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TERRY SULLIVAN PASSES AWAY
(Posted August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)

Industry veteran and Chicagoland resident Terry Sullivan has passed away. His wake will be held Friday, Aug. 27, at Salerno’s Funeral Home (450 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL) from 3- 9 p.m. A funeral will follow on Saturday at noon in St. Phillips Church in Addison, IL.  Sullivan was formerly the vice president at contract game maker Grand Products. His career stems back to Western Electric and Midway Games, where he also worked with Dave Marofske Sr. His obituary was posted online today by the Daily Herald newspaper at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyherald/obituary.aspx?n=terrance-t-sullivan&pid=144909011&fhid=6274

BAY TEK DEBUTS BIKE RALLY
(Posted August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)

Bay Tek Games is now shipping its newest game, Bike Rally. This re-themed, self merchandising game, built on the same platform as Road Trip, features a motorcycle theme created to expand its reach to a variety of different locations.  “Bike Rally is much more appealing for bars, taverns, truck stops, and even large motorcycle retail centers,” says Marketing Manager Holly Meidl.  

Bike Rally takes players to three rally hot spots, Laconia, New Hampshire, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, & Sturgis, South Dakota.  Players are offered prizes at each of the three levels for spinning enough miles. Players spin the wheel by simply pulling the handle up and giving it a push down.  When the wheel stops, they are awarded with the mileage shown on the wheel. Bike Rally is available in a black cabinet with either the spindle or capsule versions.

COMFY NAMES ALPHA-OMEGA AS DISTRIBUTOR
(Posted August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)

Alpha-Omega Sales has forged a partnership with Comfy Ware Ltd. to be the exclusive distributor of the Comfyland Experience in the United States. The Comfyland Experience, winner of the IAAPA 2007 Best New Product Award and IAAPA 2007 Impact Award, is a unique educational oriented play area for young children, exposing them to age-appropriate activities in a dynamic and safe surrounding.  Activities include experimenting with music and sounds, opening doors to reveal hidden surprises, matching well-known Comfy characters to their shadows and exploring their stimulating and colorful surroundings, Comfy’s fun-educational play center appeals to the child’s natural curiosity through stimulating challenges, thereby increasing his or her confidence and self-esteem.

The Comfyland Experience is transmitted to kid through Comfy Easy PC. Toddlers will be able to play with the Comfy Easy PC system on different stations throughout the play area. There are no rules or instructions on how to play; each child finds his own path and interest, and with the Easy PC keyboard, they can play in any of 20 languages available, including English and Spanish.
 
“I have always been closely related to early childhood development,” said Frank Seninsky, president and CEO of Alpha-Omega, “as evidenced in helping to design games and attractions that are safe, fun and educational. Our long-standing partnership with New Horizon Kids Quest, one of the largest childcare companies in the U.S., has positioned the Alpha Team at the forefront of this industry sector. Being formally associated with Comfyland is like a dream come true. We now can focus on making sure that toddlers and young children will have a special area that provides the right balance between fun and interactive activities so they can play and learn through the senses and interact with mom and dad.”

VALLEY DYNAMO PARTS STORE ONLINE
(Posted August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)

Valley-Dynamo’s brand new parts webstore is live and taking orders.  In combination with the factory’s new Tech Support database, cutomer service questions and needs will be addressed online. “Our new Panther Cushion Rails are being made available on the webstore,” the factory noted. “These rails are designed for the new Valley Panther’s 5-bolt rail system, but will mount to existing tables built after 1970.  We have replaced the t-nuts with threaded inserts, bringing death to the dead spot in the rubber behind each bolt hole.” Coming soon, the firm noted, will be Championship’s new League Leader worsted felt – the type preferred by tournament players.  Check out the new online store at www.valley-dynamoparts.com.

GUSTAFSON IS NEW SEGA USA GM
(Posted August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)

Sega Amusements USA has named Peter Gustafson as its new general manager. Gustafson is a 30-year veteran of the coin-op amusement industry with roots going back to Bally Pinball.   Through the years, he’s taken on roles of greater and greater responsibility, the latest with LAI Games as GM. In that role, he oversaw all facets of LAI Games’ US coin-op business. 

