AB UK articles from March 2005

AB UK archives from March 2005

From the editor.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... WELL another ATEI is out of the way and we are left wondering what its passing can tell us about the industry's immediate future? For a start, Section 16/21 games are big business. But we knew that already, didn't we? Preview showed us...

Leisure Link has signed significant contracts to manage amusement machine arcades for two of the largest UK Holiday Park operators--Park Dean and Park Resorts.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... LEISURE Link has signed significant contracts to manage amusement machine arcades for two of the largest UK Holiday Park operators--Park Dean and Park Resorts. Both contracts will be managed by the Leisure Projects arm of Leisure Link, which...

Doron's latest SRV simulator, supplied by exclusive distributors the Smiling Lion Company, has been chosen by Mersey Ferries as the motion simulator for its new multi-million pound International Space and Astronomy Centre (ISAC).(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... DORON'S latest SRV simulator, supplied by exclusive distributors the Smiling Lion Company, has been chosen by Mersey Ferries as the motion simulator for its new multi-million pound International Space and Astronomy Centre (ISAC). The SRV will...

Belgravia Leisure has relocated its sales and operational business to Stoke effective from March 1, 2005.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BELGRAVIA Leisure has relocated its sales and operational business to Stoke effective from March 1, 2005. The new operational location is situated within the new TCSJohnHuxley state-of-the-art facility and comprises of a complete office...

New hope for Irish stake and prize levels as show nears.(UK News)
March 1, 2005... IRELAND'S Minister for Justice has indicated his intentions to provide a basis to update stake and prize money limits in the Gaming & Lotteries Act in a new law. The changes which the Minister has in mind will require primary legislation...

FatSpanner brings new ideas to ATEI.(UK News)(Amusement Trade Exhibition International)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... MIDLANDS-based design and manufacturing outfit FatSpanner Ltd. used ATEI to launch the FatBox SLIM. Housed in a new cabinet, the unit comes pre-installed (meaning no additional game licence fee) with a pack of nine games including...

Trustees announce Davidson as new CEO at Gamcare.(UK News)(chief executive officer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THE Trustees of Gamcare have announced the appointment of a new full-time CEO, Jill Davidson Davidson has a Master's Degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling from London University and an MBA from the University of Kingston, Surrey. ...

Barcrest reshuffles pack with job losses as Paul Terroni calls it a day.(UK News)
March 1, 2005... THE Barcrest Group is in the midst of a major upheaval with news of a raft of redundancies coming hot on the heels of the resignation of company stalwart Paul Terroni. Following enquiries by ab:UK, a company statement was issued which...

Government committed to getting Bill through.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THE government has warned the gaming industry that it is determined to get the Gambling Bill into the statute book, but dismissed claims that Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell would rather see the Gambling Bill scrapped and reintroduced after a...

Coin-op's Hall of Fame ready to accept three new members in Blackpool.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THREE industry stalwarts will once again be heralded at this year's Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which takes place at The Imperial Hotel on the first evening of Amuse UK (March 16, 2005). Show organisers have begun the...

ATEI 2005 saw the launch of Felix Corporation's latest concept, Everyone's a Winner.(UK News)(Amusement Trade Exhibition International)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ATEI 2005 saw the launch of Felix Corporation's latest concept, Everyone's a Winner. The machine, says creator Andy Egan, "provides a simple, unique and unconditional guarantee to all participants--absolutely everyone who plays wins."...

Norditalia Ricambi, the Italian-based distributors of Longoni pool and snooker accessorieshas appointed Luxury Pool and Leisure of Warwick to handle sales in the UK.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... NORDITALIA Ricambi, the Italian-based distributors of Longoni pool and snooker accessories, has appointed Luxury Pool and Leisure of Warwick to handle sales in the UK. The relationship was launched at the London ATEI where LPL Director Tom...

A wide range of photos from the ATEI and other coin-op events.(UK News)
March 1, 2005... A WIDE range of photos from the ATEI and other coin-op events can now be seen on a new industry website at www.thefotos.net.

IBN wins top business gong for rapid growth in media.(UK News)(Inspired Broadcast Networks)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... INSPIRED Broadcast Networks, the digital arm of operator Leisure Link, has been named the overall winner of the Media Momentum Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Award by corporate finance specialist GP Capital. Inspired beat off...

