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Price: £2.50

August 1 – August 7, 2014 • No. 2379 • www.coinslot.co.uk028 DOND Midas Touch_test 15/06/2014 22:26 Page 1

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COMMENT

22

Industry news 4Seaside amusements 9Pool Report 10Latest Machine Charts 16B2B Listings 17Classified ads and opps 20Comment & Analysis 22Newsweek 24

COINSLOT

...I will need your help tobuild a strategy for thesector that looks to its long-term sustainable health; onewhich positions it correctlyin the eyes of customers,consumers, governmentand other stakeholders toenable us to bring forwardinitiatives and policychanges that will allow yourbusiness to thrive....

‘MOSES’ - multi-operator se

In a move that is becomingincreasingly commonplace

in the coin-op sector, majorsingle site operator SceptreLeisure continues to expandwith the acquisition of RecafEquipment Limited.

Preston-based Sceptre,which is well-known in theindustry as one of the leadingsuppliers of amusementmachines in the UK, hasacquired the entire issuedshare capital of Recaf Equip-ment, the Midlands-based sup-plier of amusement machines.

Recaf’s headquarters are in

Droitwich and it operates pre-dominantly in the Midlands.Brian Merriman, who foundedthe company back in 1971 andgrew it into a well-respectedregional operator, will stay onin a consultancy role followingthe transaction.

The acquisition of Recafstrengthens Sceptre’s positionin the Midlands marketplaceand adds a strategically impor-tant depot in the area. Together,Sceptre and Recaf will operatein excess of 25,000 machinesacross the UK.

Ken Turner, Sceptre Leisure

A NATIONWIDE SOLUTION?In the context of theCommission’s specific requestfor advice on the developmentof such schemes, the RGSBhas provided guidance on howto ensure that any multi-operator/collectiveself-exclusion scheme (MOSES)is fit for purpose.The paper states that animplementation of MOSESneeds careful consideration,particularly to avoid unintendedconsequences. Although suchschemes have an intuitiveappeal, it should not beassumed that they willautomatically have only apositive effect.It suggests that any land-basedsystem would need to besophisticated enough to ensurethat ‘information overload’ (forexample thousands ofphotographs) does not actuallymake identifying self-excludedindividuals more difficult. To avoid this, land-basedMOSES might need to:• Be geographicallyconstrained to a particulararea/locality and/or• Adopt a ‘risk-assessment’system – where individualsmost likely to breach are moreprominently brought to the

attention of an operator and/or• Utilise facial-recognition andother technology-drivenidentification (such as card-based play) in order to improvedetection of self-excludedpersons who attempt togamble.The RGSB admits that a multi-operator system needs to beacceptable to the user, andmeet their needs. Any changesmust be driven by this principle,not simply what is practical interms of IT systems. MOSESmust be:• Flexible in that it can be

Sceptre Leisure acACQUISITION

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INDUSTRY

Pool still swimmingin the fast lane

ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Rudd thrives on anindependent view

August 1 - August 7, 2014 • No. 2379 • www.coinslot.co.uk22

6

rator self-exclusion scheme

tailored to the needs of theindividual gambler • Accessible in that it is an easyand straightforward processand the person wishing toexclude does not need to visit agambling venue during theprocess• Trusted in that whicheverorganisation operates theMOSES database isprofessional, confidential andunbiased• Effective, both in terms ofpreventing self-excludedgamblers from re-enteringgambling venues and of

imposing manageable andproportionate obligations ongambling operators.The implementation of MOSESpresents a number of practicalchallenges, being heavilydependent both on thecooperation of the industry andits willingness and ability tofocus collectively on the task athand. It is also clear that theindustry would need to play aleading role in developing andoffering the technologicalsolutions required to takeforward any form of collectiveself-exclusion.

CEO, stated: “Recaf is an excel-lent fit with our business andstrengthens our presence inthe Midlands. It is a long-estab-lished and well-run company.Sceptre remains committed toa strategy of growth, bothorganically and by selectedacquisition.”

Underlining his firm’s steadyprogress and growth in recentyears, he concluded: “As is theSceptre way, integration ofRecaf into our wider businesswill be effected quickly andefficiently to derive the maxi-mum benefit.”

10

re acquires Recaf

PUBLICATION

RSGB hands Commissionadvice on self-exclusion

The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board has published its advice to the GamblingCommission on self-exclusion. It notes that there are good reasons for promoting self-exclusion more widely and for improving its effectiveness, sets out a number of currentbarriers to these objectives and suggests some possibilities for overcoming them.

he Responsible GamblingStrategy Board’s latest publi-cation, entitled RGSB advice

to the Gambling Commission on self-exclusion, forms an investigativedocument as to how the Commis-sion can better promote the processof self-exclusion and improve itsoverall effectiveness.

The paper states: “Although theempirical support is not overwhelm-ing, and is sometimes methodologi-cally flawed, a number of studieshave suggested that self-exclusioncan have positive impacts on levelsof problem gambling, well-being andsocial and familial functioning.”

The RGSB believes that there are anumber of potential ways to improveself-exclusion which have some evi-dential basis, make good intuitivesense, impose little extra burdens onoperators, and have limited potentialfor unintended consequences.

It adds: “Even though the evidencebase is not always compelling, it isworth piloting and testing somechanges to see if they work.”

Also, the RGSB is of the view thatit is difficult to argue with the princi-ple of self-exclusion on an intuitivelevel - if something is causing harm,removing the activity causing thatharm can only be beneficial. It may,as the empirical research suggests,be that those players who chooseself-exclusion are an unrepresenta-tive sample of problem gamblers.

The paper explains: “These indi-viduals have clearly made a decisionto control their gambling, and inthese cases self-exclusion may con-tribute to, but does not, of itself,reduce problem gambling. Self-exclusion may also have limitedappeal to those who have yet tocome to terms with their problem-atic gambling. However, this is not anargument for not making self-exclu-sion more widely available. Theremay be those gamblers who wouldlike an opportunity to exert some

control; it would be perverse not toprovide that opportunity if it can beeffectively delivered.”

Moreover, the RGSB has identifiedthat there is clearly a ‘demand’ forself-exclusion from customers, withfigures indicating that over 74,000new self-exclusion agreements wereenacted with Commission-licensedoperators between October 2012and September 2013.

Traditional approaches to self-exclusion usually centre on thedirect relationship between a cus-tomer and gambling operator(s) - i.e.a customer excludes directly andexclusively with the provider(s) ofgambling services. However, the

RGSB sees it is arguable that think-ing about how best to manage absti-nence for those who need it shouldbe thought about in wider termsthan just the gambling industry.

It concludes: “Considerationshould therefore also be given tobroader, and more innovativeapproaches to self-exclusion thatfocus more on the mechanisms thatenable gambling, for example, byblocking/restricting the method ofaccess or payment, rather than thegambling product itself.”

Following the submission of thisadvice, RGSB’s Self-exclusion ExpertGroup has fulfilled its remit and willnow close. RGSB will continue toinput into the Commission’s consul-tation on its LCCP and can providefurther advice if required.

The RSGB was set up in 2008 toadvise the Gambling Commissionand the DCMS, on research, educa-tion and treatment programmesneeded to support a national respon-sible gambling strategy and associ-ated funding requirements.

NO

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AIL

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AP

PR

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EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORCALL 01636 642 734 / 07971 617 984

T

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RGSB

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4 Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Industry TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

Email: [email protected]

alarius, the UK’slargest operator ofadult gaming cen-

tres, has announced thatit will be rejoining BACTA,the trade body for theamusements and leisuresector, with the installa-tion of John White as theassociation’s chief execu-tive instrumental in itsdecision.

The company steppeddown from BACTA in Aprillast year. However, with therecent appointment ofWhite at the helm, Talariuswill once again become amember.

Commenting on thedecision to rejoin, PeterHarvey, chief operatingofficer of Talarius, said:“We are really enthusias-tic about John stepping

into his new role at BACTAand the direction hebelieves the associationand wider industry shouldbe taking. His approachwill be more successful ifadopted universally by theAGC sector, and wewanted to rejoin as soon aspossible to play our part.We look forward to work-ing with BACTA toaddress the regulatory

imbalances that affect oursector.”

BACTA chief executive,John White, said: “Talariusis a key player in the AGCsector and we aredelighted to welcome thecompany back on board.These are exciting butchallenging times for theindustry, and we arestronger when we all worktogether. It is importantthat we unite in order toachieve a positive changefor the amusementssector.”

Through Talarius’brands Quicksilver, Silversand Winners, it owns 172UK-based venues and hasapproximately 900 staff inpermanent employment.The company is a whollyowned subsidiary of theAustralia-based gamingcompany Tatts Group, andis listed on the AustralianStock Exchange. Talarius isfully compliant with theGambling Commission’slicensing system and fullyadheres to trade bodyBACTA’s code of conduct.

BACTA, meanwhile, islooking to grow the use ofsocially responsible recre-ational machine play to allrelevant stakeholdersthrough innovative repre-sentation and high qualityservice provision to itsmembers.

Talarius rejoins BACTAwith a renewed senseof enthusiasm

Major UK AGCoperator Talariushas gone back toBACTA, citing JohnWhite’s recentinstallation as thetrade body’s chiefexecutive as theprimary reason fordoing so.

CRIME

Amusements operatorsin North Devon have

been urged to exercise vig-ilance after police releasedCCTV images of a trio ofsuspects wanted in con-nection with the use of fake£20 notes in Ilfracombe.

At least nine retailerswere stung by the fraud-sters, who paid for morethan £200 worth of goodsusing the notes on July 9.Each of the notes bore theserial number HE13954709.

CCTV footage of thethree suspects, all of whomare thought to be in their30s, was taken at theSunspot AmusementArcade shortly after1.30pm.

Inspector Roger Bartlettof Devon and CornwallPolice said: “It is very pos-sible that the malesinvolved in this spate ofoffences may not be localbut merely visited the townfor a short time before

moving on, but if anyonehas any information aboutwho they might be, pleasecontact Crimestoppers or101 and quote crime refer-ence numberCR/88596/14.”

Police have asked busi-nesses to be cautiouswhen dealing with peopleasking for change, espe-cially if they are offeringtwenty pound notes for thetransaction.

Bartlett added: “If theyare suspicious or the notesbear the number, then theyneed to hold onto thenotes, make a note of thedescription of the sus-pects, and ring 999 inform-ing the police that thesuspects are still at or nearthe scene.

“Retail staff should beconfident and not give thenotes back at least untilthe police attend. If thenotes are given back, thenother shops will be tar-geted and the evidence willbe lost.”

NorthDevonoperatorswarnedover fakenote gang

EVENTS

The Autumn Coin-Op Show are stepping up their earlyregistration campaign with just months to go to the

inaugural expo at Chelsea FC, on 15-16 October.Pre-registration numbers are high, with visitors enticed

by the chance to have their say about forthcoming prod-ucts and to catch up with colleagues, all in a relaxed, openand friendly environment.

Early pre-registration will guarantee admission to thecelebratory First Night Party to be held at the legendaryFrankie’s Sports Bar & Grill, one of London’s most popu-lar sports bars.

Autumn Show organisersaim to drive earlyregistration campaign

TOPERATORS

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INDUSTRY AMUSEMENTS LEISURE B2B COMMENT NEWSWEEK

REPORT Coinslot takes a look at the pooltables, cloths and accessories sector throughthe eyes of operators and suppliers. 10

REFURBISHMENT

Arcade machines kept inCambridge’s UK Com-

puter Museum are beingrestored after enthusiastsanswered a plea for help.The museum hopes gamessuch as Space Invaders,Asteroids and Tempest willbe brought back to work-ing order for the public toenjoy.

