February 2012
News Digest
Ultracade’s David Foley Pleads Guilty To Fraud
Ultracade founder David Foley has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced northern California U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag last month.
The charges stem, in part, from Foley’s tenure as chief technology officer at Global VR, a job he assumed after striking a deal to sell Ultracade to the video game maker. The Ultracade system offered multiple retro-game titles in one arcade cabinet.
In its official press release, the U.S. attorney’s office said Foley “admitted that, as charged in the first indictment, he manufactured thumb drives, known as ‘game packs,’ containing video gaming software that could be loaded onto arcade video game machines made for the home market. Foley illegally produced the products from his home while working as the chief technology officer of Global VR, which had previously acquired all rights to produce and sell games under the UltraCade name. After producing the game packs, Foley sold the products to a co-defendant located in Milford, Conn., and agreed to sell the game packs to the public using packaging and advertisements that falsely represented the goods to have been genuinely manufactured by UltraCade. Foley thereafter received payment for the illegally manufactured game packs by mail and wire.”
In response to the announcement by federal prosecutors, Foley told the San Jose Mercury News that he pleaded guilty only because he sold the games under the Ultracade name when that company technically no longer existed.
“Foley said Global VR bought nonexclusive rights to the UltraCade name and ultimately did not take possession of it and backed out of the acquisition in January 2006,” the Mercury News reported, quoting Foley as saying: “I felt like if they’re not going to do the deal, I still need to make a living.”
The bank fraud charges stem from false statements made on a mortgage application.
According to federal prosecutors, “Foley further admitted that, as charged in the second indictment, he defrauded Countrywide Home Loans (now owned and operated by Bank of America) of mortgage and home equity line of credit loans in the amounts of $2,624,475 and $374,925. He did this by falsely claiming that he was still employed at Global VR. Foley had been fired from his job by the time the loan applications were submitted. Foley admitted that he instructed a co-defendant to contact Countrywide Home Loans to falsely confirm his continued employment, after his employment had been terminated and prior to receiving the funds.”
However, Foley told the Mercury News that he had informed the bank of his termination before the loans were finalized but that he chose to plead guilty to those charges because “he did sign a copy of the previously submitted loan application.”
U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Davila allowed Foley’s continued release on a $100,000 bond and ordered him to return to court on April 30 for sentencing.
The maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to commit mail fraud is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, a mandatory special assessment and restitution. The maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to commit bank fraud is 30 years in prison, a mandatory special assessment, and a fine of $1 million and restitution. However, the court will consider sentencing guidelines and federal statutes in handing down its sentence.
Shelti Picks New Name: “Gold Standard Games”
Shelti is transitioning to a new name, Gold Standard Games, reports company owner Mark Robbins. “This is something that’s been discussed and in the planning stages since I bought the company in 2010,” Robbins said.
“We wanted a name that reflects the future direction and focus of the company as we bring new products to market. Our new line of coin and home air hockey tables, to be introduced at trade shows this year, will bear the Gold Standard name. At the same time, we are keeping the Shelti brand for products where a brand name identity has been established, such as our dart and pool lines,” Robbins said.
Changes to the Gold Standard Games/Shelti website and Facebook page will be coming over the next few months. Customers can still access the website at www.shelti.com, and the Bay City, Mich. office phone number remains the same, 877/893-1739.
“We invite everyone to stop by our expanded booth at the upcoming Amusement Expo in Vegas and view our new offerings!”
Falgas to be Rep’d by Theisen; Grabs Brass Ring
Falgas Amusement Rides and Theisen Vending Company have reached an agreement naming Theisen as a North American distributor for its coin-op kiddie rides.
Falgas is a Spanish manufacturer of coin-op kiddie rides with new releases yearly. Falgas has won consecutive prestigious international awards including the 2011 IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Product/Coin-Operated Kiddie Ride with their 4 x 4 Safari Car. Some of their rides have features such as LED technology, multi-motion, interactive play and video screens.
Theisen, which is based in Minneapolis, Minn., is a national operator and distributor of kiddie rides and runs a route throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Jose Saus, export manager for Falgas, said the manufacturer is proud to welcome Theisen as a distributor. Michael Ruegemer, national sales and operations manager for Theisen, is equally excited about the opportunity to work with Falgas and feels this addition will infuse new energy into its selection of kiddie rides. To learn more, log on to www.theisenvending.com.
