AAMA, AMOA Announce Amusement Expo Brass
AAMA and AMOA recently announced their respective appointees to the Amusement Expo Board of Directors for 2014. The two associations co-own the show, and each have four individuals who serve two-year terms as show directors. The Expo Board is the governing body for the event, setting policy for its programs, services and activities. (The Expo Show Committee directs the operation and conduct for the show.)
AAMA Expo directors are Frank Cosentino, Namco America; Chris Felix, MEI; Holly Meidl, Bay Tek Games; and AAMA chairman John Margold, AMI Entertainment Network.
AMOA will be represented by Bobby Hogin, Hogin Amusement; Jerry Johnston, Amusement Unlimited; Russ Mawdsley, Russell-Hall; and AMOA president John Pascaretti, Pascaretti Enterprises.
AMOA Awards 52 Hesch Scholarships
AMOA’s Coin-Op Cares Education and Charitable Foundation Board recently awarded 52 scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year to students around the country. These scholarships, which go to applicants sponsored by an association member, are paid for by proceeds raised during the association’s annual expo fundraiser.
This year’s Hesch Raffle at the Amusement Expo generated $84,450 for the scholarship fund.
“In a world of change and uncertainty, there is one constant in coin-op, at least for the past 28 years, and that is AMOA’s annual scholarship fundraiser at its trade show,” wrote AMOA EVP Jack Kelleher in last week’s Off the Top newsletter. “It’s quite a production. There’s the legion of volunteers who serve on the planning committee, along with spouses and significant others who help out. AMOA staff works to coordinate the details. Show management oversees booth logistics. Prize contributions for the daily equipment drawings come in from all corners of the coin-op universe.
“Unlike most charitable donations –– where we make a donation but don’t know exactly where or how the money is being applied –– chances are you personally know someone, or know of someone, who has been awarded a Hesch scholarship,” Kelleher added.
AMOA reports that $84,540 in tickets were sold in 2013, an impressive amount considering the fact many organizations are raising money for a variety of good causes. Contact AMOA for the list of winners through the association website at www.amoa.com or by phoning 800/YES-AMOA.
Bar Show Boasts 11% Increase in Attendance
The Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show reported 37,740 attendees, an 11% increase from the previous year. The show, which was at the Las Vegas Convention Center in March, also saw a 10% increase in new exhibiting companies, with nearly 700 companies represented. The largest beverage, bar and nightclub event of the year featured a kick-off ribbon cutting with Vegas’ newest resident performer, CeeLo Green and Jon Taffer, star of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue and president of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group (pictured).
“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s show and were pleased to offer our attendees access to the top beverage, bar and nightlife vendors in the country,” said Taffer.
Event sponsors, which included Indemnity Insurance, Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, Diageo Innovation, Revention, TY KU, Spike’s Bar Rescue, Kahlua Midnight, BevIntel and Coca-Cola, “displayed some of the newest, most innovative and technologically advanced products and services our industry has ever seen,” Taffer continued. “Once again, Las Vegas, the nightlife capital of the world, provided the perfect backdrop to showcase our industry.”
Jersey Jack Pinball delivered one of its first commercial pinball games to the Nickel City arcade in San Diego, Calif. Operator Zack Thicksten of Palomar Amusements reported positive results to factory topper Jack Guarnieri: “We’re going to have to collect WOZ twice this week because the coin bucket isn’t big enough for us to go a full week between collections.” In his email to Jack, Zach continued: “The game is a huge hit with all of my casual players. The big LCD display is definitely helping new players understand the game better.”
Bill Beckham Was Right: Court OKs Parallels
Parallel imports –– products purchased overseas and then imported into the U.S. for sale or distribution –– are exempted from copyright infringement by the first-sale doctrine, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in March. The first sale doctrine gives owners of a copyrighted product the right to resell a lawfully purchased product.
During the video heyday, game manufacturers and operators squared off over the issue of video game parallels. Ohio operator Bill Beckham of Red Baron Amusements took the issue all the way to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in the late 1980s, challenging Taito’s right to control the importation of copies of its game Double Dragon purchased from overseas suppliers.