Phillip Riscombe-Burtonused a games fans forum tocall for help to fix themachines, which have beenout of use for at least 17years. Volunteers foundtemporary fixes for five of

the eight machines, he said.They will continue to workon the games until they arefully restored.

The museum’s arcadegames include Centipede,Xevious and Alien Syn-drome. The museum has150 working computers,ranging from the 1960suntil the modern day.

The collection also fea-tures 13 arcade games fromthe 1970s to 1990s, eight ofwhich needed fixing.Riscombe-Burton, a soft-ware engineer, invitedforum members to visit themuseum, share knowledge

and work on the obsoletemachines.

He told the BBC: “Meet-ing up in person is worthweeks and weeks on theforum. With arcade repair,it’s always like you get aninitial fix and then look atthe long-term failures.”

Three engineers havetaken some of the circuitboards home to continue

working on them. Museumdirector Jason Fitzpatrickpurchased the arcadegames from various placesincluding American mili-tary bases.

He concluded: “We’renot like the averagemuseum. You can toucheverything and play oneverything to see what thecomputers are like.”

ased on his experiences ‘at thecoalface’, bookmaker MikeSimons believes that FOBTs

should be banned immediately.Talking to The Sunday People,

which is campaigning for a £2 maxi-mum stake on B2 machines, Simonsstated: “They can kill. They’re as badas the worst kind of drug. That’s whythey’re called the crack cocaine ofgambling. People who use them justcan’t stop. I had one customer whowon £8,000. The next day he was backand shovelling it all into the machine.”

Simons has been in the gamblingindustry for nearly 40 years and hasworked in amusement arcades, as acruise line croupier and as a bettingshop manager. He now has his ownshop near Birmingham with aturnover of £1m a year.

He said: “There’s not much I don’tknow about gaming and gambling.But FOBT machines really frightenme as they’re so addictive.”

Recalling the suicide, he describedhow the customer regularly had a £5

flutter on the horses but then turnedto gambling on FOBTs.

Simons stated: “He was veryrespectable. But he must have lost atleast £100,000 on the machines. Hehanged himself at home.”

When another punter recentlytried to take his own life, the LBOoperator finally decided to speak out.He added: “I want these machinesbanned, plain and simple.”

Simons has three FOBTs in his shopbut cannot get rid of them unilater-ally because of the risk to his image.He explained: “If they weren’t there,it would give the impression we can’tafford to pay out winnings. For a banto work, it has to be across the board.”

He said he asked his supplier toremove roulette from the machinesin his shop, but they refused. Simonsknows FOBTs are not essential tobookies like him in small communi-ties, for whom dogs and horses are thebackbone of the business. He recalledplaying a B2 machine himself in a rivalLBO - where he lost £1,000.

He said: “Even knowing all I doabout gambling, I got carried away.When I lost I just wanted to get mymoney back. I knew what these machines can do to you. But I alsoknew I might win! I’m no different toanyone else.”

Simons also believes that mostpunters are in favour of a ban on themachines to remove the temptationto play them.

While an anti-FOBT stance is noth-ing new to Coinslot readers, Simons’views mark something of a watershedin that he is the first independentbookmaker to speak out against theirapparent dangers.

Bookmaker callsfor FOBT ban

In an industry first, an independent bookmaker has called fora ban on FOBTs after a customer hanged himself andanother attempted suicide.

CATEGORY B2

Retro videogames undergorestoration

B

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ou were one of the firstcompanies to recognisethe power of social

media, can you provide anupdate on your activities in thissector?From our perspective socialmedia is a really important tooland it’s not just about engagingwith customers, receivinginvaluable feedback or report-ing, above anything else socialmedia is now more importantlya vital information source. Thereis a common misconception thatsocial media is aimed at theyounger generation and is allabout interactivity when simplythis is not the case. Social mediain some cases is more up to dateand current with breaking newsthan any other source. Whilst weinteract with core players to gainmore research as well as promot-ing new initiatives and productsto our customers and in turntheir customers, we also use it toprovide our clients with latestindustry updates. In fact, one ofour newest products Screach TVwas founded on the basis of visu-alising social media.

How will you stamp your own

personality on the company?The company will be celebratingits silver anniversary later thisyear and throughout those 25years the cornerstones of whatwe have stood for have been thedelivery of exceptional levels ofcustomer service and a commit-ment to innovation. My job is tocontinue this success whilst con-stantly improving all aspects ofthe business. It is not my inten-tion to change any of the cultureor any aspect of the companythat has made it so successful.

How do you see the challengesmoving forward and what aboutthe opportunities?I see the main challenge for oper-ators and their customers beinghow to replace the SWP. The deci-sion to tax this uniquely Britishproduct genre into extinctionwill have cost companies whichhad an interest in SWP several£100,000s over the past fewyears and this loss of income hashad to be absorbed by all.Thechallenge is to either discover orcreate a new genre or to modifyit in order to stimulate income.It’s not a question of the glassalways being half empty: the

implementation of the CategoryC £100 jackpot and the incre-mental traction we are experi-encing with digital gamingproduct will lead to maximisingmachine income across theestate. This is coupled with ananalogue manufacturing basewhich I believe is the most buoy-ant it has been for many years.Our role as independentmachine operators is to mitigatethe negatives and maximise thepositives in order to continue todeliver industry best income fig-ures for our customers.

Will the company continue toplay an important role within theIOA?The simple and straightforwardanswer to this is Yes. I believe thatthe IOA is in a market leadingposition. It has resisted the pres-sure to cut costs which has led tooperational superiority and as aconsequence is consistently out-performing its national competi-tors, as well as recently winningseveral accounts. The industryneeds to have a buoyant andhealthy independent sectordriven by entrepreneurs andwith a ‘can do’ culture. The over-

whelming majority are familyrun or owner managed, whichleads to better operational serv-ice and more so a wider varietyof product choice. Being inde-pendent means that we have novested interests in machinebrands, styles or genres: in factour only concern is perform-ance, which is something we willnot compromise on. We onlyinvest in best of breed productwhich is going to deliver cashbox for our customers: nothingelse comes into the equation.

What does success look like tothe company?In the short term it's about con-solidating our position and grow-ing organically within our fiveoperating areas. Casting forwardinto the mid to long term I willbe looking at strategic acquisi-tion as well as bringing newproducts to the market as wehave done with the recent suc-cess of Screach TV. Everything weachieve will be based on a com-mitment to service, knowledgeand beyond anything else a realpassion for the industry I first gotinvolved in working as a van ladfor my dad in the school holidays!

Rudd sets course for newindependent frontiersNick Rudd is one of the younger generation of executives holding seniorpositions in the UK's low stake gaming sector. With a BA (Hons) in Business andMarketing, he has progressed from helping his father Bob who set up thecompany in 1989, to succeeding in his footsteps. The quintessential‘independent’ Rudd assesses the opportunities and challenges ahead underliningthe role and the importance of the IOA.

PIERS

The National Piers Society hasmarked the 200th anniversary

of Britain’s first seaside pier withan all-day party.

Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wightopened on July 26, 1814, and to cel-ebrate the occasion the NPS helda day of events on Cromer Pier.

The party coincided with therelease of new book covering 200years of the British seaside pier,written by NPS chairman TimPhillips and NPS media relationsofficer Anthony Wills.

Phillips and Wills were presentat Cromer to sign copies of thebook, which describes piers’major contribution to Britain’sburgeoning tourism industry by“allowing travellers to disembarkand, later, escape into a fantasyworld created by the pierowners”.

A party was also held on RydePier, which today serves as one ofthe main gateways to the Isle ofWight, with trains leaving the pier-head and ferries shuttling passen-gers between it and Portsmouthharbour.

Derek Tomlinson, volunteer co-ordinator at the Historic Ryde Soci-ety, described the Grade-II listedpier when it was a mainstay of thearea.

He said: “In the 1950s and 1960s,the use of the pier was phenome-nal. It’s half a mile long and at timesyou would have people queuingfor the boats.

“But with the introduction ofcars and coaches, the number offoot passengers coming across tothe island diminished.

“In the 50s and 60s, there was aballroom known as the Seagull, acafe, rock shops and amusementsto keep everyone entertained.

“Nowadays, the end of the pieris just more or less a car park, andnot a pleasure pier in the tradi-tional sense of the word.”

200thanniversary ofthe seasidepier celebrated

EXHIBITIONS

This year’s Euro Attractions Show hasbecome a record-breaker long before

the exhibition opens its doors due to morethan 10,000sq.m of exhibit space beingbooked already.

The show, which has attracted severalcoin-op firms from the UK or with UK-baseddistributors such as Bandai Namco, BillaresSam, Bob’s Space Raiders, Cogan, Elaut,Embed, Jolly Roger, LAI Games, PanAmusements, PMS and Sega, kicks off onSeptember 23 for three days at the RAIExhibition and Convention Centre in Ams-terdam, Netherlands.

EAS 2014 is expected to attract morethan 8,500 visitors from 80 countries. To

date, more than 360 manufacturers, suppli-ers, and consultants from the amusementparks and attractions industry have signedup to display their latest innovations.

The current size of the exhibition floorexceeds last year’s exhibit space, isexpected to be the largest in the 11-yearhistory of the event and will feature prod-ucts in more than 100 categories includingrollercoasters, plush, ticketing systems,water rides, 4D theatres and more.

Karen Staley, vice-president of IAAPAEurope, stated: “Last year in Paris 393 com-panies exhibited, with exhibit contracts stillcoming in, this year we hope to welcomemore than 400 exhibitors that will showcasethe latest products and services for theindustry.”

EAS 2014 breaks records ahead of official opening

Y

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LEGACY LAWS

In last week’s feature onB3 machines, we stated:

“Following the new rulesintroduced during 2011 bythe Gambling Commis-sion, both bingo venuesand AGCs are restricted toB3 games making up nomore than 20 per cent oftheir machine portfolio.However, those premisesin existence before 13 July,2011 can choose between

having eight category B3or b4 gaming machines inoperation or 20 per cent oftheir total number ofgaming machines.”

The Commission hasbeen quick to point outthat, in fact, the eightmachines allocation iscorrect for bingo premisesbut not AGCs as they areonly permitted fourmachines of B3/B4 cate-gory or 20 per cent of thetotal number of machines.

The Seven Bingo hall inFolkestone has hosted its

last game and will cease totrade when its licenceexpires today (ThursdayJuly 31).

Business partners MikeBarnard and Peter Harg-reaves have decided not torenew the licence and willnow relocate to the north-east of the country.

The pair have run thebingo hall, formerly theDeluxe Club, since 2007, butsaid trading conditionsmeant it was no longerviable.

Barnard, who has been inthe industry for about 30

years, said when the clubopened as many as 500people would attend everyweek, but that this had nowdropped to about 200.

He explained: “There area few reasons behind thedecision. One is the rates,the next is the number ofpeople who have stoppedcoming.

“Finally, our lease iscoming to an end and wedecided a couple of weeksago to not renew.

“There has been a bingohall here since 1974. It hadproblems before we took itover because of the smok-ing ban but we had a coupleof good years.”

Regular player Kath Mid-

dleton said the final gamehad been a sombre occa-sion for Seven Bingo’s reg-ular players

She told local press: “Iwent at least once a weekand they were a greatbunch of people. It wasalways a nice socialevening. For some peoplethis was their only socialevening when they got tosee their friends.