Digital Tables, the London-based company which manufactures cocktail-style, retro-themed tables, was Going for Gold at ATEI.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Digital Tables, the London-based company which manufactures cocktail-style, retro-themed tables, was Going for Gold at ATEI. The game maker saw show visitors pushing Through the Barricades to get a glimpse of former Spandau Ballet lead singer...

Late Geoffrey Thompson honoured by local community.(UK News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach's former Managing Director, the late Geoffrey Thompson OBE DL, was honoured by his hometown at a recent awards ceremony. Thompson was posthumously awarded the prestigious Individual Contribution to Tourism Award...

A-Rabbit International's President Leo Wang has told InterGame his company is looking for European distributors.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A-RABBIT International's President Leo Wang has told InterGame his company is looking for European distributors for its new multi-function DVD player.

Former Federal Finance Minister Dr. Theo Waigel is the new Chairman of the board of directors at NSM-Lowen Entertainment, according to Austrian Gaming Industries (AGI), subsidiary company of the Austrian Novomatic AG and sole shareholder of NSM-Lowen Entertainment.(International News)
March 1, 2005... FORMER Federal Finance Minister Dr. Theo Waigel is the new Chairman of the board of directors at NSM-Lowen Entertainment, according to Austrian Gaming Industries (AGI), subsidiary company of the Austrian Novomatic AG and sole shareholder of...

IGT Africa has moved offices.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... IGT Africa has moved offices. The new address and contact details are: 48 Cnr Indianapolis Street and Brand Hatch Close, Kyalami Business Park, Midrand, 1684. There is no change to the main telephone and fax numbers, however an alternative...

No boycott from operators at ASI say US trade bodies.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THERE is no evidence to support a rumour filtering its way across the US trade that a number of influential operators, including some AMOA leaders, are planning to boycott the upcoming AAMA-sponsored ASI show in Chicago, say the operator's...

US video content bills cover coin-op.(International News)
March 1, 2005... THE US manufacturers' association AAMA's Government Relations team has been active in tracking and responding to new video content legislative initiatives across the US. In addition to the two Illinois measures reported previously, AAMA has...

Sega re-acquires Gamesworks chain from bankruptcy.(International News)
March 1, 2005... SEGA GameWorks, which has been in bankruptcy since early last year, appears to have a new owner. News reports from earlier this month say that a division of Sega ($5 Entertainment USA) outbid a surprising competitor for the assets of the...

Tecnoplay makes Russian connection at London show.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... EMANLIELA Volta, overseas sales and marketing manager of Italian manufacturer/ distributor Tecnoplay revealed that her company did a lot of business with Russian firms at ATEI 2005, including a deal with the Moscow-based operator Magic Slot....

Global VR adds Harris to sales team.(International News)(James E. Harris appointed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... GLOBAL VR recently appointed James E. Harris to its executive team as vice-president of worldwide sales. With more than two decades experience as a senior sales and marketing executive, Harris' CV includes stints steering start-up, turnaround...

GLI Africa first testing firm to get SA national licence.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... GLI Africa has become the first SANAS-accredited test laboratory in South Africa with a national licence. GLI achieved the honour after the Gauteng Gambling Board converted GLI Africa's Certificate of Suitability to a National Licence for...

Norwegian operators still not happy with extra time.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... PRIVATE operators in Norway have mixed feelings about the six months reprieve they have been offered while the government awaits the results of its appeal with the EU. A ruling is expected in June this year as to whether the monopoly on AWP...

Another attempt is to be made to open up Massachusetts to legalised gambling.(International News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ANOTHER attempt is to be made to open up Massachusetts to legalised gambling. The US state's lawmakers believe that too many dollars are going out of the state into neighbouring jurisdictions which have gambling. Several new bills have been...

At the IMA in Nurnberg, Amatic's Tatjana Bauer told ab:UK of her company's exclusive distribution agreement recently signed with Bally Wulff.(International News)(Bally Wulff Vertriebs GmbH)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... AT the IMA in Nurnberg, Amatic's Tatjana Bauer told ab:UK of her company's exclusive distribution agreement recently signed with Bally Wulff. Her take on the deal was that "they have a great sales force, we develop great software." Amatic was...