Gustafson’s primary responsibilities will include leading internal and external develop teams to create market-appropriate product and heading up the company’s North and South American sales and marketing activities.  He will be part of the senior management team with an emphasis of growing Sega’s presence in these markets.  

“We’re delighted to have Pete on board,” said Sega president and COO Paul Williams.  “He brings a well earned reputation of strong leadership, enthusiasm, and integrity. He’ll play an integral role in executing our aggressive plans for expansion into the North and South American markets.”

“I’m excited to be back at Sega,” said Gustafson.  “Sega’s brand is universally recognized and respected. Sega’s a market leader that delivers breakthrough technologies, innovative designs, and exemplary product executions.  They’ve shown an aggressive commitment to expanding their business throughout North and South America and I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this growth”  Gustafson can be reached at 847/364-9787

MEI HAS FOUR MILLION REASONS TO CELEBRATE
(Posted August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)

MEI recently celebrated record-setting events with their two leading product lines.  The company manufactured its three millionth Series 2000 VN/AE bill validator and its one millionth Cashflow 7000 coin manager in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico.  Both product lines are targeted for the vending and amusement industries.
 
Since 1994, MEI has evolved its VN/AE bill validator series’s core technology to retain the performance and reliability demanded from the marketplace. MEI’s Cashflow 7000, launched in 2003, created the coin manager category and was quickly adopted by vending operators looking for the highest level of reliability, cash management and performance. Originally designed to support the U.S. and Euro currencies, this product is now used in over 52 countries.
 
“We reached these milestones because we have earned the confidence of our customers through, quality, innovation and an unrelenting focus on reliability,” said Jeff Jordan, EVP of MEI.  “We thank all our loyal customers for trusting MEI to help improve their profitability, and we recognize that today’s success came from finding ways to improve an operator’s bottom line.”

AMI AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC CONCLUDE GODSMACK CONTEST
(Posted August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)
 
AMI Entertainment Network, partnering with Universal Music Group, concluded a month-long jukebox promotion featuring The Oracle, the latest album from rockers Godsmack.  From July 6-August 3, patrons nationwide were given the chance to enter to win a signed guitar through short video clips with “Touch to Win” messages. 

The lucky winner, located in Grand Island, Nebraska, was one of 3,300 fans who entered to win the Gibson Les Paul guitar signed by the members of the band.  To enter, patrons accessed a sign-up screen through which they submitted contact information.

AMI music promotions similar to this one have retained over 9,000 submissions and have been proven to increase the music play on the album being promoted, even in weeks after the sweepstakes has ended. These sweepstakes increase album awareness, drive patrons to the juke, and increase coin drop for all AMI jukeboxes.

COIN-OP CARES TO AID SECOND HARVEST
(Posted August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)

AMOA’s Coin-Op Cares Education & Charitable Foundation has approved a donation and special fundraiser in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, the association reported last week. This spring, devastating floods that occurred in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Second Harvest Food Bank has been deluged with requests for assistance and their resources have been stretched by the magnitude of the disaster.

Coin-Op Cares will spearhead a special fundraiser among association leaders during the upcoming AMOA Mid-Year Board meeting in Nashville next weekend and will make a matching contribution of up to $2,500, in the hopes of making a $5,000 donation to this charitable group. Coin-Op Cares has supported disaster relief efforts and made donations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina five years ago this month, and to the Haiti earthquake recovery campaign in January of this year.

VNEA AND NDA JOIN FORCES
(Posted August 22, 2010 -- 8PM)

Two of the industry’s promotion-focused associations, NDA and VNEA, recently hosted a joint event called the 2010 League SMART Educational Conference at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis, Ind.

Attendees were treated to a weekend full of invaluable industry knowledge and fun-filled and entertaining group outings. Over 100 conference attendees, representing 46 charter holders (operator members) and seven manufacturer members were on hand.

The agenda included pool and dart referee certification seminars, a first-time attendees session, specific league-focused seminars on a variety of real-world topics, a welcome reception and cocktail party, special speakers and a manufacturers showcase for their latest products.  Participants in the showcase included Arachnid, Cyberdine, Gaelco Darts, Medalist Corporation, Shelti and Valley-Dynamo.

