Casinonews Januar 2006
Blair backtracks on smoking ban
An outright smoking ban in pubs now looks like a formality after Tony Blair U-turned under pressure from backbenchers and allowed a free vote on the bill. The vote next month will give ministers the chance to veto any exemptions from the original proposal.
Astra to show Skyline at ATEI
Manufacturer Astra is set to show its new Skyline cabinet system complete with 19 inch TFT screen with Mars Coin Mechanism at ATEI on the 24-26th of this month. It will also be displaying a host of new games for the European market including Reel King for the UK, Beach Party for Spain and Miami Dice for Denmark.
Ladbrokes joins rivals in hedge
Bookmaker Ladbrokes has joined rivals Coral and William Hill in hedging money through betting exchanges as well as the traditional course markets. William Hill switched in November, while Coral split its hedging practice shortly after.
Happy birthday to the IOA
The Independent Operators Association (IOA) is celebrating its 15-year anniversary this month. Originally founded to pool industry knowledge and negotiate volume machine discounts, the IOA currently supplies more than 20,000 machines to customers across the country.
Magic multi-screen display at ICE
Italian company Magic Dreams will be displaying its new multi-screen MD X-500 video slot machine at the ICE exhibition on the 24-26th January. New games such as The Castle, Lucky's Pub and Drakkar Vikings will also be unveiled at the exhibition.
Games Media eyes Midlands relocation
Games Media has announced plans to relocate to Wolverhampton. The move will bring together around 50 staff and allow the company to consolidate all its offices at the Wolverhampton Business Park.
CMI brings cash terminal to London
Cash Management Innovation is bringing the MCT 500EC to ATEI. The new multi-cash terminal includes a cashless-system, exchange mechanism for banknotes and coins and has three Jackpot-Systems included.
Foosball crazy
Manufacturer John Gille will be supplying the foosball tables for this month's Shell Cambridge International Football Tournament. Known in England as table football, the competition takes place across January 21-22nd at the New Museums site in Pembroke Street, Cambridge.
Cyber Crime conference at ICE
ICE will be accompanied this year by the Combating Cyber Crime in the Betting and Gaming Business conference at Earls Court, London. The conference will take place on the first day of the exhibition and focus on topics such as card and identity fraud.
AGI to melt ICE with Burning Bingo
AGI will be showing its new multigame Burning Bingo to ICE. Available on Novo Unity, the multigame server platform, Burning Bingo is designed to simulate live bingo and join Novo multi roulette and Touchbet roulette on the platform.
Lottomatica to buy GTech for $4.8bn
Italian national lottery operator Lottomatica is to buy GTech in a deal worth an estimated $4.8 billion. If the acquisition is completed Lottomatica would become the world's biggest lottery operator and gaming systems provider.
SAPAR to promote ENADA at ATEI
Italian trade body SAPAR will be travelling to ATEI with organiser Rimini Fiera to promote the 18th International Amusement & Gaming Show (ENADA Spring). With the exhibition set for 23-26th March in Rimini, SAPAR hopes to raise marketing and communication opportunities in London. For free ATEI/ICE registration and further information see here .
UK to host first international online gaming summit
MPs, headed by culture minister Tessa Jowel, are backing plans for the first international summit on online gaming which is due to take place in the UK later this year. Concerns have been surfacing in Parliament over the need to protect children and money laundering, prompting the summit.
All change at ATEI
It’s all change with Comestero at ATEI next week, when it presents the Changeuro Easy Plus machine alongside the new Jolly money converter. Also on display will be the manufacturer's coin counters, validators and separators.
Belgium bingo unveiled at ICE
European distributor Seeben will be unveiling a new AWP by Sirmo Games at the ICE show. Originally designed for the Belgium domestic market, the bingo-style game has been adapted for the rest of Europe and will be seen alongside the company’s portfolio of refurbished video slots and reels.
Henderson to sell Leisure Link
Global investment company Henderson has put Leisure Link up for sale for a reputed £200 million. The amusement firm will likely attract interest from within the trade and private equity groups, although management is keen to pursue a buyout.
