2408 digital

Price: £2.50

February 20 – February 26, 2015 • No. 2408 • www.coinslot.co.uk

HeadphoneSocket

Incorporated

©2014 Queen ProductionsLimited under license from

Bravado International group. AllRights Reserved.

032 Queen We are the Champions Ad_test 29/12/2014 11:20 Page 1

INDUSTRY

4

Industry news 4Seaside amusements 10Redemption Report 15B2B Listings 32Latest machine charts 34Classified ads and opps 35Comment & Analysis 38Newsweek 40

COINSLOT

The last three dayshave been exceptionaland the best that Ihave experiencedsince the outset ofwhat is now, not onlythe biggest show inthe world statistically,but also the best.

TRADE SHOW

Following an impressive debutouting, the Autumn Coin-Op

Show (ACOS) has announcedthe details of its second edition.As in 2014, Stamford Bridge, thehome of Chelsea Football Club,will once again play host to theevent, which is scheduled to runfrom 14-15 October, 2015.

“The first ACOS showreceived a tremendous responsefrom the industry, due in no smallpart to the stunning venue,” saidorganiser Karen Cooke. “I’mpleased to confirm that we nowhave an agreement to holdACOS at Chelsea Football Clubfor the next two years.”

In the wake of the show,exhibitors and attendees werepositive on its location in theWest End, with a number of indi-viduals enjoying their return to

ACOS confirms dates for r

Playnation is a growing presence on the UKamusements landscape, with its activity in early 2015suggesting that it will be a dynamic year for theyoung operator. In the first a two part interview withits chief executive, Adam Hodges talks to Coinslotabout families, profits and how we all need Minions.

Playnation maintains

2408-p02-inside flap_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 18:04 Page 1

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Getting to grips withunder-age gaming

INDUSTRY

We’re all seekingredemption

February 20- February 26, 2015 • No. 2408 • www.coinslot.co.uk4

156

Gauselmann acquiresSceptre Leisure

erman conglomerate theGauselmann Group hasmade a complete acquisi-

tion of the UK’s second largestsingle-site operator, SceptreLeisure.

The move follows a processwhich saw Sceptre’s financialrestructuring, overseen by corpo-rate finance firm Duff & Phelps.

“Certain companies withinthe [Sceptre] group were placedinto administration on 11 Febru-ary at which point the core trad-ing businesses and a number ofsubsidiary shareholdings weresold to ADP Gauselmann UK Lim-ited,” claimed a statement fromthe finance company. “The busi-nesses have continued to tradeand there have been no redun-dancies as a result of the process.”

Based in Lancashire, SceptreLeisure operates 20,000 AWPmachines nationwide, andemploys over 350 people.

Despite the size of its machinestock, the company’s most recentyear-end accounts detailed lossesof £5.4m.

“The acquisition of the Scep-tre Leisure business and assetswas the most effective way ofensuring the future security andprosperity of its customers andstaff”, explained Jürgen Stüh-meyer, Gauselmann’s memberof the board for sales. “TheGauselmann Group will beworking closely with the man-agement team at SceptreLeisure to provide all the sup-port it needs to create a plat-form for innovation and growth

in the UK market place.”Since 2012, Gauselmann has

been a minority shareholder inSceptre Leisure - an investmentthe latter believes lent “a distinct,decisive benefit to the market.”The move to total acquisition willrepresent the group’s first majoroperational presence in the UK.

Recent years have seen Gausel-mann steadily expand the sizeand reach of its UK holdings: withthe establishment of a British armof its GeWeTe-change machinebrand, as well as a range of invest-ments in companies such as Blue-print Gaming, Praesepe andBetcom.

What’s more, a continuation ofthe Gauselmann expansion onBritish shores looks all but con-firmed. Sceptre have claimedthat their new backers are cur-rently in discussion “withanother leading gaming com-pany” regarding a possible invest-ment which would “furtherstrengthen” the group’s latestinroads.

Despite the difficult circum-stances that have led up to theacquisition, there is no doubting

Gauselmann’s enthusiasm withits UK activity. As Paul Gausel-mann, chairman of the Gausel-mann Group, confirmed: “I ampleased that we will be able tomake even more use of the syn-ergy effects created so far. TheGauselmann Group has devel-oped to become an establishedforce in the British gamingmarket - both in games develop-ment as well as in machine salesand arcade operations - and allsides are profiting from this.”

GB Media Corporation Limited Oak House,

1st Floor, Suite 4, High Street,

Chorley PR7 1DW

TEL: + 44 (0) 01257 277400

GBmedia

We have moved to new offices...

The financial difficulties ofone of the UK’s largestoperators has providedGauselmann Groupwith an opportunity tobecome a leading forcewithin British single-siteAWP provision.

G

the Chelsea area following theexpo exodus to the Docklandsover the past three years.

Businesses looking to show-case their wares at this year’s

event are running low on time toget involved. With limited spaceavailable, the venue is alreadyclose to exhibitor capacity. “Thelevel of repeat bookings fromlast year’s exhibitors has beenso high that we only have asmall amount of space remain-ing for the 2015 show,” con-firmed Cooke.

Filling a gap in the calendarthat has been untouched for anumber of years, the first ACOSprovided proof for the hypothe-sis that a smaller scale eventheld in the run up to the mainshows of the New Year providedthe industry with a valuableoutlet for early

es for repeat performance

Owning and operating over20,000 amusement machines

across the UK, Playnation hasestablished itself as one of thecountry’s leading operators sinceit sprung into existence during2013. With a year of ground workand a year of rapid growth in thebooks, 2015 looks set to be a yearof action for the company. Thisvitality is thanks in no small part tothe business’s performanceduring the past year.

“We had a very very successful2014,” explained chief executiveAdam Hodges. “If you look at thethe family entertainment side ofour business, there was definitelyan increase in guest numbers. Wedid a lot of work on our crane andmerchandising, pusher swag andprizes - those were our twobiggest growth areas.”

Part of that success has beenbuilt on smartly leveraging theprizes that are most popular withguests, of which one particularbrand remains the top of the pile.“The Minions. I’ve been in thisindustry now for 15 years and theMinions is the best toy that I’veever seen in this industry, by a longway,” said Hodges. “I think webought six times more Minionslast year than any other line we’ve

ever bought before. That’s the kindof number and we expect it to bemore this year.”

However, for both prizes andmachines, Playnation are con-stantly on the look out for the nextbig thing. “We’ve got a lot of peoplehere looking at products,”explained Hodges. “I’ve got overtwenty people here in the last twodays.” As is increasingly typical of abig operator, however, Playnationdid most of the legwork beforeEAG rolled around. “A lot of ourbuying and a lot of our ordering isdone pre-show,” said Hodges. “Iwent to IAAPA and I went to G2Ein October and there’s a few newbits and pieces that we haven’tseen, but not a lot.”

Playnation’s success has cre-ated leeway to invest in growingits business, with acquisitionstaking place in 2014 and moreexpected for this year. “We boughtFun House Leisure last April andthey’re novelty vending in the pubbusiness, said Hodges. “That was abig acquisition for us and we’relooking at further acquisitions. Ihope to have at least one if not twoacquisitions during 2015. So we’relooking at that market as well,because it was very complimen-tary to what we already did.”

ntains its momentum

OPERATIONS

2408-p03-front_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 18:24 Page 2

4 Coinslot February 20 - February 26, 2015

Industry TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: [email protected]

t’s official, ICE 2015was the biggestshow in the event’s

history. Although the fig-ures are still subject to afinal independent audit,organisers have revealedthat, for the first time, thenumber of unique visitorstopped 25,000.

Interim figures showthat 25,386 attendeespassed through the doorsof the ExCeL Centre duringICE’s three-day run timeearlier this month. Thismarks an 8 percentincrease on 2014 and con-tinues a trend of six con-secutive years of growth,underlining the expo’sclaim to be the world’sbiggest business-to-busi-ness gaming event.

“This was the best eventthat I have been involvedwith in my 25 year career in

the exhibitions sector,” saidKate Chambers, portfoliodirector for organisers Clar-ion Events. “The openingday set the standard withsome 18,000 visitorscoming through the doorsat ExCeL. The enthusiasmfor ICE was evident acrossthe board, from exhibitorsand visitors alike. There’sno doubt that the industryhas created a winning for-mula, with ICE proving theideal showcase for interna-tional gaming in all of itsguises.”

Austrian gaming giantsNovomatic have a uniqueperspective on the show,having exhibited 21 yearsago at the very first ICEexpo. With its now leg-endary giant stand, incor-porating the likes of Astraand Bell-Fruit, the companycontinues to play a major

part in the event’s success.Commenting at the close ofthe week, director of com-munications and businessdevelopment at parentcompany Austrian GamingIndustries, David Orrick,stated: “The last three dayshave been exceptional andthe best that I have experi-enced since the outset ofwhat is now, not only thebiggest show in the worldstatistically, but also thebest. The number and qual-ity of visitors has been very,very good and our entireteam is energised andenthused as a result of theinteractions they have hadat this show.”

There were plenty offirsts at this year’s event,including the new Pitch ICEcorner of the exhibitionhall. This Dragon’s Den styleset up allowed new compa-

nies to share their ideas infront of a live studio audi-ence. Among the partici-pants was Wendy Collinsfrom Sporting Savvy. “Wereceived an excellentresponse and have had lotsof interest from potentialpartners and hope to usethe opportunity to kickstartour activities.”

ICE also earned plauditsfrom the influential RacingPost, which once againhosted the internationalbetting sector. Reviewingthe event, the Racing Post’sJim Cremin said: “ICEsimply delivers on everylevel. Quality visitors fromall over the world,exchanges of ideas, plussimple fun. It’s all aboutprofessional business donewith style. There’s nothingelse even close to it, and thisyear’s was the best yet.”

Over 25,000 attend record breaking ICEEXHIBITIONS

ICE 2015 smashedall attendancerecords, continuing aperiod of growthwhich now stretchesover half a decade.The show that hasput the UK gamblingindustry at the centreof innovation andtechnologicaldevelopment on theworld stage came ofage two weeks ago.So, what made ICETotally Gaming the“greatest show onearth”?

Tim Moyle has been a vocal advo-cate for arcade redemption in

the past: noting a correspondencebetween the sector’s growing pop-ularity amongst operators and thequality of prize products on offer.

“Movie tie-ins like Jurassic Parkand Minions trigger that instantrecognition - particularly inyounger players,” he told us. “Thesekind of products stand out from thecrowd of the more generic itemswhich were staples ten years ago.”

One look at Sega’s bespoke

redemption stand at EAG under-lined the accuracy of Moyle’sstatement: high-quality plushtoys to its own Tokio brand oftablets, earphones, cameras, andother digital.

And it’s this wide range of prizeoffering that Moyle attributes tothe medium’s continued appeal.

“That’s a hook-in for all demo-graphics,” he stated. “A goodselection of different kinds ofprizes provides operators with auniversal appeal - and adds that

crucial incentive to keep yourcustomers engaged and playing.”

Meanwhile, as manufacturersincreasingly offervideo/redemption (or ‘videmp-tion’) hybrid titles, Moyle notesthe hook-in power of franchisedmaterial. “We’ve a number ofvidemption machines in-house,”he said. “Our Monopoly videmp-tion games is particularly popu-lar - as with redemption prizes,the brand recognition there ispotent.”

The value of redemption The art of redemption is aspecialist one, and aprofitable one too. Aheadof Coinslot’s redemptionfeature this week,Weston-super-Mare pieroperator Tim Moyleprovides an insight intothe genre and what itbrings to the table.

REDEMPTION

CAT C LITE

REFLEX EXPLORES LITEOPTION

To help refresh the AGC andbingo sectors, Reflex Gamingis launching a trio of CategoryC Lite machines: Bank RaidPlatinum, Robin The Rich Miniand Lady Luck Band Of Gold.All three games have a10p/20p price of play and a£5/10 jackpot, attracting thelower five per cent MGD rate.

REDEMPTION

RLMS ENTERS THEVORTEX

If you wantto take yourredemptionoffering tothe nextlevel,RLMS isofferingBirthdayBlaster’s F5Vortex, afully-auto-mated coin-op version of theoriginal Vortex. Billed as the“next generation” of redemp-tion machines, its uniqueexperience is perfect for bowl-ing alleys, FECs and holidayparks.

I

2408-p04-05-Industry_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 18:56 Page 1

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK

REPORT Redemption continues tobring life and vitality to the Britishamusement industry. 15

AGC

Gamestec has secured an extensionto its existing logistics contract

with national AGC chain Talarius for afourth consecutive year. Under theterms of the agreement, Gamestec willcontinue to supply its extensive net-work and infrastructure capacity toover 180 Quicksilver AGCs on the highstreet and motorway service areasthroughout the UK.

Services covered by the partner-ship include provision of storage facil-ities, preparation of new machinesand distribution across the Talariusmachine estate.

Gamestec operations director PeterCollinge (pictured) welcomed therenewed contract, saying: “We aredelighted that Talarius, the UK’sbiggest AGC operator, has againentrusted Gamestec to look after itslogistical requirements. We atGamestec are able to offer a technol-ogy-driven solution that is highly

responsive and incredibly efficient.Talarius will be able to draw upon ourintegrated stock management andplanning systems, trained installationteams and a modern fleet of vehiclesto ensure that its logistics remain invery safe hands.”

Paul Monkman, Talarius’ gaming andservice director, added: “We aredelighted to continue our relationshipwith Gamestec. It is business asusual with Talarius receiv-ing a cost-effective andreliable distributionservice for ournational AGC andmotorway servicearea estate. Thispositions us per-fectly in terms ofbeing preparedfor the futurewith regard toour machine serv-icing and distribu-tion facilities.”

Talarius and Gamestecextend logistics contract

Praesepe, which oper-ates a total of 166 adult

gaming centres, familyentertainment centres andbingo clubs locatedthroughout the UK, haswritten to all of its gamingmachine suppliers inform-ing them that they willonly consider sitingmachines which areTiTo enabled orcompatible. Thecommunication,from Praesepe’shead ofmachines, NigelDavis, under-lines the impor-tance Praesepeplaces on TiTo as abreak throughd e v e l o p -

ment for both players andoperators alike.

Explaining Praesepe’snon-negotiable stance,Nigel Davis said: “For manyyears the UK has lookedupon other jurisdictionswho operate TiTo and sim-ilar systems with envy.Now that we have estab-

lished a common pro-tocol that works

across al majormachine manu-facturers and

f o l l o w i n gmeetings atEAG and ICE

the list of man-ufacturers isbeing added to

almost daily.Thanks in

no small

part to the work under-taken by the GamblingBusiness Group, dreams oflower service demands,reduced machines f loats,zero refills and anenhanced player experi-ence - are all now a reality.