Marketing maven and RePlay columnist Brad Circone (president of Circone & Associates, Columbus, Ohio) was the event keynote speaker. His presentation was titled “Court, Cultivate and Capture the Three Invisible P’s of Profit in Today’s Coin-Op Industry: Partnerships, Promotions & Participation.”

Of course, participants also took part in an intensely competitive pool and dart tournament. Attendees, speakers and manufacturers gathered to make up 25 two-player teams for three-ball pool and 501 in darts (double elimination) to determine the conference champion. In the end, it was Don Ernst from Star Amusement in Indiana and Patty Salisbury from Williams Enterprises in Illinois who took home the coveted title.

League SMART concluded with general sessions for both VNEA and NDA and a group outing to the Indiana Live Casino. Look for more on this meeting in an upcoming issue of RePlay Magazine.

AGS TO HOST SOCIAL GATHERING
(Posted August 22, 2010 -- 8PM)

American Gaming Systems’ Chicago office will host a lunchtime meeting, (noon-2 p.m., next Friday, August 27. “For our very first beer and brat event, bring a friend and come wind down with a drink and a brat at the Triple Bar,” the gaming supplier noted in its announcement. The AGS office is located at 905 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL 60143. Call 630/446-7777, or email k.johnson@ags-llc.net for more information on the event.

WELL-LIKED N.J. REGULATOR PASSES
(Posted August 22, 2010 -- 8PM)

Jersey Shore operators are mourning the passing of retired Games of Chance commissioner Bill York, who died Aug. 17. “Bill was known by many arcade people as a fair man when he’d pass muster on new cranes and redemption pieces,” advised veteran Bruce Kawut. “If he didn’t like some feature, he’d ask you to change it. He was an honest and accessible government guy and easy to work with,” he added. New Jersey has a unique law governing what can operate and in what locale with respect to amusements that offer prizes.

MARTY SHUMSKY PASSES AWAY
(Posted August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)

Marty Shumsky, president/founder of Reno Game Sales, 72, died Saturday, Aug. 14 of liver cancer. He'd only been diagnosed in July, so his period of suffering was relatively brief. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 22 at Reno's Atlantis Casino, starting at 12 noon in Ballrooms 5-7. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Memorial for Marty Shumsky, Chronic Disease Fund, 6900 N. Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75024, attention Ashley Allen.

Marty started his distributorship from scratch back around 1984 near the end of the videogame boom. Prior to that, he spent many years as general manager of U.B.I. (the former United Billiards) in Union, N.J. He was genuinely liked and respected by numerous trade people who considered him a friend as well as a supplier. The company continues up and running, advised his "right hand gal" Cindy Bozman; she can be reached at the office number 775/829-2080 or by email: cindyrgs@yahoo.com.

SPECIALTY COIN HOSTING NW EXPO
(Posted August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)

Specialty Coin Products, the Northwest distributor headed up by trade veteran Mike McWilliams, has announced plans to host the Amusement Expo Northwest on October 9 at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia, Washington.

"The goal of this show is to reach both street operators and family entertainment owners and managers," said McWilliams in making the announcement. "The expo will allow manufacturers to not only show products but to also spend more direct time with prospective buyers. Since there is not a show in Las Vegas this fall, we are anticipating a great turnout. Customers who would normally attend a show in Las Vegas and those that would not go will all be willing to travel this short distance to see what is new, as well as spend time learning the latest in the industry."

The expo will include both informative seminars and first-hand product presentations from all the suppliers who bring equipment to the event. In addition, there will be a door prize drawing, as well as refreshments. There will be no entry fee charged to the attendees.

Specialty Coin has established a special room rate of $99.95 for all attendees. Each guest must refer to Amusement Expo Northwest to receive this discounted rate. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 8 to qualify for the special rate. Rooms are limited. Please contact Red Lion Central Reservations at 800/733-5466 or Red Lion Hotel Olympia, 360/943-4000.

Show coordinators are Chelann and Faye. To learn more about this event or to register, contact Specialty Coin's Portland office at 503/786-9200, ext. 7 for Faye or ext. 8 for Chelann.

