(Go to
RePlay Magazine's Blog)
Senate
Bill
Would Eliminate Paper Dollar
(Posted
February 3, 2012 -- 3:45PM)
Two prominent U.S. Senators from opposite sides of the political
spectrum, Republican John McCain of Arizona and Democrat Tom Harkin of
Iowa, this week introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate that would
eliminate the paper dollar, effectively replacing it with a dollar
coin. A companion bill was earlier introduced in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
"The U.S. government has a love/hate relationship with the $1 coin,"
reported Time Magazine at its
website. "At the same time as the U.S. Mint is scaling down
production of the largely unwanted presidential dollar coins, two U.S.
senators are introducing legislation that would kill off the dollar
bill completely and replace it with ... you guessed it: $1 coins."
Although generally derisive of the move, the Time story notes that
Supercommittee on deficit reduction recommended replacing the dollar
bill with the current coins. The Government Accounting Office puts the
possible savings at $5.5 billion over 30 years, the magazine story also
notes.
In a recent interview with RePlay,
AAMA
chairman John Margold said the Mint's recent decision to limit
production of the dollar coin speaks directly to the need to eliminate
the paper dollar.
"We certainly can't blame the government for stopping production of
something when the warehouse is full," said Margold. "The problem is
lack of demand for the coins because people don't want to change their
habits. As long as the dollar bill is in circulation, there is not
going to be strong demand for dollar coin. That's why we're focused on
talking to members of Congress about the elimination of the dollar
bill. The use of coins is a more efficient than paper currency.
The $600 million a year in savings is significant alone, not to mention
the benefit the move would serve to many industries."
Under Margold's leadership, AAMA has begun actively lobbying in
Washington, D.C., for the elimination of the paper dollar. Legislation
blocking the elimination of the paper dollar has also been introduced
in the U.S. Senate.
The Time story can be found at http://moneyland.time.com/2012/02/02/kill-the-dollar-coin-long-live-the-dollar-coin/
TrainerTainment Hosting
Vegas Party Summit
(Posted
February 3, 2012 -- 3:45PM)
TrainerTainment will host the first of four 2012 Training Summits March
12-13 at Sunset Station Casino in Las Vegas.
Day one of this party-packed event will immerse participants in
everything related to birthdays. Participants will learn how to build
and sell parties, recruit and train birthday party hosts and create
memorable birthday experiences. Lunch is provided and the day of fun is
followed by a happy hour. Day two will cover topics like target
marketing, lead generation through social media and cold calling.
Sponsors like Embed, Redemption Plus, Bowling Music Network, Qubica AMF
and Betson will also be on hand to offer attendees up-to-the-minute
information and give product demonstrations and swag bag goodies.
TrainerTainment is a training company servicing the family
entertainment and hospitality markets wanting to improve their sales
teams, products, guest service ability or social media marketing
skills. The company focuses on sales training in order to enhance
promotions, events, birthday-party programs, team building and
corporate and group outings. For more information, visit www.trainertainment.net.
Namco Shipping Pac-Man Battle Royale
(Posted
February 3, 2012 -- 3:45PM)
Pac-Man Battle Royale Deluxe
is now shipping to Namco's distributors. According to the factory, the
units were so much in demand the initial run of games sold out before
Namco America officially unveiled the piece to customers at IAAPA 2011.
Deluxe units have been out in the field for several months producing
what the factory calls impressive test results.
The deluxe cabinets officially launched in December with launch parties in 20 different Dave & Buster's locations across the U.S. The two-day launch event saw Pac-Man Power Girls appearing in locations from Times Square in New York to San Diego, Calif. Guests at the launch party locations were greeted by a Pac-Man Power Girl and were given free game swipes to try out the new multi-player game. Players at the event were also given limited edition Mardi Gras beads emblazoned with the iconic Pac-Man logo. Photos of the launch parties can be seen on the official Pac-Man Battle Royale Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PacManBattleRoyale.
Pac-Man
Battle Royale Deluxe is housed in an attraction-style cabinet
that takes up the same amount of space as a twin driving game and
features a large monitor and glowing neon lights. For more information
about Pac-Man Battle Royale Deluxe,
please
visit www.namcoamerica.com.
Betson Renews Sales
Agreement With ASI and CES For Vending Machines
(Posted
February 3, 2012 -- 3:45PM)
Betson Enterprises has renewed its strategic marketing and sales
agreement with Automated Services International (ASI) and Choice
Equipment Sales (CES), distributors of used and reconditioned vending
machines.
Betson, ASI, & CES entered into the original agreement in September
2010 with Betson having sole marketing rights for used and
reconditioned vending machines for New York, New England, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
"We are extremely pleased with the results thus far, and we're looking
forward to taking the program to the next level in 2012 and beyond,"
said Steven Betti, president of Betson Imperial Parts and
Service. "We knew that we would be successful marketing the high
quality reconditioned machines that ASI and CES provide, but we have
been particularly impressed with the level of hard-to-find items that
they always seem to have in stock, and the fast turn-around times on
getting them out the door. Our salespeople sell with confidence, and
also know that any after-sale support will be handled quickly and
efficiently."
Video Promoting March
Amusement Expo
(Posted
February 1, 2012 -- 10PM)
The organizers of
the upcoming Amusement Expo have produced a three-minute video
extolling the values of the March Vegas Show. Several well-known
Chicago area operators AE Show videoincluding Chris Hesch, Mike Pappas
and Ed Velasquez, as well as factory representatives Gary Colabuono
(Incredible Tech.) and Eugene Jarvis and Mark Struhs (Raw Thrills),
discuss the value of show attendance. The video is hosted by AAMA
president John Schultz. Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/embed/St-d4e5w7cI.
Fromm & Seninsky Take
Workshop Westward
(Posted
February 1, 2012 -- 10PM)
Industry experts Randy Fromm and Frank Seninsky are once again merging
their talents to present a five-day amusement operator and game
technician training workshop in San Diego, California, March 26 - 30,
2012.
The upcoming course will guide attendees through a simple,
(non-mathematical) look at electronic components, electronic circuits,
and schematic diagrams, which allows them to learn the basics of how
circuits and components operate. Fromm will cover the theory of
operation of power supplies, CRT and LCD monitors and will show
attendees the most common failures in each of these areas so they can
repair them quickly and easily without having to spend time
troubleshooting.
Seninsky will discuss the most common video, redemption and crane
problems and what tools you need to fix them. Attendees will learn how
to how to layout the games and program them properly, inexpensive
technologies to track game play in real time, as well as some popular
game marketing ideas. He will share tips and tricks for maintaining and
fine-tuning cranes, money making and money saving strategies, how to
maximize your percentages for profit, best practices for merchandiser
displays and enhancing player appeal, how to apply marketing magic in
self-redemption, and much more.