“TiTO is ticking everybox throughout the

Praesepe estate and is oncourse to become one ofthe most single importantdevelopments in highstreet gaming. Its impacton maximising machineuptime, improving secu-rity and driving uplifts inincome have been pro-found, which is why wewant to ensure that everynew machine that we addto the estate is TiTOenabled. Not to do sowould be like buying anew flat screen televisionwhich isn’t 4K ready - it’sall about future proofingyour purchases!”

Praesepe make TiTocompatibility non-negotiableTITO

In what is the firstmajor step towardslarge scale adoptionof TiTo in UKarcades, Praesepehave issued amandate which laysthe groundwork for afull-scale conversion.

2408-p04-05-Industry_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 18:57 Page 2

RENTAL DEALS FORSOUND LEISURE JUKEBOXES

NEW INTERFACE + CAMERA

£34.83 PER WEEK

CALL NOW. YOU COULDGET A NEW JUKE DELIVERED

WITHIN A WEEK!

020 7644 8888soundnet.net

he Gambling Com-mission, in conjunc-tion with a number of

local councils, has attachednew conditions to the prem-ises licences of a number ofindependent gambling oper-ators, who had twice failed tochallenge an underage testpurchaser.

2014 tests showed flaws inthe control procedures oftwo AGCs, an FEC and a bet-ting shop located in threeseparate jurisdictions: EastLindsey (Lincolnshire),Brighton & Hove, and Hast-

ings (East Sussex). All four operators had ini-

tially submitted their own pro-

posals for improvement fol-lowing an initial failed pur-chase exercise, but re-tests

showed continued shortfall incontrol procedures.

In co-operation with the

Gambling Commission, theoperators concerned also sug-gested their own additionalproposals, which would seeincreased staff supervision ofcustomers through the relo-cation of age-restrictedgaming machines to areas infront of manned areas or staff

counters, as well as theassignment of staff to

specific supervisionduties within age-restricted areas.

“We welcomethe action takenby our local

authority partnersto ensure that opera-

tors are able to managethe underage gambling

risks at their premises, andalso the co-operation of thelicensees in the reviewprocesses,” stated the Com-mission’s director MatthewHill. “We must remind opera-tors not to be complacent inthis key area - where weak-nesses persist, other sanctionssuch as the suspension or rev-ocation of a licence could beconsidered by regulators.”

Alongside the news of additional licence condi-tions placed upon four independent operators

from across the gaming and gambling sectors,comes the claim from Gambling Commissiondirector Matthew Hill that under-age machinegambling is on the rise.

“Machines are a form of gambling that can usu-ally be accessed without any staff interaction, andit is vitally important that operators have the con-trols in place to prevent children from playing age-restricted products such as these,” he remarked.““Recent Ipsos Mori research tells us that whileoverall figures for underage gambling haveremained broadly static, the prevalence of childrenplaying gambling machines is a lot higher than forother forms of gambling participation, and hasrisen on previous years.”

For the uninitiated - Ipsos Mori is a marketresearch firm: their 2011 study profiled nearly 3,00011-16 year olds, finding that 23 per cent of those

polled admitted to having taken part in some formof gambling activity in the week preceding thesurvey. Of these, almost half (11 per cent) hadplayed the National Lottery, whilst the second high-est gambling contingent (nine per cent) had playeda fruit machine - a rise of 2 per cent on 2008 figures.

Two things are of note: the first is that by thestudy’s own admission, these statistics are derivedfrom a limited sample body - thus cannot be attrib-uted to being fully representative of the populationas a whole. The second is that this study is nowfour years old. Technological developments, par-ticularly the continued growth of online gamblingprovision, would no doubt present an altered per-spective.

But more importantly, how does the operatorexperience bear out the hypothesis of an upturn inunder-age machine gaming?

“In our AGC we see almost no under-age gam-bling at all,” Denis Stewart of Greenock’s D&DAmusements tells us. “Off-hand, I think we hadthree occasions over the course of last year wheresomeone entered who looked too young, but ourstaff spotted them straight away and asked for ID:when they weren’t able to produce any, we askedthem to leave.”

John Hayes of Jackpot Amusements in Don-caster tells a similar story. “We know virtually all ofour customers. Occasionally you get the oddyoungish looking person - but we always ask for

proof of identification. We have eight surveillancecameras, and our cashbox is directly in front of thedoor - so as soon as anybody comes in, they’reimmediately looked at - but it’s very rarely a prob-lem.”

Despite hundreds of miles between them, nei-ther operator is seeing an influx of under-agegamers. As random as it is difficult to extrapolate,two voices do not make a conclusion. But it doesbeggar the question: can the Commission’s asser-tion really be borne out?

Either way, four operators have fallen short ofthe rules - out of several thousand operatorsacross the industries - which those on both sides ofthe regulatory line would say is four too many.

However, is it an easy jump to the conclusionthat under-age gaming is on the rise? With the cur-rent research findings - almost certainly not. Withviews from the ground - probably not. But in themindset of an industry on a mission to keep gam-bling safe: more likely yes.

The battle to keep under-age gaming off theradar is a massive one. It’s a particularly huge onuson small to medium sized family businesses, butit’s a pressure that everyone knows has to be builtinto the operational structure.

Which poses an alternative question: is it moreabout businesses trying to re-adjust their opera-tions to a new method of policing rather thanunder-age gaming on the rise?

THE NEW LICENCE CONDITIONS INCLUDE:

- a requirement for the licensee to have a Think 21 or Think 25 policy- a requirement for regular test purchasing to be undertaken,

to ensure the licensee monitors the effectiveness of their controls- the use of magnetic locks to restrict access to premises- the use of an infra-red beam system to alert staff to the presence of

customers in age-restricted areas- barriers to reduce the risk of children crossing from family

entertainment centre premises into adult gaming centre premises- re-positioning category D gaming machines away from entrances to adult

gaming centre premises, to reduce the attraction of children to those areas- induction and refresher training for staff.

Commission applies tighter rules on fouroperators falling short on under-age controlAGE CONTROL

Operators foundwanting in under-agecontrol procedureshave had new licenceconditions set forthby the GamblingCommission: withfresh emphasis ontraining, layout andtechnology.

Under-age gaming: Are we getting to grips with the facts?

The Gambling Commission claimsthat the rate of under-agemachine gaming is climbing. Butare the statistics representative ofrealities on the ground? ChrisWebster looks at the issues behindthe question.

CABINETS

THE KINGS OF DIGITAL

Following its highly successfulshowings at EAG and ICE,Blueprint Gaming has firmlyestablished itself as a com-pany leading the transitionfrom mechanical to digital.With a new high definition cabi-net on the way, the firm is set tomake a big impact across theCategory C and B3 sectors.

BINGO

BINGO: THE KEY TOLONGEVITY?

Manchester’s Milly Smithturned 100 this week, andattributes her impressive ageto her avid bingo-play.When asked by the Manches-ter Evening News what kepther sprightly, she replied “lotsand lots of bingo”, claiming itgot her ‘out and about’.Since turning 70, Milly hasbeen a regular at her local hall,where she celebrated her birth-day on Monday.

PARKS

MODEST GROWTH PRE-DICTED FOR UK TOURISM

Holiday parks can expect to see1.2 percent growth over thenext year as British families optto take their breaks at homerather than abroad, accordingto a new study. In a recentsurvey, around half of 1,000respondents said they would betaking more holidays in the UKover the coming years.

T

2408-p06-08-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 19:04 Page 1

OBITUARY

Cummins Allison hasexpressed its deep

sadness at the suddendeath of industry stalwartRussell Bentley.

As service director,Russell Bentley was amajor contributor to thegrowth and success of theoperation in the UnitedKingdom. He was thelongest serving memberof staff at CumminsAllison, starting in1988 as a serviceengineer basedin the Leedsoffice and wasinvolved in thelaunch of theoriginal JetSortmachine.

Bentley moved with thecompany from Leeds toKidlington, to Honiley inKenilworth and finally tothe Coventry office, set-tling with his wife and twodaughters in MiltonKeynes.

Over his 26 years withCummins, his responsive-ness to customers, sup-port to the sales staff andmanagement skills madehim a key figure in the suc-

cess of the UK opera-tion and in a

despatche thecompany con-firmed that “hewill be sadlymissed by all hiscolleagues both

in the UK andoverseas”.

Cummins mournpassing of servicedirector Bentley

he future of a bingo-hall in Bolton, whichemploys 40 staff, has

been placed in jeopardy,with the announcement ofplans suggesting the venuebe replaced by a new super-market.

Management and staff atthe Mecca Bingo branch inBury Road, Breightmetwere taken by surprisewhen 3,000 letters weredelivered to nearby homes,detailing the upcomingconstruction of a new Aldistore on the plot of land the

hall currently occupies. A statement on behalf of

Mecca Bingo makes clearthat the company wasunaware of the proposals.

“We are surprised anddisappointed by the news,”it stated. “We are seekingurgent clarification fromour landlord regarding thesituation.”

Aldi have confirmed theupcoming construction ofthe new store, which itclaims will employupwards of 100 staff-mem-bers, with space to accom-

modate five additionalcommercial ventures. TheGerman company hasinvited local residents to apublic exhibition due totake place next Wednesday,where further details of theproposals will be provided.

But the news has causeddismay at Mecca, notablyamongst the staff con-cerned about their future.The husband of one thebingo-hall employeesspoke to the Bolton News,saying:“The worst thing forus is the manner in whichthis has been done. If I hadbeen Aldi I would have con-

tacted Mecca first andmaybe even said some ofthe jobs created could besecured for Mecca staff.”

Whilst Breightmet coun-cillor Lynda Byrne claimedthe prospect of an Aldi storehad met with “mainly posi-tive feedback” from the sur-rounding community, shetoo expressed surprise atthe lack of warning givento the Mecca employees.

“I am surprised to hearthat staff at Mecca were notinformed of the plans,” shetold the local paper. “This[decision] affects theirlivelihoods.”

Unaware: Meccahall under threatfollowing Aldiplanning proposal BINGO

Locals in Breightmethave been informedof the impendingconstruction of anew branch of Aldi.The catch? No oneat Mecca Bingo -which occupies theproposed site ofconstruction - knewanything about it.

LEISURE

DONCASTER GAINSREFURBISHED LEISURECOMPLEX

Having enjoyed a £2.8mmakeover, Adwick LeisureCentre in Doncaster can nowboast a new eight-lane tenpinbowling alley. The Kingpinbowling alley opened to visi-tors this weekend, alongside abrand-new space-themedchildren’s soft-play centre andan American-style diner.The Doncaster Culture LeisureTrust, which runs the venue,was optimistic that the newadditions would attract sus-tained custom. “We aredelighted to have invested inAdwick to develop this newleisure complex,” commentedits chief executive, MichaelHart. “With bowling, a new softplay area and a great place toeat, we are sure that the localcommunity will make the mostof this fantastic venue.”

WORKING MEN’SCLUBS

WMC FACES EVICTIONAFTER 50 YEARS IN BUSI-NESS

A Worcestershire social clubmay be set for closure afterfalling behind in rent for its vil-lage hall venue. Shelsleys SocialClub in Shelsley Beauchamp,which originally opened in 1961,said it could not afford the£3,000 a year rent demanded byvillage hall management andhad been given until March 13 tovacate the premises.

PIERS

GRAND PIER SCOOPSTWO AWARDS

Weston Super-Mare’s Pier hadan especially strong start tothe month after winning twoawards in one week. The pierreceived a bronze award in theLarge Visitor Attractions cate-gory at the prestigious SouthWest Tourism ExcellenceAwards and was Highly Com-mended in the Visitor Attrac-tion category of the WestonBusiness Awards 2015.

We have moved to new offices...

GB Media Corporation Limited, Oak House, 1st Floor, Suite 4, High Street, Chorley PR7 1DW

TEL: + 44 (0) 01257 277400 FAX: + 44 (0) 01257 271329

GBmedia

T

2408-p06-08-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 19:14 Page 2

Politics TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


Liberal Democrat MPand ParliamentarySave the Pub Groupchairman Greg Mulholland has prom-ised that his party’s election mani-festo will include a policy whichwould force property developers tosubmit planning permission beforeany pub can be converted to anotheruse or demolished.

Lib Dems pubpledge

Amid early polls suggesting 1 in5 Britons may well vote forUKIP in the coming elec-tion, The Economist havehighlighted the party’s pre-dicted popularity withincoastal regions. Margatecouncillor Chris Wells de-fected to UKIP from the Torieslast October, and told the paperlocal people feel “pissed off and alone”.

UKIP - Coasting to victory?

Discussion of Northern Ireland’sremarkable FOBT haul and a recent

high-profile PSNI operation that saw theseizure of over a hundred gamingmachines have served to muddy thegambling perspective waters in theProvince recently. And neither develop-ment seem to suggest fertile ground forRank Group’s proposed casino andentertainment centre in Belfast.

But one of the company’s non-execu-tive directors, former Conservative MPand under-secretary for Northern IrelandSir Richard Needham, argues that suchan establishment would bring gambling“out of the darkness and into the light.”

Speaking to the BBC’s Talkback pro-gramme, Needham suggested that alack of modernised legislation within thecountry led to a burgeoning illicit gam-

bling trade. “There are millions and millions being

made under-the-table in Northern Ire-land every weekend - none of whichmakes it into the hands of the revenue,”he said. “[This] is creating problem gam-bling issues which never get dealt with.”

Rank Group has stated that a multifac-eted entertainment and casino complexin Belfast would create 400 full-time jobs,take in over £30m in yearly revenue, andpledged an annual donation of £160,000to Belfast’s Dunlewey addiction centre.

“Belfast is the only city in Europe thatdoesn’t have a casino,” Needhamadded. “If you have a casino in NorthernIreland, at least you can bring the gam-bling issue into the open, make it trans-parent, and channel money openlytowards charities to help with problem-gambling issues.”

A Belfastcasino:bringinggambling‘into thelight’

he governmentmust have a radicalre-think on business

rates for tourism-support-ing businesses, accordingto the director of the Asso-ciation of Leading VisitorAttractions (ALVA).

Giving evidence for theCulture, Media and SportCommittee’s tourisminquiry, ALVA’s BernardDonoghue suggested thatdiscrepancies in businessrates for online and land-based traders - particularlyin tourist hotspots - shouldbe reconsidered by the gov-ernment.

He also stated that localauthorities should be able

to retain more of the moneythey collect from busi-nesses to pour back intostruggling areas.

