croydon,too,appears to be having somewhat of an entertainment boom of late, with a new VR venue and new amusement arcade popping up recently. With a variety of new amusements and [ ] The post New pinball club with 40 machines to open in Croydon appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/13/new-pinball-club-croydon/

ENADA 2018 expands coin op focus

The organisers of ENADA Rimini have revealed they will be running a new coin-op focused show alongside the 2018 iteration of the event. The first Rimini Amusement Show will take place in the titular expo centre on 14-16 March and is being held in collaboration with the Italian Trade Association of Coin-Op Operators. Between the two events there will be full showings of games, technologies and services from the most important Italian and foreign companies, covering amusement arcades to bingo halls. Rimini Amusement Show will feature three important focuses: the ‘Academy’ section, with training and updating meetings for [ ] The post ENADA 2018 expands coin op focus appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/13/enada-expands-coin-op-focus/

Industry veteran Teddy Clark dies

One of the best-known UK seaside operators, Teddy Clark, died on Tuesday 28 November, aged 81. Originally a member of a travelling showman family, Teddy was in the amusements industry at Withernsea on the English east coast, from his earliest years. His family stopped travelling in the late 1950s and with his father, Teddy set up a small arcade at Skipsea near Withernsea. Teddy shortly afterwards opened his own location in Withernsea. He grew his business, under Teddy’s Amusements over the years until it encompassed 30 seaside arcades and adult gaming centres. Son William joined him and helped [ ] The post Industry veteran Teddy Clark dies appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/13/industry-veteran-teddy-clark/

Comment: The future of land-based venues

In an excerpt from his Bacta Convention speech, Dan Waugh of Regulus Partners highlights the challenges facing land-based gambling venues, looking at global trends across the globe to determine the best cause of action for arcade operators. The position that land-based is in is not good with the exception of a few London operators,and at the moment it looks pretty structural.There is a declining consumer demand in land-based gambling,and increasing regulatory costs,and that’s not a good place to be. The outcome of the government review for land-based in general is not going to be good, because we know [ ] The post Comment: The future of land-based venues appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/13/future-land-based-venues/

MPs renew calls for reduction in tourism VAT

A group of MPs have tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament, renewing calls for the chancellor to reduce Tourism VAT to five percent. Stephen Lloyd, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne in East Sussex, tabled the motion, which has been co-sponsored by several other MPs including Caroline Lucas, Jim Shannon, Sammy Wilson, and Dr Philippa Whitford. Speaking about the motion, Lloyd said: “The tourism industry lies at the heart of the British economy. But what the UK visitor economy urgently needs is to become more competitive relative to its European counterparts. “That means reducing the damagingly high rate [ ] The post MPs renew calls for reduction in tourism VAT appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/13/mps-renew-calls-reduction-tourism-vat/

Crowdfunding raises £466,000 to save Brighton’s seafront terraces

A crowdfunding campaign has raised £466,000 to help save Brighton’s Victorian seafront arches. Madeira Terrace, a Grade II-listed structure running half a mile along the seafront, has been closed to the public after falling into disrepair. But a crowdfunding scheme initiated by the city council has seen local residents, businesses, and celebrities help raise £45,000 more than the original target. Council leader Warren Morgan said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the area returned to its former glory, with the iconic arches restored.” When launching the campaign in summer, Brighton and Hove City Council said it was “calling on [ ] The post Crowdfunding raises £466,000 to save Brighton’s seafront terraces appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/12/crowdfunding-brightons-terraces/

B2s bring in more than £1.8bn for bookies as ABB threaten shop closures

As FOBTs reach record highs of gross gambling yield and amusements venues continue to close at a faster rate than betting shops, Malcolm George of the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) makes a economic plea for sympathy. For the bookmakers, the gross gambling yield of FOBTs increased 3.2 percent to just over £1.8bn between April 2016 and March 2017, according to Gambling Commission statistics. Despite this rise to record heights, Malcolm George, chief executive of the ABB, was quick to turn attention onto the four percent venue decrease for betting shops. “The pace at which betting shops are [ ] The post B2s bring in more than £1.8bn for bookies as ABB threaten shop closures appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/12/b2s-bring-1-8bn-bookies/