GUSTAFSON EXITS LAI GAMES
(Posted August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)

After three years at the helm of LAI Games' Dallas branch office, Peter Gustafson has decided to make a move back to his hometown of Chicago where most of his family and children live. Commenting on Pete's decision, Alan Freimuth CEO of LAI Games said: "Pete was a valuable employee who contributed greatly to our success in the U.S. market. We are all sorry to see him go, but we can fully understand his desire to be with loved ones again. Pete has already secured employment in Illinois with another major company but will remain with LAI Games till mid September to ensure a smooth handover."

TOUCHTUNES LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

TouchTunes Interactive Networks today announced the launch of their myTouchTunes program, a nightlife music experience with an integrated platform that combines location-based, social networking with the digital jukebox. The new networking platform enables members to create, share and control “the soundtrack to their night” by creating music playlists, sharing them with friends, checking-in at local bars and updating what they’re listening to and where they are, in real time, through Facebook and Twitter. The new digital platform also comes with a new myTouchTunes rewards program, allowing users to earn free credits every time they play music while logged into myTouchTunes on the jukebox.

“With the world of consumer entertainment options changing fast, we are exploring new and effective ways to provide consumers with access to the great nightlife experience they’ve come to expect from TouchTunes,” said Charles Goldstuck, CEO of TouchTunes. “myTouchTunes will be a truly unique, integrated digital media experience for our operators, bar owners, staff and for our valued patrons.”

The newly expanded myTouchTunes is the only in-venue and online destination that allows users to create a more personalized music experience at bars and restaurants, the company boasted. Tapping into the popularity of creating personal playlists for evenings out, TouchTunes has made it easier than ever to create playlists and send updates on what they’re playing and where to friends on Facebook and Twitter.  In addition to sharing music with myTouchTunes users, playlists can be featured across the entire TouchTunes network and accessed and played directly from the TouchTunes jukebox in the location. The online platform also gives users the ability to search for and find myTouchTunes-activated jukeboxes at nearby bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.

TouchTunes will also soon launch their myTouchTunes mobile application to bring an easy-to-use, fun version of the complete myTouchTunes experience to iPhone users. To learn more about myTouchTunes, visit www.mytouchtunes.com.

OBAMA FAMILY VISITS FLORIDA FEC
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

On their most recent visit to the Florida panhandle, the First Family played a round of miniature golf at a Panama City Beach family entertainment center, Pirate’s Island. “They came in just like regular customers. We tried to let them play for free, and he insisted on paying,” location assistant manager Karen Dalton told the local TV news broadcast News Channel 7. “Sasha got a hole in one on the very first hole, so the game got off to a good start.” Sources told News 7 that Sasha won the game. Check out video of this story at www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/100732134.html.

COAST TO COAST’S HALLOWEEN MIX IS READY TO HAUNT
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

Coast to Coast Entertainment is offering some spooky good deals on Halloween prizes this year. “We are going out the door at .99 cents,” said the factory’s Gary Balaban. “All items are in stock and ready for shipping.” Halloween pre-packs include free shipping with no minimum order. Pre-packs are available in both regular and jumbo sizes. To learn more, call 800/224-1717 or log on to www.cranemachines.com.

NAMCO FOUNDER HONORED BY VIDEO GAME HALL OF FAME
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

The International Video Game Hall of Fame recently honored Masaya Nakamura, the Japanese businessman who founded Namco in 1955. He was inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. In the same ceremonies, Pac-Man was enshrined in the IVGHOF as the only game included in the Class of 2010. Nakamura, recognized as an historic industry pioneer, was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1925. He is considered one of the “founding fathers” of the video game industry, the museum said.

Namco began in Tokyo, Japan, in 1955 as Nakamura Mfg. named for its founder. It began by producing mechanical rocking horses and similar children’s rides, which were installed in a number of department stores in Yokohama and Nihonbashi. The company continued this line of production through the 1960s and expanded with the addition of rides modeled after Walt Disney characters in 1966.

The company’s brand name was changed to Namco in 1971, and three years later it acquired the Japanese division of Atari, which brought Namco into the coin-op video game market. Namco Enterprises Asia was established in Hong Kong, soon followed by Namco America in California. 