Expert Predicts Increased State-Authorized Internet Gambling Nationwide
A recent decision by the U.S. Department of Justice that the federal Wire Act only applies to sports-related gambling could open the door to state-sanctioned online gambling, including compacts between various legal gaming states or even other nations, predicts gambling industry expert I. Nelson Rose at his Gambling and the Law blog.
“If the Wire Act is limited to bets on sports events and races, what other federal anti-gambling statutes are left?” writes Rose. “There are prohibitions on interstate lotteries, but Powerball and the other multi-state lotteries show how easily these can be gotten around, even before Congress passed an express exemption for state lotteries. And poker is not a lottery under federal law.
“So, all that are left are the federal laws designed to go after organized crime,” he continues. “These all require that there first be a violation of another law, like the Wire Act, the federal anti-lottery statutes, or a state anti-gambling law. If a state has expressly legalized intra-state games like poker, as Nevada and the District of Columbia have done, there is simply no federal law that could apply.”
Looking ahead, Rose sees a number of states pushing through some form of online gaming to help generate local tax revenue. “Once these jurisdictions open their online games, even if limited to players who are physically within the state, operators will push for compacts to allow interstate Internet poker among the legal states,” he writes.
Meanwhile, Rose believes federal legislation will remain bottled up in Congress, providing no controlling federal law in light of the DOJ’s view of the Wire Act.
Responding to this news, retailers in a number of states expressed concern that an expansion of online lottery ticket sales, as well as the possibility of Internet-based, state-authorized poker, will eat away at their revenues. A series of newspaper articles published last month reported concern on the part of retailers who are currently the main source of lottery ticket sales.
“One of my members thought he would lose 40 percent of his lottery sales,” William Fleischli, executive VP of the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association/Illinois Association of Convenience Stores, was quoted as saying in the State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., “I think he made close to $200,000 (on lottery commissions) from his 10 stores. It will cut down on foot traffic in our stores. When people come in to buy their lottery tickets, they will make other purchases. We think we are going to lose a significant amount of that foot traffic.”
“That (online lottery) would affect my business tremendously,” noted New Haven gas station and convenience store owner Gerry Katz in a story published in Connecticut’s Register Citizen. “Once it gets around that it’s so much easier, that you don’t have to make a stop at the local gas station to buy your tickets, that will have a tremendous effect.”
Critics of online lottery ticket sales have also pointed out the loss of crucial tax revenues to local governments generated by the decline in on-location retail sales.
Illinois Gaming Expected By Year End
Scientific Games has been awarded the contract to administer Illinois’ video gaming central system, and a report in the Chicago Tribune predicts that games will be on location by the end of the year if not earlier.
“Last week, the state finalized a six-year contract with New York-based Scientific Games that could be worth more than $69 million, depending on how many people play the games,” the paper reported.
“The contract could be renewed for another four years, if both parties agree...In addition to monitoring every video gambling terminal in the state, the company will be responsible for collecting money from the machines and doling it out among the state, terminal owners and the businesses that house the devices.”
OCMA Exec Advocates For Operator Run VLT
Ohio Coin Machine Association EVP David Corey (pictured) told Ohio lawmakers late last year that the state should consider a targeted gaming strategy that embraces state-based vendors and local business in order to grow jobs and tax revenues –– a plan the trade group has embraced consistently for more than a decade.
“David P. Corey, who spoke on behalf of the Ohio Hospitality Coalition, said lawmakers ought not to let large out-of-state gaming companies write the rules on who can or cannot employ video lottery terminals,” reported the Columbus Government Examiner website. “Corey...told committee members that Penn National Gaming, a company responsible for the passage of Issue 3 in 2009, which amended the Ohio Constitution to allow for a casino each in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo, would have a virtual monopoly on gambling in Ohio if VLTs were only placed in the two casinos and three racetracks they own.”
Corey went on to say that only embracing large corporate gaming interests would leave small mom and pop tavern owners out in the cold, a tough break on the heels of stark consolidation in the amusement and hospitality industries over the last two decades.
