THE BUSINESS FOR GAMES

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GLOBAL GAMES AND GAMING MAGAZINE I JULY 2013

PROFILE

GALAXY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

SETTING ALL PHASES TO STUN

ENGINES FOR CHANGE

AGEM REPORT

A SPOTLIGHT ON INTERNATIONAL GAMING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS

INSIGHT

VLT OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS GO

TO WAR IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
EXHIBITION

G2E ASIA EXHIBITION 2013

COMPLETE GAMING REVIEW

INTERVIEW

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Contents
It is already becoming obvious that majority of the cities
and municipalities can foresee the possible effects and
impacts of the total prohibition of lotteries, and they will
prefer regulation rather than unlimited prohibition that
would only open the market to illegal operators and would
deprive cities and the state of billions for the state budgets.

JULY 2013

Ivo Valenta, founder and owner, Synot. Page 32

KEEPING VLTS IN CZECH

The VLT disaster in the Czech Republic unfolds as government, local

councils and manufacturers go head-to-head

Page 32

KANGWON LAND INSTALLS SPIELO - PAGE 12

BARCELONA TAX CUTS

MOUNTING INVESTMENT

Barcelona looks to hit back at Madrid

with a reduction in casino taxation

Genting is to invest RM3bn in a

mountaintop makeover in Malaysia

PAGE 10

PAGE 26

ZITROS UNIQUE MEXICO PROJECT - PAGE 30

CROC AIMS FOR BEST BET

FIRST CLOUD MULTI-SITE

Crocs Casino in Costa Rica breaks

ground and plans to open Q4 2014

Grosvenor creates worlds first multisite cloud casino in IGT partnership

PAGE 14

PAGE 28

G2E ASIA EXHIBITION REVIEW - PAGE 34

SAMOAN PROJECT IN JEOPARDY

Samoas second casino licence in
doubt - Pg 18

GRAND HO TRAM READY IN JULY

The Grand is set to open on Ho
Tram Strip in Vietnam - Pg 25

ENGINES FOR CHANGE - PAGE 60

GALAXY MACAU - ALL PHASES SET TO STUN - PAGE 50

July 2013 PAGE 3

Viewpoint
JULY 2013

It was a tricky question. What did

Frank Fahrenkopf, outgoing chairman
of the AGA, think about the
proliferation of illegal gambling in
China? Posed by a Chinese journalist,
the interpreter in the large Venetian
Macau conference room turned to
Mr. Fahrenkopf for a reply. To

WHAT DID THE

OUTGOING AGA
CHAIRMAN, THINK
ABOUT THE
PROLIFERATION OF
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
IN CHINA?
paraphrase Winston Churchill, Mr.
Fahrenkopf began, I have three
things to say on the matter. Number
one. Never try to climb a wall thats
leaning towards you. Nodding to
the interpreter to take his point to
the massed ranks of Chinese media,
the interpreter hesitated, launched
into a frenzied description; paused,
sought the ceiling for help - then

proceeded to cup his elbow with one

hand, while making a rocking
motion with his free hand. The
Chinese press looked on bemused as
sweating and obviously in some
discomfort, the interpreter turned
back to Mr. Fahrenkopf after what
seemed like an eternity. Number
two, said the gaming guru. Never
try to kiss a girl leaning away from
you. Visibly shaken, the interpreter
gripped the podium and entered the
breach. Now wildly expressive and
gesticulating excessively, the
audience remained inscrutably
dumbfounded. The interpreter was
obviously speaking Chinese, it was
just that the meaning had been
redacted. There wasnt a shared
moment of understanding amongst
them as the interpreter mimed
blowing kisses to a reluctant object
of affection. Obviously beaten, and
with some regret, the poor man
turned back to Mr. Fahrenkopf with
the resignation of a dead man
walking. Number three. Never
answer a question from a man
asking the question, who knows
more about the answer than you
do...
Mr. Fahrenkopf, you will be missed.

Lewis Pek Editor - Tel: +44 (0) 1942 879 291,

Email: lewis@gamingpublishing.co.uk
John Slattery Commercial Director - Tel: +44 (0)7917 166471,
Email: john@gamingpublishing.co.uk
Phil Martin News Editor - Tel: +44 (0)161 236 6669
Email: phil@gamingpublishing.co.uk
Karen Southall G3 Spain - Associate Editor, Email: karensouthall@gmail.com
John Carroll G3 Germany, Email: carroll@carrollconsulting.de
James Marrison G3 Latin America, Email: jamesmarrison@gmail.com
Lisa Nichols Sub Editor, Gareth Irwin Senior Designer,
Paul Jolleys Production Manager,
John Malin, David Addison, Bepi Mottes, Alexandre Rotenberg Contributors,
Jennifer Pek Subscriptions Manager
John Pek Commercial Administrator, Cover Image: Gareth Irwin
For sales enquiries contact: John Slattery, Tel: +44 (0)7917 166471
Email: john@gamingpublishing.co.uk
For editorial enquiries contact: Lewis Pek, Tel: +44 (0)1942 879 291
Email: lewis@gamingpublishing.co.uk
Gaming Publishing Limited, Samson House, 457 Manchester Road,
Manchester M29 7BR, UK

July 2013 PAGE 4

Calendar
JULY 2013 - OCTOBER 2013
JULY 2013
WORLD GAMING
EXECUTIVE SUMMIT 2013
Date: July 9th-11th, 2013
Location:
W Hotel, Barcelona, Spain
Contact: Kellie Jenkins
Organiser:
Terrapinn Ltd
Wren House, 43 Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8EL, UK
Tel: +44 207 827 5955
Email: kellie.jenkins@terrapinn.com
Web:
www.terrapinn.com/2013/wges

SALEX 2013 - SOUTH

AMERICAN LEISURE EXPO

Looking to
Advance your
bottom line?

Date:

You designed the answer.

MEI has made it possible with

Email: info@salex.com.br

MEI has redefined expectations of note

acceptors yet again with SC Advance.
Enhancements were driven by customer
requests to improve upon core measures
of performance---acceptance, speed and
security---and do so in a manner that is
backwards compatible with the existing
installed base.

July 23-25, 2013

Location:
Transamerica Expo Center, Sao
Paulo, Brazil
Organiser: Games News Magazine
Rua Tome de Souza 479
Alto de Lapa, Sao Paulo, Brazil
CEP 05079-000
Tel: +55 11 3836 3271
Web: www.salex.com.br

AUGUST 2013
GAMING, RACING &
WAGERING AUSTRALIA 2013
Date:
August 12-14, 2013
Location:
Sydney Conference & Exhibition
Centre, Sydney, Australia
Organiser: Beacon Events
20/F Siu On Centre
188 Lockhart Road
Wanchai, HongKong

By maximizing the number of street-grade

notes accepted, while simultaneously
increasing the security against counterfeit
notes, the MEI SC Advance is a step forward on
on the most important measure...
operator profitability.

Tel: +852 2219 0111

Learn how to specify cashboxes in your

property that fill up faster than ever before.
Call +44 (0) 118 938 1100 to
schedule a SC Advance demonstration.

Location:

Email: info@beaconevents.com
Web: www.GamingDownUnder.com

AUSTRALIAN GAMING EXPO

Date:
August 13-15, 2013
Sydney Convention & Exhibition
Centre, Sydney, Australia
Contact: Ross Ferrar
Organiser:
Gaming Technologies Association
Level 34, 50 Bridge Street

Proven performance. Increased profits.

Sydney, New South Wales

meigroup.com

Tel: +61 2 8216 0931

Australia NSW 2000

Email: info@gamingta.com

MEI is ISO 9001:2000 certified. 2013 MEI. All rights reserved.

Web: www.austgamingexpo.com

July 2013 PAGE 6

SEPTEMBER 2013
ENTERTAINMENT ARENA
EXPO 2013
Date:
September 3-5, 2013
Location:
Romexpo Fair Ground, Bucharest,
Romania
Organiser: Expo 24 Romania
1st Morarilor Street
022451 Bucharest, Romania
Tel: +40 21 335 6681
Email: contact@expo24.ro
Web: www.earena.ro

US ONLINE GAMING LAW

Date:
September 19-20th, 2013
Location:
The Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada,
United States
Organiser:
C5 Online, Trans-World House, 100
City Road, London, United Kingdom
EC1Y 2BP
Contact: Jessica Horner
Tel: +44 20 7878 6886
Email: j.horner@c5-online.com
Web: www.c5-online.com

G2E LAS VEGAS 2013

Date:
September 24-26, 2013
Location:
Sands Expo and Convention Center,
Las Vegas, United States
Organiser: Reed Exhibition
Companies
383 Main Avenue, Norwalk
Connecticut, United States
Tel: +1 203 840 5662
Email: inquiry@reedexpo.com
Web: www.globalgamingexpo.com
Show times: Tues 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wed 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thurs 10:00am - 3:00pm

INTERNATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF GAMING
REGULATORS (IAGR)
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2013
Date:
September 29- October 1, 2013
Location:
Le Grand Hotel, Oslo, Norway
Contact: Mariah Echele
Organiser:
IAGR, PO Box 1365, St Charles,
Missouri,
MO 63302-1365, Missouri, United
States
Tel: +1 314 973 4784
Email: Mariah@mecheleconsults.com
Web: www.iagr.org

OCTOBER 2013
INTERNATIONAL MASTERS
OF GAMING LAW - AUTUMN
2013 CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 2013
SUREXPO 2013 - POLAND
Date:
October 17-18, 2013

Date:
October 1-4, 2013
Location:
Le Grand Hotel, Oslo, Norway
Contact:
Mellissa Lurie
Organiser:
IMGL, 3288 St Vincent Place
Boulder, Colorado, United States
CO 80301
Tel: +1 303 449 9955
Email: IMGLDirector@aol.com
Web:
www.gaminglawmasters.com/conference/oslo2013

Location:

BARCELONA AFFILIATE
CONFERENCE 2013

October 22-23, 2013

Date:
October 3-6, 2013
Location:
Barcelona, Spain
Contact:
Nick Richardson
Organiser:
iGaming Business
33-41 Dallington Street
London, United Kingdom EC1V 0BB
Tel: +44 207 954 3406
Email: nick@igamingbusiness.com
Web:
www.igbaffiliate.com/events/barcel
onaaffiliateconference

Organiser: BEGE, 7 Kukush Str

EIG EUROPEAN IGAMING

CONGRESS & EXPO 2013

Costa Salguero Convention Center,

Date:
October 8-10, 2013
Location:
Fira Barcelona, Spain
Contact: Shane Mortimer
Organiser:
Clarion Events
Fulham Green, Bedford House
69-79 Fulham High Street
London, United Kingdom SW6 3JW
Tel: +44 207 384 7700
Email: shane.Mortimer@clarionevents.com
Web: www.eigexpo.com

Alan Burak

Expo XXI Centre, Warsaw, Poland

Organiser:
Wigor Agency
ul. Sokolnicza 34/38
Wroclaw, Poland 53-660
Tel: +48 71 359 6271
Email: office@wigor-targi.com
Web: www.wigor-targi.com

BEGE EXPO 2013 BULGARIA

Date:
Location:
Inter Expo Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria 1345
Contact: Milena Tsankarska
Tel: +359 2 812 9474
Email:
milena@balkangamingexpo.com
Web: www.balkangamingexpo.com

NOVEMBER 2013
SAGSE BUENOS AIRES
Date:
November 12-14, 2013
Location:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Contact:
Organiser:
Monografie SA, Avenida Alvear 1883,
Loc. 21
Buenos Aires, Argentina 1129
Tel: +54 11 4805 4623
Email: alan@monografie.com
Web: www.monografie.com

JANUARY 2014
IMA 2014
Date:
January 14-17, 2014

ENADA ROME 2013

Location:

Date:
October 16-18, 2013
Location:
Rome Expo Centre, Rome Italy
Contact: Sonia Bodellini
Organiser: Rimini Fiera Spa
Via Emilia 155, Rimini, Italy 47900
Tel: +39 0541 744250
Email: s.bodellini@riminifiera.it
Web: www.enada.it

Organiser:

Inter Expo Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH
Volklinger Str. 4, Dusseldorf
Germany 40219
Contact:
Petra Lassahn
Tel: +49 211 901 91134
Email: info@ima-messe.com
Web: www.ima-messe.com

July 2013 PAGE 7

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
DER STADTRAT VON MARSEILLE WIRD
demnchst darber entscheiden, ob die
Schaffung eines Casinos im Hafenviertel der
Stadt fr die Gemeinde ntzlich sein und der
Stadt 10 Mio. pro Jahr einbringen wrde.
Der Generalsekretr des Brgermeisters,
Jean-Claude Gondard, sagte, dass das
Objekt am Hafen, neben dem neuen
Kulturmuseum gebaut werden wrde.

DAS SPANISCH-ARGENTINISCHE
Unternehmen Boldt Chile Group Peralada ist
mit dem Stadtrat von Ovalle zusammengekommen, um seine Vision des Ovalle
Casino Resort vorzustellen. Dabei handelt es
sich um einen von drei Vorschlgen, die sich
in der chilenischen Stadt um eine
Betriebslizenz mit einer Dauer von 15 Jahren
bewerben.

STORM INTERNATIONAL, EINER DER

fhrenden Betreiber, der per Gesetz aus
seinem Ursprungsland Russland getrieben
wurde, berichtet von einem
Gesamtwachstum im Jahre 2012 von 12
Prozent sowie von einem Anstieg des
Nettogewinns um sieben Prozent.

DIE BEHRDEN IN BARCELONA HABEN

Plne verkndet, nach denen die Steuern fr
Casinos gesenkt werden sollen. Diese
Ankndigung ist das direkte Ergebnis des
neuen Euro-Vegas-Projektes, das jetzt fr
2025 im regionalen, langjhrigen kulturellen
und wirtschaftlichen Rivalen Madrid geplant
ist.

DIE GAUSELMANN-GRUPPE MIT SITZ IN

Deutschland verbndet sich mit den
Betreibern des Grand Casino Baden in der
Schweiz, um sich um das Recht zu bewerben,
ein neues Casino in Wiens renommiertem
Palais Schwarzenberg zu betreiben. Betreiber
wie Casinos Austria, Novomatic und Century
Casinos zhlen zu den Bewerbern fr drei
neue Lizenzen in Wien und Niedersterreich.

REAL MADRID SUCHT NACH EINER

Mglichkeit, eine Lizenz in das Stadion
Santiago Bernabeu des Vereins zu bekommen, was die Gewinne um 120 Mio. in die
Hhe treiben wrde.

SPIELO INTERNATIONAL HAT DIE

Installation seiner Casinosystemlsungen auf
allen 960 Glcksspielautomaten in Kangwon
Land, Sdkoreas grtem Casino,
abgeschlossen. Zu den ausgewhlten
Modulen gehrt Galaxis Jackpots, das dazu
dient, 153 verschiedene Levels progressiver
Jackpots und Mystery-Jackpots auf 18
Jackpot-Links zu managen und es gibt 80
Stand-Alone-Jackpots.

MIT DEM BAU DES US $ 40 MIO. teuren

Crocs Casino Resorts in Costa Rica wird
offiziell am 20. Juni mit einer Pool-Party fr
Wrdentrger, Prominente, lokale
Entscheidungstrger, Medien sowie
Sportgren aus dem In- und Ausland
begonnen.

DICK FLINK IST VON SEINEM AMT ALS

Chairman bei Holland Casino zurckgetreten,
nachdem er fast sechs Jahre fr den
staatlichen niederlndischen Casinobetreiber
verantwortlich war. Die Ankndigung erfolgte
nach Bekanntgabe der Geschftsergebnisse
von Holland Casino fr 2012, die einen
Nettoverlust von 652,000 aufwiesen.

DIE POLIZEIBEHRDEN VON St. Petersburg

haben ein illegales Casino mit einer
Spielflche von mehr als 4.000 m und einem
Einnahmenpotenzial von etwa $ 1 Mio. pro
Monat geschlossen.

Marseille waterfront casino

A turnaround in the Mayors
office in Marseille could see a
new city casino development
Marseille city council is set to vote on
whether the creation of a casino on the
citys waterfront would be beneficial for
the municipality. The Mayors Secretary
General Jean-Claude Gondard said that
the development would be built on the
harbour next to Marseilles new Museum
of Civilisation. He added that the casino
could be up and running within four
years and would be capable of generating
10m in gaming tax. The original concept
of housing a gaming floor in the former
headquarters of the National Society
Corse Mditerrane has been shelved.
Mr. Gondard said: "For a long time the
mayor believed that Marseille was not
suited for a casino establishment, but
now he has changed his mind. We
regularly receive proposals. We even had
a request from an operator wishing to
install an art house cinema on this site.
However, we are aiming for a large facility
that could bring the city up to 10m per
year.

"For a long time the

mayor believed that
Marseille was not
suited for a casino
establishment, but
now he has
changed his mind.
We regularly
receive proposals.
We even had a
request from an
operator wishing to
install an art house
cinema on this site.
However, we are
aiming for a large
facility that could
bring the city 10m
per year.
JEAN-CLAUDE
GONDARD,
Marseille Mayors
Secretary General.

The council wants Marseille to attract

more luxury yachting and cruise lines to

Boldt and Peralada

deliver vision for Ovalle
Spanish-Argentine company,
Boldt Chile Group Peralada,
has met with the Ovalle City
Council to present its vision of
the Ovalle Casino Resort, one
of three proposals competing
for a 15 year operating licence
in the Chilean city.
The US$29.1m project would
be located at the northern exit
of Ovalle at the beginning of
Route D43, where it would
house 230 slots, 13 table
games and 60 bingo positions.
It would also boast a four-star
hotel with 78 rooms,
restaurant, bar, cafe, spa, gym,
pool, ballroom, nightclub,
convention center, business
center, fitness center,
amphitheatre, shops,
exhibition hall, museums and
observatory. It would create
271 direct jobs.

Javier Picola, the Director

General of Grupo Empresarial
Peralada, said: It will be
between the size of our
casinos in Barcelona and
Peralada in Spain. We will try
to mix the best of both along
with the experience we have
casinos in Argentina and
Uruguay to provide a fully
integrated and tailored
approach to suit the city.
Ovalle Mayor Claudio Renteria
added: It seems a very
interesting proposal. We have
met two of the projects and all
we need is to see the
Likanantay Casino proposal,
which we will do soon, so we
can select the best project.
The Council plans to make a
public announcement in July
once all three projects have
been viewed.

its port and sees a casino as being pivotal

to this goal. It is necessary to reinforce
the continued development of the city by
creating new spaces reclassified and made
public, Mr. Gondard added. If the vote
brings a positive outcome the council will
then seek administrative approvals,
including the most crucial one from the
Ministry of the Interior before selecting an
operator through the framework of a
public service delegation.
The casino concept will face tough
opposition though. Councillor Sophie Goy
said: The opening of a casino in
Marseille is a risky idea, she said. Our
city is one of the poorest cities in France.
If we open a municipal casino in
Marseille what will the social cost be? To
then manage unpaid rent or eviction? No
thank you! There are already several
casinos in the metropolitan area in Carry,
Cassis and Aix-en Provence, more than
enough for Marseille, as well as tourists.
As for the cruises, they often have a
casino on board their ship. Certainly, we
need more money in the coffers of the
city, but we cannot do this at any price.
In a city like Marseille, the establishment
of a casino is an open door to money
laundering. It is our moral responsibility
as elected officials to strongly oppose this
project.

Exiled Storm feels

the growth again
Storm International, one of the leading
operators driven out of its native Russia by
legislation, reported a total growth of 12 per
cent in 2012, while net profit increased by
seven per cent. The company opened the
Shangri La casino in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2012
along with Shalimar slots in Bucharest,
Romania and in Minsk, Belorussia. It also
took its brand to Germany with the
purchase of two locations now operating
under the Storm Casino brand. Currently
Storm is developing projects in Germany,
Mexico, Romania, Belorussia, Armenia and
Georgia with two new projects due to start
operations by the end of 2013. Darren
Keane, CEO of Storm International, said:
Storm is a rapidly developing company,
which focuses on the gaming business
around the world. Our high standards of
operations, teamwork and best customer
service give stable and positive results. We
will always strive for perfection and growth
rate adequate to the market conjuncture.

July 2013 PAGE 9

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Tax cut for Barcelona casinos

Barcelona looks to hit back at
rival Madrid and boost casino
gaming with a reduction in tax

The new tax rate will have to be

approved by the Parliament of Catalonia,
but has been put forward by local officials
as a way to improve boost tourism in the
area and improve tourist infrastructure.
Spanish economist, Andreu Mas-Colell
said that casinos were being used around
the world as ways to improve tourism and
that casinos in Barcelona would be part of
a much larger tourist complex. Mr. MasColell, who is one of the leading
economists in Spain, said: Madrid is
trying to compete with us in terms of

Real Madrid is
evaluating casino
Real Madrid is looking at how it could bring
a casino licence into its Santiago Bernabeu
stadium in a move it believes would boost
profits by 120m. The Spanish footballing
giant is keen to model a revamped and
renovated Bernabeu on Madison Square
Gardens in New York which has
successfully exploited new revenue streams
including a shopping mall, a hotel and
other leisure amenities. President Florentino
Perez is considering proposals for a casino,
a hotel and a shopping mall, whilst various
sport betting options are also being
analysed by the club.

July 2013 PAGE 10

Technologies stehen jetzt auch bei Mr. Green

im Vereinigten Knigreich zur Verfgung, so
dass Bally-Spiele jetzt auch von OnlineSpielern genutzt werden knnen.

MGM CHINA BESTTIGTE, DASS DIE

Erffnung seines US $ 2,6 Mrd. schweren
Cotai-Objektes fr Mitte 2016 geplant ist. Der
Chief Executive, Grant Bowie sagte, dass die
Fundamentarbeiten bis Ende 2013
abgeschlossen sein werden und 2014 dann
mit Bauarbeiten im Bereich der Infrastruktur
begonnen werden kann.

The government of Barcelona has

announced plans to cut the tax rate on
casinos. The announcement is a direct
result of the new Euro Vegas now
scheduled for 2025 in the Spanish citys
long standing cultural and economic rival
Madrid.
Under new rules casinos in Madrid will
pay 10 per cent on GGR from gambling
once the casinos are up and running for
the 22bn complex. Now the government
of Barcelona has agreed that a tax cut on
casinos is necessary if casinos in
Barcelona have any chance of competing
on a level playing field. The proposed tax
cut has been put forward as a way to
increase profitability of Barcelona World,
which was announced soon after Euro
Vegas. Barcelona World will house an as
yet unspecified number of casinos, six
hotels, and will be open in 2016.

DIE ONLINE-SLOT-SPIELE VON BALLY

MOHEGAN SUN MASSACHUSETTS hat

einige neue Einzelheiten zu seinem
geplanten Ressort-Casino in Palmer,
Massachusetts, vorgestellt, die die
Investitionskosten auf insgesamt fast $ 1 Mrd.
in die Hhe treiben werden. Dazu gehren
ein familienfreundlicher WasserEntertainment-Park und ein zweites Hotel im
Ressortstil.

Madrid is trying to
compete with us in
terms of tourist
attractions on offer
and visitors... if we
need to compete
with them in this
field then we have to
reduce taxes on
gaming.
ANDREU MASCOLELL, Economist.

tourist attractions on offer and visitors... if

we need to compete with them in this
field then we have to reduce taxes on
gaming.
The announcement in Barcelona and
Madrid could also have a larger affect on
casinos throughout the country as other
regions could soon follow suit in order to
boost the ailing casino industry. Casinos
in Spain have beet hit by a smoking ban,
which went into effect in 2011, the
economic crisis and traditionally brutal
taxes which can stand as high as 55 per
cent GGR in some regions.

DIE ASSOCIATION OF CHILEAN CASINOS

(ACCJ), die alle im privaten Besitz befindlichen Casinos Chiles vertritt, hat Klage
gegen den Leiter der chilenischen
Aufsichtsbehrde fr Glcksspiele, Renato
Hamel, erhoben. Der Vorwurf lautet
dahingehend, dass Herr Hamel es versumt
habe, eine geeignete bersicht ber die
Branche vorzulegen und das illegale
Glcksspiel im Lande einzuschrnken.

HO TRAM PROJECT BESTTIGTE, DASS

sein erstes Ressort, das sich in einer
Entfernung von etwa zwei Stunden von
Vietnam grter Stadt, Ho Chi Minh City,
befindet, am 26. Juli seine Pforten ffnen
wird und unter dem Namen The Grand - Ho
Tram Strip operieren wird.

DIE IGAMING-PRODUKTE VON SHFL

Gauselmann and Grand

Casino Baden Vienna bid
The Germany-based
Gauselmann group is teaming
up with the operators of Grand
Casino Baden in Switzerland to
bid for the right to operate a
new casino in Viennas
esteemed Palais
Schwarzenberg. Three new
licences are up for grabs in
Vienna and Lower Austria and
are being contested by
operators including Casinos
Austria, Novomatic and
Century Casinos.
Gauselmann and Baden
confirmed they have secured
the use of the Palais
Schwarzenberg, located next to
the Swiss embassy and
Belvedere Castle, in the 3rd
District of Vienna. Grand
Casino Baden CEO Detlef
Brose said: It is time that this
great baroque building from
the 18th Century was
accessible to the public again.

Whilst it is ultimately the

Austrian Minister of Finance
who will decide, I think this is
a very good offer for a Grand
Casino, which would more
than earn its name and be an
asset to the city of Vienna. We
are sure this project will
receive a lot of publicity.
The Gauselmann Group holds
one-third of the shares in the
new company, Plaza 3
Entertainment Development
AG, with the remaining two
thirds owned by Casino Baden
AG. The casino would boast a
large range of table games
including poker, blackjack,
roulette and baccarat in its
various gaming rooms, whilst
the slot hall would house 290
slots. The group will invest
CHF60m into the project and
expect 300,000 visitors per
year, generating revenues of
CHF33m.

Entertainment stehen jetzt zur Verfgung und

bieten die Mglichkeit, auf der markfhrenden Online-Glcksspielplattform von
GameAccount Network einschlielich
derB2C Site, Money Gaming, Echtgeldwetten
zu platzieren.

SCIENTIFIC GAMES CORPORATION

unterzeichnete einen neuen
Lottosystemvertrag mit Szerencsejatek Zrt,
der ungarischen Staatslotterie, mit einer
Laufzeit bis zum 31. Dezember 2020.
Scientific Games will seine AEGIS NGS
Zentralsystemhardware und software der
nchsten Generation einfhren, zustzliche
Wave-Terminals installieren und dazugehrige Dienstleistungen anbieten.

DREI GROSVENOR-CASINOS GEHEN MIT

der IGT-Cloud im Vereinigten Knigreich ans
Netz. Damit entsteht das weltweit erste MultiSite-Cloud-Casinoumfeld. Grosvenor Casinos
in Coventry, Reading und London werden
vom sofortigen Zugang zum AVPSpielesortiment von IGT UK und der
verbesserten analytischen Berichterstattung
profitieren.

