Coinslot digital 2412

Price: £2.50

March 20 – March 26, 2015 • No. 2412 • www.coinslot.co.uk035 VIP DOND Flap Ad_test 17/02/2015 23:35 Page 1

BUSINESS

14

Industry news 4Seaside amusements 10Plush report 15B2B Listings 24Latest machine charts 26Classified ads and opps 26Comment & Analysis 30Newsweek 32

COINSLOT

“The gambling industryhas a history of creatingscalable, high growthcompanies which arehighly cash generativeand not capitalintensive. However, thesector is often avoidedand under-invested inby traditionalinstitutions....”

TOURISM

Blackpool Council has put for-ward a new management

strategy designed to repositionthe resort as a ‘contemporary,family-oriented beach resort’and maintain its appeal as a des-tination in an increasingly com-petitive marketplace.

Publishing its new report‘Destination Blackpool’, thecouncil said it wanted toreverse negative perceptionsheld by higher spending visi-tors, as well as generate around1,500 new jobs in tourism overthe next three years.

The report sets out a destina-tion management plandesigned to take the resort in anew direction and meet theexpectations of what the coun-cil called a more “aspirationalaudience”.

Setting out his vision of thefuture, councillor Graham Cain,

cabinet member for tourismand leisure, said: “The opportu-nity that now beckons is toapply a subtle brand reposition-ing of Blackpool; one that cre-ates a contemporary,family-oriented beach resortthat is renowned for thebreadth and quality of its visi-tor offer in terms of attractions,accommodation, leisure facili-ties, transport links, events andentertainment.

“If we are to achieve that,there must be a clear commit-ment from all public and privatesector stakeholders to continueto collaborate to reinvent Black-pool as an exemplar destinationfor new generations.

“Without that commitment,Blackpool will continue todwell on its past instead of lookforward to the future.”

The report said the resort’swell-known attractions will beretained, “building on the posi-

Blackpool Counvision for resor

2412-p02-inside flap_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 15:36 Page 1

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Season starts to warm-up

INDUSTRY

Flushed with plush

March 20 - March 26, 2015 • No. 2412 • www.coinslot.co.uk14

156

Council sets outesort’s future

laynation has reaped therewards of strong per-formance, winning out

over fierce competition to renewa major deal with Park Resorts.The agreement will see Playna-tion continue to providemachines to the UK’s largest hol-iday park operator for anotherfour years.

Playnation currently providesfamily entertainment machinesacross 48 Park Resorts locations,but was still required to take partin a “highly competitive tenderprocess.” The company’s successcan be attributed in large part tothe performance of its gamesduring the period of the previouscontract, with Park Resorts enjoy-ing strong profit growth off theback of its family entertainmentarcades.

The deal marks another mar-quee moment for Playnation as itcontinues to blaze a trail in 2015.During the early months of theyear it has built its existing rela-tionships with Whitbread and Wel-come Break, and established a fouryear deal to provide B3 machinesto Majestic Bingo. As part of thisnew deal, Playnation will also pro-vide a number of server-basedgaming products to Park Resorts,in addition to its FEC mainstay.Securing the future of thesevenues will mean that Playnationcan continue to claim that itsmachines are sited in over 1,700locations, including installationsfor Butlins, Haven, Parkdean, Wel-come Break and Talarius.

“We are absolutely thrilled tohave renewed this contract withPark Resorts,” said PlaynationCEO, Adam Hodges. “As well as acommitment to providing con-stant innovation, Playnation alsofocuses on people developmentand we believe this combinationhas been crucial to our success.

We have a lot to offer Park Resortsin the next four years, and can’twait to get started.”

Park Resorts has itself enjoyeda period of strong growth, fol-lowing several key acquisitions.The company also benefittedfrom significant investment fromprivate equity company ElectraPartners, who spent £45.5m inlate 2014 acquiring Lloyd’s stakein the operator.

Speaking about the newmachines tie-up, Park Resorts CEO

David Boden hinted that the dealmay extend to new locations, asthe holiday park moguls continueto seek new ventures. “Investingin our customers enjoyment inour Parks is of the utmost impor-tance and the quality of entertain-ment offered at each location is apriority,” said Boden. “As such, ourstrong relationship with Playna-tion will play a key part in our con-tinued expansion and inproviding fun and entertainmentto holidaymakers on our parks.”

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...

Playnation wins anotherfour years at Park ResortsFEC

Playnation has successfully fought off strong opposition to secure the renewalof one of its most important FEC and B3 contracts with the UK’s largest holidaypark operator.

P

tive perceptions of Blackpool asa place that evokes warmth, nos-talgia and a strong emotional linkto people’s family experiences”.

In a bid to rebrand Blackpool,it said there would be a “gradualelimination of poor-quality, sub-standard accommodation andfacilities, combined with a shiftaway from a low-budget stag andhen culture that creates barriersand negative perceptions”.

Immediate priorities outlinedin the report include the rein-troduction of 24-hour towncentre CCTV monitoring, whichwas scrapped due to spendingcuts two years ago, and the com-pletion of work to replace steelon Blackpool Tower

A new ‘Christmas in Black-pool’ marketing campaign willbe launched to boost visitationover the festive period, and thecouncil aims to begin work toextend the tramway to Black-pool North Station by 2017.

TUNNICLIFFE BACKS REPORT

Warwick Tunnicliffe, owner ofWarwicks Amusements, has wel-comed the council’s new report,saying he believed Blackpool’sbusiness community would getbehind it. He told Coinslot: “Iwouldn’t go overboard and sayeverything the council has sug-gested is good for the resort, butthe majority was positive and inlots of cases achievable.” Withover 40-years’ experience as anoperator in Blackpool, Tunnicliffesaid he felt everyone was workingtogether with the unified aim ofrestoring the town as one of thecountry’s premier seasideresorts. “Anything that getspeople to Blackpool is a goodthing for the town. There has beena recession and money has beentight, but I’ve seen a turnaroundover the last five to seven yearsand the town is optimistic and onthe up,” he added.

2412-p03-front_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 15:34 Page 2

4 Coinslot March 20 - March 26, 2015

Industry TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: [email protected]

OBITUARY

FAMILY SHARE BOB DEITHFUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral for coin-op legend BobDeith is to be held at 11:30 am at theSacred Heart Church in Edge Hill,Wimbledon on Monday 30 March. Fol-lowing the service, a reception will takeplace the The Belvedere venue, withinRichmond Park’s Pembroke Lodge.Flowers will be provided by Bob’sfamily and have requested that in lieu

of further floral tributes, charitablecontributions be directed to justgiv-ing.com/Bob-Deith.

TAX & SPENDINGSCOTTISH GAMBLING DUTYOVER-THE-ODDS

The latest annual figures from Scot-land’s Government Expenditure andRevenue (GERS) have shown anabove-average contribution to UKgambling tax revenue. Whilst the

country’s population forms just 8.1 percent of the UK total, Scottish operatorscontributed 9.9 per cent of betting andgaming duties. As a whole, publicexpenditure in Scotland was calcu-lated at £66.4bn, or £12,500 per head:£1,200 higher than the UK average.

SEASIDE AMUEMENTS

ASaltburn amusements arcadehas reopened for business after

being ravaged by flooding inDecember 2013.

Pier Amusements, which islocated on Saltburn Pier, had toundergo extensive refurbishmentsand reconstruction work after sea-water burst through the floor

during heavy winds. Owner Grant Sheldon told the

Teeside Gazette: “Saltburn is quitesusceptible because it’s northfacing. The water had nowhere togo so it came up at the weakestpoint, which was the floor in themiddle of the building.”

Sheldon, who also owns Shel-don Amusements, reopened thesite during February half term. He

plans to lobby the council forimproved flood defences aroundthe pier.

“Going forward we’re going topush for a deflection system under-neath to protect the building infuture,” he added. “Without the pieror the lifts, Saltburn wouldn’t beSaltburn. It has to be protected.We’re going to approach the coun-cil first.”

Pier Amusements reopens after 2013 floods

uzo-Happ has com-pleted the acquisi-tion of Scan Coin, a

leading provider ofadvanced cash handlingtechnologies, softwareand services.

Scan Coin, headquar-tered in Malmö, Sweden,offers automated process-ing solutions to the retail,bank, cash center andpublic transportation mar-kets.

“The addition of ScanCoin truly represents atransformative milestonefor Suzo-Happ,“ com-mented Suzo-Happ chair-man James Brendel,“Adding world leadingcash-processing technol-ogy, extensive engineer-ing and softwaredevelopment, and a globaldistribution and servicenetwork covering morethan 100 countries.”

The acquisition of ScanCoin is part of a series ofrecent acquisitions for thecompany, which currently

operates in 13 countriesglobally.

After celebrating its60th year in Europe at ICE2015, Suzo-Happ contin-ues its push to expand anddeepen its presence is keyEuropean markets includ-ing the UK.

Last autumn, Suzo-Happhit the headlines with theacquisition of Comes-terogroup, a major Italiansupplier of cash handlingsystems and cashless pay-ment systems. Earlier inthe year, it acquired twoproduct lines from CraneCo.: the Currenza C2 rangeand bill-to-bill banknoterecycler.

Brendel said: “This repre-sents Suzo-Happ’s fourthacquisition of cash han-dling technologies overthe last 15 months, signifi-cantly strengthening Suzo-Happ’s cash handlingcapabilities, technologyand market position.”

Scan Coin’s IntelligentCoin Processing (ICP)

Products are the industrystandard for cash centreswith the highest through-put per shift in the industry.

The company’s full lineof Retail Cash Solutions(RCS) are fully automatedwith integrated softwarethat provides till manage-ment and cash office pro-cessing, enabling retailersto achieve significantlabour efficiencies andreduce shrinkage.

This flexible solution

portfolio has enabled ScanCoin to achieve the Euro-pean market leading posi-tion in retail back office.

“Scan Coin is excitedabout the opportunity tobecome part of Suzo-Happ’s growing company,”said Andreas Renulf, CEO ofScan Coin. “Through ourcombined capabilities wewill hasten product innova-tion, bringing new featuresand solutions to customersat an accelerated rate.”

Suzo-Happ completes Scan Coin acquisition Global componentmanufacturer andsupplier Suzo-Happcompletes the fourthin a series of majoracquisitions. Thelatest, Swedishexperts Scan Coin,brings thecomponents firmdeeper into theheartland of theEuropean industry.

MERGER & ACQUISITIONS

Praeseppe chief execu-tive Nick Harding antici-

pates widespread uptake ofTITO provision as one of thekey defining characteristicsof the upcoming season.

“My view is that over thecoming months more andmore operators will beembracing TITO,” hestated. “To this end, themost significant develop-ment for us has been thesuccessful creation of aTITO protocol by the Gam-bling Business Group,which we are now startingto introduce to our venuesacross the UK. This workhas produced a systemwhich can be used across awide range of machines andwhich has, demonstrably,improved both reliabilityand turnover at every venuewhere we have installed it.”

Whilst early indicationssuggest long-term benefitfrom a TITO switch-over,Harding predicts that thenew technology may heraldthe demise of incompatibletechnology.

“The by product of a TITOinstallation is the pressurebrought to bear on ‘legacymachines’, as they cannotbe converted for use on aTITO system,” he sug-gested. “This will, I believe,hasten the demise of legacymachines in the UK.”

Out withthe old,in withthe newAGC

For Praesepe’sNick Harding, 2015may well be the yearof large-scale TITOconversion. But bewarned - that maywell a constitute acall of ‘last orders’ forolder machines.

S

2412-p04-05v2-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 16:34 Page 1

INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK

PLUSH The UK plush and prizemarket continues to grow. The keyplayers explain its succes. 15

rade body BALPPAhas announced thatit will be spending

the next few weeks writingto MPs to call for the gov-ernment to appoint a dedi-cated tourism minister. Thisplan forms part of cam-paign to cut tourism VATfrom 20 percent to 5 per-cent, which is continuingto gain steam as govern-ment meetings and lobby-ing campaigns begin to tell.

Behind the scenes,BALPPA is maintaining itsfocus on pushing the taxcase hard. In recent weeks,representatives from thetrade body have met withDavid Gauke, financial sec-retary to the treasurer andminister with the VAT port-folio. The gathering wasdescribed as an, “encourag-ingly constructive meet-ing,” despite the fact the

minister was present foronly 15 minutes, undoubt-edly impacted by thebroader problems exertedon the minister’s portfolioby the latest financial prob-lems highlighted by theHSBC issue.