"A basic fact of game operations is that for machines to earn their
best, they must look and work their best," says Seninsky. "Too many
games do not look or earn anywhere near their full revenue
potential."
For more information
or to register, go to www.AEMLLC.com
and click on the CRT/LCD Video, Redemption & Crane Game Repair link
to download the brochure or contact Tracy Sarris at 717/533-1945, email
tracysarris@aol.com.
Strikerz FEC Opens With
Embed Debit
System
(Posted
February 1, 2012 -- 10PM)
Debit card supplier Embed recently installed its system at the new
Strikerz Entertainment Center in Lee's Summit, Mo. The site
features 20 lanes of bowling, a 70-game arcade, laser frenzy, and a
full-service restaurant and bar. The Spare Room is a private
event and banquet facility that also has four lanes of bowling, an
eating area and big screen monitors.
Owner David Edwards was impressed with Embed's ability to integrate
with Brunswick's Vector Plus and Micros' Point of Sale Systems.
"We knew Embed was a world-class solution but the Brunswick and Micros
integration was a big advantage that made the decision easy," he said.
Strikerz utilizes the Embed System to manage the cashless operation of
their games and attractions, as well as their redemption center. The
installation is highlighted by Embed's Color-Glo HD Swipers, which
feature a full-color display, enhanced color-glow style effects and
full wireless-at-the-game network connectivity. The Strikerz Fun
Card can be purchased and reloaded at any number of point-of-sale
stations and self-service kiosks throughout the location.
Edwards also said he likes the various marketing options that Embed
offers and has deployed a unique card bonus structure that is driving
sales and repeat visits. "Embed has not only supported us from a
technical standpoint but they have also brought marketing expertise as
well. We could not be happier with our decision," he concluded.
Lieberman
Honored
For
ATM Business
(Posted
January 30, 2012 -- 10PM)
Payment Alliance International (PAI), a provider of electronic payment
processing solutions, has named Lieberman Companies a Top 10
Distributor of ATMs for 2011. The company was also a recipient of this
award in 2010. Additionally, Lieberman was awarded the Better Business
Bureau's highest rating, an "A+", for 2011. Lieberman is a family-owned
business specializing in coin-operated amusement and vending equipment
and ATMs while also operating a large amusement route in the Twin
Cities area, American Amusement Arcades.
NAMA Appoints New Regional Legislative
Exec
(Posted
January 30, 2012 -- 10PM)
Sheree Edwards has accepted the position of regional legislative
director of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)
effective Jan. 16, 2012.
"The list of regulations that affect our industry is greater and more
threatening than ever," said NAMA EVP and COO Dan Mathews. "Our members
face unfair tax hikes on the local, state and federal level, new coin
and currency regulations, new nutritional and labeling requirements,
new health care mandates, and regulations associated with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), just to name a few. NAMA made a
conscious decision to broaden our Government Affairs Department to
ensure we are doing our part to identify and monitor emerging issues on
the local, state and federal level and address them before they become
a threat to our members rather than trying to fight them once they have
been passed. Sheree's qualifications make her an excellent
addition to our staff and we look forward to having her work with us to
help protect our members' interests."
Edwards will direct and assist with professional state lobbying teams,
legislative efforts and education activities of NAMA at the state
council level. She will also collaborate with those who represent
NAMA's interests before state and local governments and help to ensure
NAMA members are up-to-date on key legislative issues and developments.
Previously Edwards worked at the Asian American Hotel Owners
Association as the managing attorney of government affairs. She has
also worked at several law firms and the Detroit City Council as Public
Policy Analyst.
Edwards earned a Master's degree with distinction in Advocacy Politics,
Public Policy and Government Affairs from The George Washington
University. She also has a law degree from Moritz College of Law at
Ohio State University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from
Tennessee State University where she graduated magna cum laude.
Firestone
Announces
Rewards
Program
(Posted
January 30, 2012 -- 10PM)
Firestone Financial Corp. has launched a rewards program for its
customers in the amusement and vending industries. "This is our
way of showing appreciation to our loyal customers.The program is quite
simple, the more you finance, the higher the rebate at the end of the
year," said Larry Yaffe, Firestone's senior VP of sales and marketing
The program will pay a half a percentage point on all business funded
in 2012 for those customers that finance above their annual
target. Customers have two ways to redeem their reward: they may
opt for cash back paid in January 2013 or receive a 2013 membership
with the AMOA or NAMA.
"AMOA appreciates the efforts by Firestone Financial to offer a
tangible benefit for members. Firestone has long supported our
membership, organization and industry and this new initiative serves as
yet another great example," said Jack Kelleher, AMOA EVP.
NAMA membership is available for new operator members and those
operators that were not members of NAMA in 2011 and 2012. To sign
up for the program interested parties need to complete an online form
at www.firestonefinancial.com/firestone-partners.htm.
I.T. Set To Launch PowerPutt LIVE
(Posted
January 25, 2012 -- 5PM)
Incredible Technologies is set to launch an all-new version of its
popular videogame, PowerPutt,
a stand-alone video offering three mini golf courses. The factory's new
PowerPutt LIVE includes the
three original courses plus three brand-new layouts for a total of six,
as well as a new, daily online tournament with cash prizes.
"We've tweaked all the tee and pin positions on the original courses
giving them a new look and feel," said game designer Jim Zielinski.
"And when you add in all of the online functionality that players,
locations and operators demand from on-premise games today, the end
result is a unique, compelling entertainment experience."
According to co-designer Ralph Melgosa, PowerPutt LIVE is more than just an
update -- it's an entirely new game and one that will stay fresh for a
long time to come. "Jim and I pulled out all the stops with PowerPutt LIVE," he said.
"Besides getting to play six courses, players can track their stats,
customize their on-screen golfer, check their world ranking and compete
for cash in a daily tournament with an all-new format."
The new daily tournament format is designed to encourage repeat
play. Players can compete as many times as they'd like -- since a
bad game does not hurt their chances of winning -- and there is a new
tournament every day. The new daily tournament also features an
escalating cash purse starting with a minimum of $200. The top 50
players will win and the first-place prize begins at $50. As more
games go online, and tournament entries increase, the tournament prize
purse will increase as well. Look for much more on this new game
in the February cover story of RePlay
Magazine.