“This will be a death knell,” Corey was quoted as telling the lawmakers. “Don’t you think there should be a level playing field? Who in the legislature is looking out for Ohio’s small family-owned hospitality businesses? Why does the Ohio General Assembly continue to talk about ‘small business’ being the backbone of Ohio’s economy and great job creators when all they do is turn their backs on us in the hospitality industry? When are they going to put their vote where their mouths are?”
Apple Industries Bows Smile 2.0 Software
Apple Industries debuted its new Smile 2.0 software, which allows customers to e-mail their photos, as well as post them on Facebook or Twitter, instantly and directly from Apple’s photobooths, which can connect through hard wire, air card or wi-fi. The photobooths also include functionality for creating audio/video recordings that can be uploaded and the ability to capture email addresses for marketing purposes.
“Social media is an exciting and entertaining part of today’s world and our Smile 2.0 software brings it right inside the photobooth,” explained Apple’s CEO Allen Weisberg. “All of our photobooths, except the single-purpose Magazine Me, will feature our new Smile 2.0 platform and touch screen technology, and we anticipate this new platform attracting new locations and increasing revenue, particularly with the younger audience.”
Additionally, the new software has functionality that will help operators manage their business. Operators will be able to access their machines remotely, which will allow them to audit collections, change booth settings, verify film supplies and conduct other booth maintenance. Software updates can also be uploaded to photo machines without requiring a location visit.
Apple’s president Warren Friss added: “Smile 2.0 is only the beginning. Smile 2.1 and Smile 2.2, already being worked on, will provide operators with additional amazing technology, all downloadable directly to their booths. We will continue to upgrade and improve our products to ensure that our photobooths remain the most fun and profitable in the business.”
Montana Adds “Line” Games to Gaming Mix
Montana gaming operators now have line games as part of the mix of options they can offer location patrons. The new titles were approved by the Montana state legislature during its 2011 session.
“Operators in the state are hopeful the new line game equipment will help offset the revenue drops experienced when the statewide smoking ban — that included bars and casinos — was enacted Oct. 1, 2009,” reported AMOA’s newsletter Off The Top.
The new video line games are subject to the same restrictions as the keno and poker games in the state: $2 maximum bets and $800 winning limits, with casinos limited to a maximum of 20 machines.
Montana has nearly 16,000 machines in 1,600 licensed establishments across the state, and at least one estimate predicts tax revenues from gaming should increase by $4.7 million in fiscal year 2013 and climb to $4.9 million by fiscal year 2015.
In the last two years, tax revenues from gaming have dropped from $62 million to $49.4 million annually.
LAI to Sell Coast-to-Coast’s ReRave In Pacific Territories
Coast-to-Coast Entertainment has struck an agreement with LAI/Timezone for the exclusive rights to distribute the former’s ReRave arcade game in the territories of Singapore and the Philippines.
Developed by Step Evolution LLC, ReRave is a popular title for Apple iOS devices like the iPad and iPhone. This new arcade version, which was a collaborative effort between Step Evolution and Coast-To-Coast, mirrors the game play of the mobile title.
ReRave combines music rhythm, as well as physical dexterity and accuracy to create an innovative gaming experience that is both fun and challenging for all ages and skill levels. The game also features a 46” multiplayer color touchscreen monitor in an Internet-enabled cabinet, combined with a real-time global interactive player ranking network with frequent music and software updates.
LAI Games has launched a dedicated YouTube channel, featuring video demonstrations of the company’s products and footage of people playing the games. The channel is found at www.YouTube.com/LAIGames. Videos feature popular and new games including pieces they debuted at November’s IAAPA expo: Speed of Light, Balloon Buster, Pirate Battle, Rainy Days and Stacker Wall Street.
“With the launch of our YouTube channel, our customers can get a great feel for our games, even if they weren’t able to see them in person at a tradeshow or open house,” said LAI marketing manager Allison Timberlake.
AIAS Honors Vid Creator Ed Logg
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has honored videogame creator Ed Logg with its 2012 AIAS Pioneer Award. His work contributed to the creation of some of the most iconic games including Atari’s Asteroids, Centipede and Gauntlet.
The Pioneer Awards is reserved for individuals whose career-spanning work has helped shape and define the interactive entertainment industry with the creation of a technological approach or the birth of a new genre. The 2012 award will be presented by Cerny Games topper Mark Cerny at the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards on Feb. 9 at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. The awards will be hosted by actor, comedian and game enthusiast Jay Mohr.