Discussing the plight ofcoastal communities,Donogue said: “This is thebiggest tourism challengethe UK faces. If a govern-ment could find a desig-nated sum of money torestore particularly her-itage coastal communi-ties, that would be one ofthe greatest things theycould do.”

The ALVA director did,however, specify threeways in which the govern-ment could work with bothlocal authorities and desti-nation management com-panies to improve the

prospects of the UK coast. “One is to be more cre-

ative about taxes and busi-ness rates,” he told thecommittee. “Local authori-ties and the governmentcould take a fresh approachto what business ratesmean, particularly in a retailcontext,” adding thatAmazon pays much lowerbusiness rates than keyOxford Street retailers.

“The second thing is toallow local authorities, par-ticularly in coastal and sea-side areas, to keep a greaterproportion of businessrates tax, so they can rein-vest it back into the publicrealm and into theirtourism marketing,” hecontinued.

The director alsostressed the importance oflottery funding, adding:“The third is to allow thelottery agencies to bemore creative and moreentrepreneurial in termsof supporting commercialbusinesses in seaside areas,and therefore regenerat-ing them through eco-nomic activity.”

AVLA director lays outthree steps to save tourism

LICENCE

TOURISM

T

2408-p09-Politics_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 16:59 Page 1


Amusements TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


Hastings Pier historyproject

The new ownerof Portsmouth’s South Parade Pierhas said that having three failedbusinesses does not mean his latestventure cannot be a success. Ac-cording to local paper The News,Tommy Ware was the director ofthree firms that have all closed downsince 2010.

Pier ownerdismissesrecord

Northamptonshire’s WicksteadPark has begun one the

biggest annual recruitmentdrives in the county as itlooks for around 150 stafffor the summer. The

amusement park wants tobring in the required full and

part time staff before its rides offi-cially open for season on March 28.

Amusement parkcreates jobs

Office for NationalStatistics figureshave shown thatBritain welcomedrecord numbers ofoverseas visitors in2014, with the total close to 35m. ONSstats for the 12 months to Novembershowed a six per cent rise in inboundnumbers over the previous year.

Record numbers visit UK

The Hastings Pier Charity hascommissioned a broadcast jour-nalist to gather people’s memoriesof the resort’s pier. As the newlyrevamped attraction nears com-pletion, the In Liv-ing Memory willseek to uncoverall aspects of itsdramatic past.

PIERS

Comedian and MontyPython star John

Cleese has thrown hisweight behind the cam-paign to save Weston-super-Mare’s derelictBirnbeck Pier.

Let’s Saved BirnbeckPier was formed after theGrade II-listed structure,which closed in 1994 andis on English Heritage’s ‘At

Risk’ register, suffereddamage during recentstorms.

The group plans to joinforces with the longer-established Friends of the

Old Pier Society to form acharitable trust that willenable it to apply forgrants.

Cleese, who was bornin the resort, sent a mes-sage saying: “Dad and Iused to go to the pierbecause they had a TV inthe bar and we went andwatched England Testmatches there.

“We also used to catchthe ferry to Barry Fun Fair

from the side-pier. It’s avery striking and unusualpier, and I hope we canmanage to rescue it.”

Eastenders star andpatron of the NationalPiers Society TimothyWest is also supportingthe effort, having visitedthe pier on family holidays.

He commented: “I par-ticularly liked watchingand sailing on the Camp-bell steamers that used to

call there and went acrossto South Wales and downthe coast to Lynmouth andIlfracombe and back toBristol, Clevedon and soon.

“The pier had a wonder-ful elegance and still has.In its dilapidated conditionyou can still see what agraceful piece of engi-neering it is and it is verysad to see it in its presentstate.”

opes of getting thefamous Barry IslandPleasure Park up and

running in time for the startof the season in Easter arehanging in the balance aftera planning row erupted.

Industry veteran HenryDanter had hoped to havegained access to thederelict site already, inorder to fulfil his ambitionof bringing in new ridesand attractions and build-ing new amusementarcades to return the park

to its former glory as one ofWales’ top attractions.

But talks between its cur-rent owner and the Vale ofGlamorgan Council overplans for housing and com-mercial development atThe Dolphin pub, at theentrance to the fairground,have stalled, putting theentire development onhold.

Danter, who operates theTreasure Island fairgroundin Stourport-on-Severn, toldWalesOnline: “I need to get

onto the Barry Island sitewithin the next week if weare to stand a chance ofbeing up and running intime for Easter.

“It is a matter of deepconcern that there are stilldelays. This is the most dif-ficult deal I have beeninvolved in my life. Thereappears to be no end insight.”

He has agreed a contractwith the site’s owner, theBarry Island Property Com-pany, which will allow him

to take over and redevelopthe majority of the fair-ground site.

However, the companyhas submitted plans for a res-idential and commercialdevelopment at The Dolphinand say that Danter cannotaccess the Pleasure Park untilthat proposal has beenapproved by the council.

The council said that itwould not be able to passThe Dolphin schemebecause it does not conformto its planning policies.

A spokesperson for thecouncil said the Barry IslandProperty Company wouldnot consider any of the plan-ning obligations normallyrequired for such a develop-ment, such as the provisionof affordable housing.

Rob Thomas, the coun-cil’s director of develop-ment services, said: “Thecouncil wants HenryDanter to be on site byEaster. We have worked withMr. Danter to ensure that hisplans for the fairground do

not need planning permis-sion so that once the sale ofthe land is agreed the fair-ground can be up and run-ning as soon as possible.

“This is why it isextremely regrettable thatyet again delays are beingencountered.

“The approach of thesites owners is simply notacceptable. We will notflinch in our efforts tosecure the re-use of the sitefor the benefit of residentsand visitors alike.”

H

Planning rowhits Barry IslandPleasure Park’sEaster ambitionsAMUSEMENT PARKS

Having hoped to revive one of Wales’ most-loved amusementattractions by Easter, a planning row has taken matters out ofHenry Danter’s hands.

MontyPythonstarbacksBirnbeckPiercampaign

2408-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 15:50 Page 1

The future of ColwynBay’s Victoria Pier looks

bleak after Conwy Councilannounced it has begun theprocess that will end withthe 115-year-old attrac-tion’s demolition.

The council revealed it

has “submitted and regis-tered” a planning applica-tion and listed buildingconsent application forpermission to demolish thepier.

If granted, it would startwork to remove all the

decks, balustrading, sup-port structures and thepavilion, but leave 66 percent of the cast ironcolumns that support thepier in place.

The council has also pro-posed a wider programmeof community engagementand involvement to markthe history of the pier, “soas to help mitigate its loss”.

The Colwyn Victoria PierTrust has already coun-tered this by submitting a£9m grant bid to the Her-itage Lottery Fund to helpturn the structure into a£12m health and educationhub.

HLF staff are due to visitthe resort on February 27,with a decision on the fund-ing expected in March or

April.Councillor Dilwyn

Roberts, leader of Conwycouncil, told local press:“We know that the PierTrust hopes to restore thepier and has submitted abid to the Heritage LotteryFund, but we also have toprepare for the worst.

“The pier is a danger tothe public and a significantdrain on scarce publicresources, so we have sub-mitted our application nowin parallel with the PierTrust/Town Council HLFapplication.

“The planning applica-tion and listed buildingconsent application havebeen formally registeredand will be subject to theusual planning process.”

Application submitted forColwyn Bay pier demolitionPIERS

RESORTS

Southend has beenhailed in parliament as

one of the best seasideresorts in the country andcould soon have anotheropportunity to bid for citystatus.

At a Business of theHouse session last week,Conservative MP forSouthend West DavidAmess said it was “ridicu-lous” that the resort wasstill seen as just a town.

Southend Council didput in a bid to win citystatus in 2011, when theRoyal Accolade was beingoffered to mark theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee,but was unsuccessful.

Responding, WilliamHague, leader of theHouse of Commons,

spoke positively ofSouthend, declaring thathe was a “big fan”.

He commented: “I recallthat Southend submittedan enthusiastic and strongapplication at the Dia-mond Jubilee. That wasnot successful, butSouthend did succeed insecuring a significant citydeal that will provide itwith further investment.

“There are no plans atthe moment for a newcompetition on city status,but I am sure Southend willhave another opportunityto bid for it in the future.”

Southend seen as primecandidate for city status

2408-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 15:59 Page 2

LeisureThe BBPA’s Brigid Simmonds hasraised the issue of local authorities’enforcement of pubs with businesssecretary Vince Cable at a Depart-ment of Business Innovation & Skillsround table. She commented: “I wel-come ongoing supportfrom DBIS to ensureregulation for pubs isproportionate andlight-touch.”

BBPA discusses pubenforcement

Alton Towers toppedthe list of fun days outthis half term, featuring

third out fifteen prime picks in TheIndependent’s half term guide. Thepark will be shining a spotlight onCBeebies Land with a series of liveshows from green-fingeredfavourite Mr Bloom. The live show,hosted by the kid’s TV star, will fea-ture sidekicks The Veggies.

Alton Towers a top halfterm family day out

t seems that, for fam-ilies across Devon,Crealy’s Great

Adventure Park is not just anattraction for holidaymak-ers but also a communitystaple. This time last year, thepark announced it would bestaying open 361 days of theyear, and since then it hasdelighted in putting onlocal’s weekends and local’slate openings to bolster itscommunity feeling.

General manager JoshHaywood explains: “We

always think about ourlocals; they’re as importantto us as holidaymakers. Ithink the consumer poundis very valuable to all of usin this industry and wehave to cherish everyonewho comes through ourdoors.”

Part of this communityfocus is events-based - thepark puts on an award-win-ning Halloween fiestainvolving over 50 thousandpumpkins - and part of it is acomprehensive system of

feedback and accountability. “I think in the past we

were guilty of making deci-sions and not consultingthe guests and the cus-tomer base, but that haschanged quite radicallyand now we sit up andlisten before we makechanges affecting the busi-ness,” said Haywood.

The company has aninternal market researchteam comprising aroundsix people who talk topeople out in the commu-nity, e-blast, monitor feed-back from guests and liaisewith organisations such asMumsnet to consistentlyimprove their service.

As a result of thisprocess, the park has madeseveral changes, includinglowering the prices of itskiddie rides from £1 to 50p,adding healthier diningoptions and incorporatingchargeable extras in theoverall ticket price.

“It’s difficult to pleaseeverybody, but we alwaystry to appeal to as manydemographics and parts ofthe market as we canthrough our marketresearch and diversifica-tion,” Haywood com-mented.

Crealy’s has, however,managed to please a multi-tude of parents, winningPrimary Times’ Best Family-Friendly Attraction fouryears in succession. It’sprobably no coincidencethat the park has alsopoured money back into itsrides for four years running.

“I think constant invest-ment is the secret of oursuccess,” explains Hay-wood. “Last year we addedfive new rides and this year

we’ve announced thatwe’re going to be puttingthe footings in for a newrollercoaster.”

In addition to playabilityand value for money, thepark is specifically inter-ested in rides and amuse-ments that are targeted at avery specific pre-teen agegroup - particularly since ittook the move to open allyear round.

Haywood said: “Ourmarket isn’t as diverse assome of the other parks. Weare a family park with thedemographic of places likeLegoland or Paulton’s Park,tailored toward childrenunder the age of 12.”

This core sector haspaved the way for asmoother transition to afull year opening schedule,with the winter monthspulling in young childrenfor the indoor amusementsand soft play facilities.

“We are fortunate thatwe have huge areas ofindoor play - nearly 8,000ft- whereas the other attrac-tions can’t really offer thesame in the wintermonths,” added Haywood.

Crealy’s in Devon alsohas the advantage of beingin a prime location for traf-fic from the M5 and nearbyExeter, but Haywoodbelieves more should bedone to support otherparks in coastal areas thatare not so well connected.

“We’ve got some fantas-tic coastal resorts andtowns, especially in theSouth West of England, so Ithink anything we can doto enhance visitor num-bers and tourism in thoseareas can only be a goodthing,” he said.

ADVENTURE PARK

Having received aringing endorsementfrom parents in thelatest Primary Timessurvey, Crealy’sDevon managerJosh Haywoodexplains why thepark took the leap tostay open all yearround.

Punch Taverns’ new businessteam has revealed that it is receivinga record number of applicationsfrom people wanting to run a pub.Since being intro-duced in November2013, the team hasoverseen the com-pletion of £32m ofPunch Taverns’ in-vestment in premises.

Tenant applicationshit record

Gala Coral has denied reports itheld acquisition talks with privateequity firm OpCapita over the saleof its Gala Retail, which operates its132 bingo clubs. In a statement itsaid: “There are currently no dis-cussions taking place with Op-Capita. The process is ongoing anda dialogue is taking place with anumber of interested parties.”

Gala deniesOpCapitatalks


Crealy pointto 361 dayopening andlocal success

CHARITY

Mecca Bingo andGrosvenor Casino

operator Rank Group hasraised £500,000 for CarersTrust, a charity which pro-vides advice and supportto the UK’s seven millionfull and part-time carers.

Rank Group’s partner-ship with the charity beganin February last year, whenboth Mecca andGrosvenor employeesbegan to take part in arange of fundraisingevents, including directlyvolunteering alongsidelocal carers.

“Team members andcustomers at Mecca clubsand Grosvenor Casinosshould be very proud ofwhat they have achieved,”said Dr Moira Fraser,Carers Trust’s interim chiefexecutive. “Thanks tothem, we have been ableto award the highestamount in direct grants tocarers we have ever madein any one year, providingover 1,000 carers withrespite breaks, essentialequipment such as wash-ing machines and thechance to go on coursesand learn new skills.”

Rank Groupraises £500kfor charity

I

2408-p12-leisure_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 18:07 Page 1

ORDER NOW

FOR PRE-EASTER

DELIVERY

FO

JNC SALESTEL: 0117 9382552

PART EXCHANGE PUSHERS WELCOMEDEXTENDED CREDIT TERMS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-EASTER DELIVERY

JURASSIC PARK CASH & TICKET £18,995 CASH ONLY £16,995

FOR VIDEO OF FINAL MACHINE, PLEASE VISIT YOUTUBE AND SEARCH FOR ‘JURASSIC PARK PUSHER’

FORD

FOFOFOFO

XTENDED CREDIT TERMS AVAILABLEBLE AVANDDEEDD CREEXX TERM R PRE-EASTER DELFOR PR ELIVERYE-EASTER D

WWW.JNC-SALES.CO.UK • [email protected] UNIT D5\D6 GREENSPLOTT ROAD, CHITTENING TRADING ESTATE, AVONMOUTH, BRISTOL. BS11 0YB

FAX: 0117 9382218 • AFTERSALES TEL: 0117 9382225

Coinslot FEBRUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 26, 2015

16

B2B

Essential Guide to ... RedemptionMarket Perspectives

MARKET TRENDS

sked what they look for in a newredemption purchase, many opera-tors would say the same thing: first

and foremost, it’s about the bottom line. AtMSL Leisure, the owners of BeachcomberFamily Amusements in Fife, it’s still theproven money takers - licensed andthemed products as well as the classic 10proll downs and pushers - that come top ofthe list at trade shows.