At trial, Beckham won the lawsuit on the basis of the first sale doctrine, but lost at the appellate level where the court said Taito had the right to control the public performance of the game. The U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear a final appeal by Beckham. Congress has since amended the copyright statutes to protect public performance under first sale, and parallel imports no longer raise much of an issue in the game trade.
However, the legal question of first sale remained up it the air. In John Wiley & Sons v. Kirtsaeng, the nation’s high court declared that goods bought overseas can be legally imported and resold under the first sale doctrine. The case involved Supap Kirtsaeng, a graduate student at Cornell University, purchasing textbooks published by John Wiley’s Asian subsidiary in Thailand, importing them to the U.S and reselling them to fellow students at prices much lower than they were available for in the U.S. John Wiley sued and ultimately won $600,000 in statutory damages against Kirtsaeng. The Supreme Court’s ruling yesterday reverses that decision. In its opinion, the court cited Beckham’s 1980s case, Red Baron v. Taito, on several occasions.
In handing down its decision penned by Justice Stephen Breyer, the court relied in part on the deep roots of the first sale doctrine in the common law regarding not only copyrighted material but other items as well. Breyer said the most natural reading of the statute covering the first sale doctrine, 17 USC 109, did not include a geographical limitation.
“The non-geographical reading is simple, it promotes a traditional copyright objective (combating piracy), and it makes word-by-word linguistic sense,” wrote Breyer. “A geographical interpretation would prevent the resale of, say, a car, without the permission of the holder of each copyright on each piece of copyrighted automobile software. Yet there is no reason to believe that foreign auto manufacturers regularly obtain this kind of permission from their software component suppliers, and Wiley did not indicate to the contrary when asked. Without that permission a foreign car owner could not sell his or her used car.”
One net effect of the ruling will limit product manufacturers from pursuing price discrimination in different international markets.
Rhode Island Novelty Buys MistCo Gift Firm
Rhode Island Novelty has acquired MistCo, a leading full-service supplier of an extensive line of quality jewelry, gifts, custom souvenirs and novelties to zoos, aquariums, museums and resort-based gift shops throughout the Americas and Caribbean.
For over 20 years, the Miami, Fla.-based MistCo has been a premier supplier to the giftware industry with an extensive line of unique products and outstanding customer service, explained R.I. Novelty. From educational books to gold-plated jewelry to impulse buy and custom-created items, MistCo continually offers retailers fresh, new ideas and merchandise that uniquely blends current trends into their nature themes, continued R.I. Novelty in its announcement.
“In addition to the acquisition came the most important asset, Stuart Freides, MistCo CEO, who has joined the Rhode Island Novelty team and will continue the direction MistCo has taken for more than fifty years,” stated Robert Nowak, Rhode Island Novelty CEO and president. “MistCo’s product line and Stuart’s design talents will complement and strengthen Rhode Island Novelty’s Adventure Planet and the Custom Imprinting divisions, as well as open new opportunities for
both companies’ product offerings.”
The MistCo acquisition enhances R.I. Novelty’s goal of providing customers with a one-stop shopping experience, continued the company, and complements other recent acquisitions which include: Nanco-Nancy Sales, Co. (NANCO), GiftCo, Inc., Nadel & Sons Toy Corp. and Northeast Imports, Inc.
For more information on Rhode Island Novelty or to view the company’s online catalog, visit www.rinovelty.com.
WAMO Convention to Brookfield June 25-26
The Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators Association recently announced plans to host its annual show June 25-26 at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, Wis. The agenda includes golf, fly fishing, exhibits, seminars, a legislative update, special events for spouses, tech training, awards banquet and the annual auction. Attendees will also have a chance to attend a Brewers vs. Cubs game at Miller Park. Rooms have been reserved at the Sheraton for the rate of $94 per night plus fees and taxes. To learn more, call WAMOA at 608/635-4316 or log on to www.wamo.net.