However, during thebrief discussions, the min-ister was certainly not inmeet and greet mode; hetook the opportunity tochallenge those present ona number of issues includ-ing the cost of implement-ing a tax cut during its firstyear and the, “potential dis-placement from otherspend in the UK economy.”

The battleground for atourism tax cut, seemingly,remains one where the gov-ernment intends to defendits realm quite vigorously.But the case of a broadalliance of interest sectors

still found a hearing. The meeting involved

senior officials from HMTand HMRC, who discussedthe detailed figures behindthe plan and how toassuage to differing finan-cial estimates that had beencompiled by both camps.

The outcome: a follow-up technical meeting wasagreed for the near futureto continue the process ofclarification.

Away from the depart-mental corridors and thecivil servant quarters, theVAT campaign has beengathering momentum, notleast amongst the electedrepresentatives with thethe number of MPs lendingtheir support to the causenow totalling 117 - equiva-lent to 30 percent of thetotal possible backbenchsignatories.

LICENCE APPLICATION

SHIPLEY ARCADE MOVE BLOCKED

An amusement arcade in the Bradfordsuburb of Shipley has been denied per-

mission to move to aneighbouring larger unitafter planners decided thatthe relocation could poten-tially harm the town’simage. Teddy’s Amuse-ments wanted to movefrom its current location at

8 Market Street to an empty corner prem-ises and had submitted a change-of-useapplication that would have also seen itadd a tanning salon to its offering. How-ever, local planners denied the applica-tion after noting that amusement arcadesare required to block out their windows.“The harm caused to the viability andvitality through the large dead frontage

created by the development wouldreduce the attractiveness for shopperscoming into the centre,” read a statementfrom the planners.

HULL ARCADE PLANS IN

Hull could well be thelucky recipients of anew amusementarcade, if plans putbefore the localcouncil areapproved. TheKingston Shopping Centreon the east side of the city currently has avacant retail outlet and estate agent Hick-ling Gray Associates has submitted anapplication to site a new arcade on thesite. A verdict will be handed down whenHull City Council’s planning committeeconsider the proposal in May.

REDEMPTION

RUSH TO THE EYE OF THE STORM

Operators are being encouraged to actquickly if they want to ensure that the newVortex machine from RLMS is in place forthe Easter rush. Orders for the ticket-grabbing attraction will need to be madebefore 25 March to ensure that the gamecan be sited before bank holiday week-end. The game is aunique take on redemp-tion, challenging play-ers to step inside awind-filled capsule tosnatch at tickets asthey whirl around them.Tickets that are notselected are stored fora special jackpot round,unleashed when theback box is full.

BALPPA rampsup tourism pushTOURISM

Parks and leisuretrade associationBALPPA continuesto throw its weightbehind the campaignto slash tourism VAT,as it calls on thegovernment to createa dedicated tourismminister.

CITY

Citing a source withknowledge of the inner

workings of Gala Coral, theFinancial Times has claimedthat the gaming companyare preparing to float onthe stock market, with aninitial public offeringplanned for October, 2015.

Goldman Sachs andMorgan Stanley are said tobe advising the business,but have not been formallyappointed to lead the IPO.

There has been no com-ment from Gala or the pri-vate equity firms whichown it. Apollo Global Man-agement, Cerberus CapitalManagement, AnchorageCapital Partners and ParkSquare Capital all have astake in the bingo andbookmaking specialists - aconglomerate whichformed in 2010 as they rodein to cover the company’s£2.5bn debt.

Gala CoralIPOrumouredforOctober

T

2412-p04-05v2-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 15:48 Page 2

ith a brief windowof clementweather ushering

in the tentative com-mencement of spring,operators - particularlythose on the coast - arepreparing for a welcomeupturn in business.

“When the sun comesout in March, businessstarts to pick up a little bit,”notes Christina Casey,director of CassinoLeisure, a small AGC andbetting shop chain on thesouth coast.

She’s certainly pleasedto see the back of February.“It’s our worst month,” sheexplains. “The weather

plays a part, but mostly it’sa product of the Christmasfactor. People receive theircredit card bills for Decem-ber at the end of January -so belts get tightened a bitthrough February.”

The down season isn’t atime for idleness, however.

“We try to do any deco-rating and painting duringquiet times, like February,”Casey continues. “I’d saythat was important - tokeep the interior of thearcade looking smart, andattractive. This year wehad our Littlehamptonshop re-papered withsome printed wallpaper -we’ve never done that

before - and it’s workedout really well.”

Perhaps it’s no surprisethat Cassino chose tosplash out on its decor. Thefamily company - estab-lished by Casey and her twosiblings in 1997 and nowoperating four arcadesthrough Bognor Regis, Wor-thing and Littlehampton -prides itself on its welcom-ing atmosphere.

“We’re a small, friendlycompany,” says Casey. “Weadvertise our welcomeoutside, and provide allour players with freerefreshments.”

Whilst the demo-graphic of AGC players is

undeniably predomi-nately male, Caseybelieves that the nature ofher company lends itselfwell to a more roundedadult appeal.

“We do try to keep theenvironment appealingand open to both womenand men,” she remarks.“Whilst betting shops andAGCs are seen prettymuch universally as a maledomain, there’s a genderreversal with bingo halls -which tend to be predom-inately female in terms ofplayer-base. We aim tocreate an atmospherewhich is appealing to thewhole population.”

A welcome turnof events asseasons startsto warm up

Winter has departed.On the coastespecially, customernumbers begin toincrease. But forChristina Casey ofCassino Leisure,an atmosphere ofwelcome is crucial insecuring a wideappeal to both maleand female playersalike.

AWARDS

SOMERSET PIER WIN BRITAWARDS ACCLAIM

Clevedon Pier has claimed a surpriseplace in pop history, after becomingthe unwitting recipient of a Brit Award.The historic seaside attraction plays amajor role in a video for boyband OneDirection, which picked up top hon-ours in the British Video category at the2015 Brit Awards. The Grade 1 listed

pier hosted the group as they recordedfootage for their single ‘You and I’, withhundreds of rabid fans crowding theSomerset town hoping to catch aglimpse of the band.

PIERBOGNOR BOY FOR THE CHOP

An attempt to protect the future ofBognor Regis Pier has received somesurprising support from a local lad. The

enterprising youth has pledged to havehis cherished long locks shaved off toraise much needed funds for the his-toric site. Ten-year-old Charlie Hobbswill undergo a public haircut as part ofthe town’s efforts to secure HeritageLottery Fund cash.

Record investment for Parkdean Holidays

Vacation park operatorParkdean Holidays has

announced that it intendsto spend a record £13.2mto improve its 24 sites inScotland, Wales, Devon,Cornwall, Dorset, Hamp-shire and Norfolk.

The Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based firm recentlyreported a 25 per centboost year-on-year inbookings for the start of2015 and stated that it hasearmarked £6.8m for newholiday homes and lodges

alongside £1.7m to refur-bish its existing offerings.

A rise in demand for itslodge offerings has seenParkdean Holidays committo spending £800,000 thisyear on a selection of new

cabins for its resort inRuda, Devon, while it isalso set to unveil sevennew types of caravans, allcomplete with extra insu-lation, central heating anddouble glazing.

There will also be freshholiday home develop-ments at Grannies inScotland and Newquayalongside updated Show-time stage shows and anew educational kids club complete with madscientists.

“We had a very success-ful 2014 and this significantre-investment shows ourconfidence in our cus-tomer growth in 2015 andbeyond,” said John Water-worth, CEO for Parkdean

Holidays. “We are commit-ted to providing the bestholiday park accommoda-tion in the UK market.Refurbishments and newcaravan designs mean wecan keep holiday-makerscomfortable in a home-from-home environmentplus we have noted agrowing market for luxurylodge holidays and salesacross the UK. The British‘staycation’ is a trend hereto stay, whatever yourbudget.”

REDEMPTION

Bandai Namco was thetoast of the town in

Dublin this past week, asit’s redemption title Sinkthe Ship was honouredwith the title of Best Gameaward at the Irish GamingShow.

The machine requiresplayers to take control ofmobile helicopter via ajoystick controller,attempting to drop ballsonto the ships in the play-field. After manoeuvringthe aircraft into position,the press of a button willlower the helicopterwhere it can scoop upballs in its claws. Fullyarmed, the attack craft isthen directed towards thewaiting ships, ready tocatch the balls and sinkinto the depths. Ticketsare paid out depending onthe number of brigs scut-tled, with special bonuseson offer for specific num-bers of vessels successfulfoundered.

“The team are thrilledto have been awarded thistrophy for Sink the Ship atthe Dublin Show,” saidBandai Namco regionalsales manager, JohnCrompton, who collectedthe award. “It is a greatgame, which also receiveda fantastic reception atEAG. Dublin was a verysuccessful show for usand it was great to see allof our Irish customers.”

BandaiNamcopicks upIrishaccolade

WAGC

2412-p06-08-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 14:19 Page 1

Offi ce 0113 239 9769 • www.directleisureuk.com • [email protected] Sales (Martin) 07713 925131 General Sales (Alfred) 07850 407170

Part Exchange Pushers Welcome • Extended Credit Terms Available • Pre Easter Delivery

We

acce

pt

Part E

xcha

nges

We accept

Part Exchanges

DANCE MACHINESDANCE STAGE EUROMIX 1 ...................................£995

PHOTO BOOTHSSEGA FOTOS ...............................................................£1,995

KIDDIE RIDESGO GO PONY 1PL ..................................................... £2,795

GO GO PONY 1PL ....................................................£5,000

LIGHTENING MCQUEEN ........................................£1,995

CHANGE MACHINESBNC2: NOTE TO COIN SINGLE HOP ...£995

SPORT - POOL TABLEAMERICAN POOL TABLES .....................£695

CAT D HIGH TECH - BELLFRUIT £5PINK PANTHER 10P ...................................£195

GOLDEN GAME 4 PLY PLAZMA ....... £1,995

PRIZE/CASH MACHINES GOLD CUP 6PLY ..................................... £2,495

SOOTY SHOW .......................................... £1,995

HOOK A DUCK 6 PLY ............................ £1,495

ANIMAL ANTICS ........................................ £695

MOVIE STOP ............................................... £495

TICKET AWPS FREDDIE NEW ...................................... £10,995

ALLADIN NEW ...................................... £10,995

TEMPLE OF TICKET NEW .................. £9,995

MAGIC TICKET ............................................ £795

MISC PING PONG ................................................. £500

B3CASH A HOY ................................................ £100

HARRY LEVY PUSHERS (2P)

JURASSIC PARK 10PLY STR TKT NEW £19,495

JURASSIC PARK 8PLY RND TKT NEW £18,995

CLOCKWORK ORANGE 8PLY RND NEW £18,495

SWEETFALL 8PLY STR NEW ........... £18,495

JURASSIC PARK 10PLY STR NEW ... £17,495

JURASSIC PARK 8PLY RND NEW .. £16,995

MERRY GO ROUND 6PLY RND NEW .. £16,995

TOOTI FRUTTI 6PLY RND ................... £6,995

POP IDOL 3PLY WALL ........................ £3,995

BIG PRIZE WIN ....................................... £3,995

ELVIS 8PLY ROUND ............................. £2,995

SPORT - BOXERS

THE BOXER .................................................. £495

CAT D HIGH TECH

FAT BOY SPIN .............................................. £195

CROMPTONS PUSHERS (2P)

ELECTRIC ROCK 6PLY RND WORKSHOPED £1,995

ELECTRIC ROCK 6PLY RND ............... £1,495

ROYAL CASINO 6PLY RND 10P ......... £1,495

LUXOR 4PLY RND ................................... £1,495

ROCK N ROLL 2 ...................................... £1,495

SPINNA WINNER 3PLY 2P................... £1,495

HAPPY DAYS 8PLY RND ......................... £995

OTHER PUSHERS 2P

CAMPTOWN RACER 8PLY STR ........ £3,995

CAROUSEL FLIPPA 2P 3PLY 2012 MODEL ... £4,995

TICKET REDEMPTIONMONSTER DROP EXTREME ............. £21,995

FISHBALL FRENZY NEW .................. £12,000

LUCKY DUCKS 2 PLY NEW .................. £7,995

SNAKES AND LADDERS 2PLY NEW ...... £7995

TOWER OF TERROR 2PLY NEW ....... £7,995

SWEETLANES 2PLY NEW ................... £6,995

DONKEY DERBY TICKET AND CASH ... £6,995

DONKEY DERBY TICKET AND CASH ... £3,995

PACMAN CHOMP TKT .......................... £3,750

ROULETTE 6PLY 2P TKT .................... £2,495

SNAKES AND LADDERS WACKER TKT £1,995

CUCKOO 1-2 PLY ..................................... £1,795

DUNK AN ALIEN 1-2 PLY ...................... £1,495

FLIP TO WIN 2PLY .................................. £1,495

INTERMISSION ......................................... £1,295

ROLL AND BOWL 1PLY 10P TKT .......... £995

GREEDY GOBS 1PLY 10P TKT ................ £995

WONDER WHEEL 10P ............................. £895

PUSHERS 1PLPACMAN BALL 2P ..................................... £995

JACKS HIGH 1PLY ....................................... £895

PACMAN BALL 10P ................................... £795

PUSH YER LUCK ........................................ £695

DISC JOCKEY 1PLY UPRIGHT................ £695

CRANES

E CLAW 2PLY NEW ................................ £8,995

MAX GRABB ................................................ £995

CASH CASINO ............................................. £695

LOW TECH CAT DOXO SUPER REELS ...................................£1295

JOKER POKER .............................................£395

PACMANCHOMP£3,750

SOOTY£1,995P

000 WAS£6,000

555WAS

£3,995

JURASSICPARK

STRAIGHT£19,495

JURASSICPARKROUND

£18,995

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 Competition andMarkets Authority(CMA) has issued a

call for information, as itseeks to investigate theimpact and legitimacy ofinternet review sites such asTripAdvisor. The study seeksto understand the effects ofword-of-mouth feedback onoperators and whether ornot consumers can trustreviews they see online.

