March 2010
Andamiro USA Topper Exits to Start New Game Venture
Andamiro USA president James Ko has parted ways with the Korean game manufacturer. Ko has been with the company, which represents Andamiro games in the U.S. and Europe, since its inception in 2000. He helped build the company into a recognized brand with operators in those markets, and his decision to leave has reportedly surprised a number of his colleagues. "We all wish him all the success in his new venture," said Andamiro U.S. sales chief Satinder Bhutani. "We at Andamiro USA will stay committed to our customers and will do our best to win our customers' trust, confidence and business."
Ko told RePlay he plans to represent a number of Asian game makers with his new firm, Pipeline Games, helping those firms bring their products to the U.S. market. "Pipeline Games will not only complement our industry with quality-driven, detail-oriented and value-added products but enhance the success of our partners on all sides of the trade by offering products with low initial investment that will boast consistent earnings over time," said Ko, who can be reached at 310/918-3677; email james@pipelinegamesinc.com.
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Kirby and Felix Join AAMA Board
The American Amusement Machine Assn. recently welcomed two new board members, including a board newcomer and a veteran and former chairman. AAMA made the additions as part of a recent amendment to the group's bylaws. The new members are Chris Felix of MEI and Rick Kirby of Betson Enterprises.
Felix, a 15-year vet, began his career at MEI servicing bill validators and has since advanced his career from his Midwest regional sales position to now serving as MEI's national amusement OEM manager. Chris also served in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1996, working as a submarine nuclear reactor operator based in Norfolk, Va.
Kirby, one of Betson's division EVPs, has been part of the AAMA leadership for 16 years. Rick served on the board from 1990-2006, holding court as chairman from 1995-1997 and also serving on several committees.
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Benchmark Teams With East Coast Amusements
Benchmark Games has added East Coast Amusements to its stable of Northeastern distributors. "East Coast is one of the leading national and international redemption games distributors," said Benchmark topper Al Kress. "We are happy to have them representing our line of products and services in the New England area."
Dick Donlan and Mark Capitanio founded East Coast Amusements in September 2001. "We have the knowledge in coin-op and general electronics and are willing to take on virtually anything that crosses our paths," said Donlan. "Representing and selling the top quality products and services of Benchmark Games will be our pleasure." East Coast Amusements is located in Canton, Mass., and can be reached by calling 781/828-1095 or 781/828-1096 or logging on to www.eastcoastamusements.com.
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Adrenaline Amusements to Launch Redemption Games
David Lachance, who co-founded Triotech Amusement and served as the factory's VP, is taking the plunge into redemption. Lachance says he will be launching his newest venture, Adrenaline Amusements, at this month's AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo in Las Vegas. The new firm is being led by Lachance, as well as his brother Francois Lachance and Stephanie Pichette.
"Adrenaline Amusements will push the product category a bit further by offering a mix of 3D video animation and pure redemption essence," said David. "Buyers will be eager to hear more about the featured product named Kaboom and how it will lay the path to further evolution."
The company says it plans to develop a diversified product range that redefines what the industry usually expects. "Designers and product developers are more and more challenged by today's latest technologies and Internet-based products," says Stephanie, designer of the Kaboom game. "Somebody needs to step up to meet the end user's expectations and compete against what they can play on their home console or iPhone."
To learn more, drop by the new firm's booth at Amusement Expo, call 450/932-4205 or email info@adrenalineamusements.com.
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Royce A. Green, Jr., owner of Green Coin Machines Distributing, celebrated his 75th birthday, as well as over 51 years in the coin machine industry, on Jan. 30, 2010.
A drop-in party was hosted in his honor by his friend Georgie Martin (pictured right with Royce) and the Green Family at the Three Bells Farm in Aynor, S.C. Partygoers included his children, grandchildren and many family members, as well as close friends and coin machine operators. Guests came from Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, New Jersey and South Carolina. Even with the ice and snow approximately 200 people attended the celebration.