“Ed’s body of work is brilliant and game-changing,” said Martin Rae, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. “His games defined an era, spurred new genres, and influenced new technology that is still utilized today and has inspired generation after generation of game designers with his vision. Without Ed, many of the games that we have today would never have existed.”
“I was just in the right place at the right time,” said Logg. “It feels a little strange receiving this Pioneer Award. Just think about it –– they were paying me to have fun creating games at a time when the industry was just getting started and every game was something new.”
AMOA-NY To Celebrate Digital Music Suppliers
The 2012 dinner gala hosted by the Amusement And Music Owners Association of New York will be “A Tribute To Music.” The event, which traditionally honors an individual member of the trade, will be held on Monday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Douglaston Manor (www.thedouglastonmanor.com), 6320 Commonwealth Boulevard, Douglaston, N.Y.
AMOA-NY president Ken Goldberg (Emerson Amusement, Woodside) explained: “We are departing from our traditional format where an individual industry leader is honored. On Feb. 27, we want to recognize two content providers, Rowe/AMI Entertainment and Ecast Inc., both of which represent vital economic development for operators throughout the greater New York metro region, and throughout the nation.”
Rowe/AMI Entertainment will be represented by its CEO/president Michael Maas. Ecast will be represented by its CEO John Taylor.
“Both companies have made a significant investment with AMOA-NY to become partners in our efforts to combat illegal jukeboxes, copyright violations, and music piracy –– all of which deny operators income and put operators at an unfair disadvantage,” furthered Goldberg.
“Our tribute to music sends a message about how operators and content providers must be united and strong in challenging any forces which seek to undermine what is a valuable, proud economic engine going forward the next 100 years.”
Reservations can be made by contacting: 212/279-1041 or emailing dfrankproduction@aol.com.
Sacoa and Ordyx Partner On POS System
Debit card and POS supplier Sacoa is now partnering with Ordyx, developer of a popular point-of-sale software platform. The latter’s technology allows Sacoa to integrate a full restaurant POS with all the functionalities of the Playcard debit card system.
“We can now offer a rich set of features which are an irreplaceable tool for restaurant and bar owners” said Sacoa’s Sebastian Mochovsky. “Ordyx provides the capability of manager approvals from outside the restaurant, SMS notifications, handheld compatibility, inventory tracking etc. Quickbooks integration, loyalty program and gift card features are included. We are excited with this exclusive partnership; the best of two worlds are combined in one system.”
Sacoa said the new partnership was well received by fun center and theme park customers attending the recent IAAPA show. “We are pleased to announce the partnership between Sacoa and Ordyx here at IAAPA. We feel that Sacoa’s reliable wireless debit card system and our innovative POS system combined will revolutionize the amusement parks and attractions industry,” added Remon Kroep, director of Ordyx.
Raw Thrills Debuts Dirty Drivin’ at IAAPA
Raw Thrills is now shipping its latest driving game, called Dirty Drivin’. This new off-road driver offers 10 different vehicles (monster trucks, extreme 18-wheelers, etc.) and 14 tracks on which to compete.
The game was created by the same design team responsible for Hydro Thunder and H20verdrive. As many as eight games can be linked together, and the unit comes with 100s of upgrades and power-ups, player customizable vehicle features and a player ID system using Raw Thrills’ easily recognizable keypad entry system.
Players can yank the skull crank handle situated on the cabinet’s dashboard to access a special weapon power-up. To learn more, log on to www.rawthrills.com or www.betson.com.
ICE Shipping Ice Age & Deal or No Deal Upgrades
Innovative Concepts in Entertainment’s new video redemption piece, Ice Age, is now shipping, the factory reports. “One of the world’s highest-grossing animated movie licenses of all time, is now a stunning two-player skill redemption game,” declared ICE sales veep Joe Coppola. “Ice Age has tested incredibly well.”
The Ice Age film brand has brought in over $1.9 billion dollars in revenue over the first three movies, with a fourth set to be released July of 2012.
The Ice Age arcade piece is a two-player game that allows competitors to play simultaneously, hitting Scrat’s acorns in an attempt to crack the ice and strike the center bonus ring on the horizontally mounted 42” LCD monitor. To further entertain players, two 23” monitors mounted in the marquee provide previews of the 2012 film release of Ice Age: Continental Drift and highlights the big bonus.