For the coin-op industry,these bit-sized online com-ments are of particular impor-

tance to the pub and FEC sec-tors, with almost every estab-lishment large and small listedsomewhere online, completewith comments from cus-tomers. Good ratings on pop-ular sites can have a hugeeffect on the cashbox, whilea bad score on sites like Tri-pAdvisor can see visitor num-bers plummeting.

The CMA is also con-cerned that, as consumerreliance on these reviewsgrow, they may be providinga distorted picture of the

actual marketplace. “Theinformation contained inonline reviews and endorse-ments can be a powerfulforce in the hands of con-sumers,” explained NishaArora, CMS senior director,consumer. “Informed con-sumers make better deci-sions, driving competitionon price and quality. Busi-

nesses have always knownthat ‘word of mouth’ is one ofthe most important factorsfor potential customers; whatonline reviews and blogs dois to provide a greatly ampli-fied version of this. However,for this sector to work well itis important that this infor-mation is genuine, relevantand trustworthy.”

A quick glance at TripAd-visor reveals a number ofworrying trends. For amuse-ment arcades, only a fractionof visitors will deign to reg-ister their thoughts online.That means that with a rela-tively small pool of amateurcritics speaking out, onesingle review can have amajor effect.

The problems with thissystem are thrown into sharprelief when Coinslot exam-ined a series of reviews onarcades. In one, for example,a negative review of a seasidearcade bears the lowestrating of 1/5, but a closer lookat the text reveals that theauthor simply saw, “slotmachines, arcade games[that] I would and will never

visit,” severely underminingthe validity of his or her rating.While the review sits along-side 50 other commentaries,it’s negative score con-tributes in equal measure tothose who proved morethoughtful comments - bothpositive and negative.

The CMS also has con-cerns that some companiesare making use of underhandmarketing services to gain anunwarranted upper handover venues that continue toplay fair. “The CMA will lookat the roles that media com-panies, online reputationmanagers and search engineoptimisers play in helpingbusinesses to promote them-selves and manage theirimage in relation to blogs andreview sites,” said the body’sstatement.

Those sites with experi-ence of theeffects of onlinereviews are being encour-aged to contact the CMA todeliver their feedback. Inter-ested parties can do so via theCMA website, so long as theybeat the deadline of 25March, 2015.

Marketing body calls into questionlegitimacy of online reviewsMARKETING

The growing power of online reviewsites large and small is to come underinvestigation from the government’s businesscompetition watchdog.

T

INSURANCE Amusement Arcades & FEC’s Bowling Alleys & Bingo Clubs Machine Hirers Snooker & Pool Clubs Leisure Complexes Visitor Attractions

If it’s leisure we’ve got it covered

Call 01502 537773www.amusementarcadeinsurance.com

Insurelink (East Anglia) Limited are Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

TAX

The coalition governmenthas launched what it is

calling the most wide-rang-ing review of national busi-ness rates in a generation.The plan, unveiled by chiefsecretary to the Treasury,Danny Alexander, will takein a detailed review of thestructure ofthe currentbusinessratessystem.

It’s find-ings areback in timefor the 2016budget, with Alexanderclaiming that the report willlook at not only how busi-nesses use property in theUK, but what Britain canlearn from how similartaxes are applied in otherparts of the world.

“Our system of businessrates was created nearly 30years ago,” said Alexander.“Since that time, the worldsof commerce and industryhave changed beyondrecognition. I’ve beenimpressed by the represen-tations made by the busi-ness community and I knowthat business rates are aconsiderable cost. The timehas come for a radicalreview of this important tax.We want to ensure the busi-ness rates system is fair,efficient and effective.”

Alexanderunveilsbusinessrates review

SEASIDE

The dual between Brighton’sseafront wheel and the i360

tower received some unexpectedGallic intervention this week in theform of president François Hol-lande. The French premiere visitedthe site of Sigma, the company behind thehigh rise attraction, to view plans and con-cept work for its construction.

Hollande is said to have beenimpressed with the project, but it is

unlikely that his statements will doanything to sway the resolve of theBrighton Wheel, which is still look-ing to extend its stay on theseafront, despite an agreement withthe council that i360 claim shouldsee it removed when the tower iscomplete. Wheel bosses want their

attraction to remain in place until 2021,arguing that it contributes £12.6m to citycoffers a year and that an extended leasewould safeguard against any delays in thei360’s planned 2015 opening date.

French intervention unlikelyto quell Brighton battle

2412-p06-08-industry_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 14:48 Page 2

PoliticsDavid Cameron is refusing to bedrawn on any plans his party mayhave for a new coalition government.Contrary to opinionpolls, he insists thata Conservativemajority is possibleand has told ITVthat he will only con-sider a coalition the day after theelection, if his party fails to securethe required number of seats.

Cam’s not for turning

Ed Miliband has ruledout a formal post-elec-tion coalition with theSNP, greatly reducingthe chance that greater gamblingpowers - particularly those relatingto FOBTs - will be devolved to Scot-land shortly after the election.“Labour will not go into coalitiongovernment with the SNP. There willbe no SNP ministers in any govern-ment I lead,” said the Labour leader.

No scots for Ed

t’s fair to say that theUK economy is in afar better position

today than it was going intothe last general election.

Small businesses haveplayed a huge role in this eco-nomic recovery. Contribut-ing approximately one thirdof private sector earnings,the Federation of Small Busi-nesses estimates that roughlyhalf of all private sector work-ers are employed by smalland medium-sized enter-prises (SME).

Political re-direction oftenentails significant conse-quence for businesses withdeep corporate pockets, butsmaller fish - the likes ofwhich characterise a heftyproportion of coin-op indus-try stakeholders - are, by theirnature, even more vulnera-ble to changes in policy.

What, then, are the majorparties offering small-busi-ness owners?

Collectively, there appearsto have been a concentrationon three key issues: businessrates, support of regionalbusinesses (those outsidethe south-eastern pocket),and bureaucracy.

With respect to rates, it isperhaps Labour who haveproposed the most radicalsolution: pledging a cut inrates for 2015 and their com-plete freezing for 1.5m busi-ness next year. The LiberalDemocrats are a little less

proscriptive: promising areview of business rateswhich they argue place a “dis-proportionate burden” onsmall business. Meanwhile,the last autumn statementsaw chancellor GeorgeOsborne also guarantee arate-review, as well as note anincrease in rate-relief avail-able through to April 2016.

A re-balancing of eco-nomic activity outside ofLondon has long been calledfor, and the Tories point totheir Regional Growth Fundas an example of action tothis end. Labour would gofurther - creating a numberof regional banks with theexpressed aim of lending tosmall, local businesses, whilstthe Liberal Democrats wouldinvest within manufacturingand infrastructure, creating a“Northern Economic Corri-dor”.

Finally, when it comes tothe slashing of red tape, theLiberal Democrats have

opted for the creation of aRegulation Advisory board -with a focus on the promo-tion of environmental values.Labour have promised thecreation of a Small BusinessAdministration (mirrored onan existing US equivalent) -aiming to better guide SME’swith respect to legal and taxobligations, and the Conser-vatives have proposed awide-spread slash of red tapeacross the board - they claim- will save an additional£10bn for British businesses.

So much for the policies.But the bald facts suggest thepossibility of any of the threeestablished parties winningoutright victory in May to beremote indeed. Thus, the veryreal prospect of a govern-ment composed of fringeparties enters the equation -and with it, the waters forsmall business throughoutthe next five years muddy,with the outlook frustrat-ingly difficult to predict.

Red-tape, rates andregions: the three R’s forsmall business in 2015SMALL BUSINESSES

IWith an election now just weeksaway, the three main political partiesare consistent in what they identify asthe main tribulations for small-business owners. But what exactlydo they each propose, and how likelyare we to see these policies enacted?

2412-p09-Politics_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 15:39 Page 1


Amusements TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


Barry Islandilluminations explored

The Duchess of Cam-bridge visited Margatein one of her final pub-lic engagements be-fore she gives birth toher second child inApril. Eight-months-pregnant Kate Middle-

ton toured the Turner Contemporaryand viewed an exhibition at the Re-sort Studios in Cliftonville.

Middleton visits Margate

Campaigners have won their fight tosee a controversial site adjacent to

Skegness Pier listedas an Asset of Com-munity Value. EastLindsey DistrictCouncil agreed not

to sell Pier Field todevelopers who want

to build a KFC and a Premier Inn.

Campaigners winSkegness ruling

The owner of thenew food andretail businessesthat replacedSouthend’s Circus Circus arcadehas experiened a good first week-end of trading. Paul Thompson, alsochairman of Southend SeafrontTraders’ Association, said it was as ifsummer had come early.

Arcade replacementstarts well

Barry Town Council is reported tobe exploring theidea of revivingthe Blackpool-style illumina-tions that lit upBarry Island inthe 60s and 70s. It comes as partof a drive to attract more touriststo the Welsh seaside resort.

carborough Councilhas unveiled an ambi-tious plan to create

8,000 jobs at seaside resortson the Yorkshire coast by2030.

The council, which coversresorts including Filey, Scar-borough and Whitby, alsorevealed its intentions to build10,000 new homes thatwould provide 4,000 con-struction jobs.

It follows the news that anew £12m university campuscould help generate £1bn forthe Scarborough economyover the next decade.

Speaking at a meeting lastweek, David Kelly, Scarbor-ough Council’s head of regen-eration and economy, saidthat the authority’s area had a

low-wage economy and skillsbase, with below national andregional average businessstart-ups and survival rates.

He commented: “Thecouncil’s aim is to radicallyincrease the skills of theworkforce and improve theeducational attainment andaspirations of young people.”

The area also has thelowest life expectancy inNorth Yorkshire and thelowest levels of literacy andnumeracy in the county.

Kelly said there weremajor opportunities toreverse the trend includingthe Dogger Bank offshorewind farm with up to 3,000turbines, the potential YorkPotash mine developmentnear Whitby, the develop-ment of Whitby Business Parkand new educational invest-ments.

The Dogger Bank schemewill be the largest of its kindin the world and wouldcreate a potential 2,000 jobsin operational support andmaintenance.

Kelly said it was the coun-cil’s aim that Scarboroughwould be established as the“most highly skilled coastal

town in England by 2030”.He also said it was also its

intention for the seasidetown to be recognised as anational hotspot of higherand further education.

The £12m Coventry Uni-versity campus in Scarbor-ough will open in September,employing around 100people and eventually cater-ing to over 5,000 students.

Ian Dunn, deputy vice-chancellor at Coventry Uni-versity, explained: “Bringinghigh quality higher educa-tion to Scarborough is thestart of a journey towards afull university campus in thetown and means significantgrowth for skilled localpeople to fill the surge in newjobs planned in the borough.”

Scarborough and WhitbyMP Robert Goodwill said:This really is a game changerfor the local area.

“Although Scarborough isalready well known for buck-ing the trend and leading theway in regenerating coastalcommunities, this really is bignews for the economy bothlocally and regionally in pro-viding North Yorkshire withits own university.”

RESORTS

Conservative MP forSouthend West David

Amess has used Prime Min-ister’s Questions to con-tinue his campaign to gaincity status for Southend.