RGA urge funding levy to combat problem gambling

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has urged the government to change how it funds anti-problem gambling measures, calling the current system “unfit for purpose”. The association wants a statutory levy introduced to replace the current system in which gambling companies voluntarily funding research into problem gambling, adding that a levy would ensure the National Responsible Gambling Strategy is properly funded. Clive Hawkswood, the RGA s chief executive, said: “A statutory levy will ensure the right funds are raised in a fair and open process and, crucially, that they are allocated in a way that is transparent, independent, and achieves measurable [ ] The post RGA urge funding levy to combat problem gambling appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/12/rga-urge-funding-levy/

Council takes hardline on care home bingo

A group of care home residents have had their bingo sessions shut down after the council accused them of running an “illegal gambling den”. Residents at Harry Taylor House in Redditch, Worcestershire, would chip in £1 each and play twice a week with the small winnings sometimes going towards funding the next session’s tea and cakes. Maureen Price, 76, told Metro: “It’s stupid, we only play for peanuts. It’s disappointing that they put a stop to it.” The game has become a hub of the community at the care home, running for 38 years and providing a [ ] The post Council takes hardline on care home bingo appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/11/council-hardline-care-home-bingo/

Fresh attempt to bring casinos to Belfast

Belfast City Council is to start a public consultation on plans to bring the country’s first casino to the capital, ahead of discussions over licensing law changes. A consultation document has been drafted and is to circulate 11 December to 5 March. This follows the introduction of a motion last month that aims to update laws governing gaming practices in the city. City Councilman Jim McVeigh was the driving force behind the motion and claims that a casino development could bring in around £300m to the area. “The size is huge, both financially and physically, the jobs would be [ ] The post Fresh attempt to bring casinos to Belfast appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/11/fresh-attempt-bring-casinos-belfast/

AGC machine revenue bucks shrinking industry trend

With the continued reduction in amusements venues over the last 6 months, FECs and bingo halls have seen an overall fall in gross gambling yield. AGCs, however, have kept machine revenues on the rise with a strong performance from Cat C and B3. Adult gaming centres increased gross gambling yield by 1.6 percent over-all from the period April 2016 to March 2017, as Cat C and B3 machine revenue continued growth for the fourth year running. Indeed, B3 machine revenue was up 10.2 percent on the same period a year prior, rising from £175.1m to £193.1m, and Cat C [ ] The post AGC machine revenue bucks shrinking industry trend appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/11/agc-machine-revenue/

Jeremy Corbyn pledges seaside support

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has extolled the virtues of Britain’s coastal resorts at the first of a series of visits to the UK’s historical holidaying hotspots. Starting the tour in Southend with Holly Lynch, shadow minister for coastal communities, Corbyn outlined his party’s plans for seaside industries and regional tourism post-Brexit and how they would do best to reverse the negative policies implemented by the current Tory regime. Corbyn commented: “Seaside towns hold a special place in our country s history but they have been left behind by the Conservatives. Instead of being neglected and starved of investment, our [ ] The post Jeremy Corbyn pledges seaside support appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/11/jeremy-corbyn-seaside/

Mecca to launch bingo-themed mini-cruise

Mecca Bingo has teamed up with P&O Ferries to launched “the world’s first” bingo-themed mini-cruise this February. The ship will set sail from Hull to Amsterdam, giving passengers a full day in the Dutch capital upon arrival. On board, Mecca is offering its Bonkers Bingo, a more proactive and rowdy spin on the traditional pastime, where players are encouraged to “shout along to the new modern bingo calls, cheer on the lucky winners and raise their daubers in the air for the DJ”, the company said in a statement. “It really is Mecca ahoy for bingo fans as we [ ] The post Mecca to launch bingo-themed mini-cruise appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/11/mecca-bingo-mini-cruise/

GVC in talks to buy Ladbrokes Coral

In an move that could turn Ladbrokes Coral into a company worth nearly £4bn, the UK betting giant is in “detailed” talks for a takeover by online competitor GVC. Under the proposals, GVC which owns the Bwin and Sportingbet brands would hold 53.5 percent of the combined group. The move could lead the biggest shake up of the UK betting industry since, well, Ladbrokes merged with Coral last year. The talks come after the government’s Triennial Review proposed a cut on the size of stakes gamblers can make on FOBTs from £100 to potentially £2. Fearing a [ ] The post GVC in talks to buy Ladbrokes Coral appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/gvc-talks-buy-ladbrokes-coral/