“Friday was quite sad asit was the last session but alot of people came out ofthe woodwork for it. Therewere more than usual. Ifthey’d come more regu-larly, it might be stayingopen. I wish the two gentle-men all the best.”

Folkestone bingo hall closes asplayers mourn the loss of “theironly social evening” with friendsBINGO

AGC sector ofmachine entitlement

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FEC

n amusementsindustry veteranhas described his

efforts to save the highstreet arcade by creatinghis own from scratch at asite in west London.

Mark Starkey built TheHeart of Gaming arcade in

a remote industrial estatein Acton, equipping it withrefurbished videos sourcedfrom amusement busi-nesses that have shutdown.

He told the BBC that thebusiness, dubbed “The Hog”by regulars, was the prod-uct of his passion for“offline gaming” and the

social interaction that goeswith it.

Starkey commented: “Itreally is the last of its kind,the first and last arcade ofthe twenty-first centuryover here in the UK. I thinkthe generation of kids thatare growing up now mostof them started gamingafter the last of the arcades

were gone, so to them thisis kind of a new experience.

“Social gaming is some-thing that everyone shouldexperience, as it offers a lotof things to the player thatyou simply don’t get beingsat at home with your ear-phones in.”

Unlike regular amuse-ment arcades, Starkeycharges a one-off entrancefee, rather than follow thecoin-op model.

He added: “We rescue alot of these machines fromarcades when they are clos-ing down. Many come fromcentral London and the Tro-cadero, and we show them

love - repair them, fit themwith new parts and whenthey are ready we put themonto the field of play again.

“We get new peoplecoming through all thetime, playing old classics,new games. We’ve had kidsas young as seven and eightturn up with their parentsand we’ve had peoplereaching their fifties.

“This is a real example ofhow retro can not only becool and fashionable butalso of how communityspirit and a team effort canturn what some mightthink of as unfeasible or apipe-dream into reality.”

BINGO

Bingo has returned toLeominster after the

former Top Ten Bingovenue was reopened asClifton Bingo earlier thisweek.

Top Ten had shut downin May, but Clifton Bingoowner Roger Witnallreopened the hall lastFriday.

He said it was a fittingtribute to the venue’sformer use as the CliftonCinema, which providedentertainment in the town

for four decades from 1936.Witnall, who has been

involved in the bingoindustry for 40 years, toldlocal press: “Our main aimwas to get the club backopen before the customersevaporate away. We’ll get itopen and then work onputting our own stamp onit over time.

“I was involved in thecentre around 10 years agoand used to do the machinemaintenance. When I heardit was closing down I sawan opportunity to haveanother community club.”

New bingo clubopens in Leominster

Retroarcadeflourishingin westLondon

Dedicated to the UK market.Relaxed, sociable & friendly.Review this year’s products

& preview next.

www.coin-opshow.co.uk

15th & 16th October 2014 Chelsea Football Club

T: +44 (0)1582 767 254 E: [email protected]

‘‘In a league of its own’’

ROBBERY

Police have released aCCTV image of a

man they want to tracefollowing a robbery atLadbrokes on WhitegateDrive, Blackpool. Ataround 8.40pm on June26, a man entered thebetting shop where heran and jumped overthe counter andassaulted the shopassistant, demandingmoney.

The man then stolearound £200 in cashfrom the till which heput into a Lidl carrierbag and left the shop,possibly with anotherman waiting outside.The offender and thesecond man both madeoff on foot.

DC Mark Anson, fromBlackpool CID, said:“The shop assistant hasbeen leftunderstandably shakenby this attack and weare very keen to tracethe man responsible. Ifyou saw the two menrunning away from theshop or saw anyonesuspicious in the arealeading up to theattack, please get incontact.”

The offender isdescribed as beingwhite, aged in his 30s,with a thin build, andwearing a blackbandana covering hisface. He was wearingdark clothing.

ThievestargetBlackpoolLBO

A

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TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

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s the schoolsummer holidaysstart, a new report

has brought cheer toamusements operators byshowing that the Britishseaside tourist industryremains in remarkably goodhealth.

Commissioned by BritishDestinations with financialsupport from BACTA, itsfindings counter fears thatthe recession and subse-quent squeeze on house-

hold incomes would lead toa big fall in spending onleisure and tourism.

The report, carried out bya research team at SheffieldHallam University, showsthat the number of jobs sup-ported by seaside tourismhas continued to growdespite the so-called ‘age ofausterity’.

Co-author ProfessorSteve Fothergill said: “Over

the last few years there hasbeen plenty of media discus-sion about the rise of ‘stayca-tions’ - holidays in Britainrather than abroad - but sofar little hard evidence.

“Our figures show thatthe British seaside touristindustry has weathered theage of austerity very wellindeed.

“The survival of a largeseaside tourist industry

should be good news, notjust for most seaside townsbut also for UK plc.”

The report estimatesthat, averaged across theyear as a whole, more than200,000 jobs in Englandand Wales are directly sup-ported by seaside tourism.

Its figures confirm sea-side tourism is a huge con-tributor to England andWales’ economic prosper-

ity, employing more peoplethan the aerospace, motor,pharmaceutical and steelindustries.

Blackpool retains thebiggest single concentra-tion of seaside tourism jobs- nearly 16,000 - closely fol-lowed by Brighton andBournemouth. In all, 63resorts around the coast ofEngland and Wales eachhave at least 1,000 jobsdirectly supported bytourism.

Blackpool and Brightonalso have the biggest con-centration of amusementand leisure jobs, followed bySouthend, the Isle of Wight,Torbay and Great Yarmouth.

But the report alsoshowed that some places arefaring better than others.Many resorts along the southcoast and in south west Eng-land show solid growth intourism employment.

In a number of other des-tinations, including in

Blackpool, the pressure onvisitors’ incomes andspending appears to havechoked growth.

Peter Hampson, chiefexecutive of British Destina-tions, which representslocal authorities and touristbodies, said: “The British sea-side tourist industry has toooften been written off as arelic of the past, andassumed to be on the samedownward trajectory as somany other famous Britishindustries.

“Anyone familiar with theresorts themselves knowsthis was always a myth, andI’m delighted that the newfigures from SheffieldHallam expose the truth.

“Our seaside resorts stillface challenges in adaptingto changing tastes and travelpatterns, but with the rightsupport from governmentthis is an industry thatshould have a bright futureas well as an illustrious past.”

An academic studyhas shown that theseaside tourismindustry bucked theeffects of austerityand is thriving as amajor contributor toUK plc.

Seaside tourismflourishing in theage of austerity

TOURISM

A

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B2B

The greatestThe growing number of private pooltable owners could serve to driveplayers back into pubs. “Let’s hopethat a new generation of pool playerswho cut their teeth on the table dadput in the garage are encouraged toplay in those pubs and clubs thatsurvive in future and drop a coin in

the slot, or swipetheir card,” saidLiam Barrett ofSAM Leisure.

A pool inheritance

American Poolis proving increas-ingly poplar in the UKand varies from the British version inthat it uses slightly larger balls,which feature numbers, unlike theirsmaller counterparts. American Pooltables also include larger pocketsand diamond system markings nothe rail for shot-making reference.

Across thepond

Essential Guide to...

Perhaps the mostfamous professionalpool player ever tohave competed wasWillie Mosconi(pictured, left), who won the WorldStraight Pool Championships arecord fifteen times. AmericanMosconi was also famous for thevarious trick shots that he per-formed at exhibition events and ontelevision.

Pool tables, cloth & accessories

oinslot: How important is it foroperators to have high qualityequipment available at all times?

Liam Barrett: The quality of equipment onsite is paramount. There is just too muchcompetition out there for the punter’spound to risk losing it for the sake of anunplayable table. Pool table incomeresponds faster and greater to a fall in stan-dards than other machines, that by and largeonly need switching on in the morning.

SAM always bangs the drum for Accu-Vend ball release that ensures the playergets all the balls in the table every time, reg-ular valeting and preventative mainte-nance, changing batteries annually andensuring tables have the correct spec cuesand tips.

Likewise, operators with quality tablesin stock, either new or refurbished, will beable to respond faster to requests from newsites and retailers. In a shrinking market,those who can deliver the fastest may justget the deal over those with a cheaper price.A few pounds a week rent is small in com-parison with a few weeks lost site income.

CS: Is pool still a popular pastime for theBritish public?JB: Pool remains popular, although partici-pation had decreased and there has been ashift in where the game is played. The tradi-tional pool environments like pubs andclubs have taken a hammering in recentyears. The woes of the licensed trade havebeen debated many times - supermarketbeer, smoking ban, FOBTs, high rents, high

rates and so on - but more than that,people’s desires and interests have under-gone a sea change. First with the domina-tion of ‘play’ by the games console andsecondly by the explosion of the mobiledevices that now demand an ever largerproportion of everyone’s waking hours.

Venues have responded by changingtheir offer and taking the food route to bol-ster footfall. This accelerates a fall in poolplay as pool tables are removed to increasethe room available to diners. Conversely,the maturing of players from the 80’s and90’s means that many homeowners arenow buying pool tables for home. Both as anostalgic exercise, but also to encouragetheir children to stay at home and socialise.

CS: In what ways have modern technol-ogy improved the pool experience foroperators and players?JB: The advent of multicoin coin accept-ance has saved players searching for exactchange and bending low to push in a slidemech. Not a great hardship maybe, butmaking it easy to spend money is good.More important is a variable price systemlike SAM TriBand. This battery systemenables sites to vary price to suit the venueprofile, lowering price during quieter peri-ods and maximising price during peak foot-fall. Offering time periods as well as singlegames also offers perceived value. Goingelectronic enables tokens and means cardreaders can be used, either for credit debitcards or bespoke loyalty/charge cards.

For the serious player, SAM ProActive

cushions offer the most consistent ballresponse available, endorsed by use at theBAPTO National Finals for more than 10years. The aluminium extruded top rail isunique to SAM. Cloth manufacturers haveinnovated and improved both the qualityand durability of cloth, good news for theserious player and good news for operatorslooking to save on maintenance. Printedcloth can also be important. Often just anopportunity for consistent venue brand-ing, but more importantly, a way of offset-ting costs by selling advertising space ontables to companies wanting to reach thepool player profile. Even cues have benefit-ted from new technologies. All manner oflaminating, metal cores and layered tipshave been used to tempt and beguile theplayer, as the golf club manufacturers do.

For the operator, something like the Buf-falo Click and Go Tip system has proved aboon. A replaceable tip that looks and playslike a glue-on tip. Unlike standard push-ontips, these are tailored to the cue and stay onwith suction. Easy for staff to change, but lesslikely to come off and roll around the floor.Of course, technology has really been usedin the domestic pool market, where tableslike the Lambert and Blacklight boast inte-gral lighting, iPod docks and sound systems.

KEYNOTE

Operators must keepup with the timesA changing pool landscape has focussed the market, with thosecompanies investing in tables equipped with modern technology andhigh quality materials much more likely to succeed, according to SAMLeisure’s Liam Barrett.

C

Essential Guideto After Sales &Service Next Week

AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

10The Essential

Guide to pool table &accessories

16This week’s

machinecharts

17B2B listingsand industrymarketplace

20Classified

sales, job andbusiness

opps

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1. THE GAMEThe game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these rules as ‘the game’.It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of thegame and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play.The referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules areobserved.

2. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAMEThe game is played on a rectangle 6-pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Ballscomprise of two groups, represented by two different coloured balls plus the 8 Ballwhich is black.Alternatively, numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7 which are plain colouredballs, 9-15 which are striped coloured balls.Balls in the two groups are known as object balls.

3. THE OBJECT OF THE GAMEThe player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in any order and then legally pocketing the 8 ball (black) wins the game.

4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME (OR RESTART)a) The balls are racked as illustrated (right)

with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot which is at the intersection of the centre and the corner pockets.

b) Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking or requesting his/her opponent to do so.

c) The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball on or within the ‘D’. That player must pot one or more object balls or cause at least two object balls to return to an imaginary line joining then two centre pockets (i.e. to the ‘D’ half of the table). This constitutes a legal break. the breaking player shall then verbally nominate his group of object balls before play continues, even if a foul has been committed when Rule 6 will apply (except as in 4f)

d) Any balls potted prior to groups being nominated are ignored for the purpose of establishing a players’ group of object balls.

e) If a legal break is not achieved the balls are re-racked and the oncoming player restarts the game with one free shot, following which the group must be nominated before continuing with a normal visit to the table.

f) If the player pockets the 8 Ball (black) from the break, the game shall be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. the balls to be re-racked. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball are ocketed as well.

g) If a ball or balls are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either:

i) Fails to pocket one of his/her set of allocated balls, orii) Commits a foul at any timeh) Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his/her group

of balls first (unless Rule 6b applies)i) A player may legally pocket one or more of their opponents object balls providing

the cue ball strikes one of their own group first and providing one or more of their own groups are pocketed on the same shot.

5. FOULSa) In off (cue ball pocketed)b) Hitting opponent’s balls before his/her own ball or balls, except when rule 6b appliesc) Failing to hit any ball with the cue balld) Jump shots - defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before

making contact with any object balle) If a player hits the 8 Ball (black) with the cue ball on the first impact before all

his/her own balls have been potted, except when Rule 6b appliesf) Potting any opponents balls except when rule 4i or 6b applies.g) Ball off the tablei) Any object ball or the 8 Ball (black), shall be returned to the 8 Ball spot (see 4a) or

as near as possible to that spot without touching any other ball, in a direct line between that spot and the centre of the ‘D’

ii) If the cue ball, the ball to be played from any position on or within the ‘D’. A ball shall be deemed to be ‘off the table’ if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table.

h) If the player clothing or body shall touch the ball.i) Player not having at least one foot on the floor.j) Playing or touching with the cue any ball other than the cue ball.k) Playing out of turn.l) Playing before balls have come to rest.m)Playing before the ball or balls have been re-spottedn) Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.o) Striking the cue ball with the cue more than oncep) Playing a shot before the breaking player has nominated a group of object balls

following the break shot.q) Push stroke (see 8a)r) Moving an object ball or the 8 Ball (black) when playing away from a touching ball.

6. PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOULa) Following any foul described under rule 5 the oncoming player may play the cue ball

from where it lies or from the ‘D’ as in rule 8b and proceed as in 6b. Moving the cue ball to the ‘D’ does not constitute a Shot or Visit.

b) Following a foul the oncoming player is entitled to one free shot which may be played without nomination, play the cue ball directly onto any ball, including oppponents object balls and the 8 ball (black). However the 8 ball (black) may not be pocketed, which would mean loss of the game, unless the player has already pocketed all of their own group of object balls and only needs to pocket the 8 balls (black) to win the game.

c) Following the single free shot described in 6a the player will commence his/her normal visit.

7. LOSS OF GAMEa) If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before he/she pockets all balls in his/her own

group, except as allowed under rule 4g, he/she loses the game.b) A player going in off the 8 ball(black) when the 8 ball (black) is potted, loses the

game.c) A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own group

will lose the game.d) If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball or

retrieving a ball dropping into the pocket he/she shall lose the game.

8 GENERALa) PUSH STROKE - defined as when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the

cue ball once it has commenced its forward motion.b) CUE BALL IN HAND - When a player has a cue ball in hand he/she plays from any

position on or within the ‘D’ and in any direction.c) PLAYER IN CONTROL - A player is said to be in control of the table from the time

that his/her body, cue or clothing touches the table prior to his/her shot, through his/her visit and up until his/her opponent does likewise prior to his/her visit. Any balls which fall into the pockets during this period (including 8 balls (black), he/she is said to have potted and he/she is liable to any penalties or benefits normally awarded to him/her for the potting of that ball or balls as are accorded to him/her inthe rules of the game (rule 5c applies)

d) The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is potted in any pocket and all the remaining balls including the cue ball have come to rest, except where rule 4f applies.

e) TOUCHING BALL - A player must play away from a touching ball which must not move (see 5s). If the touching ball is one of the players own group, he/she is deemed to have played that ball. If the touching ball is not one of his/her own group the cue ball must strike one of his/her own group. When 6b applies a player must play away from the touching ball and is deemed to have played the game.

9. STALEMATEShould any situation arise whereby a legal shot cannot be played, then the game should be restarted by the same player whether this situation is arrived at by accident or design. If in the opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to progress or a stalemate situation has arisen, then the game shall bere-started taking into consideration “GUIDANCE”(h)

GUIDANCEa) The term ‘shot’ means striking the ball once.b) The term ‘visit’ refers to one turn at the table comprising one or a series of shots.c) The term ‘break’ refers to the first shot of the game or the first shot of the game

being re-started.d) Coaching is deemed to be unsportsmanlike behaviour (See rule 1)e) A referee may, if requested, advise on rules of the game.f) There is an obligation on both players to ensure the breaking player nominates a

group of object balls.g) The Referee should ensure that excessive time is not taken to play a shot and

should act in accordance with competition rules or guidance.h) Re-racks as in Rule 9 may be a reduced number of balls in accordance with

competition rules or guidance.i) In Doubles Matches, once a player is in control of the table conversation with

others including the partner is unsporting and shall be dealt with under competition rules.

Suzo International (UK) LtdUnit 5 Leigh Close, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3NFTel: 020 8336 1300 Fax: 020 83361490 Email: [email protected]

UK 8 BALL POOL RULES

Unit 1-2 King Georges Trading Estate, Davis Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1TT Tel: 020 8391 7700 Fax: 020 8391 7760 Email: [email protected] www.suzohapp.co.uk

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Essential Guide to ... Pool tables, cloth & acSector Overview

SWOT ANALYSIS CUE SPORTS SECTOR

hile the traditional pool-playing venue- local pubs - has struggled since smok-ing legislation and closures due to

beer taxes and lower discretionary spend-ing, several other styles of pool and snooker-playing venues have come to the forefront inrecent years.

Large holiday camp chains have embracedcue sports since the turn of the century, whilepool has become an expected staple of FECsattached to cineplexes and bowling alleys. Fur-thermore, the emergence of American-

themed diners has contributed to a quiet ren-aissance of cue sports in the UK.

While for those of us lucky to have dispos-able income to spend, the sheer amount ofchoice is wider than ever before and it isaccepted that to spend a pound - or anythingunder that - for entertainment that lasts morethan five or ten minutes represents fantasticvalue for money. With the norm still being apound a play, this competitive price pointmore than stacks up against two spins on anAWP, a single tune on a jukebox or a cheap cap-

Unit 7 Lancaster Road, Carnaby Industrial Estate, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, YO15 3QY, UK

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SWOT ANALYSIS

Good value coin-opentertainmentAs the only coin-op pastime that develops skill and competitiveness,cue sports have become a regular fixture in pubs, clubs, holidaycamps, cineplexes and bowling alleys the length and breadth of thecountry.

STRENGTHS

• Provides a ‘social service’ for regulars• Creates a fun, yet competitive atmos-

phere• Inclusive for all, even children

WEAKNESSES

• Not spectacular earners• Large footprint

OPPORTUNITIES

• Cloth and accessories can be branded• Waiting for turn on pool table leads to

enhanced wet sales• Cue sports a staple diet of bowling

alleys, cineplexes and holiday camps

THREATS

• Smaller, quicker ROI coin-op pieces• Pub closures

W

sule gift. Moreover the addition of moderncash handling and new technology allowsoperators to switch prices on the fly orenable multi-game and bonus play options.

Leisure venues have long accepted thefact that home and mobile entertainmenthas grown exponentially and now have tooffer the widest possible range of experi-ences to attract a diverse clientele and keepthem there as long as they can. It’s not a coin-cidence, therefore, that clubs and venuesoffering cue sports that survive or prosperare those which offer American pool, music,food, poker and internet access to attractpaying punters.

One of the fundamental challengesfacing the cue sports sector in the UK isnot the quality of the entertainment or theequipment on offer, or indeed from theoperator’s point of view, the price of newaccessories, but the expectations oftoday’s younger generation. Club ownersand manufacturers are facing a stern taskencouraging teenagers to play the game,although manufactures such as MBSSuperleague maintain that younger kidsremain as enamoured with old fashionedpool tables as ever before.

Cue sports suppliers have had to workharder in the face of pub closures and rein-ventions into restaurants than a lack of ded-ication to the game by the three foremostUK pool organisations. Tournaments runby BAPTO, GB9Ball Pool and the BWPPAcontinue to go from strength to strengthwith increased numbers year on year. Usedand promoted correctly, cue sports can be

an excellent tool for generating revenueand more importantly, driving footfall. His-torically, UK pool grew to become an inte-gral part of the pub scene throughinvestment in promotion, standards anddesign, not television coverage.

Despite cue sports becoming a moremainstream leisure activity for all, evi-denced by rising numbers of female anddisabled players, ignorance of how to playall formats still abounds. Because of this,BAPTO believes that there is room forexpansion of both specialist and general-ist sides of the industry. Experts predictthat specialist outlets will continue to bemale dominated and for hardcore cuesports players, but that participant num-bers could be increased by becomingmore female friendly.

There are, however, plenty of brightspots and several in the UK’s capital alone.The Southern Belle on Fulham PalaceRoad, the Green Room/Bush Bar on Gold-hawk Road and Miss Q’s on Earls CourtRoad all opened in recent years showingthat there is still an appetite for investmentin pool venues and that it can be rewardedhandsomely.

Furthermore, the growth of media cov-erage and new games, like American pool,will help the development of the sport.Casual cue sports players will continue toplay in the comfort of a multi discipline envi-ronment, such as an FEC, bowling orcinema complex where they can choosewhether they want to play American pool,have a drink, a meal or play a machine

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Market Perspectives

For operator Kossway, the success of a pooltable depends in a large part on whether an

operator is willing to support the machine.Organising events such as tournaments andspecial promotions are vital for fostering inter-est and can result in a highly profitable table.

“You must, as an operator, sponsor at leastone tournament per year,” said the company’smachine movements manager, Terry Smith. “Ifthe site has more than two tables then thisshould be upped to two or three per year, as thesite must have a big following to sustain thatamount of tables.”

Keeping your tables in good working orderwill also go a long way to ensuring that puntersare happy to put down a few pounds for a ses-sion. “It goes without saying that a clean andclearly marked table will take more money thanone that is poorly maintained,” said Smith. “Ifyour customer is a little pro-active and willingto spend five minutes a day brushing his tablethen he will reap the benefits week after week.”

Ensuring that tables are well looked aftermay take a little time, but it’s a prudent deci-sion that will ensure early replacements are notneeded. For the same reasons, Kosswayalways ensures that it uses top quality clothwhen refurbishing its portfolio. “This helps withthe life of the cloth,” notes Smith. “Alwaysrecover your tables with the best cloth moneycan buy and this will save money in the long runand keep you customer, along with his regu-lars, happy.”