NDA & VNEA Partner On
League Conference
(Posted
January 25, 2012 -- 5PM)
The AMOA-National Dart Association (NDA) and Valley National 8-Ball
League Association (VNEA) will once again host a joint educational
conference. League SMART will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., July
12-14. A combination of the NDA's Dart Summit and VNEA's Charter Holder
Workshop, League SMART helps teach successful business practices
throughout the industry.
Operators and league coordinators from across the world will be
traveling to Minneapolis for this two-day event to learn the best
techniques for successfully increasing league participation and
interest.
"Having the conference as a combined force from both the NDA and VNEA
is a great way to bring together hundreds of people in this business
field," said Marcia Petersen, president of the NDA. "This is an event
where operators can take full advantage of being together by using each
other as a resource to grow."
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to speak with NDA and
VNEA representatives to ask specific questions and receive advice and
recommendations. Also available at the conference will be leading
manufacturers in both the dart and pool industry.
"The opportunity to bring our conference together with the NDA was
proven to be a success, and we are excited to be putting it on together
again this year," said Dave Hawkins, president of the VNEA. "We hope
all of our charter holders, even those who attended the first biennial
League SMART in 2010, will return this year for an information-packed
good time."
Registration is free to NDA and VNEA members and is open to non-members
for $275. This year's conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
& Suites Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The cost per
room is $105 per night. The group rate is available until June 19,
2012. Visit www.NDAdarts.com/leaguesmart
or www.vnea.com for more
information.
Mouli Cohen Sentencing
Set for Feb. 1
(Posted
January 23, 2012 -- 4PM)
Ecast co-founder Samuel "Mouli" Cohen, who hasn't been associated with
the company's management for close to 10 years, was set to be sentenced
on Feb. 1 after a federal jury found him guilty late last year of 15
counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, and three counts
of tax evasion. Cohen was found guilty of luring would-be investors at
the non-profit Vanguard Public Foundation into a fraudulent scheme by
claiming that Microsoft was about to acquire Ecast. Cohen purported to
sell them his founder's shares of Ecast for more than $6 million,
despite the fact that no deal with Microsoft was pending. Ecast and its
current management played no role in these fraudulent activities.
U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag explained Cohen's actions further in a
press release put out by her office following the conviction: "Over
time, however, Cohen falsely told investors that first United States
regulators, and later European Union regulators, were delaying the
approval of the acquisition. Cohen falsely claimed that the
investors needed to pay their share of the fees and to post bonds held
in escrow to assure the acquisition was completed, or the investors
would lose their prior investment," the government press release
continued. "In addition to their initial $6.2 million dollar
investment, over the course of approximately three years scores of
investors paid $25 million toward this purported acquisition."
Cohen reportedly spent the money on more than $6 million on private
jet rentals, hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, a Rolls
Royce, an Aston Martin, a Jaguar, numerous luxury vacations to
destinations such as Italy, the south of France, and the Caribbean, and
$15,000 per month to rent a home in Belvedere, Calif. Finally,
despite collecting tens of millions of dollars from victims and
spending huge amounts to live a lavish lifestyle, Cohen reported almost
no income on his tax returns and paid zero taxes, according to the
government.
EAG Show Gets Underway In
London
(Posted
January 23, 2012 -- 4PM)
EAG International, which describes itself as The Complete Amusement
Show, will get underway this week, Jan. 24-26, at the ExCel London
Exhibition Centre in London, U.K. EAG is sponsored by three European
trade associations: BACTA, BALPPA and Euromat. A wide range of
suppliers will show their wares in London, including many prominent
U.S. game makers and suppliers. Check out the list of show exhibitors
at http://www.eagexpo.com/who.html.
The
show
will
also
offer
various seminars including the next
installment in redemption education from noted U.S. consultants Frank
Seninsky and Michael Getlan.
Brady Distributing To
Host Spring Show
(Posted
January 23, 2012 -- 4PM)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Previous Instant RePlay Stories
(Posted
January 19, 2012 -- 12:30PM)
Stern Pinball has announced the availability of the AC/DC pinball machine. The game
honors one of the most legendary rock and roll bands. Players will be
able to rock out to 12 classic AC/DC hits including "Back in Black,"
"Highway to Hell" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
Other game features include two separate ramps, a lower playfield,
ball-shooting cannon, eight drop targets, a mechanized Hell's Bell and
animations of the AC/DC band. Players can also join the party with a
TNT detonator and the Devil's Jukebox. This tribute to one of rock and
roll's most memorable bands pushes the auditory limits with its sound,
style and infectious riffs. The AC/DC
machine is designed to rock.
"The combination of classic rock and pinball can't go wrong," said Gary
Stern, founder, CEO and chairman of Stern Pinball. "The music and play
of the AC/DC machine
delivers nothing less than the ultimate rock experience that both AC/DC
fans and pinball players can appreciate." To learn more about the AC/DC pinball machine and Stern
Pinball, visit www.sternpinball.com.
DNA Event Announces New
Dates & Speaker
(Posted
January 19, 2012 -- 12:30PM)
The DNA U.S. Conference 2012 has revised its upcoming dates from April
to May 15, 2012 in order to accommodate growing interest in
the event.
The conference is taking place in Los Angeles at the prestigious
University of South California (USC) Davidson Conference Center, part
of the extensive university complex - the venue making available
additional space to accommodate the increased interest in this event.
Supporting the new May date -- the DNA US Conference 2012 announces
that it has added a brand new half-day event (May 16, 2012)
that will see the conference move to a venue that will offer attendees
a glimpse of a leading-edge immersive entertainment venue, and also a
chance to experience innovative interactive experiences first hand.
Conference organizers also announced that Christopher Stapleton will
present the event's keynote. He is a self-styled "creative venture
catalyst" for Simiosys Real World Laboratory, and published author on
innovative experience design. He is focused on transforming what he has
labeled the "User eXperience" (UX) in all aspects of work, play,
shopping and learning.
Chris' extensive background includes stints as an experience developer
for NASA's Mission: LEAP Space STEM project; entertainment consultant
for Canon Inc. mixed reality research; a show producer and attraction
designer for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and
Dubailand; a production designer for Nickelodeon Recreation &
Paramount Parks; experience design consultant for Disney Imagineering
and concept designer for Walt Disney World Entertainment.
Registration and additional details are available online at http://www.thestingerreport.com/us-conference.html.
Club Lucky Secures
Dart Tourney Sponsor
(Posted
January 19, 2012 -- 12:30PM)
The national operator consortium Club Lucky, which will host its
first-ever national dart tournament later this year, has secured a
national liquor brand sponsorship for the event. The group also
recently announced plans to hold a new Golden Tee LIVE Tournament
alongside the dart competition.