“We again have teamed up with Play Mechanix, who created the fantastic software and game play, and we feel together we have taken video redemption to a new level with this creation,” added Coppola. “The combination of simple but challenging game play, one of the best movie licenses in the world, and a stunning cabinet with probably one of the most captivating marquees ever designed for a redemption game, makes this a great game to kick off 2012!”
ICE is also offering several new wheels for its Deal or No Deal Mega. Coppola said they believe that offering some higher value wheels will better accommodate the games in the field that are set at a higher cost per play.
ICE came up with the new wheel values after testing and have found the new values give the player a more compelling risk/ reward scenario when reaching the final case and getting to spin the Mega Bonus wheel.
To learn more, contact ICE at 716/759-0370 or log on to www.icegame.com.
U.K. Court Ends Music Dispute with NSM Music
The United Kingdom’s High Court of Justice has ordered digital jukebox maker NSM Music Ltd. to pay £85,000 in license fees plus interest and legal costs as a result of a dispute with that nation’s performing rights society.
“This is the latest development in the dispute following the Court’s decision in June 2011 when it ruled in favor of PRS for Music in its claim against NSM Music Limited, who was refusing to pay PRS for Music’s license fees,” reported PRS in its official release to the media. “The Deputy Master of the High Court found that NSM Music Limited had no reasonable prospect of successfully defending the claim brought by PRS for Music and dismissed the arguments raised in their defense as being without merit.”
Andy Hind, head of recorded media licensing at PRS for Music, said: “I am pleased that the High Court has delivered clear and unequivocal judgments upholding our members’ rights.”
Namco Debuts Pac-Man Battle Royale at D & B
Namco’s new Pac-Man Battle Royale four-player competitive Pac-Man arcade attraction is now available exclusively at Dave & Buster’s locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Battle Royale takes the classic arcade game fans know and love and steps up the action with a twist: players eliminate their opponents by eating them, and the last Pac-Man standing wins the round. The Deluxe attraction features a huge screen so onlookers can get in on the action.
“Pac-Man is back, and he’s bigger and hungrier than ever,” said Steve King, CEO at Dave & Buster’s. “We can’t wait for our customers to try out this exciting new game.”
Redemption Plus Gets Nod For Pinnacle Hybrid
Prize supplier Redemption Plus earned an honorable mention in last year’s IAAPA show Brass Ring competition for its custom redemption counters. Redemption Plus, through its Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors division, added custom redemption counters to their line in 2011. They are capable of creating traditional counters starting as small as eight linear feet, without size limit on the upper end.
A major factor in the judge’s decision was the innovative “Pinnacle Hybrid” Redemption Room, which preserves all of the shopping experience positives of a room, while removing the traditional barrier and creating a visual connection between games and merchandise.
The award also noted specific features of the Redemption Plus counter including “max merchandise” displays, special lighting throughout, durability, security features and a modular approach to merchandise category displays.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Brass Ring judges for our redemption counters in the Services, Supplies and Equipment category. We know that creating an attractive merchandise display is essential to developing a high performing gameroom because it drives game play and generates revenue. We want to help redemption centers maximize the impact of their product,” said Ron Hill, CEO and president of Redemption Plus.
Debit card technology provider Coin Tech is rolling out a series of new products this winter. Headlining the list are the firm’s Online Party Booking and Online Membership Program.
These two new software modules provide operators an easy and quick solution to guest web registration and online party booking. Main features of the party booking system include adaptability with a location’s website, store locator, date/time, a number of guests scheduler, party package and menu options selection, online payment options, birthday e-cards design and emailing and many reservation options.
The membership program allows operators to have interactive communication with all of the members in a social network, award them with special benefits, and earn the customer’s loyalty. Of course, registered guests will be able to check their card balance online as well.
Coin Tech is also releasing its updated Xperience touch feature. Now, every Xperience card reader unit features touchscreen interactive games, educational quizzes, “upsize you” combo options, and instant rewards. Lastly, the developer has created the Xperience for Coin Action Games, a debit card reader that controls coins and e-tickets for the coin action games. With the new kit, operators can load all the coin action electronic tickets directly to the guest’s debit card.