Camlock unveils anti-pick system
Camlock Systems will begin ATEI this year with the unveiling of its new 12-change pick resistant Camatic lock system. The manufacturer will also be showing a new cable lock and security strap designed to prevent unauthorised access to front opening machines.
Betfair get Tasmanian license
The Tasmanian Gaming Commission has issued Betfair with the first Australian betting exchange license. Betfair will now begin unrestricted operations in the joint venture with the Packer family's Publishing and Broadcasting Limited.
ICE watching Cammegh camera
Roulette wheel producer Cammegh Ltd. will be introducing the new Cammegh Eyeball billboard display at ICE on the 24th January. The camera system provides remote number recognition, game security surveillance and wheel analysis for Cammegh's Mercury and Slingshot 2 wheels.
Sega serves up Virtua Tennis in London
Sega will be serving up the third instalment of its Virtua Tennis range at London's ATEI exhibition on the 24th of January. Featuring a number of world tennis stars, Virtua Tennis 3 utilises the new Lindbergh software platform and uses Sega's tried and tested smart card concept.
Sportech announces Matthewson resignation
Sportech's deputy chairman Piers Pottinger has replaced David Mathewson as non-executive chairman after he resigned on Friday 13th. The betting firm also promoted Gary Speakman to chief operating officer from finance director effective immediately.
ICE sees slot double
Casino Technology is using London's ICE exhibition to promote the new Gemini double range slot machine. The games designer will also have the new Atlas game platform on display, complete with multi-denomination, ticketing and bonus features.
Wetherspoon issue second-half profit warning
Casino Technology is using London's ICE exhibition to promote the new Gemini double range slot machine. The games designer will also have the new Atlas game platform on display, complete with multi-denomination, ticketing and bonus features.
DEQ and DEK showcase side betting products
DEQ Systems Corp. and its international distributor DEK International will be appearing at ICE to showcase a range of side betting products for live casino tables.
Nova's infringement case fails
Nova Productions Ltd has failed in its copyright action against Bell-Fruit Games (BFG) and Mazooma Games after a 12-day trial at the Royal Court of Justice. Nova had claimed copyright infringement of its Pocket Money SWP game by BFG on its Trick Shot SWP and on Mazoona's Jackpot Pool SWP.
New dimensions announced at JVH
With less than 24-hours until the official launch of ATEI, JVH Gaming has announced that it will be presenting 3-dimensional LCD screens at the exhibition. The display technology company, jointly with Phillips, have developed a 40-inch and 20-inch 3-D LCD with multi-view lenticular lens technology, for cabinet and promotion purposes.For registration and further information on ATEI, click here.
Sound Leisure bring the noise
Sound Leisure has announced that it will be unveiling a new software platform at ATEI tomorrow; Milestones in Music. The new platform will be accompanied on the stand by a new Micromusic wall selector.
Shuffle Master on the cards
Shuffle Master and CARD will be using ICE to display a host of their casino utility products this week. The Easy Chipper chip sorting device, Ultimate Texas Hold'em – for its wireless handheld device– and the Deck Mate deck shuffler will all be on show at the gaming company's stand.
One win to rule them all
Bulgarian firm Gaming Technologies’ new Lord of the Wins 5-reel, 15-line mystical themed video slot is not to be missed at London's ICE this week. Accompanying it on the stand will be the equally magical Ali Baba.
Sega announces full blown racing
In the build-up to tomorrow's ATEI exhibition at Earls Court, Sega Amusements Europe has just announced details of its brand new racing game. Ford Racing Full Blown, developed in partnership with Empire and Hollywood Gaming, features a number of Ford vehicles racing on 12 new tracks set across five zones.
Come dancing with Konami at ATEI
This week, Japanese gaming firm Konami is bringing the latest machine in its Dance Stage series to ATEI. Dancing Stage Supernova features over 250 music tracks as well as a series of new licensed tunes and enhanced graphics.
Prestige furniture at ICE
Prestige Seating Technology will be at ICE tomorrow showing its range of chromium and brass plated metal furniture. The company will also showing its self-levelling, self-returning gas lifts, which can be fitted to all stem chairs.