Pearl Vodka has agreed to sponsor this year's Club Lucky dart
tournament, which will now be called the Pearl Vodka Darts Tournament
of Champions. The event will take place at Kansas City Missouri's KCI
Expo Center, Oct. 19- 23. This location adjoins the Kansas City Intl.
Airport, which is a Southwest Airlines hub.
The addition of Pearl Vodka as a major sponsor will offer a unique
marketing advantage including Pearl Vodka branded tournament kits for
local bar events. This gives an additional benefit to players
throughout the qualification period and provides Pearl Vodka a direct
marketing link to bars and patrons.
A new website has been created for the event at www.dartstoc.com. This website
contains an event flyer, as well as all
the event details. It also includes qualification leader boards for the
players. This will allow players to track their progress in qualifying
for the tournament. Look for more details on this event in the February
issue of RePlay.
Poker Games Reappearing in
South Carolina
(Posted
January 19, 2012 -- 12:30PM)
Video gaming was banned in South Carolina in 2000, but state law
enforcement officials say illegal video pokers are on this rise,
according to a report by one of the state's news outlets. GoUpstate.com, the news website of
the
Herald Journal in
Spartanburg,
S.C., cited the State Law Enforcement Division in reporting that video
poker games are "showing up again." The assertion was made in a news
report of two recent raids in which law enforcement officials seized
poker machines and cash from two different locations. The investigators
also took statements from patrons that they had received cash payouts
David Foley
Responds To Guilty Plea News
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 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."
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," concluded Robbins.
TouchTunes Launches
New
Products at CES
(Posted
January 15, 2012 -- 11:30PM)
TouchTunes Interactive Networks and Verizon Wireless this week debuted
their latest entertainment applications at the 2012 International
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
TouchTunes unveiled two new applications for its Virtuo jukebox -- PhotoBooth and
TouchTunes Karaoke -- both of which were first previewed to amusement
operators and in this publication last fall.
TouchTunes also provided first look at the latest update to their
widely successful myTouchTunes Mobile app which enables consumers to
find TouchTunes locations, search for music and play their favorite
songs on the TouchTunes jukebox.
Christian McMahan, chief marketing officer for TouchTunes Interactive
Networks, said, "The launch of Virtuo and the new apps is just the
beginning, we are now aggressively developing a suite of breakthrough,
innovative products that will allow our consumers to fully leverage the
power of Verizon's 4G LTE network."
Ultracade Founder
Pleads Guilty To Fraud
(Posted
January 11, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
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 earlier this
week.
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. The prosecution was the result
of a lengthy investigation by the FBI.
Jack Guarnieri
Exits Elaut USA
(Posted
January 9, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
Trade veteran Jack Guarnieri has
exited his post as president of Elaut USA as of Jan. 2. 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, interest in a family entertainment
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.
Retailers Concerned
About Internet Gambling
(Posted
January 9, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
Retailers in a number of states are
concerned 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. As RePlay reported earlier, a recent decision
by the U.S. Justice Department opens the door for states to sell
lottery tickets online and could provide a path for states that already
sanction certain forms of gambling to offer games over the Internet.
In responding to that development, a
number of newspaper articles over the past week have 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, Illinois "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.
Associations Hosting
Charity
Events At Expo
(Posted
January 9, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
AAMA and AMOA have a long history of
supporting each other's charitable organizations including the former's
American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation and the latter's
Coin-Op Cares Education and Charitable Foundation, which oversees the
annual Wayne E. Hesch Scholarship Raffle.
With the two groups co-sponsoring
the annual Amusement Expo, the spring show has become a touchstone for
both groups' efforts to raise money for special causes.
During this spring's Expo, the
tradition continues with AAMA member firms contributing prizes and
purchasing tickets for the annual Wayne E. Hesch Scholarship raffle
program, which takes place on the trade show floor. To learn more, log
on to www.amoa.com.
In turn, AMOA has encouraged its
members to participate in AAMCF's annual expo fundraiser, a charity
golf tournament conducted on the eve of the trade show. This year's
March 13 event will take place on a championship-calibre golf course,
the Wolf Course, which howls at 7,604 yards, the longest course in the
state of Nevada.
The Wolf is part of the Las Vegas
Paiute Golf Resort. The event will commence at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March
13, with buses shuttling players between the course and Las Vegas Hotel. Only 72 players will comprise the field
at the AAMCF event this year. To learn more, log on to www.coin-op.org.
Maryland Operators To
Host Lawmakers
(Posted
January 5, 2012 -- 5PM)
The Maryland Amusement and Music Operators Association annual reception
for the legislators in Annapolis is set to take place at 5 p.m. on Jan.
17. The association's lobbyist will also be arranging one-on-one
meetings with lawmakers.
Immediately before the meeting, the group will hold a membership
meeting, also to be held in The Governor Calvert House, 58 State
Circle, Annapolis, Md.
"If you have any doubts as to the value of your dues, consider that we
are going into another year of stressful budgeting decisions with no
crises yet on the horizon," wrote association president Larry Bershtein
in an email to Maryland operators. "MAMOA has worked very hard, and
very successfully, at maintaining strong relationships with Annapolis,
city hall and others to protect our industry, and your contribution is
absolutely necessary to continue this work."
For more information, contact Bershtein by email, larry@capitolamusements.com.
Illinois Gaming
Expected By
Year End
(Posted
January 5, 2012 -- 5PM)
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."
Apple Industries Debuts
Smile 2.0 Software
(Posted
January 5, 2012 -- 5PM)
Theisen
To
Distribute
Falgas
Rides
(Posted
January 3, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
Falgas Amusement Rides and Theisen Vending Company have reached an
agreement naming Theisen as a North American distributor for
coin-operated 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 on 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 ride industry and runs a route throughout the
U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Jose J. 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.
TouchTunes Looks
Back On A
Year In Music
(Posted
January 3, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
TouchTunes Interactive Networks recently released its top songs and
artists of 2011. The results, based on an analysis of over 900
million songs played across its network of 50,000 in-venue music
systems, revealed that consumers choose a mix of newly released and
classic songs tTouchTunes logoo listen to when they are out in a social
setting.
TouchTunes' top-played song of the year across every genre was country
superstar Jason Aldean's hit single "Dirt Road Anthem." Other notable
songs to make TouchTunes' 2011 Top 10 most-played list includes Adele's
"Rolling in the Deep," Eric Church's "Smoke a Little Smoke" and Kid
Rock's "All Summer Long."