But Michael Morris at MSL has spottednew opportunities for making these popu-lar products stretch even further, with inno-vative ticket redemption options turningone-time customers into regulars.

“You can bank tickets with us until theamount needed for a prize is reached,”explained Morris. “We even offer a serv-ice where we will source an item for thecustomer, which in turn encouragesreturn visits.”

As part of this scheme, customers atBeachcomber have walked away with tel-evisions, iPads, video games and eventhe new Playstation 4 console. Some ofthese are kept in stock for the biggestone-time wins, but many choose to save

up their tickets and have their dreamprize ordered in.

Morris said: “The redemption sector hasdefinitely grown in the past few years dueto the customer wanting more for his familymoney - as in, both a great experience anda prize that they can take away.”

For this pre-teen family market, low-endprizes such as play sets, jewellery, foot-balls, key rings and bubbles still prove pop-ular, with sweets also available for using upthe last few tickets.

Morris also predicts that the licensedproducts from the new Minions and Juras-sic World films will be among the mostsought-after prizes for the coming season.

With the sector exhibiting unprece-dented staying power, the Fife-based oper-ator is optimistic, but says there is still noroom to get complacent.

“I think the outlook is positive, but onlyif you keep updating machinery andchanging your stock,” he commented. “Itwould be good, as well, if there were a fewmore software companies offering sys-tems that can help in the running of thistype of operation.”

OPENING REMARKS

Redemption key to customerloyaltyRedemption is a key factor in the business operation at MSL Leisure. Itworks, and works well, but there is no room for complacency as far asthe operator is concerned. Redemption is something to invest in andwork at - both of which the company does. The reward is customerloyalty and bottom line success. Michael Morris explains.

As redemption has grown in stature, so have the machines that are its breadand butter. Operators are becoming more and more confident in the power

of redemption and Sega Amusements are seeing this reflected in the kinds ofmachines they site.

“The best performing redemption games have evolved to focus even moreon the skill and fun element, providing instant gratification for every actiontaken by the player as the cabinets have gotten larger,” explained Sega Amuse-ments general manager, Justin Burke. “They encourage parents and kids toplay side by side experiencing the fun together. There is also much greateremphasis on active interaction with the game, intuitive game play and multi-ple opportunities to hit the target.”

That focus on entertainment for families is something that has recentlycome to the fore in the sector. “One aspect that redemption games have beenvery good at delivering on is family fun,” said Burke. “Just take for exampleDown The Clown, Gold Fishin’ and Milk Jug Toss. All these games encouragemultiple players to get involvedto achieve the best score - thisencourages parents to play thegames with their kids thus shar-ing the experience of a winningmoment. And for those competi-tive siblings and friends, thesegames provides a bonding expe-rience as they work together toget the high score to win moretickets.”

There’s no sign of redemp-tion’s progress slowing down, asmore and more operators con-tinue to embrace redemption.“We expect the sector to con-tinue to grow in the near futureas more high earning redemptiongames continue to hit the marketand as highly successful IP’s fromthe app world enter the redemp-tion market,” said Burke.

Prizes remain pivotal to thesuccess of a redemption offeringand there’s no doubting thatprizes based on success brands from film and television continue to drive thecashbox. “Licensed prizes create a major draw for players to play prize vend-ing games, cranes and redemption games to collect tickets,” explained head ofmerchandise at Sega Prize, Trevor Clarke.

It also takes a huge amount of work for the Sega team to stay ahead of thegame when it comes to finding that next blockbuster piece of merchan-dise. “We are always looking at ways to expand our prize range throughmeticulously picking out under-utilised licences that have the most poten-tial,” said Clarke.

For operators looking to get the most out of their prize counters, Clarke hassome sage advice: “A fully stocked up redemption counter that has a widerange of prizes that caters for the youngest to the oldest players. Display prizesthat are currently trending. In this area perception is everything, so productsthat have attractive packaging such as our new re-branded brightly colouredTokio range will get the most attention. Maintaining a cool, glossy, retail lookto a redemption counter that’s inviting and creates that ‘I have got to get oneof those’ feeling in customers.”

Growing themarketplaceWith both redemption machines and the sector they occupyballooning in size, Sega’s top minds provide insight into thecore strengths of this lively marketplace.

A

2408-p15-31-Essential_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 15:41 Page 2


18

B2B

Essential Guide to ... RedemptionMarket Analysis

The prospect of winning tickets at the arcade exerts a mag-netic pull over gamers, almost more so than the prizes itself,

it seems. That’s why, for SAM Leisure, incorporating ticketsinto the company’s most popular machines was a no-brainer.

“Adding redemption options to SAM air hockey was an easydecision,” said SAM Leisure’s Liam Barrett. “There is no reasonwhy our air hockey machines cannot now be sited within thededicated redemption areas that are still being established inFECs and bowling centres.”

Redemption has presented opportunities for the company toreach out to an even more diverse group of customers, offeringleisure parks and arcades the prize-winning element they arelooking for alongside compelling gameplay.

“It is important to ensure SAM machines are suitable for asmany diverse locations as possible,” explained Barrett.“Redemption enables a basket of machines to be packagedand presented to prospective venues.”

To reflect the continued growth and development of thissector, the company’s redemption-based offerings haverecently expanded even further, with two new skill basedgames: Neuron Race and Catch the Light. “Redemption has expanded dramatically and everyone haslearned a great deal about how to use it to their best advan-tage,” said Barrett. “The sector and the games continue todevelop, however, and so I think we are a way from the peakyet.”Barrett believes the fast-paced, high-turnover style of the newNeuron Race and Catch the Light rapid reaction machinesmake them highly suitable for the redemption sector. Although redemption has its own appeal, however, playabilitymust remain the key focus for manufacturers and designers.

“The draw of winning tickets has always been with us,almost regardless of the prizes available,” said Barrett. “Thethreat is from manufacturers and operators failing to delivergames people want to play.”

Redemptionpresentsopportunities formanufacturers as well as operators

DIVERSIFICATION

oinslot: How high is the ceiling for redemptiongrowth? Are we anywhere near seeing thesector exhaust its potential?

Matt Bland: I don’t think that we’re anywhere near hit-ting a ceiling yet. It’s not as if the sector is saturatedwith redemption games. By and large operators stillhave a good mix of redemption ticket and non-ticketgames in their centres. Some manufacturers are design-ing games that can easily be operated as a pure enter-tainment game and be switchable to pay out tickets sothat games are not limited to one style of operationover another. The King of Hammer by Andamiro, HittyMouse kids whacking game, Fruit Ninja ‘videmption’game and Rock’n’Ball basketball are a few examples.Operators can buy such games with no intention ofrunning redemption in their centres, but still have theoption in the future and will already have equipmentready to make the switch over more economical.

There’s also scope for designers to target differentage groups such as teenagers, the ‘young adult’ marketas well as adults who want to play games for fun ratherthan looking for gaming or gambling products. The vastmajority of redemption games are targeted at youngerplayers, where it’s kids playing on their own or accom-panied by adults.

CS: How are machines evolving to cater for changesin what prizes are popular?MB: Offering the right mix of prizes is essential, whetherin an instant prize scenario or in a redemption setting. Ifthere’s nothing on offer the customer actually wants towin why bother playing in the first place?

The availability of low cost and desirable consumerelectronics has been a boon to the industry. Both adults

and kids find technology attractive. A low cost smart-phone, music player, video game system or internettablet can be very attractive where the perceived valueis much higher for the paying customer. Accessoriesare also equally attractive, such as headphones, casesand screen protectors, battery packs for chargingdevices whilst on the go.

As for plush and toys, I understand that the ‘Minions’continue to be virtually unstoppable as is Disney’s‘Frozen’, which both perform excellently in cranes andat the prize counter.

CS: What are the primary features that have maderedemption so popular over the last few years?MB: Simplicity has been key to the expansion ofredemption. Even the youngest of players can under-stand the game mechanics quickly and easily. The gamedesign needs to be simple, intuitive and more impor-tantly ‘immediate’. If the game requires a learning curveor detailed reading of the game rules then you’ve lostthe players interest. I’ve seen technically impressivegames which would work well in a console, PC orphone setting fail to work in an arcade environment.

I think that future expansion will be a mixture of theintroduction of new innovative concepts often hing-ing on a novel use of a new technology and the repack-aging of older established games that can bereintroduced to a new audience. A prime example ofthis is the ‘Fish Bowl Frenzy’ game by Teamplay whichwe showed at EAG this year. It’s a tried and tested for-mula married with exciting new technology. The gameis easy to play, just press a button, and entertaining towatch whilst delivering something new that the playerhasn’t seen before.

DEVELOPMENT

While kid-centric games continue to go from strength to strength, young adults,teenagers and adults are all ripe for redemption growth, explains head of creative forUDC, Matt Bland.

SAM Leisure sees redemption as a door-opener.As Liam Barrett explains, adding redemptionoptions to its products has brought a a diversecustomer base, and new territory to develop.

No end in sight forredemption progress

C



B2B

19

TECHNOLOGY

oinslot: What are the featuresthat make a successful redemp-tion machine?

Reece Newman: The key to a successfulredemption machine is making the gamevery simple to play, very quick and clearon the tickets that are paid out. It musthave bright colours and stand out fromother machines with flashing LED lights.The most popular machines also havegreat attract sound effects and encour-age repeat play. The actual paying out ofthe tickets will catch the attention ofother players in the arcade.

CS: What hurdles are there to overcomewhen it comes to increasing the pene-tration of redemption machines?RN: When redemption clicks in an arcade,

it can generate a really great return, but itcan’t be done half-heartedly. It doesrequire a good number of machines ded-icated to ticket payout, as well as theinvestment in an eye-catching redemp-tion counter. The total redemptionprocess, from coin entry to collection ofprize, needs to be as straight-forward aspossible. This needs to include the pro-motion of the redemption area andredemption desk. Increasing the famil-iarity with tickets can also be donethrough the use of bundles of tickets onpushers or use of whackers with ticketpayout.

CS: How would you pitch redemption tooperators who are yet to embrace it,bearing in mind that it takes a sizeable

investment in machines and prizes toget up and running?RN: Redemption has three key attrac-tions. Firstly, it is a game that the kidscan’t do at home. Secondly, they walkaway with a prize or tickets. Thirdly, theyhave the incentive to come back againand again to get the better prizes.The move into redemption is a move thatneeds to be taken carefully and needs tobe ‘given a go’ for several seasons. Themachines don’t have to cost a massiveamount of money and I would start withproven earners such as Big Bass Wheel,Crank It, Slam a Winner and SpeedDemon, which are available second hand.

The redemption area needs to be fairlysizeable, with more than just a handful ofmachines, and in a prominent part of the

arcade toget the bestreturn. Iwould advisethat invest-ment is made ina redemption counter sothat it stands out from the crowd. Withthe takings from video machines beingable to be condensed into fewermachines, it makes sense to use this spacefor something completely different suchas redemption.

‘Give it a go’ and reap the rewards

JNC sales consultant Reece Newman delves into the secrets behind how to craft a successfulredemption offering in modern arcades.

C



22

B2B

Essential Guide to ... RedemptionMarket PerspectivesTICKET PRICING

avid Wilkie is the first to admit thathis approach to redemption isunconventional.

“When it comes to redemption, I’d sayyou’re best either committing whole-heartedly or not at all,” claims the ownerand director of the New Palace in NewBrighton. “With printing and sorting costsof the tickets themselves, plus the mainte-nance and staffing of a redemption kiosk,in most cases operators need to reallycommit in order to make it worth theirwhile.”

But herein lies the twist in the tale:Wilkie concedes that his own operationdefies this advice.

“It’s true - we’re sort of in the middle-ground,” he admits. “But our redemptionset-up operates under quite unique cir-cumstances, and it works for us - so that’swhat matters.”

The New Palace is certainly unusual fora coastal FEC. Wilkie estimates thatapproximately 90 per cent of his cus-tomers are locals - from Merseyside andthe surrounding area. “We’re not a holidayresort, where kids can come in every dayof the week and save for a remote-controlboat or something,” he says. “We cater today-trippers - and this has been central tothe development of our redemption strat-egy.”

It follows that the New Palace’sapproach to redemption bucks the trend.

On any redemption machine Wilkie oper-ates, tickets are worth 5 pence each - farmore than the average - but rather thanbeing awarded in droves, each playerearns between one and three tickets pergame.

It’s a novel approach - maximising thegains of the day-trip visitor. It’s also costeffective: sparing Wilkie the necessity ofsplashing out on reams of new tickets,minimising reload requirements, and con-sequently maximising the time his staff’scustomer-facing capacity. Meanwhile,whilst redemption products are show-cased on the customer floor in secure cab-inets, the actual stock itself is kept in thestaff-area. “Customers simply approach amember of staff who fetches the desiredprize from the office,” states Wilkie, “free-ing us from space and staffing commit-ments were we to operate a bespokeredemption shop.”

Wilkie concedes that in certain ways,his approach is “old-fashioned”, and thatthe smaller scale of the New Palaceredemption permits him flexibility interms of approach. But he’s also adamantthat in terms of cost management and effi-ciency, larger operators would do well tofollow his example.

“I have to say even if we had more, I’dstill price my tickets higher and give outless,” he tells us. “The cost saving alonemakes it more than worth it.”

Less is more With a small redemption operation and a visitor-base consistingprimarily of local day-trippers, owner of New Palace AmusementsDavid Wilkie isn’t afraid to defy market-trends in ensuring hiscustomers get the most for their redemption-buck.

PRIZES

For a redemption machine, great prizes are important, but the most desirablemerchandise can be missed if work isn’t done to draw a punter’s eye,

explains Darrell Simmonds, EMEA sales manager at Bandai Namco Amuse-ment Europe Prize. “We have a great creative department that designs ourbranding and packaging keeping in line with the latest fashions,” explainedSimmonds. “We work very closely with all our divisions to fine tune settings ofgames to ensure they have the best possible prizes in them and the artworkhave to maximum appeal to draw the players to the machine.”