To learn more about Coin Tech, log on to the firm’s website at www.game-system.com.
MEI Conlux Debuts New Coin Changer
MEI Conlux has launched its next-generation five-tube coin changer, which replaces its CCM5 model coin changer. The new Conlux MCM5 provides increased tube capacity, additional float options, and enhancements in product durability and aesthetics.
The Conlux M CM5 accommodates two full rolls of coins, and the coin tubes are fully accessible from the back of the cassette for faster coin filling. The MCM5 also provides new float options to manage coin inventory. Operators can either select from one of two preset factory float levels ($34 or $52) or they can program the float level simply by pressing the discriminator’s float button up or down to the desired dollar amount.
The MCM5 automatically programs the cassette when it is snapped into place and provides simultaneous three-coin payout for faster transactions. In addition, the MCM5 uses 30% less power than the CCM5 while in idle state, giving operators a competitive advantage to win over new accounts.
“We’ve used the Conlux CC5M for years, and it has always performed reliably for our routes at a tremendous value,” said Jim Braker, owner of Beaver Vending in Beaver Dam, Wis. “That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to participate in the beta trial for the new MCM5. We found it to be durable, high-performing, and easy to use. The nine-button keypad and LED lights have really improved field programming and diagnostics, and we really like the single-unit coin door.”
Firestone Celebrates Veteran Staff Members
Two key Firestone Financial executives –– David Cohen, president and CEO, and Helen Mooney, senior inside sales representative –– both celebrated their 25th anniversary with the company. In recognition of their achievement, both were presented with the company’s service award.
“People who achieve this type of accomplishment must be adaptable, willing to change and able to learn. David and Helen both have these qualities. They are highly regarded and respected by ever major manufacturer, distributor and operator in the industry,” said Scott Cooper, Firestone’s CFO.
The awards were presented during Firestone’s annual employee holiday party on December 14. Cohen attributed his personal success and that of the organization to past and present employees. “So many things were so different 25 years ago but one thing remains true – we have the most talented, hard-working people,” he said. “We invest in our relationships with our customers and each other and that is why I am so proud to be celebrating 25 years at Firestone.”
In receiving her award, Mooney praised the company and her co-workers: “I have had the opportunity over the years to work with great teams, but I don’t think anything compares to who we have at Firestone today.”
Pete Aldrich from the inside sales team also celebrated his 10-year anniversary. In receiving his award Pete acknowledged the closeness of the Firestone team. “When I came here 10 years ago I was told I was joining a family and sure enough 10 years later nothing could be truer,” he said.
The company also acknowledged employees with five years of service. Recipients include Adam Bronkella, credit manager; Kurt Engelhardt, inside sales; Chuck Lambert, senior credit analyst; Liz McNeil, accounting manager, and Frank Moreschi, asset management.
Triple Strip Booth & Luma Magic Technology From Innovative Foto
Innovative FOTO of Salem, N.H., formerly known as Fantasy Entertainment, recently launched its Triple Strip Internet-enabled photobooth.
The Triple Strip output is available through Innovative FOTO’s relationship with DNP Photo Imaging America Corp., a supplier of high-quality dye-sublimation printers.
The design of the Triple Strip photobooth is distinctive and bold, with a highly-visible yellow exterior that promotes itself by proclaiming “I.! Photos” and “Three Strips for Three Times the Fun.” The exterior design can be customized for specific locations.
In addition, the Triple Strip photobooth integrates with “BlabaBooth,” Innovative FOTO’s online community of photo booth users. A unique claim code prints at the bottom of every strip and gives patrons access to their individual photos and videos at www.BlabaBooth. com. There, patrons can view the collection of photos and video clips captured over time, and share content through seamless integration with popular social networking and content-sharing sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.
The company also recently launched its patent-pending LumaMagic technology, which uses a light-panel backdrop to isolate the customer’s image and superimpose it within background and foreground layers of a chosen graphic theme. This technique places each customer inside the photo as compared to the typical green screen/chroma key approach, according to the factory.
To learn more, log on to www.InnovativeFoto.com.
Galaxy Zone FEC Adopts TokensDirect
Galaxy Zone, a new outer space themed Family Entertainment Center in Dearborn, Mich., has chosen TokensDirect as their token supplier. The new venue, which opened recently in the Detroit suburb, features 32 token-based arcade games that accept the newly minted custom 0.90” diameter brass tokens.