FutureLogic bring TITO to London
FutureLogic has announced that it will be bringing its world leading TITO thermal imaging systems to ICE this week. It will be promoting the latest Gen2 model alongside the ProMatrix Management Tool, both of which are already successful in the US.
Cyberview to demonstrate security
With this year’s ICE set to be the largest so far, Cyberview Technology will be using the added coverage to display its range of downloadable systems, discuss software packages for the UK's gaming market and demonstrate its end-to-end security.
Brent coining it in London
Brent Electronic will have a number of products on display at ATEI this week including the new coin and note counters from Pro-Coin. It will also be announcing the development of a new note reader at the London exhibition.
Toon time in London
Toontastic will be unveiling a new range of products in London tomorrow, as well as bringing its stable of existing licenses, which include exclusive Disney products.
Take your pick of S16 with Electrocoin
Electrocoin are kicking off ATEI today with a display of its new Section 16 and 34 machines. Its Take Your Pick , Magic 7 Slots and Crazy Vegas round out the S16 side with OXO Crazy, Win Spin and Joker Streak representing the S34 machines.
Games Media Juggling at ATEI
Gaming content provider Games Media is launching a new range of digital terminals at ATEI in London today, as well as displaying a number of other new products, including Global's Juggling Jackpot's and Casino Crazy AWPs, and Voodoo's Hippy Hippy Snake. click here.
Novo Magic
ATEI this week will be seeing Novo Casino UK's most extensive array of games for the Section 31, 34 and 16/21 market to date. Magic Games, displayed in both the upright and sit down cabinets, Magic Lotto, which marks Novo's first move into the Section 16/21 market and Multi Lotto are just some of the machines on display.
Shuffle Master on the cards
Shuffle Master and CARD will be using ICE to display a host of their casino utility products this week. The Easy Chipper chip sorting device, Ultimate Texas Hold'em – for its wireless handheld device– and the Deck Mate deck shuffler will all be on show at the gaming company's stand.
Barcrest follow the rainbow
Barcrest have introduced the five-reel multistake Rainbow Riches at ATEI today, a video game with 20 paylines designed for the Section 16/21 market. It has also unveiled its new Elvis lo-tech range complete in the new, enhanced Rio Cabinets.
Mazooma's gem of a S16/21
The new Pink Panther 500 4-player sit down Section 16/21 game is on display at Mazooma's stand in Earl's Court from today. Players have to capture gems on a 42 inch central screen along with four individual 19 inch screens for the base units, and can be converted to an AWP.
ICE's G thing
With ICE opening its doors today, guests will be able to get a look at iWheel's new GPod automated gaming platform. Also on display will be the iConix information and communications network, a real time multimedia and data collection system.
Prestige furniture at ICE
Prestige Seating Technology will be at ICE tomorrow showing its range of chromium and brass plated metal furniture. The company will also showing its self-levelling, self-returning gas lifts, which can be fitted to all stem chairs.
Bulgarian's first ICE
New Bulgarian firm Gaming Technologies will be making its first appearance at ICE today to display its range of casino gaming machines, electronic roulettes and management systems, all of which utilise the latest technologies including touch screen technology and bill validation. They will be presenting a suprise package later today.
All draw at ICE with Octavian
Octavian International is in London today to promote three new titles from its DreamGames slot selection and two new AWPs. Draw Master, Cool-Heat and Admiral Parrot will be presented alongside the AWP Golden Chip and Wild Cards machines.
Touch at ICE
3M Touch Systems' new 32 inch ClearTek II touch screen will be the centre of attention on the developers stand today at ICE. It will be accompanied by demonstrations of 3M's new Immersion Touchsense technology nd Dispersive Signal Technology.
Scientific Games intends to buy The Global Draw
FOBT supplier The Global Draw is to be acquired by Scientific Games Corporation for $183 million. The Global Draw, who are currently appearing at ICE, expects the deal to close by March.
Baton down and lock up
Baton Lock Ltd began ATEI by unveiling its new Camlock system, a single, programmable lock with 5 different keys. Director John Goodwin said “We chose ATEI to launch the 5-in-one lock because the industry visitors are our target and it’s the best place to meet all of them in one place.”