Putting his question toprime minister DavidCameron in parliament lastweek, Amess said the casefor promoting the seasideresort was “unstoppable”.

Southend Councilentered a bid to win citystatus in 2011, when theRoyal Accolade was beingoffered to mark the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee, but wasunsuccessful.

Speaking at PMQs,Amess said: “With unem-ployment falling inSouthend, enterprisesexpanding and 310 newbusinesses being created,will my right honourablefriend describe to theHouse which governmentpolicies will see this recov-ery continuing so that theirresistible and unstop-pable case for Southend to

be made a city actuallyhappens?”

Commending Amess forthe consistency of his cam-paign, Cameron used theopportunity to promote thecoalition’s record ahead ofMay’s general election.

He commented: “We arecutting the jobs tax forbusinesses and charities,and that is helping; we havegot the lowest rate of cor-poration tax in the G7, andthat is helping; we are abol-ishing national insurancecontributions for under-21s; and we are extendingthe doubling of the smallbusiness rate relief.

“All of these things,sticking to our long-termeconomic plan as theOECD, IMF and othershave advised us to, canmake sure that Southendcan continue to grow andperform well.”

Last month Amess useda Business of the Housesession to tell fellow MPs itwas “ridiculous” thatSouthend was still seen asjust a town.

Southend MP questions primeminister over city status

Major jobs growth planunveiled for Yorkshire resorts

REGENERATION

ScarboroughCouncil has set outits aim to make thepopular seasideresort the “mosthighly skilled coastaltown in England by2030”.

S

2412-p10-Amusements_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 12:15 Page 1

LeisureArmed Forces familiesoffered holiday retreat

A Suffolk holidaypark is set for a£250,000 upgradeafter receiving the hefty investmentfrom owners Lifestyle Living Group.Carlton Mere’s refurbishment willinclude additional gaming machinesand arcade flooring as well as im-proved spa and gym facilities and anew owners’ lounge.

Carlton Mere to addgaming facilities

Several coastal holidayparks saw a surge insummer bookings in thefirst few months of 2015,

as families tried to make the most ofearly-bird offers. Ladram Bay HolidayPark in Devon saw booking rates upby almost 50% compared to 2014figures, while other Jurassic Coastparks enjoyed similar success.

Record breakingbooking on south coast

Five hundred potential MPs havepledged to support community pubsif elected in May’s General Election.According to CAMRA, Labour can-didates have so far led the way with167 pledges, while Conservativesupport is at 108, Liberal Democratsat 103, the GreenParty at 76 and fi-nally UKIP at 31.

CAMRA secures supportpledges for pubs

Haggerston Castle Holi-day Park has opened a lodgecourtesy of children’s charityScotty’s Little Soldiers, to givefamilies who have lost loved ones inthe British Armed Forces a compli-mentary break. The charity, whichnow has four dedicated lodges, alsocovers travel costs and spendingmoney for bereaved families.

reat Yarmouth’s RegentSuperbowl offers muchmore than just bowling.

“Up until recently we wereRegent Bowl, which just consti-tuted the bowling alley, the barand the cafe,” explained venuemanager Nicole Comer. “Butafter a company take-over andfresh investment in September2013, we were refurbished andrebranded as Regent Superbowl,which includes our bar andbowling, but also amusementmachines, a diner and our CrazyClub kids soft-play area.”

With so many strings to itsbow, Regent Superbowl’srounded appeal is also reflectedin the choice of amusementmachines on site.

“We have four slot machinesfor adults, a crane for kids, and astacker machine, a video shooterand a quiz machine - whichappeal to most people, irrespec-tive of age - all of which are oper-ated by Gamestec,” said Comer.“Our pool tables and ice-hockeytable round off our coin-op offer-ing.”

Indeed, it’s Regent Super-bowl’s multifaceted approachwhich has insulated it from theebb and flow of footfall so oftenintrinsic to the coastal amuse-ment centre.

“I’ve worked here for tenyears,” claimed Comer. “Andwhilst our busiest times are stillduring the school holidays andon the weekends, since our

refurb we’ve seen a massiveincrease in our popularity allyear round. The Crazy Club inparticular draws in parents withtheir toddlers at times of daywhen kids are usually in school -fleshing out those quieter peri-ods.”

How does Comer rate theamusement machines in com-plementing the central bowlingexperience?

“The machines make the mostof our visitors’ time here,” sheresponded. “I’d say that there wasa good amount of cross-over.Often, groups will play themachines as they bowl, espe-cially if they’re in large groups. Itrounds out the whole experi-ence nicely.”

Come one,come allBOWLING

A versatile amusementoffering - both in terms ofbusiness model andcoin-op selection - iskeeping RegentSuperbowl in GreatYarmouth busy, whateverthe weather.

Pub chain operator JD Wether-spoon has released its financial

results for the six months to Janu-ary 25 showing a 0.9 per cent dropyear-on-year in profits before taxand exceptional items to £37.5malongside a 1.1 per cent fall inoperating income.

Watford-based JD Wether-spoon operates over 940 venuesacross the UK and blamedincreased competition fromsupermarkets in addition tohigher staff pay and bonuses forthe decline, although revenuesfor the 26-week period rose bynine per cent year-on-year to£744.4m with like-for-like salesimproving by 4.5 per cent.

JD Wetherspoon sells 50m cupsof coffee a year alongside 24mbreakfasts and stated that it hasbeen hurt by the imposition of the20 per cent rate of VAT on cooked

food, to which supermarkets arenot subject and allows these toundercut pubs by cross-subsidis-ing alcohol.

“The first half of the financialyear resulted in a reasonable salesperformance and free cashflowalthough our profit was under pres-sure from areas that includedincreased competition from super-markets and increased pay andbonuses for pub staff,” said TimMartin, chairman for JD Wether-spoon. “As previously highlighted,the biggest danger to the pubindustry is the continuing tax dis-parity between supermarkets andpubs. Thanks mainly to the work ofJacques Borel’s VAT Club, there is agrowing realisation among politi-cians, the media and the public thatpubs are overtaxed and that a leveltax playing field will create morejobs and taxes for the country.”

Supermarketcompetition hurts JD Wetherspoon’sbottom linePUBS

G

2412-p12-Leisure_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 14:50 Page 1

new £1.5m fund hasbeen set-up to bol-ster f ledgling UK

gambling companies, withsignificant governmentcompensation locked in forpotential investors. Thescheme is the brainchild offund management com-pany Innvotec Limited andgambling crowding-fund-ing website GamCrowd,which has lent its name tothe fund. The minimum sub-scription for the Gam-Crowd 2015 SEIS Fund hasbeen set at £250,000, withits organisers hoping toraise up to £1.5m in UKgaming investment.

The project takes advan-tage of a government initia-tive known as the SeedEnterprise InvestmentScheme (SEIS), whichallows investors to pur-chase shares in young,unproven companies while

taking advantage of taxrelief that protects theirinvestment. Those lookingto take part in the fund mustmake a minimum contribu-tion of £5,000.

Innvotec and GamCrowdare hoping to appeal toinvestors who either lackthe time or the expertise todirectly invest in these start-up businesses. With the fundbolstered, GamCrowd canthen make use of its team ofindustry experts to pick themost promising new com-panies, with investors safein the knowledge that anypotential losses are com-pensated by meaningful taxbreaks. Higher rate taxpayers can collect as muchas 72.5 percent of theirinvestments back fromHMRC and investors willpay no capital gains tax onany profits made.

“SEIS is one of the most

advantageous tax schemesavailable to investors any-where in western Europe,”said GamCrowd’s CEO,Chris North. “Because of theUK government’s generos-ity and enthusiasm tofunnel tax payers’ moneytowards UK start-ups, manyspecialist funds have beenstarted. But, until now, nonehas existed in gambling,despite it being a hugeindustry.”

“The gambling industryhas a history of creatingscalable, high growth com-panies which are highlycash generative and notcapital intensive. How-ever, the sector is oftenavoided and under-invested in by traditionalinstitutions. GamCrowdand Innvotec is a powerfulcombination and it is thisopportunity which theFund seeks to harness.”

Million pound fund fornew gambling business

INVESTMENT

A new £1.5minvestment fund forgambling start-ups is preparing tolaunch, takingadvantage of enticinggovernment taxbreaks to lure savvyinvestors.

HIGH STREET

The make-up of the Great Britishhigh street continues to undergo

rapid change, as revealed by a recentlyreleased study by PricewaterhouseC-oopers (PwC). Using information col-lected by the Local Data Company, itconfirmed that 5,839 outlets closedduring 2014, while only 4,852 new sitesopened their doors. This overall reduc-tion of 987 shops is close to triple thedisparity during 2013, when there werea mere 371 overall closures. Thosebusinesses which have been replacedby online alternatives were hit thehardest, while the sectors showing themost growth included charity shopsand bookies.

“We’re again seeing the continuedeffects of the digital revolution andconsequent change in customerbehaviour play out on the highstreet,” said Mark Hudson, retailleader at PwC. “These trends havebeen with us for some time and weshould expect the rate of closures tocontinue. Customers are embracingnew mobile technologies, traditionalretail channels to market are beingwiped out and new channels arebeing created, often in the onlinerather than the ‘real’ world.”

High streetdegradationmore thandoubles in 2014


BusinessGaming industry heavy-weight Nintendo hasofficially confirmed ru-mours that it has been work-ing on a new hardware gamingplatform under the pseudonym ‘NX’.The announcement was made at aTokyo press conference; allegedly toassuage fears that the company wasmoving away from developing dedi-cated gaming machines.

Nintendo to launch newgaming platform

Reflex Gaming has announced thelaunch of its new website, designed

to showcase thecompany’s full rangeof gaming machinesand mobile software.The fresh, modern

site is the creation of Nottinghambased design firm Get You Online andadvertises both Reflex’s machineportfolio and its design outlet.

Reflex gets an onlinemakeover

Immersive virtualreality (VT) technol-ogy could bring newwaves of young peo-ple out of their homes and into newhigh-tech arcades. According togamesindustry.biz, the full VT expe-rience - complete with motion sen-sor suits and controllers - will equiparcades will something people areunable to access at home.

Virtual reality drivingglobal arcade visits

The Essential Guideto Category B3Next Week

MARCH 13 - MARCH 19, 2015

24B2B Listings

and Marketplace

26This week’smachines

charts

27Classified

sales,businessopps and

jobs

32Diary

highlights and industry calendar

A

2412-p14-Business_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 15:42 Page 1

Coinslot MARCH 20 - MARCH 26, 2015

15

B2B

Essential Guide to...

COMMENT

Plush Toys & MerchandiseKEYNOTE

oth the typical character and qual-ity of UK plush prize have changedmarkedly in recent years.

“Traditionally plush prizes in craneswere of a poor quality, which didn’t seemto worry players whilst they had dispos-able income - it was almost expected,”argues Trevor Clarke, head of merchandiseat Sega Prize. “However, with the economicslowdown players no longer had the luxuryof spare income: thus the playing of cranesbecame more of a considered purchase.”

In short, tat would make the cut nolonger. To keep players interested, plushprize needed to up its game. The resulttoday, says Clarke, is that prizes “are not thatdissimilar to retail quality, resulting in a win-win for both players and operators alike.”

Alongside this, the role that licensedmaterial play has been massively expanded.

“It used to be the case that 80 per centof crane stock would consistof generic product, with therest licensed - but we’ve wit-nessed a complete reversalof that ratio,” Clarke explains.“Operators have learnt tocapitalise on market trendsto maximise their income,and to this end licensedplush has become a veryimportant driver.”

For Clarke, player demandfor licensed material can beexplained by way of increas-ingly savvy and wide-reachingadvertising efforts.

“Players are exposed toheavy marketing campaignsacross all media in everydaylife from licensors,” he tells us.“Therefore players areinstinctively attracted to playfor brands where an appetitehas been created.”

Working alongside saidlicensors can be tricky, how-ever. Multi-million dollarentertainment corporationscan be demanding when itcomes to ensuring accurate

and fair depiction of a character. But here,modern technology can lend a welcomehand.

“Licensor expectations can be managedmore effectively through the use of 3Dtechnology, which in turn helps to reduceproduction times - enabling operators tocapitalise on market demand,” Clarke elab-orates. “Computer technology has alsohelped manufacturers produce charactersmore accurately and cost effectively, as themost economical pattern can be identifiedprior to sampling by viewing a 3D renderfrom all angles.”

