Gambling Commission expresses application concerns
The Gambling Commission has said that the 1,016 applications for operating licences it has so far received represented only 43 per cent of the total who could have applied before 27th April to gain continuation rights. It admitted it was worried about smaller operators who may be less aware of how the new legislation affects their businesses and warned those leaving applications until later risked being shut down.
Cyberslotz to help operators beat smoking ban
Cyberslotz has introduced a service to help amusement operators beat the expected loss of revenue once the English smoking ban comes into force, through which it will design a bespoke web site featuring reel-based games targeted at the 20 per cent of smoking customers it predicts will start playing online after 1 July. Those interested should email
www.cyberslotz.co.uk.
Crompton crowned ‘Legend amongst Legends’
Jim Crompton, who passed away on 8th March this year, has won the Coinslot Legends Poll, as voted for by his peers in the industry. Inventor of the Penny Falls and the first multi-player game, Film Star, Crompton is widely regarded as the father of that staple of so many arcades, the pusher machine.
Coinslot reaches 2,000th landmark
Today (Thursday) sees the publication of the 2,000th edition of Coinslot, marking a major milestone in the coin-op industry’s only stand alone weekly. Former general secretary of BACTA, John White, praised the resilience of what he deemed ‘a critically independent friend of the trade’. For the full article and special supplement, see this week’s issue of Coinslot.
Top Ten coin-op products unveiled
The top ten products from across the gamut of categories that comprise the coin-op sector, as voted for by readers of Coinslot, have been unveiled in the title’s 2,000th special commemorative supplement. Poll toppers include: Bally Midway’s The Adams Family, Bob’s Space Raider’s Whac-A-Mole, Crompton’s Disco Fever, Elaut’s Jumbo Topper, Electroin’s Bar X, JPM’s Give Us A Break, OMC’s Postman Pat, Sega’s OutRun, Sound Leisure’s Nostalgia and Taito’s Space Invaders.
Raw Thrills sequel drifts into Europe
The sequel to Raw Thrills’ The Fast and the Furious video driver, F&F Drift, has been launched in Europe by exclusive distributors Brent Sales/Namco Europe. It will be available for delivery ahead of the Whitsun Break and is slated to make its ‘show’ debut at London’s Park Avenue Open Day.
Crown schedules open days to prepare for Gambling Act
Distributor Crown Direct has scheduled an open day type of event, taking place on 19th and 20th June at the Preston Marriott. The firm’s Dean Harding explained that it would not feature amusement products, but would instead focus on gaming and what will and won’t be allowed come the start of the Gambling Act.
Researchers focus on problems of Internet gambling
The Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RiGT) is part funding a research programme into Internet gambling and the role of the family. Researchers based at the University of Leeds, will be interviewing UK citizens that have experienced difficulties arising from their Internet gambling, and are also appealing for people to complete an online survey at
www.survey.leeds.ac.uk/gambling
JPM celebrates 35 years in industry
Gaming machine developer and manufacturer JPM has celebrated its 35th year in the industry. Despite more than 90 per cent of its sales currently achieved through export, sales and marketing director Simon McCarthy revealed the company was looking to regain a strong presence in the UK market. For the full article, read this week’s Coinlsot, published today (Thursday).
Poor product sales hit IGT results
Despite an increase in net income, the world’s largest manufacturer of gaming machines, IGT, has recorded a decrease in its second quarter results, due to unexpectedly poor product sales both at home and abroad. The parent company of the Barcrest Group saw its revenues fall 5.4 per cent in the three months to 31st March, compared to the same period in 2006.
Complex US market deters Ladbrokes from 888 deal
Ladbrokes CEO Chris Bell has revealed the reason behind the firm’s decision to ‘amicably’ discontinue talks with 888 Holdings was not just the possibility of litigation under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, but the complexity of the US market as well. Paul Leyland, of investment bank Arbuthnot Securities, said it would have been impossible for Ladbrokes to ring fence the risk of buying previously US-facing operations or assets.
New Internet gambling legislation put forward by Democrat
Democrat Congressman, Barney Frank, will introduce legislation today (Thursday), that seeks to overturn the US ban on Internet gambling. Frank, who says he opposes the ban on philosophical grounds, is also chairman of the Financial Services Committee. Taxing the industry would raise tens of billions of dollars for social welfare funding. Read more at IGN.
Conference aims to boost FEC businesses
The third annual Vision XS Experience Conference, taking place at The Oxford Centre on 4th July, is set to highlight a wide range of key areas of operations in visitor attractions of all types, including family entertainment centres. Subjects to be covered include planning of new attractions, ticket pricing, spend per head and how to get value from suppliers.
CasinoRed.com seals record sponsorship deal
Football League division one side Huddersfield Town have announced a record shirt sponsorship deal with CasinoRed.com. The deal represents the biggest single sponsorship in the club’s 99-year history.
Bally breakthrough
Bally Technologies is claiming what has been described as the ‘largest combined slot and casino management’ deal in the industry’s history. The deal, with Las Vegas Sands Corp, covers resorts in Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore.
Celtic win makes bookies squirm
Scottish champions Celtic have cost British bookies an estimated L15m, according to William Hills. One anonymous punter collected L100,800 having placed a L72,000 wager on Gordon Strachan’s side. Hills have made Celtic 8-11 to make it three in a row next season.
Team strengthening at Aristocrat Europe
Aristocrat Technologies Europe has strengthened its team with the appointment of Julie Witherby to the post of Product Marketing Manager. Her responsibilities will include product management, research and intelligence as well as the implementation of regional marketing and sales support initiatives.