Veteran tradesters in attendance included Myron Sugerman, a longtime friend of 47 years with his son Danny; Steve Shacklett of Lucky Distributors, Nashville; Donnie Ridley of Tallapoosa, Ga.; A. J. Kress of Sea Island Amusement in Buford, S.C., and Benchmark Mfg. of Hypoluxo, Fla. (pictured above right with the birthday boy); Mike and Dawn Brower of Merlin Amusements, Lakeland, Fla.; Todd Sutton of Sutton Amusement in Wilmington, N.C.; Ray Williams of Grand Strand Amusement in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Forrest Clark of Independent Coin in Garden City, S.C.; as well as many family members of operators.
At a very young age, Royce followed his dad to the livestock market. At the age of 13, he considered himself a horse trader. At 16, he was a car salesman. At the age of 17, he attended the Citadel military college for two semesters. He left school and resumed his car salesman career at his dad's car dealership know as Green Motor Co. At the age of 23, Royce joined his father and mother in the family business known as Rosemary Amusements of Andrews.
By the 1970s, Royce's children had grown into the business with him, and they ultimately took over the coin machine route. Still looking for adventure, Royce began buying, selling and trading coin machines east of the Mississippi River. In 1981, he decided to launch a full-fledged distributorship, establishing his first storefront in Jackson, Miss. In later years, Royce built office in Myrtle Beach and Florence, S.C., now known as Green Coin Machine Distributing. He shares offices with his children's route business, Rosemary Coin.
Royce is reportedly happy and going strong at the age of 75. He spends time with his special friend, Georgie Martin, attends auctions all over the U.S. and still enjoys making deals, loading trucks "his way," driving all night, going to functions that include country cooking, frequenting farmer's markets for fruits and vegetables for all his friends and visiting his many grandchildren. Happy Birthday!
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Upstate New York game maker ICE says operators looking for a new merchandise twist should consider its re-release of the 24" Super Bounce crane.
This crane has eye-catching graphics and includes a specially-designed micro claw that will pick up 45 mm, 49 mm and 55 mm super bounce balls," ICE contends. They recommend a ball mix from Rhode Island Novelty which can be ordered directly from Rhode Island Novelty at 800/435-3456 or by logging on to www.rinovelty.com.
The Super Bounce crane can be set to play until you win or operated as a typical plush crane with an adjustable pay out percentage. Also, an optional pyramid shaped dome is available to prevent customers from placing items on the top of the machine.
For additional information on Super Bounce or any of ICE's products, call 716/759-0370 or email play@icegame.com.
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The AMOA-National Dart Assn. has approved Gaelco Darts as a new manufacturer sponsor. The final decision was made at the association's board of directors meeting Jan. 29. Gaelco Dart's addition will enhance the ongoing success of the NDA, as well as complement its current list of manufacturer sponsors, which includes Arachnid, Cyberdine, Medalist, NSM-Lowen and Shelti.
As the governing body for the sport of soft-tip, electronic darting, the NDA establishes rules of play and sanctions players. The association also represents operators who run dart leagues. In both roles, the NDA benefits from having all major dart manufacturers in the industry as part of the association.
"This is a great partnership for the NDA," said newly elected board president Chris Warren. "Gaelco Dart's approval brings added value to membership in the NDA, and we hope it will increase NDA league systems and interest in the sport of electronic darts worldwide."
Gaelco is incorporated in Spain with 25 years of experience as a manufacturer in the coin-op industry. The NDA is an international trade association of coin-op vending companies with approximately 300 members and 250,000 players worldwide.
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NAMA Applauds First Lady, Cautions Against Restrictive Regulation
The National Automatic Merchandising Assn. issued a statement applauding First Lady Michelle Obama's interest in tackling the problem of childhood obesity. "We are parents too and share Mrs. Obama's appropriate concern about obesity," said NAMA president and CEO Richard Geerdes. "We need to protect the health of our nation's youth, which is why we launched our Balanced for Life program in 2004. The campaign helps teach students about the elements of a balanced diet and the importance of physical activity.
"We particularly appreciate Mrs. Obama's focus on the need for increased physical activities," Geerdes continued. "Reversing rising obesity rates requires better education about nutrition, making wise food choices, increasing physical activity and involved parenting."