Peach Auction Sales Update: June 15 Event
Contrary to their ad printed in the April issue of RePlay’s Buyers’ Bulletin section (page 105,) Peach Auction Sales upcoming auction dates have changed. The firm’s next auction will be on June 15, with additional dates to be announced.
For more information, call Bonnie Crotty at 478/956-0910, visit their website at www.peachauctionsales.com or check out their ad in this month’s Buyers’ Bulletin on page 85.
Firestone & LAI Games Team for Finance Deal
Firestone Financial and LAI Games are offering two new financing programs for Speed of Light, Mega Stacker and Mega Stacker Lite.
Operators can purchase these games for 0% APR for 12 months, or opt for a longer repayment term of 30 months with no payments for six months. For full program details, visit www.firestonefinancial.com/lai-2013.htm.
“Family entertainment centers across the country have had great success with these games,” said Chris Brady, LAI’s VP of sales.
“We are so excited to partner with LAI Games for this program and offer such a compelling finance promotion,” added Jim Hines, Firestone VP, who noted that the offer runs through the end of May.
UNIS Receives Five Industry Awards
UNIS Games picked up five awards for their work in 2012 at the recent China Game Industry Annual Conference. Here’s a look at the firm’s achievements:
• UNIS was selected as the Excellent Enterprise of 2012
• President Louis Lu was awarded the honorary title of Outstanding Entrepreneur
• UNIS was honored as the Advanced Product Research and Development Group
• Crazy Speed won the Outstanding Arcade Game
• After Dark was named Most Anticipated Game
To visit the UNIS website, go to www.universal-space.com.
Coast to Coast Offers Hurricane & Twilight Crane
Coast to Coast Entertainment has released its new 28” crane Twilight crane, as well as a unique novelty game that simulates high winds, the appropriately named Hurricane.
Speaking of the new crane, factory sales pro Jim Chapman said: “We wanted to offer our customers a crane that works with all of the merchandisers that tend to be a bit wider than the normal game. We also noticed how the majority of merchandisers are white so we developed our new color scheme with that in mind.
“Operators are sometimes challenged for space in their locations so we built Twilight to work in conjunction with the larger games,” Chapman continued. “Now the operator can add our 28” crane much more easily alongside their merchandisers. Twilight is still the same depth so the operator does not really give up much space at all and still receives the benefits of a crane in regards to great earnings.”
Hurricane literally simulates the effect of its namesake. A monitor inside the game shows the power of the wind as it is increases and the person inside experiences lighting strikes and fog. Operators can even add bubbles to the experience. Coast to Coast has also installed a second monitor on the outside to attract and entertain customers while they wait for their turn.
“Players step inside the attraction to feel the power of a real hurricane with up to 78 mile-per-hour winds, as well as lighting strikes. Hurricane will test the player’s senses,” explained Chapman. “Our industry is all about creating a memorable experience. With our Hurricane, your players will have a real blast when they step inside.”
To learn more, contact Chapman at 800/224-1717, ext. 726 or email jimmychaps@aol.com.
Sega Spotlights Games at Cruise Ship Show
Sega Amusements recently exhibited at the Cruise Shipping Miami Trade Show, which drew 12,000 attendees during the three-day exhibition. The event featured more than 900 exhibiting companies from 123 countries.
Sega said their booth, which featured eight products specially selected to appeal to this location base, was a destination for attendees excited to sample the company’s latest games. The Sega exhibit was even featured in a news piece about the convention on the local CBS affiliate.
“Our line-up of games was enthusiastically received by attendees,” said sales manager Tom Keil. “As more and more families take to cruising, we’ve seen an increase in the size of the arcade and gaming venues on contemporary cruise liners.”
“The reports of the popularity of Key Master on cruise ships were simply unbelievable,” said GM Pete Gustafson. “We were told by arcade managers that Key Master is getting more than 800 plays a day which represents nearly 100% utilization. As soon as one game ends, another one begins.”