In many cases, this artwork needs to communicate the existence of a newkind of prize, as Namco continues to push the boundaries. “We pioneered manyof the top prizes used in the market today,” Simmonds declared. “In fact, wewere the first to introduce tablet computers and other desirable electronics,such as 3G phones, to the trade under the prize payout limit - setting a prece-dent that our competitors have followed. We are now the first to introduce atablet with a pre-loaded game and branded packaging to compliment.”

This rapid take-up of technology is also mirrored on the machine front. “Wehave recently gone into partnership to distribute the redemption games fromAdrenaline Amusements which are based on market leading apps,” revealedJohn Brennan, Brent Sales commercial director. “Flying Tickets and CandyCrush are screen-based games with simple controls with exceptional game-play indicative of the big hitting apps they are adapted from to maximise thebest coin op experience for the players. Good redemption operators employ amix of games and Bandai Namco provide it.”

The central value of variety was one of anumber of tenets that Namco identified in themarketplace in the early days. “When BandaiNamco developed its own range of redemp-tion machines, a group of the most experi-enced and well-respected gamesdesigners from Japan analysed thesector,” explained Brennan. “They trav-elled all over the world to see redemptionbeing played and operated. They came tothe conclusion that the players enjoyed elec-tro-mechanical style games and that inspiredthe range, including Pac-Man Swirl, Goal LineRush, Sink the Ship and others.”

These early investigations also revealed theimportance of a smoothly run prize shop.“Redemption has been described by many asbecoming ‘Retail with Fun’,” said Simmonds.“With this in mind we strongly believe that aprize shop should have a wide range ofticket values and be stocked with goodquality licensed products. If prizes aredisplayed correctly and clearly priced upthen a customer can choose quickly andnot slow down the experience for thenext customer. If you have a good rangeof quality products a customer is morelikely to walk away happy with his orher prize, however many tickets theyredeemed, and then come back again.”

D

The future and thepast provideNamco inspirationBased on the solid foundation of knowledge from Japan’s topgame designers, the worldwide Namco team have continuedto innovative.


When it comes to

choosing theright ride foryour location,

look nofurther

Designed to perform, built to last+44(0)1656 783894 www.sbmachines.co.uk

Visit our

new website


24

B2B

Essential Guide to ... RedemptionMarket Perspectives

The redemption sector of the market isarguably as strong now as it’s ever been,

but it’s set to get even stronger, accordingto sales director at RLMS Sales, TonyGlanville. The firm, known primarily forits gaming expertise, has long been anadvocate of the redemption genre and hasvindicated that belief in recent months bystrengthening its portfolio with excitingnew games.

Speaking about the company’sapproach to redemption, Glanville com-mented: “We constantly review our prod-uct portfolio from a strategic perspectiveto enable us to adapt swiftly and introducenew lines that fit with current markettrends. We could see some time ago theshift in product type on the main seasonaloperators’ floors towards ticket redemp-tion. As a result we commenced workingwith our current suppliers as well as iden-tifying new partners to source redemp-tion product to bring into the range.”

Glanville firmly believes that redemp-tion has a broad appeal in that it deliverssomething new and different for all thefamily regardless of age or gender.“Redemption represents great value formoney,” he noted. “The games are enter-taining and give the player a chance to takehome a wide range of prizes that serve asa memento of their time at the coast.”

He added: “We’ve had a redemptionoffering within our portfolio for a numberof years. However, I’m confident that the2015 range is the strongest and mostdiverse line-up we have had to date. Thecollection we have selected not only com-prises a wide variety of games but offerssomething for all budgets, from the singleplayer Odd Bods from Empire Gamesthrough to the centre piece attractions ofFish Bowl Frenzy and the sensation of EAG,the F5 Vortex. We have also introduced agreat new concept in Mr Bus which takesa kiddie ride, combines it with an interac-tive game and rewards the player withtickets to deliver a great combination.”

And, in recognition of the challengingeconomic climate RLMS’ customers oper-ate within, the company has introducedan limited-period cost-saving venture.Glanville explained: “We are in a position,for a limited time only, to be able to offerextended payment terms on a number ofredemption models within the range. Thiswill allow operators to spread the cost ofthe product across the key income-gener-ating months of the year and ease cashflow. Redemption continues to be anupward trend in the market and the RLMSproduct range is definitely in tune withthat trend.”

DISTRIBUTORS

RLMS quick to seeshift to redemption

Redemption is gaining traction inthe industry - so much so that it’sbecome a major artery foroperators. Tony Glanville ofRLMS Sales is a keen advocate,not just because the genre is atit’s strongest, but also becauseit’s at it most energetic. He talksto Coinslot about redemption’squalities: value for money, playerpopularity and high entertainmentlevels.

Products

n the back of a very successful EAG show, Crown Direct’s orderbook is once again full of redemption games. Redemption has beenthe strongest product line for the last three years for Crown, supply-

ing the market with games from the world’s leading developers, includingBaytek, Benchmark, Coastal Amusements, Elaut, Eurotek, Harry Levy, ICEand Sega.

“On the back of some very strong games from ICE, such as Milk JugToss and Down the Clown, we saw strong advance orders for the next twogames from the ICE stable in Gold Fishin and Kung Fu Panda. However, thestar of EAG on redemption for Crown was the Minions Despicable Mewhacker,” commented Dean Harding, Crown Direct managing director.

“The reaction to the whacker was absolutely fantastic. The marketknows how strong Minions is as a brand and with a new film this summerand more planned for the future, this is anabsolute banker and must for all FEC andredemption operators,” he said. “Thelook, size and price of the game, withit coming to market at only £3,595plus VAT, makes it a no brainer forcustomers to commit to.”

Other stars in the Crown port-folio of redemption games at EAGwere Lucky Ducks from HarryLevy and Freddie from Eurotek.Both of these games build on verystrong platforms. Lucky Ducks isa great move on from a traditionalcoin flipper/roll down and Freddiecontinues the phenomenal suc-cess for Eurotek with their ticketfruits.

Ticket Circus from Elaut wasshown at the EAG in prototypeformat and is due to go to loca-tion test in time for the Easterholidays. “The reaction fromoperators to Elaut’s newestredemption gamewassuperb,”said Hard-ing, “usingthe sameclosed looptokensystem asthe hugelysuccessfulWizard Of Oz,we areeagerly antici-pating the product testand evaluation of this game. Iam sure it will be another very stronggame from Elaut.”

CROWN DIRECT

Redemptionleads the wayfor CrownMinions and more are packed into the vast stable ofredemption titles from Crown Direct which continues tolead the way as the company’s most successful skew.

O


Available as Cash Or Ticket

CALL NOW 01843 866464 Harry Levy Amusement Contractor Ltd | Unit 6 Patricia Way | Pysons Road Industrial Estate | Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2LF

Tel: +44 (0)1843 866464 | Fax: +44 (0)1843 860144 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.harrylevy.com

AvailaCash Or T

Shooting Shooting ManiaMania

Magic Cube Magic Cube CraneCrane

Color Match Color Match ClubClub

World of ToysWorld of ToysSingleSingle

World of ToysWorld of ToysDoubleDouble

World of ToysWorld of ToysJumboJumbo

Patricia Way | Pysons Roa43 860144 | E il d@h

Lucky Lucky DucksDucks

Flappy Flappy BirdsBirds

ScenicScenicRailwayRailway

FullFullTiltTilt

Swings & Swings & RoundaboutsRoundabouts

Subway Subway SurferSurfer


26

B2B

Essential Guide to ... RedemptionProducts

Bandai Namco Prize Divi-sion has its biggest ever

range in 2015, spanning every-thing from confectionaryworth a few penniesthrough to high-end elec-tronic goods and brandedelectric ride-on karts.

The Prize Division hasadded branded products toits array of confectionary,including the world-famousHaribo, Vimto, Tango, Jelly BellyFactory and Sunkist brands, aswell as Peppa Pig, Spiderman,Hello Kitty and Disney packagedsweets, ideal for redemption coun-ters due to their low-ticket cost withhigh perceived retail value.

The Nam-Gear range of electron-ics continues to be the marketleader with the range including 3Gphones proving particularly popularwith customers. These are availablewith four different coloured backs forgreater fun and versatility for the winner.

This year, Bandai Namco Prize Divi-sion is introducing a tablet with a Pac-Man game already pre-loaded andspecial Pac-Man themed packaging. AnHD Camcorder, Bluetooth headphones,NFC speakers and Net Books are stillset to the featured.

Also new for 2015 is a collaborationwith V-Tech, which is the number onetrusted brand for electronic and educa-tional toys for children from pre-schoolupwards. “Customers have been askingfor a product for the younger child for along time. V-Tech is a brand that isinstantly recognised by families and hassuch strong brand presence at retail,”said Darrell Simmonds, sales managerEMEA. “We are also stocking a V-Techhead camera that is high quality andgreat value for money.”

The Pac-Man gift range has beenextended in 2015, which is the 35thanniversary of the character - and theyear that Pac-Man receives a cameofilm role in the movie ‘Pixels’, due forrelease this summer. New prize linesbeing introduced include ‘Colour in YourOwn Mug’ an assortment of size 2 foot-balls, baseball caps and more - in addi

tion to thecurrent proven line-up ofprizes.

The Prize Division also has a very goodrange of retail action figures from thecurrent hit movie Big Hero 6. This film hasbeen very successful for Disney anddemand will for branded goods is high.

Two other major film licences fea-tured in the range this year are Shaunthe Sheep: the movie from Aardman Ani-mations and Home from DreamWorks,starring Rihanna, Jim Parsons, SteveMartin and Jennifer Lopez. Shaun theSheep has been a very successfullicence for the Prize Division for anumber of years but the new movie islikely to push demand to new levels,especially as it is currently the featuredprize in McDonalds Happy Meals. TheHome range of plush was extremelypopular at EAG.

Finally, the company expects thatkids will soon be saving their redemp-tion tickets for the ultimate prize thisyear. Bandai Namco Prize Division isproud to offer an electric ride-on MarioKart with a 6v battery.

BANDAI NAMCO PRIZE DIVISION

Biggest ever forNamco PrizeWith more prizes than ever before,Namco’s redemption poweringprize division looks to have allbases covered.

LMS Sales has kick-started 2015 with a commitment to becomingthe go-to source for the very best redemption equipment on themarket. The national sales and distribution firm has bolstered its

product portfolio with a dazzling range of redemption games for all tastesand budgets.

These include the the Mr Bus kiddie ride from Leisurematic, whichcomes complete with an interactive ball catchinggame, rocking motion and ticketredemption option. It seats up tothree children who are challenged tocatch balls while riding usingthe steering wheel as part ofa ‘bagatelle’ style game.

Teamplay’s FishbowlFrenzy, voted best new prod-uct (coin-operated arcade andredemption equipment) atIAAPA 2014, is described asthe first ‘augmented realityticket redemption game’. Itcomes with a high definition,65 inch transmissive LCDscreen and features custom 3Danimations with game play con-trolled by one simple button.With a wide range of operatoroptions built-in, it delivers fun forthe whole family.

RLMS offers a brace of ticketredemption titles from EmpireGames in Lucky Ladders and OddBods. Both are offered at 10p play on500/800 ticket payout. Lucky Laddersis based on the hugely successfulAdders & Ladders concept and is pre-sented in the WOW cabinet with infillpanels and top box. Odd Bods is avail-able in red, white and blue cabinets.

Last, but certainly not least, is the F5Vortex from Birthday Blaster. The gameoffers a fully automated, coin-op versionof the original Vortex and is perfect for anyvenue which has a ticket redemption offer-ing as part of its portfolio of amusementmachines.

RLMS Sales MD Phil Boulton commented:“We are highly committed to making surethat our customers can count on us to pro-vide them with the best redemption products available on the market. It’simportant to emphasise the fact that we do work in the amusement indus-try and it’s absolutely necessary that our product portfolio should reflectthat fact. That’s why we’ve taken a very considered approach to theredemption games that are now part of our portfolio. These are high qual-ity, world class games and we’re confident that they can bring somethingnew and diverse to our customer base.”

RLMS SALES

RLMS is the go-to source forredemptionExperienced supplier RLMS Sales is aiming to get aheadof the pack with its large range of high quality redemptionpieces.

R



28

B2B


HARRY LEVY AMUSEMENTS

It’s well known that Harry Levy is proudof each of its machines, but none more

than our new piece in its collection, FullTilt.

This machine demands attention in anygame room with its brightly lit cabinet, eye-catching design and simplistic, yet chal-lenging gameplay. With the adjustablemarquee allowing four different heightsthis game delivers a big presence in a smallfootprint - less than 15 square feet.

Players guide the ball from the top downthe playfield by turning the gears with thelarge yellow wheel. The balls land and onledges and nooks inside the machine whichare controlled by the player. The gearsdirect the ball into any one of the targets atthe bottom to win tickets. Skilled playerscan aim for the larger values to win the mosttickets. Simple, yet deviously challenging,this machine will have the players comingback for more.

The redemption revolution in the UK hascertainly not gone unnoticed in the

kiddie ride sector. SB Machines of Porth-cawl, specialists in the supply of high qual-ity Italian coin operated children’s rides inthe UK, has launched two rides for cus-tomers who require the additional bene-fits of ticket payout.

Funny Eggs is a medium sized coin oper-ated ride that incorporates a highly engag-ing electromechanical game, whereby thechild collects, in a moving basket, as manyeggs as he can as they drop from a chicken.The eggs take the form of ping pong balls -the more balls collected, the more pointsare given.

Paolo Sidoli of SBMachines commented:“We have been operat-ing this ride on varioussites for over six monthsand results have beensuperb. What we havealso noticed during thevarious site testing isthat customerspointed out to our-selves that the ridewas as successfulwithout ticketpayout, because thechildren loved thegame so much. Theticket payout optionwas an added bonus.

Funny Eggs is a really beautiful piece ofequipment and adds integrity to any arcadewith a strong redemption element.”

SB Machines is committed to ideal thatthe key to any successful ride with a ticketpayout is a well thought out game as itsfoundation.

Mine Race adventure is another exam-ple of a great looking ride with an engag-ing game, being video based rather thanelectromechanical. This medium sized rideconcentrates on high quality graphics, ori-entating the sitting child in front of thescreen, challenging them to obtain pointsby collecting prizes and avoiding obstaclesas they hurtle down a track seated in mine

truck. Paolo Sidoli added: “This ride

was launched at EAG 2015 and itreceived a lot of attention, par-

ticularly as customers admiredthe superb graphics and

fascinating gameplay. Initial fieldtesting hasp r o v e dextremely posi-tive and as cus-tomers get tohear about its per-formance we willlook forward to asteady rolloutover the coming

months.”