Is the plush prize secure in its popular-ity within the FEC environment? “Plushwill always play an important role withinFEC’s,” Clarke responds. “Visitors have areal affection playing for plush, which isdriven by the ever changing diversity ofavailable content.”

The role ofplush: evolvingbut secure The last decade has seen an about-face in the kind of plush-prizesFEC visitors opt to play for. For Trevor Clarke of Sega Prize, thishas been to the advantage of both operator and player alike.

Plush providers have upped theirgame of late.

Financial limitations throughout theeconomic recession created a savvier,more discerning FEC player-base, lesswilling to part with its cash for just anyold product.

It follows that manufacturing qualityhas improved in line with this evolvingcustomer paradigm. And as such, andin tandem, FEC operators have alsoborne witness to the dramatic rise ofthe licensed plush-product.

The appeal of toys established byway of video game, television and filmfranchises is difficult to overstate. Theentertainment companies behind thesebrands have incredible resource tocreate and maintain awareness of theirtitles and the characters which popu-late them. This in turn serves as a leg-up to amusement providers, as youngplayers have an instant familiarity andprior relationship with Elsa and Annafrom Frozen, with the Minions fromDespicable Me, with Sonic the Hedge-hog, Shaun the Sheep, Donatello,Rafael, Leonardo and Michelangelofrom Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles and

a near limitless list of others. There is, of course, an element of

faddism to be observed. The hysteriasurrounding Pokemon in the late 1990’sserves as a fitting example of how fran-chises fade whilst others rise to thefore. Thus it becomes imperative formanufacturers to stay current.

But for UK plush providers thishardly seems to have proved problem-atic. Technology permitting 3D render-ing allows both for swift patterndesign and licensor sign-off: allowingthe prizes stocked in both cranemachines and redemption shops toremain cutting-edge, and reflective ofcurrent media trends. Indeed, increas-ingly we are seeing products madeavailable several months ahead ofmajor film releases.

In an industry which faces so manylegislative hurdles that cramp any stylefor change and modernise, the trans-formation of the FEC plush prize servesas a fitting example of amusement pro-vision maintaining both relevance andappeal to the 21st century audience.

Now wouldn’t that be a good lessonto teach the legislators?

Backing the brand

The traditional FEC plush prize has changed. Irrespective,suggests Chris Webster, the UK operations adoption of qualitylicensed plush-prizes shows an industry both willing and ableto adapt.

B

2412-p15-22-Essential_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 13:15 Page 2


16

B2B

Essential Guide to ... Plush Toys & Merchandise

Market Perspectives

t’s been argued by some that the growth inredemption seen across the UK FEC sector owesmuch to a concurrent improvement in plush

prize quality. But at Pleasureland in Arbroath, Scotland, plush

rewards are kept exclusive within the seven cranemachines on site.

“That’s intentional,” explains Pleasureland managerTodd O’Brien. “We like to keep our redemption prizes ofa different character - watches, jewellery, and other kindsof toys.”

The reasoning behind this is two-fold: “It’s a differentkind of offering for one thing - and there’s a time savingelement as well,” O’Brien explains. “If the plush-prod-ucts are in the cranes, it saves us having to get them outfor the customer.”

In terms of product make-up, O’Brien opts for bothlicensed and unlicensed goods. “Generally quite smallones,” he elaborates. “We used to operate a mammothcrane - but it broke down, and we didn’t see much need

to renew it.”In terms of soft-toy popularity, there’s few surprises in

the power of the recognised movie-franchise. “There’s far more demand for the licensed plush than

the unlicensed stuff,” O’Brien affirms. “It seems to be what-ever is current for the kiddies. Needless to say that Min-ions is doing extremely well and so are the Frozen toys.”

Although taking the form of the humble teddy-bear,these days speech - and even learning - is not beyond moreexpensive and technologically advanced products. DoesO’Brien think there’s an amusement market for this high-functioning plush?

“I’d say the demand would be there - most definitely,”he responds. But there’s a caveat.

“If you have more expensive plush, by necessity, cus-tomers will be getting a win less often,” he continues. “Wetry to work the cranes so that customers get a win on quitea regular basis - approximately for every £15 put into themachine. Any less than that, and you run the risk of themfeeling as though they’ve been bit ripped off.”

I

OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

A different kind of offeringWhilst plush can form an enticing redemption reward, Todd O’Brien of Pleasureland,Arbroath, chooses to reserve plush material strictly for his cranes.

County Down’s Kent Amusements issomething of a showpiece for the indus-

try. The Newcastle arcade’s interior is afavourite for film and TV companies seek-ing the archetypal arcade location - and itsdodgems are a favourite photo-shoot activ-ity for newly-weds.

As a business, it was a relative late-comer to the widespread adoption ofplush prizes.

“I’d say we started to introduce ourcranes about ten years ago,” reports AnneO’Boyle, who co-owns the business withher husband Brian. “We also utilise plushin our new ticket-shop.”

The arcade took the redemption plungein 2013 - with the construction of the shopand the conversion of a number ofmachines.

“It’s doing very well,” O’Boyle elaborates.“From what I’m seeing, more arcades arefollowing suit- and expanding the use of

plush toys with it.” Whilst the majority of the Kent plush

stock is still allocated to cranes, O’Boylenotes a clear preferential for redemption asa means to the plush-prize win.

“With tickets, visitors feel as thoughthey’re more directly in control of whatthey’ll be getting and how long it’ll take - asopposed to the cranes where it’s more of alottery,” she tells us. “Particularly with fami-

lies, the adults know that through theredemption tickets there’ll be somethingdefinitive to show for playing.”

For O’Boyle, this demand for qualityplush is seemingly on the increase. “I’d saythere are more people coming in looking forthem specifically,” she says. “Especiallylicensed goods: around Christmas-timeeven in the shops Frozen toys were likegold-dust.”

Alongside this demand, O’Boyle alsonotes an increasingly discerning customer-base. “Parents in particular are becomingmore judicious - both in terms of productquality and child-safety,” she remarks. “Youneed to be so careful with having the requi-site safety marks on them.”

To this end, is O’Boyle pleased with thequality of plush ranges currently on offer?

Very much so,” she replies. “It’s well-made, it’s safe, and it’s current: that’s allthat you can ask for.”

OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Safe, well-made and current: thegrowing demand for quality plushKent Amusements increasingly looks to plush toys as a means to greater player-enticement. In this respect - as owner Anne O’Boyleobserves - the past decade has seen an increase in both product demand and quality.


Wilson House, Bentalls, Pipps Hill, Basildon, Essex SS14 3BX, EnglandTelephone: +44 (0) 1268 274284 Fax: +44 (0) 1268 274285 E-Mail: [email protected]

www.whitehouseleisure.co.ukWHITEHOUSE LEISURE ARE YOUR OFFICIAL DISNEY SUPPLIER FOR PLUSH TOYS

© Disney 2015

EXCLUSIVE NEWDISNEY MOVIE PLUSHAND REDEMPTIONLINES FROM


18

B2B


Market Analysis

S: How do you think the quality ofplush toys offered within FEC’shas changed over the years?

IW: It’s improved a great deal. Customerswant to win quality product and expectthe toys to be the same perceived value aswhat’s available on the high street. We’realways working on delivering the highestquality product at prices that are accept-able for the industry.

CS: Redemption machines seem to beincreasingly popular with operators. Doyou believe that this can be attributed toan upward trend in quality plush product? IW: Cranes and redemption machines con-tinue to maintain incomes when other rev-enue streams have fallen, so in my viewthey’re an imperative part of family enter-tainment centres. They provide the oppor-tunity to refresh the product offering tothe latest trend regularly, and with ease. Thequality and variety of merchandise nowavailable appeals to parents who recog-nise the quality and perceived value of theplush prizes on offer.

CS: How important is the role of an estab-lished licence in the popularity of a plushproduct? IW: Licensed plush products play a funda-mental role in attracting customers andkeeping them wanting to win over andover again. We always strive to acquire thelatest licensed brands and are pleased tosay we have been successful in doing so:Minions and Frozen speak for themselves.At Whitehouse, we spend a lot of timedeveloping both plush toys and a redemp-tion offering across our licences, so thatour customers can capitalise on the suc-cess of these brands across their enter-tainment centre.

CS:What role do you foresee the plushproduct playing in the FEC of the future? IW: Plush, and in particular - licensedplush, will always play a key role in FEC’s.Kids and teenagers alike are always goingto be excited to win a cuddly toy of a character from their favourite film or TVshow. I don’t expect to see this change forsome time.

LICENSING

A trend that’shere to stayCranes and redemption continue to prove profitable for FECoperators. For Ian Whittingham, business development executiveat Whitehouse Leisure, the improving quality of licensed plush rangesis a powerful catalyst.

Whilst technology moves on apace,Bandai Namco relies upon tradi-

tional craftsmanship in the manufac-ture of its plush toy range.

“The products are still handmade,”explains Darrell Simmonds, EMEAsales manager for the company’s prizedivision. “We pride ourselves in onlyusing ICTI (International Council of ToyIndustries) and CARE (Caring, Aware-ness, Responsible, Ethical) certifiedfactories - therefore there is fair treat-ment of the labour in the factory as wellas employee health and safety meas-ures.”

For Simmonds, as customer expec-tations have grown, so too has thequality of the plush prizes BandaiNamco supplies. “Bandai Namco prizedivision only supplies retail qualityplush – in other words, the sort ofcuddly toys you would find in theshops,” he tells us. “The product isproperly branded - not just a likeness ofthe characters.”

Simmonds also identifies the differ-ent roles for plush to play, respective ofmachine-type. “Redemption is on therise but cranes are still holding theirown,” he argues. “One thing to note is

that redemption machines and cranesaren’t necessarily played by the sameplayers. Plush plays a large part in theattractiveness of cranes in particular,but a good-looking redemption counteris also very important.”

Focusing on cranes in the specific -Simmonds maintains the machineshold a continued appeal to youngerplayers.

“The crane is the quickest and easi-est way to win plush, and it’s a greatmagnet for children - who see a nicesoft toy and are attracted to it,” henotes. “Crane positions have droppedover the years but the quality and theways in which they are displayed haveincreased.”

Any discussion of modern plushmust pay tribute to the increasing roleof licensed material, but for Simmonds,there’s still a place for generic gear inthe contemporary FEC.

“Licensed plush will always do thebest on site: it advertises itself to thecustomer, as there is instant brandrecognition which creates highdemand,” he says. “But there’s amarket for generic lines as well, andthis is largely due to lower costings.”

MARKETS

A magnet forchildren For Darrell Simonds of Bandai Namco Prize Division, theappeal of the plush prize - particularly within crane machines -holds firm for younger FEC visitors.

C



19

B2B

8TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


Whilst SB Machines specialises in kiddie-ride manu-facture, company director Paolo Sidoli identifies

certain key cross-overs with plush toys: both in terms ofhis specific products, and with the kiddie-ride sector asa whole.

“Certain rides such as Funny Eggs, Space Adventureand Mine Adventure incorporate interactive games thatdispense an amount of tickets according to how skil-fully the games have been played,” he notes. “Whilst wehave not yet launched a ride that directly dispenses aplush prize after the game cycle has ended - we are work-ing on it.”

Of course, one logical parallel to draw between kiddie-rides and plush prize is the age-range of the target audi-ence. “Plush prize products appeal to all generations,but certainly children who go on rides will also beattracted to cuddly toys,” Sidoli attests.

That said, with respect to the role of licensed prod-uct - a fork in the road is observable between the two

sectors.“Established film licences do not necessarily domi-

nate the kiddie-ride sector in the same way as they dofor the plush sector,” Sidoli says. “There are many licensedrides on the market but only a handful are really suc-cessful - as cashbox longevity is needed on a ride.Licensed plush can be successful for a season, tail offquickly, but still be economical.”

For Sidoli, whilst there is a role for licensed rides toplay within the FEC, it’s the level of ride interactivity -rather than franchise recognition - that determines pop-ularity with users.

“We do offer a range of licensed rides such as HelloKitty and our Disney range and they often tie in verynicely with a similar licensed plush setup in cranes oran arcade display counter,” he explains. “But it is a goodinteractive game on a ticket-dispensing kiddie-ridewhich engages the customer where we are seeing mostinterest at the moment.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Different products, same audience Kiddie-rides and plush toys are often playing to the same crowd. But Paolo Sidoli of SB machines argues that in his sector, the ‘pull’ of arecognisable licence is subservient to interactivity and engagement.



20

B2B


Products

t is a big year for plush within theBandai Namco prize division.