"Having the number one song of the year running on TouchTunes jukeboxes
is a cool thing for me. It means my songs are being played in most
every bar and honkytonk in the country," stated Jason Aldean. "Those
are the kinds of places I used to have gigs when I was a teenager down
in Georgia. It's a really cool full circle kind of moment."
Jason Aldean was also the third most-played artist on the network,
surpassed only by longtime fan favorites AC/DC, who was the second
most-played, and Kid Rock, who was the most-played overall. Other
top artists on TouchTunes in 2011 include Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash
and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
"It's always fun to look at the most played songs and artists on our
network," said Vicki Saunders, TouchTunes VP of music marketing.
"TouchTunes provides fans with a unique listening experience, and gives
them a chance to find that one perfect song that will set the mood for
their night out. For many this year, Jason Aldean did just that."
More information on TouchTunes top music plays of 2011 is available
here: http://www.touchtunes.com/2011charts
Brady Announces Recent
Staff
Changes
(Posted
January 3, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
Brady Distributing recently announced a series of new additions to its
staff. They include:
Marsha Endres is the newest
member of their sales team. MarshaEndres brings over 19 years of sales
experience to Brady. She has extensive knowledge of the coin-operated
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 serviPat at
Bradyce 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, Noll Jim P at Bradyspent 21 years in the
amusement 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.
LAI
to
Sell
ReRave In Pacific
Territories
(Posted
January 2, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
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 a 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.
Redemption Plus Gets
Nod For Pinnacle Hybrid
(Posted
January 2, 2012 -- 10:30PM)
Expert
Predicts
Increased
State
Authorized
Internet
Gambling
(Posted
December 28, 2011 -- 8PM)
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, Nelson 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. Read the entire piece by Rose at
http://www.gamblingandthelaw.com/blog/320-a-present-from-the-doj-internet-lotteries-and-poker-are-legal-december-24-2011.html.
Firestone Celebrates
Veteran
Staff Members
(Posted
December 28, 2011 -- 8PM)
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.
Firestone Vets
"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 14th. 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.
IAAPA To Host
Leadership
Conference In L.A.
(Posted
December 28, 2011 -- 8PM)
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
(IAAPA) announced its 2012 IAAPA Leadership Conference will take place
in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 22-24. The conference will bring together
current and future attractions industry leaders for networking and
experiential learning at several Los Angeles-area amusement parks and
attractions. Attendees will hear insights from keynote speaker and
40-year industry veteran Al Weber Jr., chief operating officer of Six
Flags Entertainment Corp. Registration is open and a discounted
early-bird rate is available until Jan. 27.
"The 2012 IAAPA Leadership Conference will bring together a
cross-section of attractions industry professionals for
non-traditional, firsthand educational experiences," said Chip Cleary,
IAAPA president and CEO. "The environment will allow everyone, from
seasoned owners to first-time managers, to learn from one another
through hands-on activities, idea sharing, best practices exchange, and
industry discussions."
Al Weber Jr., will deliver a keynote lunch address Thursday, Feb. 23,
at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Weber will address how Six Flags is
recapturing its industry leadership position and delivering record
profit performance. He will also offer a first-hand insider's
perspective on how to successfully manage through transition.
The out-of-the-classroom conference is designed for owners, presidents,
CEOs, vice presidents, general managers, directors, and operations
managers. It will include events and behind-the-scenes tours at several
Southern California attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood,
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Technifex, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica
Pier, California Science Center, Disney California Adventure Park. To
learn more, log on to www.IAAPA.org/expos/Leadershipconference.
AMOA-NY To Celebrate
Music Suppliers
(Posted
December 28, 2011 -- 8PM)
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, February 27, 6-9 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 February 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."
AMOA-NY Executive Director Danny Frank added: "Both Rowe/AMI and Ecast,
Inc. have demonstrated that they are committed to relationships with
are supportive of operators and selling direct practices are against
their policies."
Reservations can be made by contacting: 212/279-1041 or emailing dfrankproduction@aol.com.
Kevin Williams
Tapped As Expo Speaker
(Posted
December 21, 2011 -- 11PM)
Industry
promoter
Kevin
Williams
of
KWP
Ltd.,
who
works
as
a
consultant
to
manufacturing
companies
and
publishes
the
Stinger
Report
digital
commentary,
has
been
selected as a seminar speaker at this spring's
Amusement Expo, co-sponsored by AAMA and AMOA.
Williams was selected to present one
of a series of six free seminars that are being overseen by Foundations
Entertainment University, which will also be hosting a series of paid
educational sessions for FEC operators and investors.
Williams will be presenting a
session called "Entertainment Now and Towards the Future" on the
morning of March 15. This presentation will look at the development,
application and trends shaping the amusement scene.
Foundations is headed by Frank
Seninsky of Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM) and Randy White of
White-Hutchinson Learning & Leisure Group. The Foundations program
will take place on March 12-13. The additional free seminars will be
hosted by Foundations during the mornings of Amusement Expo as part of
their educational conference. Birthday University will also hold two
free seminars during this time.
"I promise that those who attend the
seminar will get the best evaluation of the new business trends and
applications that will define their future profits, as well as some
interesting insights into new ways of attracting the future audience,"
said Williams.
ICE Shipping Ice Age Video
Redemption Game
(Posted
December 21, 2011 -- 11PM)
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
Playmechanix, 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 redemption game to
kick off 2012!"
To learn more, contact ICE at
716/759-0370, website, www.icegame.com.
Apple Industries Offers
Holiday Discount
(Posted
December 21, 2011 -- 11PM)
Apple Industries is offering an
instant discount of $500 for any photo booth purchased through January
6.In order to receive this discount, customers must refer to Discount
Code 7894980. The discount is available for any of Apple's Face Place line of photo booths and
is limited to two photo booths per customer.
Apple sales director Mel LaForce:
"Any potential customer who was waiting till after the holidays, or
those looking for an early spring time purchase, should consider taking
advantage of this savings." For further details, contact Apple at
516/619-8000.
U.K. Court Ends Music
License Dispute
(Posted
December 21, 2011 -- 11PM)
The United Kingdom's High Court of
Justice has ordered digital jukebox maker NSM Music Ltd. to pay 85,000
pounds 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 licence 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."
Coin Biz
Matriarch Leah Bettelman Is Gone
(Posted
December 19, 2011 -- 6PM)
Mrs. B has died. The matriarch of
the Southern California amusement industry has gone to join her late
husband Al, and the industry is profoundly saddened at the loss of this
uniformly decent person.
At Al's side, she helped build C.A.