SB MACHINES

Ticket-poweredrides provide newopportunitiesRedemption’s popularity has prompted even kiddie ride stalwartsSB Machines to bring its own unique perspective to theburgeoning sector.

Harry Levy going Full TiltRedemption experts Harry Levyare going all out with its latestmarquee redemption title.

JNC SALES

JNC offer the full range ofused redemption games

and prize machines from aslittle as £595. Crank It, Slam aWinner, Colorama and theWheel Deal continue to sellextremely well together withother used machines such asSmokin Token Extreme, CyberTickets and Speed Demon.

JNC are also the exclusivedistributor of the Feiloli ticketwhackers Klobber the Robberand Galaxy Garrison. Feiloli hasan established name in the indus-try and have built great whackers in thepast with Cats and Mice and AnnoyingThing proving to be great money takers.

Klobber the Robber has already estab-lished its status as a worldwide hit and,with its small size, Galaxy Garrison isappealing to both amusement arcadesand soft play areas. It is perfect to be posi-tioned on the end of a straight pusher asan extra cash box. It also offers a game forthe very young kids to play and, in some

arcades, this is the onlymachine that the under

4’s can have a go at!Keymaster and

MPD Dunk Tank 2pl(fully updated stickerversion) have provedvery popular prizemachines since theEAG Exhibition andare available at veryreasonable prices.JNC also stock awide range of used

Benchmark Ticket Stations andGalileo Ticket Eaters from£2,995. Ticket AWP’s have alsosurged in popularity and fromas little as £995, they are a greataddition to any redemptionarea.

With over 300 redemptionmachines in stock interested

observers are encouraged to closelyanalyse the full JNC stock list as the com-pany remains confident that there’ssomething on offer for every location.

JNC also offers the service of assistingcustomers in laying out their redemptionareas, as the company knows well that forarcade owners who haven’t made thismove, it can be a daunting step. The teamare also on hand to advise on which linesof toys are best from the experience ofJNC’s own sites.

Reliableredemption that won’t breakthe bankOperators looking to dip theirtoe into the world ofredemption could do muchworse than to check out therange of used machines onoffer from JNC Sales.



B2B

29

SEGA AMUSEMENTS

he ‘Skill Wall’ grows again with theaddition of yet another fantasticcarnival classic redemption game

Gold Fishin’. Debuting in Europe at lastmonth’s EAG International, Gold Fishin’continues in the footsteps of last year’shit redemption game Down The Clownand its predecessor Milk Jug Toss, alldeveloped and manufactured by theworld’s leading redemption game manu-facturer ICE.

The demand for games with distinc-tive game play that is both different towhat’s available on the home consoleand unique in the arcade has always beenhigh. Gold Fishin’ satisfies this market gapby bringing all the fun of the classic car-nival game to the arcade. The game isintriguing, intuitive and fun as players tryto toss the ping pong balls into the 49LED lit fishbowls. Players quickly adaptto the game and try out new skillsattempting everything from bouncingthe ball off of the deck, to dunking or justgrabbing a bunch of balls andtossing them in the air in thehope that some land in the fish-bowls. It’s this part that chal-lenges the player to try newtechniques and provideinstant gratification whenthe technique works,making the game trulyfun.

Gold Fishing alsoencourages multipleplayer participation byintroducing a wider play-field. This actively encour-ages parents to playalongside their chil-dren and sharethe experience.While somemay see this ascheating theresult, in cash boxterms it showsjust the opposite.Players that teamup play over andover again toachieve the high-est possible score together.

Another distinct difference with

Gold Fishin’ is that it offers value formoney to the player by releasing in theregion of 36 to 40 balls through the gamewhich are continuously returned backto the player as long as the game is run-ning. This makes the player feel satisfiedthat they have had multiple opportuni-ties to get the bonus, yet players want toplay again as they can feel their skill levelincrease with each attempt.

A clever way to increase income evenfurther in the arcade would be to adoptthe popular “Skill Wall” format placingother skill games next to each other, suchas ICE Ball FX, Whack N Win, Milk Jug Toss,Down the Clown and Gold Fishing’. Thisgives players the choice to test out theirskill at all these games, thus increasingboth dwell time and overall spend.

Get that goldenreturn with Gold Fishin’Sega has acquired yet another skill-infused redemption title, as thecompany continues to bolster its range of distinctive machines.

T



30

B2B


e d e m p t i o nmachines haveincreased dra-

matically in numbersover the past few yearswith lots of new and dif-ferent types of games onthe market. Suzo-Happhas fully embraced theincreased demand forredemption game prod-ucts in the UK amusementsector by holding larger stocks of con-sumables such as redemption tickets,paper rolls for ticket eating machines andof course ticket dispensers and mallets.

Quality product is what our customers

expect fromSuzo-Happ andquality productis exactly whatthe companystrives todeliver. It ispa r t i cu l a r ly

important tooperators that

the weight and overallfinish of the ticket is of a high

standard.Using lighter weight tickets can

drastically increase the amount ofmachine down time in the field due tothe amount of paper dust generatedwhen the tickets are dispensed, this canlead to increased ticket jams and blockedsensors in the redemption games and hasa similar effect on ticket eating machines.

In peak season there are often largequeues of people waiting to redeem theirtickets to get their prizes, so machine uptime is paramount. All of Suzo-Happ’stickets are barcoded and are available indifferent colours. The supplier also offerour customers the opportunity to per-sonalise the tickets with their own brand-ing at no extra change.

Suzo-Happ takes pains to stock cus-tomer’s own tickets in its warehouse sothat they can be despatched to arcadesas and when they are needed, particularlyin the summer months when a lot of cus-tomers hold vast stocks of plush toys andnovelty products to keep their cranes andredemption areas stocked. Space canoften be at a premium so the company’sCall Off Stock Ordering really can helpour customers to manage the space theyhave as effectively as possible.

Ticket Dispensers from manufacturerssuch as Deltronic and Entropy have beenthe industry standards for many years,Suzo-Happ always have a good stock ofnew replacement units and spares itemssuch as the main PCB’s and ticket guides.Next day delivery also means that cus-tomers should never be waiting too longto get hold of their replacement units.

Suzo-Happ stock a range of hammersand mallets for the “Whacka” typeredemption games. These are made fromhigh quality materials and are extremelydurable.

The latest additions to its redemptionrange include bluetooth speakers, head-phones, action cameras and iPod Shuf-f les, which have all proven to be verypopular with our customers.

SUZO-HAPP

Keeping anoperation running

Customised tickets on tap andhigh quality spares on demandare all part of the service that hasseen Suzo-Happ become oneof the leading redemption partssuppliers.

R

0208 391 7700 [email protected]

DELTRONIC ENTROPY

� High Quality �� Range of Colours �� Can be personalised �

TICKET DISPENSERS

REDEMPTION TICKETS

UNITEDDISTRIBUTINGCOMPANY

The Fish Bowl Frenzy game features avast 65 inch ‘transmissive’ display, a

technical way of describing the specialability to display graphics and flipbetween being transparent or opaque atthe individual pixel level. This featureallows players to see the balls beingreleased from the top of the cabinetbounce their way between the pins inthe playfield as they fall towards the vari-ous 3D fish bowls and win zones rightdown at the bottom of the screen.

The Fish bowl Frenzy cabinet is largeand is visually impressive to behold,whilst the novel mixture of traditionalcarnival style game play meets high-tech cartoon style computer graphicsdelivers a delightful experience. Manyvisitors at the EAG liked what they sawand UDC informs us that a bulging orderbook means that orders taken now willbe delivered after Easter as initialdemand was higher than expected,meaning that all of thefirst delivery are soldout.

Sales directorMichael Green com-mented: “On test thegame has per-formed admirablyboth in the USA andin the UK. Cus-tomers looking toequip their centrewith what we antici-pate be to one ofhot games of thesummer shouldorder now to avoiddisappointment.Indeed it looks asif everything isgoingswim-minglyfor UDCwith thisnewgame.”

Bowled overwith delightThe United DistributingCompany continues to reapthe rewards of the recent EAGexhibition, where the brandnew Fish Bowl Frenzy ticketredemption game, designed byTeamplay, made its UK debut.


. Redemption


B2B

31

the UK’s biggest sellerfor over ten years.

Curve Curve Yukon Flame Baby Flame

Air HockeyThe best pay to play return oninvestment in Family Entertainment

NEW Curve Internal Illumination

Curved Playfi eld

Mark Resistant Surface

Outdoor Use

Striking Colour Choice

Unrivalled Reliability

Customising No Problem!

Redemption Ticket Option

SAM Leisure, the UK’s leading AirHockey supplier, have expanded their

market leading range with the introduc-tion of a new Curved playfield series.Retaining the industry leading quality,reliability and component compatibilityadvantages of SAM’s existing ranges, thisnew selection of stunning Air Hockeytables is fast becoming SAM’s best seller.

Incorporating the company’s experi-ence in Air Hockey design, innovation andengineering with the new concept of play-ing the game on a curved bed ensuresSAM’s new Curve range is a ‘real winner’,attracting greater cashbox spend.

Unique to SAM, ‘Methacrylate’ super-fast and super durable playfield materialhas been proven on SAM Hockeys forover 10 years. However on the Curverange, SAM has made a translucentmethacrylate which provides a stunningglowing effect. This adds to the appeal ofthe new Curve range even further and isespecially effective in low light locations.

A few lucky customers have alreadytaken delivery of the new Curve hockey’sfrom SAM with testimonials alreadyreceived. Gary Drage, SAM Leisure direc-tor, stated: “The SAM Curve is proving tobe very popular, generating increasedcashbox for our customers. This newrange retains SAM’s proven revenuestrengths and steps it up a level. Feed-back suggests this is due to increasedpuck speed, plus the gameplay is easierfor younger children to enjoy, as thecurved bed means the height at goal levelis lower than normal hockey’s while the

outer edge is higher, thus remaining com-fortable for adult players. The best of bothworlds.”

SAM has also introduced another newmachine to the UK market in recentmonths - Catch-the-Light/Neuron Race.Proven throughout Europe over the past12 months, this successful and attractivetable game incorporates a two playerreflex game with flashing LED lightingand modern, appealing sound effects. Asplayers face each other, LED buttons ran-domly illuminate and players press thebuttons as quickly as possible to increasethe score. The best score is displayeduntil reset, to encourage players to bettertheir previous attempts. Colourful graph-ics and colour changing LED’s providestunning looks and the tempered glasstop and strong metal cabinet deliver adurable and compact machine which willexcite players and produce great incomefor years to come.

SAM offer two standard cabinetoptions, ‘Catch-The-Light’ suited toyoungsters and ‘Neuron Race’ in a moreadult style. Feedback has been very posi-tive with tables earning well in bowlingand arcade environments, with and with-out redemption.

“We have found the portable freeplayversion to be immensely popular with theevent hire trade,” explained SAMLeisure’s Liam Barrett (pictured). “Withcustomers ranging from health clubs toschools, from therapy centres to partyhire businesses all benefitting from thisimpulsive and addictive new product.”

SAM LEISURE

Curved bed airand Neuron Racewith redemptionA duo of new titles from SAM Leisure are already proven redemptionwinners in the field, combining sleek design with new ideas.


TRAINING


B2B Amusements

MARKETPLACE

B2B Arcade Crane Services

www.thewon.co.uk

B2B Bingo

CALL NOW - 01843 866464 Harry Levy Amusement Contractor Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1843 866464 | Fax: +44 (0)1843 860144Email: [email protected] | Web: www.harry-levy-amusement.com

ToyFamily

To advertise here call

Kathryn Norris

on 01204 396 397

B2B Carpets & Flooring

[email protected]

www.antrimcarpets.com

B2B Change Machines

Tel: 020 8391 7700 Fax: 020 8391 7760 Email: [email protected] www.suzohapp.co.uk

“Great range of Change Machines available”

B2B Distributor

B2B Boxing Machine Spares

Aztec Coin Equipment Ltd

Telephone - 0151 420 0006 OR 07974 363276Email - [email protected]

100’S OF REFURBISHED EX STOCK MACHINES

To include Punchballs,

bladders, vinyl kits,

coin mechs & buttons

Next Day Delivery

Discount on quantity orders

Telephone 07737 988069 or email

[email protected]

JNC SALES

FOLLOW JNC ON TWITTER @JNCSALES AND BE THE FIRSTTO RECEIVE THE LATEST OFFERS AND INFO

FOR FULL STOCK LIST PLEASE VISITWWW.JNC-SALES.CO.UK

TEL: 01179 382552EMAIL: [email protected]

WITH AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF

PUSHERS • VIDEO • AIR HOCKEY

REDEMPTION & PRIZE MACHINES

DANCE MACHINES • CRANES

BOXERS • CHANGE MACHINES

BASKETBALLS • AWP’S • STOOLSPLEASE GIVE US A CALL

THE LEADING DISTRIBUTOROF NEW AND USED AMUSEMENT EQUIPMENT AT GREAT PRICES

B2B Football Tables

[email protected]

T 024 7646 1234F 024 7646 4433

THE HIGHESTEARNING

POOLAIR HOCKEY

FOOTBALL TABLES

[email protected]

32

B2B

A Tokyo-based developer has trans-formed 150 cranes into an online phe-nomenon after inventing a new type ofinternet gaming. The cranes are oper-ated online by a network of approxi-

mately 150,000registered players andprizes are shipped thenext day from thewarehouse in Fujimi.

Developer creates internet-controlled cranes

We are always looking and feedback on the cuMyself and Sean Franks

road speakinggetting feedbplan for the f

BANDAI NAMCO’S DARRELL SIMMOSEARCH FOR NEW INNOVATIONS

Listings

ONLINEASTEROIDS GIVENNEW LIFE

It was once a stapleof the 1980’s

arcade. But nowAtari’s 1979shooter Asteroidsis to be rebootedinto a massivelyexpansive online mul-tiplayer game for PC.

“Asteroids is one of the most iconictitles in Atari’s portfolio of more than 200games and franchises, and we’re lookingforward to ushering the game into today’sdigital gaming era,” claimed the com-pany’s chief executive Fred Chesnais.“We’re paying homage to the originalgame by incorporating classic featuressuch as asteroid blasting capabilities,while introducing a completely new prem-ise and gameplay.”

RECRUITMENTBRIGHTON PIER SEEKSMAINTENANCEMANAGER

One of the premiere tourist hot-spots ofthe south coast is looking to recruit a

maintenance manager. Brighton Pier areencouraging applications from suitablecandidates who will be responsible for all in-house maintenance staff and contractors. INTERNATIONAL

JAEPO SEES RAFT OFNEW ARCADE TITLES

The Japanese arcade industry’s annualJAEPO arcade trade-show took place

last weekend in Chiba, near Tokyo, withindustry front-runners Sega, BandaiNamco and Capcom all displaying their

ound Leisure is to once again host arange of training seminars at itsLeeds-based factory. The popular

courses are designed to share expertisegained from over 35 years of jukebox manu-facturing. The courses are aimed at all levelsof personnel, ranging from the completenovice installation and workshop engineers,through to experienced engineers andaccount managers.

