Lords reject casino proposal
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell's casino licensing plans have been halted by the House of Lords, despite the fact that MPs voted 274 to 250 to back the proposal. Peers rejected the plans for the 17 new casinos, including Manchester's super-casino, by 123 votes to 120.
Jowell plans to reflect on future of super-casino
Tessa Jowell reiterated after the peers’ decision on the casino vote that there was no 'Plan B', telling MPs the Government now wanted to reflect on the outcome. A senior unnamed government source, cited in the Evening Standard, said that Jowell would not be rushing back with fresh proposals noting: "Proper policy making means we will be spending the next month or so considering the project."
Manchester calls decision 'complete madness'
The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's chief executive, Angie Robinson, responded to the Lords decision by calling it 'complete madness' adding that they were "bitterly disappointed at this absolutely outrageous decision". Manchester Labour MP Graham Stringer insisted ministers should impose the Commons' view, warning that this was “now a constitutional matter over the relative powers of the two houses of parliament”.
Harding to promote 'open door' at BACTA
BACTA's new president Nick Harding told Coinslot in his first interview since taking charge that he wants to promote an 'open door' policy at the trade association. Harding went on to add that his immediate goals included maintaining positive dialogue with the DCMS and the Gambling Commission, and implementing the Gambling Act as "seamlessly as possible." The full interview appears in this week's Coinslot.
Leisure Link wins Terminal 5 tender
Leisure Link has announced its successful tender for the five year operation of family entertainment centres in the new BAA Heathrow Terminal 5. The deal will commence with the opening of Terminal 5 in March 2008, and will extend the operator's existing airport FEC operation to over 300 units. .
Scottish publicans rue smoke ban effects
Scotland's smoking ban has caused a third of the country's bars to lay off staff according to new research by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA). Only three per cent of those questioned said they had taken on extra staff, while 11 per cent confirmed that drink sales had been down since the ban was implemented. A complete analysis appears in this week's Coinslot, published Thursday.
Alton Towers tops UK search destination
Alton Towers is the most searched for destination for Britons ahead of the Easter break according to data compiled by search intelligence firm Hitwise. Rival theme parks Thorpe Park ranked third and Legoland fifth, while Blackpool Pleasure Beach was tenth in the list.
Osbourne future with Gala in doubt
Sharon Osbourne could be the latest casualty of the summer’s smoking ban after Gala Bingo said that it was considering dropping the X-Factor star amid an overhaul of its marketing strategy. Gala marketing director Kate Howe confirmed that Osbourne's role as a brand ambassador was under review, adding that no decision had been made over her contract beyond the year.
Smaller amusement firms outperforming bigger competitors
A report by Plimsoll Publishing has suggested that a group of 'lean, fit and relatively small' amusement sector companies are out performing the bigger players by a considerable margin. Figures form the paper show that emerging companies have increased sales at three times the rate of their larger competitors, delivered four times the profitability and produced five times the return on investment. A full report appears in this week's Coinslot, available today (Thursday).
Sportingbet announces offshore move
UK-based Sportingbet has announced that it is moving the group's operations to the Channel Islands, largely because of uncertainty over the operational requirements due in September's Gambling Act 2005. A statement from the company said that the board had chosen the Channel Islands because of the more defined regulatory environment, and that it will have left the UK by 1 September.
Amusement industry gives Brown thumbs down despite favourable budget
A survey conducted for Coinslot has revealed that despite the largely favourable response to Chancellor Gordon Brown's stance on AMLD in the budget, the amusement industry would rather not see Labour back in power. Fifty-three per cent of operators questioned said they would vote Conservative, sufficient to give David Cameron a landslide victory. The survey appears in Coinslot this week.
IBA announce general meeting date
The Independent Bookmakers' Association (IBA) will be holding its next General Meeting on 3 April at Wolverhampton Racecourse. IBA chairman Hugh King and Joe Phillips of North West based bookmakers Cheshire Racing will be heading the meeting which will be discussing topics including the Levy Board, SIS and AMRAC.
Danter buys jewel in crown from Shipleys
The oldest established amusement park in the Midlands has been sold by the Shipleys as a going concern to showman Henry Danter for an undisclosed sum. Danter called the Stourport site "the jewel in the crown" among amusement facilities in the area.
Intralot posts 54 per cent profit increase
Greek lottery systems provider Intralot reported a rise in net profit of 54 per cent, to 160.13 million euros, for 2006. Consolidated revenue for the year reached 791.4 million euros, an increase of 51.3 per cent against the previous year, while EBITDA increased to 254.8 million euros, a jump of over 59 per cent.
Helsinki amusement park labelled unsatisfactory
The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has accused Helsinki's Linnanmäki amusement park of having 'far from satisfactory working conditions' according to a report in Finland's Kansan Uutiset newspaper. The SAK were investigating claims of mildew in the amusement park's water tower, and asbestos dust in the ghost train according to the article.
FUN announces strong revenue growth
Canadian gaming firm FUN Technologies announced combined revenue of $47.1 million for 2006, an increase of 84 per cent over the previous year. Revenue from FUN Games totalled $21.4 million for the year, generated mainly from the cash skill games platforms, while revenue from FUN Sports totalled $20.2 million for the year.
Swinden opts out of Gamestec
Gamestec's senior gaming product manager Peter Swinden has resigned from the position to pursue a new challenge outside the group. David Corns will take over the role on an interim basis and will report directly to head of product development Alex Hook.
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