Machine sales up five percent as digital software soars

The gross value of sales for new machines sold in the amusements industry increased five percent, with Cat D (cash) and B3 experiencing significant increases. The most dramatic rises, however, came from software sales in categories B3A and B4. A total of 21,391 new amusements machines were sold between April 2016 and March 2017, according to the latest Gambling Commission statistics. This marks a five percent increase on last year s sales,and is accompanied by a 2.5 per- cent increase in the gross value of sales,which came in at £56.46m. Across this period,the largest rise in machines came from Cat [ ] The post Machine sales up five percent as digital software soars appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/machine-sales-five-percent/

Clacton Pier starts preparations to become a 52-week a year attraction

As one pier entered administration down in Hastings, another prepares itself for a full on, full year round operation. Clacton Pier uses the power of amusements to drive footfall. The owner of Clacton Pier is prepping the attraction ahead of an announcement about a £1m-plus investment. Work is already underway to ensure that the six-acre site is prepared in time to accommodate changes that are aimed at making it a 52-week a year facility. The Clacton Pier Company is expected to unveil details about the significant investment some time before Christmas. Directors Billy and Elliot Ball are in the [ ] The post Clacton Pier starts preparations to become a 52-week a year attraction appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/clacton-pier-52-week-attraction/

Rays of Sunshine thanks Bacta following six year partnership

Giving special plaudits to several exceptional Bacta fundraising efforts, Rays of Sunshine CEO Jane Sharpe thanked attendees at last month’s Bacta Convention for an exciting and successful partnership. Long may it continue. Thanking the Bacta Convention for a six-year strong partnership with Rays of Sunshine, the charity’s CEO Jane Sharpe presented an example on-screen of just one of the 240 wishes Bacta fundraising has granted. The short film showed 16-year-old Jack, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. 24 hours before it was shot, Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, surprised Jack and his family by turning up at his house. [ ] The post Rays of Sunshine thanks Bacta following six year partnership appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/rays-sunshine-thanks-bacta-following-six-year-partnership/

IAAPA a success for LAI Games

LAI Games reported a “hugely successful” showing at the IAAPA Expo in Flordia last month. The company debuted Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride, the first attendant-free VR attraction in the coin-op industry. The game features content created by AAA game developer Ubisoft and features their Rabbids brand. In addition, LAI Games had on display its dual AMOA Innovator Award Winners – Let’s Bounce and HYPERshoot. The games have recently undergone hardware and software updates, and are now in stock and shipping. The post IAAPA a success for LAI Games appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/iaapa-success-lai-games/

Sega reports successful IAAPA, takes home award

Sega Amusements has reported a successful IAAPA show and won an award for its Daytona Champion USA. The product won the Prestigious Brass Ring Award for Best New Product in the Arcade & Video Games Category. CEO Paul Williams said: “We are delighted by the award and humbled by the industry’s recognition for our innovation and the quality of entertainment delivered by Daytona.” For the first time, Daytona debuted at the show with new overhead multi-coloured lights. Sega games Hoopla, Pirate Falls and Maze Escape were “instant hits” at the show, the company said in a statement. General [ ] The post Sega reports successful IAAPA, takes home award appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/08/sega-award-iaapa/

Project offers gaming entertainment at every price point

Project, which has earned a reputation for being the domestic industry’s poker specialists, has underlined its commitment to deliver value for money gaming entertainment for the market at every price point. Taking its lead from high street retailers, Project has added a new price point, the £1/£100 and £2/£200 Poker King to a portfolio of poker products which also include Cat C and Cat C Lite games. Explaining the development strategy, Project managing director Tony Boulton said: “I think it is easy to forget that players have a life outside of the AGC or bingo club and as [ ] The post Project offers gaming entertainment at every price point appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/07/project-every-price-point/

GBG pioneers contactless solution for gaming in pubs

If the gaming industry is to keep pace with player behaviour, then contactless payment is crucial. From buying a bottle of water to everyday lifestyle activities, the new generation of players know nothing other than contactless all the more reason to open this innovation up to the industry. The Gambling Business Group has pioneered a solution for gaming in pubs, a contactless option that could open the door to the contemporary marketplace. The Gambling Business Group (GBG) is reporting on a major breakthrough that paves the way for the introduction of contactless play for Category C [ ] The post GBG pioneers contactless solution for gaming in pubs appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/07/gambling-business-contactless-pubs/