With such helpful advice in mind, Kosswayare confident of seeing good returns from pooltables across the country. Even accounting fora slight summer dip, its games are performingwell across the board. The pool industry is cur-rently, “very healthy,” according to Smith,“although we saw a slight dip in cashbox takeover a 5 week period due to tables being cov-ered during the World Cup matches, but thishas now been restored.”

Overall the game remains popular with theBritish public, thanks in part to continuedmedia coverage of its professional scene.“Coverage on sports TV has helped in keepingthe leisure game popular,” notes Smith, withthe general public still keen to seek out tables

and engage in friendly competi-tion.

TOURNAMENTS

Tournaments amust for operators

Keeping your well maintained pooltable the centre of attention is key toensuring that its cashbox takings arethe best they can be. For the likes ofKossway, tournament and eventstop that paricular agenda.

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The British Association of PoolTable Operators (BAPTO) has

long been the figurehead of theUK’s pool industry, ushering itthrough the shifting markets ofthe twentieth and twenty-firstcenturies. Now, in 2014, thegroup has good reason to be bull-ish about the status of this much-loved leisure activity.

“The pool sector is in a healthyposition and still remains thegame that will bring customersinto your pub,” said chairmanMike Dicks. “Pool maybe one ofthe older games in the pub, but isone that the more you practicethe the better you get. There isalways the incentive to improveyour game, even if it’s only goodfor beating your mates.”

That spirit of competitivenesscan also be channelled into tour-nament play, with a number ofvenues driving success by organ-ising regular events. “Pool leaguesare always a big draw,” said Dicks,“with matches often beingplayed on two or three nights aweek. A regular knockout compe-tition will create a lot interest andan in house league can fill winterevenings.”

Technological developmentsin both electronics and clothmanufacture are helping to pro-duce higher quality tables, whichcan only serve to improve the for-tunes of BAPTO’s members. “Thedevelopment of the electronicpool table has helped the opera-tors not only with the reliability,”said Dicks, “but the ability to varythe price of play to include happyhours that will increase the cashin box. On the playing side, thenew cloths which are now beingproduced not only give the playera better experience, but also alonger life for the operator.”

Employing this standard ofpool cloth and accessories is vitalfor ensuring that a customer’s

ASSOCIATION

BAPTOpositive onpool statusWith amateur pool tournaments continuing to draw acrowd and leisure tables continuing to turn a profit, thefuture is bright for the pool sector, explains industrygroup BAPTO.

desire to return and play again isconstantly rekindled. “It has alwaysbeen important for the operator touse the best equipment available,”said Dicks, “and also to maintain itto a high standard. That ensuresthat the end user will have the bestexperience possible and want tocome back and play again.”

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Essential Guide to ... Pool tables, cloth & acMarket Analysis Products

n this digital age, pub entertainment has increas-ingly leaned on touch screens and high defini-tion displays, but there remains a place for more

traditional forms of entertainment. Particularly thosewhich help foster social engagements and friendly com-petition. “I think the physical interaction between play-ers through the medium of the game of pool still provideswhat many people are looking for, that they they can’tfind with more modern forms of pub entertainment,”said Mike Anderson, general manager of electronic solu-tions provider, Radical Shock. “Of course, with fewer andfewer pubs there are fewer pool tables out there andthere is also still a strong contingent of ‘pub pool teams’,which provides a strong team dynamic with competi-tiveness for younger players coming in to the market.”

Radical Shock manufactures a number of productsdesigned to support the sector, including its Unipool plat-form. Each of these products is designed with the overallaim of boosting an operator’s bottom line. “This is reallywhere the modern Microcoin SP 115 coin validator andthe Unipool PCB platform work so well in harmony,” saidAnderson. “With the capability of multi-coin acceptancethrough the coin validator and multi-game and bonusplay settings on the Unipool PCB, the operator benefitsfrom increased revenues through the table.”

The addition of this technology is of benefit to boththe operator and the player, who can enjoy a smootherand more varied experience. “In essence, the modernelectronically operated pool table provides players witha richer experience through additional multi-gameoptions and coin acceptance,” explained Anderson,“whilst the operator benefits from accurate auditingand greater security.”

The system can also be used to create new marketingopportunities. “The operator has the facility to quicklyand easily introduce ‘promotions’ through pricing, multi-game and bonus play variations,” said Anderson.

As a company, Radical Shock, are keen to innovate anda number of new upgrades and additions are in the works.“We have two new technologies that are being applied toenhance our pool products,” said Anderson. “The first,which is available now, is an illuminated coin slot face-plate, which helps to attract players to use the table, whilstassisting payment in gloomier environments. The secondtechnology is our new Dual Pool System, which allowsfor two different pool game types to be included on theone table, providing the player with a genuine game selec-tion. This also effectively allows the operator to promotedouble the pool game options through the same numberof tables. This is currently being trialled in the USA.”

Although, admits MBS Superleague director EricLewis, the pool market has contracted somewhat

in recent years, there are still passionate players inthe marketplace who demand high quality products.Tournaments and pool leagues remain populararound the country and Lewis says he receives, “twoor three calls a week” to discuss cushion bounce andother table features. This has motivated his companyto develop a new steel block table that will shortly becoming to market. The table promises to deliver, “20percent more bounce,” and should, “take the pres-sure off the operators,” from players who areunhappy with the responsiveness of older products.

Lewis, however, is confident that pool will remaina mainstay of the casual pub and bar market.

“When there’s a pool table in the pub, people willalways play it,” he said, also referencing the oldadage that pool popularity moves in seven yearcycles. “As it picks up,” he said, “I think you’ll findthat people go back to the pubs.”

Even in the face of games consoles and smart-phones, few young children can resist the allure of thepool table. “Any little kids, who can hardly hold thecue, still loves playing and missing balls,” said Lewis.In fact, the pool table has endured in the face of manymore modern forms of entertainment. “The old pooltable takes X amount, week in week out,” said Lewis.“It will outlive many more technical machines and in12 months you’ll have earned your money back. If apub takes that seriously, it’s a win-win situation.”

s the temperature soars punters hit the pub gardens andwho’s to blame them. Summer, even a British summer, isnever a time of high revenue on the pool tables. Unless, of

course, the punters in question are the mobs of young people thatdescend on bowling centres, holiday camps and FECs as soon as theschool holidays arrive.

Fortunately, operators of these venues have learnt over time tomake hay while the sun shines and favour American pool tables,more particularly, SAM American pool tables.

The big ball game dovetails perfectly into the all round leisureexperience operators strive to create; drawing in the family busi-ness and maximising spend by offering fun games with maximumattraction.

Not only is American pool a simpler, easier game for the novice,where modest or even lucky play is rewarded by the satisfyingthud of a ball sunk in the pocket, but the faster nature of playmeans sites are rewarded too, with faster turnover of players andhigher revenue.

As the country drags itself out of recession, some sectors thatweathered the storm rather better are already looking to expand.American pool is firmly established as an integral part of successfulBowling and FEC operations like Hollywood Bowl.

John Ayres has recently refurbished a tired snooker hall on BognorPier as a Legends Sports Bar, featuring SAM Magno tables: “The oldEnglish pool tables always seemed busy, but there was never muchin the cashbox. The new American tables are generating a muchbetter income. Offering £2 for 12 minutes has enabled us to increaseprice of play without noticeable resistance. The Sports Bar also hasa SAM illuminated football table and the concept complements ourarcade and nightspot perfectly.”

Innovative bar concepts likewise recognise the allure of the Amer-ican game, as brands like The Bierkeller continue to open new venues.Customers are increasingly distracted by the digital and virtualworlds, meaning that operators must strive even harder to attractand hold their attention. SAM tables offer a high degree of customisa-tion to do just that. This is includes more than just printed cloth, byutilising fully customised tables and complementary products likeair hockey and football tables, SAM can enable venues to reinforcebrand image, offer supplier advertising and sponsorship or just makebold design statements.

SAM tables offer the best of both worlds to both player and opera-tor. A professional playfield and fun gameplay on a robust and reli-able table, with up todate technology thatprovides TriBand vari-able pricing and faultlessAccuVend ball separa-tion. SAM’s philosophyhas always been, deliverfun and value to thepaying customer andthey will return againand again. Maximise theoperators revenue andso will they.

SAM LEISURE

American poolrides the wave ofsummer funThe fun-packed world of American Pool is helping tobolster the cashbox nationwide, with SAM Leisureleading the charge thanks to a range of catchingproducts in diverse shapes and sizes.

TECHNICAL

Classic pool with moderntech provides radical twistOld fashioned pool and moderntechnology go hand in hand at RadicalShock, with the company’s productshelping to boost the cashbox ofoperators around the world.

PUBS

Despite keen tournament players often monopolising the attention of dedicatedmanufacturers, MBS Superleague believes that pool tables still have a prominentroll to play in traditional pub entertainment.

AI

Pool tables stilla “win-win”

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& accessories

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

B2B

15

the UK’s biggest sellerfor over ten years.

American PoolFirst choice for Sports Bars,Bowls and FECs

Quicker games, higher revenue

Stylish modern design,robust construction

Cabinet & cloth combinationsfor every environment

Variable price of play options

Proven AccuVend reliability

Radical Shock manufactures control PCB’s and systemsfor a wide range of market sectors, including pool

table, car wash, barrier control/entry and amusements.In addition to this, it is the sole UK and Ireland distrib-uter for the full range of MicroCoin payment systems andinterface technology.

In particular, Radical Shock has developed a highlysuccessful business providing products and services tothe UK and Irish pool table market for more than 13 years.As a result it has acquired a deep commercial and techni-cal understanding of the pool table business, such thatmanufacturers, operators and service providers all bene-fit from the team’s knowledge and enjoy a rapid responseto their requirements. This rapid response has becomethe trademark of Radical Shock. Whether it is an urgentrequirement for a replacement faceplate, battery packetc. on a Friday afternoon by an independent operator, ora regular supply of parts and components by a large scale

manufacturer, Radical Shock is fully geared up for thechallenge.

As the authorised sole distributor in the UK and Ire-land for the MicroCoin range of coin and note paymentsystems in the pool table market, Radical Shock cansupply whatever is required. Everything from a simplereplacement faceplate to a complete conversion kit from‘S’ series coin validators to fully programmable SP coinvalidators, including all necessary interface connectivity.In addition, a whole range of parts and components arereadily available from stock such as, motors, crank arms,Unipool PCB’s, Unipool microchips, coin meters, batterypacks and switch locks.

Rapid and comprehensive technical support and serv-ice has always been seen as a crucial element of the Rad-ical Shock offering and this is provided through aninternal dedicated customer support team, headed byRob Bailey and an external dedicated sales engineer,

James Reed. Thisresource has the abil-ity to resolve virtuallyany technical issuethat arises regarding theeffective operation of a pool table and can often be doneover the telephone. Where necessary, of course, a per-sonal visit by James is always easily arranged.

The latest offering from Radical Shock in the pool tablemarket is Dual Pool technology, which allows two totallydifferent pool games to be selected and played on thesame table. By having independently controlled ball trayslocated at each side of the pool table, the player simplyselects the game to be played and pays accordingly. Radi-cal Shock provides the complete operating infrastruc-ture for the Dual Pool System and has supplied the firstbatch of these ‘kits’ to a major pool table manufacturer inthe USA.