Robinson & Co. into SoCal's leading amusement distributor during
the electronic games boom of the late '70s, early '80s. Honored by the
AAMA as its person of the year back in the '90s, Mrs. B actually
honored the industry by her warm and welcoming presence whenever anyone
met her back at the old C.A. store on Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles.
More details on Leah and her life
will be forthcoming. Meantime, funeral services will take place at 2
p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Hillside Mortuary, 6001 Centinela
Ave., LA 90045 (by the 405 freeway).
In lieu of flowers, mourners are
asked to honor Leah by contributing to the scholarship fund she started
and long-supported at UCLA for undergraduate studies. Send donations to
UCLA BEST #8483 Scholarship Fund, Box 951413, LA 90095, attn: Bea
Richman.
OCMA
Exec Advocates For Operator Run VLT
(Posted
December 19, 2011 -- 6PM)
Ohio Coin Machine Association EVP David
Corey told Ohio lawmakers this week 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 OHC (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 (VLTs)," reported the Columbus Government Examiner website.
"Corey...told committee members that Penn National Gaming (PNG), 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?"
Specialty
Host
Successful
NW
Expo
(Posted
December 19, 2011 -- 6PM)
Northwest distributor Mike McWilliams tells RePlay his firm's recent Northwest
Amusement Expo was a big success, hosting nearly two dozen
manufacturing companies. The event was held in Olympia, Wash., at the
Little Creek Casino Resort.
Throughout the day, over 100 attendees representing more than 50
operating companies viewed a wide range of new product on display.
Specialty also hosted four informative educational seminars. They
included Equipment Leasing by First Lease's David Maschke; Live
Equipment by AMI's Kris Link, Redemption Display by Sureshot's Aaron
Graves and Redemption For the Streets by Redemption Plus' Howard
McAuliffe.
"We received a lot of compliments for staging this event. The facilities, food and equipment display were excellent," said Mike McWilliams. "We will definitely be holding the third annual next fall, this time with some new features and entertaining twists."
Namco
Debut
Pac-Man Battle Royale
at D & B
(Posted
December 19, 2011 -- 6PM)
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."
To celebrate the launch, Pac-Man
Power Girls will visit select Dave & Buster's locations across the
U.S. on Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, during evening hours.
They'll treat customers to a game or even face-off against customers
who are up for the challenge. Visit www.daveandbusters.com to
find a Dave & Buster's location near you.
U.S. Treasury To Halt
Dollar Coin Production For Bank Circulation
(Posted
December 14, 2011 -- 11PM)
The U.S. Treasury
Department announced yesterday that it is suspending production of new
presidential dollar coin. In
2005, Congress enacted the Presidential $1 Coin Act. That law mandated
that the United States Mint issue four new Presidential $1 Coins each
year from 2007 to 2016.
When each new Presidential $1
Coin is introduced, Federal Reserve Banks order enough coins from the
United States Mint to meet initial demand from financial institutions.
For a variety of reasons, however, the demand for each of the new
Presidential $1 Coins usually drops significantly soon after they are
introduced. As a result, financial institutions have ended up returning
a substantial amount of the $1 Coins that were initially minted --
about 40 percent -- to Federal Reserve Banks.
At the end of the most recent fiscal
year, the Federal Reserve Banks held nearly 1.4 billion surplus dollar
coins in their vaults - enough to meet current levels of circulating
demand for more than a decade. Based on current trends, the Federal
Reserve estimates that its surplus inventory of $1 coins will grow to 2
billion by the end of the program in 2016.
Regular circulating demand will be
met through the Federal Reserve Banks' existing inventory of nearly 1.4
billion $1 coins, which will be drawn down over time, said Treasury.
Consistent with the Presidential $1 Coin Act, those who would like to
obtain future Presidential $1 Coins can purchase them directly from the
U.S. Mint during specified periods. The next coin in the series, the
President Chester A. Arthur $1 Coin, will be released in the Spring of
2012 and is expected to a have a dramatically lower production run,
which will be set based on collector demand. Prices and shipping costs
for future $1 Coins will be announced in the near future and will be
set at a level that ensures that they do not result in a cost to
taxpayers, the Treasury department added.
"Minting $1 coins that
ultimately end up sitting in Federal Reserve Bank vaults - and serve no
useful purpose for businesses, financial institutions, and consumers -
is simply not a prudent use of taxpayer resources," said deputy
Treasury secretary Neal S. Wolin." In fact, a number of members of
Congress have expressed concerns over the growing inventories, and some
have introduced legislation to suspend or end outright the Presidential
$1 Coin Program."
The U.S. Mint says it has already taken steps to help address the
growing inventory of $1 coins, but stronger action is necessary,
particularly at a time when it's critical to cut waste and improve
efficiency across all areas of government.
Under existing law, the Secretary of the Treasury has the authority to
"mint and issue coins . . . in amounts the Secretary decides are
necessary to meet the needs of the United States." Given the
substantial, growing inventory of $1 coins, it is clear that the
minting of hundreds of millions of additional $1 coins over the next
several years is not necessary and is not an effective use of taxpayer
dollars.
"The steps we're announcing today will save at least $50 million
annually over the next several years," said Wolin. "That's the right
decision for taxpayers. "
The decision by Treasury comes as two competing currency bills await
action in Congress. The Currency Optimization, Innovation and National
Savings (COINS) Act, backed by Republicans in the House, would
eliminate the dollar bill. A counter-proposal to curtail dollar coins
has been introduced by Mass. senators John Kerry and Scott Brown.
Dollar coin proponents
attacked the move. "This makes zero sense
other than getting a cute little headline," Tom Schatz, president of
Citizens Against Government Waste, was quoted as saying in The Wall Street Journal. Schatz's
group is part of the Dollar Coin Alliance.
On the other side of the issue, Louisiana Sen. David Vitter told the Journal: "These coins are a
textbook case of wasteful spending-something Americans just don't want
or need."
Bulk Vendors Get
Behind Dollar Coin Push
(Posted
December 13, 2011 -- 11PM)
The
National Bulk Vendors Association is rallying its membership to support
the movement to get rid of the dollar bill and promote the use of a
dollar coin. The group emailed its members today asking them to log on
to a specific website, http://dollarcoinalliance.org/get-involved-nbva,
which
will
in
turn
connect
them
with
their
respective
members
of
Congress.
"In your letters, please be sure to mention how you would be positively
impacted by the dollar coin, and how it would benefit your business,"
the group advised. "The more specific you can be, the better."
The group also posted a web address with more information about pending
legislation, http://schweikert.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=260814.
Apple
Industries
has
extended
its
18-month
interest-free
finance
program
through
the
end
of
the
year.
The
finance
program
is
funded
through
Firestone
Financial.