INSPIRED GAMING GROUP, DER britische

Anbieter von SBG-Automaten und virtuellen
Sportarten, hat seinen exklusiven Vertrag mit
Betfred hinsichtlich der Lieferung von
Spielautomaten der Kategorie B2/B3 verlngert. Im Rahmen dieses Vertrages mit
einer Laufzeit von fnf Jahren wird Inspired
auch Spielautomaten an weitere 500
Betfred-Shops liefern, die frher ToteWettbros waren.

NOVOMATIC
GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS

Visit us at:

Inter
International
national Sales:
Jens Halle, Phone: +43 2252 606 234, sales@novomatic.com

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Kangwon Land install Spielo

South Koreas only casino to
allow domestic players has
completed its Galaxis install

Boldt Chile Group Peralada ha mantenido

una reunin con el consejo municipal de
Ovalle para presentar su visin del Ovalle
Casino Resort, una de las tres propuestas
que compiten por una licencia operativa de
15 aos en la ciudad chilena.

Among the modules selected was Galaxis

Jackpots, which is used to centrally
manage 153 different levels of progressive
and mystery jackpots on 18 jackpot links,
and there are 80 stand-alone jackpots.

Kangwon Land is the busiest casino in

the country, and it is the only one that
allows the admission of Koreans, as all

Luzern launches
industry-wide app
The Grand Casino Luzern
has launched a
pioneering Swiss Casino
app that combines
information on all the
casinos in Switzerland in
one application with useful and interesting
features and services. The new app, the first
for a casino based in Switzerland,
combines information in the practical
Casino Swiss Casino Finder. It allows users
to view the games on offer, the location of
the property and also displays hotels and
car parks in the vicinity. Moreover, the app
shows the current status of Swiss jackpots.
Upon request, the user is automatically
supplied with jackpot information with a
free alarm informing the user when the
Swiss jackpot has reached a certain level.
As an additional benefit game explanations
are also compiled within the app with
simple descriptions of the most important
rules. An integrated Fun Blackjack game
also offers the chance to play for free.

July 2013 PAGE 12

dispone a votar si la creacin de un casino

en el puerto municipal resultara beneficiosa para la ciudad, con unos ingresos
para el consistorio de unos 10 millones de
euros al ao. El Secretario General de la
alcalda, Jean-Claude Gondard, afirm que
el complejo se construir en el puerto que
hay junto al nuevo Museo de la Civilizacin.

LA EMPRESA HISPANO-ARGENTINA

Spielo International has completed the

installation of its Galaxis casino systems
solutions on all 960 slots at Kangwon
Land, South Koreas largest casino.

Chiang Lai Fatt, Spielo Internationals

Asia Pacific General Manager, said: Many
customers use a management system, but
still need an external controller to run the
jackpot. Our system can manage all
jackpot activity, which in the end
simplifies the IT requirement and saves
the customer money. This project also
highlights our systems reliability in
handling high levels of player traffic: at
Kangwon Land there are more than
150,000 system transactions every hour.

EL AYUNTAMIENTO DE MARSELLA SE

STORM INTERNATIONAL, UNO DE LOS

The Kangwon Land

IT team, from left to
right: SEONUK
CHOI, Assistant
Manager,
HAEJUNG JU,
Senior Manager,
DO HWAN KIM,
Manager and
NAMGYUN KIM,
Assistant Manager.
Products chosen by
Kangwon Land for
installation at their
facility include the
following Galaxis
modules: Jackpots,
Bonusing, Slots,
Cashless,
Marketing, Connect
and Multimedia.

operadores lderes expulsados de su Rusia

original por la legislacin, registr un crecimiento total del 12 por ciento en 2012,
mientras que sus beneficios netos aumentaron un siete por ciento.

EL AYUNTAMIENTO DE BARCELONA HA
anunciado planes de recortar la tasa fiscal
impuesta a los casinos. Este anuncio es
resultado directo del nuevo Euro Vegas,
previsto ahora para el ao 2025 en
Madrid, la eterna rival cultural y econmica
de la capital catalana.

others are exclusively for visitors. It is so

busy that there are queues at the slot
machines, which boast 95 per cent
occupancy. This made the slot system
migration a challenge, as most of the slots
are being played at any given time.
Ju Haejung, Senior Manager, System
Management Department at Kangwon
Land, said: The whole migration was so
smooth that it hardly affected our daily
business. We would like to thank Spielo
International for their efforts on this
project.

Century bids for Vienna

licence as a consortium
Century Casinos has applied
for a Casino license at Hotel
InterContinental in Vienna,
Austria. As one of at least four
companies applying for the
license, Century Casinos is
managing a consortium of
Austrian individuals,
entrepreneurs and investors. A
26 per cent share in and a
management agreement with
the newly established Century
Betriebs makes Century the
leader of the group.
A decision to grant the 15-year
license in Vienna is expected
in Q4 of this year, however,
there is no assurance that the
company will be granted the
concession by the Minister of
Finance.

The company expects Century

Betriebs AG to invest around
US$18m if the casino
concession is granted. The
casino would be developed in
a retro 1960s style at the 450room Hotel InterContinental
Vienna and target domestic
and international tourists,
business travellers, congress
and convention guests as well
as affluent domestic and
European casino visitors.
After a nine months
construction period, the casino
would offer approx. 300 slot
machines and 25 gaming
tables on a 16,000sq.ft.
gaming floor. Hotel
InterContinental is located in
the city centre of Vienna.

EL GRUPO GAUSELMANN, CON BASE

en Alemania, est aunando fuerzas con los
operadores del Grand Casino Baden de
Suiza con vistas a presentarse a la licitacin
para obtener el derecho a operar un nuevo
casino en la codiciada ubicacin vienesa
de Palais Schwarzenberg. Han quedado
libres tres nuevas licencias en Viena y la
Baja Austria que estn siendo disputadas
por diversos operadores, entre ellos
Casinos Austria, Novomatic y Century
Casinos.

EL REAL MADRID EST ESTUDIANDO LA

forma de introducir una licencia de casino
en su estadio Santiago Bernabeu, en una
iniciativa que sus mandatarios consideran
que podra aumentar los beneficios en 120
millones de euros.

SPIELO INTERNATIONAL HA culminado la

instalacin de sus soluciones de sistema
para casino Galaxis en las 960 mquinas
tragaperras de Kangwon Land, el mayor
casino de Corea del Sur. Entre los mdulos
seleccionados estaba Galaxis Jackpots,
que se usa para administrar de forma centralizada 153 niveles diferentes de jackpots
progresivos y sorpresa en 18 enlaces de
jackpot, adems de los 80 jackpots independientes.

LA CONSTRUCCIN DEL CROCS Casino

Resort en Costa Rica, valorada en 40 millones de dlares, se pondr oficialmente
en marcha el 20 de junio con una gran
fiesta en la piscina a la que estn invitados
altos dignatarios, personajes famosos,
creadores de opinin locales y medios de
comunicacin, adems de figuras del
deporte costarricense y de otros pases.

DICK FLINK HA PRESENTADO SU renuncia como presidente de Holland Casino tras

casi seis aos al cargo del operador de
casinos estatal holands. El anuncio se produce a consecuencia de los resultados
financieros de Holland Casino en 2012,
donde registr una prdida neta de 652
000 euros.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Croc aims to be the best bet

Crocs Casino in Costa Rica
breaks ground with a planned
opening scheduled Q4 2014

INSPIRED GAMING GROUP, EL proveedor

britnico de mquinas de juegos basados
en servidor y deportes virtuales, ha renovado su contrato en exclusiva con Betfred relativo al suministro de mquinas de juego de
categora B2/B3. Segn este contrato de
cinco aos, Inspired tambin suministrar
mquinas de juego a otras 500 tiendas de
Betfred que eran anteriormente establecimientos de apuestas Tote.

Construction on Costa Ricas US$40m

Crocs Casino Resort officially commenced
on June 20 with a celebratory pool party
for dignitaries, celebrities, local
influencers, and media, as well as sports
figures from Costa Rica and abroad.

LAS MQUINAS TRAGAPERRAS ONLINE

The casino will be built at Jaco beach on

the Pacific coast of Costa Rica an hour
and a half drive from the San Jose airport.
The aim is to open the venue in
December 2014. It will be the biggest
employer in the region, hiring over 300
people.

MGM CHINA HA CONFIRMADO QUE SU

Owner Dag Hascall said: The years of

planning and permitting have been a
great reason to get to know Costa Rica,
the culture and the people, but getting to
build this impressive resort is what it is
all about.
He added that the casino would be
operated and managed by a highly
professional team of Las Vegas
Executives, and aims to be the best bet
in Costa Rica.

Two concession
launches in Malta
Maltas Lotteries and Gaming Authority has
invited proposals for two new casino
concessions to go along with its bid to find
a new operator for its licence in Vittoriosa,
where operations at Casin di Venezia
have been suspended. Parliamentary
Secretary for Competitiveness, Edward
Zammit Lewis, revealed that one of the new
licences would be in Malta and one would
be in Gozo. The call for expressions of
interest was short, expiring on July 1, with
the government now deciding whether to
issue a call for tender or to shortlist some of
the interested applicants. According to the
Parliamentary Secretary the casino industry
contributed 13.5m in gaming taxation in
2012, up from 10m in 2008. He explained
the process was open to standalone
casinos as well as casinos in shopping
malls or hotels. Tumas Gaming operates
the Oracle in Qawra and the Portomaso
casino in St Julian's, whilst the renewal of
the 10-year licence for Dragonara Casino
saw Pinnacle Gaming Group win out.

July 2013 PAGE 14

de Bally Technologies estn disponibles a

partir de ahora en Mr. Green, con base en el
Reino Unido, en lo que constituye una de las
primeras ocasiones en las que los juegos de
Bally estn disponibles para jugadores
online.

The venue will

stand 17 stories
high with 152 hotel
rooms, 44 luxurious
condominium
residences, a
beachfront resort
pool, restaurants,
disco, spa, the Croc
Habitat, retail
shopping centre
and meeting and
convention facilities.

Crocs Casino Resort is a richly diverse

hotel-casino-resort in Jaco, Costa Rica. It
is located in the exclusive north end. Mr.
Hascall wants Crocs Casino Resort to be
the predominant casino resort in Costa
Rica, changing the landscape of Jaco and
the Costa Ricas Pacific coast forever. The
venue will stand 17 stories high with 152
hotel rooms, 44 luxurious condominium
residences, a beachfront resort pool,
restaurants, disco, spa, the Croc Habitat,
retail shopping centre and meeting and
convention facilities.

Dick Flink resigns as

Holland Casino Chairman
Dick Flink has resigned as
Chairman of Holland Casino
after almost six years in charge
of the state-owned Dutch
casino operator.
The announcement follows
Holland Casinos financial
results for 2012 when it posted
a net loss of 652,000.
Ath Schouwenaar, Supervisory
Board Chairman for Holland
Casino, said: For six years,
Dick Flink has energetically
led our organisation through
particularly challenging times.
The casino concept is
revitalised, a large number of
branches have been rebuilt
and modernised and
preparations for an online
casino have been started.
Simultaneously, a
comprehensive reform
programme has been sorted.
The latest results show,
however, that we need
profound and structural
reforms and Dick feels that his

governance profile does not

correspond to these needs.
The decision was therefore
taken that he retires and that
we look for a new Chief
Executive Officer who will
head the necessary reforms at
Holland Casino. The
Supervisory Board would like
to thank Dick Flink for his
ambition, inspiration and for
all that he has put into his
leadership in recent
challenging and difficult
years.

proyecto Cotai, valorado en 2600 millones

de dlares, abrir sus puertas en el plazo
previsto, es decir, a mediados de 2016. El
Director General, Grant Bowie, afirm que
los cimientos estarn listos a finales de 2013
y que las obras de construccin de la
infraestructura se iniciarn en 2014.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts ha revelado
algunas nuevas caractersticas de su futuro
resort-casino en Palmer (Massachusetts) que
harn aumentar el proyecto a aprox. 1000
millones de dlares de inversin total e
incluirn un parque de atracciones acutico
de carcter familiar y un segundo hotel estilo
resort.

LAS AUTORIDADES POLICIALES DE SAN

Petersburgo han cerrado un casino ilegal
con una superficie de juego de ms de
4000 m y una capacidad de beneficio en
torno a 1 milln de dlares al mes.

LA ASOCIACIN DE CASINOS CHILENOS

(ACCJ), que representa a todos los casinos
de propiedad privada de Chile, ha iniciado
acciones legales contra el director del
Comit de Control del Juego de Chile,
Renato Hamel. Segn los cargos presentados, el Sr. Hamel no ha mantenido una
supervisin adecuada del sector y no ha
cumplido su tarea de limitar el juego ilegal
en el pas.

HO TRAM PROJECT HA CONFIRMADO

que su primer resort, ubicado a unas dos
horas de la metrpoli ms grande de
Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, abrir sus puertas al
pblico el 26 de julio y operar bajo la
denominacin The Grand - Ho Tram Strip.

LOS PRODUCTOS DE IGAMING DE SHFL

estn ahora disponibles y listos para aceptar
apuestas con dinero real en la plataforma
de juego online lder del mercado de
GameAccount Network, incluido su sitio B2C,
Money Gaming.

SCIENTIFIC GAMES CORPORATION HA firMr. Flink added: My strength

lies in the development and
realisation of new concepts
and formulas. The ambitions
Holland Casino had on that
plane, have been under
pressure from economic and
market conditions in recent
years. The prospects are such
that, as in previous years,
radical structural reforms must
be introduced which is not
where my values lie,
concluded Mr. Flink.

mado un nuevo contrato relativo a sistemas

de lotera con Szerencsejatek Zrt, la lotera
estatal hngara, que se extiende hasta el 31
de diciembre de 2020.

TRES CASINOS GROSVENOR DEL REINO

Unido empezarn a utilizar la IGT Cloud, lo
que supondr la creacin del primer
entorno de casinos con nube multisitio del
mundo. Los casinos de Grosvenor en
Coventry, Reading y Londres disfrutarn de
acceso inmediato a la biblioteca de juegos
UK AVP y de una elaboracin de informes
analticos mejorada.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Mexicos 107 illegal casinos

Massive number of unlicensed
casinos according to Mexican
gaming association ASPJAC
An investigative committee has heard that
there could be as many as 250,000 slot
machines operating illegally in Mexico.
An investigation into the issuing of casino
licences is currently underway in Mexico
and a cross party committee made up of
11 deputies has been charged with the
investigation of the federal governments
past involvement in the issuing of
licences. This is amongst growing calls
that licences have been trafficked by
former members of Mexicos Interior
Ministry (SEGOB).
The Special Investigative Commission,
has already revealed that there could be
at least 300 casinos in Mexico which
remain open due to judicial stays of
closures. Speaking before the committee,
Alfonso Perez Lizaur, President of
Mexican gaming organization ASPJAC
(Asociacin de Permisionarios y
Proveedores de Juegos y Sorteos, A.C)
has revealed that there are 107 casinos in
Mexico which are currently operating
without a licence.

Mr. Green launch

Bally collection
Bally Technologies online slot games are
now available on the United Kingdombased Mr. Green.com, marking one of the
first times Bally games are available for
online players. Mr. Green also plans to offer
Bally games on tablets and mobile phones
in the near future. Licensed and registered
in Malta, Mr. Green was the first online
casino to offer games from several different
casino vendors through an in-house
developed seamless solution, which makes
it possible for players to change vendors
without exchanging chips or coins. With Mr.
Green, players can set their own limits as to
how large a risk they want to take.
Mr. Green Chief Product Officer, Markus
Aurala, said: I'm very excited that Mr.
Green can be one of the first ones to offer
Bally's games to its customers online. Bally's
proven game concepts and innovative
features have been successful in landbased casinos around the world, and I'm
sure our customers will enjoy them. The
games surely bring the feeling of Las Vegas
everywhere.

July 2013 PAGE 16

ALFONSO PEREZ
LIZAUR, President
of Mexican gaming
organization
ASPJAC.
"We have
repeatedly
denounced the
growth of illegal
gaming;
businesses,
legislators and the
government must
work together to
establish clear rules
and create
incentives for
investment and the
respect for laws.

Mr. Lizaur told the committee that there

are around 250,000 slot machines which
are located between 100- to 120,000
different locations such as chemists and
other small businesses. According to Mr.
Lizaur, due to the lack of regulation the
government per year loses an estimated
one billion pesos in tax. Mr. Lizaur urged
the committee to push for new laws to
establish a much clearer regulatory
framework for gaming in Mexico.
We have repeatedly denounced the
growth of illegal gaming; businesses,
legislators and the government must work
together to establish clear rules and create
incentives for investment and the respect
for laws, Mr. Lizuar told the committee.
Reacting to the statements made by Mr.
Lizaur, Chair of the committee and
member of the Citizens Movement Party
(Movimiento Ciudadano), Deputy Ricardo
Mejia Berdeja said that it was becoming
increasingly apparent that the issue of
gaming in Mexico was now a question of
national security and that new laws were
needed. The Special Investigative
Commission has been charged with
delivering a report to the Chamber of
Deputies and proposing legal measures,
policies or legislation on the back of its
findings.

Betfred renews Inspired

gaming machine contract
Inspired Gaming Group, the
British-born supplier of SBG
machines and virtual sports,
has renewed its exclusive
contract with Betfred for the
supply of Category B2/B3
gaming machines. Under the
five-year contract, Inspired
will also supply gaming
machines to an additional 500
Betfred shops that were
previously Tote betting shops.
The UK Government sold Tote
to Betfred in July 2011. The
Betfred estate now totals over
5,100 machines and is one of
the largest bookmakers in the
UK. Inspired will install the
additional 1,700 gaming
machines in January 2014.
Lee Gregory, Inspireds
Managing Director for the UK,
commented: Betfred is well
known for its successful
machines business and
award-winning retail

marketing campaigns for new

game launches. Weve worked
together to accomplish many
successes over the past 15
years, from when AWPs were
first allowed in bookmakers,
and look forward to many
more milestones including a
new hardware launch in
Autumn 2013. Inspireds UK
business as a whole is going
from strength to strength and
we anticipate a positive year
ahead with the recent launch
of Fortune Spins, a new game
feature, and the upcoming
launch of the next phase of
our technology roadmap.
The past two years have seen
Inspired Gaming Group win
competitive tenders, following
head-to-head trials, including
the 100 per cent win of the
William Hill estate and now
Betfreds additional machines
business.

IL CONSIGLIO COMUNALE DI
Marsiglia dovr decidere se la creazione
di un casin sul lungomare della citt
sar vantaggiosa per il comune; si prevedono entrate per 10 milioni all'anno. Il
segretario del sindaco, Jean-Claude
Gondard, ha detto che ledificio verrebbe
costruito sul porto, accanto al nuovo
Museo della Civilizzazione.

LA SOCIET ARGENTINO-SPAGNOLA
Boldt Chile Group Peralada ha incontrato il
consiglio comunale di Ovalle per presentare il progetto Ovalle Casino Resort,
uno dei tre progetti in competizione per
lassegnazione della licenza di gestione di
un casin nella citt cilena, della durata di
15 anni.

STORM INTERNATIONAL, UNA DELLE

principali aziende che sono state spinte a
lasciare la Russia dalla nuova legislazione, ha riportato una crescita totale del
12% nel 2012, mentre l'utile netto
aumentato del 7%.

LA GIUNTA COMUNALE DI
Barcellona ha annunciato l'intenzione di
ridurre l'aliquota fiscale sui casin.
L'annuncio la conseguenza diretta della
nuova Euro Vegas, che sar inaugurata
nel 2025 a Madrid, da sempre la rivale
culturale ed economica della citt catalana.

IL GRUPPO TEDESCO GAUSELMANN

sta collaborando con i gestori del Grand
Casino Baden in Svizzera, per partecipare
alla gara per la gestione di un nuovo casin nel palazzo Schwarzenberg, a Vienna.
Ci sono in palio tre nuove licenze a Vienna
e nellAustria inferiore, e le societ interessate includono Casinos Austria,
Novomatic e Century Casinos.

IL REAL MADRID STA STUDIANDO LA

possibilit di ottenere una licenza per casin nello stadio Santiago Bernabeu; si
pensa che ci potrebbe far aumentare i
profitti di 120 milioni di euro.

L'AZIENDA SPIELO INTERNATIONAL

ha completato l'installazione dei propri
sistemi per casin Galaxis su tutte le 960
slot machines a Kangwon Land, il pi
grande casin sudcoreano. Tra i moduli
selezionati era presente Galaxis Jackpots,
che viene usato per gestire centralmente
153 diversi livelli di jackpot progressivi e
misteriosi, su 18 collegamenti jackpot.
Sono presenti anche 80 jackpot autonomi.

LA COSTRUZIONE DEL CROCS

Casino Resort in Costa Rica, del valore di $
40 milioni, inizier ufficialmente il 20 giugno, con una festa celebrativa alla quale
saranno presenti ufficiali, celebrit, persone influenti e rappresentanti dei media,
nonch personaggi sportivi della Costa
Rica e di altri paesi.

DICK FLINK SI DIMESSO DA

presidente della societ Holland Casino
dopo essere stato, per quasi sei anni, a
capo dellazienda statale che gestisce i
casin in Olanda. Questo annuncio segue
i risultati finanziari di Holland Casino per il
2012, che hanno registrato una perdita
netta di 652.000.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Samoan project in jeopardy

I GIOCHI ONLINE DELLA BALLY

Technologies sono adesso disponibili sul
sito inglese Mr. Green. Si tratta di una delle
prime volte che dei giochi Bally vengono
resi disponibili ai giocatori online.

LAZIENDA MGM CHINA HA

confermato che prevede di inaugurare il
progetto Cotai, del valore di US$2,6 miliardi, alla met del 2016. Il direttore generale
Grant Bowie ha detto che le fondamenta
saranno ultimate alla fine del 2013 e la
costruzione delle infrastrutture inizier nel
2014.

LAZIENDA MOHEGAN SUN

Massachusetts ha rivelato alcune nuove
funzionalit del proprio casin a Palmer,
nel Massachusetts. Queste faranno
aumentare il costo del progetto a quasi $ 1
miliardo. Il progetto prevede un parco
acquatico per famiglie ed un secondo
hotel in stile resort.

Samoas second casino licence

in doubt as Chinese developers
are arrested in corruption sting
Samoas Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele
Malielegaoi, is blaming domestic politics
in China for accusations against head
developers of a 500 room casino destined
for the island.
As recently as March, Robbie Kearney,
chief executive of Samoa's Gambling
Control Authority, was explaining to local
media that the Chengdu Exhibition and
Tourism Group (ETG), had been
extremely good to deal with as they do it
in a business-like manner and they are
very prompt and efficient. Chinese news
media, meanwhile, were reporting that
Chairman Deng Hong and his CEO were
being investigated in relation to
corruption linked to land deals.
Communist Party anti-corruption officials
have since kept Hong in custody, while
the Samoan Government continue to
expect him to visit with an update.
The revelations in China, which date back
a substantial period of time, have raised
concerns in Samoa as to the advice
received by the government regarding the
casino development.
The debacle surrounds the second casino
licence granted on Samoa, the first to
Aggie Grey's, which is planning a beach
resort near the international airport in the
capital Apia (plans include a casino over
two floors in existing buildings, with 12
gaming tables and up to 85 gaming
machines). The second casino, awarded
to ETG, was to be situated on Samoa's
main island, Upolu. This casino was to
include a 500 room hotel and a much
larger casino complex with several
restaurants.
While the ETG deal presently looks dead
in the water, the Samoan Prime Minister
July 2013 PAGE 18

is rallying bravely, stating that official

anti-corruption efforts are a disguise for
political in-fighting in China with
powerful leaders using bad publicity to
weaken the reputation of rivals.

TUILAEPA SAILELE
MALIELEGAOI,
Prime Minister,
Samoa.

The previously emphatic Tuilaepa,

however, now sounds more hesitant
discussing the project, but is keeping his
options open. It would be the first big
resort for Samoa and could be the take off
point for the development of our tourism
industry, he said to a local news
channel. Now, if only theyd let his
developers out of prison...

FutureLogics Gen2 fits

the bill at Margaritaville
FutureLogics Gen2 Universal
printer has been chosen as the
exclusive printer for all gaming
platforms in Jimmy Buffetts
Margaritaville Resort Casino
scheduled to open this
summer in Bossier City, LA.
Margaritaville Resort Casino is
destined to become the
premier casino resort in the
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
market. Situated on 19 acres
next to the Louisiana
Boardwalk Shopping Center,
Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville
Resort Casino is set to open its
30,000 square foot casino with
1,237 slot machines and 54
table games.
Keith Dollar, Director of Slot
Operations at Margaritaville
Resort Casino, said: When
selecting peripherals for our
slot floor, reducing downtime
is our primary focus. We
selected the GEN2 Universal
printer because of its excellent

design, its track record, and

FutureLogics outstanding
technical support and
commitment to the industry.
Nick Micalizzi, FutureLogics
VP Sales & Marketing, North
America, said: We are
extremely pleased with
Margaritaville Resort Casinos
selection of the GEN2
Universal and the fact they
recognise FutureLogics
commitment to delivering the
best-in-class TITO printers.
Looking ahead, as
Margaritaville Resort Casino
looks to expand their
marketing plans, the GEN2
Universal presents a seamless
solution with PromoNet
promotional couponing.
Ready for promotional
couponing, the printer can
provide operators with
separate and secure processing
environments for both TITO
and promotional couponing.

LA POLIZIA DI SAN PIETROBURGO HA

chiuso un casin illegale di oltre 4000 m,
che generava entrate per $ 1 ml al mese
circa.

LASSOCIAZIONE DEI CASIN CILENI

(ACCJ), che rappresenta tutti i casin privati
in Cile, ha iniziato unazione legale contro il
capo dellente di controllo dei giochi dazzardo in Cile, Renato Hamel. Laccusa
afferma che il Sig. Hamel non ha svolto
unadeguata sorveglianza del settore e
non riuscito a limitare il gioco illegale nel
paese.

LAZIENDA HO TRAM PROJECT HA

confermato che il suo primo resort, situato
a circa 2 ore di strada dalla pi grande
citt del Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, aprir
al pubblico il 26 luglio e operer col nome
The Grand - Ho Tram Strip.

I PRODOTTI IGAMING DI SHFL

entertainment sono adesso operativi e
possono accettare scommesse con soldi
veri sulla piattaforma di giochi online
GameAccount Network, che comprende
anche il sito Money Gaming.

LAZIENDA SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Corporation ha firmato un nuovo contratto
per sistemi di lotterie con Szerencsejatek
Zrt, la lotteria di Stato ungherese. Il contratto avr termine il 31 dicembre 2020.
Scientific Games utilizzer i propri sistemi
hardware e software di ultima generazione AEGIS NGS, installer nuovi terminali Wave e fornir tutti i relativi servizi.

I TRE CASIN GROSVENOR, NEL

Regno Unito, stanno per iniziare le attivit
col sistema IGT Cloud creando cos il
primo ambiente nuvola informatica di casin multi-sito. I casin Grosvenor a
Coventry, Reading e Londra potranno beneficiare di un accesso immediato alla
library di giochi AVP della IGT, e ai relativi
rapporti analitici.