In 1993, Namco merged its U.S. arcade operation Namco Operations with the newly acquired Aladdin’s Castle chain of arcades to form Namco Cybertainment, bringing the company to the forefront as the largest arcade company in the world. In 2005, Namco was acquired by Bandai, the leading Japanese toy maker, and the two companies were known as Namco Bandai Holdings, the third largest video game entity in Japan. Namco is now a part of the Namco Bandai Group.

Even though Pac-Man is Namco’s most famous creation, Mr. Nakamura’s legacy includes landmark games like Galaxian, Dig Dug, Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Pole Position, Xevious, Jr. Pac-Man and more.

PELICAN TAPS SPEEDY'S ONE STOP
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

Speedy’s One Stop Repair Service has been selected by The Pelican Group to provide support service for all Pelican amusement partners. Pelican executives Richard Scherer (president/CEO), Sean Hanna (EVP operations) and Steve Walton (VP business development) visited Speedy’s recently to seal the deal.

Said Walton, “As operators, we posed many unique situations and hard to resolve problems. Speedy’s was able to resolve them all. We were amazed at the test fixtures and workstations that repair everything from gun harnesses to sophisticated board systems that many of the factories tell you cannot be repaired or will have to be sent out of the country. In addition, many of the parts SOS uses come directly from the part manufacturers or
are reproduced in house.”

“Like anyone evaluating a new provider, they wanted to see our abilities and the resources we have to offer. We are excited by this opportunity and look forward to supporting their operators,” said David Bishop, senior VP of Namco Cybertainment, Speedy’s parent company. Speedy’s provides service for the entire amusement industry and welcomes all inquiries. To learn more, log on to www.sosrepairservice.com.

NAMA NEGOTIATES CASHLESS VENDING DEAL
(Posted August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)

Thanks to a partnership negotiated with the Bank of America Merchant Services, The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) says it has negotiated a deal with Bank of America Merchant Services that will help its members who accept credit cards enjoy lower costs and increased sales and profits.

“Thanks to the new NAMA and BAMS partnership, NAMA members can offer their customers the convenience of cashless payments at a competitive cost across small and large average transaction pricing in a variety of industry segments,” said NAMA VP Dean Gilland, 

NAMA’s preferred processor has a broad knowledge of card brand rules and regulations and has leveraged that knowledge to customize a program to provide vending association members access to exclusively negotiated rates across various industry segments (vending, coffee service and food service).

The NAMA Cashless Solution program is a networked end-to-end solution that is hardware neutral, works with qualified communication suppliers and card associations for payment reconciliation and account management. NAMA is the national trade association of the food and refreshment vending, coffee service and foodservice management industries.

MOULI COHEN ARRESTED ON FRAUD CHARGES
(Posted August 11, 2010 -- 3PM)

A federal grand jury in San Francisco has indicted Samuel “Mouli” Cohen on 19 counts of wire fraud and 13 counts of money laundering, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced yesterday. According to court documents, Cohen is accused of defrauding more than 55 victims out of more than $30 million as a result of his scheme. Cohen founded digital music provider Ecast, but has since left the company; he was also involved in the now defunct online game effort, Aristo.

Federal agents arrested Cohen, previously of Belvedere, Calif., on Aug. 5. He made his initial appearance in federal court on Aug. 6 in Los Angeles. The grand jury returned the indictment against Cohen on July 15, 2010. The indictment was unsealed the day of Cohen’s arrest.

Current Ecast CEO John Taylor stressed that Cohen has no official connection to the management or operations of Ecast. “Mouli Cohen has not been involved with the company since 2002, and the charges on which the federal grand jury indicted him are solely against him and do not directly affect the company,” Taylor told RePlay. “Ecast’s business has not been affected by the ongoing legal matter against Mouli Cohen, and the company continues to operate as a going concern. The current management team has no previous history or direct contact with Mouli Cohen and as such had no involvement with his activities.”

According to the indictment, in late 2002, Cohen advised Hari Dillon, president of Vanguard Public Foundation (Vanguard), that Microsoft was going to acquire Cohen’s company, the digital jukebox music provider Ecast. Vanguard is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization dedicated to civil rights and social justice; the organization was founded by actors Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte.