The team has secured two majorfilm release licences this year: Aardman Ani-mations’ Shaun the Sheep, and Home fromDreamWorks - starring Rihanna, Jim Parsons,Steve Martin and Jennifer Lopez.

Shaun the Sheep has been a very success-ful licence for the prize division for a numberof years, but the new movie is likely to pushdemand to new levels - especially as it is cur-rently the featured prize-licence in McDon-alds Happy Meals.

“The Shaun plush range is available rightaway and there will be gift products from uslater in the year,” says Darrell Simmonds,EMEA sales manager . “Shaun is also the mainmascot for the Rugby World Cup to be held inthe UK later in 2015.”

Home is the story of the Boov - a likeable,inept alien race led by Captain Smek (SteveMartin). The aliens are looking for a new homein order to escape their mortal enemy.

“Home is a dream licence for us,” adds Dar-rell. “Being released at Easter will be a per-fect start to the season, and with a seriesbeing released on Netflix and on DVD in July,we are sure it will be the hottest product ofthe year.”

Pac-Man celebrates his 35th anniversarythis year, and is due an upcoming cameo rolein the movie Pixels, scheduled for release inthe summer. Bandai-Namco’s ranges of clas-sic Pac-Man and Pac-Man and the GhostlyAdventures plush characters and prizesremain very strong sellers.

Other popular licences for plush fromBandai Namco include Trash Pack and Cani-mals. Trash Pack is based on the popular trad-ing game characters. Canimals aremischievous can-shaped animals that havetheir own TV show on CITV and ITV.

The prize division has also added brandedproducts to its array of confectionary, includ-ing the world-famous Haribo, Vimto, Tango,Jelly Belly Factory and Sunkist brands, not tomention Peppa Pig, Spiderman, Hello Kittyand Disney packaged sweets.

Finally, the NAM-GEAR range of electron-ics continues to be a market leader with inthe field, and includes 3G phones, which haveproved particularly popular with customers.2015 will see the prize division introduce atablet with a Pac-Man game already pre-loaded and special Pac-Man themed packag-ing. In addition, the company are still runningwith its HD Camcorder, Bluetooth head-phones, NFC speakers and Net Books.

SB Machines is finding the market for its kiddy rides very buoy-ant in 2015, as operators once more invest in quality product. “We saw much more optimism among our customers from the

ACOS show onwards,” says managing director Paolo Sidoli.“This was also very visible at EAG, where we had a fantasticshow. There definitely seems to be a more upbeat economy.While customers are still careful about what they will invest in,they know that SB Machines will help them to choose the rightproduct for their location and this takes the risk out of the deci-sion-making process.”

Success of the recent shows is also down to a particularlystrong line-up of quality rides at SB Machines. “We have enjoyedgreat success with the Double Pony ride over the last fewmonths and the new hit product for 2015 appears to be the newMissile ride, which we unveiled at EAG,” Sidoli adds.

Double Pony has been extremely popular with operators whoappreciate the increased earning opportunity the ride provideswith separate coin slots, combined into one compact footprint.Meanwhile, Missile is a 2-seater interactive lifting ride with avideo screen, which is extremely eye-catching and offers some-thing a little bit different to locations. “Missile creates a superbimpact and following its recent rollout we have seen some veryencouraging figures indeed,” states Sidoli.

SB MACHINESBANDAI NAMCO

SB Machines -a no riskinvestmentHaving seen a marked success at both ACOS andEAG, SB Machines is optimistic regarding his twokiddy ride front-runners: Double Pony and Missile.

An array ofcharacters,new and old Boasting Shaun the Sheep and Home as new movie licences, and withestablished characters like Pac-Man due for new ventures, Bandai NamcoPrize Division’s plush offering rates as one of the best on the market.

I



22

B2B


Products

Whitehouse Leisure has its biggest ever Disney range todate, spanning everything from high quality plush to

great value redemption prizes. For customers that wish toleverage the most popular brands around, then look no fur-ther than Whitehouse’s Disney product. Their rangeincludes the latest characters from Disney’s existingblockbuster movies such as Frozen, Finding Nemo andMonsters Inc, as well as the very latest 2015 releases likeCinderella, Marvel’s Avengers Age of Ultron and Inside Out.

In addition, the company has brought back its Toy Storyplush and redemption collection.

“Toy Story has literally been bought back by populardemand,” explained Hayley Briggs, who works for theWhitehouse product development team. “As with manyDisney Pixar characters, they still remain householdfavourites even when there is no movie release to promotethem. We had feedback from our customers that theywould like to see Toy Story back - and so here they are.”

Whitehouse Leisure is also seeing its ‘bread and butter’lines continue to perform exceptionally well.

“We’re always bringing in new characters and refreshingclassic characters with new outfits,” Briggs stated. “Werecognise that there is still a strong interest for Disney’sstaple characters including Mickey, Minnie, Winnie thePooh and Doc McStuffins. By updating their look and alsothe overall quality of the product we have seen these linescontinue to be incredibly successful for our customers.”

Sega Prize is extremely excited to launch itscatalogue for the 2015 season. Over the last

year it has once again been working away tobring the hottest, trend-setting and must-haveproducts for its customers’ operations.

The demand for Sega Prize’s leading top qual-ity licensed plush lines has been strong, so it hascontinued these lines and will be offering Sonicthe Hedgehog, Doodle Jump, Plants vs. Zombiesand Hello Kitty Ballerina throughout the season.

At the same time, it has also expanded uponits licensed ranges to bring operators the HelloKitty sequin handbags and The Kitty White Col-lection plush range: both of which it expects tobe popular lines, as early pre-orders and reviewsso far have been positive.

Trends are extremely important to Sega Prize,and it is always on the lookout for the latest pop-ular products available. To that end, Squeeze MePiggy is a breath of fresh air. These brightlycoloured squeezable oinking pigs have been thecause to many roars of laughter in the Segaoffices, and the company is looking forward tobringing a little humour into the market with

this hilarious and noisy toy.Over the years the Tokio brand has been

extremely successful and built a strong reputa-tion for both reliability and high quality. Thisseason, Sega is introducing the latest lifestyletechnology products to its collection, and itexpects great things from the Tokio range as 3innovative new products launch into themarket.

The Tokio Tablet Plus represents Sega’snewest tablet, and boasts a larger screen, fasterspecs and an aluminium back for an aestheti-cally pleasing and robust build quality. Mean-while, the Tokio Selfie Stick makes taking Selfieseasier than ever before! Tokio Selfie boasts anextendable telescopic phone cradle with Blue-tooth integration for operating the shutterrelease and zoom. Finally, Tokio Power is aportable eco-friendly solar powered batterypack - compatible with a huge range of devicesand offering the option to charge via USB. Pro-viding power at your fingertips, Tokio Power isthe perfect green charging solution for all on-the-go charging needs.

WHITEHOUSE LEISURE

The world’smost popularcharactersThe success of Whitehouse Leisure’simpressive Disney license looks set to continue in2015, bolstered by lovable characters from bothupcoming releases and the studio’s enviable backcatalogue.

SEGA PRIZE

Keeping upwith demand Following popular demand, Sega Prize has expanded upon its range oflicensed plush material with Hello Kitty additions, and will also be launchingthree new Tokio products for the 2015 season.


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

CRANES

Listings


B2B Amusements

B2B Air Hockey

MARKETPLACE

B2B Arcade Crane Services

www.thewon.co.uk

To advertise here call

Kathryn Norris

on 01257 277 400

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

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 Bingo

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 Boxing Machine Spares

To include Punchballs,

bladders, vinyl kits,

coin mechs & buttons

Next Day Delivery

Discount on quantity orders

Telephone 07737 988069 or email

[email protected]

B2B Distributor

Aztec Coin Equipment Ltd

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

100’S OF REFURBISHED EX STOCK MACHINES

[email protected]

T 024 7646 1234F 024 7646 4433

[email protected]

THE HIGHEST EARNING POOL,AIR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL TABLES

ome companies are happy to reston their laurels after a few goodtrading years, but for Huggables,

business success is an opportunity forfurther growth.

Director Neil Chidlaw admits that, untilrecently, his tech knowledge was limited,but he’s nonetheless been driving thebusiness forward with a new Facebookpage and a revamped website with anonline shop.

“It’s been a few very good years of trad-ing - last summer in particular - and we’relooking at the ways we can develop

things,” said Chidlaw. “We definitely thinkthe way to go next is to promote our web-site and take more orders online so wecan offer high quality products at compet-itive prices.”

These lower price-range products arewhat Huggables prides itself on: well-made generic products that can cut costsfrom operators in the prize every timemarket.

“In theory, the website should be amore cost-effective way of selling itemsand the prices should be more competi-tive as a result of that,” said Chidlaw. “At

Huggableshop online After a successful run in holiday parks and coastal retail, Huggableshas decided it’s time to push into arcades with its competitive onlineprize-every-time range.

MAINTENANCEWHO YOU GONNACALL?

Alongside its sales and rental activities,AK Amusements is stepping its cam-

paign to promote its maintenance service.With close to three decades worth ofexperience and priding itself on swift turn-around, AK Amusements is particularlyspecialised at monitor repair (both TFTand CRT).

CATEGORY CWITH THE PROMISE OF THE EAST

It’s alreadyproved itself a

best-seller fordesigner/manu-facturer AstraGames, but nowHouse of Fortuneis available with£100 jackpot in aclassic three-reelformat. Housed in Astra’s classic-looking

three-player WOW cabinet, nudges andholds are offered to players randomlyeach game, and combination success onthe bottom reels opens the way to theHouse of Fortune played on the sharedtop-box.

REDEMPTIONFROM A GALAXY FAR,FAR AWAY

Seemingly fromnowhere,

Galaxy Garrisonhas provedincredibly popularfor JNCSales.Introducedlate lastseason aspart of thecompany’swider expan-sion of itsbrand-new prod-uct range, the whackerfrom Taiwanese manufacturer Feiloli hasits players fend of a host of colourful extra-terrestrial characters, with the ‘battle-field’ illuminated by flashing LED features.

S

2412-p24-25-Listings_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 17:02 Page 1

25

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


8TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


CRANESONE FOR ALL THEFAMILY

Toy Family fromHarry Levy

Amusements pro-vides operators with aversatile means ofprofiting from the stal-wart popularity ofplush products. Offer-ing programmablepricing options,dependable elec-tronic controls andmulti-mech coin han-dling, Toy Family canoperate in a standardised craneformat, or in a play-until-you-win capacity.

KEEPING CRANES INCHECK

The Won from Lotelle continues to givecrane operators a high level of control

over their machines. Using sophisticatedcomputer control, The Won controls thepayout of the crane in the same manneras a fruit machine, simply by setting theoptimal number of plays per toy. As the

crane is played, the grab strength will beconstantly adjusted to ensure that thecrane maintains its payout target. Not onlydoes this provide the confidence to placeany toy in the crane without the need toadjust any settings, it also reduces timespent configuring the machine.

SPARESPUT ‘EM UP

As a leading operatorand supplier of

boxing amusementunits, Harem Leisureare well-placed to offer aspares service for thistype of machine. Offeringreplacement punchballs,speakers, bladders,stickers, vinyl-kits, coinmechs and buttons,Harem also providesnext-day delivery service.

CASH HANDLINGSUZO-HAPP BRINGSGROUP TO ENADA

Following its purchase of payment sys-tems specialist Comesterogroup late

last year, gaming equipment manufac-turer and distributor Suzo-Happ is at thisweek’s Enada Rimini exhibition showingoff its entire range of components andsolutions for the Italian market.

Suzo-Happ is showcasing new chang-ers and coin validators from Comes-terogroup at the Rimini Expo Centrealongside flow hoppers, push buttons,locks and coin-entry pieces. These prod-ucts are joined by solutions for the videolottery terminals market with a key focuson printers from TransAct Technologieswhile its amusement solutions include theBilliardPro, RedemptionPro and DartsProticket innovations.

the moment, for example, we’re offering200 toys at 50p each for the cheaper-endcranes.”

The company, which has been a keysupplier for Playnation, is also trying toexpand deeper into the arcade sector withnew advertising initiatives and a newselection of animal toys in smaller sizes.

“We’ve been trading now for twenty-five years, man and boy, but we haven’tdone much in the arcade sector yet,”admitted Chidlaw. “So we’re just trying tosee if we’ve got something of interest topeople in that part of the industry.”

2412-p24-25-Listings_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 17:02 Page 2


26

B2B Analysis

CATEGORYB3 (£2/£500 Max.)