IL GRUPPO BRITANNICO INSPIRED

Gaming, che produce macchine da gioco
su server e sport virtuali, ha rinnovato il
contratto in esclusiva con Betfred per la fornitura di macchine da gioco della categoria B2/B3. In base a questo contratto, della
durata di cinque anni, lazienda Inspired
fornir macchine da gioco anche ad altri
500 negozi Betfred, che erano precedentemente dei centri di scommesse al totalizzatore.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Mohegan theme park casino

Mohegan Sun Massachusetts
has revealed plans for an
ambitious theme park casino
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts has detailed
new features for its proposed resort
casino in Palmer, Massachusetts, that will
grow the project to nearly $1bn in total
investment and will include a premier
family-oriented water entertainment park
and a second resort-style hotel.
The adventure-themed park and resort
hotel will be developed by Boston-based
Finard Properties, which has also
partnered with Mohegan Sun to develop
the project's retail complex. It will consist
of an indoor and outdoor water park that
is connected to a 250-room hotel separate
from the property's main casino hotel.
The outdoor portion of the adventure
park will wind through the hills and
valleys of the natural wooded terrain off
Route 32 and provide a variety of
activities for the entire family including
kayaking and zip lining.
Mitchell Etess, Chief Executive of the
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said:
We've always said Mohegan Sun
Massachusetts will be designed to attract
visitors from all over New England and
the Northeast, and deliver economic
benefit to Western and Central
Massachusetts and the entire
Commonwealth. These new features will
allow us to do just that. Mohegan Sun

Huge operation
closed in Russia
The St. Petersburg police authorities have
closed down an illegal casino with a
gaming floor of over 4,000sq.m. and an
earning capacity of around US$1m a month.
The Interior Ministry said: "During
investigations, 14 card tables, a roulette
table, 55 jackpot machines, a large amount
of betting chips and decks of cards, as well
as video archives and photo registrations of
clients were confiscated. The venues
books detailed illegal income of around
30m rubles per month. The building was
said to be subdivided into several zones
including a poker club, casino and slot
rooms. The walls of the rooms had been
designed with secret pockets to conceal
equipment in case of a police raid.

July 2013 PAGE 20

ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA

"The combination of
resort casino
gaming and
exciting nightlife,
dining options and
family-oriented
entertainment is
designed to draw
new visitors, deliver
jobs and vendor
opportunities and
generate maximum
revenue for the
Commonwealth."
MITCHELL ETESS,
Chief Executive of
the Mohegan Tribal
Gaming Authority.

Massachusetts will offer our guests a full

array of entertainment and amenities and
integrate exciting, family oriented
attractions into the overall experience."
The 70,000sq.ft. water park resort will
complement Mohegan Sun's planned
world-class resort casino project, which
includes gaming facilities, a casino hotel,
a 300,000sq.ft. dynamic retail
development and other lifestyle amenities.
Altogether the total planned investment in
the project is now approaching $1bn.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts' project
features include a full-service resort
casino with 3,000 slot machines and 80
table games, a resort casino hotel with
300 rooms and a family-oriented water
entertainment park with an adjoining 250room hotel.

Fiji development back on

track at Denarau Island
The company behind Fijis first
casino says the delays are over
and construction of the multimillion dollar project on
Denarau Island near Nadi is
set to recommence.
The Fiji regime granted the
casino license to the American
company, One Hundred Sands
Limited, in December 2011 and
construction was expected to
start last year.
The attorney-general Aiyaz
Sayed-Khaiyum then extended
the deadline for construction
to start by the end of this
month and said there would
be consequences if it wasnt.
But the owner of the company,
Larry Claunch, says it was a
mutual deadline and they are
pleased they have been able to

work through the

complications associated with
building a casino. He says the
first priority is to get subcontractors on the site before
they organise a main
contractor.
Under the original timeline,
the casino, which includes a
convention centre, was due to
open in October this year, but
Mr. Claunch says that will now
be mid- to late next year.
One Hundred Sands gaming
licence allows the company to
develop and execute a slot
machine and table gaming
leasing agreement to transfer a
portion of its right to the
20,000 slot machine and 5,000
table games allotted in its
licence to any future gaming
operations conducted in Fiji.

and Aristocrat Technologies have been

granted an interactive gaming license from
the Nevada Gaming Commission. The
decision was made on the unanimous
recommendation of the Nevada Gaming
Control Board. The license allows Aristocrat
to provide online poker technological
services to Nevada-licensed interactive
operators. Aristocrats free-to-play solution,
nLive, has already gone live in casinos
around the country. The award-winning
nLive solution features the most complete
online gaming platform available, offering
operators B2B solutions in social gaming,
wager-ready online gaming, managed
services and online poker.
Aristocrat Technologies President, Atul Bali,
said: This latest news is a very important
milestone for two reasons. First, it further
validates our aggressive online strategic
vision. Second, being licensed to provide
our interactive gaming services in Nevada,
a state that is leading the online gaming
charge in the U.S, puts us in a very strong
position for future activity.
Aristocrat Vice President of System Sales
and Marketing Kelly Shaw said: We have
created what we believe is, quite simply,
the best platform for online gaming in the
US. The nLive virtual casino solution
empowers operators to extend their brand
beyond the confines of the brick-andmortar casino and into the online space,
where their players can continue to enjoy
the property and its rewards.

IGT IS TO PROVIDE
Canadas Loto Quebec
access to its entire
online and mobile
games library with a full
integration to IGT rgs
(remote game server).
Loto Quebec will utilise the IGT data center
located in Kamloops, British Columbia.
As a result, players visiting EspaceJeux, the
real-money online wagering site
administered by Loto Quebec for the
province, will have access to more games
than ever before, including interactive
versions of IGT's most popular land-based
titles. All will be available in English and
French. "IGT is the leading provider of high
quality casino games to regulated lotteries
throughout Canada and worldwide," said
Robert Melendres, IGT Executive Vice
President, Interactive Group (pictured)

www.gtechg2.com

We Speak Gaming

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Chilean operators incensed

even though it has a legal obligation to
act. The gaming boards failure in this
regard has, according to the ACCJ, not
only led to the proliferation of illegal
gaming but has led to a rise in underage
gambling and tax evasion.

Chilean operators are to sue

their countrys Gaming Board
for illegal casino oversights
The Association of Chilean Casinos
(ACCJ), which represents all of the
privately owned casinos in Chile, has
brought legal action against the Head of
the Chilean Gaming Control Board,
Renato Hamel Maturana.
The charges state that Mr. Hamel has
failed to provide adequate oversight of the
industry and that he has failed to limit
illegal gaming in the country. The charges
relate specifically to Article 42 No. 16 of
Chiles gaming law, which states that the
board has a duty to take legal action
against gaming whenever it develops
illegally alongside the legal sector.
According to the ACCJ, the gaming
control board has paid no heed to the
numerous complaints brought before it
regarding the rise of illegal gaming in the
country and has not moved against the
rise in illegal slot machines and parlours,

RENATO HAMEL
MATURANA.
The rise is blamed
on Skill with Prizes
machines which
are permitted in
Chile and which
local authorities fail
to distinguish
between those and
slots. The rise is so
great that the
administration is
considering
legislation which
would legalise slot
parlours, a move
backed by the
Chilean Gaming
Control Board.

Furthermore, when it comes to illegal

gaming there are no loopholes as the
gaming law of 1995 specifically provides
the board with sufficient powers to
combat illegal gaming and provides a
clear legal definition as to what
constitutes legal and illegal gaming.
Illegal gaming has been on the rise
nationwide in Chile and lawyers
representing the ACCJ claim that they
have overwhelming proof that the board
has failed in its duty. Slots outside
casinos are currently banned and those
found to be operating slots illegally can
be fined and face imprisonment.
However, according to government
estimates there could be as many as
150,000 slots located in slot parlours with
a further 50,000 slot machines located in
small businesses and shops.

Evolution first Live Casino

AGEM AGA event
Holdem for Lottomatica
raises $129,000

The 15th annual AGEM/AGA Golf Classic

Presented by JCM Global continued to
attract a high level of demand from players
and sponsors, who came together to raise
a generous $129,000 in support the
research of the National Center for
Responsible Gaming. The event, held April
30 on the award-winning greens of
Cascata in Boulder City, Nevada, drew 140
players from across all facets of the industry
suppliers, operators and test labs. More
than 30 companies sponsored the event.
We are incredibly grateful to the industry
for this outpouring of support. Thanks to our
generous sponsors and players, we can
continue to fund a portion of the NCRGs
important research. The fact is more work
lies ahead, and we encourage everyone
across the industry to continue to be
involved and support the NCRG, not just at
this event, but year-round, said event
producer Tom Nieman of JCM Global. The
Golf Classic title sponsors are the
Association of Gaming Equipment
Manufacturers and the American Gaming
Association. The event is presented by JCM
Global and benefits the NCRG.

Evolution Gaming has

announced the launch of
another first for Italy a new
Live Casino Holdem table for
Lottomatica. The new game,
which can be played in real
time online, is the first Live
Casino Holdem to be certified
by the AAMS and the first to
go live.
The poker-style game joins
Lottomaticas already
comprehensive online Live
Roulette, Blackjack and
Baccarat offering for Italy.
Launch night was marked by
a guest appearance at the
Lottomatica tables by Max
Pescatori, one of Italys most
famous poker players.
Pescatori, who trained as a
croupier in Las Vegas before
becoming a poker
professional, dealt at the Live
Casino Holdem table for two
evenings, entertaining
surprised Italian players
Gionata La Torre, CEO of
Evolution Italy, added: we

July 2013 PAGE 22

are very proud to have

achieved yet another first in
Italy for Evolution and for
Lottomatica. This underlines
our shared commitment to
delivering the best live
gaming experience across
multiple channels.
The Lottomatica Live Casino
Holdem game is available
now, live via PC and Mac.
iPad play will be added after
the summer and the game
will also be incorporated into
Lottomaticas Vegas Club
show (DTT channel 59).
All Lottomatica Live Casino
games are streamed live from
Lottomaticas dedicated,
branded area within
Evolutions European Live
Casino studios. Evolution
Gamings bluescreen
technology is used to create
an authentic casino
environment online, and
players are served by a
dedicated team of native
speaking Italian dealers.

REFLEX GAMING IS SCALING UP ITS

manufacturing capability in order to
meet demand while ensuring that quality
and customer service remain a top
priority. We have recently moved to an
additional 8,000 sq ft premises and
taken on a new production manager;
Adi Cutts, who will be well known to the
industry from his time at Bell-Fruit Games
and Games Warehouse, says Quentin
Stott. Adi is involved in training up new
staff and we have managed to get the
new factory building operational in an
incredibly short space of time. However,
split-site operation is not ideal; we are
hoping to conclude negotiations on even
larger premises in the local area in the
near future, so that we can move
everything under one roof.
Reflex Gaming has had to hit the ground
running since it entered the Category C
sector last year and was met with
incredible demand for its games. We
didnt initially plan to bring out a new
pub retail model every month, but
following our explosive first release, that
is what has happened and we have
managed to keep the momentum going
with one successful title after another,
says Quentin. However, we are fully
aware that these are unusual
circumstances, so we want to manage
our expansion carefully in order to
ensure that we continue to offer a great
service to our customers, maintain our
diversity of developments and keep our
senses alive to other new opportunities.
Reflex Gaming, which is currently
involved in the Category D, C and B
sectors, with both analogue and digital
product is also planning to bring out a
new cabinet this year for high tech
machines. At the moment we are reliant
to a certain extent on the base product
that we can buy in and this imposes
some limitations, says Quentin. We
want to be free from these restrictions
and also we want to create a cabinet
that is more sophisticated in its
technology than what is currently
available. We are confident that we can
do this, while keeping prices
competitive.
In the meantime, the team at Reflex is
working very hard to ensure that it can
keep up with current demand, with
continued high quality product and
service. Everyone is working extremely
long days and we have recently taken
on Martin Austin and Steve Clark to
ensure that we keep close to many more
of our customers in order to not lose
sight of their demands, said Quentin.

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News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Grand Ho Tram ready for July

BATAVIA DOWNS CASINO IN NEW
York, owned by Western Regional OffTrack Betting, has enrolled Bally
Technologies to replace a competitors
system with the Casino Market Place
casino-management, patron-loyalty,
and player-tracking system.
Ballys systems solutions will support
779 gaming devices at Batavia Downs.
Eight of the nine racetrack casinos in
New York use Bally Technologies
systems technology for player-centric
marketing. Batavia Downs Casino and
Western Regional Off-Tracking Betting
President Michael Kane said: Our goal
is to provide our players with a topnotch experience when they visit our
casino. CMPs player-centric design and
world-class marketing tools will help put
us in the position to best reward loyal
players and grow our business.
The Bally systems solutions selected by
Batavia Downs Casino will handle
player-loyalty programs and various
other marketing, promotions, and
bonusing functions. Bally will provide the
property with a version of Ballys Power
Coupon designed specifically for the
New York lottery market. Batavia Downs
Casino will also install Bally's state-ofthe-art Promotional Kiosk application
across all kiosks on the gaming floor.

MERKUR SPIELBANKEN SACHSENAnhalt, the partnership between

Gauselmann Group and Swiss operator
Stadtcasino Baden, has beaten off
competition from four other casino
groups to secure the right to operate
casinos in Saxony-Anhalt in central
Germany. Two are planned initially with
Magdeburg and Gnthersdorf the
chosen locations. The licensing
committee said the winning groups
professional expertise, economic solidity
as well as social concepts and location
strategies saw it come out on top.
Paul Gauselmann, Chairman of
Gauselmann, said: Together with our
partner Stadtcasino Baden AG and the
state of Saxony-Anhalt, we are optimally
prepared for a new beginning in the
casino sector in Saxony-Anhalt. We will
now make the repeated change in
hands of operators and ultimately three
years of stagnation without casinos in
Saxony-Anhalt a permanent thing of the
past and very soon once again operate
attractive casinos, he added. The
opening of casinos in Magdeburg and
Gnthersdorf is first planned upon this
certification. Truly special recreational
offers will be possible in future here
where the player will always be the
centre of attention thanks to the 40 years
of experience in the operation of modern
and top quality entertainment centres.

The Grand is set to open on Ho

Tram Strip in Vietnam after a
tumultus development period
Ho Tram Project has confirmed that its
first resort, located around two hours
from Vietnams largest metropolis, Ho Chi
Minh City, will open its doors to the
public on July 26 and will operate under
the name The Grand - Ho Tram Strip.
John Webb, The Grand Ho Tram Strip's
VP of Hospitality, said: Extraordinary
resort properties should be identified by a
name and brand that reflect their quality,
stature and uniqueness. After a long
discussion process with stakeholders,
branding experts and all departments
within our organization, we found
ourselves coming full circle - all the way
back to the first name that was put on the
table: The Grand. We looked at adjectives
in every language you care to imagine,
but when we stepped back and focused
on the property, it is ultimately a Grand
development, and so we are thrilled to
announce that that is exactly what it will
be known as."
The property, which includes 541 rooms,
extensive entertainment space, and one of
the largest function centers in Vietnam,
was to have operated under another
international brand and operator, however

The first phase of

The Grand Ho Tram
Strip includes 541
five star rooms,
gaming facilities,
meeting and
convention space,
ten bars and
restaurants, a spa,
teens and childrens
areas, three
swimming pools
and luxury retail
shops. The operator
also announced in
October 2012 that it
had broken ground
on the second
phase of The Grand
Ho Tram Strip, which
will include a
second tower of 559
rooms.

SHFL games go live on

GameAccount Network
SHFL entertainments iGaming
products are now live and
eligible to take real-money
bets on GameAccount
Network's market leading
online gaming platform,
including its B2C site, Money
Gaming. SHFL will offer its
online versions of popular
proprietary table games, such
as Three Card Poker,Ultimate
Texas Hold'em, and Fortune
Pai Gow Poker, to many of the
iGaming operators using the
GAN platform in the UK, Italy,
and Spain.
GAN's impressive portfolio of
customers consists of over 20
online operators, including
Lottomatica, SNAI, Sisal,
Paddy Power, William Hill,
SportingBet and Rank Group,
to name a few.

Gavin Isaacs, CEO for SHFL,

said: "The go-live of our
online games is a significant
milestone for SHFL and it is
very exciting to see this come
to fruition. Online players in
key European markets will
now have the opportunity to
experience our renowned
proprietary table games
through a multitude of sites
that GAN serves.
Dermot Smurfit, CEO,
GameAccount Network,
added: "We believe that there
is strong demand among our
online operators and their end
user players for the authentic
SHFL proprietary table games
experience delivered online by
SHFL's proprietary Remote
Gaming Server integrated with
our Internet Gaming System.

with the dissolution of that management

contract, the owners will instead manage
the property under The Grand - Ho Tram
Strip name, with its 2000-strong team
recruited and trained under the direction
of MGM Resorts International.
Ho Tram Project Company General
Director, Colin Pine, said: "We could not
be more excited. We have a superb team
on site who are absolutely raring to go,
and cannot wait to pin their new 'The
Grand - Ho Tram Strip' name badges on
to their shirts and start welcoming guests
in just over a month to the most exciting
development Vietnam's hospitality
industry has ever seen."

Interblock signs
cyberspace deal
Slovenian multi-player manufacturer
Interblock has signed a deal with Bally
Technologies to integrate its game content
onto Ballys iGaming Platform. The ability to
integrate Interblocks online content will
provide land-based casino operators
another best-in-class business-to-business
offering and allow them to utilise worldclass technology, while maintaining control
of their operations through Bally
Technologies. Interblocks CEO Tom OBrien
said: The combination of Bally and
Interblock, will provide operators and their
players the many benefits of a strong
strategic alliance, bringing state-of-the-art
content to the market. Bally Technologies
Vice President of Business Development
John Connelly said: This relationship
further validates the current transformation
within the online gaming sector, which
integrates traditional and online casino
systems, allowing casino operators to
protect their data while offering their
customers best-in-class content.

July 2013 PAGE 25

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
EVOLUTION GAMING, A SPECIALIST IN

Genting mounting investment

Malaysian operator Genting is
to invest RM3bn in mountain top
makeover of its flagship resort
Malaysian operator Genting is investing
RM3bn (US$958m) renovating its
mountaintop Genting Highlands casino
resort as the group looks to bring it in
line with the standards set at its newer
operations in Singapore and The
Philippines. The aim is to double the
profit at the 42-year-old venue. Genting
Malaysia announced a profit of RM1.4bn
for 2012, representing a decline of 1.8 per
cent from 2011 when profit was 1.43bn.
Revenues for last year showed 7.1 per
cent year-on-year decline to 7.89bn.
Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said:
RM3bn is just a ballpark figure. Plans
are still being finalised but we want to
share our thoughts with shareholders.
The idea is to double our profit. Plans are
still being finalised and the board still
needs to approve the plans. Weve been
investing substantial amounts overseas
and it is now a good time to also invest
here back home. Weve received some
feedback on how other people would like
things to be improved and we will do our
best. We will make an announcement
once everything is finalised.
The first quarter of this year saw Genting
Malaysia record a total revenue of
RM1,862m in 1Q13 compared to
RM1,903.8m in the preceding year.
In Malaysia, the group reported
RM1,343.9m in revenue, a three per cent
increase from a year earlier primarily
contributed by higher volume of business
and hold percentage in the premium
players business.
Genting hopes that the redevelopment
work will help it tap into the expanding
regional gaming market and continue to
grow the international premium players
business. The Group will also develop
strategies to build on the domestic and
overseas premium mass market to
improve the Groups performance, it
stated. Along with these strategies,
ongoing properties and facilities upgrades
will enable the Group to meet the
demands of its discerning customers.
The group stated: The global economy
continues to register growth amidst the
challenging economic environment. The
year 2013 started positively,
notwithstanding fiscal and economic
concerns still remaining in Europe and
US. Asian economies have registered
July 2013 PAGE 26

Its a lot of money

but its not entirely
unexpected and it
is long overdue. In
the gaming
industry there is a
constant need to
revitalise ones
offering and they
are running at
about 96 per cent
occupancy on
10,000 rooms.
LUCIUS CHONG,
CIMB Analyst.

growth and remained resilient. Similarly,

the leisure and hospitality industry
outlook is expected to grow though
competitive pressures in the regional
gaming sector continue to intensify. The
group is cautiously optimistic on the
overall outlook of the leisure and
hospitality industry.
Revenue from the United Kingdom
operations meanwhile slumped by a
further 23 per cent on last years first
quarter figures, down to RM263.5 due to
lower hold percentage and volume of
business in its London operations.

Floating casino in Misiones

Argentina gets green light
A new floating casino has
been officially unveiled after
an agreement was reached
between the Provincial
Institute of Lotteries and
Casino, and the Company of
Tourism and Services SA.
Officials revealed that the
casino will also house 52 five
star category rooms will have
eight floors, a swimming pool
and other entertainment
facilities including a sauna and
spar and will be operational in
the next six months. The
casino will be moored
permanently to the harbour in
the city of Puerto Iguaz and
will consist of six gaming
rooms while another hotel will
be constructed nearby on the
harbour which will also be
part of the floating casino and
consist of 60 rooms.
Located in the far north east of
Argentina, the province of
Misiones is one of the most

popular tourist destinations in

Argentina and the floating
casino is part of a larger
government project to boost
tourism in the region famous
for the Iguaza falls. According
to Eduardo Torres, president of
Provincial Institute of Lotteries
and Casinos a floating casino
in the city of Puerto Misiones
is part of the development of
five star hotels and casinos in
the city which will generate
levels of tourism parallel to
that which is experienced in
the province.
The boat will be unique in
Latin America as it will not
only serve as a casino but also
hotel and entertainment
centre. The ship is currently
being converted into a casino
in the harbour of Puerto
Madero in Buenos Aires and
will create 500 jobs and be the
first stage in the building of a
mini Las Vegas according to
local government officials.

video-streamed Live Dealer gaming, has

announced it has signed a deal with SHFL
entertainment, Inc. that will see SHFL table
games added to Evolutions Live Casino
offering in regulated online gambling
markets. Under the agreement, Evolution
receives the rights to offer many of SHFLs
speciality table game titles in its online Live
Casinos. Two market-leading SHFL
casino table games will be made
available later this year, with more to
follow. PC and iPad versions will be
launched simultaneously, which,
according to Evolution, where legislation
permits, will enable operators to offer
world-class online Live Casino as well as
intra-resort services that allow resort
guests to continue to
enjoy live table games
away from the main
gaming floor in their
hotel rooms or when
relaxing by the pool, for
example.
Evolution Chief Executive Officer Jens von
Bahr (pictured) said: We are delighted to
have struck this agreement with SHFL,
which positions us perfectly to lead the
exciting new online markets, including
emerging regulated markets like the US,
with a customised solution that gives
operators a true competitive edge. Our
already wide offering of Live Roulette,
Blackjack, Baccarat and Casino Holdem
games will soon be enriched with further
key games that we are confident all
players love to play in their favourite landbased casinos.
Lou Castle, CSO for SHFL added: Evolution
is a proven leading supplier to top
operators in Europe for Live Casino, videostreamed live dealer services. Evolution's
offering of live games streamed to online
patrons on or off property, creates a
compelling platform to offer SHFL's leading
table games for emerging online
regulated markets like the US.

IGT HAS PARTNERED WITH BETSSON

a leading Maltese operator, which will
significantly increase its online and
mobile offering via a single integration
with IGT rgs (remote game server).
Monopoly Plus, 100 Pandas, Cleopatra
and Da Vinci Diamonds will be among
the broad portfolio of games to go live in
a multitude of countries with full
language and currency support across
all channels. Players at the Betssonowned CasinoEuro.com will be the first to
benefit from IGTs world-leading branded
games and top-performing titles, before
they are rolled out on Betsson.com and
Betsafe.com as well as the groups other
Nordic gaming brands.
Sam Brown, Head of Gaming at Betsson
Group, said: Leading the industry with
the largest and most diverse selection of
premium quality casino games is at the
heart of Betssons product proposition.
The addition of IGT content will help us
stay ahead of the curve in delivering the
best possible experience and range of
games to our players.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Jamaica seek resort operator

Jamaicas Ministry of Finance
has launched a bid to find a
casino resort developer
The Government of Jamaica has launched
its bid to bring casino gaming to the
Caribbean island for the first time.

JURGEN DE MUNCK of DRGT and

JOHANNES WEISSENGRUBER of APEX
gaming at the FADJA Peru
THE GROWING DEMAND FOR APEX
gaming solutions is set to receive a great
boost in Latin America with DRGT named
as a key distributor. With DRGTs Latin
American subsidiary based in Lima, Peru,
the Peru gaming show, the FADJA Peru,
which took place last month, was the
perfect location to officially announce the
new partnership. A choice of three
gaming cabinets from APEX gaming were
on display on the DRGT stand; the
Pinnacle upright, the Pinnacle SL slant top
and the Dual Slim Line upright, which will
soon be available to customers in Peru.
The very best Multi Magic Classic games
are set to become favourites among
players in Peru.
Johannes Weissengruber, CEO and
founder of APEX gaming, together with
Max Pessnegger, CTO, both attended the
FADJA Peru. Max Pessnegger said: My
working relationship with DRGT dates
back to my time with BMM where I was
privileged to get to know a very
professional and approachable company.
DRGT is an excellent partner for us in
Peru.
Jurgen De Munck, CEO and co-founder of
DRGT, added: We already have received
our first orders for APEX gaming
machines, even before the official
announcement. That underlines the
potential great demand for APEX in Latin
America and we are here with our
extensive sales and service team to
ensure that APEX can be enjoyed by
players all around Latin America.

THE UKS IOA HAS CONFIRMED DETAILS

of a partnership agreement with the
Gauselmann group, the German gaming
machine manufacturer. The deal, which
was ratified recently, will see Gauselmann
supply the IOA with its Genie series of
digital Category C AWPs for the UK single
site market. Initial volumes have been
agreed between both parties with orders
set to rise to 500 machines.

Delivering on the initiative to expand and

improve Jamaica's tourism product, Dr.
the Honourable Peter Phillips, Minister of
Finance and Planning, on behalf of the
Government of Jamaica has commenced
the process for interested investors to
submit proposals for the Integrated Resort
Development (IRD).
The Request for Proposal process began
on June 1, 2013, and was made possible
under the Casino Gaming (Application for
Declaration of Approved Integrated Resort
Development) Regulations 2012 and the
Casino Gaming (Prescribed Games)
Regulations 2012, passed by both the
Parliament and the Senate in 2012.
Minister Phillips, in his 2013-2014 Budget
presentation, spoke about the IRD as the
means by which the Government
proposes to substantially grow the Hotel
Sector. The Ministry of Finance said:
The project will lead to the expansion

PETER PHILLIPS.
Currently, gaming
by way of slots is
governed in
Jamaica under the
Betting Gaming
and Lotteries Act
under strict limits as
to the number of
machines per
establishment and
number that can
own machines
including hotels.
Table games will
not be allowed
anywhere apart
from in licensed
casinos.