The popularity of Key Master on cruise ships is further demonstrated by the multiple calls Sega’s sales office receives every week by people who saw the game on a cruise, reported the execs.
“We get calls every week from people that have nothing to do with the pay-for-play amusement industry who saw the enthusiastic crowds around Key Master during their cruise and want to know how they can start operating some themselves,” added Gustafson. “These are construction workers, truck drivers, accountants, home makers, etc.”
Trade vet Steve Epstein and his colleague Josh Sharpe put on a video and pinball tournament exclusively for the folks in Newtown, Conn. to help boost the town's morale after their tragedy. Operators Andy Clure and Scott Cicciani set up an arcade of sorts in a town common room and Steve and Josh took the kids and parents through some coin-op contests that produced the proud (and be-medaled) finalists above. From left, are Connor Sinapi, Adrian Odette and Kayla Sinapi in front of Stern’s Avengers pin and Raw Thills’ Snocross video (which also graces the youngsters’ t-shirts). Nice going, everyone!
FFC Now Shipping Revenge of Hammerhead
Family Fun Companies’ Revenge of Hammerhead is now in stock and available for immediate shipment, the factory reports.
The game challenges players to guide the balls through the life rings below to win tickets and the Deep Sea Treasure Bonus. However, they must ensure that the sharks swimming nearby don’t get them instead.
Operators can make appropriate adjustments for game play and skill level. To learn more, contact Lisa Chapman for sales at 920/491-9453, email at lisachaps@aol.com.
Laserforce Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Australia-based laser tag manufacturer and operator Laserforce International reports that it’s been plying its craft for a quarter century.
“To still be in business after 25 years has taken perseverance and a great deal of hard work,” said company founder Len Kelly (right). “Throughout that time, it has particularly been a pleasure to see laser tag go from something that was brushed off as little more than a passing fad, to now being in the main stream and a must have for many FECs and bowling centers. I feel a sense of accomplishment and think it’s a great testament to our hard work that 120 businesses worldwide are now operating with Laserforce equipment.”
Last fall, Laserforce released its Gen 7 system with innovative new features. After a very successful quarter of a century as a leader in laser tag, Len has been slowly turning the reigns over to his son, Sam Kelly, who has shown the same commitment to the industry and the company as his father.
“It has been a great experience and has taken a lot of hard work getting heavily involved with Laserforce over the past three years,” said Sam. “I am passionate about Laserforce because it is my family’s business. I take great pride in my work and I want to see the company grow. I would love to see laser tag played in every FEC, bowling center and theme park in the world because I know how much fun it is. It is something I grew up with.”
To learn more, check out the company’s website at www.laserforcetag.com.
AAMA Modernizes Association Bylaws
The American Amusement Machine Association recently updated its bylaws, which were originally drafted in 1981. The group’s newsletter Loose Change said the document was “long overdue for a facelift.
“As our industry continues to evolve and change, the AAMA must continue to evolve with it, and one way to do that is to make the association’s governing by-laws easy to understand for members and prospective members,” the publication continued.
The following changes were noted by the Loose Change newsletter:
• The title of board chairman was changed to board president and the title of board vice chairman was changed to board vice president.
• The former title of president was changed to executive vice president.
• In describing the industry, the phrase “coin-operated amusement machines” where noted in the by-laws, was changed to “revenue generating amusement machines.”
• To make it easier to classify member companies and prospective new members, the verbiage describing them was clarified and updated.
• The duties of the board of directors were clarified and updated.
• The by-laws overall language was updated and modernized where necessary.
To learn more, go to www.coin-op.org.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association spearheaded a communications effort last month, urging members to submit comments to elected officials in support of a new proposal to reduce the burden the federal tax code imposes on small business.
The proposal calls for simplifying tax rules for small businesses, making it easier for them to comply. According to Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich), chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, “the result would allow small businesses to spend less time filling out forms and more time creating jobs” because “the current patchwork of complex rules are very difficult to navigate and really leads to a disparate tax treatment.”