UK casino operator Gala has been critical of the government's climbdown on gambling liberalisation.(Casino News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... UK casino operator Gala has been critical of the government's climbdown on gambling liberalisation, becoming the first UK operator to publicly withdraw its support for the new Gambling Act. Chief Executive Neil Goulden has been quoted as...

Tribeca Tables Software Development, a provider of comprehensive e-poker solutions.(Casino News)(Tribeca Tables Europe Ltd. formed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... TRIBECA Tables Software Development, a provider of comprehensive e-poker solutions, has created Tribeca Tables Europe Ltd. The new organisation was formed to better serve Tribeca Tables' existing clients and in anticipation of the growing...

Clockfair Ltd.(Casino News)(appointments)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... IAN Hamilton has been appointed general manager of the new 2.5m [pounds sterling] Broadway Casino to be hunched next month in Birmingham by Clockfair Ltd. Hamilton, who has more than 30 years' experience in the casino industry, will be...

BCA ready to fight to the end for existing operators' rights.(Casino News)(British Casino Association)
March 1, 2005... THE British Casino Association is launching a "financially limitless" campaign to oppose the Gambling Bill as it stands to try and achieve "a fair deal for existing operators." The BCA believes that the legislation now being considered by...

Stanley bases web success on land.(Casino News)(Stanleybet)(online casino services )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... STANLEYBET will relaunch its online casino services over Easter, hoping that its land-based presence will provide a platform for success. "With our existing site, we felt we were not offering enough games," said Jonathan Steinberg, head...

Atronic ensures satisfied customers with London trip.(Casino News)(Atronic Casino Technology)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ATRONIC awarded an all-expenses-paid weekend trip for two to London as the star prize in its annual customer survey lottery. The surveys were sent out to all Atronic customers last year to gain feedback on products and services. Every...

London casino bids to face environmental committee.(Casino News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... AN investigation to find out what impact five new proposed super casinos will have on London and its residents has been launched. In the capital, there are plans to build supercasinos at the Millennium Dome, Wembley Stadium, Kensington...

Stanley strikes deals with two firms.(Casinos News)(Stanley Casinos)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... HK operator Stanley Casinos has decided to develop its relationships with EndX and Bally by installing the EndX Intelligence suite of products at its Star City casino in Birmingham and by installing the Bally CashMaster Exchange system in...

Ex-Maygay man named Bally European sales manager.(Casino News)(Bally Gaming and Systems)(appointments)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BALLY Gaming and Systems has named Neil Lewis as European sales manager. In his new position, Lewis will be responsible for overseeing the company's expanding sales efforts across Europe. He will be based in the company's UK office in...

A Casino billed as the biggest on the south coast.(Casino News)(Gunwharf Quays)(Grosvenor casino)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A CASINO billed as the biggest on the south coast has opened its doors at Gunwharf Quays. The new Grosvenor casino replaces the company's venue in South Parade, Southsea, which has closed after three decades. Nine hundred people will...

Isle of Man Treasury Minister Allan Bell.(Casino News)(Tax policy)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ISLE of Man Treasury Minister Allan Bell has announced a zero rate of income tax for six more sectors of the island's economy, one of which is the e-gaming sector. The budget announcement has accelerated the zero rate introduction for...

Heber Limited launched its new Integrated Video Controller range.(Spares)
March 1, 2005... HEBER Limited launched its new Integrated Video Controller range at ATEI 2005. Axis is an entirely new range of compact control systems for the gaming and amusement industry. Based on the widely used Linux operating system, this...

New dual action enhances security of Camactive lock.(Spares)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... CAMLOCK Systems, manufacturers and suppliers of industrial locks and locking systems, has launched the first product in a family of "next generation" locks called Camactive. The new locks are doubly resistant to the misuse of keys and to...

Clear advances from 3m at ICE show.(Spares)
March 1, 2005... 3M Touch Systems introduced a new generation of capacitive touch systems--ClearTek II Profile and MicroTouch Software Suite--at the ICE show in January. These are supported by EX II electronics and include significant software and driver...

Cree products light way for Forge Europa in LED sector.(Spares)(Cree Lighting Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... FORGE Europa has reached a ground breaking agreement with Cree Lighting granting it exclusive distribution rights in a number of territories for XLamp LEDs. Cree has produced a family of packaged high power LED products which are truly...