Scientific sign significant

Hungarian lottery deal
Scientific Games Corporation
has signed a new lottery
systems contract with
Szerencsejatek Zrt, the
Hungarian State Lottery,
ending December 31, 2020.
Scientific Games will
implement its AEGIS NGS
next-generation central system
hardware and software, install
additional Wave terminals and
provide related services.
Dr. Kalman Szentpetery, Chief
Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Szerencsejatek Zrt,
said: "Scientific Games has
been successfully serving our
Lottery for many years and we
believe its innovative products
and services have been a key
factor in our growth. We are
impressed by the WAVE
terminal and the AEGIS NGS

system appears to be the best

performing lottery system
available today. Scientific
Games has delivered once
again and we believe it will
continue to help our lottery
grow."
"We are pleased to continue
our valued partnership with
Szerencsejatek Zrt," added
John Donahue, Managing
Director, International Lottery
Systems for Scientific Games.
"Innovation is important to
both Scientific Games and
Szerencsejatek Zrt and we
look forward to further
collaboration to drive the
lottery's performance."
Szerencsejatek Zrt is the only
lottery in Hungary, operating
over 4,800 retail terminals
with total lottery sales of
nearly $900m in 2012.

and enhancement the tourism product,

enabling guests to have access to the full
range of gaming facilities including
traditional table games as well as gaming
machines. More importantly, the
establishment of such developments will
not only create jobs for many Jamaicans
during the construction phase and when
the entity is operational but also trigger
new investments in the tourism sector.
The application documents and a
summary of the key RFP specification can
be obtained from the Ministry of Finance
and Planning website at
www.mof.gov.jm. Interested investors
have until September 30, 2013 to submit
proposals and the review period for
applications is estimated to not exceed
four months after the deadline of
submission of RFPs. A Project Coordinator has been appointed to oversee
the application process and to act as
agent for the Ministry of Finance.

Rank launches
Greentube games
Rank Group will be launching six new
Greentube games at the end of July.
Since Ranks recent successful acquisition of
19 Gala Casinos, a move that takes Rank
into 11 new markets, and creates a market
leading position for the Grosvenor Casinos
brand in the UK, the relationship with the
Novomatic Group, in particular, with
Greentube and also Novomatics UK
subsidiary, Astra Games, has strengthened
even further. Rank has been working with
Greentube since September 2009 and
earlier this year, the popular Greentube
games Fairy Queen, Spinning Stars,
Dazzling Diamonds, Flame Dancer, Golden
Ark and Jewel Action were added to Ranks
gaming portfolio. Moreover, Cash Farm,
Fruit Farm, Rumpel Wildspins, Jolly Star,
Indian Spirit and Pharaos Tomb will follow.

July 2013 PAGE 27

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

First multi-site cloud casino

Grosvenor creates worlds first
multi-site cloud casino with the
installation of the IGT Cloud
REAFFIRMING ITS INTEREST AND

Three Grosvenor casinos are going live

with the IGT Cloud - creating the worlds
first multi-site cloud casino environment.

dedication to local markets, Merkur

Gaming made a successful appearance at
Gaming Expo Belgrade 2013. The event
took place on May 2123 at Belgrade Fair,
Hall 5, and Merkur Gaming exhibited a
range of its cabinets, including Privilege,
Evolution and Highflyer. The company also
showcased the Merkur Dispenser and a
number of different game packages.

Grosvenor Casinos in Coventry, Reading

and London will benefit from instant
access to IGTs UK AVP game library and
enhanced analytical reporting.
Driven by player behaviour and
preference, the cloud-enabled casinos can
make informed real-time decisions about
which IGT games to deploy on each
terminal. The three casinos have complete
access to IGTs UK AVP game library,
including all themes under IGTs Fort
Knox progressive system.
Simon Beacham, head of electronic
gaming at Grosvenor Casinos said: We
are always looking for ways to provide
our players with the very best gaming
experiences possible. Through our IGT
Cloud we now have the ability to evaluate
the performance of games and quickly
offer the best and newest IGT games to
our players. Now, our customers can
benefit from a customised gambling
experience, with the games they want
available at a touch of a button."

SABBY GILL, IGT

regional VP for
EMEA and LATAM.
The initial launch
includes a total of
26 AVPs connected,
with plans to
extend the cloud
offering to other
Grosvenor Casino
sites later in the
year.

Cloud adoption also represents a

significant step forward in casino
management. Where previously machine
performance could only be measured on a
terminal by terminal basis, the analytical
tools provided by the IGT Cloud will
enable important insight into product
performance on a game by game basis.
By instantly being able to analyse player
trend data and other key performance
indicators the casino operator can act on
strategic information to optimise floor
potential.
The deployment of the worlds first
multi-site cloud casino environment with
Grosvenor Casinos is a sign of IGTs
forward thinking approach to driving
technological innovation in the gambling
industry" says Sabby Gill, regional vice
president for EMEA and LATAM, IGT.
The IGT Cloud gives casinos the ability
to optimise the gaming floor, thereby
driving revenue and enhancing the
gaming experience for the player.

San Remo casino

reversing fortunes GPIC acquires Blue Chip
Despite further losses in April and May, the
management of the casino in San Remo,
Italy, believe they are beginning to turn
around the casinos fortunes. April ended
with a drop in GGR of 16 per cent,
compared to April in 2012. May came in 14
per cent down. In May, table gaming
revenue was actually up six per cent to
973,069 whilst the slots brought in
2,420,896. President of Federgioco,
Marco Cambiaso, Director of Casino Spa:
"The numbers are rewarding given the
company's great team effort. Despite the
current difficulties we are positively
involved with all employees, whom we
thank. With this commitment, we will not
only be able to save the casino, but also
lay a solid foundation for its rebirth and its
progressive improvement.

July 2013 PAGE 28

rival chip manufacturer

Gaming Partners International
has bought The Blue Chip
Company, a privately-held
manufacturer of compressionmoulded gaming chips.
This transaction is part of
GPIC's previously announced
strategy to use its strong cash
position to acquire companies,
products or technologies to
enable it to grow its product
offerings. Gregory Gronau,
GPICs President and Chief
Executive Officer, said: "We
are pleased to acquire Blue
Chip's product portfolio. This
acquisition unites sister
compression-moulded clay

chip products developed by

the Endy brothers, Paul and
Charlie. It enables GPIC to
expand its suite of currency
product offerings to new and
existing customers, while
continuing to serve the market
with our premium Paulson
clay chip products."
Charlie Endy, Blue Chip's
Managing Member, added:
"On behalf of The Blue Chip
Company, we are pleased to
complete this transaction with
GPIC. We are confident in
their ability to continue to
support our customer base
and grow the brand."

Thomas Niehenke, COO of the

Gauselmann Group said that although the
show was small, only featuring four
manufacturers among the exhibitors, the
company felt it was important to take part:
Our performance within the Serbian
market, as well as surrounding markets, is
an indication we are a strong partner in
the region, and we want to expand this
position further. Gaming Expo Belgrade
2013 was an ideal opportunity to lay the
groundwork for doing so.

GLI HAS APPOINTED

respected consultant
William Higgins as its
new Development
Manager for Global
Professional Services
where he will be
positioned in GLIs office
located in Moncton, New Brunswick,
Canada. GLI Canada CEO Salim Adatia
(pictured) said: I am very pleased with the
growth rate of our professional services
team and look forward to working with
William. Adding a seasoned professional
such as William to our existing talent pool
will help us to meet the demand that has
accompanied the divisions growth.
William will be a great help to the planning
and directing of the administrative,
financial, development and operational
activities for the growing consultancy
demands, both in gaming and in nongaming areas.
Bringing William to the GLI team will add
tremendous depth and skill to our growing
Global Professional Services team, in
particular as it relates to our enterprise risk
management, audit and advisory
channels, and we are thrilled to add him
to the team, added Global Professional
Services Director Gregory Doucette.
Mr. Higgins has extensive professional
services experience, having worked for
more than 25 years for companies such
as Grant Thornton and Ernst & Young.
Higgins comes to GLI with experience in
both the private and public sectors. Most
recently, he served as New Brunswick
Practice Leader for Business Risk Services
at Grant Thornton.

News
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

Barcelonas Melco approach

Melco International has been
approached to lend its expertise
to help Spains Barcelona World

THE FADJA PERU EXHIBITION took place

in Lima at the end of May and proved to be
the perfect setting for DRGT to underline its
unique benefits for the Peruvian gaming
market. The close links to operators in Peru
makes DRGT a key partner for slot machine
sales and service. During the show, DRGT
officially announced two new major
partnerships with Alfastreet and APEX.
DRGT was the only premium sponsor of
the FADJA Peru, underlining its
commitment to the market.
Jurgen De Munck, CEO and co-founder of
DRGT, commented on the choice of
partners, explaining: We can now provide
operators with an excellent choice in the
two key areas of both electronic
multiplayers and slot machines. Alfastreet
has an excellent reputation and is
extremely innovative in the field of
electronic multiplayers. The same is true for
APEX gaming in the field of slot machines
and slot games. We are very proud to have
been able to seal partnerships with such
top companies. The feedback from the
exhibition demonstrated that both
companies are set to become household
names here.

Melco International development could be

poised to be taking on Las Vegas Sands in
the battle for super casino supremacy in
Spain having confirmed that it has been
invited to take part in Barcelona World, a
US$1bn casino resort project set for the
outskirts of Barcelona.
Melco International, a partner in Macau
operator Melco Crown Entertainment,
confirmed that it was exploring the
opportunity with the company behind the
project; Veremonte.
It stated that it was happy to be invited
by Veremonte to take part in the
Barcelona World project as casino
operator and said that in the coming
months, it would continue to work with
Veremonte on the definitive casino
management agreement. It added it
would make an announcement when the
agreement is signed.
If it did get involved in Barcelona world,
it would pitch the internationallyrenowned operator directly against its
Macau rival Las Vegas Sands, who three
months ago it would build a US$9bn
casino leisure resort in Alcorcn,

The casinos will be

an essential part of
the leisure mix. We
also have six smart
cities inspired by
Brazil, India, China,
Russia and the
Middle East, with
food, entertainment
and commercial
offers from these
locations.
XAVIER ADSER,
CEO, Veremonte.

AEG AND MGM RESORTS HAVE

completed and executed transactional
agreements behind a new arena project,
which will be the centre piece of a
complete revitalisation of the area between
New York-New York and Monte Carlo
resorts, extending from Las Vegas Blvd. to
Frank Sinatra Drive. They have selected
Populous, designers of many of the world's
most memorable sports, concert and
entertainment venues as the Architect of
Record and designer for the new
approximately 20,000-seat indoor arena.
The arena is expected to break ground in
summer 2014, with the grand opening
projected for spring 2016. The project is
anticipated to cost approximately $350m
and be financed with equity contributions
from each of the partners as well as
privately funded third-party financing.
"Finalising our agreement with AEG and
selecting Populous, a world-class design
firm, as the architect of this project are both
important milestones in this process," said
Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International
Chairman and CEO. "The combination of
MGM and AEG, along with the excellent
Las Vegas Strip location, is already driving
interest from potential investors in this
exciting new development."

Tokyo Governor pushes

for waterfront casino
Following a spate of raids on
illegal casinos, Tokyo Governor
Naoki Inose has announced he
wants to start the process to
open a waterfront casino in
Japans capital, saying he
expects casino gaming to be
legalised soon.
Speaking at the metropolitan
assembly session, he said: I
expect the Diet to revise the
law as soon as possible. I will
consider preparing an
integrated resort facility that
combines restaurants, theatres
and casinos to boost foreign
visitors to Tokyo.
Mr. Inose described his vision
of a casino as being a
sightseeing facility and a
place for social interaction
among adults.

His predecessor, Shintaro

Ishihara, also publically
advocated allowing casinos in
Tokyo soon after he was
elected governor for the first
time in 1999. However, his
vision of bringing a casino to
the Odaiba area remained
unfulfilled as he couldnt
convince legislators to
overhaul laws prohibiting
gambling in the Penal Code.
Pro-casino legislators have
been trying to get legislation
approved for more than a
decade. Japan has watched
Macau and Singapore sprint
away with the gaming taxation
and tourism benefits from
allowing casinos to operate.
The only form of legalised
gambling in Japan remains
pachinko, which generates
over US$200bn each year.

potentially called EuroVegas. At a press

conference at Tarragona Chamber of
Commerce, Veremonte President, Enrique
Bauelos, confirmed that the hope was
that Melco Crown that Melco would have
two local partners, Meli hotel group and
a shopping mall firm called Value Retail.
Melco is seen as being the key partner
though and not just for its financial
muscle. Its proximity to Chinese tourists
via its Macau commitments marries
perfectly with the first phase of the
projects partial reliance on junkets.
Andreu Mas-Colell, a legal representative
for the Government of Cataluas
Department of Economy, explained that
up to 5,000 new permanent jobs would
be created at the complex, which is
scheduled to open in 2016. He added that,
in contrast to Sheldon Adelsons Las
Vegas Sands proposal in Madrid, there
would be no demands to change antismoking legislation prior to any funding
being confirmed.
He added that the casino did not require
a single Euro of public money. It is
envisaged that BCN World would open
with a single resort called Barcelona
Dream which would have a foot print of
3.2m sq. ft. offering 1,100 hotel beds, a
casino and a theatre. It could be open by
2016.
The project would be funded equally by
bank loans and equity. Each partner
brings a different amount BCN World
project. Melco could invest almost
$150m, according to sources close to the
project.
The long-term plan is to open six resorts
at BCN World with six hotels, a total of
12,000 rooms, six casinos and retail
offering up to 450 brands. Each casino
will be themed on a geographical part of
Europe, the USA, China, Brazil, Russia or
the Middle East.
July 2013 PAGE 29

Insight
MEXICO EXPERIENCE

UNIQUE MEXICO EVENT

The Mexican gaming industry attended a special Zitro invitational to discover the
latest innovations and product offerings from this rapidly expanding games creator
Zitro presented 17 new games at the
Zitro Experience 2013 event, held in
June in Mexico City. The entire Mexican
gaming sector turned out to find out more
about Zitros offer, giving its unanimous
support for this initiative and looking
forward to receiving more games before
the end of the year.
This impressive display will be boosted
by a further five games in the second half
of the year, consolidating Zitros creative
drive, with 22 new games in a single year.
Zitros CEO, Johnny Ortiz, said: Zitro
surpasses itself with every new launch, as
shown by the people attending the Zitro
Experience, who were amazed at our
ability to create and revolutionise the
Video Bingo sector once again. The
Mexican market is very important to us,
because we are the exclusive supplier of
video bingo for the largest groups in the
country.
The games on show incorporate 3D
technology, new interactive systems for
purchasing extra balls; bonuses ranging
from car races to 80s music, five bonuses
July 2013 PAGE 30

WE ARE THE
EXCLUSIVE
SUPPLIER FOR
THE LARGEST
GROUPS IN THE
COUNTRY.

in a single game and images of real

characters in video and community
games; innovations that have never been
seen before in a bingo product.
AN EVENT PACKED FULL OF SURPRISES
Zitro celebrated the important company
landmark with an event packed full of
surprises and an experience dedicated to
its customers, showing the latest
innovations and the technology of Zitros
factory of ideas.
The event was spiced up with a tasting of
Mexican products and, to top it off, those
attending were able to enjoy one of the
most successful musicals currently
showing in the Federal District.

Zitro surpasses
itself with every
new launch, as
shown by the
people attending
the Zitro
Experience, who
were amazed at
our ability to create
and revolutionise
the Video Bingo
sector once again.
JOHNNY ORTIZ,
CEO, Zitro.

Images were also displayed of the

12,000sq.m. avant-garde installation that
Zitro has just opened in Barcelona, the
site where 300 professionals create the
companys video bingo games.
MEXICO, A VERY IMPORTANT MARKET
Zitro games have been favourites with
Mexican players for a number of years,
making the country Zitros largest market
in the world. The company is the
undisputed leader in Mexico, where each
new launch is awaited enthusiastically as
it translates into greater earnings and
profitability and sets Zitro apart from its
competitors. The huge variety of games
satisfies the tastes of todays customers
and attracts a younger clients, the
customers of tomorrow, into the gaming
rooms.

Insight
EGT NEW FACILITY

FACILITATING CHANGE

Bulgarias Euro Games Technology has expanded its headquarters in Sofia with a
new facility dedicated to the production of high quality gaming machines
Euro Games Technology has expanded its
headquarters in Bulgaria with a new
production facility. It has been
particularly adapted for the
manufacturing of the companys highquality Premier Series branded products.
The advanced technology which EGT
uses for the production of the high-class
Premier Series gaming machines has
imposed the need for an additional
facility which would accommodate
exclusively the manufacturing process of
the Premier cabinets, commented
Vladimir Dokov, EGT Managing Director.
The new production unit enables EGT to
create the high-class Premier P-24/24
Upright and (later this year) P-24/26 Slant
top cabinets. These elegant machines,
engineered by Euro Games Technology,
use the latest technological innovations to
meet the needs of players and operators.
The main door opening system lifts
upwards providing easy and quick access
and on-the-spot maintenance, and with
their ergonomically shape and attractive
design, the Premier cabinets capture
player attention and prolong play by

utilising high-quality technology on the

inside too. Based on the Exciter II
Platform, EGTs Premier cabinets offer
key advantages to both players and
operators.

The advanced
technology which
EGT uses for the
production of the
high-class Premier
Series gaming
machines has
imposed the need
for an additional
facility which would
accommodate
exclusively the
manufacturing
process of the
Premier cabinets.
VLADIMIR DOKOV,
Managing Director,
Euro Games
Technology.

Each Premier cabinet offers a greater

variety of EGT games. The Exciter II
Platform allows the operation of more
than 40 games in one Multi Game mix. It
also provides for high quality sound FXs
and graphics. The advanced technical
characteristics of the Premier Cabinets are
supplemented by Premier Multigame
mixes. The most recent Premier
Multigames also include card games, keno
and virtual roulette games, along with
other brand new EGT games.
The P-24/24 Upright Cabinets have
recently been upgraded with
sophisticated multimedia toppers and
keyboard. The button panel offers easy
and intuitive play, whereby the interactive
content of each button can be set
individually for every game especially
the bet and lines selection buttons.
Durable materials, programmable
perimeter LEDs and integrated brightness

THE FACILITY
WILL ASSURE THE
IDEAL
ENVIRONMENT
FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF
EGTS QUALITY
PREMIER
MACHINES.
control are just a few of the advantages of
the exclusive button panel. The Premier
series cabinets by EGT also feature new
toppers with wide viewing angles.
Designed to display multimedia videos,
the toppers can be customised
individually for each operator and are the
ideal solution for presentation of the
current jackpot levels, statistics and other
information.
EGT implements a great variety of
complicated multimedia which require
advanced hardware. I believe that the
new facility will assure the ideal
environment for smooth and safe
production of EGT high-quality Premier
machines, observed Stanislav Stanev,
EGT Sales and Marketing Director.
July 2013 PAGE 31

Insight
CZECH VLTS

KEEPING VLTS IN
CZECH

The VLT disaster in the Czech Republic unfolds as government, local

councils and manufacturers go head-to-head
The recent ruling by the Czech
Constitutional Court has raised the
possibility that a third of all VLTs in the
Czech market could be removed from
locations, with operators potentially
losing billions of crowns and state offices
seeing the lost of huge amounts in taxes
as a result of the ruling.
The crackdown on VLTs in the Czech
market, widely expected as the
Constitutional Courts last month reversed
the right of operators to continue to
operate VLTs until 2014, could leave some
of the major suppliers in the market
reeling from the changes.
While operators had purchased 10-year
lottery licences from the government in
2007, the Czech Constitutional Court
granted municipalities the right to
regulate within their territory all types of
gambling devices in a new ruling in 2011.
In response to the ruling the Ministry of
Finance created a Lottery Act amendment
setting a three-year transitional period
before any terminals could be withdrawn,
ending in 2014. The three-year
transitional period was the result of an
agreement that the lawmakers, the lottery
industry, the Association of Towns and
Municipalities and the Ministry of
Finance had to respect until the
Constitutional Court decided otherwise which it did in April, 2013. The result
saw the three-year transitional period
abandoned with municipalities seeking to
remove VLTs from their communities
immediately.
The Association of Central Lottery System
Operators has since said that the Czech
Republic ruling will ultimately lead to
disputes relating to compensation for
damages in the billions of crowns. The
Association states that the withdrawal of
the protection of the transitional period
for operators of central lottery systems is
absolutely unacceptable. However,
July 2013 PAGE 32

according to constitutional judges, lottery

operators must reckon with the risk of
changes in conditions of business.
The Ministry of Finance, based on the
decision of the Constitutional Court,
initiated administrative proceedings where
gaming halls are in conflict with local
regulations. It is believed that roughly
6,000 procedures relating to 20,000 units
have been put forth for removal to date.
Operators have already threatened to
claim damages in the billions of crowns
due to the loss of profits until 2017 (the
full tenure of the 10-year licence). There
are also additional restrictions on the
licensing of automated roulette games,
with warehouses filled with dozens of
unsitable roulettes that were once
destined for the Czech Republic. Preparing
are being put in place to take an action to
the administrative court in the country,
with operators determined to take their

IT IS ALREADY
BECOMING
OBVIOUS THAT
THE MAJORITY OF
THE CITIES AND
MUNICIPALITIES
CAN FORESEE
THE EFFECTS OF
THE TOTAL
PROHIBITION.

claims all the way to the European Court

should their voices not be heard in their
own country.

AT THE OPERATOR LEVEL

Synot is the second largest operator of
video lottery terminals in the country and
at the same time with machines and game
software in the business. The Czech
gaming machine supplier and distributor

IVO VALENTA,
Founder and
Owner, Synot
Holdings
It is already
becoming obvious
that majority of the
cities and
municipalities can
foresee the
possible effects
and impacts of the
total prohibition of
lotteries, and they
will prefer
regulation rather
than unlimited
prohibition that
would only open
the market to illegal
operators and
would deprive cities
and the state of
billions for the state
budgets.

believes that despite the inevitable

reduction in numbers of VLTs in the
marketplace (currently at 34-37,000), the
leading companies will continue to
maintain their installed base, while the
effects will be felt most severely by the
small-to-medium-sized competition.
The Czech gaming machine supplier and
distributor believes that despite the
inevitable reduction in numbers of VLTs in
the marketplace (currently at 34-37,000),
the leading companies will continue to
maintain their installed base, while the
effects will be felt most severely by the
small-to-medium-sized competition.
"It's expected that certain cities will shut
gambling down completely," explained
Synot's David Mixa, "but we don't believe
that every city will follow this route as
they must consider the revenue and tax
implications of their actions. We also
believe that the reduction in VLT numbers
will concentrate the minds of operators
who as a necessity will need to offer

Insight
CZECH VLTS

PATENTLY DISTURBING ISSUE

VLTs are not only under attack from government and local city councils in
the Czech Republic, but from the patent office too. Companies such as
Synot have operated VLTs in the country since 2003, having worked with
Boss Media to establish the market. However, a patent claim from an
individual in 2004, which was dismissed by local courts as inadmissible at
the time, has since returned to plague not just Synot, but every company
operating VLTs in the Czech marketplace. The patent claim, which dates
back to 2003, insists that every company operating VLTs in Czech must
pay a compensation fee to Mr. Keprt, who recently sent letters to all
companies, including Czech national operator, Saska, claiming patent
rights to the VLT model. Mr. Keprt first attempted to enforce his patent in
2003, but after showing that the VLT model had long been established in
markets such as Canada back in the 1990s, the local courts threw-out the
claim. The patent office, which registered the patent on June 30, 2003 for
a period 10 years (and is renewable beyond this period), has received
various requests from legal representatives to delete the design from its
records. Despite the fragility of the patent claim, Mr. Keprt has sent legal
letters to every Czech VLT supplier and operator threatening to sue these
companies if they fail to pay a substantial fine.
UTILITY DESIGN NO.13650 FROM 2003 (UD): System of the self service
wagering terminal. This UD removes the negative attributes of existing
terminal solutions (existing in 2003), representing a major advance as it
removes the betting counter and is fully available for the player. All the
player has to do it browse through user friendly software and hardware,
which is easy to interact with.
The UD allows the player to create a ticket/slip for direct payment and
printing, so that it will not be necessary to complete forms to make a bet,
and it will not be necessary to contact an attendant. The terminal is able
to show offers of various betting companies, which is not possible in
normal betting shop, as it is not physically possible to manage the
complete offering of many different companies with a normal shop.
Actualisations can be done immediately at the terminal, with no human
interaction.

customers the system that can generate

the most revenue, which will believe will
be to the advantage of Synot. We think
that the market will undergo a 'shuffling'
of terminals from different locations as the
market shrinks, but that we will not lose
out as the best performing machines are
retained by operators. The relocation of
machines will undoubtedly hurt the
weaker suppliers in the Czech market,
whereby the current 24 suppliers will be
unsustainable going forward. It's very
likely that we will see many disappear
from the list. It will also take some time
for the cities to fulfil the legal steps to
implement the changes."
There is also an opportunity for the
resurgence of AWPs in the Czech market
as the numbers of the dominant VLT
sector is diminished by the changes. There
are currently so many older machines on
the market 'treading water' that the loss of
income from VLT removals is expected to
reinvigorate the 50,000 machine market.

"While operators are uncertain as to the

future of the VLT market in the Czech
Republic, there is a preference to invest in
a less volatile product, and as a result we
have seen a great deal of interest in AWPs
right now, stated Mr. Mixa.
IMPACT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
DECISION ON SYNOT HOLDINGS
The decision of the Constitutional court
of the Czech Republic, that has cancelled
the three year protective period for the
operation of some types of lotteries, is from the view of the operators surprising, stated Ivo Valenta, founder
and owner of Synot Holding. A number
of times we were assured by the state
authorities, that retroactivity is not
possible and that municipalities must
respect transitional periods.
The activities or even future of Synot
Holdings is definitely not in danger
because of this issue. We are a stable and
internationally respected company with

The activities or
even future of Synot
Holdings is
definitelly not in
danger because of
this issue. We are a
stable and
internationally
respected company
with over 20 years
of experience. In
our business we
are on the top, we
are a technological
leader and
constantly increase
not just our service
offering, but also
our activities in
other countries.
IVO VALENTA,
Founder and
Owner, Synot
Holdings.

over 20 years of experience. In our

business we are on the top, we are a
technological leader and constantly
increase not just our service offering, but
also our activities in other countries.
We dont expect that the decision of the
court will have a fundamental impact on
the lottery business. It is already
becoming obvious that the majority of the
cities and municipalities can foresee the
possible effects and impacts of the total
prohibition of lotteries, and they will
prefer reasonable regulation rather than
unlimited prohibition that would only
open the market to illegal operators and
would deprive cities and the state of
billions for the state budgets.
The decision of the court can actually
sort out the market in the Czech Republic,
with small and unstable companies
ceasing operation and only the key players
left in the market. Synot Holdings is
definitely one of them.
July 2013 PAGE 33

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

WE ARE ADDING
NEW DIMENSIONS
TO WHAT WE DO,
FROM TECHNICAL
SUPPORT TO A
SIGNIFICANT
INVESTMENT IN
KEY AREAS.
do, from technical support to a significant
investment in key areas, such as Asia to
service the fastest growing region in our
business.
An example of integrated product
thinking in practice is the interconnected
technology driving the latest displays
from TCSJohnHuxley. The ability to link
the displays to multiple casino systems
makes the new e-FX Elite 2 winning
number display range a platform for
growth and development in the future,
while meeting all the current needs of
operators today.