The NAMA exec went on to call for more health and nutrition education and pledged to partner with the government on these efforts. "Our products already have a full Nutritional Facts Panel which discloses calorie, ingredients and nutritional information," he said. "To ensure vending operators do not lose jobs due to new labeling regulations, we support flexibility, legal protection for minor and inadvertent mistakes in labeling and sufficient time for implementation. Vending is an industry of small, often family-owned businesses, and we care about our customers. So we are concerned about costs of new regulations and the economic impact to our small businesses. We want to partner with Mrs. Obama so that our small businesses don't lose jobs."
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Elaut Offering Parts for Sale Online
In an effort to make Elaut replacement parts and descriptions easier to order, Elaut USA has updated their website at www.elautusa. com. Operators can click the parts link to see a wide variety of items. The online parts inventory is being expanded weekly. A new email address, parts@elautusa.com, has been set up to take orders and answer questions. Elaut has also beefed up its parts department by hiring Jesse Hanrahan for the parts counter in Lakewood, N.J., which can also be reached by calling 800/473-5225, ext. 145 or 150.
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AMI Promotes Campaign for Heart Association
AMI Entertainment Network used its national digital out-of-home network to promote the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign throughout the month of February. The national campaign raises awareness about the prevalence and risks of heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States. The campaign weaves inspirational stories from real women with facts about the disease and advice for people wanting to make a commitment to heart health.
AMI Entertainment Network ran a 15-second public service announcement featuring actress Jennie Garth on its broadband-connected jukeboxes and countertop touchscreen game consoles found in restaurants, diners, bars and taverns throughout the country.
"We are proud to support the Go Red For Women initiative to prevent heart disease, which kills roughly one woman every minute in this country," said Mike Nickerson, AMI's VP of advertising. "Our nationwide digital entertainment network, which provides advertising and PSA support, generates more than 100 million interactions a month, primarily with hard-to-reach 20 and 30-year-olds."
First launched in 2004, the Go Red For Women campaign has encouraged millions of women to stand up and take heart health personally through special events and wellness education programs. The American Heart Assn. is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization committed to raising awareness for and preventing heart disease and stroke. For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org.
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Bulk Vending Show Heading to Florida
The National Bulk Vending Assn. will host its 60th Annual Conference, April 8-10, in Kissimmee, Fla. The annual bulk show has been held in Las Vegas for the past half decade or more so the move to Florida represents a break in recent tradition. To learn more, call 888/628-2872 or log on to www.nbva.org.
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Pelican Group, a national management firm, has inked a long-term agreement with Family Dollar. The company will manage all amusements, including bulk vending, beverage machines, ATMs and kiddie rides, in all Family Dollar locations throughout the U.S.
"This agreement will provide long-term security and growth for Pelican's operating partners," said company president Richard Scherer (pictured). "Pelican's industry-leading amusement and vending background made them the clear choice for management of these channels for Family Dollar. We will focus on driving revenue with the right equipment and an effective service level."
Family Dollar currently operates more than 6,600 stores in 44 states. The Fortune 500 firm is based in Matthews, N.C., just outside of Charlotte and is a publicly held company with common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FDO. For more information, visit www.familydollar.com.
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Rehab Pre-Releases New Single Exclusively on TouchTunes
Atlanta-based mash-up group Rehab chose TouchTunes Interactive Networks to exclusively debut their new single, Welcome Home. Fans could listen to the song on what TouchTunes says amounts to more than 40,000 digital jukeboxes in bars and restaurants across the country. The single was live exclusively on TouchTunes until Feb. 8 when it became available to all digital music retailers.
Rehab's hit single Sittin' at a Bar (off the album Graffiti the World) was the 10th most-played song throughout the network in 2009. "TouchTunes provided the perfect platform for Rehab to develop a loyal and dedicated fan base. The band has gained commercial success and recognition due to the single becoming such a viral phenomenon," the company declared.
"Rehab is the first band in my career that we signed based off of jukebox airplay," said Avery Lipman, co-president and COO, Universal Republic Records. "In a time where record labels are always trying to find outlets to expose new music, TouchTunes is and has been an invaluable resource."
"TouchTunes brought Rehab from obscurity and into the public eye," said Rehab's Danny Boone. "In such a tough music market and landscape to stay relevant as an artist, they're a great vehicle for artists to be discovered and stay in the public ear."
"We've seen a huge audience of Rehab fans week after week and are thrilled to bring them a first listen of the band's new single," said Vicki Saunders, VP, digital media and music marketing, TouchTunes. "Rehab's success is clear evidence that TouchTunes is a social network of music fans in a public space where music is discovered, shared and enjoyed."