According
to
sales
director
Mel
LaForce,
"We
were
swamped at IAAPA, and with the introduction of our new Smile 2.0
software now being featured in all our new photobooths, the best
response we can give our customers is to continue our extraordinary
interest-free finance program for another month."
All Apple photobooths now offer Internet connectivity to Twitter,
Facebook and emailing. Also new is the ability to capture email, upload
audio/video recordings to social networks and touch-screen navigation.
Call Apple Industries for details of the program, 516/945-3650 or visit
the company's website at www.appleindustries.net.
Sacoa and Ordyx
Partner On POS System
(Posted
December 13, 2011 -- 11PM)
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 you with 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.
The
Amusement Expo Education Committee, which is comprised of
representatives of both AMOA and AAMA, has announced six topics to be
developed for the 2012 event in Las Vegas. The free sessions will be
conducted the morning of the opening day of the show: Wednesday, March
14.
Topics include:
* Operator Round-table on Current Issues and Trends
* Self-Redemption: Tips and Tricks from the Experts
* ATM 101
* Social Networking that Works in Your Business
* Gaming Update - What's Ahead?
* Securing Your Operation
Committee Chairman Marty Murin of Rainbow Falls Video Service Corp.,
Tannersville, N.Y., and his colleagues are working in smaller-sized
teams to sharpen the goals, content and participants of each of these
sessions to make them as informative and interesting as possible.
Amusement Expo is also partnering up with Foundations Entertainment
University to conduct a special educational program, aimed at the
family entertainment center sector, as part of next year's March 14-16,
2012 event in Las Vegas.
Raw
Thrills
Debuts
Dirty Drivin'
at IAAPA
(Posted
December 12, 2011 -- 2PM)
Raw Thrills debuted its latest driving game, Dirty Drivin', at last month's
IAAPA show in Orlando. 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 game 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.
Dirty Drivin' was inadvertently left out of RePlay's new product catalog from
IAAPA, published in although it was duly noted in the cover story
about Raw Thrills in the previous November issue. To learn more, log on
to www.rawthrills.com or www.betson.com.
LAI
Launches Five New Games At IAAPA
(Posted
December 8, 2011 -- 11PM)
LAI debuted five new games at last
month's IAAPA Expo in Orlando, including Speed of Light and Balloon Buster.
Speed of Light, a ticket redemption
game that tests player's speed and reflexes, received accolades from
operators, distributors and players alike. LAI sponsored a competition
challenging players to beat a posted score in order to win an Amazon
gift card. Dozens of players attempted to win, but only two
successfully beat the posted score, including fellow exhibitor and
high-wire daredevil Nik Wallenda. The units from the show will be
installed in Dallas-based Main Event locations. The game will be widely
available January 2012.
LAI's newest prize merchandiser, Balloon Buster, also made a splash
at the show. This carnival-themed game features prizes suspended by
balloons. Players must guide a pin through a hole and pop a balloon via
a patent-pending mechanism to win one of five available prizes. The
game will be widely available January 2012.
In addition, LAI displayed three
other new games: Rainy Days
water game for youngsters, Pirate
Battle ball toss game and the wall-mounted Stacker Wall Street. Complete
information about all of LAI's new games can be found at www.LAIGames.com.
EAG Line-Up Includes
Seninsky & Getlan
(Posted
December 8, 2011 -- 11PM)
The EAG International Expo's Seminar
Program taking place Jan. 24-26, 2012, will again include two familiar
veterans of the U.S. family entertainment center business, Frank
Seninsky and Michael Getlan.
Invited for a second year, Seninsky,
president of Amusement Entertainment Management LLC (AEM) and
Alpha-Omega Sales (AOS) and co-regent of Foundations Entertainment
University (FEU), will be presenting during the two-day seminar program.
Seninsky will present his sessions,
"Ten Critical Steps In Designing & Laying Out a Game Zone" and
"Successful Strategies in Running Self-Redemption for Street
Operators," imparting a wealth of knowledge to an audience that will be
comprised of visitors to EAG from the operation and development side of
the international business. Amusement Park and Family/Leisure
Entertainment Center Managers will also find these seminars to be of
great interest and value.
Also invited for a second time,
Getlan is director of enthusiasm and opportunity for Amusement
Consultants, New Roc Entertainment and Smiles Amusement Co. Getlan's
first seminar will be "Redemption Basics: Getting It Right the First
Time." He will also present the seminar, "Working With the Public
and Dealing With Difficult Guests."
Supporting this educational event,
the U.K.'s amusement trade association's (BACTA's) chief executive
Leslie Macleod-Miller will join Seninsky and Getlan for the first time.
He will update both BACTA and the U.K.'s theme park association
(BALPPA) members on the current state of the industry and explain how
the associations are working closely together to improve the industries
future.
The enhanced seminar program is free
to all attendees with its location close to the show floor. For more
information, visit www.eagexpo.com.
Venture
Shuffleboard's McKay
Passes Away
(Posted
December 8, 2011 -- 11PM)
Venture Shuffleboard owner Russell
McKay, 62, passed away suddenly on Nov. 30, 2011. Born in Hackensack
and formerly of Saddle Brook, Russell resided in Bridgewater for the
past 12 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the owner and
operator of both Brook Metal Products and Venture Hillside for the past
23 years.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 41
years, Deborah DeBoer McKay; daughter Wendy Merendino and her husband
Jonathan of Lawrenceville; son Christopher McKay and his wife Elizabeth
of Peach Tree City, GA; six grandchildren, Noah, Zachary, Emma, Colin,
Joshua, and Caitlin; his mother, Rose McKay of Bridgewater; two
brothers, Richard McKay of Toms River and Edward McKay and wife Elaine
of Westchester, PA, and two sisters, Lorraine Cupo of Clifton and Debra
Sparagosky and husband Richard of Fair Lawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made in Russell's memory to the American Cancer
Society, 7 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 103, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 or the
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 1 Union St.,
Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.
Amusement Expo
Partners With Foundations
(Posted
December 6, 2011 -- 9PM)
The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Amusement
& Music Operators Association (AMOA) have selected Foundations
Entertainment University to coordinate a week-long educational program
aimed at family and leisure entertainment centers during Amusement Expo
2012, being held March 14-16, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nev.
The decision appears to be part of a strategic plan by Amusement Expo
to compete vigorously for the attention of family entertainment center
operators in the wake of IAAPA's acquisition two years ago of the
former International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment
Industries (IALEI).