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

AGCsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Fortune Hunter Project2 2 Triple 8 Barcrest3 3 Slotto 500 Astra4 4 Wish Upon a Slot Blueprint5 5 Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatics6 6 Mega Bars Big Hit Project7 7 Triple 7 Barcrest8 8 Abet Astra9 9 King of Slots Blueprint10 10 King Pots Astra

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

Members clubsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Hot Shots Reflex2 2 Fiddle a Fortune Reflex3 3 DOND Box 23 BFG4 4 Street Casino 2015 Storm5 5 Jackpot 100 Barcrest

Based on data from representative sites. Supplied by sector professional

FEC - familyThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 House Of Fortune (3 Player) Astra2 2 Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra3 3 Party Games (4 Player) Astra4 4 DOND Plasma (3 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 Golden Games (3 Player) Mazooma

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

FEC - adultThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Magic Games U/R Novomatic2 2 Pure Gold Astra3 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 Bar X Diamond 7’s Electrocoin9 9 Party Games (4 Player) Astra10 10 Party Time (3 Player) Astra

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 9 Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic2 1 Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming3 4 Encore T7 (GP2) SG Gaming4 - Find the Lady Ultimate Project5 10 Magic Games 3 Novomatic6 8 Encore T7 (GP1) SG Gaming7 6 Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming8 - Bullion Bars 4 Player Astra9 5 Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming10 - X3000 Multigame Amatic

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 - Alice Royal Riches ELC3 3 Jiggin Jackpots QPS4 2 DOND Next Level BFG5 4 DOND Winfall BFG6 6 DOND Box 23 BFG7 5 DOND Hyper BFG8 - Jackpotty Farm Fields of Gold QPS9 7 DOND Double Up BFG10 8 Trebble Top REF

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

B2B Kiddie Rides

To advertise here call

Kathryn Norris

on 01257 277 400

MARKETPLACE

B2B Novelty

B2B Pool Tables & Accessories

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

07442 [email protected]

B2B Prizes

B2B Monitor Repairs

B2B Skill Ball Deluxe

B2B Spares

B2B Soft Toys & Redemption

Telephone: +44 (0) 1268 274284

WE HAVE A MASSIVE RANGE OF DISNEY PLUSH AND REDEMPTION AVAILABLE NOW

A Winner Every Time

www.whitehouseleisure.co.uk

NEWANIMALFUNSIZE

RIDES!

www.worldofrides.com

...our businessis child’s play!

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

www.soundnet.net

B2B Juke Box Specialists

2412-p26-27-analysis_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 16:24 Page 1

Sponsored by

NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

FILMCHARTS

SAM SMITH FTJOHN LEGEND: LAYME DOWN

UK Box Office ChartThis LastWeek Week Name

1 1 The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 3 Focus 3 2 Fifty Shades of Grey 4 - Chappie5 4 Big Hero 66 5 Shaun the Sheep Movie7 6 Kingsman: The Secret Service8 - Still Alice9 - Unfinished Business10 8 It Follows

CHAPPIE

MADONNA: REBELHEART

MUSICCHARTS

UK Jukebox ChartHighest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxesThis LastWeek Week

1 3 FourFiveSeconds Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney2 2 Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding3 1 Uptown Funk Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars4 4 Take Me To Church Hozier5 5 Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran6 6 Wish You Were Mine Philip George7 7 Gravity DJ Fresh feat. Ella Eyre8 - King Years & Years9 8 Real Love Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne10 - Hold Back The River James Bay

http://www.soundnet.net/

www.soundnet.net

AlbumsThis Last

Week Week

1 2 In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith2 - Rebel Heart Madonna3 3 X Ed Sheeran4 1 Chasing Yesterday Noel Gallagher’s High Flying5 4 Wanted on Voyage George Ezra6 9 A Perfect Contradiction Paloma Faith7 - Lady Sings The Blues Rebecca Ferguson8 7 1989 Taylor Swift9 5 Royal Blood Royal Blood10 8 Sweet Sould Music Overtones

DownloadsThis Last

Week Week

1 - Lay Me Down Sam Smith ft John Legend2 - GDFR Flo Rida ft Sage The Gemini 3 1 King Years & Years4 - I Don’t Mind Usher ft Juicy J 5 2 Love Me Like You Do Ellie Goulding6 3 FourFive Seconds Rihanna/Kanye West/McCartney7 5 Take Me To Church Hozier8 6 Earned It Weeknd9 8 Hold Back The River James Bay 10 7 Uptown Funk Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars

27

B2B


Wanted

Wanted

For Sale

For Sale

Classifi edTo advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01257 277 400

WANTED

07595 568078

EX12PLY

CRANESBEST PRICES PAID

MACHINES WANTEDASTEROIDS UPRIGHT

GAUNTET UPRIGHT

SPACE INVADERS UPRIGHT

SPY HUNTER UPRIGHT

HOUSE OF THE DEAD

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES UPRIGHT

CASH WAITING 07809 111 451

WANTED

07595 568078

TRIPLE 7 ENCORE

SIT-DOWN CABINET

BEST PRICES PAID

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]

SSSSSSONICA 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

gaming...and so much more!

New & Used Machine Prices

All prices subject to VAT and Carriage

T8 £7,995FORTUNE HUNTER TITO £7,495KING OF SLOTS VISION £6,995WISH UPON A SLOT VISION £6,995T8 VERTEX READY £5,995SLOTTO 500 £3,995HOT HOT 500 £995

GALAXY SPACE FLIGHT £4,995EASY RIDER BIKE £3,495

CAT B3 £2 STAKE

FALGAS RIDES

WIZARD OF OZ 2 PLY £13,495LUCKY DUCKS £7,995ADDERS ROLL DOWN £7,995TOWER OF TERROR ROLL £7,995GOAL LINE RUSH £6,495FLAPPY BIRDS £5,995SUBWAY SURFER £5,995SINK IT SINGLE £4,995MINION D.M. WHACKER £3,595RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE £3,495DUCKY SPLASH £1,995

REDEMPTION

NASCAR TWIN MOTION £4,995TANK TANK TANK £2,995RAMBO DLX £2,495

VIDEO

OVER THE RAINBOW £8,995HOUSE OF FORTUNE £8,495GOLD VAULT CLASSIC £8,495

10P £5 MULTI-PLAYERS

MINION PUSH COIN/TKT £19,495MINION PUSH COIN £17,495MERRY GO ROUND COIN/TKT £16,995

PUSHERS

THIS WEEKS STAR BUY

JOKERS NV9 £1,795CELTIC GOLD NV9 £1,795JACKPOT 7’S NV9 £1,795

CONCEPT £100 CAT C

JET PACKJOYRIDE

£3,995ONLY

+VAT

2412-p26-27-analysis_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 16:25 Page 2

28

B2B


WE CAN COLLECT FROM ANYWHERECall David, Tim or Diana now on:

01132 798216 / 07884 585898

WANTEDELECTROCOIN

CASINO CABINETS

MK 1 OR 2 BARX/BARX10/BARX7/BIG7/RED BAR/

MAGIC7/10/

THESE ARE NEEDED TO BUILD OUR

SENSATIONAL NEW £100 GAMES

CELTIC GOLD/JACKPOT 7S/

JOKERS/RANDOM CLUB 100

DELIVERIES TO ANYWHERE IN THE UK & IRELANDContact Karl or Steve on Tel: 01706 883838. Technical Helpline: 01706 883839. E-mail: [email protected]

Unit 12 Data House, Trent Industrial Estate, Duchess Street, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 7UTDATA LEISURE SALES LTD. D L S

Data Leisure Sales

POOL

7X4 TOURNAMENT ..........................................£795

6X3 TOURNAMENT ..........................................£795

7X4 PRINCE .....................................................£795

6X3 PRINCE .....................................................£795

7X4 WINNER ....................................................£695

6X3 WINNER ....................................................£695

BELLFRUIT GAMES

DOND TURBO ...............................................£1,445

DOND POWERPLAY .......................................£1,445

DOND BIG ONE .............................................£1,395

ROB THE LOT................................................£1,395

DOND PURE GOLD ........................................£1,250

TRIPLE DOND (WITH DONGLE) ......................£1,245

HAPPY HOUR (INC DONGLE) .............................£995

TAKE A CHANCE (INC DONGLE) ........................£995

STRIKE GOLD (INC DONGLE) ............................£895

JAILBREAK .......................................................£745

REFLEX GAMING £100

SHOWTIME ................................................ £2,225

HORN OF PLENTY ...................................... £2,225

HIT THE DRACPOT ..................................... £2,225

TREBLE TOP .............................................. £2,225

CHILLI CON CARNAGE ................................ £2,225

FIDDLE A FORTUNE ................................... £1,495

WIZARD OF ODDS ...................................... £1,395

BEST OF BRITISH ....................................... £1,395

ALICE QUEEN OF HEARTS .......................... £1,150

LETS GET JACKPOTTED ............................. £1,150

GALLOPING JACKPOTS .............................. £1,100

ALICE IN WONDERLAND ................................ £645

CLUB B4

DOND LIVE ......................................................POA

FIDDLE A FORTUNE ................................... £1,945

HOT SHOTS ............................................... £1,945

DOND RED MIST ........................................... £945

MISCELLANEOUS £100 CAT C

WILLY WONGA ........................................... £1,695

VIVA LAS VEGAS ........................................ £1,395

PADDY PAYDAY ......................................... £1,195

ALICE AND THE MAD HATTER .................... £1,095

29

B2B


PUSHERS

TICKET AWP REDEMPTION

COMPLETE & WORKING

FREDDIE ..............................................................£1,395

ALADDIN .............................................................£1,395

PIECES OF EIGHT ...............................................£1,395

LIFE’S A BEACH ..................................................£1,395

TICKETS GALORE (1 PL) ................................... £1,395

COPS N ROBBERS ..............................................£1,395

TUTTI FRUTTI ........................................................ £995

OXO TICKETS ........................................................ £995

CLOCKWORK ORANGES ..................................... £995

ADDERS AND LADDERS ..................................... £995

CASH LAB GOLD .................................................. £995

+ ROYAL CASINO 6 PLY RND+ RED HOT JAZZ WHITTAKERS 6PLY RND+ CRAZY FRUITS 8PLY RND

+ ROCK N ROLL 6PLY RND+ POP STARS 6PLY RND+ NEW YORK NEW YORK ROUND RND+ GRAND CASINO 6PLY RND

+ PIN BOWL ........................................................£1,895

+ TOUCHDOWN FORTUNE 4PL ....................... £1,795

ONLY £750 EACH ONLY £600 EACHPUSHERS COMPLETE & WORKING

JNC SALESTEL: 0117 9382552

CALL 01179 382552 NOW FOR A GREAT DEAL & FOR

DELIVERY BEFORE EASTER

UNIT D5\D6 GREENSPLOTT ROAD, CHITTENING TRADING ESTATE, AVONMOUTH, BRISTOL. BS11 0YB


Comment

media watchjoseph ewens

Brighton’s famous example

In homage to the classic arcade game of yore,Geek.com has highlighted one talented Lego artist

who has created miniature versions of some leg-endary Sega machines. These minifig-scale Legoreproductions of three of Sega’s greatest games fromthe 80s start with Out Run. It was cool enough thatSega’s sit-down systems made you feel like you weregetting behind the wheel of an actual Ferrari Tes-tarossa, but they took things a step further by buildingin stereo speakers and letting us “tune” the car’s radioto our favourite station.

Another unforgettable machine: Space Harrier, withits breakthrough 16-bit graphics and frantic battlesagainst the crazy one-eyed mammoths and othermystical beasties of the Fantasy Zone. It was also oneof the first arcade games to feature a flight stick -which has been cleverly mimicked with a Legorevolver.

Finally, along came Thunder Blade. Sega added athrottle and shifted gameplay between two differentperspectives, top-down and third-person. The systemitself was every bit as impressive as the game: itlooked like Sega ripped a seat right out of Blue Thun-der and shoved it on to a pair of scaled-down skids.

You can thank Lego Ideas user SpacySmoke forthese little blasts from the past, and what better way tosay thanks than by heading on over and lending yoursupport. He’s got a long way to go before reaching therequired 10,000 votes, so let’s help him get there!

There’s no guarantee Lego’s review board will

ou may, or may not, have heard of somethingcalled the Dark Web. It’s the seedy underbelly of the internet, where all manner of illicit

behaviour is supposed to take place. But you needn’tdelve into these depths to find the online equivalent ofthe Wild West - where lies and deception can destroylives: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you TripAdvisor.Now, I’ll happily admit that I’ve made good use of Tri-pAdvisor and it’s compatriots in the online reviewsector, but there’s no denying that there is little over-sight when it comes to vetting the accuracy of thereviews. A single off day or a patron with a chip on theirshoulder can all lead to negative comments and a lowscore, while thousands of happy customers come andgo without putting their positive feelings in writing.