“NAMA supports comprehensive tax reform that benefits small business. In today’s increasingly competitive business environment, it’s important that policymakers continue to move forward in a pro-growth, pro-small business tax system,” said Eric Dell, who heads up government affairs for NAMA. “We encourage our members to offer comments to the committee to help shape the debate moving forward and to have their voices heard on this important issue,” he continued.
According to the National Federation of Independent Business, tax compliance costs are 65% higher for small businesses than for big businesses, costing small business owners $18 billion to $19 billion per year. In addition, nearly nine out of 10 small businesses rely on outside tax preparers.
With about half of the private sector workforce employed by a small business –– a total of nearly 60 million Americans –– these costs, along with tax rates as high as 44.6%, are especially burdensome for a sector that has long been responsible for leading the nation out of economic downturns.
The Ways and Means Committee was soliciting comments last month from stakeholders on two options – one that revises current rules and a second that replaces current tax rules with a new unified pass-through regime.
VendEver Ceases Cotton Candy Factory Sales; Smart to Provide Service & Support
VendEver LLC closed its worldwide operations as master distributor of the Cotton Candy Factory vending machine in March. The unit was manufactured in Taiwan by Feiloli Electronic Co Ltd.
Unable to reach a new agreement with the manufacturer to continue the distribution of the CCF machine, VendEver ceased worldwide operations. Smart Industries has announced that it will provide “basic supplies” needed to operate the cotton candy machines.
“We have a long established relationship with the manufacturing company in Taiwan,” said Smart’s Jim Dupree. “We will be glad to assist operators with immediate and future needs of supplies.”
To learn more, contact Dupree at Jdupree@smartind.com or by phone at 800/553-2442, ext 13.
Megatouch Live offered its most recent update, (V2.8.02), adding three Hunks games from the 2013 Ion legacy release. With proven popularity on Ion machines, Super Boxxi Hunks, Card Bandit Hunks and Photo Hunt Hunks already bring a built-in fan base, according to the factory.
“With improvements like optimized games, the Quick Restart feature, and screen size options for hardcore players, Megatouch Live is the next generation countertop for bars and locations nationwide,” added Megatouch.
To learn more, log on to www.megatouch.com.
Stern Releases The Avengers Premium
Stern Pinball has started shipping The Avengers Premium pinball machine with the same playfield features as the Limited Edition models and unique Premium translite.
For almost 50 years, The Avengers have delighted fans through comic books, television series and movies. Stern brings the heroes to pinball and provides fans with a new medium through which to enjoy the franchise.
The machine spotlights six iconic Avengers heroes: Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye. Players help The Avengers assemble to defeat the notorious villain Loki. The Avengers pinball features an animated twisting and pounding custom-molded Hulk, drop targets and a spinning cube bonus, in addition to plenty of multiball action.
To learn more, visit www.sternpinball.com.
Ideal Debuts WorkerBee Cloud-Based System
Ideal Software Systems is now offering its Ideal WorkerBee, the new cloud-based solution for game tracking, reporting and monitoring. WorkerBee is a cloud-based management system that gives game operators an easy way to enter data and access their game revenue and performance reports from a smart phone or computer. This tiered solution is designed to grow with a business’s needs by offering multiple levels of affordable reporting and monitoring to accommodate the evolving needs of route managers and game owners.
WorkerBee will launch with two product tiers that offer game operators strong cash control, efficiency and accuracy in reporting. Explained Ideal, WorkerBee’s cloud-based game tracking product allows operators to quickly input game data to the cloud through a smart phone or tablet for storage, reporting, forecasting and much more, while the monitoring product actively monitors via wireless to give owners comprehensive, real-time information on games, 24/7.
“WorkerBee’s unique reporting and monitoring platform will change how operators collect and process business information, and give them the ability to accurately track their revenue,” said company president David Goldman. “As a scalable solution, WorkerBee meets the needs of all operators, whether they choose to simply enter and report on games or opt for the electronic monitoring solution.”