Suzo-Happ’s entry intothe pool and snookermarket has seen themrapidly become one ofthe largest suppliers ofcloth and accessories tothe UK industry.

Over the past few years, clothand accessories for pool and snooker

have formed a large and important part ofthe Suzo-Happ product portfolio. From sell-ing a few pool cues and other billiard acces-sories here and there, Suzo-Happ has reallyfocused hard on the pool and snookermarket in recent years, becoming thelargest supplier of pool and snooker acces-sories in the UK.

Suzo-Happ also supply a strong range ofpool and snooker cloth from some of theleading manufacturers, such as WSP Tex-tiles (formerly Milliken) and Eurospeed.Pool and Snooker operators really value theneed for high quality cloth, whether it’s the6811 Tournament Snooker Cloth, the 6811or 777 napped variants, there is somethingfor all types and budget.

The pool cloth contains a “spill guard “chemical agent as standard, which enablesliquid spillages to be cleared up quickly andeasily and also greatly reduces the risk ofstaining the cloth.

Not only is Suzo-Happ able to provide

cloth by the bolt, butthe company is alsoable to produce pre-cut bed and cushionpacks to any size, inpretty much anycolour people maywant, using its housecloth cutting facility.

Suzo-Happ has awide selection ofpool and snooker

balls and can offer everything from theworld renowned Belgian Aramith range tothe company’s own selection of balls andaccessories from the newly created Bil-liardPro line.

To help assist operators and cloth fittersalike, Suzo-Happ has also created its own‘Refurb Kit’ for pool tables, which includeseverything from cloth and balls to cues andchalk, all in a handy pack. This is ideal for engi-neers to take to site in the boot of their cars.

All of Suzo-Happ’s products are sourceddirectly from the manufacturers to ensurethat it remain competitive and can controlits own supply chain.

The company has a lot of experience andexpertise in this sector and are always onhand to help our customers choose theright products for them. Its global reach,large stock holding and purchasing directfrom the manufacturers enables Suzo-Happ to continually add new products tothe market and maintain a high level ofquality at extremely competitive prices.

RADICAL SHOCK

SUZO-HAPP

All around supplier

Making a radical impactExperienced pool suppliers and engineers Radical Shock are prepared for rapid deployment and armed withadvanced multi-game technology.

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B2B

Essential Guide to ...Pool tables, cloth & accessories

Products Analysis

CATEGORYB3 (£2/£500 Max.)

CATEGORYD (10p/£5 Max.)

CATEGORYB4 (£2/£4000 Max)

AGCsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Slotto 500 Astra2 3 King of Slots Blueprint3 4 Triple 8 Barcrest4 5 Mega Bars Big Hit Project Coin5 2 Magic Lotto Ultra Novomatic6 8 Rainbow Riches Community Cash Barcrest7 7 Lady Luck Reflex8 9 TS22 Project9 6 Triple 7 Barcrest10 - Rumple Wild Spins Astra

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

Members clubsThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Alice Queen of Hearts Reflex2 2 Jackpot 100 Barcrest3 3 DOND Live BFG4 4 Street Casino 2014 Storm5 5 Flamin’ 400 Reflex

Based on data from representative sites. Supplied by sector professional

FEC - familyThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Bullion Bars (3 Player) Astra2 2 Party Time Classic (3 Player) Astra3 3 Party Games (4 Player) Astra4 4 Golden Games (3 Player) Mazooma5 5 Adders And Ladders (4 Player) Vivid6 6 Rainbow Riches (3 Player) Empire7 7 Goldrush Stampede (4 Player) Mazooma8 8 Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra9 9 Party Time (3 Player) Astra10 10 DOND (4 Player) Bellfruit

Based on data from four sites Amusement Equipment Co Ltd

FEC - adultThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 1 Magic Games U/R Novomatic2 2 Rainbow Riches Party Barcrest3 3 Magic Games S/D Novomatic4 4 Pure Gold Project5 5 Free Play 70 Project6 6 Party Time Arena (4 Player) Astra7 7 Win Wall Celebrity Astra8 8 Bar X Diamonds 7 Electrocoin9 9 Win Wall Celebrity Astra10 10 Party Time 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 3 Encore T7 (GP3) SG Gaming2 4 Magic Games 100 Ultra Novomatic3 5 Magic Games 3 (s/d) Novomatic4 - Encore T7 (GP1) SG Gaming5 9 Triple 7 (GP3) SG Gaming6 8 Triple 7 (GP2) SG Gaming7 - Bullion Bars Arena Astra8 - Bullion Bars Streak Astra9 7 X3000 Multigame Amatic10 - Mega Jackpots Project

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

Single siteThis LastWeek Week Name / Manufacturer

1 2 Fiddle a Fortune REF2 1 DOND Winfall BFG3 3 Best of British REF4 4 DOND Lucky Streak BFG5 6 Worminator QPS6 5 DOND Powerplay BFG7 7 DOND Time to Play BFG8 8 DOND The Big One BFG9 10 DOND Crazy Chair Gold BFG10 9 Mega Rich BFG

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

In April 2013, David Fisher retired from the pool and snooker side of theindustry, as a former director of Master Billiard Supplies and HazelgroveSuperleague, Eric Lewis took over the running of the company.

A new company, MBS Superleague was formed to amalgamate the two com-panies, streamline the business and operate from a single site in Telford, Shrop-shire. The distribution side of the business had become rundown, as David hadbeen unwell for some time and it had taken its toll, but the company has gradu-ally been addressing the problem with the reintroduction of many existing andnew lines. MBS Superleague has also restarted production of the Imperial, Win-chester and Magnum Superleague tables in mechanical and electronic formats.

Among the newest and most exciting developments at the company is theintroduction of a steel block pool table to meet the exacting demands of thepool leagues, who consistently complain of poor cushion response in mostbrands of table.

The table is still in the development stage, but only has the cosmetics left tocomplete. The company will be marketing this table in conjunction with MikeYates of Kingswood Leisure and the first tables will are expected to be in use ina Marston’s pool tournament at the ‘Hollywell’ in Ilkley during September.

There are several advantages to a steel block table:1) Initial tests show an increase of approximately 20 percent in rebound

using West of England napped cloth and one would expect that to increase withthe use of speed cloth. The percentage rebound is the same for Aramith or poly-ester balls, although the phenolic ball travels further as a result of its greaterweight.

2) Cushions sit flat on the slate, as can be seen in the accompanying image,and run absolutely true to the edge of the slate.

3) Cloth is actually clamped to the table, which eliminates cloth movementand makes it remarkably easy to fit.

4) Balls striking the cushion make a uniform solid sound all around the table,thus alleviating the problem of the unclamped hinged side of the top frame.

5) Slates are fitted in a fixed position within the table body, so alignment canbe perfect and the steel sub frame helps to keep the slate level.

6) The steel block cushions can be fitted after the slate is in position so thereis little extra weight to contend with when installing the body of the table.

MBS Superleague reports that initial comments from interested parties havebeen extremely encouraging, with most many simply saying, “this is so good,why have you never done it before?”

MSB SUPERLEAGUE

New kid onthe blockThe creation of a new steel block table is the latest step in theprogress of MBS Superleague as it continues to meet thedemands of dedicated pool players. The company explains allto Essential Guide.

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B2B

17Sponsored by

NOVOMATIC LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW

FILMCHARTS

CHERYL COLE FTTINIE TEMPAH:CRAZY STUPIDLOVE

UK Box Office ChartThis LastWeek Week Name

1 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes2 2 How to Train Your Dragon 23 1 Transformers: Age of Extinction4 - Monty Python Live (Mostly)5 - Andre Rieu's 2014 Maastricht Concert6 3 Mrs Brown's Boys D'Movie7 - Pudsey the Dog: The Movie8 7 Boyhood9 4 The Fault in Our Stars10 6 22 Jump Street

DAWN OF THE PLANETOF THE APES

LA ROUX: TROUBLE INPARADISE

MUSICCHARTS

UK Jukebox ChartHighest Earning Tracks on Sound Leisure jukeboxesThis LastWeek Week

1 2 Waves (Robin Schulz Remix) Mr Probz2 1 Ghost Ella Henderson3 3 BudapestGeorge Ezra4 5 Hideaway Kiesza5 4 Sing Ed Sheeran6 7 Stay With Me Sam Smith7 6 Summer Calvin Harris8 - It's My Birthday Will.I.Am feat. Cody Wise9 8 Happy Pharrell Williams10 10 Wigglle Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg

Based on data supplied by Soundnet

http://www.soundnet.net/

www.soundnet.net

AlbumsThis Last

Week Week

1 1 X Ed Sheeran2 3 Blue Smoke - The Best Of Dolly Parton3 4 In The Lonely Hour Sam Smith4 5 Wanted on Voyage George Ezra5 8 Ghost Stories Coldplay6 - Trouble In Paradise La Roux7 6 Caustic Love Paolo Nuitini8 9 5 Seconds of Summer 5 Seconds of Summer9 10 Halcyon Ellie Goulding10 16 A Perfect Contradiction Paloma Faith

DownloadsThis Last

Week Week

1 - Crazy Stupid Love Cheryl Cole ft Tinie Tempah2 - Rude Magic 3 - Boom Clap Charli XCX 4 5 Ghost Elle Henderson 5 1 Me And My Broken Heart Rixton 6 6 Budapest George Ezra7 4 Problem Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea 8 3 It’s My Birthday Will I Am ft Cody Wise 9 7 Right Here Jess Glynne10 - Always Mk ft Alana

JNCSALES

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MARKETPLACE

We buy and sell all gaming equipment with over 400 units in stock - From Pool-tables

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COIN AND BANK NOTE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

360Cash is an independent maintenance service provider on a wide range of cash handling equipment. We have fully trained engineers located throughout the UK who can provide service on a call-out basis. Alternatively our central repairs centre can offer a ‘back to bench’ repair service on a range of manufacturer’s cash handling equipment.

PROCOIN SCAN COIN GLORY

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Tel: 01270 211565Email: [email protected] www.360cash.co.uk

We also supply cash handling equipment

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THE HIGHEST EARNING POOL,AIR HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL TABLES

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2379-p10-15-Essential_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 16:48 Page 7

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MARKETPLACE

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

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18

B2B

MERCHANDISESHAUN IS NUMBER ONE

Shaun the Sheep has been voted thebest ever BBC kids’ character in a poll

by the Radio Times magazine. The spinoffcharacter from Aardman Animations’famous Wallace and Gromit series tri-umphed over the likes of Postman Patand Bob the Builder in a contest that col-lated over 41,000 votes.

The results of the poll are no surprise tous,” said James Anderson, general man-

ager for Namco Amusement Europe,the exclusive distributer of Shaun theSheep plush characters for the amuse-ment industry. “Our latest range of charac-ters are flying off the shelves and we expectdemand to soar with the increased market-ing in the run up to next year’s movie.”

SECURITYAFFORDABLE SAFETY

Cricklewood Electronics has a rangeof professional grade CCTV products

on offer, with reductions on a selection ofproducts across the company’s cata-logue. Many ofthese digitalcamera setupscome bundledwith a hard drivesystem forrecording footageand the hardwareto rapidly swiftbetween per-spectives viaDVR.

All of the Cricklewood systems includethe ability to view live feeds over the inter-net from any location, including via mobiledevices. The company has also thrown infree aftersales support for any technical orfault issues that may arise.