“In order to obtain money from investors and lenders, Cohen represented that upon completion of the acquisition, Cohen’s Ecast shares would be exchanged on a 1-for-1 basis for Microsoft shares of stock, which were valued at several times the value of Ecast shares,” the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Francisco reported in its official statement to the media. “Cohen further represented that Microsoft’s acquisition of Ecast would be finalized within months of late 2002 and offered to sell his Ecast shares to Dillon and other investors associated with Vanguard at prices ranging from $2 to $3.50 per share. Cohen advised Dillon and other investors that Microsoft’s acquisition of Ecast required approval of governmental regulatory entities in the United States and the European Union.

“Cohen told Dillon and other investors that they needed to pay Cohen millions of dollars in order to cover costs associated with the government approval of Microsoft’s acquisition of Ecast, and that if Cohen did not receive the money from the investors to cover the costs, they would lose their investments,” the U.S. Attorney’s statement continued. According to the indictment, Cohen’s scheme began in 2002 and lasted through 2008.

The maximum statutory penalty for each count of wire fraud is 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and restitution. The maximum statutory penalty for each count of money laundering is 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  The allegations have also been the subject of a civil lawsuit, detailed last year in an article by The Contra Costa Times, www.contracostatimes.com/ci_12756377.

MARK HOLLYWOOD JOINS THE REDEMPTION PLUS TEAM
(Posted August 11, 2010 -- 3PM)

Redemption Plus has hired Mark Hollywood to serve as VP of product solutions. Mark will be responsible for managing the complete line of merchandise required to fulfill the needs of Redemption Plus’ multiple distribution channels. 

His first objective is to expand the company’s existing sourcing and manufacturing presence in Asia, in turn offering more new and unique products. The addition of new supply partners will also assist in reacting even quicker to hot trends and manage inventory more effectively and efficiently. Secondly, he will help develop new brands and products to bring increased value to customers and clients. Finally, he will build on the assortment of specialty and customized items available. 

Mark previously served as president of Toy Network, a division of Manley Toys Ltd., where he was responsible for all U.S. and Hong Kong operations.  Earlier on, Mark was director of business development and sales, helping facilitate the transition from a Hong Kong-based direct import company to a U.S. operation with multiple office and warehouse locations.  He coordinated sales to major U.S. and European customers and distributors such as Six Flags, Paramount Parks, Cedar Fair, Universal Studios and Anheuser Busch properties.

Mark was a founding partner of Global Amusement Consulting, specializing in operational and consulting for amusement and entertainment-based facilities. He co-founded Emerald Toy, serving as both director of merchandise and product development, and VP.

Mark began his career as retail and attractions manager with Premier Parks, which then expanded to become the largest regional theme park operator in the U.S, eventually acquiring Six Flags. Mark served as a director of revenue within the Six Flags organization, overseeing their retail, games, coin operations, attractions and rental departments. 

“Mark brings a wealth of industry experience to this position,” said Ron Hill, president of Redemption Plus.  “We are excited to have him join our team.”

NEW GEORGIA LAW CLARIFIES COIN-OP, RAISES FEES
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

A Georgia law that increases skill and redemption game fees for operators and locations based on a new classification, while revising previously ambiguous definitions, went into effect July 1. Though not entirely ideal for small businesses, the Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Association, which has lobbied for reform since the early 2000s, is hailing the bill's amendments to existing law as a far-reaching measure to protect legitimate coin-op amusement business practices.
 
"As I understand it, this is one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation in the country for games," Paradise Amusement's Butch Foshee, GAMOA president, told RePlay. "Other states have said they wished they had what we now have. It's by no means perfect, but it has gone a long way in clarifying certain legal issues that were out there."
 
The new law clearly defines what constitutes a single play, successful player and slot machine, making a distinction between what's lawful and illegal activity for enforcement authorities and thereby protecting non-cash redemption equipment on location, according to Les Schneider, GAMOA counsel from the office of Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider & Stine.
 
"We know that redemption is key to the survival of our business," Schneider said. "Operators with non-cash redemption and merchandising have been very successful in both kiddie and adult locations, and are not looking to compete with the state lottery."
 