“We strongly believe that as the UK’s lead-ing jukebox manufacturer we should offermuch more than just a reliable and cuttingedge product,” said Sound Leisure managingdirector, Chris Black. “By training service andsales personnel everyone in the industry ben-efits. It is essential that as well as engineersand workshop staff, account managers alsohave a good understanding of what the latestbreed of jukes can offer, which in turn allowsthem to explain the latest features in depth tothe site managers and their staff.

“The way we operate jukeboxes haschanged considerably over the past fiveyears and these courses will give a fantasticoverview of what is now possible from ourrange of equipment and support services.”

School bell rinat Sound LeisS

2408-p32-33-Listings_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 19:29 Page 1

33

B2B

MARKETPLACE

B2B Gaming Machines

B2B Gaming Machines

Amusement and Gaming Equipment Finance with Rates

from 3.1%

Immediate Funds Available 98% Acceptance Rate

Tel: 0844 800 88 [email protected]

B2B Finance


looking for new ideason the current lineup.n Franks are on thespeaking to customers

ng feedback to help usfor the future.

CO’S DARRELL SIMMONDS ON THE COMPANY’S CONSTANTNEW INNOVATIONS

The latest Cat C AWP from Electrocoin, Alice Royal Riches, hasbeen given the go-ahead for the UKretail market, meeting all requisite testing conditions.Progressive jackpot isoffered across all stakes,and the game comeshoused in Electrocoin’sEclipse cabinet. Image Ref: Alice.jpg

Electrocoin’s Alice RoyalRiches gets approval

8TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


ell ringingLeisure

latest wares.The Sega stand catered to the

domestic audience - with a focuson 20 years of its Cyber TroopersVirtual-On series (yet to export),but Namco showcased a numberof products familiar to recent EAGvisitors, including its Star Wars:

Battlepod and Time Crisis 5 machines. A highlight of the show was Capcom’s

surprise announcement of a new Attackon Titan arcade game, currently in devel-opment.

Groups on the course are kept no largerthan 20 to ensure that each delegate receivesthe personal attention they need to get themost from each session. Multiple courses onall three subject areas will be scheduled toreflect demand.

Courses are expected to begin with a ses-sion on 17 March, 2015 for managers,account mangers and retailers, with anotherfollowing 23 April for neophyte engineers andinstallers. The final course is currently sched-uled for 28 April and will focus on moreadvanced engineering. Sales veteran and 50-year industry veteran Alastair Tevendale (pic-tured) will be leading the courses.

REDEMPTIONFISHBOWL’S A WINNERFOR UDC

UDC is taking orders for hit 3D skillgame Fishbowl Frenzy to be delivered

to FECs in time for the Easter holidays.The innovative game, which features a

mixture of mechanical components andadvanced 3D computer graphics, pickedup a prize for Best New Product at theIAAPA expo 2014.

Players time their ball to drop downthrough the simulated 65” screen and intoone of the 3D fishbowls to win prizes.Operators also have the option to select a‘winner every time’ mode for the machine.

PINBALLLIFE’S A CIRQUS

Pinball Heaven arestocking a pre-

mium restoration ofCirqus Voltaire, thefirst game to fea-ture a dot matrix inthe machine tomake it easier forplayers to keep an eyeon the ball and the display at the same time.

This attractive machine has been fullyrebuilt in top condition with a new playfield,plastics, ramps and cabinet art. Gamerscan expect fun music and exciting featuressuch as the ‘Ringmaster’ that rises up fromthe playfield.

2408-p32-33-Listings_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 19:29 Page 2


34

B2B Analysis

CATEGORYB3 (£2/£500 Max.)

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

AGCsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Wish Upon a Slot Blueprint2 2 Fortune Hunter Project3 3 Slotto 500 Astra4 4 King of Slots Blueprint5 5 Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics6 6 Triple 8 Barcrest7 7 Mega Bars Big Hit Project8 8 Triple 7 Barcrest9 9 Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest10 10 Lady Luck Reflex

Based on data supplied by a representative number of UK sitesSupplied by RLMS Sales

Members clubsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Fiddle a Fortune Reflex2 2 DOND Box 23 BFG3 3 Street Casino 2015 Storm4 4 Hot Shot Reflex5 5 Jackpot 100 Barcrest

Based on data from representative sites. Supplied by sector professional

FEC - familyThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra2 2 Party Time Classic (3 Player) Astra3 3 Party Games (4 Player) Astra4 4 DOND (4 Player) Bellfruit5 5 Adders And Ladders(4 Player) Vivid6 6 Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire7 7 Goldrush Stampede (4 Player) Barcrest8 8 Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra9 9 Party Time (3 Player) Astra10 10 Chase The Ace Project

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

FEC - adultThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Magic Games U/R Novomatic2 2 Bar X Diamond 7’s Electrocoin3 3 Free Play 70 Project4 4 Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest5 5 Find The Lady 70 Project6 6 Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra7 7 Win Wall Astra8 8 Cool 7’s Electrocoin9 9 Party Games (4 Player) Astra10 10 DOND Cops and Robbers Bellfruit

Taken from a representative number of sites around the UKSupplied by Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

CATEGORYC (£1/£100 Max.)

AGCsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic2 8 Find The Lady Ultimate Project3 7 Triple 7 (GP1) SG Gaming4 4 Magic Games 3 Novomatic5 - Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming6 - Random Gold Concept Games7 - Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming8 3 X3000 Multi Game Amatic9 5 Encore T7 (GP1) SG Gaming10 - Bullion Bars 3 Player Astra

Based on data from a minimum of 10 locations. Supplied by Praesepe

Single siteThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Queen We Are The Champions BFG2 2 DOND Next Level BFG3 3 DOND Winfall BFG4 4 DOND Double Up BFG5 5 DOND Box 23 BFG6 - Worminator QPS7 6 DOND Powerplay BFG8 7 DOND Best Offer BFG9 10 DOND Midas Touch BFG10 9 DOND Hyper BFG

Taken from a representative number of sites around the UKSupplied by national operator

MARKETPLACE

B2B Novelty

B2B Monitor Repairs

B2B Pool Tables & Accessories

Distributor of snooker and pool accessories and manufacturers of genuine Superleague tables and spares.

07442 [email protected]

For a quote call Chris Jones +44 (0)1273 699900

gaming | betting | gambling

S&Jcommunications

Get great PR from theindustry experts

B2B Marketing

www.segatotalsolutions.comWWW.SEGATOTALSOLUTIONS.COM TEL: 0208 391 8060

TICKETS | LCD KITS | CONSUMABLESTICKET EATERS | CHANGE MACHINES

B2B Skill Ball Deluxe

B2B Spares

B2B Soft Toys & Redemption

B2B Juke Box Specialists

SOUNDNETTHE DIGITAL JUKEBOXSPECIALISTSCALL TOBY: 07970 229124CALL JAMES: 07836 233176FOR ALL YOUR JUKE NEEDS & QUERIES

www.soundnet.net

2408-p34-35-analysis_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 16:20 Page 1

Sponsored by

NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

FILMCHARTS

DJ FRESH FT ELLAEYRE: GRAVITY

UK Box Office ChartThis LastWeek Week Name

1 1 Big Hero 6 2 2 Kingsman: The Secret Service3 - Shaun the Sheep Movie14 - Jupiter Ascending5 3 American Sniper6 - Selma 7 4 The Theory of Everything 8 6 Into the Woods9 5 Taken 3 10 - The Interview

SHAUN THE SHEEPMOVIE 1

DRAKE: IF YOU’REREADING THIS YOU’RETOO LATE

MUSICCHARTS

UK Jukebox ChartHighest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxesThis LastWeek Week

1 1 Uptown Funk Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars2 2 Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran3 4 Take Me To Church Hozier4 - Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding5 3 Wish You Were Mine Philip George6 - FourFiveSeconds Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney7 5 Real Love Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne8 7 Up Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato9 8 Lips Are Movin' Meghan Trainor10 7 Something I Need Ben Haenow

http://www.soundnet.net/

www.soundnet.net

AlbumsThis Last

Week Week

1 4 In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith2 2 X Ed Sheeran3 - If You’re Reading This You’re Too Late Drake4 - Coming Up For Air Kodaline5 6 Wanted On Voyage George Ezra6 5 Hozier Hozier7 3 Title Meghan Trainor8 7 1989 Taylor Swift9 1 Shadows In The Night Bob Dylan 10 14 Liquid Spirit Gregory Porter

DownloadsThis Last

Week Week

1 1 Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding2 - Gravity DJ Fresh ft Ella Eyre 3 4 FourFive Seconds Rihanna/Kanye West/McCartney4 3 Take Me To Church Hozier5 2 Uptown Funk Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars 6 - AYO Chris Brown & Tyga7 - Doing It Charli XCX ft Rita Ora8 - Coming With You Ne-Yo9 8 The Nights AVICII 10 19 Earned It Weeknd

35

B2B


Wanted

For Sale

For Sale

ClassifiedTo advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397

For recruitment

please see page 36

WANTED

07595 568078

EX12PLY

CRANESBEST PRICES PAID

WANTED

07595 568078

TRIPLE 7 ENCORE

SIT-DOWN CABINET

BEST PRICES PAID

W A N T E D

SINGLE SITEOPERATIONS

IN LONDON& THE HOME COUNTIES

REQUIRED BY LONGESTABLISHED LICENSED OPERATOR

ALL SIZED OPERATIONS CONSIDERED

CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED

PLEASE CALL MIKE ON07802 873165

WANTED

07595 568078BEST PRICES PAID

THOMAS3004

CHANGEMACHINES

PINBALL HEAVEN LTDPARTS/REPAIRS/ACCESORIES

& SERVICEMACHINES BOUGHT & SOLD

LARGE STOCK OF PINBALL PARTS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

TEL 01772 816677EMAIL

[email protected]

2408-p34-35-analysis_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 16:20 Page 2

36

B2B


To Advertise contact

Kathryn Norris

on 01257 277 400

Recruitment

Recruitment

Tamar Gaming are a leading provider of amusement and gaming equipment throughout South Devon and Cornwall. We are currently recruiting for the above positions that will be based at our Ivybridge depot.

Service Team Leader

You will need to be hands on, organized and committed to delivering excellent service to our customers. You will ideally have some form of supervisory/service experience together with electrical engineering knowledge and exper-tise. You will at times be required to work weekends and evenings for which a van we be supplied.

Service Engineer

You will be responsible for servicing and repairing our full range of machines. You will be required to work 80 hours on a fortnightly shift pattern over 7 days. You will need to be fl exible as from time to time you will be required to work overtime.

Previous experience in a similar role and a full driving license is essential for both positions.

Both positions come with a competitive salary

Please send CV to [email protected]

MEGA LEISURE SCOTLAND LIMITEDRequire an

EXPERIENCED FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER The role is based in and around Glasgow, Scotland

As a Field Service Engineer you will ensure that our Amusement Arcades and Single site operations receive a high quality of service and that you will be expected to deliver exceptional standards.

You will be responsible for the installation(sometimes out of hours) of all equipment and have knowledge of Server Based Gaming machines, AWP machines, Novelty games, Cranes, Kiddie Rides, Etc.

Your work will involve the maintenance and upkeep of all our existing sites,and any future sites,Pat testing,installation,servicing of machines and carrying out project work.You will need to prioritise issues,making sure you are always liaising with managers.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Apply in writing with full CV to; [email protected] or telephone 01698 373064

WHITTAKER BROTHERS GROUPRUTLAND WAY, LINNEY LANE, SHAW, OLDHAM, LANCS OL2 8HE

TEL: 01706 847531email: [email protected] web: www.whittakers.co.uk

CHOICE OF SKITTLE OR GREEDY GOBS TARGETSSWIVEL COIN MECH. TO AIM COINTICKETS DISPENSE FROM UNDER TOP SIGNPROVEN MONEY EARNERQUALITY UK MANUFACTURED

£1595+VAT

PAYS OUT BOTH CASH AND TICKETS

SUPERB GRAPHICS AND SOUNDS

PROVEN MONEY EARNER

QUALITY UK MANUFACTURED

£4950+VAT

REDEMPTION MACHINE BARGAINS

RE

DE

MP

TIO

N M

AC

HIN

E B

AR

GA

INS

FR

OM

WH

ITT

AK

ER

S

RE

DE

MP

TIO

N M

AC

HIN

E B

AR

GA

INS

FR

OM

WH

ITT

AK

ER

S

SONICA SERVICES LIMITEDSPECIALISTS IN REFURBISHMENT OF ALL VIDEO ARCADE EQUIPMENT

Refurbishments for all types of Video, Pusher,Redemption, Pool, Crane and Pinball Machines

On-Site Installations, Repairs and Services Suppliers of all types of Arcade Machines Service Contractors Parts Specialists

Telephone 020 8795 5448 or Mobile 07817 964346Web: www.sonicaservices.com Email: [email protected]

S SS SS SS S

NAMCOBATMAN

TWIN£6,250.00

LESS THAN1 YEAR OLD

BUYER TO COLLECT

TELEPHONE07860 860383

SEGA FERRARI F355 CHALLENGE DELUXE

DRIVING GAME

FULLY WORKINGBUT IN NEED OF SOME COSMETIC

£650ANDY 07973 326448

IRISHGAMING SHOW

2015Issue 2409 - 27th February

IRISH GAMINGSHOW

REPORT 2015Issue 2410 - 13th March

PLUSH,TOYS & ARCADE

MERCHANDISE 2015Issue 2411 - 20th March

UPCOMING FEATURES

For further information please contact Kathryn Norris on (01257) 277400(01257) 277400 or email [email protected]@gbmedia.eu


Comment

The law camachine

media watchjoseph ewens

The worm in chains and to

Inept and fantasticalthieves are assaulting

the news this week,including an enterprisingcrook known to his victimsby a slimy moniker. Super-man had Lex Luther.Batman - the Joker. Butnow, coin-op has its veryown super-villain: TheWorm.

Commencing in March2013, a 16 month spreesaw Leigh Cassidy (47) ofGorton, Manchester,evade alarm motion-sen-sors installed in at leastnine pubs, by breaking induring the early hours -and wriggling across thefloor. Leigh then hackedinto the pubs’ fruit-machine cashboxes, andwriggled back to his pointof entry to make good hisescape.