ATEI gone for Majestic
On the opening day of ATEI, DPT Snooker Services unveiled its new dual purpose Majestic pool and dining table. Andy Underwood, director commented “The response has been really positive and we’ve had lots of traffic through the stand.”
JackpotJunction goes XL
Gaming Support introduced JackpotJunction XL at ICE on Tuesday. XL is the latest version of Gaming’s multi-tiered audio/visual promotional system that can utilise various media outlets, including plasma displays and overhead projectors to promote jackpot information.
192 display voice recognition
192.com was on hand at ICE to promote social responsibility in the gaming sector with its 192 SafeBet system complete with pre-recorded voice recognition. Marketing manager David Pope, talking yesterday, said “We’ve really had the opportunity to push the system today and with great response!”
Andromica unveils beginners guide
Andromica Video Systems staged a big launch for its beginners guide to casino games, ‘Place Your Bets’, at ICE yesterday. The DVD features instructions for Blackjack, roulette and poker.
i Coin Metrics
Coin Metrics introduced iReward on the opening day of ATEI, a new promotional system featuring iButton technology available from March. “It’s been really busy [at ATEI] and we’ve already had two customers agree to test the system”, said MD Richard Adams
Elo ‘ello
For the next two days (Wednesday and Thursday), Elo Touchsystems will be displaying three new models of metal frame LCD touchmonitors at Earls Court. Shown in 15, 17 and 19 inch monitors feature a watertight minibezel and a three track Magnetic Strip Reader.
Austrian Arland at ATEI
Arland Technologies has been promoting its bookmaker5 betting software to the international market at ATEI. The Austrian software company also displayed its portfolio of sports betting software. For more information and registration details click here.
London presents the new Ambassador
ICE opened to the public yesterday (Tuesday) and Ainsworth were in the front line promoting its Ambassador range of machines. The new models offers high-resolution flat screen monitors and advanced mechanical design. ICE and ATEI is open till 6pm today and 4pm Thursday.
Enter the Dragon
PMI has bought 60 per cent of Surrey based Deith Group Ltd. The amusement machine distributor now plans to utilise PMI's links with the international market, including China.
Capital in London
Distributor Capital Gaming Ltd is promoting the new 10 player Coinmaster multi-player roulette system on its stand in London till Thursday. The roulette game comes complete with touch screen betting and bi-directional wheels.
ATEI/ICE figures show attendance increase
ATEI and ICE organisers were celebrating after visitor figures showed that 22,497 people attended the exhibitions this week, a 5.9 per cent increase over 2005. International attendance rose by 13.7 per cent, which now accounts for 47.7 per cent of overall attendance.
3rd Generation at ATEI
Robert Walker of the Edward Thompson Group was on hand to promote the company's 3rd Generation handheld at ATEI yesterday. “We’ve had a great response; the exhibition has been really good for us so far.”
Decade old Inertops celebrates first bet
Intertops.com celebrated its tenth birthday yesterday at Earls Court with a retrospective look at the company’s achievements. Marketing director Michl Pasch, and Jukka Hunkaraara, the first person to place a bet online, were present to cut the cake.
Cyberview appoint Elasser
Cyberview Technologies has announced the appointment of Todd Elasser as technical compliance director for the company. Elasser will be responsible for worldwide compliance of the company’s central server base, downloadable games platforms used in casinos and other gaming industries.
Shufflemaster deals at ICE
“It’s been very exciting here at ICE,” said Shufflemaster’s Kirsten Clark. “We’ve had lots of opportunities to meet clients, show them our products and do business.”
MachineGuard supports BIBEC
At Wednesday’s ATEI show MachineGuard presented BIBEC (British Institute for Brain Injured Children) a cheque for £100. “We’re really happy to be here and of our association with MachineGuard” said Louise Trunk of the charity.
Fatspanner's weapon of choice
Fatspanner has been at ATEI all week promoting the new Fatbox Slim Plus. “All the right people are here [at ATEI],” said Lee Timmins, speaking at the Fatspanner stand. “We’ve had a lot of interest and the response has been great”
Master Billiard show concept
Master Billiard was at ATEI to display a new prototype electronic pool table, it has in development with Heber. “This is probably the best show we’ve had here in 5 years” said Eric Lewis, director of Master Billiard Super League. "And the response has been incredibly encouraging."