SUZOHAPP attends BEGE as Silver Sponsor

SUZOHAPP has reported a successful BEGE 2017 after attending the event as a Silver Sponsor. Taking place 22-23 November, the event was again a hot spot for innovation and business connections, bringing together hundreds of industry professionals. “BEGE has brought a fitting end to our show season,” Amir Saluhovic, regional sales manager said. “We are proud to have supported the show as a Silver Sponsor. This is the tenth edition of the BEGE and the show grows in importance every year.” SUZOHAPP showed off  its selection of solutions for all these market segments, such as touch monitors and displays, bill [ ] The post SUZOHAPP attends BEGE as Silver Sponsor appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/07/suzohapp-bege/

Sarah Harrison to leave Gambling Commission top job

The Gambling Commission has announced the departure of chief executive Sarah Harrison at the end of February next year. She is expected to take a up a senior role with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. “I am proud of the work that all at the Commission have delivered together,” Harrison said. “I am very confident that as the Commission delivers its new strategy it will go from strength to strength and will continue to make gambling in Britain fairer and safer.” The commission’s chairman Bill Moyes said: “The Gambling Commission has set an ambitious agenda and [ ] The post Sarah Harrison to leave Gambling Commission top job appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/07/harrison-leave-commission/

James Miller: Where is the government’s social responsibility?

Whilst highlighting the amusements industry’s continually welcomed prominence in popular culture, vice president James Miller also criticised the socio-political direction of travel for the UK’s wider gambling landscape since he first attended Bacta’s annual convention in 2003. First on the stage at the 2017 Bacta Convention, vice president James Miller pulled no punches against former DCMS sports minister Richard Caborn whom he held responsible for letting “B2s out of the bag”. Indeed, 12 years down the line from the introduction of FOBTs, Miller asked “where is the government’s sense of social responsibility?”, as he outlined the problems caused [ ] The post James Miller: Where is the government’s social responsibility? appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/06/james-miller-government/

Electronic payments: “This is the future and an issue that affects all of us”

Former national president Jason Frost returned to the Bacta fold last week, this time as head of Euromat, the amusement industry body driving the business interests across Europe. His message to the Bacta Convention was clear: persuade the authorities and prepare the industry for electronic payments. A tough ask, but Frost and his colleagues are up for the fight. “I have a 16-year-olds on and the other day he and his friends congregated in my house. “They were all off into town Christmas shopping. So, I asked them how much cash they had on them and out of [ ] The post Electronic payments: “This is the future and an issue that affects all of us” appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/05/electronic-payments-future-issue-affects-us/

SUZOHAPP names Alexander Bucur as vice-president of global product management

SUZOHAPP has appointed Alex Bucur to the role of vice-president of global product management. Bucur joined the SUZOHAPP team through the acquisition of SCAN COIN in 2015. In his new role, he will manage both the SUZOHAPP Solutions and Components businesses globally. “As SUZOHAPP moves forward with our vision of bringing our Solutions and Components businesses together into a cohesive team, it made sense to structure our product management function in a similar way,” said Wilbert Bieleman, managing director of EMA. “Alex’s depth of experience and passion for product management positioned him perfectly to take on this new [ ] The post SUZOHAPP names Alexander Bucur as vice-president of global product management appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/05/suzohapp-alexander-bucur/

Law and order: Northern Ireland faces a test of out-of-date laws versus an out-of-control machine

The regulatory fog that engulfs the Northern Ireland gambling market has got that little bit thicker, if that was at all possible. The bête noir of gaming machines, the FOBT, has finally succumbed to the law enforcers with the police arresting a bookmaker last week for a seeming breach of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws. Charges, however, now rest in the hands of the public prosecutors who will assess whether to pursue a test case that pits the fixed odds betting terminal against the Northern Irish gambling legislature. Northern Ireland’s gambling laws have not changed since Margaret Thatcher [ ] The post Law and order: Northern Ireland faces a test of out-of-date laws versus an out-of-control machine appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/04/law-order-northern-ireland/

Cashless can drive social responsibility, Emerging Payments Association boss says