Go to www.mytouchtunes.com/location/search to find the nearest bar or restaurant featuring a TouchTunes box and to check out Rehab's new pre-released single, Welcome Home.
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Bowling Trade Groups Open New Campus
The Bowling Proprietors Assn. of America (BPAA), together with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), unveiled the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas. Each year, the BPAA hosts its annual summit meeting. The BPAA Bowling Summit is a strategic midwinter conference for bowling center proprietors, managers and industry leaders complete with seminars and the association's committee and board meetings. This year, the association combined their summit meeting with the historic opening of the bowling campus, which resulted in a record number of attendees.
The new campus now includes the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, a state-of-the-art museum with artifacts, interactive exhibits and gift shop. Also on the premises is the International Training and Research Center with the industry's premier pro shop. This will be a facility where the industry will learn more about the sport through research and where the stars of today and tomorrow will train.
With today's ever growing trend of bowling centers converting into family entertainment centers to include amusement products, the AAMA was cordially invited to share in the monumental event. Several AAMA members were also present at the event, including Embed, FEC NRG, Intercard, LAI Games and Redemption Plus.
The AAMA has once again reserved an island pavilion at the 2010 International Bowling Expo to be held June 30 through July 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is working closely with the BPAA to make this year's gameroom on the tradeshow floor bigger and better than ever. For more information on this year's pavilion, contact the AAMA toll free at 866/372-5190. Photos courtesy of Chris Brady and George McAuliffe.
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Sega to Represent Fantasy Entertainment Photobooths Overseas
Sega Amusements Europe will now represent U.S.-based photobooth supplier Fantasy Entertainment throughout their territory of the United Kingdom, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Fantasy's lineup includes its latest photobooths BlabaBooth and Foldin' Fotos. Both companies co-exhibited at the European Amusement and Gaming (EAG) Expo in London in January.
Every BlabaBooth session begins with the selection of novelty graphics that accentuate each perforated photo strip and ends with video playback of the captured session on exterior monitors so the fun experience is re-lived while photos are printing. Photo and video content is then uploaded to the Internet via a network connection or cellular modem. On the bottom of each strip, patrons will find a unique code allowing them to claim their photos and videos from the companion website.
Meanwhile, Foldin' Fotos offers patrons four poses that combine with their choice of graphic theme to produce eight colorful images that are printed on an exclusive, pre-perforated, glossy paper stock. Each image is showcased individually and in groups of four. Patrons then peel away the paper's unique adhesive backing and fold the photos back onto themselves to produce four double-sided, long-lasting photo cards.
Fantasy Entertainment is a privately-held company and claims to be North America's largest owner/operator of electronic self-service photo imaging kiosks. To learn more, log on to www.fantasyent.com.
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Correction: Distribs Still Required in Illinois
In last month's report on the emerging Illinois video poker industry, RePlay incorrectly reported that the requirement that all machines be sold through a distributor had been changed by the state. Such a move was proposed in legislation amending the video poker law. The proposal was passed by a majority of lawmakers. However, so-called trailer bills considered in the state's veto session must pass by a two-third vote instead of a simple majority, meaning its provisions will not be included in the law. Another follow-up bill is expected this spring, but legislative watchers say they do not expect the distributor requirement to be removed.
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Betson Baltimore will host a spotlight show featuring the latest in amusement games in Dover, Del., on March 9 from noon to 5 p.m. The event is being held in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Campground Show. Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. The show will take place at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901; 800/711-5882. To learn more, contact Betson Baltimore at 800/296-4100.
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Illinois Lawmaker Eyes Taxing Opt-Outs
A proposal introduced in the Illinois senate by Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) would allow the state to impose a monthly surcharge on any communities that opt-out of video gaming. The charge would be based on the amount of tax revenue that community could have been contributing to the state if it had not banned gaming; that figure would be calculated according to the maximum amount of machines that could be located in the jurisdiction in question.
"If a municipality or county fails to remit the surcharge, then the amount of the monthly surcharge shall be deducted from any amounts certified to be allocated to the municipality or county from the Local Government Distributive Fund in the next consecutive monthly allocation," a synopsis of the bill notes.