The bill further set standards on the maximum income derived from machines on location versus other goods sold and put forth penalties for violations of the law. Schneider declared, "We were there to toughen any penalties for those operating incorrectly so that those who are doing it legally can do so on a level playing field and not be hassled."
 
The bill's passage of equipment and location license fee hikes based on an erroneous categorization of games - an issue of consternation among some of the state's operators - actually nullified a more punitive piece of legislation, House Bill 1055. That measure would have financially devastated more amusement companies and locations in the state's aggressive reach for more revenues, noted Schneider and Foshee. GAMOA plans to address the unfair classification for fees in the next legislative calendar year; they will work with lawmakers who are aware of the problem posed by lumping together kiddie and adult redemption games. Look for much more on this story in the September issue of RePlay.

VINZ HANDLING SALES AT FUN COMPANY
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

Mike Vinz hMike Vinzas been given expanded sales duties at cabinet and game supplier Fun Co., which is based in New Lisbon, Wis. Mike started at Fun Co. in January of 2010 as an inside sales executive. Now he will also be traveling to customers and tradeshows.
 
"Mike has been working directly with the route operators and distributors selling our proprietary products, and he enjoys the laid back and fun attitude of this industry," noted Fun Co.'s Don Teske. "Mike is a great addition to our sales team with a can-do attitude. He is very willing to do what it takes for the customers."
 
Since starting at Fun Co., Vinz has been busy learning the industry, attending Amusement Expo, WAMO's 2010 conference and tradeshow, and the M-PACT 2010 show in Indiana. He can be reached at 800/808-5554 or at MVinz@funcomfg.com.

COLABUONO TEES IT UP FOR VETERANS
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

Incredible Technologies has already announced its support for the upcoming Golden Tee Players Charity Championship, August 27-29 at Splinter's Sports Pub in Palatine, Ill. The event is supporting Salute, a charitable organization that helps veterans and their families in times of need. I.T. has also made a charitable donation to the group of $25,000.

However, in a show of his own personal support for the cause, the factory's top promotions man, Gary Colabuono, will be competing in the tournament, and he is looking for the support of his industry friends.

"Everyone getting this email that owes me dough or hasn't returned a favor, it's time to step up now and help our veterans and their families," noted Colabuono in a recent correspondence to this reporter. "No amount is too small. It would be great if I could reach my goal of $1,000." To donate to Gary's cause, log on to  http://pcc2.donorpages.com/PCC3/GaryColabuono. 

I.T. SET TO RELEASE GT LIVE 2011
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

Incredible Technologies is almost ready to start shipping Golden Tee LIVE 2011, a new courses update for the popular game platform. The game will be available at the end of next month. This latest version of Golden Tee Live includes five new courses, as well as more ways to make money, specifically offering special golden tees for sale (they enhance shot making), YouTube uploads of any shot for a nominal fee and a wider array of virtual merchandise, including clubs and balls for sale.

“This is a very cost-effective, simple, easy way to get that necessary boost in earnings,” said senior VP of sales Don Pesceone. “We see it every year with our updates. The last version of Golden Tee held strong longer than any of the other versions we’ve had. Golden Tee players are loyal and passionate. Operators can count on an immediate uptick in game play as soon as the courses are installed.” 

The return on investment is all the more attractive, added Pescone, because operators can pay for the software over the course of 12 months directly out of the cashbox. This lets the operator share the cost of the software update with the location at whatever level they can work out with those customers.

I.T. is also offering operators who haven’t updated their games in recent years a chance to catch up on those updates at a low price of $100 per previous update when they purchase the 2011 version at their current tiered pricing.

Additionally, in the run-up to this new game release, I.T. implemented a number of new policy changes and technology upgrades to limit the domination of its ongoing live events by top players. For instance, they have limited the number of games that can be played by any one competitor on a daily basis to 30 games. Revenues immediately increased, they say, as more players perceived a chance to win prizes in the ongoing contests. “It re-energized the player base,” said Pesceone. Look for the full story on this Golden Tee Live 2011 update in the September issue of RePlay Magazine. 