MACHINE KITSASTRA HAS SOME NEW TRICKS

Astra has announced that new kits areavailable for its successful Magic Lotto

Ultra machine. The game,which is housed in Novo-matic’s FV623 cabinet, is aB3 title that with stakeoptions of 25p/50p/£1/£2that can pay out the full £500jackpot.

The Magic Lotto Ultra hasbeen available since late2013. Its new kits can be pur-chased via Astra’s regularsupplier partners, CrownDirect, Deith Leisure andRLMS Sales.

BUSINESS OPPBIRMINGHAM AGC ON OFFER

Operators looking to setup in the Birm-ingham area can act quickly to hoover

up a leasehold adult gaming centre in aprominent position inthe south of the city.The location is twomiles from the citycentre and has thecapability to hold fourB3 machines, 17 CatC and 10 Cat D prod-ucts. The new leasewill last until 2027,with 900 square feetof gaming floor, plusoffices and toilets, upfor grabs.

SWPEGYPTIAN TREASURE

The dynamic skill game,Return to Pharaohs Gold,

is now available from wellknown suppliers, RLMS.This skill with prize title paysout a top award of £50,requiring players to use abuilt-in crossbow to hit spin-ning and sliding icons thatemerge from the tomb of along dead pharaoh. After col-lecting cash and bonusgames, players will take uptheir bow one more time to hita final target which will unlocktheir winnings.

ONLINESMART CHOICES LEADTO SUCCESS

Internet and land-based gaming outfit,the Smart Gaming Group, is reporting

a sharp increase in its online gross rev-enue. Figures are up 35 percent when

Listings2379-p18-19-Listings_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:38 Page 1

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BINGO

19

B2B

MARKETPLACE

Next week’s feature is

After Sales/Service

To advertise, please call Kathryn

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For Spares, Refurbishments,Repairs and Special Offers

call Matt or Terri on 01843 593335

For FREE technical support callSteve or Hugh on: 01843 593353Email: [email protected]

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07442 [email protected]

[email protected]

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

compared to the same period last year,buoyed by strategies implemented byCEO Rob Clark’s new management team.

The company saw particular success inits Smart Live Gaming brand, whichstreams live casino games over the inter-net to players, who can interact with pro-ceedings. “We made a strong start in2014 by focusing on only B2C,” saidClark, “We will maintain this growth byfocusing on product development andincreasing marketing on our brand.”

ala Bingo has set the world recordfor the biggest bingo balls ever usedwith a special one-off game played

on the set of the Coronation Street tour.As well as achieving the Guinness World

Record, the event also saw past stars of thelong-running soap opera join in to helpraise money for the Male Cancer Aware-ness Campaign.

With This Morning’s Alison Hammondcalling each of the 90 custom-made balls,in total around £10,000 was raised for thecharity.

Alison Digges GalaBingo.com Director,said: “We wanted to do something specialfor the launch of Corrie Bouncy Balls,something involving balls. And a GuinnessWorld Record title attempt seemed like agood way to get everyone’s attention.

“So we organised a bingo game on Coro-nation Street, invited some ex-cast membersand have raised money for charity, all at thesame time. We are delighted with the result.”

Galabreaksbingo ballsworldrecord

G

POOLPOOL IS BOOMINGFOR AMS

“Speaking from our own perspective,the pool sector is very healthy and has

a history of being themost stable part of ourbusiness,” said JasonJarrett of AutomaticMachine Services.Not only does he thinkthe pool industry isperforming well, but it’ssuccess has a knockon effect for the rest of a venue’s services.“Those customers who have teams inlocal leagues also have the added luxuryof regular busy nights, which generateincome in other areas of their business,such as wet sales, food and maybe evenextra income to other equipment.”

BINGOBINGO TAKES TO THELINKS

The Bingo Association hasannounced plans for a Golf Day and

associated dinner on 24 September,2014 in Redditch, Worcestershire. Thisforms part of the Association’s new char-ity partnership with Variety, the children’scharity. Existing Bingo Association mem-bers will be given the option to book fourplaces at half price at what it hopes will bea fun day out and a fantastic networkingopportunity.

APPOINTMENTSYX BRINGS IN NEWBLOOD

Anew member of staff has beenappointed to the UK team for Syx

Automations. The company, which cre-ates management systems for the leisureindustry, has hired Jonathan Taylor assales manager.

Headquartered in Ypres, Belgium, Syxalso has a presence in the Nijkerk, Nether-lands and London.Taylor moves onfrom his previousrole as sales man-ager at GladstoneMRM.

2379-p18-19-Listings_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:39 Page 2

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B2B

B2B

Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

Business Opportunities

Classifi edTo advertise: Contact Kathryn Norris on 01204 396 397

Crown Direct 20JNC Sales 21Wexel Gaming 21

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Enquiries: Box Number 266, Coinslot International Magazine Bolton Technology Exchange, 33 Queensbrook, Bolton BL1 4AY

USED POOL

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gaming...and so much more!

New & Used Machine Prices

All prices subject to VAT and Carriage

SWEET FALLS COIN/TKT £18,495MERRY GO ROUND COIN/TKT £16,995BIG PRIZE WINNER £4,995R/R SHOOT TO WIN 2PLY £3,995SALSA £2,495

Pushers

WIZARD OF OZ 2 PLY £13,495TICKET MONSTER £8,995HARPOON LAGOON £7,995CONNECT 4 MINI £6,995GOAL LINE RUSH £6,495SINK IT SINGLE £6,195DEAL OR NO DEAL £3,495DOODLE JUMP £2,995

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PARTY TIME CLASSIC 3 PLY £8,495BULLION BARS CLASSIC £8,495CRAIC IN FUN 3 PLY £5,995BANK RAID 3 PLY £4,750RAINBOW KING 3 PLY £3,995DEAL OR NO DEAL 3 PLY £3,495

10P £5 MULTI-PLAYERS

T8 £7,995PERFORMER 22 £7,995KING OF SLOTS VISION £6,995REVOLVER £5,995MEGA 7 / D&J / MEGA BARS £4,495SLOTTO 500 £3,995CASINO KING SLANT £2,995HOT HOT 500 £2,495MEGA GAMES SLANT £1,995LADY LUCK £1,295JACKPOT KING £995RAINBOW KING £995GAMBLE KING £995

Cat B3 £2 Stake

THIS WEEK STAR BUY

TRANSFORMERS THEATRE £11,995SUPER ALPINE RACER TWIN £11,995DEAD STORM PIRATES £7,995SUPER ALPINE RACER SGL £6,495RAZING STORM £3,995TERMINATOR SALVATION £3,495

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Coinslot AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 7, 2014

£2,100WHEELA WIN

£3,700TEMPLE

RUN

£2,500SLAM A WINNER

£4,500ICE AGE

£3,500

SPEEDDEMON 2PLY(+JACKPOT)

£3,295TIME

CRISIS 4 DLX

£2,100SEGA RALLY

2 TWIN

£2,000GUITARHERO

£800STACKER

£700MAGICSAFE £1,550

MAXIMUM TUNED TWIN

£1,500TIME

CRISIS 3 TWIN

£6,500DEAD HEAT32” LCD

£3,100BATTLEGEAR

4 TWIN

£1,750BATTLEGEAR

3 TWIN

£600SPIDER

STOMPIN

£3,495

LETS GO JUNGLE 50”

PLASMA

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AFTER SALES& SERVICEIssue 2380 - 8th August

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UPCOMING FEATURES

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22 Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Comment

commentken scott

media watchjoe ewens

Glasgow taps into the c

Be carefulwhat youwish for....

With the CommonwealthGames in full swing,

Leisure Opportunities arereporting on a 158 percentspike in hotel prices during thecourse of the competition.According to hotel comparisonwebsite Trivago.co.uk, theaverage price of a Glasgowhotel room for onenight spiked to£344 for the dura-tion of the Com-monwealthGames (23 Julyto 4 August).This is a 158per centincrease on theprevious week,

when one night was reported tocost an average of £133. In July2013, one night in Glasgow costan average of just £78.

The price hike is in contrastto the situation around theLondon 2012 Olympic Games,when the city’s huge hotelcapacity, meant room rates

only rose 17 per cent inthe lead-up to the

Games. The web-site’s researchclaims the mostexpensive nightto book a room inGlasgow was

Sunday 27 July,with guests facing

the prospect of fork-

OBTs got another PR past-ing this week - and youcan almost hear the bells

ringing out for the anti-gamblinglobby around the country. And infairness, this one was a great angle- we learnt that a bookie - yes, areal life bookmaker of manydecades standing - has jumpedship and sided with the anti-FOBT campaign, telling his trau-matic tale to the Sunday People.

What a coup, you’d think, forthe anti-crack cocaine cam-paigners - a suicide, anattempted suicide, thousands ofpounds lost (and won) on themachines - it is all too much tobear for the said bookie. Banthem immediately, he argues.Except he personally hasn’t.“They’re as bad as the worst kindof drug,” he tells the paper. Buthe continues to operate them, infact three of them, according tothe interview.

And all through the read, youcan imagine the journalists andthe anti-campaigners salavatingat the prospect of another blowto the FOBT.

I suppose it is a dent to thecredibility and sustainability ofthe machines: but then it hardlyreflects well on the anti-FOBTbrigade who have opened them-selves up to criticism for danc-ing around the graves of suicidevictims and dragging despair anddespondency out of the sanato-rium and into the public arenajust to score points in the FOBTdebate. This is one story that justticks too many boxes of the argu-ment to be totally credible.

Convenient or not - it doesn’treally make any difference, thebetting industry simply cannotwin this round. In fact, it can’twin any round, even when the

empirical and statistical argu-ments support its case - and godknows enough surveys havebeen conducted to find thatsmoking gun.

But it’s the PR nightmare ofthe FOBT that’s the real issuehere - for all of us. Hate them, orreally hate them, it doesn’t matter- for FOBTs read virtually anygaming machine. The mentalityof the anti-brigade is not particu-larly selective. There’s no distinc-tion in their mindset between B2and B3: it’s gaming machines perse. It’s only a short step fromFOBT to B3, Cat C, slots and onand on.

And here is the warning: if any-body in the broader industrythinks the campaign will juststop at FOBTs, it could be a dan-gerously naive perspective.

Be careful what you wish for.As welcome as it is for most of

the amusements and gamingsector, the bash the FOBT cam-paign has serious implications foreveryone - it’s simply inconceiv-able that the anti-gambling brigadehas a one genre agenda.

At the moment, they have avery easy and divided target tobattle against: there’s that bookiewho thinks FOBTs should bebanned; there’s that arcadeowner that thinks the machinesshould be removed; there’s thatbody that thinks FOBTs shouldeither be banned or allowed inall adult only environments.

Even to those in the industrythese arguments sound ladenwith hypocrisy - can you imaginewhat they’ll sound like when thenay sayers packages them up toan MP who cares little about factsand everything about image?

The industry is letting itselfdown. On the one hand, the coin-

op sector cannot sustain its argu-ment that FOBTs either getbanned or granted permissionto operate in AGCs. It’s simplynot sustainable and it under-mines any credibility to theindustry. And the betting sectorshould add some brains to itsludicrously big balls: instead offighting the PR offensive headon, win the hearts and minds andtackle the FOBT issue with prag-matism. There is a commercialsolution to be found here - startusing all that creativity we heareveryone screaming and shout-ing about and put it to long termpositive use: curb the worstexcesses of a machine that isundoubtedly unpopular (albeitunsubstantiated by evidence),apply a fair and palatable frame-work that will sustain its com-mercial success, take control ofthe situation and turn a probleminto an opportunity. And makethat an opportunity other sec-tors of the industry can share inas well.