BLAZING A TRAIL
ACROSS ASIA
Having kept its cards close to its chest in recent months,
TCSJohnHuxley revealed its hand at G2E Asia with a stunning
line-up of products and strength and depth in its regional support
TCSJohnHuxley has spent the last 12
months strengthening and developing its
entire product range and offering to the
company's international customer base.
Significant staff hirings have been taking
place at the same time across all areas of
the business, while the company has
sought to integrate its product range into
a cohesive series of interconnected
specialist products.
Asia has developed into an especially
important region for TCSJohnHuxley,
with the posting of the company's head
of product development in Asia an
indication of just how important an area
of the world this is to the company. As a
result, at the G2E Asia show in Macau
July 2013 PAGE 34

TCSJohnHuxley showed a range of Asiafocused products that have been

developed in conjunction with operators
in the region on the back of significant
installs of key products.
Cath Burns, Group CEO, TCSJohnHuxley
commented: At last years show we
spoke about focusing heavily on refining
and improving our processes and
investing in our products and our people.
The first stage of this is now complete
and we are able to provide a clear vision
of the future - our products and services
and to develop and grow customer
partnerships by understanding their
challenges and business requirements. We
are adding new dimensions to what we

TRACY COHEN and

LUKE DAVIS
pictured at the G2E
Asia show with the
latest Sic Bo Blaze.
In Asia our
OmniBaccarat
display has been
hugely successful.
We are now able to
display different
images on the two
sides of the new
e-FX Elite 2 display,
with LED lighting
strips at the edges,
so an operator can
choose to show
results on one side
and advertising on
the other."
LUKE DAVIS.

In Asia our OmniBaccarat display has

been hugely successful, commented
TCSJohnHuxleys Luke Davis at G2E
Macau. We are now able to display
different images on the two sides of the
new e-FX Elite 2 display, with LED
lighting strips at the edges, so an operator
can choose to show results on one side
and advertising on the other. e-FX Elite 2
brings fully integrated cable management
and improved camera fixing points with
the option of an additional promotional
topper screen. Backlit buttons with
intelligent lighting modes deliver
improved usability; whist dual
attendant/staff call lights bring improved
customer service.
Another tech-driven product thats
performing extremely well in Asia is
TCSJohnHuxleys Blaze gaming surface
technology running on sic bo tables.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

Having updated from an older, more cumbersome bulb system, running

Blaze technology means that not only is the display more attractive,
thinner and easier to use, its very low maintenance while also offering
more complex animations. We are rolling blaze out throughout the year
across a variety of games, explained Mr. Davis. The beauty of this
technology is that the table layout can be placed right over the lightbox
making it a seamlessly integrated product, doing away with the acrylic
panel of the previous generation. The Blaze technology has also been
added to baccarat and linked to both the OmniDisplay and Angel Shoe,
delivering attract modes and functional alerts to both players and dealers.
Also on show, Supernova Table Bonus System combined with new Asian
focused games, such as Dragon 21, demonstrated the delivery of floor wide
progressives and game bonusing. With the recent installations of
Supernova tables across South Africa, Asian operators were keen to see the
added potential that Supernova offers for all their live table games.
Dragon Roulette was making its debut on the TCSJohnHuxley stand in
Macau, running on the companys Double Action roulette technology,
whereby the outer wheel is part of a traditional roulette bet, while the
inner wheel features eight dragon symbols against which players can get
excellent odds. In the event the ball comes to rest in alignment with one of
the gold or silver dragons, wagers placed on the corresponding Dragon
Racetrack number will be paid. With its exciting Asian twist, operators
from across the region were impressed by the simplicity and added player
appeal of Dragon Roulette.
Baccarat and Sic Bo were also the focus for the latest enhancements to
Gaming Floor Live; the Live real-time game optimisation tool designed to
maximise key performance areas and profitability. Initially launched with
roulette, the recent additions of baccarat and sic bo provide operators with
a fully inclusive system. Having already enjoyed success in Macau more
significant installations are planned across the region.
July 2013 PAGE 35

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

FUTURELOGIC
UNPLUGGED

FutureLogics networkless ticketing solution,

Ticket2Go, has found applications far beyond its
intended UK market-driven launch
Developed primarily for the UK coin-op
market, the success of Ticket2Go,
FutureLogic's networkless ticket-out
solution, has not just been the rapid
adoption of the system in its intended
market, but the clamour from
international operators for this product. At
the G2E Asia show in Macau, FutureLogic
was showing Ticket2Go for the Asian
marketplace having found success in
Spain and S.Africa in recent months were
cost-sensitivity is high, but theres even
higher demand for the latest coin-in to
cashless technology. We are seeing
operators approach us that understand
the value of ticket-out and want to utilise
Ticket2Go across their locations, said

"We have a number

of significant trials
lined up in Asia
already and will
have a series of
announcements to
make that we think
will demonstrate
the significant
opportunities
Ticket2Go has in
this marketplace."
JOHN EDMUNDS,
FutureLogic.

PROMONET
PROVIDES A LINK
BETWEEN
OFFLINE AND
ONLINE PLAY,
PROMOTING
LAND-BASED
PLAY TO ONLINE.

FutureLogics John Edmunds. We have a

number of significant trials lined up in
Asia already and will have a series of
announcements to make that we think
will demonstrate the significant
opportunities Ticket2Go has in this
marketplace.
FutureLogic's promotional couponing
system, PromoNet, is currently enjoying a
spree of sign-ups from operators looking
not only to promote to guests on-site, but
connect with customers while playing offsite and online. PromoNet is capable of
linking land-based gaming to online
gaming, stated Mr. Edmunds. A lot of
casinos are currently working out their
online strategy in the US, whereby their
greatest concern is the cannibalisation of
their player base. PromoNet provides a
link between offline and online play,
promoting land-based play to online
players and branded Internet gaming to
offline players.
July 2013 PAGE 36

FutureLogics JOHN
EDMUNDS and
ALFRED HWEE,
pictured at G2E
Asia 2013.

Utilising redeemable rewards, both online

and offline can be interconnected using
PromoNets promotional ticketing system.
Its something thats helping to spur
interest in Asian markets too. At present
FutureLogic has around 20 sites utilising
PromoNets promotional ticketing
worldwide, with trial sites in Asia having
been determined, though details have yet
to be released. PromoNet has proved to
be an invaluable addition to our product
range, one that broadens our product
capability, commented Mr. Edmunds.
We tie our system into the server and
the games at a local level, which is the
key differentiator for PromoNet.
Finally, and having gestated for a similar

period as PromoNet before launch,

FutureLogic's TableXchange, the ticketing
solution that ties together slots and
tabling gaming, is gathering momentum
in partnership with GCA.
The latest hurdle to deployment, however,
is that theres currently no regulation for
the generation of tickets from the cashcage within casinos in the US. All current
connectivity has been devoted to slots,
rather than tables, which has meant that
FutureLogic has been in discussions with
regulators to facilitate the change, which
understandably takes time. However,
TableXchange is conceptually ready for
release in 2013 - but thats in the hands of
the regulators.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013
change from security to functionality at
the tables. GPI RFID chips have a very
high volume of play here in Asia, stated
Ms. Clark. RFID has been used, very
successfully, from a security perspective
in the Asian market, but having an
established installed base means that
operators are now looking at how RFID
can also drive efficiency on the gaming
floor.
At G2E Macau GPI showed its latest
RFID-enabled chip tray and plaque-box,
which updates the casino operator with
live inventory data, helping speed-up
gameplay by eliminating the need for
manual counts. Utilising the RFID chips
in combination with the chip-tray and
plaque-box means that there's no
stopping of the game to manually count
chips, while tables can be opened
instantly as chip inventory is a known
value from the outset.

ICONIC
GAMING APPEAL
Gaming Partners International showed its dynamic new range of
jetons and plaques at G2E Asia and revealed major RFID plans
Gaming Partners International proved that
new technology is helping to develop all
aspects of the casino supplies sector, even
in the most traditional of product areas.
The creation of the new J3 jeton from GPI
is a mini-marvel, occupying the same
form factor as an American-style chip, the
new jeton uses the latest edge-spot
technology to create an extremely
counterfeit resistant jeton that offers the
versatility of easy stacking. We are very
excited about this product, stated GPIs
Kirsten Clark. The J3 is especially suited
to the Asian market where counterfeiting
continues to be major issue for
operators.
Continuing with the traditional theme,
GPI showed its latest premium plaque at
G2E Asia. A very limited product in the
past, the plaques shown at the Macau
exhibition dazzled with their variety and
added elements using a multitude of
different materials that would have
previously been cost prohibitive in the
past to produce.
We can now offer very brand related
plaques, explained Ms. Clark. Plaques
havent really changed much in design
since they were invented, but with our
layered printing decor effects we are able
to create intricate designs that take

customisation to a new level. GPI plaques

have never been successfully
counterfeited, which is part of their iconic
appeal that has proved so popular with
operators. We recently produced a
commemorative plaque for the Monaco
operator, SBM, designed along the same
lines as the original plaque that was
created for the casino group (see above).
Having relocated to Macau to provide
dedicated full-time support for customers
in the market and surrounding regions,
Ms. Clark has overseen the next stage of
RFID development in SE Asia, the step-

MIGUEL CHOI, RFID

Product Manager,
Gaming Partners
International
pictured at G2E
Asia in Macau with
the companys RFID
chiptray and
plaque-box.
RFID trays improve
performance - its
as simple as that.
They help operators
meet their
operational needs
and meet a specific
efficiency demand
at the tables. We
are very aware of
the abilities of RFID
having spent so
much time
developing the
systems. We are
also aware that
we're not trying to
claim that RFID is
able to reinvent the
wheel.
KIRSTEN CLARK,
Senior Vice
President And Chief
Operating Officer Asia, Gaming
Partners
International.

WE ARE
SHOWING REAL
VALUE AT THE
TABLE OF
IMPLEMENTING
ADDITIONAL RFID
FUNCTIONALITY.

RFID trays improve performance - its as

simple as that, stated Ms. Clark. They
help operators meet their operational
needs and meet a specific efficiency
demand at the tables. We are very aware
of the abilities of RFID having spent so
much time developing the systems. We
are also aware that were not trying to
claim that RFID is able to reinvent the
wheel. RFID is, however, capable of
benefiting the core operational values in
which efficiency is hugely important in
markets where table gaming dominates
the volume of play, such as here in
Macau. We are showing real value at the
table of implementing additional RFID
functionality that is proven and
functioning 100 per cent.
GPI made the investment in its RFID
inventory system in 2010, acquiring the
technology from IGT, and has since been
refining and testing its robustness to
ensure that the applications are fully
operational. The system allows the casino
to automate opens and closes at the table
and can track live chip play. Its been a
long two years of continuous
development, said Ms. Clark, but we
are very pleased with the interest we are
receiving right now. We are looking at the
continued long-term relationships with
our customers and RFID is part of that
development pathway.
July 2013 PAGE 37

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

ASIAS
HEAVYWEIGHT
HITTER

Still the undisputed champions of Asian slots

gaming, Aristocrat showed another knock-out
selection of games at G2E Asia
Having built its G2E stand around its
latest Asian Legendary games themes,
specifically 50 Dragons Deluxe and
Fortune King Deluxe, Aristocrat was
building on the enormous footprint it has
established in the Asian region.
Continuing to dominate all competitors in
the region, 50 Dragons remains the best
performing game in the VIP and mass
markets in the region; the latest deluxe
game brings substituted wilds, increased
multipliers and enhanced graphics.
We are bringing our best into the next
generation of Legend titles, explained
Aristocrat Asia's General Manager, David
Punter. We are unveiling the new 5 Level
Hyperlink, Cash Express Gold Class,
launched for the first time at G2E Macau.
Its a stunning product with interactivity
across an entire bank of products, with
synched media connecting across all
screens, which enables more features
across the bank. All the original base
game features are included in addition to
the Hyperlink feature, which is a first.
We have 2,000 Cash Express links in the
Asian market right now and we are
looking to build upon that success with
this innovative new addition to the
Hyperlink family, continued Mr. Punter.
The new link brings theatre and
presence to any floor with the jackpot
highlighted in the top boxes and
celebrated across the whole bank. We are
putting the best Asian themes as base
games under this link, making it one of
the most complex products we have ever
developed.
Aristocrat has built on the momentum of
the original Cash Express that introduced
Hyperlink to the Asian market. The new
Cash Express Gold Class incorporates a
new jackpot feature that randomly awards
one of four jackpot levels and comes with
a series of the highest performing base
games, including 5 Dragons, Fortune King
and 50 Lions. New concepts included
Wonder 4, More Power, Reel Tubes,
Standalone Jackpotting, Symbol Driven
Links and Hyperlink 2.0. A stand-out
amongst the new concepts, Wonder 4 is a
multi-reel innovation in which players
July 2013 PAGE 38

Aristocrats DAVID
PUNTER pictured at
the G2E Asia show
in Macau with the
newly licensed
Mega Manny
Jackpot, a mystery
jackpot featuring
exclusive footage of
boxer, politician
and living legend
that is Manny
Pacquiao.

"When you have

such a major share
of the market you
have to underline
that presence on
the floor with
distinct categories
of products. Here
we have
standalone and
links, mystery
jackpots, Cash
Express and true
dedicated content
that has seen us
continue to grow in
the Philippines,
Vietnam and
Cambodia, and
helped us to
maintain our 50-60
per cent share in
Macau. We have a
great portfolio right
now and we're
looking forward to
sharing these
games and
concepts with
customers and
players over the
year."
DAVID PUNTER,
Aristocrat.

select and play from two, three or four

games onscreen at once in the base game.
A spectacular coup for Aristocrat is the
signing of professional boxer and
politician, Manny Pacquiao, in his own
licensed mystery jackpot. Aristocrat spent
a day and a half filming the Philippines
star to incorporate exclusive footage and
images in the mystery jackpot, which is
again packaged with some of Aristocrat's
best performing base games.
Racing Tycoon with its Xtreme Mystery
Jackpots was also shown for the first time
at G2E Asia 2012 and is now being rolled
out across Asia having secured its
approvals. Dragon on the Lake is also
now available having made its debut last
year, which uses a next-gen extension of
the Hyperlink jackpot utilising a symbol
triggered jackpot feature.
We are offering the widest choice of
games and concepts that weve ever
shown at G2E Asia, stated Mr. Punter.
When you have such a major share of
the market you have to underline that
presence on the floor with distinct
categories of products. Here we have
standalone, links and mystery jackpots.
Cash Express and true dedicated content
has seen us continue to grow in the
Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, and
helped us to maintain our 50-60 per cent
share in Macau, continued Mr. Punter.
We have a great portfolio right now and

were looking forward to sharing these

games and concepts with customers and
players over the year."
Aristocrat displayed its latest generation of
downloadable product at G2E Asia.
Already running on its second site in the
US, Aristocrats downloadable games
solution is able to download games
directly to EGMs, change denom on the
fly and reconfigure the entire gaming floor
in an instant, putting complete dynamic
control of the slots floor in the hands of
the operator. We are changing the way
that we sell the system right now,
explained Aristocrats Jeremy Wilton. We
are allowing operators to choose which
game they want to add to their library
and select whatever games they want to
run on their cabinets. We are up and
running in the US already and were
presently converting the games library to
dual language to bring the system to the
Asian marketplace.
The Aristocrat server-based product,
TruServe, is also going strong in markets
such as Italy and in Norway where there
are over 3,000 terminals linked to
TruServe at present. We have just
acquired Bingo Madness, commented
Mr. Wilton. It's a deal that enables us to
explore the social interactive gaming
space, while the additional acquisition of
the nLive platform means that we own
the source code, which can't be said of
our competitors. Were in a great place in
the interactive sector right now.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

BOXING
CLEVER

Inspired Gaming Group

expanded its range of gaming
products in Asia with BetBOX
Inspired Gaming Group launched its
BetBOX complete retail bet management
solution at ICE in February and has since
taken orders from numerous operators
who have relished the opportunity to
offer players a complete betting solution
without the need to operate their own
network.
On the stand at G2E Asia in Macau,
Inspired showed an up-to-the-minute
incarnation of BetBOX featuring many of
its latest sporting events, including cycling
and tennis, with Chinese commentary
throughout the races. "It's a fantastic
solution for operators that didn't think
they could run a virtual sports solution in
their casinos or street locations,"
explained Inspireds Lucy Buckley.
At G2E Asia we are also launching the
latest Virtual Sport 'cricket' and showing
our ETG product Sabre Synchro, which
was unveiled at ICE in London and
features 4 channels of casino content,
including electronic roulette and virtual
horse betting, all on one betting screen.
Also on our booth is our VLT product
range for emerging street markets such as
the Philippines, which we see as a fast
growth market. There's already been a lot
of interest in our Latin bingo and slots
games.
While the major gambling concerns all
have their own sports-books, BetBOX is
the perfect solution for operators without
their own live sports betting offer,
bringing virtual sports to locations that
previously considered sports-betting as a
solution they couldn't offer to their
players. Virtual Sports appeal to those
looking for a fun betting and gaming
experience, said Ms. Buckley. Its about
the odds for the player, the security for
the operator and the ease of play and
connection. There are a host of
customisation options with operators able
to schedule a new event every three to
five minutes, generating constant
excitement at the venue. Vietnam is an

example of one country that has just

approved live sports betting and is
indicative of the opportunities in the
region. We're extremely positive about the
future prospects of Virtual Sports across
Asia as a whole.
The TV screens on the stand at G2E Asia
displayed virtual sports content from
Hunan province in China showing
Inspired's Virtual Sports motor racing
game (known as Lucky Racing in
China), with football expected as the next
virtual launch in Hunan. We are making
a big Virtual Sports push into the region,
explained Ms. Buckley. There are others
providing pre-recorded races and events

Virtual Sports
appeal to those
looking for a fun
betting and gaming
experience. Its
about the odds for
the player, the
security for the
operator and the
ease of play and
connection.
LUCY BUCKLEY,
Inspired Gaming
Group.

or just one type of virtual sports, but we

go much further in our offering. Our
events are live and totally random, and
we have eight sports and four numbers
games this creates a completely
different experience for the player and inturn generates higher incomes. We hope
to be working with other lotteries in the
Asia region in the near future.
Finally, the launch of Sabre Synchro sees
a very high quality casino product
entering the Asian market aimed at highend casino gaming, with Inspired looking
initially at Macau and then wider into
markets such as Vietnam and its border
countries.
July 2013 PAGE 39

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

PINBALL
WIZARD!

Novomatics Pinball Roulette

draws the crowds at the G2E
exhibition in Macau
Pinball Roulette was undoubtedly the star
of the G2E Asia show for Novomatic. A
novel twist on the traditional game of
roulette, the ability of the player to launch
the roulette ball - pinball style - into the
wheel, brought a steady, continuous flow
of Asian visitors to the Novomatic stand
in the Venetian. The interest has been
remarkable, commented Novomatics
David Orrick in Macau. We have brought
the Dominator to G2E Asia for the first
time with a specific game mix of up to 42
tailored games for the Asian market,
based on the requests of individual
operators in this market. Its been a major
draw to the stand here in Macau, but
everyone visiting us has been
overwhelmed by Pinball Roulette. Id say
that its certainly a contender for the star
of the show!
Originally developed by Slovenias
Panther Gaming, Novomatic brought the
concept into its portfolio in 2010 and has
since redesign the game and with the
help of subsidiary EDP, redeveloped and
integrated a GLI approved roulette wheel
thats causing a stir wherever its
exhibited. Already installed in the UK and
Macau, in Colombia Pinball Roulette is
beating daily slot averages on casino
floors. Its a fantastic gaming innovation,
despite the fact that it is a niche product,
stated Novomatics Max Lindenberg at
G2E Asia. Interest has been
overwhelming and we have taken a string
of orders at the show, which we look
forward to fulfilling over the next few
months.
Looking beyond the crowds for Pinball
Roulette, the Dominator is unmistakable
on the stand. The latest Novomatic
cabinet with its five screens, three
dedicated to gameplay and a further
18.5ins. topper and jackpot display, which
resolves any height restrictions faced by
casinos unable to site bespoke signage;
the final touch panel interface delivers an
unforgettable experience whichever game
from the multi-game mix is currently
being displayed. Gaming operators in the
US and Asia prefer the touch panel
display, while in Europe we have seen a
preference for buttons for bets and line
July 2013 PAGE 40

After sales service

and support is
crucial to our
business and Jade
Gaming provides
the quality of
support and service
that customers
expect from
Novomatic. We
have been very
careful as regards
to market entry in
Asia; not making
the quick easy
deals, but instead
building long-term
relationships. As a
result, in markets
such as Macau,
having run several
trials to date, we
believe that we
have the right
product for this
market and you'll
see evidence of
that with the current
crop of
installations.
MAX LINDENBERG,
Novomatic.

play, stated Mr. Lindenberg. In addition,

the game dependent LED side lighting on
the terminals has been a big hit with
operators, which illuminates according to
the game being played. Despite the
success of our previous cabinets,
including the phenomenal Gaminator, the
Dominator cabinet has been our most
immediate hit, with very high sales
volumes from the launch at ICE. Its been
our quickest hit ever.
One of the highlights of the slots floor
during its launch at ICE, Reach the Hill
is a remarkably novel game that
substitutes traditional reels for pathways
negotiated by a stream of digital ants, all
attempting to Reach the Hill to reward the
player with a doubling of their wins. The
Asian visitors to our stand at G2E have
mobbed this game, enthused Mr.
Lindenberg. Its unique concept
combined with a community jackpot, in
which all the participating players share
the jackpot, has really struck a chord with
this market. The game has been designed
by our team of game designers in Poland,
who are creating a fantastically diverse
range of games for different markets and
sectors.
Working with local distributor in Asia,
Jade Gaming, a company established by
Joe Pisano in the Philippines, has proved
to be a very successful relationship for
both companies. After sales service and

support is crucial to our business and

Jade Gaming provides the quality of
support and service that customers expect
from Novomatic, underlined Mr.
Lindenberg. We have been very careful
as regards to market entry in Asia; not
making the quick easy deals, but instead
building long-term relationships. As a
result, in markets such as Macau, having
run several trials to date, we believe that
we have the right product for this market
and youll see evidence of that with the
current crop of installations.
One of the significant new elements that
Novomatic showed in Macau was the
expanding range of accessories now
available from the company to
complement the traditional product lineup. Stand-out is the Admiral Absolute
Vision, a video panel thats able to
display all kinds of video content to
players in a range of configurations that
perfectly blends with the LED lighting
featured on the new Dominator cabinets.
Finally, Octavian and the ACP casino
management system continue to play an
enlarging role in Asia thanks to its
scalable systems solution that fits
operators needs of all sizes. We have a
range of modules fit for all the
applications an operator needs, from
accounting and controlled progressives
right through to player loyalty
programmes, concluded Mr. Lindenberg.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013
make it easier for carded players to enter
promotions. One of the really successful
trials saw a casino printing tickets for a
draw for US$100,000 every 10 days, with
carded players receiving a ticket with
their name and card number, which is
automatically printed on every carded
players ticket, explained Ms. Chernay.
The casino was printing over one million
coupons per week with the draw night
completely rammed with players. Its just
one of the ways that operators can use
the system to incentivise play.
Having created the promotional system, it
is now operators that are finding diverse
ways of utilising the promotions to really
engage with players. In other trials,
operators have used lucky draws to
randomly send a lucky ticket onto the
floor offering free plays or entry into the
monthly $1m draw. Its this kind of
creative use of the system that is exciting
both players and TransAct right now.
We are seeing operators using free play
and random rewards for carded and
uncarded players to engage with players
in new and exciting ways, stated Ms.
Chernay. We can also look at the card-in
and can track to see if new players are

THE PERSONAL
TOUCH IN ASIA

The roll-out of TransAct Technologies EpiCentral continues with

feedback from operators showing that promotional couponing
delivers substantial ADT level uplifts and revenue growth
TransAct Technologies displayed a shiny
new incarnation of its EpiCentral
promotional couponing system at G2E
Asia, now incorporating new features that
include a new redemption centre, which
has been added at the request of
customers. The redemption centre
verifies, voids and redeems tickets.
However, the big news from TransAct at
the show was the first flush of results
from installations of EpiCentral that
showed casinos realising revenue growth
as a result of utilising the system.

ADT (Average Daily Theoretical - the

formula that combines average bet, type
of game played and length of time at
play). The player is rewarded for their
play and feels that they have another way
to enjoy their win. The results have also
shown that lower-end players can be
reached with EpiCentral to bring their
ADT level up, while carded play has also
grown significantly. In fact, carded play
on average rose by 30 per cent during the
90 day trial period, as operators were able
to market directly to players and grow
their individual play.

Casinos are realising revenue growth in

several ways, outlined TransAct's Tracey
Chernay. We are seeing players
incentivised with coupons doubling their

EpiCentral allows operates to conduct

non-carded and carded promotions, but
where casinos have seen the most growth
is in the creation of campaigns design to

TransActs JAY
ROPER and TRACEY
CHERNAY pictured
at the G2E Asia
show in Macau.
"One of the really
successful trials
saw a casino
printing tickets for a
draw for
US$100,000 every
10 days, with
carded players
receiving a ticket
with their name
and card number,
which is
automatically
printed on every
carded player's
ticket.
TRACEY CHERNAY,
TransAct
Technologies.

COMPING
PLAYERS USED TO
BE A MANUAL
PROCESS, BUT
NOW THE SLOT
MACHINE
COMMUNICATES
DIRECTLY WITH
THE PLAYER.

being incentivised to play games for the

first time. One casino is currently
operating the system in Stealth Mode,
which means that they run EpiCentral as
though live, but nothing actually prints
out at the game. Its a nice way for
casinos to test the promotion and
evaluate the system before go-live. In
other ways we are seeing operators using
the system to get players to earn meal
and drink comps, whereas in the past this
has been random, it can now be based on
actual play, with the system automatically
rewarding the player at the slot. Comping
players used to be a manual process, but
now the slot machine communicates back
and forth with the player, delivering
everything that they need. We are seeing
proven, positive results, watching casinos
interact with the system and create truly
dynamic and original promotions, which
in turn are making their customers
happy.
July 2013 PAGE 41

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

PINPOINT
THE HOT
SPOT
The Bis2 analytics tools from
SPIELO International spotslights
key sytem information

One of the key products in the SPIELO

Systems portfolio is the analytic tools
available to operators that help casinos to
optimise their business performance. The
tools available from SPIELO are very
different from what Fivos Polymniou
describes as the usual reporting tools.
We are creating a run-of-the-mill
spreadsheet, described Mr. Polymniou at
the G2E exhibition in Macau. This is a
very different proposition. We create a
series of information charts that put the
most relevant, high level useable info into
easily digestible graphic layouts, from
which operators can extract exactly the
details they need.
The advanced analytics Bis2 tool gives a
visual overview of the entire casino,
mapping out the gaming floor, with a
'heat-map' depicting every machine.
Colours denote the performance of the
slots, which are linked by GPS so that any
shift in their location is automatically
tracked. You can see every change that
made on the floor in real-time, explained
Alexandra Comman, Product Manager
Casino Systems, SPIELO. Changes to
machine location, denomination, etc.,
with real-time information fed back
relating to current and previous values.
The results show how effective any
changes have been, with operators able to
see in an instant the effect of the change.
Each change can be linked to a specific
location on the floor, about which the
operator can see the performance quickly
and easily on the visual map.
The visual map shows not only the
statistics relating to machine performance,
but also tracks players, creating a map of
the floor showing the location of players,
where they have been and where they
have travelled within the casino. Not only
that, but the system can show where that
player has travelled from regionally,
switching to Google Maps to display the
address from which the player has
travelled. It's a tool that perfectly attuned
to show how effective regional advertising
has been in attracting players to the
location. You can see exactly where a
player has travelled from and to which
July 2013 PAGE 42

BRUNO OZENDA,
Director Product
Management
Casino Systems
and ALEXANDRA
COMMAN, Product
Manager Casino
Systems, SPIELO
International,
picutred at G2E
Asia demonstrating
the Bis2 system.