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Alabama lawmakers are considering a bill that would authorize private casinos, including current video bingo operations, according to a report in the Montgomery Advertiser. "The House Tourism and Travel Committee passed the bill on a voice vote, sending it to the full House of Representatives for consideration," the paper reported. "The sponsor, Rep. Marcel Black of Tuscumbia, said the bill would allow operations that were in existence as of December 2009 to continue without the threat of a raid."
"It's not creating or allowing or authorizing bingo. That's already been done," Black told the paper. "It defines bingo, which is what the legislature should be doing instead of the courts." Interestingly, the bill, if passed into law, would terminate in November, allowing Alabama voters to determine the future of gaming in that state.
"Opponents of Black's bill believe it would expand gambling without a vote of the people, allow casinos to open up anywhere in the state and give the operations amnesty from taxes and prosecution," reported the Advertiser. "They also question whether the bill is constitutional and overrides existing Alabama amendments on gambling."
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S&B To Debut New Cranes at Expo
At Amusement Expo in Las Vegas this month, S&B Candy and Toy will deliver two new cranes, World Cup USA and a new version of Route 66.
World Cup USA is set on 50 cents per play, but with the "play till you win setting," users can insert $5 and play till a ball is vended.
Meanwhile, players try to win a plush toy in the Route 66 Double-Up crane, but if they come up short, they win a piece of candy. Two crane carriages serve the plush and candy compartments. Both machines have a one-year warranty.
Visit S&B Candy and Toy online at www.candyandtoy.com.
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Lucky Strike's Power Play entertainment concept, located next to the company's Bellevue, Wash., location, recently installed the Embed debit card and POS system. The facility features over 150 games with a laser maze, full bar and lounge menu. The Power Play location marks the second game operation for the Lucky Strike chain, which operates 18 high-end bowling and lounge facilities across the country.
The location utilizes Embed to manage the cashless operation of their games and attractions as well as their extensive redemption counter. The installation is highlighted by Embed's Color-Glo Swipers, the color-changing, interactive card readers.
"The Lucky Strike brand is synonymous with first-class entertainment, and we are proud to be a part of this project," notes Merrik Keller, sales manager for Embed USA. "Jim Bennington and the team at Lucky Strike are seasoned professionals which made planning, coordinating and executing this large scale installation a very smooth and enjoyable process."
For additional information on Lucky Strike, you can visit them on the web at www.bowlluckystrike.com and www.powerplaybellevue.com.
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Ecast Partners with Texas DOT on Safety Messaging
When the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) wanted to get the word out to holiday revelers to find a sober ride home or call a cab, they tapped the Ecast network to deliver the message via its interactive jukebox.
That campaign, which sent a list of cab company phone numbers to a mobile phone number that a bar patron entered, was followed up with similar campaign for the Super Bowl, reminding patrons: "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you get home." The campaign also included an interactive game called "The Pigskin Challenge" to engage bar patrons with the campaign to increase the effectiveness of the sobering message.
"The Ecast network gives us an opportunity to have a voice in bar environments and reach patrons at that critical moment of decision not only with a 'don't drink and drive' message but with the actual means for a safe alternative," said Nigel Lowrie, account supervisor with Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing. "Ecast's interactive, broadband platform allows us to send localized cab numbers to patrons who make the right decision and is something we've always wanted to do -- facilitate closing the loop with the desired action."
Ecast's advertising team and creative services collaborated with TxDOT and its ad agency to leverage the capabilities of Ecast's media platform, a sophisticated content distribution network integrated with DoubleClick's DART Enterprise ad serving technology, to geo-target locations in order to serve the ads to specific venues within the scope of the campaign specifications. The creative consisted of an animated, 20-second MPEG2 track loop, banner and tower ads. The Super Bowl campaign used the designated market area (DMA) targeting capabilities of the Ecast platform to send localized cab numbers to jukeboxes in specific locations.
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Betson and Funding Stop Form Alliance
H. Betti Industries, parent company of Betson Distributing, and The Funding Stop, an Illinois direct finance lender into the VGT marketplace, recently announced a financing alliance in support of the recently approved Illinois Video Gaming Act.