Tokens can be purchased for pennies and sold for a quarter, so they provide a guaranteed return. This cost-to-value ratio is heightened when “walkaways” – tokens which are sold but never redeemed – are included. Galaxy Zone offers deals for higher volume purchases, which further enhances the likelihood of walkaways. In addition to generating cash, these unused tokens are valuable marketing tools when they are seen with “pocket change.”
In addition to custom tokens, TokensDirect offers hundreds of standard designs, which can be easily customized. Whether stock or custom, the company says every token is minted with “crisply detailed impressions and accurate dimensions, which exhibit electrical and weight consistency throughout every batch – thereby minimizing jams and rejections.” Coin acceptors can be programmed with very tight settings, significantly reducing cross-acceptance of unwanted tokens.
TokensDirect is a division of Osborne Coinage Co. Visit www.tokensdirect.com.
Trade veteran Jack Guarnieri has exited his post as president of Elaut USA. Guarnieri reports many accomplishments during his three-year tenure with the manufacturer and national account operator formerly known as Monduce. Those achievements include the development of the Elaut Wizard of Oz pusher and the acquisition of King’s Island as a new location for game operations.
Guarnieri will continue to focus on his other endeavors, including his new pinball company Jersey Jack Pinball, PinballSales.com online, his interest in a family fun center called iPlay America, Jack Guarnieri Service Co. and ShuffleAlley.com.
Production of Jersey Jack Pinball’s (JJP) first commercial pinball machine, the licensed theme Wizard of Oz, is scheduled to begin on March 13. The company already has sold out orders for the first 1,000 Emerald City Limited Edition games, and the goal for this year alone is to build 2,000 games. The pinball factory in Lakewood N.J., is currently being outfitted. In total, Guarnieri’s combined companies will employ over 80 people this year.
“I enjoyed my time at Elaut USA. They have many good people and I positioned them for some wonderful opportunities for the future,” said Guarnieri, who can be reached at 800/473-5225 or via email at Jack@JerseyJackPinball.com.
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Debit card and POS system supplier Embed has appointed Jason Kort as the firm’s new marketing director. Kort’s initial focus will be working with customers on ways to improve and enhance their Embed user experience from a marketing perspective. In addition, Kort will work with Embed sales, operations and development teams all over the world to ensure a consistent brand experience that drives customer value.
“For over 10 years, Embed has revolutionized the family entertainment industry with superior technology and unmatched customer service,” said Kort. “I am thrilled to help customers earn more revenue with the system and look forward to getting other businesses to know, like and trust the Embed brand.”
“Marketing is an area in which we see huge opportunity to enhance and grow Embed’s worldwide business, and Jason will lead that charge,” said Adam Steinberg, CEO of Embed International.
Kort’s family entertainment background started at Redemption Plus, where he helped develop Redemption University and other educational and e-learning campaigns. Jason is an advocate for marketing automation, and his writings can be seen in a variety of business publications and blogs.
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Brady Distributing recently announced a series of new additions to its staff.
Marsha Endres is the newest member of their sales team. Endres brings over 19 years of sales experience to Brady. She has extensive knowledge of the coin-op amusement industry as well as the vending, food service and OCS industries. She will be covering the Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia territories. She can be reached at 704/ 516-0343 or mendres@bradydist.com.
Pat McGrattan is also joining the Brady sales department. McGrattan’s career began in 1982 with a route operator in Tidewater, Va. In 1995, he moved to Charlotte, where he has worked for Brady as production manager and service manager. His desire to work closer with customers has now led him to the sales department, where his almost 30 years of knowledge and experience will be an added value. He will be covering the West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina territories. He can be reached at 704/651-3036 or pmcgrattan@bradydist.com.
Jim Noll is taking on the roll of Brady service manager. Prior to joining Brady in 2008 as arcade operations manager, Jim spent 21 years in the industry, setting up and managing store operations for Chuck E Cheese, Jillian’s, and Dave and Buster’s. In addition to his current duties overseeing route operations, Jim has taken on the added responsibility of managing Brady’s service department after McGrattan’s move to sales. Noll can be reached at 704/962-9643 or jnoll@bradydist.com.
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