What is the most

significant tool is
the one that shows
what information is
important from all
the data that's
generated by a
system. This tool
cuts through the
volume and means
that operators are
not looking through
hundreds of Excel
spreadsheets to
glean the
information that
really need.
BRUNO OZENDA,
SPIELO
International.

ULTIMATELY,
DATA VOLUME
ISN'T
IMPORTANT,
WHAT'S
IMPORTANT IS
DATA QUALITY.
machines they've made a bee-line for on
the floor, how long theyve stayed and
played and what games they preferred.
Bis2s circle reports show the weekly,
daily and hourly analysis of the casinos
performance and quickly delineates how
performance alters in relation to specific
changes, for example, marketing
campaigns. The circle reports give a
visual reflection of the effects on the
casino with positive and negative swings.
Linking into table games, the system can
analyse not just performance, but also
deliver results that inform the operator as
to which games are attracting younger
players, which machines are attracting
female demographics, etc.
Ultimately, data volume isnt important,
described SPIELOs Bruno Ozenda,

Director Product Management Casino

Systems. Whats important is data
quality. What is the most significant tool
is the one that shows what information is
important from all the data thats
generated by a system. This tool cuts
through the volume and means that
operators are not looking through
hundreds of Excel spreadsheets to glean
the information that really need. This tool
gives them an overall view from which
they can drill down to exactly the
information they need - the information
that is important. Its not about the data
itself, its all about the way you use the
data. Bis2 is a perfect complement to
SPIELOs systems and you can see on the
website the number of testimonials show
that this is a revenue increasing tool.
In addition to the advances being made
with the Bis2 analytics tool, SPIELOs
System2Go has been a big hit in South
East Asia, with the latest system sold into
Cambodia, wherein SPIELO has shipped
the product directly to the customer who
has installed it themselves. We send an
engineer to help with training and
tweaking for the location, but thats all
they need, said Mr. Polyminou. It really
is an out-of-the-box 'lite' solution for the
smaller location and we've had an
excellent response for operators in South
East Asia.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013
continued success of Aruze Gaming in
Asian markets and it's something that's
certainly helping to continue the success
of existing games and help establish new
titles.
Discussing the involvement of Aruze
Gamings Chairman, Kazuo Okada, in the
creation of the company's key products,
Mr. Yu explained that Mr. Okada is the
source and inspiration for each of the
original game ideas from Aruze. As a
company, we analyse game performance,
conduct market research and understand
which games are the most popular, said
Mr. Yu. We can see what style of games
players in different markets prefer, and
using that information create new games.
Mr. Okada is the focus of this research, he
is the owner of the company and at the
same time he is an engineer. He is the
one adding the important additions to
games, the physical connectivity of a
push-button or fishing reel, for example.
These are the differences that prolong the
machines performance. Mr. Okada can
pinpoint exactly what is critical to a
games success, he sees what a specific
title needs and its this attention to detail
that is so vital to the success of the
company.

NEVER TAKING THE

SAFE ROUTE

Aruze Gaming has found success in the Macau market with its
Asian hit Ultra Stack series of games and jackpots
An American company, but with its roots
firmly planted in Asia, Aruze Gaming
took the largest stand by far at the G2E
Asia exhibition in Macau. In something of
a global role reversal, the company has
used its success in the US as a point of
reference with operators in international
markets such as Macau. The success of
Paradise Fishing, which is now a staple
on the slot floors of all the major casinos
in the US, is also mirrored on the gaming
floors in Macau.
We have been quite successful in
Macau, stated Albert Yu, Aruze Gaming
Macaus Operations and Sales Manager.
Our Ultra Stack games have been doing
massive numbers right across Asia, with
the Ultra Stack Jackpot outperforming its
rivals three-to-one. We have been rolling

out a lot of different mixes of product too,

with video and steppers proving popular
with different game mixes that offer new
visual effects.
Asked if players recognise Aruze as an
Asian gaming brand, Mr. Yu believes that
players are attracted to the games first
and foremost, but that brand recognition
is important. Weve seen a lot of new
brands in the Asian gaming sector, but
Asian players, especially in Macau, like to
stick with one particular game, with a
certain cabinet and they're quite loyal that
way, stated Mr. Yu. More and more
players are seeking out our games and
our cabinets, which makes it increasingly
difficult for new market entrants to break
into established markets. Game and brand
loyalty makes a big difference to the

More and more

players are seeking
out our games and
our cabinets, which
makes it
increasingly difficult
for new market
entrants to break
into established
markets. Game
and brand loyalty
makes a big
difference to the
continued success
of Aruze Gaming in
Asian markets and
it's something that's
certainly helping to
continue the
success of existing
games and help
establish new
titles.
ALBERT YU,
Operations
Manager & Sales
Manager, Aruze
Gaming.

MR. OKADA CAN

PINPOINT
EXACTLY WHAT IS
CRITICAL TO A
GAMES SUCCESS,
HE SEES WHAT A
SPECIFIC TITLE
NEEDS THAT IS SO
VITAL TO SUCCESS

Recognising that many Asian

manufacturing rivals are simply
producing 'MeTwo' products right now, at
the G2E Asia exhibition Mr. Yu underlined
the individuality that so characterises
Aruzes games. One way to conduct
business is to copy the products of your
rivals, stated Mr. Yu. We are seeing a
lot of copies from China right now, but
thats not the way to build your own
brand. We are not a company that follows
others, we are not changing our colours
or slightly altering our titles. The Aruze
market strategy is to be brave enough to
take a risk on a new idea. We are
innovating in a stable economic
framework that allows us to analyse all
the available data and bring something
very different to the market. This has to
be the way to do business - you learn
from your successes and your failures and you don't take the safe route.
July 2013 PAGE 43

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

MASTER OF
ALL TRADES

The hottest slots games, proprietary table

games, electronic table-games and utility
products in Asia - its all going right for SHFL
It's become increasingly difficult to
pigeon-hole SHFL entertainment into any
given category as the company continues
to strengthen each of the individual
divisions in its gaming portfolio. SHFL's
exhibit in Macau featured products from
four product categories slot machines,
electronic table systems, utility products
and proprietary table games. Speaking to
CEO Gavin Isaacs at the G2E Asia show,
he described a company that is presently
riding on a wave of slots success in
Macau with the No.1 game in the
marketplace, Duo Fu Duo Cai progressive
jackpot link (which launched at G2E Asia
2012), which was joined at the exhibition
by the third game in the series, Diamond
Eternity, adding to proven performers, 88
Fortunes and 5 Treasures.
SHFL entertainment showed a total of 16
slot titles in Macau, though it was one
title, Flintstones, making its Asian debut
at the show, that drew the most attention.
This three-level linked progressive theme
with a suite of three base games offers
entertaining, interactive bonus features
and an attractive jackpot prize.
Slot success shouldn't come as a surprise,
with SHFL Entertainment in February
having acquired ProTec Games, a Chinabased content provider for casino slot
games, table games and online video
games. SHFL engaged Qingdao-based
ProTec in 2012 to create game graphics
supplemented by software development
and testing for SHFL's slot machines and
other electronic products.
We have been working with the ProTec
team for quite some time and have been
very happy with their work," said Mr.
Isaacs. "To support and enhance the
global growth of our slots, e-Tables and
iGaming businesses, we decided to fully
integrate the ProTec team into our
business.
Having a studio based in China allows
SHFL to deliver game content that is
better tailored to the Asian region. "Duo
Fu Duo Cai is the hottest game in
Macau," underlined Mr. Isaacs. "We are
driving great content in America and
July 2013 PAGE 44

I have never
worked in a
company that has
so many different
categories of
products; games
on tables, iGaming,
slots, utility
products, electronic
table games, etc.
but everything is
utilising the same
set of systems that's massively
important. We're
not trying to juggle
dozens of different
platforms and
systems. We have
one platform for
slots and multiplayers only - it's
about leveraging
the technology, not
creating dozens of
different platforms."
GAVIN ISAACS,
CEO, SHFL
entertainment.

"Duo Fu Duo Cai is

the hottest game in
Macau. We are
driving great
content in America
and Australia right
now and have a
fabulous team of
leaders in every
region and across
every product
category. As
gaming in Asia
continues to grow,
our expanding
regional offices in
Macau, the
Philippines, and
Singapore, along
with our new
content studio in
China, underscore
our long-term focus
in the region."

THE LAST 12
MONTHS IN ASIA
HAVE BEEN THE
BEST EVER FOR
THE COMPANY
AND I LOOK
FORWARD TO
MORE OF THE
SAME.
Australia right now and have a fabulous
team of leaders in every region and across
every product category. As gaming in Asia
continues to grow, our expanding regional
offices in Macau, the Philippines, and
Singapore, along with our new content
studio in China, underscore our long-term
focus in the region."
The extraordinary growth of SHFL

entertainment has been charted by

investors and gaming experts around the
global, but speaking to Mr. Isaacs in
Macau, he explained the philosophy of
the company very simply: "The strength
of this business is its people, each focused
on their separate areas of expertise,"
stated Mr. Isaacs. "My role, as CEO, is to
let the people closest to their areas of
expertise get on with their jobs, while
making sure that our plans and strategies
are in a line. I keep the pressure on my
team, but continue to support them too."
Part of the success has also been the new
branding - the shift to SHFL entertainment
has underlined the changes that have
taken place within the business as a
whole. "The business is very different
from the company that I joined," stated
Mr. Isaacs. "The fusion branding has been
incredibly important for the identity of the
company going forward. SHFL's growth
and investment is purely gaming focused.
I have never worked in a company that
has so many different categories of

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013
products; games on tables, iGaming, slots,
utility products, electronic table games,
etc. but everything is utilising the same
set of systems - that's massively
important. We're not trying to juggle
dozens of different platforms and systems.
We have one platform for slots and multiplayers only - it's about leveraging the
technology, not creating dozens of
different platforms."
Having made headlines for the wrong
reasons at G2E Asia 2012, LT Game's
battle with SHFL entertainment looks to
have subsided with a public statement
from LT Games prior to the G2E Asia
show. Encouraged by the LT public
statement, that the company does not
recognise it has any monopoly with live
dealer baccarat, which corresponds with
the same conclusion arrived at by SHFL that no company can protect a general
idea or concept relating to multi-gaming the issue appears to have run its course.
"SHFL has only been defending the
obvious," stated Mr. Isaacs. "While we
will strongly continue to display our
products in competitive environments, my
reaction to the comments from LT Games
is that this will hopefully contribute to a
peaceful way forward and settlement of
all disputes. SHFL will vigorously
compete in all markets and we believe
that we should be able to compete in
Macau. I would love to see things settled
and I think that LT feel the same. The last
12 months in Asia have been the best
ever for the company and I look forward
to more of the same."
Each of the electronic table games shown
at G2E Asia have been completely
revamped, with the brand new
TableMaster FUSION making its debut at
G2E Asia. Featuring a high definition
display, widescreen player terminals with
touchscreen betting, enhanced
illumination, multiple side bets, a modern
design and support for multiple game
offerings, TableMaster FUSION is a
significant update to its long-standing,
successful predecessor.
Finally, having debuted at the ICE show
in February, SHFL showcased its latest
utility innovation to the Asian markets the new ChipStar roulette chip-sorting
machine features state-of-the-art
technology to deliver an exceptionally
smooth, efficient, and accurate chip
sorting process. The House Money
blackjack side bet, is also worthy of
special mention too as it enables players
to add all or part of their side bet
winnings to their standard blackjack
wager. Players enjoy the unique level of
control over their side bet and operators
receive the benefit of a higher hold
percentage.

NEW WAVE

A unique product and a unique presentational

style defines Zitros global expansion plans as
the company exhibited for the first time in Macau
It is Johnny Ortiz's vision to grow Zitro
into a global gaming business and recent
evidence from the G2E exhibition in
Macau shows a company thats right on
track. Zitro displayed its latest range of
video bingo products on the stand of its
regional distributor, Malaysia-based RGB.
Taking one market at a time, initial
indications have proved successful in the
Philippines, though at the exhibition at
the Venetian Macau, Zitro was launching
to the broader Asian market its wider
portfolio of titles.
The show has exceeded my
expectations, stated James Boje,
Executive Vice President International,
Zitro. I can see Zitro entering several
markets in the region with our video
bingo product. We have a unique style
when it comes to delivering our products
to customers, taking the time to present
the games to staff and players to

The show has

exceeded my
expectations. I can
see Zitro entering
several markets in
the region with our
video bingo
product. We have a
unique style when it
comes to delivering
our products to
customers, taking
the time to present
the games to staff
and players to
familiarise them
with all aspects of
the game.
JAMES BOJE,
Executive Vice
President
International, Zitro.

WE DONT JUST
PUT A PRODUCT
ON THE FLOOR
AND LEAVE. WE
HELP CUSTOMERS
TO UNDERSTAND
OUR PRODUCTS.
familiarise them with all aspects of the
game. It's proved very successful and a
winning formula for Zitro. We have
promoters on-site helping to demonstrate
the games to players. We dont just put a
product on the floor and leave. We help
customers to understand our products
and this has proved a very successful
philosophy for Zitro.
Presented for the first time at the G2E
exhibition, Zitro showed its BlueWave and
brand new BlackWave cabinets with
interest initially starting in the
Philippines, but with customers in Macau
also looking to site products, Zitro's first
steps into the Asian market look very
promising.
July 2013 PAGE 45

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

GENERATION X

IGTs third-generation of slot

content for the Asian market is
hitting all its marks

Great Zodiac Race is something of a

game-changer for IGT in Asia as it's the
company's first market-attuned multi-level
progressive for the region. The symbol
driven, server-level progressive has been
built from the ground-up for Asian players
and while progressing through the
approval process at present, IGT has great
ambitions for Great Zodiac Race across
the region.
Speaking to IGT's Dirk Geere at the G2E
Asia show, he explained that IGT is in its
third phase of game development for the
Asian marketplace, with dedicated themes
and specific gameplay and mechanics
targeted at this market. "Games such as
the new Fire Pearl show that we're
understanding better the Asian player,"
said Mr. Geere. "New games including
Jade Fortune are attuned to deliver a very
volatile experience for the player, which is
exactly the kind of game that attacks
Asian players. We have found success
with games that propel the player into the
bonus round were they're able to win a
large jackpot amount - with players all
aiming to enter the bonus stages."
"Our first round of Asian games were
Asian themed titles," explained Mr. Geere
July 2013 PAGE 46

New games
including Jade
Fortune are attuned
to deliver a very
volatile experience
for the player,
which is exactly the
kind of game that
attacks Asian
players. We have
found success with
games that propel
the player into the
bonus round were
theyre able to win
a large jackpot
amount - with
players all aiming
to enter the bonus
stages.
DIRK GEERE,
Director,
International
Product
Management, IGT.

of the deeper integration now taking place

with games targeted at Asian market.
"Our successes with these initial titles
helped to inform the games you saw at
G2E 2012, and now we have the third
generation of player mechanics on which
we've placed the Asian themes. We now
understand what the player wants from a
game in each of the different player
segments in Asia, as we must offer a
complete portfolio of games that reach
across all the player profiles. We have
games that are specifically targeted for
Asia, such as Jade Fortune, and then
there are games such as Candy Bars,
which has been a huge hit for us, which
we have translated and have looked to
build an Asian version of the game."
Siberian Strom is a perfect example of
IGT's creativity in action in the Asian
market with not just a high risk bonus
game, but a series of volatile elements
that contribute to an experience that's
totally aimed at a true 'gambler' profile.
"This third generation of games has built
on the foundations of the previous
generations to create art themes and play
mechanics that are truly Asian games,"
said Mr. Geere. "These are games that
don't appeal to all players, they are
targeted and specific to the niches within
the different markets. It's something that
has translated into success in other
markets too, in which these games have
found niches with players in countries
from the US, through to Europe and
South America too."

ASIA
PACIFIC
SPECIFIC
Bally Technologies displayed
market focused titles and
world-class brands at G2E
Bally Technologies showcased its largest
range of market specific games for the
Asian marketplace at G2E in Macau.
These vibrant, entertaining games feature
stunning Asian-themed graphics and
symbols along with player-favourite
features such as free games, stacked
wilds, and engaging play mechanics. But
most important, they feature playerselectable dual-language English/Chinese
to meet the demands of the dynamic
Asia-Pacific market.
The first of four romantic-landscape novel
games linked to a progressive multijackpot is Zhi Nu. Entwined in Chinese
mythology, the game is available on
Ballys Pro Series V32 platform and is a
five-reel, 50-line game sparked by three
Free Game triggers scattered anywhere on
the middle three reels. Heavily promoted
on the exhibit in Macau, Chinese Zodiac
is a new video slot for the Pro Series
V22/22 Upright and V22/26 Slant
cabinets, where players choose their

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

favourite zodiac symbol and lock the

wilds to win. For Ballys upright and slant
cabinets other Chinese language games
on display included China River, Fantastic
8s, Red Phoenix, Shadow Diamond,
White Lion, Heavenly Empress and
Pharaohs Dream.
We could not be prouder to be
displaying some of our hottest new games
and trailblazing systems solutions in
Macau, including many developed
specifically for the Asian market, said
Bally Technologies Senior Vice President
of Asia-Pacific/Africa and Managing
Director of Bally India Srini Raghavan.
These technologies showcase Ballys
continued focus on creating innovative
gaming experiences for players, while
delivering a strong return-on-investment
for casino operators around the globe.
In addition to market specific games,
Bally showed its latest licensed branded
games. We have focused on creating a
new portfolio of dual-language
English/Chinese video titles with rich
graphics and rewarding bonuses that are
sure to entertain casino patrons in the
Asia-Pacific region, said Kurt Gissane,
Bally Technologies Senior Director and
Managing Director of Asia-Pacific. Those
core titles, combined with compelling
game content on titles like Tiki Magic and
NASCAR, showcase Ballys unfaltering
focus on creating innovative gaming
experiences for players, while delivering a
strong ROI for casino operators.

GAMING
TO NEXT
LEVEL
Konami Gaming showed its
market knowledge and
breadth of games in Macau
If there's a company in gaming that
knows how to create a market from
scratch, it's Konami. Few companies have
penetrated the top international slots
league in the way that Konami has in such
a short space of time. Attending the G2E
show in Macau, Konami exhibited a range
of six titles for Asian players that the
company's Steve Walther describes as
'taking Konami to the next level in Asia.'
The titles included Golden Dynasty, Fantastic Gold, Legion Warrior, Chinese
Mystery, Pride of Egypt and Lion Festival.
The idea behind these titles is that we
use strong symbols, good math and the
newest video cabinet, the Podium Goliath,
to connect everything together,
commented Mr. Walther. Operators can
choose to run standalone or mystery
progressives over the six games, plus
there's the added option of the four-level
linked progressive, Dragon's Victory, a
linked mystery progressive which is
randomly triggered.

STEVE WALTHER,
Director Product
Management,
Konami Gaming
pictured at G2E
Asia in Macau.

OPERATORS CAN
CHOOSE TO RUN
STANDALONE OR
MYSTERY
PROGRESSIVE
OVER THE SIX
GAMES.
Konami recently established an office in
Singapore led by industry veteran, John
Gomes, as part of its growth strategy to
focus on emerging markets in Asia,
including Singapore and Macau.
July 2013 PAGE 47

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

THRILLER IN
MANILA

Amatic Industries builds on its success in the

Philippines market with its first exhibition at G2E
Asia and an immediate market impact
Exhibiting for the first time at G2E Asia
2013, Amatic Industries was delighted
with the feedback and opportunities that
arose from its initial presence at the show.
We have had a presence in Asia for a
long time, but this is the first-time that we
have elected to take a stand at the show,"
explained Thomas Engstberger, sales
manager at Amatic Industries at the
Macau show. "We have been present in
the Philippines with customers for many
years, but here at the show we have had
suggestions for new models and been
approached by potential partners to
expand our presence in the region."
Much of the attention on the Amatic
stand focused on the company's multiplayer roulette the Grand Jeu Double
with live gaming options, while Amatic's
multi-game platform also enjoyed a great
deal of interest from regional operators.
"Customers at the show have discussed
the targeting of VIP high-end slots areas,
which fits with the high quality products
from Amatic, though we are not excluding
ourselves from the mass market here in
Asia. We offer a complete range of
products for all sectors of the market,
including smaller, more compact six and
eight terminal multi-player systems to be
adaptive to every request," said Mr.
Engstberger.
"However, it's the combination of live
dealer and multi-player terminal solutions
that have drawn the most interest. We are
in the process of meeting regulatory
approvals as we believe that Asia is a
huge opportunity for Amatic. We have
seen a great deal of interest from
operators in Macau, but equally other
countries have presented the same level
of opportunities across the region, with
the main focus clearly on roulette."
Games such as Dragons Pearl and Lucky
Coin fit perfectly here to the Asian player
mentality. Visitors came from near and far
in Asia to visit us at the G2E Asia,
including Macau, Cambodia, Laos and
South Korea. We extend our thanks to all
our visitors, concluded Mr. Engstberger.

July 2013 PAGE 48

We have had a
presence in Asia for
a long time, but this
is the first-time that
we have elected to
take a stand at the
show. We have
been present in the
Philippines with
customers for many
years, but here at
the show we have
had suggestions for
new models and
been approached
by potential
partners to expand
our presence in the
region."
THOMAS
ENGSTBERGER,
Sales Manager at
Amatic Industries,
pictured Top Right
at the G2E Asia
show.

We were
absolutely thrilled
by our experience
at G2E Asia 2013.
With this being our
first time at the
exhibition, we had
modest
expectations, but
we were intent on
gaining a strong
foothold in this
market thats full of
potential.
DANIEL VAN
MARISSING,
Merkur Gaming.

GOING NATIVE

Merkur Gaming reveals its first

selection of Chinese games
developed for Asian markets

Merkur Gaming enjoyed a successful first

appearance in Macau at G2E Asia 2013.
Merkur showed a number of its industryleading cabinets, featuring games
designed and fine-tuned for the Asian
market. With this being Merkurs first
exhibit at G2E Asia, the company was
determined to make an impact. The stand
boasted animating screens along its entire
length, grabbing the attention of visitors.
On the stand, the Privilege upright,
Evolution slant-top, and well-received
Highflyer were all on display, along with
the Merkur Dispenser.
Highlighting Merkurs commitment to
local markets, plenty of emphasis at the

stand was placed on the companys first

selection of Chinese games. Nine titles
were developed specifically for the Asian
market, and visitors received a detailed
demonstration of them in both English
and Chinese.
We were absolutely thrilled by our
experience at G2E Asia 2013. With this
being our first time at the exhibition, we
had modest expectations, but we were
intent on gaining a strong foothold in this
market thats full of potential, said
Daniel van Marissing.
In the event, the show was fantastic,
from the many people we met through to
selling the entire content of our stand
right away. Were very much looking
forward to returning to G2E Asia next
year, with even more innovative games
especially tailored to the Asian market.

Exhibition
G2E ASIA 2013

THE EDGE IN ASIA

WMS Gaming brings its new Blade cabinet to the G2E Asia
exhibition and headlines the show with 34 games for the market
The Blade cabinet from WMS Gaming is
the company's next-generation for-sale
cabinet configured with dedicated and
exclusive Asian themes, gameplay and
artwork that speak directly to Asian
players. Headlining the showcase of 34
games at G2E Asia, the Blade cabinet is
currently enjoying 2.5x the house average
across casino floors in the US since its
launch in March, with currently over
1,000 units installed. WMS plans to
launch the Blade cabinet across Asia
during the summer, bringing a different
library of content utilising new maths
models powered by the CPU-NXT3
operating system.
For Macau, WMS has a mix of content
ranging from Great Zeus, Raging Rhino,
Lantern Festival and Emperors &
Pharaohs mixing both US and Asian
themes and 5x4 and 6x4 reel
combinations and game mechanics. One
of the attractive features of the Blade
cabinet is its ability to cycle through the
game elements to inform the player of all
the options available to them. The cabinet
offers these new features thanks to the
processing power now on hand. "The
content, maths and graphics of the Blade
cabinet have all been enhanced," stated

ONE OF BLADES
FEATURES IS ITS
ABILITY TO
CYCLE GAME
ELEMENTS TO
INFORM OF ALL
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE.

WMS Julien Drouet. "Details such as the

reels reducing in size and then growing
larger when they are being played has
made a big impact on players and has
been bourne out by the performance on
gaming floors. Blade represents the nextgeneration of slot gaming and we've had
great results in every location in which it
has been sited."
"Our focus in Asia right now is to
maintain the footprint of existing
platforms and promote WMS' first multigame launch, Game Chest," explained Mr.
Drouet. "Game Chest is our first multigame offer and here in Asia we have a
pack of six games that operators can

WMS Gamings
KRISTI KASOVETZ
and JULIEN
DROUET, pictured
at the G2E Asua
exhibition with the
latest Blade
releases for Asia.