Operators in Illinois are developing business plans and securing financing to gain a first-to-market advantage in the rapidly evolving industry of gaming entertainment in Illinois. On the heels of their announcement that Betson would exclusively distribute WMS Industries' games in Illinois, Betson announced at its first industry open house that it has partnered with The Funding Stop to be their finance partner for WMS VGT equipment.
"We're thrilled to have created a strategic alliance with partners like Betson and WMS," said Funding Stop president Edgar Colomb. "We anticipate Betson to be licensed quickly in Illinois while WMS is already a well-respected name in the gaming industry. This agreement expands The Funding Stop's ability to bring value to customers in Illinois."
"Equipment financing facilitates expeditious delivery of equipment to our customers. Satisfying our customers' needs is our focus, and this alliance is part of the Betson philosophy of delivering comprehensive gaming solutions in this marketplace," said Bob Geschine, president and CFO of Betson Enterprises. "The Funding Stop provides that comprehensive convenience to our customers. The Funding Stop knows this niche market, has the capital and can build customized packages for our customers."
Governor Pat Quinn signed the Video Gaming Act into law on July 13, 2009, to generate revenue and create jobs for the struggling Illinois economy. Since that time, the Illinois Gaming Board has been drafting preliminary rules and regulations for the video gaming market. Equipment financing to support the legislation is estimated to be approximately $1 billion, including VGT machines, vaults, build-out, security and network equipment.
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Champion Offers Faster Way to Score Shuffleboard
Champion Shuffleboard recently made a number of important changes to its lineup of shuffleboard games, all designed to help the tables earn more money for the operators. "We spent an extensive amount of time trying to improve the profitability of the game," said the factory's Chance Pack. "Over the past three years we have made some big changes, but none of them are as big or as simple as our current improvement."
Simple but revolutionary, they added a five-point scoring zone to the edges of the playing field. The move will effectively decrease the time it takes to play a game of shuffleboard to six to eight minutes, Pack said.
"For the past 20 years, Champion has operated with one-two-three-four scoring zones on the playfield, which meant games lasted on average 13 to 14 minutes," Pack explained. "By decreasing the time it takes to play the game Champion has increased the income potential for the shuffleboard on location."
In recent years, Champion has also increased the price per play to $2, added DBAs to all of its tables and introduced an alarm for its pingate system. The alarm emits a squeal if a player is tampering with the game's pingate; it also shuts down the system when it detects ongoing tampering to protect the motor from burning out. To learn more, contact Champion at 817/284-3499.
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Bay Tek Phases Out Smokin' Token, Plans Charitable Promo
Bay Tek Games is ceasing production of Smokin' Token after reportedly close to 5,000 units have been sold to the market.
Introduced in 1995 by Seidel Amusement Machine Co. of Albuquerque, N.M, the game was an early success. In September of 1999, Bay Tek acquired Seidel and continued building the classic in Pulaski, Wis. With the recent introductions of Smokin' Token Extreme in 2008 and Jam Session in 2009, Bay Tek says it is now time to retire the 15-year-old game.
Bay Tek is going to be throwing a retirement celebration at the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, March 10-12. A Smokin' Token game will be set up to accept quarters, and the money collected will be donated to the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation. Bay Tek Games will match a portion of the proceeds.
The AAMCF is an organization that sponsors fundraising events throughout the year with a portion going to children's charities. The AAMCF has made donations to Boy's and Girl's Clubs of America, U.S. Special Olympics, UNICEF and a variety of other groups.
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Gamemax Teams with Namco on Go Go Grand Prix
Game development firm Gamemax debuted a new videogame, the driver Go Go Grand Prix, at this year's EAG Expo in London, and says it will be offering the piece in the U.S. through a sales and marketing partnership with Namco America. Gamemax has created a number of games for other manufacturers including ICE and Sega, but the new driver is the first to carry its corporate brand specifically.
Go Go Grand Prix combines the slot car toy genre with videogame technology. The four-player is designed to appeal to a wide range of ages to hopefully attract players who don't normally spend money on videos. Factory execs say that testing has proven that the game is popular in its four-player mode.
"This game is all about being different than anything else out there," said Gamemax managing director Yoshitaka Komiya. "Children are dazzled by the 1/32 scale cars zooming through the track while dads feel nostalgic. The machine is available in four different configurations and can be operated as amusement only, customizable tournament mode, midway-style redemption mode as well as regular redemption mode."