At some stage, the industryhas got to start working witheach other effectively - before itturns around one day and findsthat the industry has beeneroded away by the lobby of thediscontented.

F

FROM BETTING BUSINESS INTERACTIVE

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23Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

Glasgow hotel prices spike massively due to the CommonwealthGames, while the US casino industry dips worryingly.

The Bingo Associationare intent on makingcapital on the new taxrules for the sector. CEOMiles Baron set out theorganisation’s agenda attheir recent AGM.“ politicsmiles baron

Letter to BACTA Members from new CEO

”o the common wealth

TO COMMENT ON ANY ARTICLE

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ing out an average of £448.Hampden Park stadium madeits Games debut hosting thefirst athletics events on thatday, following a £14 millionrefurbishment.

Elsewhere, Bloomberg Busi-nessweek has revealed a dimfuture for the US bricks-and-mortar casino industry. Theyquote a credit-rating agencythat paints a grim picture ofmuch of the casino industry’sfuture, finding that “long-term,robust same-store growth in USbricks-and-mortar regionalgaming is unlikely.”

Fitch Ratings, in a reportreleased Monday, attributes itspessimism to saturation across

regional markets; stagnantwages among lower-tier play-ers who spend less than $100per casino visit; reprioritisationof disposable income; youngergenerations’ potentially lowerpropensity to gamble; prolifera-tion of online/social gaming;and baby boomers’ loweredpreparedness for retirement.

The Fitch report comes threeweeks after Moody’s InvestorsService downgraded its outlookon the U.S. gaming industryfrom “stable” to “negative.”Moody’s cited recent declinesin gaming revenue. While itsreport focuses on all U.S.casino-based gaming, with theexception of the Las Vegas

Strip, Fitch says its analysis isapplicable, for the most part, totribal gaming, too. Fitch says itexcludes the Las Vegas Stripbecause that market’s operat-ing performance is largelydriven by nongaming amenitieswhile its gaming revenues aredriven by foreign players.

“The US regional gamingsupply has largely met demand,with most states now havingsome form of casino-basedgambling,” the Fitch reportsays. However, it adds, some“pockets of opportunity” exist,one of them being the “Boston-area license that could haveattractive return on investmentprospects.”

Compliance and regulationtake centre stage for all

gambling companies in 2014and Bingo is no different. Thechallenge for a trade associa-tion like the Bingo Associationis when is it right to join forceswith the rest of the gam-bling sector, and when is itbest to focus on your own spe-cific interests? The Bingo Asso-ciation has recently joined acoalition of the five majortrade associations called theIndustry Group for Responsi-ble Gambling (IGRG). The ideabehind this coalition of asso-ciations is to determine whichareas and initiatives the sectorcan reasonably deliver on col-lectively with regard to HarmPrevention and SocialResponsibility. The IGRG areabout to publish their ‘stocktake’ of all current activitiesunderway by sector, highlight-ing areas where they believethe gambling industry canmove forward together andspeak with a single voice. Thiswill cover things like AML,intervention training for staff,messaging, socially responsi-ble advertising etc. In manyways this is not about doinganything new, it’s about doingit better. There is no doubt thatthe increased focus on LCCPis bringing the industry tradeassociations closer togetherwhich is a good thing.

Outside specific harm pre-vention and social responsi-bility initiatives, issues like thenew £1 coin and plastic notes;security, including the sharingof instances of criminal activ-ity, and dispute resolution pro-cedures are all areas wherecloser co-operation acrosstrade associations makes

sense and is beginning tohappen.

But it’s not that easy. Thegambling industry is a broadchurch. Associations can’talways agree and individualmembers within associationsdon’t always agree. The BingoAssociation is likely to focuson a comprehensive andmandatory annual age verifi-cation test, a standard bingoindustry self-exclusionscheme, compulsory contri-butions to research, educationand treatment, and a commit-ment to AML protocols includ-ing TITO/ATR machines.These areas are likely to beenshrined in the first everBingo Industry Code of Con-duct. As always the devil willbe in the detail and some ofthat is still to be workedout, however with LicensedBingo Industry members’ sup-port this could be live by Jan-uary 2015.

Of particular interest to theBingo Association is any dis-cussion on bingo in premisesnot normally associated withthe playing of bingo (a non tra-ditional environment). TheBingo Association has over171 members from the ‘BingoExtra sector’ i.e. outside tradi-tional retail premises. ‘BingoExtra’ premises make up 50%of all licensed bingo venues inGreat Britain and are drawnfrom ex-snooker clubs, Work-ing Men’s Clubs, holiday parks,and former AGCs. These mem-bers are an important andestablished part of the bingoindustry and the associationwill be watching closely to seewhere this goes although it isnot anticipating any issues atthis particular time.

Moving thingsforward

Dear MemberI thought I would drop you a shortnote to say how delighted I am tobe your new Chief Executive atBACTA. As many of you will know Ihave been away from the sectorfor around 15 years after a 12 yearcareer at BACTA as number two toAlan, Warren and then Julian.

A lot has happened since then.The amusement machine industryhas seen quite momentouschanges to the cultural and leg-islative framework in which mem-bers operate; a brand new GamingAct; the rise and rise of internetgaming, and computing powerthat has developed to the pointthat I thought I would only everread about in Science Fictionnovels. This truly is the digital age.These have all presented chal-lenges and opportunities.

Personally, I have run two tradeassociations as Chief Executivesince leaving BACTA.

Firstly, the Federation ofBakers, which represented thesliced and wrapped bread indus-try. The challenge there wasbroadly a reputational one. That is

to say reminding customers andconsumers that whatever theymay think, the convenience andnutritional benefits of sliced breadmeant that it truly was the bestthing since…!

From there I moved on to runthe Timber Trade Federation.Again there was a reputationalchallenge (around illegal logging)which required a clear communi-cations strategy and the develop-ment of a suite of business toolsthat would prove that illegal woodwas not a significant problem forthe UK. Addressing that meant wecould then go on to develop themarket, free from reputationalrisk. I also had to reform theorganisation which had sufferedpreviously from poor manage-ment.

In both cases the key metric ofsuccess was the success of mem-bers’ businesses.

And that lies at the heart of whatI hope to do at BACTA. I will needyour help to build a strategy for thesector that looks to its long-termsustainable health; one whichpositions it correctly in the eyes of

customers, consumers, govern-ment and other stakeholders toenable us to bring forward initia-tives and policy changes that willallow your business to thrive.

In the coming weeks andmonths I will be trying to meet andto speak to as many people as Ican to hear your views on theindustry and on BACTA. I wouldwelcome any input. Please feelable to drop me an email [email protected] or giveme a call either on the officenumber 0207 730 6444 or on mymobile 07875 687370.

These are challenging but excit-ing times for the sector. What I doknow from my previous experiencehere is that this is a great industrywith tremendously resourceful andtalented individuals. You arebacked by a strong team here inVictoria. Together I am sure we candevelop the market for the prod-ucts, services and fun we provideto our customers.With my very best wishes.

Yours sincerelyJohn White

Opening his dialogue with the members

“If they weren’t there, it would give the impression we can’tafford to pay out winnings. For a ban to work, it has to beacross the board.”

BOOKMAKER MIKE SIMONS TALKING TO THE SUNDAY PEOPLE ON THE REASONWHY HE CANNOT REMOVE FOBTS FROM HIS SITE

2379-p30-31-Comment_Coinslot NEW 29/07/2014 17:35 Page 2

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24 Coinslot August 1 - August 7, 2014

EAS TO OFFER EXTENSIVE EDUCATIONPROGRAMME

he Euro AttractionsShow (EAS), takingplace on September

23-25, will boast the largestexhibition floor in the historyof the event and an extensiveeducational programme. Prominent speakers from thesector will share their vastknowledge about currentissues, trends, and advancesaffecting the attractionsindustry. In total, attendeescan take advantage of morethan 20 hours of workshopsand presentations at the RAIExhibition and ConventionCentre and behind-the-scenes tours at a number oflocal Dutch attractions. In

addition to the more than 400businesses displaying theirproducts and services on theexhibition floor, EAS 2014offers three-days of educa-tion seminars. Managersfrom renowned amusementparks and other major publicvenues will discuss a varietyof current topics that will con-

tribute to the further develop-ment of the sector. The edu-cation programme will beginon September 21 with anIAAPA Institute for Attrac-tions Managers and continuein the days leading up to theexhibition hall opening with ashowcase of the latest tech-nologies and products.

UK PINBALL OPEN REGIS-TRATION OPENS

egistration for theUK Pinball Open andthe Team Tourna-

ment, the UK’s premierWPPR-ranking tournament,is now open. To register,and for more details,entrants should go to

www.ukpinballparty.com/tournament/, where they cansecure their places with asecure payment throughPayPal.Pre-registrations arealways over-subscribed, sothe event’s organisers rec-ommend booking early toavoid disappointment.

Calendar

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Email: [email protected]

AUGUST 201412-14Australasian GamingExpo Sydney Exhibition Centre, Syd-ney, Australia www.austgaming-expo.com

SEPTEMBER 20142-4Entertainment Arena Expo,Romexpo Fair Ground, Bucharest,Romania www.earena.ro2-4Playfair at SALTEX 2014 RoyalWindsor Racecourse, Windsor, UKwww.playfairuk.com23-25Euro Attractions Show,RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam,Netherlands www.iaapa.org/eas30-2 LIW 2014 NEC, Birmingham,UK www.liw.co.ukOCTOBER7-9Brand Licensing EuropeOlympia, London, UK www.brandli-censing.eu15-16The Autumn Coin OpShow Chelsea Football Club, London,UK www.coin-opshow.co.uk15-16Kiosk London Expo & Dig-ital Signage London Expo BarbicanCentre, London, UK www.kiosklon-don.co.uk / www.digitalsignagelon-don.co.uk15-17ENADA Rome Rome ExpoCentre, Rome, Italy www.enada.it16-17Surexpo Expo XXI Centre,Warsaw, Poland www.wigor-targi.com30-2G2E 2014 Sands Expo & Con-vention Centre, Las Vegas, USwww.globalgamingexpo.com

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Notes for contributors: Coinslotwelcomes the submission of articles forconsideration by the editor with a view topublication. Submission of an article wil lbe held 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, 2013All 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 acknowl-edgement of author, publisher and sourcemust be given.

ENADA aims to open gateway to Italy

T

Newsweekaffaele Curcio, chairman ofItalian amusement and gaming trade association

SAPAR, has urged that participationin ENADA Rome 2014 is a must foranyone who wants to get a firm gripon developments in the country’smarket.

In the latest edition of Automat,the industry magazine published bySAPAR, Curcio discussed how theassociation is continuing to monitorthe progress of the country’s Tax Bill,as well as cultivating the relevantcontacts to ensure its requests con-

cerning the bill are taken into con-sideration.

The effort underlines SAPAR’s

commitment to safeguarding theinterests of its members and solvingany of the day-to-day problems they

face, he wrote.Curcio commented: “The legisla-

tive obstacles and uncertainties thatour sector all too frequently face aredue to on-going regulations that hin-der and slow down our companies.”

Bearing this in mind, the next edition of ENADA Rome will presenta key opportunity to thoroughlyexamine the various problems, network and discuss what can stillbe done.

The expo will run from October15-17 at its regular venue, the Fieradi Roma in Rome.

R

R

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