WorkerBee makes tracking game revenue and performance simple and convenient, said the company, by saving time on collections for route managers, and improves accuracy by using technology that electronically identifies games via smart phone, tablet or computer, allowing them to collect game data swiftly and efficiently. For operators who want fully active monitoring, WorkerBee can replace manual data entry by electronically reporting game performance data directly to the cloud, 24/7, enabling detailed, real-time and scheduled reporting; automatic alerts for user-defined events such as service issues, revenue below target and failure to report; and much more.
For more information, contact Ideal Software Systems at 800/964-3325 or fecsales@idealss.com.
Redemption Plus Partners With Xbowling
Redemption Plus has finalized an agreement with Sports Challenge Network to be the exclusive merchandise supplier for Xbowling.
Xbowling provides what it calls the bowling industry’s first social mobile application from the Sports Challenge Network. Now, bowlers and fans can access real time scoring, player stats, enter challenges and see leaderboards on their smart devices from anywhere in the world.
Available free from the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app allows bowlers to set up competitions and go head-to-head against other bowlers in Xbowling-enabled centers around the world. As an added bonus, bowlers receive rewards for entering and winning challenges, as well as points that will be redeemable with bowling centers and the Sports Challenge Network Zone.
“We feel honored to have been selected to partner with such an innovative company,” stated Ron Hill, president and CEO of Redemption Plus.
“We are very happy to be working with Redemption Plus, an industry leader in redemption and, and one with deep knowledge and a proven track record in the bowling industry,” said Bruce Cox, president and COO of the Sports Challenge Network. “As SCN launches our Xbowling app this Spring, our key partners, such as Redemption Plus, will help us deliver a new and exciting play and rewards and loyalty experience through Xbowling.
Nebraska Fun Center Installs LaserTron
A Kearney, Neb., FEC, the Big Apple Fun Center, recently installed LaserTron’s laser tag arena as its newest attraction.
The facility, considered to be Nebraska’s largest entertainment complex, began construction back in September of 2012 for the sole purpose of adding a large, multi-level laser tag attraction to their center.
Owner Gregg Johnson researched laser tag manufacturers, attended various trade shows, talked with and visited many other laser tag centers for several years. Ultimately, he made his choice based on its durability, game play and operator recommendations.
“We are charging $12 for a 30 minute experience of four six-minute games,” he explained. “Sales for laser tag for March 15-31 (the first two weeks in business) are $23,500. I think that’s pretty good for a town of 30,000 in rural Nebraska.”
Big Apple’s arena measures 5,000 square feet including the first and second level with 32 vests. Johnson sent his son Mike to LaserTron’s Entertainment Center Conference in February of 2012 to check out the hardware, the playability of the arena and to learn more about operating and managing a laser tag attraction.
Mike and another employee later returned for more hands-on training. The two also learned firsthand how the firm’s Center Manager Pro software would benefit their business by using the reservation and kiosk modules for management, data collection and marketing efforts.
To learn more, log on to www.bigapplefuncenter.com or www.laser-tron.com.
Namco Debuts Dead Heat Riders, Pac-Man Ticket Mania
Namco America and Raw Thrills have teamed up, for the first time, to create a ticket version of Pac-Man, one of the most well-known games in the industry’s history.
The new video redemption game, Pac-Man Ticket Mania, brings back the classic Pac-Man game concept but now rewards players with tickets. Players win tickets by munching on as many of the familiar “Pac-Dots” and fruits as they can while being chased by the ghosts, Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde.
Grabbing the Power Pellets and eating the blue ghosts will earn players extra points. If the level is cleared, the player advances to a bonus stage where Pac-Man navigates through the pellet-less maze, evading the four chasing ghosts, and tries to enter the ghost house where the “Pac-Pot” sits. If successful in entering the ghost house, players win the “Pac-Pot” and are treated to a Pac-Man animation.