Look for the game in the Namco booth at this month's Amusement Expo in Las Vegas. Gamemax is a game development firm with offices in Kobe, Japan and London, U.K.
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Wells-Gardner and ICMOA Host LCD Monitor Seminar
Wells-Gardner Electronics staged a seminar in mid-January in conjunction with the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Assn. (ICMOA) called Introduction to LCD Monitor and Repair at the company's headquarters in McCook, Ill.
Turnout exceeded expectations, and the event was attended by a broad cross-section of Illinois operators. Over 50 technicians throughout the state, as well as attendees from Iowa and Pennsylvania, participated in the seminar that covered topics such as theory of operation, types of displays, identification of major components and general troubleshooting.
"Wells-Gardner/American Gaming & Electronics were pleased to host this seminar for the operators," said sales director Paul Duda. "We hope to have demystified the handling and troubleshooting of LCD monitors. A great deal has changed from the CRT monitor era in terms of repair, but there are still cost-effective ways to maintain these displays. Just knowing what the symptoms of a particular failure are can help you to get the job done right and keep your customers satisfied."
"Hopefully, this can be one of many schools we will offer to help our industry," said Mike Rudowicz, American Gaming & Electronics' VLT division EVP.
"Teaming up with Well-Gardner made this class one of the best we have ever had. We at the ICMOA have and will continue to offer our members and their staff classes that will keep them one step ahead of all others," said Tony Harrolle, co-chair ICMOA's education and technology committee.
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Seninsky to Speak at Betson Expo
Well-known industry consultant, distributor and operator Frank Seninsky, who also pens Frank Talk for this publication, will be a featured speaker at Betson's upcoming Annual Expo at Turning Stone Casino/Resort in Verona, N.Y.
Seninsky, of Amusement Entertainment Management, will offer a seminar titled "The 10 Critical Steps in Designing and Laying Out a Game Zone." This seminar is for all FEC owners, developers and game operators who want to do business with FECs.
This seminar is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 and will cover topics such as gameroom layout, financial formulas for healthy ROI, construction costs for a new or renovated facility and how games interact with one another from an earnings standpoint.
This year's expo will begin on Friday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. with a NYSAVA member luncheon. At 5 p.m., a special MEI product introduction and service show seminar will be offered followed by a cocktail reception to be held in the evening from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, the exhibition floor will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On display will be the latest amusement and vending products along with financial institutions and state and national trade associations. During the expo, seminars will be offered such as "New Customers and Account Growth Through Coffee" hosted by Betson Enterprises.
Traditionally, this expo attracts operators from the New York State region, but this year the expo has been expanded to welcome operators from all of New England, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. For more information on the show and/or to register, you can contact the Betson Syracuse office directly at 800/541-1142 or your local Betson office or just visit www.nysava.org/expo2010 to register online.
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NBVA to Meet with Legislators for Permanent CPSIA Exemption
The National Bulk Vendors Assn. will make a second trip to Capitol Hill on March 17 and 18 to appeal to lawmakers for a permanent exemption of bulk vended toys and novelties from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, Section 103. During their last Capitol Connections Day, the NBVA was successful in arguing that the 2008 bill, which requires labeling of individual tracking labels for factory origin, content and other data, presents unfeasible financial and logistical challenges for the industry, gaining a temporary exemption for vendibles in a statement of policy. This trip's objective will be to convince legislators to make it into law.
"We don't want to just take the fight halfway," Amy Contre told RePlay. "We want it permanently written into law. It could change at any minute, and that would be devastating to the industry. State attorney generals could start actively enforcing it, and we would have to fight it all over again."
The NBVA invites any vending professional interested in volunteering his or her time to attend. The group will first meet with counsel Quinn Dodd of the lobbying firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo PC, which is organizing the event.
"We're specifically looking for people in Henry Waxman's district (30th district of California)," Contre said. "It's his bill, and he's been quite adamant about not making any changes no matter what. We're also looking to constituents of Congressman Bobby L. Rush of the first district of Illinois. We want to have a strong contingent."