Police reviewing CCTVfootage of the reportedoffences consequentlydubbed Cassidy the“Worm Burglar”. Arrestedin May of last year, Cassidy

confessed to having stolenupwards of £7,500 by wayof his clandestine raids, aswell as causing almost£6,000 in damages.

Whilst the absurdity ofhis approach might raise asmile, Cassidy targetedone pub - the Wilfred Woodin Hazel Grove, Stockport,on three separate occa-sions, and a victim state-ment in court made clearthe emotional impact ofhis crimes. “I felt frus-trated, angry and vic-timised,” it read. “It mademe feel helpless.”

Cassidy’s staggeringcriminal record alreadydetails 181 previousoffences, with 47 priorconvictions. As for hisworm heists: one thinghe’ll struggle to wriggleout of is his sentence offour years and six monthsin prison.

Elsewhere in the coun-try, another would-be fruitmachine lawbreaker hadhis criminal career cut

short. A gang member whotook part in an arsonattack on a Liverpool pubhas been sentenced tonearly three years inprison.

Luke Mangan was justfifteen in June last year,when he and a gang offellow youths descendedon Taff’s Tavern in bala-clavas, smashing a fruit-machine, stealing itsproceeds, and setting thepub on fire. Mangan wasseen to douse the propertywith flammable liquid, butwhen the flames were lit hequickly became engulfedhimself: suffering third-degree burns and collaps-ing soon after vacating thepremises.

Landlord Taff Hughesand his wife were on thesecond floor of the prem-ises at the time of theoffence, which took placejust before 10:30pm. Nei-ther they, nor anybody elsewere injured in the attack,but fire damages to the

he Gambling Commission lastweek imposed strict restrictionson four operators who fell short

on procedures to tackle under-agegamers.Fair play. That’s what regulation is allabout. It will be the same from regula-tors of under-age drinking and othersocial habits that are considered a threatto young people’s well-being.Regulation in this instance has beenenforced, but is there another side to thestory? Not in these particular cases - butin general terms.Keeping on track with regulation - of allsorts - is tough business now. This is notan excuse, merely an insight as to howdifficult and expensive it is to apply,maintain and exercise these regulations.Accepting the condition that if we wantto be in this business, we have to play bythe rules: well, that’s exactly what’s writ-ten on the regulatory tin. And no one issuggesting or requesting otherwise, butas that’s the case, shouldn’t there be afairer sense of balance from the legisla-tor?The Gambling Commission areappointed officials - they have noinvolvement in the laws, their duty is toapply them. But the environment inwhich all our businesses operate - many

of them small to medium sized familybusinesses - are determined by the lawmakers. Stakes and prizes, for example,red tape, bureaucracy - all this is deter-mined by our politicians whose liveli-hoods depend on our vote.The price of regulation just keeps grow-ing - and it will continue. On this pointthere is no doubt. But on matters ofhuge importance - such as under-agegaming - isn’t there some concessionthe government could make to helpease the fiscal burden on small busi-nesses who simply struggle to keepfunding regulation without assistance?In this case, assistance isn’t of the grant-aid kind or the hand-out - there’s nosense of offloading financial responsibil-ities. It’s actually looking at the taxburden on the industry; the failure toapply the Triennial review properly; thedisregard for a VAT cut on tourist busi-nesses....is there now a chance to dis-cuss a blend of fair and reasonablebusiness concessions together withimaginative taxation policies that willhelp grow our businesses and enableregulation to be applied across theindustry with real vigour.As the Gambling Commisison said onlylast week - it’s time for a public debate.Can we add this to the agenda?


The price of keeping on top of regulation

Keeping under-age gambling under control is a priority on both sides of the regulatory divide. But, asks Ken Scott, is there some support the government

can give to help operators drive that priority more effectively.

T

here aren’t a huge array of sectors in the gaming and amusement industry where

you’ll find unbridled positivity, butredemption is certainly one of them.

In our Essential Guide this week,operators and suppliers alike wereasked if they felt that we were approach-ing a climax for its slow rise to promi-nence, but the message was clear:Redemption still has a lot of room togrow.

This is in part because it can tie inseamlessly to the zeitgeist. That Minionsare the most popular pieces of arcade

merchandise has very little to do withhow they are presented and promotedin arcades. Kids come into venues pre-loaded with desire for these creatures.

Games that are based on the latestsmartphone and tablet apps can alsoswiftly jump onto whatever bandwagonis currently rolling through town, ensur-ing that families on the search for enter-tainment will immediately spot a brandthey can trust. Then, once they’ve hadtheir first payout, all of the other games -designed for fast skilful fun - are in playas kids try to wrack up as many ticketsas they can before their time is up.

Redemption makes hayon the brand new

For redemption operators, quality machines must be a core principle, but it’s those recognisable brands that’ll really hook the big money fish,

explains Joseph Ewens.

T

Licensed to th

2408-p38-39-Comment_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 21:09 Page 1

39Coinslot February 20 - February 26, 2015

The law catches up with two low-level enemies of the humble fruitmachine, while CAMRA picks its most successful pub of the year.

Chief executive of theBritish Beer andPub Association,Brigid Simmonds, hasspoken out as keygovernment figurescall for more stringentenforcement in UKpubs.

“politicsBrigid Simmonds

quote unquote

”nd top pub named

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


pub have been estimatedof being in excess of£200,000

In court, Manganpleaded guilty to chargesof violent disorder andarson recklessly endanger-ing life, but gave no clearindication as to the motivebehind the attack.

The jury heard thatMangan’s parents were“beside themselves” overtheir son’s actions, and hadtried to take him home ear-lier on the evening of theoffence, but were attackedby gang-members wieldingknives.

Defending on behalf ofMangan was Neil Gunn,who claimed his client hadlearning difficulties andwas a low-ranking memberof the gang. “The whole ofhis left arm is covered withburns,” Gunn told thecourt. “It extends to hisback. He had no less than11 operations and spent 40days or so in hospital.”

But in sentencing, Judge

Trevor-Jones had littlesympathy with Mangan.“I’ve seen the footage ofwhat was a fireball whichengulfed the public house,”he surmised. “When youstart a fire of that sort youhave no idea of what itmight lead to. You did nothave any remorse: I con-sider you a potentially dan-gerous youth.”

In a more positive storyfor the pub sector, activistgroup the Campaign forReal Ale have named theirNational Pub of the Year.The Salutation Inn, a ruralfreehouse in the small vil-lage of Ham, Gloucester-shire, has today walkedaway with the prize - a featmade even more impres-sive given that this is thefirst pub the landlord hasever run.

Former business analystPeter Tiley had never evenpulled a pint when hedecided to quit his job inLondon and follow his loveof beer to take over The

Salutation Inn with his wifeClaire. Eleven months laterthe pub had won its localbranch competition, thenthe whole region, finallymaking it through to thefinal four and today, beingnamed overall NationalPub of the Year.

“For the Sally to havewon National Pub of theYear is beyond our wildestdreams - we’re totallyshell-shocked. Pubs are soimportant to me that tohave our own one recog-nised in this way is justamazing. We count our-selves so unbelievablylucky to have a brilliantteam of staff who are sopassionate and dedicatedas well as a community oflocals who have given somuch to support and con-tribute towards the pub. Itis these people that havemade the pub what it istoday and for that we areincredibly grateful.” PeterTiley, landlord of The Salu-tation Inn.

Iwas among UK business leaders and regulatorsthis week at a round table at the Department of

Business Innovation & Skills to discuss progressunder the ‘Focus on Enforcement’ review pro-gramme.

The meeting was attended by Secretary of StateVince Cable and Business & Enterprise MinisterMatt Hancock. The pub industry was one of severalto have a Focus on Enforcement’ review.

The success of the pubs review has been toencourage local authorities to consider a risk basedapproach to enforcement for pubs. New guidanceon the use of CCTV has also helped to encourage aproper assessment about whether it is really neces-sary.

The BBPA will continue to work with the govern-ment on ways to improve regulation in the sector,and is currently working on using the recent ‘Pri-mary Authority’ legislation, which allows a tradeassociation to work on behalf of its members witha ‘Primary Authority’ to ensure consistent enforce-ment across different local authority areas.

‘Primary Authority’ gives businesses the right toform a statutory partnership with a single localauthority, which then provides advice to othercouncils when carrying out inspections or dealingwith non-compliance. It has great potential toreduce cost and complexity for pub operatorswhen it comes to both underage sales and fire safety- a point I made at the meeting.

Overzealous enforcement for pubs adds to costs.We will continue to urge partnerships as the mosteffective way forward, and encourage the Govern-ment to look at extending Primary Authority tolicensing conditions.

Pubs are hugely important to local communitiesand over 80 per cent of pubs are small businesses. Iwelcome the ongoing support from DBIS to helpensure that regulation for pubs is proportionateand light-touch.

Enforcementpressurecreatescosts

“The last three days have been exceptional and thebest that I have experienced since the outset of whatis now, not only the biggest show in the world statis-tically, but also the best.”David Orrick of Novomatic on ICE Totally Gaming

“TiTO is ticking every box throughout the Praesepeestate and is on course to become one of the mostsingle important developments in high street gaming.”Nigel Davis of Praesepe on TiTo

“We must remind operators not to be complacent in thiskey area - where weaknesses persist, other sanctionssuch as the suspension or revocation of a licence could beconsidered by regulators.”Matthew Hill of the Gambling Commission on tackling under-age gaming

“The redemption sector is becoming increasinglyimportant for the seaside operators whereas beforeit was almost exclusively cranes and pushers.”Joe Sheeran of Oasis Amusements on the rise and rise ofredemption

o thrill

2408-p38-39-Comment_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 21:09 Page 2


BALPPA’S WORKINGLUNCH

ixty BALPPA mem-bers and MPs willsoon be getting

together for one of the mostimportant meals of the year:the annual parliamentarylunch. This year, the lunch isset to take place on 9 Marchat the House of Commons,with forty BALPPA repre-sentatives and twentyprominent politiciansattending. The event offersan initial opportunity forindustry members to dis-cuss the year’s main cam-

paigns and lobby govern-ment in a relatively informalsetting. To accommodatethe reduced number ofattendees allowed this year,the organisation will beinviting members in priorityorder. Places will initially betaken by the managementcommittee, with other

BALPPA members selectedbased on how many parlia-mentary events they haveattended previously. If thereare places remaining at theend of the process, ticketswill be opened up to theorganisation’s wider mem-bership on a first come, firstserved basis.

NEW PUB SHOW TO OPENITS DOORS

brand new tradeshow for the pubindustry, Pub15, is to

launch this week. Billing itselfas the only show dedicated tothe UK pub industry, the eventwill be held from 18-19 Febru-

ary at London’sKensingtonOlympia. Accord-ing to showorganisers, it willprovide visitorswith the opportunity tomeet colleagues and hand-picked suppliers from acrossthe industry, to network and

develop ideas fordiscover the pubsector’s next bigthing. Represen-

tatives frommany of the major

breweries will be onhand, along with a range of

supporting industries such ascatering and flooring.

Calendar

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


MARCH 2015

3-5 Irish Gaming Show Moran Red

Cow Conference Centre & Hotel Dublin

Ireland www.irishgaming.ie

18-19 FADJA Peru Westin Lima

Hotel & Convention Centre Lima Peru

www.fadja.com.pe

18-20Enada Spring Rimini Fiera

Rimini Italy www.enadaprimavera.it

TBC FER Interazar 2015 Madrid

Spain www.ferinterazar.com

APRIL 2015

14-16 DEAL2015 Dubai World

Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

www.dealmiddleeastshow.com

EDITORIALEdition Editor:Joseph Ewens Email: [email protected]: 01273 699 900Contributing Editor:Chris WebsterContributors:Imogen Goodman, Nick Norton Editorial Director:Ken Scott Email: [email protected]: 01273 699 900ADVERTISING SALESKathryn NorrisEmail: [email protected]: 01257 277400Fax: 01257 271329SUBSCRIPTIONSAnn SullivanTel: 01257 277400DIGITAL VERSIONMarc LawtonEmail: [email protected]: 01257 277400PRODUCTIONDesigner: Gina LloydEmail: [email protected] Production &Pre-Press:Dave RoderickEmail: [email protected]: John SullivanGB Media Corporation LtdOak House,1st Floor, Suite 4, High Street, Chorley, PR7 1DW

Tel: 01257 277400Fax: 01257 271329 Email: [email protected] and Production:3rd Floor, 20 New Road,Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UF Tel: 01273 699 900Advertising andSubscriptions:Coinslot International, Oak House, 1st Floor, Suite 4, High Street, Chorley, PR7 1DWTel: 01257 277400Fax: 01257 271329

Opinions expressed in this publication shouldnot be regarded as the official view of GBMedia Corporation Ltd, except where stated.Views, opinions and recommendationscontained in this publication are put forwardfor consideration only. No action should betaken in reliance upon any such views,opinions or recommendations. Neither GBMedia Corporation Ltd nor contributorsaccept any responsibil ity for any lossoccasioned to any person howsoever causedor arising as a result of or in consequence ofaction taken or refrained from in realiance onthe contents of this publication.

Notes for contributors: Coinslotwelcomes the submission of articles forconsideration by the editor with a view topublication. Submission of an article wil l beheld to imply that the article containsoriginal unpublished work which GB MediaCorporation Ltd may lawfully publish. Allsubmissions are made at the owner’s risk.

© GB Media Corporation Ltd, 2015All rights strictly reserved. No part of thispublication may be reproduced, stored ina retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform or by any means without the priorwritten permission given, full acknowledge-ment of author, publisher and source mustbe given.

Undaunted ENADA heralds Italian rebirthNADA Spring is on the hori-zon, but with a new perspec-tive.

This year, organisers haveswitched from a weekend to a week-day program at the Rimini expo cen-tre, in order to bring to show in linewith the vast majority of industryevents worldwide.

The show is running in defiance ofItaly’s tricky marketing conditions,positioning itself as a chance “to beton the sector’s relaunch.” Their con-fidence in the future is bolstered bythe appearance of a number of high

profile exhibitors, including MerkurGaming, GTech and the InspiredGaming Group.

In addition to the latest amusementand gaming machines, the two sec-tions of the Rimini expo centre dedi-cated to the show will commandinput from supporting industries.Halls A7-C7 and A5-C5 will not onlyfeature new products, but technologyand services targeted at the industry.

The event is scheduled to takeplace from 18-20 March, 2015 at theRimini expo centre on the north-east coast.

ES

Newsweek

A

2408-p40-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 17/02/2015 14:56 Page 1

Documents

2408 digital