The cabinet is lit from top to bottom with multi-colored LEDs and also has an LED marquee that scrolls the classic 8-bit Pac-Man animation. The game’s cabinet design pays tribute to the original look and feel of the classic Pac-Man cabinet with a modern twist. The game will ship this summer.
Namco also released the new motorcycle racing game Dead Heat Riders, which borrows its concept and play dynamics from Dead Heat, transforming that racer into a white-knuckle, heart-pounding two-wheel attraction.
Dead Heat Riders’ 42” HD graphics pull riders into the race through four detailed cities: San Francisco, Chicago, New York and London. Plus, the factory says their patented software technology analyzes driving styles accurately and mimics registered ‘ghost’ drivers, allowing other drivers to race against absent opponents. “Every race will be extremely close so slam the nitrous and blow past your opponents,” encourages Namco.
To learn more, log on to www.namcoamerica.com.
Coney Island Amusement topper Manny Cohen said he’s relocating his game supply headquarters from its namesake in New York all the way out west to Las Vegas.
The firm’s new address: 4545 W. Hacienda Ave., Suite 106, Las Vegas, NV 89118; phone: 702/522-7300; fax: 702-675-6161; cell phone 973/610-8555.
Coney Island took on water during last fall’s Superstorm Sandy, a problem that will not follow the firm as it transitions to the desert.
Gaming business icon Michael “Mickey” Wichinsky, 90, passed away earlier this year. Even though he was associated much of his working life as Bally’s gambling machine distributor out in Las Vegas, Wichinsky was well known to many long-timers in the amusement business. He came from the coinbiz group from the Catskill Mountains that included Steve Kaufman, Millie, Mac and Vic McCarthy, and Mickey’s own brother Label Wichinsky.
Wichinsky hailed from New York but traveled south for college at the University of Alabama. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
“He first appeared in the Las Vegas casino scene in the mid-1950s when he became a partner in the Sands Hotel and Casino,” reported Casino Enterprise Management’s website. “After installing the first Bally slot machines there, Wichinsky became the first distributor in southern Nevada for Bally Manufacturing. Those electromechanical slot machines, which were quite revolutionary in the late 1960s, incorporated an invention Wichinsky coined as the hopper. The hopper went on to become the standard automated device for payment of jackpots in slot machines across the globe.”
During the course of his career, Wichinsky was later associated with Games of Nevada, Game Masters and Advanced Gaming Technologies. Of late, he was honored with the Nevada Gaming Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mickie Priess recently joined the sales staff at Play Time Toys. Mickie brings over 20 years of experience supplying merchandise to amusement operators.
“We are extremely fortunate that Mickie has chosen Play Time Toys as her new home. She is a perfect fit for our organization,” said the firm’s owner, Dawn Noyes. “She shares the same commitment and excitement to providing the highest quality of products to her customers, as well as dedication to customer service above and beyond the norm.”
“I am thrilled and extremely excited to be associated with Play Time Toys. I am having the time of my life,” added Mickie, who can be reached directly at 888/923-8697 or by email at mickie@playtimetoys.net.
• • •
Namco America has bolstered its product team with one promotion and two new hires.
Erik Gilly will be the company’s western regional sales representative. The factory says that Erik’s hire continues their efforts to expand its sales team to support its distributors. He began his career with Namco in the Product Strategy Department as product promotions specialist. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. Erik can be contacted by telephone at 847/264-5648 or at egilly@namcoamerica.com.
Tim Marlega has also joined Namco as its product promotions specialist, Erik’s former position. Tim is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and management. Tim will focus on maintaining the company’s e-commerce website, market research/reporting, game testing/reporting as well as other functions of the Product Strategy department.
“I am excited to jump into this new position and get the ball rolling,” exclaimed Tim, who can be reached at tmarlega@namcoamerica.com and 847/264-5620.
Lastly, Seth Origitano has joined Namco America as the new parts and customer service specialist. Seth, a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a degree in mass communication and advertising, will be assisting customers with part orders as well as answering questions about games and spare parts. Seth can be reached at parts@namcoamerica.com and 847/264-5612.
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