That’s all well and good for the major tourist attrac-tions, which garner so many comments that the out-liers will be smoothed out by the general consensus,but for small arcades or village pubs, those unde-served negative reviews will stick out like a sorethumb and drag down an ‘out of five’ rating built byjust a handful of comments. That’s truly damaging andgoes totally against what TripAdvisor sets out toachieve - to be an objective consumer guide that pro-vides accurate guidance.The current CMA investigation is focussed more onfoul play from the company’s side of the equation, butthey must ensure that when the time comes to act, thelegitimacy of consumer reviews comes under equaland proactive scrutiny.


A five star problemA single online review can sink or swim a small amusement business and the government

needs to act, says Joseph Ewens.

Y

A new cadre of kid Technology has changed even those of us who remember the analogue world. Chris Webster argues

that the industry’s growing preference for video-integrated kiddie rides is a reasoned response to the age of the techno-expectant kid.

t was something of a revelation - but no real sur-prise - that a recent interview with JNC Sales’Gary Newman yielded the news that the com-

pany is now actively passing by on kiddie rides whichlack an element of video interactivity. JNC are not alone - Paolo Sidoli of SB Machines under-lines the growth of the kiddie/video crossover in thisweek’s essential guide. I myself am just of an age to remember a world withoutthe internet - where a book was just that - an amalgama-tion of paper, card and glue. Still, these days I some-times catch myself attempting to ‘swipe’ a page, ratherthan turn it. If this is the subconscious social impact oftechnological immersion upon a child of the 1980’s,

what then, do the same effects produce in the child ofthis decade? And what of the years that follow? One thing we know for sure is that children currentlyhave an unprecedented degree of entertainment attheir fingertips (often quite literally). They are as famil-iar with the technology involved as children of yorewere with their rattles, their dolls and their train-sets.From as early-on as their parents allow, these kids playvideo games - games which are often involving andcompetitive. With this in mind, integrating the best elements ofthese devices into kiddie-ride design seems the onlylogical step to keeping the machines both current andappealing to a new cadre of kid.

I

t may have passed without comment, but whilstblue flags were waving for independence northof Hadrian’s Wall, the Welsh Assembly was

implementing some freshly devolved powers of itsown. Then, in the Commons last week, Nick Clegg was takento task on the issue of devolving responsibilities fromWhitehall to the Cornwall local enterprise partnership.And then, of course, there’s the rise and rise of UKIP;the party hell-bent on wrenching back control fromEurope.So, the SNP may no longer be the kingmaker in thiselection, but wherever we look, devolution is an issue -and we need to work out where we stand on it.

Advocates of the Tories’ ‘Big Society’ envision a worldwhere schoolteachers dictate school holidays, councilsset their own business rates, and communities granttheir own planning permission.Some bodies are clearly not in favour of this - I’m think-ing particularly of BALPPA’s holiday deregulation cam-paign - and it’s true that this kind of policy sets up apostcode lottery for operators whose councils may (ormay not) support them. Others, especially in coastal communities, believe thelocal people know best about the issues that are affect-ing them.Whatever your view may be, one thing’s for sure: devo-lution doesn’t start and end with the SNP.

The (d)evolving electoral landscapeLabour may have ruled out a coalition with the SNP, but Westminster shouldn’t be complacent about

the issue of the devolution - and nor should we, argues Imogen Goodman.

I

2412-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 16:54 Page 1

31Coinslot March 20 - March 26, 2015

An Indian journalist is calling for his local government to follow theexample of Brighton Pier, while creative engineers deliver their ownpaeans on the history of the video game.

Whatever the nature of the next parliament,BACTA has it’s eyes set firmly on theconcession of a temporary lowering ofMGD, off-setting thestaggering price-implication associatedwith the introduction ofthe new £1 coin.

“politicssimon storer

quote unquote

”xample and a look back into video game past

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


greenlight the set even if enough votes are cast,but unless these arcade classics hit the magicnumber we’ll never know what might’ve been.

Across the globe in India, Manomara is calling ona seaside community to use Brighton, England as atemplate for making best use of its dilapidated pier.

The Valiyathura Pier, near Shankumugham inSouthern India, stands dilapidated and ignored, buthow did the British turn the Brighton Pier in Eng-land into a memorable experience?

People who come to see the pier are greeted byboards that say “Danger” and “Entry prohibited”.Still families go there to spend evenings. Adventur-ous youth visit the place in groups and any time anaccident could happen. Still, Valiyathura Pier is thebest experience in the city. The government, whichdoes not even cast a glance at this pier, shouldlearn from England, where a new pier was builtnear a dilapidated one, turning it into a world-classtourist hub.

The government gave a new lease of life to theBrighton West Pier and turned it into a grandtourist village. Today, thousands of people visit itevery day to enjoy the beauty of the sea. TheBrighton Pier, which evokes nostalgia, is a goodsource of revenue too for the government.

Meanwhile, in Valiyathura, the pier is heaving itslast breath and may collapse at any time. It hasbeen years since the concrete in the pillars, whichsupports the pier, had been washed away by strong

waves. There are no railings and boards that warnof danger. The government seems to be allowingpeople to enjoy the beauty of the sea from the pierat their own risk.

Around 1866, Brighton West Pier was only a placefor navy vessels to dock in England. After two firesin 1975 and a continuous snow storm, the pier wasdamaged. Lack of attention led to its decay and itwas shut down temporarily. For some time,Brighton West was nothing but a dilapidated pier.

After years, the British woke up. In 1986, the oldpier was strengthened without affecting its beauty.Not only that, a first-class tourist centre was alsobuilt to attract travellers. Soon, a tourist village,where children and parents could spend theirevenings, opened adjacent to the pier.

By 2000, a new pier was joined to it. That was theBrighton Pier. Data show that about $46.2 millionwas spent on the renovation. In addition to that,every year, a certain amount is set aside for the ren-ovation of the pier. Today, it is a grand tourist centre.

Valiyathura Pier is in the same state where thepier in England was in its early days: on its deathbed. In the early days, it was a place for ships todock. When ships stopped coming, it was leftunused. Slowly, rain, wind and sea stormsdestroyed the pier. The department of ports thenput a board, stating that the pier was in danger. Canthe people’s representatives from the capitalrescue this pier?

The outcome of the UK’supcoming election may

well be nigh-on impossibleto predict, but as far asBACTA is concerned, theindustry’s major challengeduring the next parliamen-tary term could hardly beclearer.

“The most importantthing for us will be theintroduction of the new £1coin,” states the trade-body’s head of communica-tions, Simon Storer.“Machines in our industryare particularly affected, asthey’re required to pay-outas well as accept currency.”

The position is hardlysurprising. Due for intro-duction in 2017, the launchof the new 12-sided coin isexpected to cost the coin-op industry somewhere inthe region of £100m.

If this figure wasn’t eye-watering enough, forStorer, the time-scale of thenew coin’s introductionwill make the switch-overcosting particularly acutefor operators.

“The whole thing isgoing to take place over justsix-months, so this vast

amount of required invest-ment will hit operatorsover a relatively shortperiod of time,” he says.

Legislative measuresalso ensure that the newpiece of currency will poseunique implications to thecoin-op industry.

“For other vending mar-kets, costs associated withnew coin acceptance canbe off-set by an increase inthe price of goods,” Storerargues. “As gaming is boundby regulatory measures,our operators will beunable to alter our prizes orstakes, leaving themuniquely disadvantaged.”

If economic implica-tions of new coin accept-ance can’t be offset byother means, BACTA posi-tions that a temporaryrelaxation of MGD servesas one logical recourse.

“What we hope we willsee is some sort of machine-duty holiday for that keytime period,” explainsStorer. “The Treasury hashelped other sectors in sim-ilar ways before, so such amove would by no meansbe unprecedented.”

BACTA: Newcoin ‘mostimportant’objective fornextparliamentaryterm

“Without that commitment, Black-pool will continue to dwell on its pastinstead of look forward to thefuture.”

BLACKPOOL COUNCILLOR GRAHAM CAINON BLACKPOOL’S NEW VISION

“The by product of a TITO installationis the pressure brought to bear on‘legacy machines’, as they cannot beconverted for use on a TITO system.This will, I believe, hasten the demiseof legacy machines in the UK.”

NICK HARDING OF PRAESEPE ON THEPOSSIBLE IMPACT OF TITO

“The information contained in onlinereviews and endorsements can be apowerful force in the hands of con-sumers.”

NISHA ARORA OF THE COMPETITION ANDMARKETS AUTHORITY ON THE PITFALLSOF ONLINE REVIEWS

“The gambling industry has a historyof creating scalable, high growthcompanies which are highly cashgenerative and not capital intensive.However, the sector is often avoidedand under-invested in by traditionalinstitutions.”

GAMCROWD CEO CHRIS NORTHDISCUSSES NEW FUNDING AVAILABLE TOGAMBLING START-UPS

“Operators have learnt to capitaliseon market trends to maximise theirincome, and to this end licensedplush has become a very importantdriver.”

TREVOR CLARKE OF SEGA PRIZE TALKSPLUSH

2412-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 16:54 Page 2


DEAL RETURNING IN APRIL

fter recording recordnumbers ofexhibitors and visi-

tors last year, the 2015 editionof the Dubai EntertainmentAmusement and Leisure(DEAL) Show is scheduled totake place from April 14-16 atthe Dubai World Trade Centrein the emirate of Dubai. Nowin its 21st year, DEAL isthe Middle East’s largest andmost influential event forthose involved in the amuse-ment industry with the 2015show set to see exhibitorsfrom around the worldincluding Whitehouse

Leisure, UDC, Elton Amuse-ments and Jolly RogerAmusement Rides, showingoff a wide range of productsand solutions. “DEAL is theonly platform in the MiddleEast for exhibitors in theseindustries to connect withbuyers, for buyers to see andtest the latest products andservices and for profession-als to share best practices

and make new contacts,”read a statement from showorganiser InternationalExpo-Consults.

BUSINESS STARTUP COM-ING TO EXCEL IN MAY

udding entrepre-neurs are beinginvited to take part in

the 33rd annual Business

Startup exhibition in Londonwhere they can market theirproducts and services on aface-to-face basis to anaudience of over 30,000aspiring, developing andexpanding companies.Scheduled to take placefrom May 13-14 at ExCeL,Business Startup will featureover 250 seminars coveringa range of topics including

how to start a busi-ness, tradingfrom home,franchisingand mentor-ing while theAngels Dentheatre is togive attendeesthe opportunity topitch their ideas to anaudience of wealthy and

successful potentialinvestors.

“Exhibiting isone of the mostefficient, effec-tive and suc-cessful

marketing activ-ities available to

you,” read a state-ment from the show

organiser.

Calendar

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE


MARCH 201518-20China Attractions Expo

China National Convention Centre,

Beijing, China

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

24-26Amusement Expo 2015

Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las

Vegas, USA

24-26 FER Interazar 2015 Madrid

Spain www.ferinterazar.com

25TiLEzone London

London Transport Museum, London,

UK www.tileweb.org

APRIL 2015

14-16 DEAL2015 Dubai World

Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

www.dealmiddleeastshow.com

MAY 2015

6-7 Northern Showcase 2015

The Pines Hotel, Preston Road, Clay-

ton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6

7ED www.crowndirect.co.uk

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.

Northern Showcase to return in May rown Leisure willonce again be host-ing the Northern

Showcase; the successfulsummer event aimed atbringing the latest gaming,novelty and amusementsproducts to operators inScotland and the north ofEngland.

The Showcase is strate-gically placed to fall at theonset of the peak season for

operators who rely heavilyon business from touristsand holidaymakers.

Last year’s event sawsome of the biggest indus-try players such as AstraGames, Blueprint, Barcrestand Empire Gaming inattendance, showcasingflagship products as wellas launching new ones.

Alan Rogers, sales andmarketing director for

Astra Games, told Novo-matic World of Gamingmagazine: “Events like thisfulfil a vital role in bringingthe industry together attimes of the year whensales opportunities are notas abundant as we wouldprefer.”

The event will be held inThe Pines Hotel on Pre-ston Road in Chorley andwill run on 6-7 May.

CA

Newsweek

B

2412-p32-newsweek_Coinslot NEW 17/03/2015 12:16 Page 1

Documents

Coinslot digital 2412