The CPSIA was passed in 2008 with unusually broad bipartisan support in response to an inundation of Chinese-manufactured toy recalls and public alarm over lead content levels.
Any interested operator should contact Contre at the NBVA office, 888/628-2872. Visit www.nbva.info.
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Industry veteran Chris Brady joined LAI Games earlier this year as the firm's new business development manager. Brady brings over 22 years of coin-op amusement industry experience, much of that in sales and marketing, to LAI Games. Some of his previous positions include VP of sales and marketing and VP of business development for various companies. Brady oversaw the rollout of LAI's Lighthouse and Stacker titles during his tenure with Valley-Dynamo, which had the North American distribution rights at the time.
LAI GM Peter Gustafson said, "Chris is a consummate salesman who brings a wealth of industry knowledge to LAI. He's passionate, creative and engaging, and shows up energized and positive every day. His contributions to our organization will be long term and far reaching. I'm extremely proud to have him on our team."
Brady's responsibilities will include identifying new target markets, creating strategic business-to-business alliances inside and outside the industry and expanding the LAI product line into traditional and non-traditional coin-op locations. LAI Games USA, a subsidiary of Leisure and Allied Industries (LAI), develops, manufactures and sells coin-operated prize merchandising games, ticket redemption games, photobooths and kiddie rides to distributors, operators and entertainment centers around the world. For more information please visit www.laigames.com.
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Denver, Colorado-based Intermatic Manufacturing, maker of the Cotton Candy vending machine, has named Marty Man Smith its VP of North American sales. Marty will oversee all aspects of sales for Intermatic in this region of the world.
"Marty brings to us an incredible level of experience and expertise that will drive our sales efforts with a focus on building strong relationships with distributors, operators and national accounts," stated company president Marcus Sheehan. "We are pleased to be bringing such an established veteran of this industry on board, and we are confident that he will continue to strengthen our company's relationships with its customers, as well as be a driving force behind our sales team," Sheehan continued.
Marty most recently comes from the financial sector where he worked as an account executive with Fifth Third Bank. Prior to the bank, Marty has served the amusement and vending industry with posts in executive management, sales and operations for over 30 years. Marty Man Smith can be contacted directly by phone at 662/812-3082 or by email at martyman@cottoncandyvending.com.
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Industry veteran Debbie Gonzalez has been tapped as the national sales manager for Elaut USA. (She's pictured with other members of the Elaut sales team.) "Debbie's high energy and passion is something that I have always admired," said Elaut USA topper Jack Guarnieri. "Debbie is a well-respected industry expert, and we are proud to welcome her." Gonzalez will be based in Huntington Beach, Calif., reporting to VP of new business development Drew Maniscalco. She will travel across the country, visiting distributors and helping operators. On her recent birthday, Gonzalez was welcomed at Elaut USA headquarters in Lakewood, N.J. "I'm very excited to work at Elaut USA," she said. "They have so many good things happening; it's very exciting." Debbie can be reached at 800/473-5225, ext. 155, or at debbie@elautusa.com.
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The Pelican Group, a national management firm for a number of chain locations, has added three new members to its executive team. Steven Birrell is the new EVP for national accounts; Brad Wedin is Southeast regional manager; and Marc Sisler is Southwest regional manager. In addition, Sean Hanna has been promoted to EVP of operations.
Richard Scherer, president of Pelican, says the organization has realized substantial growth over the past year and the addition of these individuals was necessary to handle the additional business. "We are very blessed to bring on Steven Birrell, formerly with TouchTunes, and Brad Wedin, formerly with Premier Games, and Marc Sisler," said Scherer. "Both Steve and Brad have many years in our amusement industry bringing more expertise to our managed programs. It doesn't stop here! We are also currently seeking an industry veteran to manage the Midwest region." Resumes should be emailed to salesandinfo@pelicangroup.com.
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Ryan Cravens, who has been with PlayMechanix CoinUp division for a year, has left the company to take a marketing position with American Gaming Systems. PlayMechanix sent him off in style, saying about Ryan: "His presence in the field greatly helped the growth of CoinUp. But with or without Ryan, CoinUp must move on. In his absence, please direct any CoinUp questions to Dave Snipes." Ryan can now be reached at 224/829-2366; email r.cravens@ags-llc.net.
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