John White introduced David Parker of the Emerging Payments Association to the Bacta Convention with a warning that he may “scare some operators”. However, the payments expert outlined how a cashless future could provide an inbuilt social responsibility method. Highlighting the decline of cash and the urgent need for the amusements industry to go cashless, David Parker, Emerging Payments Association Ambassador, provided a strong social responsibility case to both operators and the Gambling Commission why this should happen sooner rather than later. At the Bacta Convention,he began by outlining the current landscape for cash, painting some concerning pictures [ ] The post Cashless can drive social responsibility, Emerging Payments Association boss says appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/04/cashless-drive-social-responsibility/

Bridge funding Budget boost granted to Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth’s tourism economy has been given a boost after funding for a third river crossing in the resort was announced in the Autumn Budget. Chancellor Philip Hammond committed £98m towards the cost of the new bridge, with Norfolk County Council having already said it would make up the rest of its £120m price tag. It is hoped the crossing will relieve pressure on the seaside town’s existing Haven and Breydon bridges, especially during the peak summer tourist season. Chairman of the county’s transport committee Martin Wilby welcomed the news, saying it was the answer to the resort’s problems. [ ] The post Bridge funding Budget boost granted to Great Yarmouth appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/04/bridge-great-yarmouth/

Playdium: A real game changer

A game changing physical installation coupled with a future-proof mobile app has brought the Playdium jukebox to a best-in-market position that is set to only grow stronger in years to come, comments Toby Hoyte, TouchTunes’ sales and marketing manager. Coinslot: It’s just over a year since you launched Playdium in the UK, what has the response been? Toby Hoyte: I think the important point for readers to appreciate is that the Playdium isn’t just a new jukebox. With the ‘no fixed music fee’ business model, it is a real game changer. Operators pay just 18 percent of income.This [ ] The post Playdium: A real game changer appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/02/playdium-real-game-changer/

RLMS offers £100 Casino as kit or complete machine

RLMS Sales has turned the spotlight this week on £100 Casino, a new and innovative offering that delivers a variety of game styles in one convenient and cost-effective package. Produced in conjunction with FatCat Softworks, the creator of the highly successful Retro Arcade, £100 Casino delivers Cat C, SWP and tournament games and is compatible with any Paragon or Open cabinets. According to RLMS, operators can either purchase the product as a kit to be installed by them or as a complete machine ready to plug in and go. It will come with a suite of popular Cat C [ ] The post RLMS offers £100 Casino as kit or complete machine appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/01/rlms-offers-100-casino/

First batch of Free Play 500 HD to hit venues in January

Fans of Project’s Free Play 500, one of the industry’s most popular low stake gaming machines, will have a spring in their step with the first batch of the 2018 edition set to be delivered to venues in the New Year. The game, which first entered the country’s AGCs and bingo clubs in 2009, has been relaunched following requests from retailers and distributors alike. Project has retained exactly the same gameplay that made Free Play 500 so successful, but has given it the software flexibility to cope with any changes in technology, added HD graphics and made it TiTo [ ] The post First batch of Free Play 500 HD to hit venues in January appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/01/first-batch-free-play-500/

Simon Thomas’ Playdium Picks

After the stellar selection of tracks from Praesepe’s Nick Harding, Playdium Picks spoke to Simon Thomas, Chief Executive at The Hippodrome Casino, about the music that shaped him and one song in particular which definitely hasn’t been played just once in his life. Simon Thomas is the seventh generation of his family to work in the leisure industry. President of bacta, he was also Managing Director of Thomas Estates Ltd which operated venues including the Beacon Bingo club in Cricklewood, the largest bingo venue in Europe. Instrumental in the transformation of the Grade 2 listed Victorian theatre into [ ] The post Simon Thomas’ Playdium Picks appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/01/simon-thomas-playdium-picks/

TouchTunes App is building income states Leisureplay MD

Income derived from the TouchTunes App is beginning to exceed that of coinage, according to the feedback from one of the country’s leading specialist jukebox operators. Marc Bird, managing director of Leisure- play, confirmed: “When we first heard about the TouchTunes App we thought it would have niche applications in venues which had smoking areas or those which wanted a secondary unit. “The fact is it’s working across a wide range of establishments including those with just a single room. The App is not just a nice thing to have: it’s an important income generator and the gap [ ] The post TouchTunes App is building income states Leisureplay MD appeared first on Coinslot.
/2017/12/01/touchtunes-app-building-income/