Foundations is headed by industry consultants Frank Seninsky,
president/CEO of Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM) and
Alpha-Omega Amusements & Sales, and Randy White, CEO of White
Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group,
"The FEC component is a major part of the industry and we're delighted
that Foundations and the Amusement Expo will be teaming up next March
to deliver timely, targeted information to those who are engaged in
that part of the business," said expo chairman Gary Brewer of Brewer
Amusement Co., McMinnville, Tenn. "We look forward to welcoming
attendees of the FEC program to the show in Vegas early next year."
Added expo director David Cohen of Firestone Financial: "We are pleased
to have Frank and his partners as part of our educational program at
the Amusement Expo in March. We believe that providing a strong
educational program is imperative to the success and growth of our
show."
By partnering with Foundations, Amusement Expo hopes to become the
premier trade show for family and leisure entertainment center
owners/operators. Foundations registrants will have the opportunity to
attend the comprehensive educational workshop covering all aspects of
market and financial feasibility, planning, designing, developing and
opening and/or managing location-based entertainment businesses, as
well as the Amusement Expo for $399, which represents a significant
discount compared to normal Foundations tuition.
"Not only is this partnership a great value for the industry, Amusement
Expo will provide a new home for those family and leisure based
entertainment center owners and operators who attended the (now
defunct) Fun Expo because it met their distinct needs," said Seninsky.
"In addition, we will be starting new traditions, like an awards
program for excellence in entertainment center facilities, a free
advanced Foundations Alumni session for the more than 700 Foundations
alumni and their staff, as well as other relevant educational seminars
that will be free to all trade show attendees."
Joining Seninsky and White in presenting the Foundations Entertainment
University seminar program will be Alan Fluke, president of AEA
Consulting Group; Jerry Merola, CFO of Alpha-Omega Amusements and
managing partner of Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM); and Peter
F. Olesen, P.E., president of Entertainment Concepts, Inc. Other
speakers and programs will be announced shortly.
Betson Ready To Hit Dirty Drivin' Streets
(Posted
December 6, 2011 -- 9PM)
Hi-definition dirt track driving was the order of the day at Betson
Enterprises' IAAPA show booth with the debut of Raw Thrills' latest
video, Dirty Drivin'.
Showcased at the entrance to their booth with four linked cabinets, the
mega dealership reported the game was loved by players who raved about
the "amazing graphics and loved that they could save their upgrades and
progress on the keypad-based player account system."
Up to eight units can be linked with the new driver, which features a
true 42" high definition display. There are 10 extreme rides for
players to chose from, along with hundreds of vehicle upgrades to
create a fun and combative racing experiences. Of course, the slick and
attention-grabbing cabinet graphics complete the package. Betson is
offering 0% financing or a Stop N' Go lease on Dirty Drivin. For additional
information visit www.betson.com,
call 201/438-1300 ext. 3318 or email info@betson.com. You can also visit
any one of Betson Enterprises' 12 offices.
Cipperly Succumbs To
Massive
Heart Attack
(Posted
December 6, 2011 -- 9PM)
Kenneth Cipperly, former president of Kemac Distributing, died suddenly
of a massive heart attack on Thursday morning, Nov. 17, in Sandisfield,
Mass. Ken turned 59 on Nov. 7. He had recently separated from his
wife and long time partner of 22 years (married for the past 9 years),
Maggie Mitchell, though they remained good friends. Maggie and Ken
recently closed their Kemac Distributing redemption merchandise
business. Maggie continues to consult and sell to long time customers
under the name Kemac Toys, and can be reached at kemaggiec@aol.com.
AMI Offering Tournamaxx
For ML-1
(Posted
December 6, 2011 -- 9PM)
AMI Entertainment is bringing its popular Tournamaxx system to the
factory's newest countertop, ML-1. Tournamaxx Classic still retains the
same look and feel that players are familiar with, but features a
redesigned skin and menu for a more refined user experience. Game play
is also designed to be completely identical to the existing Tournamaxx
experience, allowing ML-1 units
to
seamlessly
take
part
in
Tournamaxx
events
alongside
existing
Ion
machines.
Tournamaxx Classic on ML-1
machines will provide all participants with the same playing field they
would see on any Ion machine. Fans will still be playing their favorite
Megatouch games in monthly tournaments for great prizes -- that concept
remains completely unchanged. To kick things off, Tournamaxx Classic
will debut with the Megatouch player favorite, Tri-Towers.
AMI will be supporting and promoting this launch with player
notifications, social media outreach and idle mode attract videos on
the ML-1 machine to let
players know this popular feature is now available.
Big Bear Import Brokers, the manufacturer and distributor of the
award-winning Web Glow Machine,
has
partnered
with
a
private
videogame
programming
company
to
produce
their
newest
line
of
vending
machines
called
the
EyePrize.
The unit combines redemption skill, a high definition touchscreen,
arcade games and vending. Arcades, bowling centers, entertainment
facilities and movie theatres are just a few examples of the locations
using the EyePrize, according
to factory topper Aaron Pelto. Each machine is equipped with a
21.5-inch touch screen HD monitor, pre-loaded with two popular
smart-device-style interactive games. Once the machine is in place, the
owners can download multiple games to use as their two displayed game
options.
"We wanted to bring new technology to the industry." said Pelto. "We
have now raised the bar for the vending and gaming experience. Kids
will be happy because there is a new, more exciting way for them to
enjoy their favorite types of games and parents will be happy because
their children are getting a better quality prize for their money."
For more information regarding EyePrize,
log
on
to
http://www.glowmachine.com
or call 888/219-8500.
TouchTunes Promoting
Journey
Greatest Hits 2
(Posted
December 5, 2011 -- 5PM)
TouchTunes Music Network is showcasing the recent Columbia Legacy
release of Journey's Greatest Hits 2,
which
features
additional
hits
not
included
in
the
band's
first
greatest
hits
compilation,
as
well
as
select
favorites
from
Journey's
principal
songwriters
Steve
Perry,
Neal
Schon
and
Jonathan
Cain.
Now,
Journey
fans
can
find
all
their favorites from Greatest
Hits
1 & 2 on digital
jukeboxes nationwide.Journey
One of the most popular American rock bands in history and a classic
staple on TouchTunes, Journey rose to enormous popular and commercial
success in the late 1970s. Since formation, the band has enjoyed 19 Top
40 singles and has created some of the best-known songs in American
music, including "Open Arms," "Any Way You Want It" and "Don't Stop
Believin." In 1988, they released Greatest Hits, which featured
15 of the band's most beloved hits across seven studio albums. The Greatest Hits compilation became
Journey's biggest-selling album to date with over 14 million copies
sold.
Instant
RePlay News Archive (for 2010 news stories)
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