Faster Than Speed.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Sammy FASTER Than Speed is the new street racing game from Sammy, built on the Atomis Wave system and, according to the manufacturers, is a relatively cheap pick in the competitive driving game market. Players have eight custom built...

Thrill Drive 3.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Konami IN the past, Thrill Drive games haven't particularly had success with operators outside of Japan. However, when they do get an opportunity in other regions they are very popular. Konami has introduced different courses including...

Extreme Hunting.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Sammy EXTREME Hunting allows players to compete in a head-to-head competition through multiple target stages. There are hidden weapons with decoys, six bonus stages and an elite stage. The game features six animals--the mule deer, the...

Wheel-a-Win.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Cromptons WHEEL-a-Win is an attractive pusher including a bonus play that attracted a lot of interest on its release at ATEI. Players can insert up to two coins (or tokens) at a time, which are flipped to the back of the playfield,...

NFS Underground.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Global VR NEED For Speed--Underground is Global VR's attempt to taps into the current "tuner" culture urban street racing market. Offering well known licensed cars such as Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 350Z, and the respected...

Prize party.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Sammy THIS big vendor from Sammy is currently making a name for itself in other markets. Its success has stemmed from the large amount of different merchandise that it is capable of displaying. Pictured is the eight-head unit, but the...

Buyer beware: in the aftermath of ATEI, ab:UK's regular columnist [and professional Welshman] David Snook looks back to discover the essence of the show and examines what lies in store for the event's future owners.(Snookered)
March 1, 2005... COMING to the London show this year, I came a different rail route, into Kings Cross instead of Euston. I mention it because a flood of memories was the result of rattling through London's outskirts. There, suddenly, rising over the landscape...

Lo gear: we at ab:UK know how hard it is to make sure you get to, and get around, all the trade shows. But never fear, Sales Pitch brings the industry's top salesmen to your desk and gives you a choice of the hottest products every month. This month ... Lo-tech AWPs.(Sales Pitch)
March 1, 2005... Game: Fire and Ice From: Red Gaming Pitcher: Nik Novak FIRE and Ice--the cracking random, lo-tech product with very simple game play--is already carving a solid reputation for itself within the arcade and bingo markets. ...

Media savvy: a new breed of games maker is entering the coin-op arena, utilising progressive technologies and looking at a more content driven approach to the business. Games Media is one such enterprise ...
March 1, 2005... THE mature face of the UK AWP manufacturing industry has undergone a much needed and long prophesised makeover this past year and has emerged a younger, slimmer and more versatile entity. This was increasingly apparent to visitors to the ATEI...

Poker in Europe--the next battlegrounds ... Steve Cook from Tribeca Tables Software Development explores where next for online poker companies.
March 1, 2005... TWO years on, the online poker explosion has seen the industry grow from 53,000 [pounds sterling] in gross rake per day in January 2002 to a staggering global total of over 1m [pounds sterling] per day. While online gaming itself...

Show and tell.(ATEI Report)
March 1, 2005... AWPs THERE can be little doubt about the focus of the UK industry at the ATEI this year. Section 16/21 games ruled the roost, with some estimates suggesting that there were over 50 manufacturers of the machines exhibiting at Earl's...

A new ICE age? This year's ICE show was dominated by talk about new owners, new legislation and emerging technology. InterGaming editor and regular ab:UK contributor Phil Clegg gives his opinion of this year's show.(Show Report)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THE organisers' figures said there were 9,008 visitors to this year's International Casino Exhibition, a 23 per cent increase on last year. That came as a surprise to me--I thought the aisles seemed more traffic-free than in 2004. That...

Commission statement.(Jenny Williams)(Interview)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... Although the contents of the Gaming Act are currently far from certain, what we do know is that the body due to replace the Gaming Board, the Gambling Commission, will have significant power over the industry. David Snook met up with the...

Globetrotter.(Merit Industries Bacta Ball)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... MERIT industries' Bob Mills shows the band the way to play blues with his pretty impressive impromtu harmonica solo at the BACTA Ball (right) and afterwards he and Scoff McIvery entertained hangers-on (which of course included Globetrotter)...

Show diary.(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... 2005 March 1-2: AMEX 2005, Lynch Green Isle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland (Eire). Contact: MD Associates, Enterprise Centre, Melitta Road, Kildare, Ireland. Tel: +353 45 521190 Fax: +353 45 521198 ...