Matsui at ICE
With one day left, Akira Okada of casino manufacturer Matsui Europe was praising the virtues of ICE yesterday. “We’ve had a nice show, lots of customers and it’s been very successful so far, we’re looking forward to tomorrow (Thursday).” ICE is open until 4pm today.
Super Nova
“It’s been really busy,” said Thore Noll, director of marketing for Spanish firm Nova Desitec, in London to promote their new range of AWPs. “ICE is the most important show for us.”
All Change at ATEI
Colin Johnson, MD of All Change, has been at ATEI promoting the manufacturer's range of currency changers. “You’ve got to come here because it’s THE place to come.”
Burke hired as Rank CEO
Grovesnor Casino owner Rank Group Plc has hired Ian Burke to replace retiring chief executive officer Mike Smith. Burke will begin on March 6th after stepping down from his current post as CEO of Holmes Place Health & Fitness Ltd.
Blackpool singled out for casino?
Glasgow and Cardiff councils have accused the Casino Advisory Panel of singling out Blackpool for a super-casino, after it wrote a letter in November 2005 to gauge the town's interest in such a venture. Both councils state that they had not received similar correspondance.
UKbetting to raise £11m
Bookmaker UKbetting plans to raise £11 million for expansion purposes by selling 19m ordinary shares at a price of 60p. The money will be used to develop UKbetting's content network, which will then enable new modes of advertising and video streaming.
PartyPoker signs record number of players
PartyGaming increased sales by 65 per cent, to £180 million, and signed-up 229,277 new poker players to its PartyPoker web site in the fourth financial quarter of 2005. Significantly, 32 per cent of the new players came from outside the US.
Blackpool’s gaming academy opens next month
Blackpool's Fylde College will open its fully accredited gaming academy to over 18s on February 22nd. The college, backed by the UK government and European funding, will run courses from GCSE to foundation level in subjects such as roulette, poker and coin slot machine engineering.
Nottingham gets new casino
Stanley Leisure announced that it has been granted a license to build a new 30,000 square foot casino in the centre of Nottingham. The UK's largest casino operator will spend £7 million on refitting the venue, which is due to open later this year
Talarius raise £9m
Quicksilver AGC's owner Talarius has raised £9 million through a placing of 6,000,000 oridnary shares at 150p each. The company now plans to further pursue its acquisition growth strategy with the additional funds.
Hilton shareholders vote to sell hotels despite criticism
Hilton Group PLC's shareholders have voted in favour of selling its UK hotels to Hilton Hotel Corp, despite chairman Sir Ian Robinson coming under a barrage of criticism at the shareholders meeting. Private shareholders wanted to know why the Group had performed a U-turn over the sale and why Robinson had pocketed a 4 per cent raise.
GSA appoints McDermott
The Gaming Standards Association has named Marc McDermott as its Technical Director. McDermott previously worked for the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board as Chief of the Electronic Services Division.
Arcade objection in Telford
Residents in Telford, Shropshire have objected to an application by John Davies to open an amusement arcade in the town, despite recommendations from the police. They fear it will encourage more gambling in the area.
ECA adopts code of conduct at AGM
The European Casino Association (ECA) agreed to adopt a new code of conduct for responsible gaming last week at its AGM, covering areas such as employee training, prevention of under age gambling and self exclusion schemes. The Board of the European Association for the Study of Gambling has welcomed the code and given ECA its full support.
Big Brother cost bookmakers big fortune
Despite an estimated £2 million being gambled on Big Brother, the unknown winner Chantelle has cost bookmakers a 'fortune' according to William Hill. She was backed down from 16-1 when she entered, to 1-7.
Germans dominate at London Show
Attendance figures for the first two days of ATEI/ICE/ICEi reveal that 521 Germans attended ATEI with a further 420 visiting ICE/ICEi. Whilst statistics from the third day have yet to be released, Germany is on course to leapfrog Spain, the Netherlands and Italy to become the most represented overseas nation in London.
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