"We've seen a
great deal of
success with WAPs
in the Asian
market. In the
Philippines our Life
of Luxury Deluxe
has 30 machines
interconnected in
what is proving a
very popular link
with players. We
have also just
opened a new
market for WMS in
the Singapore
Clubs sector,
whereby we have
just started a line of
products for the
Singapore slots
sector that meets
the needs of the
members clubs in
Singapore."
JULIEN DROUET,
WMS Gaming.

choose from, taking all six or selecting

individual games as fits their needs. The
mix offers a wide variety of different
maths models, with 5x3 and 5x4 reel
layouts for the gamblers through to the
entertainment-orientated players."
As there's less of a focus on multi-games
for Macau and Singapore, Wide Area
Progressives are the target products for
these markets with randomly triggered
progressives such as Exotic Gems and Top
Gun. Utilising WMS' Portal technology,
both WAPs are randomly triggered and
take over the screens of the base games
once hit by the players. King of the Titans
is a server-level player progressive,
whereby the chances of winning is
increased proportionately in relation to
the amount bet by the player, with Max
Bet guaranteeing one of the progressive
jackpots will hit. The players have the
opportunity to win all seven progressive
in a single bonus round across all three of
the base games.
"We've seen a great deal of success with
WAPs in the Asian market," stated Mr.
Drouet. "In the Philippines our Life of
Luxury Deluxe has 30 machines
interconnected in what is proving a very
popular link with players. We have also
just opened a new market for WMS in the
Singapore Clubs sector, whereby we have
just started a line of products for the
Singapore slots sector that meets the
needs of the members clubs in
Singapore."
July 2013 PAGE 49

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

SETTING ALL
PHASES TO STUN

The opening of Galaxy Macau by Galaxy Entertainment Group on the Cotai Strip in
Macau shocked the world. Now GEG plans to do it again - three more times
Galaxy Macau opened on May 15, 2011 to
a rapturous welcome. The quality, scale
and ambition of the development shocked
the casino establishment and marked the
entry of a new gaming giant happy to
stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the
established casino fraternity. A year-anda-half since opening, Galaxy Macau has
transformed Galaxys earnings profile and
Macaus standing as a leisure and tourism
destination. In May, Galaxy Entertainment
Group reported record first-quarter
adjusted EBITDA of HK$2.8bn
(US$360.76m), up 29 per cent from a year
previously. The flagship Cotai property,
July 2013 PAGE 50

2013 has started

well with GEG
achieving records
in quarterly
earnings. Galaxy
Macau delivered its
seventh
consecutive quarter
of Adjusted EBITDA
growth even as
new capacity
opened in Cotai.
DR. LUI CHE-WOO,
Chairman of GEG.

Galaxy Macau, saw its seventh

consecutive quarter of adjusted EBITDA
growth with revenue of $8.9bn, up 23 per
cent year-on-year.
Bringing new levels of local design and
architectural expertise to play in a Macau,
which was beginning to look like Las
Vegas Town, Galaxy Entertainment Group
actually had more ambitious plans for its
flagship project, with the opening in 2011
constituting Phase 1 of a development
that is now due to encompass four phases
in its entirety. Phase 2 will more than
double the original HK$16.5bn

investment, extend the 550,00sq.m. to 1

million sq.m. and is expected to meet its
completion date of mid-2015.
Having unveiled the worlds largest
skytop wave pool, with a 350-ton white
sand beach, the next phase will build
upon the leisure amenities and add lush
tropical gardens to take the Grand Resort
Deck to 80,000sq.m. Hotel space increases
from the existing 2,260 (split between
Galaxy Macaus 1,500 and Hotel Okura
Macau with 500 and the Banyan Trees
260), to incorporate the JW Marriott
Macau (1,100) and the Ritz-Carlton (250)

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

CONSTRUCTION
BEGINS ON
PHASES 3 & 4 AT
THE END OF 2013,
WITH CURRENTLY
HK$60BN
EARMARKED FOR
THE NEXT TWO
DEVELOPMENT
PHASES.

for a combined 3,600 rooms, suites and

villas across five luxury hotels. Food and
beverage will also increase with over 45
restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges
creating the largest pan-Asian cuisine
selection under one roof in the world,
with over 100 F&B offers in total. Retail
space will dramatically treble in size, from
todays 35,000sq.m. to over 100,00sq.m.
taking the 40 outlets to over 200 overall.
Meeting, events and banqueting will also
treble in size from the total capacity of
Phase 1s 1,100 guests, to over 3,000 by
mid-2015. Finally, the brilliantly
illuminated gaming floor of the Galaxy

Phases 2, 3 & 4 of
GEG on Cotai will
offer fresh and
captivating new
products and
service experiences
that will
reinforce Macaus
standing in the
global leisure and
tourism
community.
DR. LUI CHE-WOO,
Chairman of GEG.

Macau will increase from 39,000sq.m. to

over 70,000sq.m., growing the number of
tables from 450 to 1,000 and the casinos
slots from 1,500 to over 3,000 EGMs
overall.
Construction begins on Phases 3 & 4 at
the end of 2013, with currently HK$60bn
earmarked for the next two development
phases of Galaxy Macau, which will
predominately target premium mass
customers. Phases 3 & 4 will significantly
diversify GEGs product and service
offering to include a multitude of new
entertainment elements, including a state
July 2013 PAGE 51

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

of the art multi-purpose 10,000 seat arena

for world class entertainment and
sporting events and a 50,000sq.m.
convention centre. GEG believes that the
ambitious HK$50 to HK$60bn project,
predominantly targeting premium mass
guests, will set a new benchmark for the
global leisure and tourism industry, and
prove pivotal in GEG securing a strong
share of the expected influx of new
visitors to Macau. Around 95 per cent of
Phase 3 will be dedicated to retail and
entertainment. Phase 3 alone is expected
to cost approximately US$6.5bn.
DEVELOPMENT ON AN INDUSTRIAL SCALE
Speaking to Jane Tsai, VP of Marketing
and Communications for Galaxy Macau,
and Shirley Tam, responsible for Galaxy
Macaus casino marketing service
programmes, its obvious that regardless
of the industrial scale of the project,
whats ultimately driving Galaxy Macau is
the vision of one man, GEGs Vice
Chairman, Francis Lui. From the
glistening gold cupolas to the individually
styled restaurants, everything has been
touched by Francis Luis vision to create a
Asian destination resort with the highest
international standards running through
its core.
July 2013 PAGE 52

JANE TSAI is Vice

President of
Marketing
Communications
for Galaxy Macau,
where she is
responsible for the
brand, marketing
communications,
and public relations
strategy of over 15
hospitality, food and
beverage,
entertainment and
gaming brands
within the
integrated resort.
She has over 20
years of experience
in marketing across
a variety of
disciplines.

PREMIUM MASS,
MASS AND VIP
PLAYERS ALL
SHARE ONE
THING IN
COMMON IN
MACAU - THEIR
ABSTINENCE
FROM ALCOHOL.
If you look at the Macau market from a
macro level, you can't refute the traffic
levels, explained Ms. Tsai of the stunning
visitor figures being enjoyed by Macau.
20 million is quickly growing into 25
million visitors to Macau each year,
which is balanced against the native
population of 550,000. Growth in Macau
has been exponential, expanding at 20-22
and most recently 25 per cent. We know
that there is enough demand to follow the
'build it and they will come' mantra.
The philosophy of Francis Lui is that
despite a delay to the opening of Galaxy
Macau, we actually got our timing exactly

right. Too early and we'd have touched

the financial crisis, but we didn't. We
missed the downturn and opened at a
time in which the market was absolutely
ready for Galaxy Macau, commented Ms.
Tsai.
A great deal of focus for the development
of Galaxy Macau has been the targeting of
the premium mass market, but although
externally this has been viewed as nongaming elements aimed at attracting
general tourism to Macau, the split of
gaming to non-gaming events at Galaxy is
90/10. "We are still the Las Vegas of the
1970s, admits Ms. Tsai. We dont yet
have large numbers of families visiting
Galaxy Macau, but we are developing
much faster than Vegas did. Integrated
resorts are the next tier of developments
in Macau and theres steady demand for
this type of experience. Galaxy Macau
right now is a 3,000 room property in
which a high proportion of our business
is VIP. However, we have a mass market
focused effort going forward, whereby the
next stage of expansion in Macau is
focused on the premium mass segment of
the market.
According to Ms. Tam, the gaming pie in

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

Macau isn't shrinking due to competition,

but rather it's growing because of it.
Competition is tough, but we are able to
see the market growing with the addition
of the premium mass market, stated Ms.
Tam. We see a lot of potential in this
segment, which is high end profitability
from cash paying customers with the
highest margins. This segment make the
lowest demands upon the resort and give
the most back to the casino.
While much of the international attention
on Macau centres on the international
operators; MGM, Wynn, Crown and Las
Vegas Sands, Galaxy offers a very
different style and ambience that is
attracting Asian players to a familiar
playing environment. The F&B offering
at Galaxy Macau is very important to the
premium mass market, stated Ms. Tsai.
We cater for the Asian palate with spice
gardens and Hong Kong cafes helping to
keep customers here with well known
regional F&B brands. Players are a long
way from home and want the sense of
familiarity and comfort they can
experience from Asian food brands they
recognise and appreciate.
Most of the Asian travel market right now

THE NO.1
BEVERAGE ON
THE GAMING
FLOORS IN
MACAU IS
GINSENG TEA.
is focused upon resorts. Galaxy is themed
around a tropical destination resort,
however, it understands that F&B is an
integral part of the travel experience and
so provides an extensive pan-Asian range
of cuisine, which enables visitors to
explore difference flavours, while at the
same time isn't too estranged an
experience that it makes the trip
unenjoyable.
The experience must match the
aspirations of the visitor, stated Ms. Tsai.
Our VIP guests want opulent design and
the very highest standards of service, but
this more attentive service must also be
sincere. As an Asian resort destination we
know that we have to deliver the very
best experience. When you walk into the
Galaxy you know that you are welcome.

We have Galaxy ambassadors to promote

this message to players, but even if you
approach a member of our security staff,
youll find them to be just as attentive
and helpful.

SHIRLEY TAM is
responsible for
Galaxy Macaus
casino marketing
service
programmes and a
variety of customer
relationship
marketing
initiatives. Shirley
oversees six
departments at
Galaxy Macau:
Casino Services,
Loyalty Program,
Club Operations,
Training, Casino
Events &
Promotions and
Database Analysis.

A LIGHT BULB MOMENT

One of the things that strikes everyone
about the gaming floor in Galaxy Macau
is its illumination. The gaming floor at
Galaxy Macau must be one of the
brightest in the industry. The floor is
meant to be inviting and welcoming,
said Ms. Tam. Its brighter to reflect the
fact that Chinese players find security in a
brighter environment, they also like to be
seen winning. Players entering our VIP
Pavilion, for example, are still visible from
the main gaming floor. They like to feel
that they are part of the action, but they
want the rest of the floor to know that
they're being treated differently."
Just as happened in Russia, a country in
which all things and people were,
theoretically, treated equally, the Chinese
now revel in VIP status. And despite the
concentrated talk of the premium mass
market, the VIP market in Macau still
accounts for 70 per cent of revenues,
which is the same at Galaxy Macau as it
July 2013 PAGE 53

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

is elsewhere. There is a distinction within

the Group, however, with Starworld
having made a move much more towards
the VIP club market, that this enables
Galaxy Macau to focus more on the mass
market due to the nature of the resort
property.
The extension into Phase 2 adds the
collective capability of 950 tables,
essentially doubling the size of the
gaming floor at Galaxy Macau. The casino
is adding more pavilions, more VIP
gaming rooms and food services at the
tables. Phase two is an extension of
July 2013 PAGE 54

Galaxy currently
has HK$16bn on
book in terms of
cash and $5.4bn
net cash, which is
comfortably
funding its
expansion phases.

what you see already, said Ms. Tsai. It

is the completion of the original vision,
with an extra 3,000 hotel rooms including
JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton, the latter
being the first all-suites property in
Macau.
Galaxy has the largest land-bank of any of
the developers in Cotai. The development
of Phases 1 & 2 represents only a third of
the land Galaxy owns in Cotai, whereby
Phases 3 & 4 will see the customisation of
products that Galaxy believe will further
fuel the exponential growth of the market
in Macau. All this development is borne

of enviable cash-flow levels. Galaxy

currently has HK$16bn on book in terms
of cash and $5.4bn net cash, which is
comfortably funding its expansion phases.
We have all the foundations that we
need, hotels, retail and non-gaming
elements that we will be adding to the
Phase 3 and 4 developments, but have yet
to make them public, explained Ms. Tsai.
We are taking our cues from consumer
insights and from the marketplace as we
see appetites shifting. Theres now greater
need for entertainment space, convention
facilities and the expansion of the MICE

Insight
GALAXY MACAU
MULT

GALAXY MACAU
PHASE TWO IS AN
EXTENSION OF
WHAT YOU SEE
ALREADY. IT IS
THE COMPLETION
OF THE ORIGINAL
VISION.

FRANCIS LUI,
Vice-Chairman
Galaxy
Entertainment
Group.

but they are also very different and

individual properties in their own rights
(not a single room in the Banyan Tree is
the same as another).

segment in Macau. There will always be a

gaming element and its this element that
will fund the rest, but we are seeing a
shift in emphasis towards greater
integration of non-gaming elements in the
mix. The investment in Phase 1 and 2 is
significant. We have been building a
gaming palace - even the food court in
the Galaxy Macau has crystal chandeliers.
Its this extreme level of detail and
authenticity that sets Galaxy Macau apart
- it is a location that has both style and
substance. The current hotels at the
property, the Banyan Tree and the Okura
are woven into the fabric of the resort,

Prior to the G2E Asia show, it was

revealed that the Galaxy Entertainment
Group had acquired neighbouring
property, the Grand Waldo. Having
operated the gaming floor of the Grand
Waldo since its opening, GEG has an
intimate knowledge of the casino, while
its proximity to the newly extended
Galaxy Macau suggests that the properties
will be linked, though little has been
confirmed right now. What is expected is
that the rather dreary casino will be
refurbished in the Galaxy style and will
inevitably undergo a name change.
CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?
Reading an article in MoneyWeek
magazine on the plane back home from
G2E Asia, the Macau market is apparently
in crisis with competition from Singapore
and the Philippines, with visa restrictions

We are pleased
that we will further
extend our casino
permitted landbank
with the
announcement of
the strategic
acquisition of the
Grand Waldo
Complex. We
believe this will
benefit the Groups
future development
and enhance value
for our
shareholders.
DR. LUI CHE-WOO,
Chairman of GEG.

and permitted cash allowances set to

cripple the market. It's not a magazine to
which a subscription will be sought.
The expansion of the transport
infrastructure in Macau didn't deserve a
mention in the report despite its rather
positive impacts. Transportation to Macau
is already a simple, quick and relatively
cheap experience, with Hong Kong an
hour away by subsidised ferry;
Guangdong province with its 23 million
people two hours by bus and a series of
land bridges currently under construction
to link Hong Kong with Macau (the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge) and Zhuhai,
the three major cities on the Pearl River
Delta.
The link is expected to cost US$10.7bn
when complete, with construction having
begun in 2009 and completion expected
mid-2015 (just as Galaxy Macau Phase 2
opens). The 29km span would make it
one of the world's longest bridges and is
expected to reduce travelling times
between Hong Kong and Zhuhai or
Macau to approximately 40 minutes;
down from 4.5 hours (by road) at present.
It will shorten the distance from Hong
Kong to Macau and Zhuhai from 160km
to 30km, and reduce the journey time to
within half an hour. As a result, Pearl
River West will lie within the three-hour
transport network that radiates from Hong
Kong as its centre.
A light rail link is also to be completed in
the near future which will take visitors on
July 2013 PAGE 55

Profile
GALAXY MACAU

a circuit of the casinos on Cotai. Of

course, Macau isn't without its faults. The
existing transportation hubs have not
expanded and improved to take account
of the volume of visitors, while remaining
inefficient and bureaucratic to the core.
Each of the terminals, from the airport to
the ferries is in need of streamlining away
from the government processes that are
primarily manual and paper-based. The
infrastructure at present simply can't
handle the volume of people visiting
Macau, stated Ms. Tsai. We need a
mass transport system and investment in
the infrastructure to support it.
Expansion in Macau is also dictated by
the finite resource of local labour. Galaxy
Macau employs over 10,000 staff, and
with strict labour laws that favour native
workers, projects are backing-up behind
Galaxy's Phase 2 project as developers
wait for labour to be released for their
own developments. While the local
council is seeking to loosen labour laws,
it is imperative that the government
recognises that the 2/3 local labour rule is
not tenable. The 1.5 per cent
unemployment rate in Macau might be
July 2013 PAGE 56

Galaxy Macau
employs over
10,000 staff, and
with strict labour
laws that favour
native workers,
projects are
backing-up behind
Galaxy's Phase 2
project as
developers wait for
labour to be
released for their
own developments.

the envy of the rest of the world, but for

employers it's a permanent and persistent
headache.
Staff retention is also a massive issue in
Macau, though Galaxy is proud of its
higher than average track record, which it
maintains is due to staff team-building
efforts that have proved to create an
environment with one of the lowest
turnovers of staff in Macau. It's
surprising how many actually stay put
when you look at the opportunities for
our Macanese staff, admitted Ms. Tam.
We concentrate on providing hours and
hours of training and make a real
commitment to all our team members.
We believe that we have a strong brand
and ethos that bonds us together as a
team. It's something that players
recognise as they too buy into the brand
when they visit Galaxy Macau. Much of
the brand respect comes directly from
Vice Chairman, Francis Lui.
Much of the dedication of Galaxy staff is
taken from the inspiration from Mr. Lui.
He is accessible at every level," said Ms.
Tsai. He remembers where he came from

and with every project he looks at every

element from the top down, interacting
with each team member at whatever the
level.
GALAXYS GLOCAL AMBITIONS
At present, GEGs eggs are currently all in
the Macau basket, but such has been the
global impact of Galaxy Macau that future
international expansion isnt being ruled
out. We are building to the demand of
1.6 million people on our doorstep,
launching the first mega-resort in Macau,
and in that you can't take your eye off the
ball, stated Ms. Tsai. We have a very
solid base here in Macau, one that we
continue to exhaustively work to serve.
We have achieved a critical mass and
while it would be very interesting to see if
this model would work elsewhere, and
while we do keep an eye on other market
opportunities, we have enough on our
plate right now with our phased growth
to occupy us for sometime. Asia continues
to grow in sophistication. Our visitors are
developing into very sophisticated
customers and expect the very highest
standards. Our hands are full right now
making sure we deliver.

Insight
TABLE GAME SECURITY

NEW REFERENCE IN TABLE

GAME DROP SECURITY
Italys CMS Group has teamed up with MEIs CASHFLOW SC to bring its secure
at-the-table solution, EasyDrop, to live tables operators
CMS Group SRL from Italy is the new
reference company for table game
security. The company introduced itself
with a product tailor-made for solving a
long-standing issue in live gaming the
secure handling of money on the gaming
table itself. The EasyDrop enables
croupiers to enter banknotes in a bundle
of up to 30 at one time (including tickets
when used in association with ticket-in,
ticket-out gaming) in a simple and
practical way.

CASIN DI
VENEZIA HAS
IMPLEMENTED
EASYDROP WITH
CMS RECEIVING
ORDERS FROM
CASINOS IN
FRANCE, SPAIN
AND AUSTRIA.

CMS Group SRL has chosen MEI to

provide the heart of the EasyDrop
quick, secure note validation and storage
thanks to the SC Advance bill reader with
the BNF (bulk-note feeder). The awardwinning CASHFLOW SC has been
produced over one and a half million
times and the new SC Advance brings
further key attributes that makes it the
perfect solution. Together with the BNF,
this solution has enabled the successful
introduction of the EasyDrop to market.

automatically registered by the bank and

very often credited to the store account
within a short space of time, if not
instantly. Thus, the product ensures that
the float is secure, ready for pick up by
the cash-in-transit (CIT) company to be
brought to the bank. An excellent
reference for CMS Group SRL is the
Italian CIT company IVRI that employs
over 3,500 people.

CMS Group SRL was founded in 2012 a

group born from the integration of two
key companies CMS Cash Management
System (founded in 1997) and ST Net
Communications (founded in 2001). CMS
Group SRL has made a name for itself in
the retail industry, specifically in the field
of smart safes. These safes are in constant
use in shops and stores for shopkeepers
and their employees to securely enter
cash takings. The value entered is

The extensive knowledge that combines

the hardware and software technology to
make CMS Group SRL a market leader in
this sector was the natural reason for
CMS Group to amalgamate both
companies so that all security sectors are
within one group of companies. The new
EasyDrop is also a combination of key
hardware and software. Now croupiers
and the casino back office both have
distinct benefits. The croupier knows that

The EasyDrop is an
ideal solution for
managing the drop
on live gaming. The
faster note-to-note
speed that the SC
Advance offers
together with the
BNF makes MEI
stand out as the
preferred partner
for this new market
segment. We are
very proud that
CMS Group has
chosen us to
supply these key
components.
ERIK-JAN VAN DEN
BERG, MEI.

all banknotes are being validated by the

MEI SC Advance so any counterfeits are
rejected at source. Older and crumpled
true notes can also be validated and
securely stored. The ability to place up to
30 notes and/or tickets at once into the
EasyDrop and its sheer speed means that
croupiers can focus more on what is most
important to them the players. The
patented vertical note drop means that
croupiers can enter the notes/tickets in
the most natural way. Back office
management can see immediately the
level of the float and when it was entered.
All the data is registered and can be
called upon in real time. Differing sizes of
cashboxes are available and operators can
programme the maximum capacity it
should have so that they are
automatically informed when it needs
replacing with an empty one. This
maintains uptime and keeps revenue
running.
Giuseppe Storniolo, General Manager of
the CMS Group, comments on the initial
feedback from the ICE: We had the
opportunity to introduce the EasyDrop to
the global gaming market at ICE. Casino
Venice has already implemented it and we
received orders directly from casinos in
France, Spain and Austria. The fact that
we make use of the SC Advance and BNF
gives us an additional boost as the
feedback we received is that we are using
the best solutions here available. Together
with our patented note drop,
programmable menu buttons and
thorough accounting/software, we
received very encouraging feedback.
Erik-Jan van den Berg, sales director
EMEA at MEI, underlines the necessity of
the EasyDrop for the market: The
EasyDrop is an ideal solution for
managing the drop on live gaming. The
faster note-to-note speed that the SC
Advance offers together with the BNF
makes MEI stand out as the preferred
partner for this new market segment. We
are very proud that CMS Group has
chosen us to supply these key
components.

July 2013 PAGE 57

Interview
MADE IN ITALY - VNE

CHANGE IN THE
SYSTEM

New Italian gaming laws and the introduction of

Comma 6a has complicated the market and
brought about change for operators and suppliers
HAVE THE RECENT CHANGES TO ITALIAN
COMMA 6A LAWS HAD AN IMPACT ON
VNE'S DOMESTIC BUSINESS?
It is still foreseen that banknote acceptors
will not be allowed in Comma 6a AWPs.
Thus, we believe the demand for change
machines will stay strong. This demand
may even increase if the stake and win
amounts are increased. As the number
one supplier of change machines to the
Italian market, we continue to bring yet
more innovative solutions to market.
ARE ITALIAN OPERATORS FINDING THAT
THEY HAVE LESS TO INVEST AS THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW LAW MEAN
THAT THEY MUST REPLACE THEIR EXISTING
MACHINE INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET THE
NEW REQUIREMENTS?
For sure the economic crisis here in Italy
is having an effect. If and when the
Comma 6a AWPs have to be exchanged,
then operators will be very wary of the
new AWPs they wish to buy. Concerning
change machines these are a must in
cafs, bars and arcades. Naturally the
operators are very conscious to make the
right purchase. Our excellent reputation
for quality, security, service, value for
money, design, online support all these
features put us in the pole position for
operators in Italy.

Change machines
are a must in cafs,
bars and arcades.
Naturally the
operators are very
conscious to make
the right purchase.
Our excellent
reputation for
quality, security,
service, value for
money, design,
online support all
these features put
us in the pole
position for
operators in Italy.
VALENTINA
SANTERELLI, VNE.

IT WAS WIDELY ANTICIPATED BEFORE THE

LAW WAS FINALLY CONFIRMED, THAT BILL
ACCEPTORS WOULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED
IN STREET MACHINES IN ITALY. WHAT WERE
THE REASONS THAT THIS WASN'T AN
INCLUSION IN THE NEW LAW AND WILL
THIS AFFECT VNE POSITIVELY OR
NEGATIVELY?

HAS THIS IMPACTED THE NUMBERS OF

OPERATORS IN THE MARKETPLACE? WILL
THERE BE FEWER OPERATORS AS A RESULT?
HOW DO YOU SEE THE MARKET EVOLVING
AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR
DOMESTIC BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE?
This has already impacted the market and
it will continue to affect it. New laws and
increasing taxes are rising new problems
to this industry which is currently made
up of small and medium firms, unable to
face new challenges as consequence of
the crisis and inefficiency of credit
institutes. In my opinion, the new setting
will see fewer companies result but they
will be bigger and stronger: so being able
to reach enough economical and political
strength to influence the legislative
situation.
June 2013 PAGE 58

New laws and

increasing taxes
are rising new
problems to this
industry which is
currently made up
of small and
medium firms,
unable to face new
challenges as
consequence of the
crisis and
inefficiency of credit
institutes.

The Italian authorities wish to have a

clear distinction between the Comma 6a
and Comma 6b gaming machines. The
difference between stakes and prizes is
key. If AWPs can only be played with
coins, then there is a clear, visible
acceptance that these are targeted for
amusement, entertainment. They are not
meant to be gambling machines per se.
The lack of a banknote reader highlights
this. Thus, we were very pleased that this
factor was adhered to. This, however, has
no affect of our business as no change
has been made. It does nevertheless
ensure that the market for change

machines in Italy in gaming and

amusement will remain buoyant.
WHAT DIFFERENCE TO THE INCOME OF A
LOCATION CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE
INSTALLATION OF NOTE RECYCLING UNITS
WITHIN THE CHANGE MACHINES? DOES THE
RECYCLING OF NOTES HAVE A POSITIVE
IMPACT ON THE PLAYER OR IS THE BENEFIT
PURELY IN TERMS OF OPERATIONAL COSTS
SAVINGS?
We have been offering change machines
with banknote payout from the start. The
standard offer was to place a banknote
reader and Fujitsu banknote payout units
into our change machines. Depending on
the location, a banknote recycler may
suffice. This naturally reduces costs. We
were the first company in Italy to place
the banknote recycler Merkur Dispenser
100 into change machines and have made
this banknote recycler a household name

Interview
MADE IN ITALY - VNE
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE INTERNATIONAL
EXPANSION OF VNE TO THE FUTURE
SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY?

The dual steel door with multiple

strengthen hooks are part of the
mechanical security. Furthermore, VNE
change machines can be secured to a
wall-mounted or floor-mounted device
from us for even more security.
We believe that our benefits of electronic
and online security are second to none.
Our new Viking change machine is fitted
with a biometrics reader. This gives the
operator the added security that personnel
can be better managed on their level of
access to the change machine. For
example, the operator can decide to have
a time delay before the door opens.
Change machines often carry a lot of
money and so are obviously subject to
theft. Should a thief be successful, then a
secure tracking device will point out
precisely the whereabouts of the change
machine. This links with our online
security the change machine location is
show via Google maps.

in our sector. The

possibility to payout up to
100 banknotes in three
separate denominations is a very
good combination for change machines.
We work closely together with MDS in
Italy as well and implement the CashCode
Bill-to-Bill 200 banknote recycler in our
latest products. Thus, the benefits of
being able to pay out banknotes from the
same unit as where they are accepted
gives us added flexibility and a cost
saving which we pass on to our
customers. Furthermore, we save space in
our change machines by having just a
banknote recycler which helps us focus
more on new, stylish designs.
WHAT ARE THE DIRECT BENEFITS TO AN
OPERATION WHEN THEY INSTALL A VNE
CHANGE MACHINE? HOW MUCH OF AN
UPLIFT IN PLAYER ACTIVITY DO YOU SEE AS
A RESULT?
Lets look to the change machine
attributes first. Our change machines are
very stylish and stand out beyond the
competition. Indeed I am seeing more and
more competitors adopt our style of
change machines I see this as a
compliment. Our change machines are
extremely secure, weighing up to almost
200 kg (without change inside of course).

Looking to the day-to-day benefits. As all

VNE change machines can be connected
online operators can have real time
information on a full range of details
from coins and notes in, coins and notes
out, the amount of coins and notes within
the change machine. The settings can be
seen and altered for example the
minimum amount of coins in the hopper
or banknotes in the banknote recycler. If
this minimum level is reached, then the
operator automatically receives an email
or text message so can react specifically
to the individual needs. This is a great
benefit as operators no longer have to
guess when to refill their change
machines they can plan their time
better. The change machines are then
working all the time; there is no
downtime. Players can change their
money at any time, ensuring that the
AWPs / VLTs are not affected.
Being situated in the country with
Europes largest VLT market, we have
amassed much experience in developing
and manufacturing change machines for
the VLT market as well as the AWP
market. That is another reason that
operators choose VNE.
Finally, we are placing more and more
focus on offering operators benefits
outside of money changing. Our new
change machines have a large monitor
and loudspeakers fitted. Thus, the VNE
change machines can interact with the
end users. Operators can use the VNE
change machines to advertise, inform or
entertain their guests. Our change
machines can even be used as a juke box.
And as our change machines are very
stylish, operators wish to place them in a
prominent position and are thus very
visible in their locations.

We are placing
more and more
focus on offering
operators benefits
outside of money
changing. Our new
change machines
have a large
monitor and
loudspeakers fitted.
Thus, the VNE
change machines
can interact with
the end users.
Operators can use
the VNE change
machines to
advertise, inform or
entertain their
guests. Our change
machines can even
be used as a juke
box. And as our
change machines
are very stylish,
operators wish to
place them in a
prominent position
and are thus very
visible in their
locations.
LORENZO VERONA,
VNE.

I believe that we
have two sets of
reactions to Made
in Italy. The first is
as you state we
are a strong
manufacturing
nation. Our fast
cars such as
Ferrari,
Lamborghini and
Bugatti are very
nice examples.
Fashion, food,
wine, the list
continues. Yet, there
is still sometimes a
negative
connection with
Italian goods. That
may have been the
case 20 years ago
but for most
companies in Italy,
quality is the
number one focus.

The benefits we offer operators in Italy

can be transferred to operators around the
globe. Particularly with the 24/7 online
support, operators know they can reach
us at any time regardless where they are.
This helps our drive to strengthen our
export markets. We are very active here
and often exhibit at international gaming
exhibitions, such as the G2E in Las Vegas
or the IMA in Germany. We foresee many
opportunities and therefore are placing
great emphasis on international markets.
MADE IN ITALY IS A LABEL THAT OFTEN IS
ASSOCIATED WITH FASHION, CONJURING
UP IMAGES OF OLD WORLD TAILORS.
OFTEN OVERLOOKED IS THE COUNTRY'S
MODERN MANUFACTURING BASE THE
SECOND LARGEST IN EUROPE BEHIND
GERMANY, WHERE PLENTY OF BUSINESSES
PUSH THE ENGINEERING ENVELOPE. HOW
IMPORTANT FOR VNE IS IT TO BE 'MADE IN
ITALY'?
I believe that we have two sets of
reactions to Made in Italy. The first is as
you state we are a strong manufacturing
nation. Our fast cars such as Ferrari,
Lamborghini and Bugatti are very nice
examples. Fashion, food, wine, the list

IN THE COUNTRY
WITH EUROPES
LARGEST VLT
MARKET, WE
HAVE AMASSED
EXPERIENCE IN
DEVELOPING AND
MANUFACTURING
VLT CHANGE
MACHINES.

continues. Yet, there is still sometimes a

negative connection with Italian goods.
That may have been the case 20 years
ago but for most companies in Italy,
quality is the number one focus. Thus, it
is very important for me to underline the
positive Made in Italy logo for it
highlights the best of Italy the
combination of design and quality.
Italians are emotional people and we use
our emotions to create products that
people just want to buy as they feel
drawn in by them. Thus, our change
machines are and will always stand out
with their unique Italian design. The
quality and security I have talked about
then unites the design and quality
together.
June 2013 PAGE 59

Report
AGEM 2013 SURVEY

THE ENGINES
FOR CHANGE A SPOTLIGHT ON
GAMING SUPPLIERS

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) has

compiled a comprehensive survey of the manufacturing sector
over the last 12 months and has now published its findings
During 2012, the global gaming
equipment manufacturing and technology
sector of the commercial gaming industry
continued its expansion, reporting
positive gains in all key measures of
economic activity. Working with the
Association of Gaming Equipment
Manufacturers (AGEM), Applied Analysis,
a Nevada-based economic research and
analysis firm, conducted a comprehensive
assessment of the sector in conjunction
with a survey of AGEM members. The
results of the analysis demonstrate the
relative strength and growth of this key
component of the broader gaming
industry.
Direct economic output by the gaming
equipment manufacturing sector rose to
$13.0bn in 2012 an all-time high and
5.7 per cent increase compared to 2011
figures. Approximately 31,200 workers
were directly employed in the sector
during 2012, earning $2.3bn in salaries
and wages. The employment figure was a
3.0 per cent increase compared to 2011
figures, and the earnings number was a
4.6 per cent uptick.
Overall, the gaming equipment
manufacturing and technology sector
continues to generate increasing demand
for its products and services. Market
improvements, technological
advancements and continued investments
have translated into positive job growth
and increased income profiles for workers
within the industry. The market is
expected to continue its growth pattern in
the near term as new technology and
regulatory approvals position traditional
gaming suppliers to capitalise on global
online, interactive, mobile and content
opportunities.
July 2013 PAGE 60

ECONOMIC OUTPUT
Direct economic output sourced to the
gaming equipment manufacturing and
technology sector reached an all-time
high in 2012 as the expansion of gaming
continued, replacements sales resumed
and broader economic recovery took hold
in selected markets. Direct output rose 5.7
per cent when compared to 2011 figures,
reaching $13.0bn. When combined with
indirect output, total economic activity
sourced to the sector reached $25.2bn
a 5.4 per cent increase over 2011 totals.
EMPLOYMENT
During 2012, overall employment in the
sector trended in a positive direction for
the second year as direct employment
within the industry reached a new high of
31,200 jobs a 3.0 per cent increase
over 2011 totals. Direct employment
helped to support an additional 22,700
indirect positions for a total employment
impact estimated at 53,900 individuals.
SALARIES AND WAGES
Salaries and wages for gaming
manufacturing employees edged up to an
aggregate $2.3bn in 2012, which was a
4.6 per cent increase over 2011 figures.
Direct employment helped to support
another $1.5bn in indirect wages. The
average wage of industry workers reached
premium to the United States average
annual wage of $45,790 (Bureau of
Labour Statistics).
EMPLOYER HEALTH CARE
Overall, the equipment manufacturing
and technology sector has been
supportive of its employees, which is
demonstrated by the relatively high
participation rate of company-sponsored
health care programs. Nearly three-

The market is
expected to
continue its growth
pattern in the near
term as new
technology and
regulatory
approvals position
traditional gaming
suppliers to
capitalise on global
online, interactive,
mobile and content
opportunities.

quarters (72.1 per cent) of surveyed firms

indicated they offer employer-sponsored
health care plans to at least 75 per cent of
their workers, while an additional 11.6
Source: Association of Gaming Equipment
Manufacturers (AGEM) All surveyed
gaming equipment manufacturers noted
making purchases from local vendors, and
more than three out of 10 (31.0 per cent)
made more than 50 per cent of their
purchases from local suppliers. Half of
surveyed equipment manufacturers (50.0
per cent) purchase at least 25 per cent of
their supplies and services from
companies in their local market.

Report
AGEM 2013 SURVEY

LOCAL VENDORS
All surveyed gaming equipment
manufacturers noted making purchases
from local vendors, and more than three
out of 10 (31.0 per cent) made more than
50 per cent of their purchases from local
suppliers. Half of surveyed equipment
manufacturers (50.0 per cent) purchase at
least 25 per cent of their supplies and
services from companies in their local
market.
MARKET EXPECTATIONS
When asked to consider their
expectations for the market during the

next 12 months, more than three-quarters

(76.7 per cent) of AGEM members think
the sector is poised for further
improvements. Only a modest 4.7 per
cent of manufacturers expect conditions
to worsen.
HISTORICAL EXPECTATIONS
More than three-quarters (76.7 per cent)
of AGEM members taking part in the
survey think that market conditions will
improve during the next 12 months. This
is the second-highest level of optimism
since the recession hit, but slightly below
2011s figure.

Mobile
MOBILE GAMING

THE TOP FIVE THINGS YOU

NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
MOBILE GAMING CUSTOMERS
Tuning the performance of mobile gaming offerings is hugely important in a time
sensitive sector in which attention spans last mere minutes, not hours

Smart phone ownership is approaching

65 per cent in Britain and averages more
than 55 per cent across the EU5. Mobile
phones and tablets are driving
tremendous growth in online gaming.
With up to 50 per cent of online wagers
being made on mobile devices, there are
five things you need to know about these
customers.
WHAT KIND OF APPLICATION?
Many operators are making a significant
investment in browser-based mobile
gaming applications. That certainly
makes sense. The latest version of the
basic web development language
HTML5 now supports an extended set
of features including audio and video.
This year, gaming companies are also
investing in responsive web design. This
technique creates sites that are easy to
read and navigate with a minimum of
resizing, panning, and scrollingacross a
wide range of devices. This write once,
use anywhere approach helps you
support more devices while saving
development costs. Why would you use
anything else?
There is one important reason. With any
browser-based software, your customers
are only one click away from competitive
July 2013 PAGE 62

gaming sites. Native applications, on an

iPad for instance, provide a more
immersive experience for customers. The
interface is sophisticated, tuned for the
device, and switching to other web-based
applications requires more than a single
click. Many customers develop a level of
loyalty to native applications on their
mobile devices that they dont have for
generic browsers. The extent of their
loyalty is highly dependent on how well
the application is designed and how easy
it is to use.
Know what your mobile customers want.
Balancing your development costs against
customer switching costs involves a
complex equation. Your costs are
important; the customers preferences are
paramount.
WHAT IS THEIR MOBILE ATTENTION SPAN?
In mobile gaming, performance is your
brand. While the attention span of online
customers can be measured in fractions of
a second, mobile customers are even
more time sensitive. Studies indicate that
the average time spent on a mobile
gaming session is 12 minutes Vs. 1-2
hours for online gambling overall.
Insuring that your betting platform is
tuned for performance on mobile devices,

and prepared to support communication

surges is critical to your business.
With shorter attention spans the margin
for error is smaller. Many operators are
investing in application performance
management software like our SharePath
application. This software enables
companies to predict, identify, and
respond rapidly to any slowness or outage
in gaming applications.
Outages, like those at this years Grand
National event, can be catastrophic. Still,
these are just the most obvious case of
performance. Customers need to place
their bets and have them acknowledged
before the next ring of their mobile
phone. If this doesnt happen they may
answer the incoming call.

TOM BATCHELOR is
the Senior Solutions
Architect at
Correlsense and is
responsible for
creating innovative
solutions geared
specifically to the
needs of clients.
Prior to joining
Correlsense, he
worked in various
pre-sales roles for
OpTier and
Symantec.

THEIR LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Mobile customers may be at home, in the
office, at a sporting event, or walking past
one of your betting shops. Are they at
work with just a few minutes to bet? Are
they in the stands at the football grounds
and totally focused on the next goal?
Know where customers are and it is
possible to tune what information is
presented to them and improve the
chance that they place a bet.
A new generation of location-based
service technology is becoming popular in
advanced gaming systems. With this
software operators can access the mobile
devices coordinates to identify where
customers are and what is nearby.
Determine that a top customer is near one
of your companys betting shops and you
can provide an incentive to come inside
and get personal attention. If he is near a

Mobile
MOBILE GAMING
competitors storefront, you can provide
an incentive to place a bet before he has
a chance to take his business elsewhere.
The obvious challenges are time and
communications. In mobile gaming there
are often just a matter of seconds to
identify the customers location, scan the
nearby environment, determine the
appropriate action, and inform any local
staff that a VIP customer may be entering
the shop.
THE WHY NOT JUST THE WHAT
Your mobile betting platform knows when
a customer places a bet, but do you know
why? Eighty percent of mobile gamblers
recruited through a mobile platform do
not have an online gambling account.
Your history with them may be limited.
As you build profiles on individual mobile
users, look beyond the basics of how
much, how often, and how profitable.
Whether walking down the street or
sitting in front of the television, mobile
gamers are often doing two things at
once. Understanding what else they are
doing, gives you key insights into the
why of their experience.

OUTAGES, LIKE AT
THIS YEARS GRAND
NATIONAL EVENT,
CAN BE
CATASTROPHIC.
STILL,THESE ARE
JUST THE MOST
OBVIOUS CASES OF
PERFORMANCE.
One of the most significant areas of
investment is in analytical software.
These tools can sort through many
millions of customer clicks to determine
the time and sequence of customer
activity.
Marketing is the primary consumer for
this kind of analysis. This helps them
prioritize development investments and
understand what is working and what is
not. Dont forget the customer service
organization. Arming them with timely
insights can help them ask the right
question of the right customer and learn
more about why they behave as they do.

Traditional mobile
phones and many
smart phones can
only manage one
activity at a time.
Calling a customer
while he is on your
site may interrupt
his betting session.
Newer smart
phones enable
multiple actions to
take place at once.
This offers the hope
that in the near
future operators will
be able to call
active customers
without worrying
about disturbing
their betting activity.

DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS MATTERS

Many operators use SMS messaging or
online chat as a primary means of
communicating with their online
customers. That makes sense for wired
communication, but mobile gaming will
soon be different.
Traditional mobile phones and many
smart phones can only manage one
activity at a time. Calling a customer
while he is on your site may interrupt his
betting session. Newer smart phones
enable multiple actions to take place at
once. This offers the hope that in the near
future operators will be able to call active
customers without worrying about
disturbing their betting activity.
In the meantime, save your SMS
messages for emergencies. Use it only
when there is a real-time situation that
warrants the intrusion: a failed wager,
slowed performance on a specific wireless
carrier, or urgent advice for a VIP
customer. Providing this kind of proactive
support assumes that operators can
recognize and respond instantly to
customer problems. Luckily, a new
generation of performance management
software like SharePath lets your
company do just that.

Products
INTERACTIVE/VIDEO
Interactive IOS/ANDROID
Novomatic

NOVOMATIC B2B APP

www.novomatic.com
The new Novomatic App
offers customers and
partners the opportunity
to access comprehensive
game descriptions plus
various game-related
information, such as player
categories and pay tables.
There is also the possibility to demonstrate how the
games work and for which guest which game is
interesting. Moreover, the app offers the possibility
to read and download, on demand, the latest
Novomatic news and the award winning industry
magazine novomatic - the world of gaming. The
iPhone app is free of charge and is now available
for download at the Apple Store.
This new iOS app is presented as a direct support
tool for the use of customers and partners of the
Novomatic Group and provides casinos staff the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest
game offerings to assure the best possible
customized service to the guests.
In principle, the app clearly demonstrates a
description of the different games and delivers a fit
to the different player categories which can be
briefly described as follows: the Novice Player,
prefers simple games, many small wins and lower
volatility; the Fun Player strives for entertaining
graphics and game elements as well as unusual
features; the Time-on-Device Player describes a
player who prefers a maximum playing time with
numerous features and finally the game category of
the Regular Player is designed for players who are
attracted by a high volatility and who are less
interested in a lot of small wins but rather strive to
achieve the Big Hit. Through a comprehensive
game detail overview the customers have the
chance to find out how the games function and into
which player category they fit. Apart from this, the

Land-based

user can also search quickly and easily for games

by using the search function and retrieve the desired
information rapidly.
The clear structure of the app further comprises
direct B2B contacts within the Novomatic Group.
With its visual appearance, the Novomatic app
scores with a clear and simple user interface. Easy
structures intuitively guide the user through the
application that serves as an information tool and
does not display any game offering.
The development of the
Android Version has
already started and is
expected to be available
this month.
Visit the Apple Store to
download the Novomatic
B2B App for free.

VIDEO BINGO
chance; the more bets placed, the bigger the
prizes. This Bonus mode was introduced by Zitro
in its Spin Bingo game, a pioneering
development that introduce elements in the
games which allow interactivity between the
player and the game, offering a unique
entertainment experience. Details such as this
help to set Zitro games apart and establish its
games as player favourites in global gaming
markets.

Zitro

POWER SPIN
www.globalzitro.com
Power Spin is the latest Zitro game launched to
receive rave reviews from players. In this title, the
worlds leading video bingo games company has
combined some of the most successful features of
its games, great playability and themes and
incorporated one of its star products, the
Powermania Bonus game.
A new feature included in Power Spin is a
spectacular Bonus Roulette. This is a bonus prize
reminiscent of the successful Zitro game Spin Bingo,

July 2013 PAGE 64

which relies on the skill of the person spinning the

roulette wheel to obtain greater prizes. The player
activates the wheel and leaves the choice of prize to

This strategy of combining highly successful

products is Zitros way of rewarding its customers
loyalty, in a constant attempt to offer new products
and versions adapted to their tastes.

Products
LAND-BASED
Land-based

AWPS

Reflex Gaming

DIGISLOTS
www.reflexgaming.co.uk
The Original Bowling Company has
endorsed Digislots from Reflex
Gaming, which is now the highest
density digital gaming machine on their estate.
We have been pleased to see this multi-faceted
machine sit well amongst our more traditional
AWPs and equally hold its own financially, says Will
Etherington from The Original Bowling Company.
Within bowling it has been a difficult transition into
multi content machines and to date, Digislots is
looking like the biggest step weve seen with clear
indications of players choosing to play all the game
formats on offer
The cabinet design ensures this piece cant be
ignored and the range of content including the
Reflex reel-based games has proved popular, he
adds. Digislots has secured its place amongst the
strongest performers in these centres and on
occasions has been the top earner.

Land-based CASINO SLOTS

All Digislots are fitted with a router and mifi dongle
to allow live data to be transmitted to the operator.
This allows us to monitor performance closely.
Among other things it produces hourly profit tables,
game play graphs, hopper levels, switch-on times
and stake info. Bespoke reports can be produced
for individual retailers, from one site upwards. In
addition, new content can be downloaded at the
touch of a button.
It is still early days but the feedback we are
receiving on Digislots is incredible, says Nick
Wheeler, Corporate Sales Manager of Kossway
Limited, one of the operating companys that has
helped to develop Digislots, alongside Reflex
Gaming. The combination of traditional Category C
content, casino games and the Pure Roulette game
has proved to be a winning one. We have seen the
steady growth of Digislots to now in excess of 150
sited pieces, more importantly we are working
closely with site owners and retailers to identify the
best possible sites, to achieve the best results for all
and due to our ongoing support we are seeing very
high success rates for this new and exciting
product he added.

Land-based COMPONENTS

Advantech-Innocore

DPX-S435
www.advantech-innocore.com
The upcoming DPX-S435 gaming motherboard
from Advantech provides an unrivalled CPU
platform for the next generation
of casino games with never
before seen CPU performance
up to and including 4th
Generation Intel CoreTM
Processor: Enabling the most
compute-intensive games with
streaming video, picture-inpicture and other features coming to the casino
floor.
Best in class CPU performance- The DPX-S435
supports a huge range of price and performance
from dual core Celeron, through Core i3, Core i5,
Core i7 and up to Xeon CPUs. The latest Intel
Embedded platform ensures customers a long lived
(guaranteed 5 years in production), and future proof
platform ready for whatever performance needs
come along.
Working closely with Intel, Advantech has many
new products coming out based on the 4th
Generation Intel CoreTM Processor. The DPX-S
series products are intended for use electronic
gaming machines. Typically video slot machines,
multi-player games, computerized table games,
video lottery terminals, and kiosks. The DPX-S435
supports Windows 7, Windows 8 and embedded
Microsoft operating systems as well as Linux.
Advantech's in house teams of software engineers

can support customers to build and integrated their

own embedded operating systems. With a
specialized hardware feature set as well as
extensive software features, the DPX-S series
provides the OEM with a single board platform and
eliminates the need for additional boards,
hardware and software from third parties.
Samples of the DPX-S435 will be available for
customers around the time of the G2E Gaming
industry tradeshow. (Sept 23-26 2013). The DPXS435 is a single board integrated solution with a full
feature set of I/O, COMs, storage and advanced
security designed specifically for the regulated
Gaming Industry.
As the latest member of the field proven DPX-S
Series range from Advantech, the DPX-S435 is
backwards compatible with previous models giving
existing customers an easy migration path to the
fastest technology available.
Craig Stapleton, Advantech-Innocore Product
Director, commented "We always try to give our
customers the highest performance available as
well as good scalability. 4th Generation Intel
CoreTM Processor gives us all that and more. The
DPX-S435 will be the first gaming board with Intel
Xeon Processor, marking a milestone in casino
gaming platforms. The slot machine industry has
transformed in the last few years with an explosion
of 3D graphics, multi-screen, picture-in-picture and
immersive multimedia effects. The DPX-S435 will
give our customers the most powerful platform on
which to build the next generation of dazzling
gaming products".

Aristocrat Technologies

THE WALKING DEAD

www.aristocratplayingdead.com
Aristocrat has inked a licensing agreement to
bring AMCs monster hit The Walking Dead to
a casino near you. Based on AMCs series,
Aristocrats The Walking Dead slot machine
game grabs players and puts them right in the
middle of the shows gritty post-apocalyptic
world with a chance to escape with some major
jackpots. Aristocrat is bringing AMCs series to
its award-winning VERVEhd cabinet, where
video clips and images from the show will come
to life with stunning HD video and sound.
The thrilling and chilling new game is expected
to hit casino slot floors starting in early fall 2013,
coinciding with the launch of the series highly
anticipated fourth season.
Since its debut in October 2010, The Walking
Dead has become the most-watched TV
drama in cable TV history. The season three
finale set ratings records, attracting 12.4 million
viewers total, with 8.1 million viewers in the key
18-49 demographic. The show also has nearly
17 million followers on Facebook and has
earned two Emmy Awards.
We are very excited to bring AMCs The
Walking Dead to our product line of playerfavorite games. We have been very aggressive
in bringing top licensed products to operators
and to their players, and this new license with
AMC and The Walking Dead is a continuation
of that strategy, said Dallas Orchard Vice
President of Gaming Operations.
Capitalizing on the shows dedicated following;
we have designed a game that will appeal to
the shows audience which consistently draws a
viewership, the most for any show on television
for the 18-49 demographic. Clips and images
from the show will combine with our proven
math models to create an incredible
experience, Orchard added.
Based on the comic book series written by
Robert Kirkman and published by Image
Comics, The Walking Dead chronicles the
struggle for survival after a zombie apocalypse.

July 2013 PAGE 65

Index
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Advantech-Innocore

17

WWW.ADVENTECH-INNOCORE.COM

G3 UK MARKET REPORT
Gaming Publishings G3 UK Market report examines the state of gaming play across
the United Kingdom. The report features in-depth studies of each gaming sector:
arcades, licensed betting offices, casinos, online and interactive, single sites and
bingo. The report also features interviews with Reflex Gamings Quentin Stott,
Grosvenor Casinos Phil Urban, Praesepes Nick Harding, BACTAs Leslie MacleodMiller, the Bingo Associations Miles Baron, Odobos Ashley Lang, Peter Craske of the
Association of British Bookmakers, Lee Gregory of Inspired Gaming Group, Clive
Hawkswood of the Remote Gambling Association and many more...

Alfastreet

OBC

WWW.ALFASTREET.SI

APEX Gaming Technology

WWW.APEX-GAMING.COM

Austrian Gaming Industries

11

WWW.AUSTRIAN-GAMING.COM

AW Signs

35

WWW.AWSIGNS.EU

Bally Technologies

IFC

WWW.BALLY-TECH.COM

15

Cammegh

DOWNLOESATOD

WWW.CAMMEGH.COM

G3 MAGAZIN
ANDROID AND IOS
DEVICES

EIG Expo

24

WWW.EIGEXPO.COM

G2E

IBC

WWW.GLOBALGAMINGEXPO.COM

Gaming Laboratories International

G3I APP - IOS AND

ANDROID DEVICES
Gaming Publishing
launched its G3i App in
August 2011. The first to
launch a magazine App,
the response has been
overwhelming, as the
App now provides readers with instant access to
their favourite gaming magazine wherever and
whenever they want. We have now added Android
to this functionality, allowing readers to download
magazines for free from the Apple App Store and
their Android Marketplaces. Download back-issues
or the latest magazines today.

Gaming Partners International

GTECH G2

21

WWW.GTECHG2.COM

WWW.G3NEWSWIRE.COM

IGT

A dynamic daily news website that simplifies the

reading of news by headline, region and industry;
thumbnails of every story encapsulate the content of
the article for a focused user-friendly experience. The
result is the fastest delivery mechanism for both
'relevant' gaming news items.

WWW.IGT.COM

19

JCM Global

Gaming Publishing produces its G3 Market Review in January each year. A

combination of our market reports from the year with the latest, up-to-date statistics
regarding casinos, slot halls, bingo, arcades and betting sites across the globe.
Including 20 different countries and further in-depth market analysis, the G3 Market
Review has become an essential guide to the international gaming market. This year
we have extended our our reach to include continental gaming reports covering
Canada and the United States. To view the latest reports download the G3i App from
the Apple App Store.

WWW.JCMGLOBAL.COM

MEI Group

WWW.MEIGROUP.COM

Patir Casino Seating

19

WWW.PATIR.DE

PST Seating

63

WWW.PSTSEATING.COM

Suzo Happ

WWW.SUZO.COM

SUBSCRIPTIONS EDITORIAL

ADVERTISING
James Slattery
T: +44(0)7917 166471
E: james@gamingpublishing.co.uk

Jennifer Pek
T: +44(0)161 7248716
E: jennifer@gamingpublishing.co.uk

Lewis Pek
T: +44(0)1942 879291
E: lewis@gamingpublishing.co.uk

Disclaimer: All contents Gaming Publishing Limited 2013. No part of this publication
may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the publisher. While
we make every effort to ensure that everything we print in Global, Games and Gaming
(G3) is factually correct, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur.
Advertisements are accepted by us in good faith as correct at the time of going to press.
Printing: Manson Group, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans, AL3 6PZ

July 2013 PAGE 66

23

WWW.GPIGAMING.COM

G3 MARKET REVIEW - INTERNATIONAL GAMING STATISTICS

John Slattery
T: +44(0)7917 166471
E: john@gamingpublishing.co.uk

WWW.GAMINGLABS.COM

Karen Southall
T: +44(0)1942 879291
E: karensouthall
@gmail.com

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E: phil@gamingpublishing.co.uk

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