NY TIMES FOCUSES ON PERFORMING RIGHTS
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

The New York Times previewed today an extensive story that will appear in its Sunday Magazine edition tracking the trials and tribulations of music licensing enforcers who work for the performing rights organizations. Many locations resist the entreaties of representatives for ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, the story notes.

“There was, for example, the gentleman at a Kentucky RV resort who told (BMI’s Devon Baker) on the phone that he was going to come into her office and ‘spray her down’ with a machine gun,” author John Bowe describes. “Then there was the female punk-rock-club owner in Colorado who ripped up Baker’s licensing agreement, ordered her out of the club, followed her out the door, spit a huge goober on the paperwork and stuck it to Baker’s windshield.”

Although the jukebox industry has a long and storied history working with the PROs, in recent years through the Jukebox Licensing Office, the focus of the Times piece is on efforts to license locations directly for music they play in their establishments. The story can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/magazine/08music-t.html.

ECAST PROMOS BLACK CROWES, BUCKCHERRY
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)

Ecast is currently showcasing the release of the Black Crowes’ twentieth anniversary acoustic album, Croweology, on its broadband jukebox network, through Aug. 17.  The double CD package includes over 20 songs from their 20-year history for which the band arranged acoustic versions. According to an article in Billboard, Black Crowe singer Chris Robinson said that “it would be nice to do something different for the 20th anniversary … it’ll be cool for the fans; it’s celebrating that these people have been coming to see us for so long.”  And fans will have that opportunity to see them again when their tour Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys begins on August 13. After that, the band is taking a hiatus for an unspecified time.

“We’re thrilled that the Black Crowe’s distributor Sony Red recognizes Ecast’s unique position in entertainment venues,” said Scott Walker, VP, network operations. “It illustrates the power of Ecast’s network to attract distribution of works by top artists. What’s more, we’re delighted to bring this two-week promotion to the Black Crowe fans on the Ecast network who are going to love being among the first to engage with this album. It’s certain to generate the high volume of song plays typical of Black Crowe songs, which generate tens of thousands of plays across the Ecast network.”
 
Another Ecast promotion is running in the same August 3-17 timeframe: Buckcherry is debuting All Night Long, the group’s fifth studio album. In their more than decade-long career, the album’s first single, All Night Long, was released as a free download to fans on May 24.  Buckcherry has established itself as a good times rock band with previous hits such as “Lit Up,” “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry.”   The Ecast promo includes banners and towers for both bands.

IAAPA SHOW LEAVING LAS VEGAS,
COMMITS TO ORLANDO FOR A DECADE
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) says it will host the IAAPA Attractions Expo at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla., for the next 10 years. The agreement means the expo will not take place in Las Vegas in 2011 as originally planned.

Prior to signing the new agreement, IAAPA Attractions Expo was scheduled to take place in Orlando in 2010, Las Vegas in 2011, and Orlando in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2019. Now the expo will take place in Orlando from 2010 to 2019, adding five years to the original agreements with the OCCC.

The decision to move the expo to Orlando through 2019 was driven by six important factors, including attendee preference, the OCCC having “ideal” facilities, proximity to many major theme parks and attractions, lowering costs by committing to a 10-year agreement and affordable worldwide travel access for attendees.

“We had a good experience in Las Vegas in 2009. Attendance was strong. Our members enjoyed being there. And we greatly appreciate all the city did for our show,” said IAAPA president and CEO Charles Bray. “Moving the show to Orlando for the next 10 years provides a tremendous opportunity for us. The city is known for imagination, creativity and innovation — the foundations of the attractions industry — and that, combined with the city’s world-class facilities, makes Orlando the best long-term location for IAAPA Attractions Expo.”

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 will take place in Orlando Nov. 15-19. More than 75% of the available exhibit space has already been sold. More information is available at www.iaapa.org/iaapattractionsexpo.

CONSERVATIVE TAX GROUP ENDORSES DOLLAR COIN
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

A conservative taxpayer watchdog group, Citizens Against Government Waste, is encouraging the U.S. Treasury to aggressively increase the circulation of $1 coins.  The coins have not enjoyed widespread circulation because of a turf war within the U.S. Treasury, CAGW asserted. Thirteen years ago, Congress passed the U.S. $1 Coin Act of 1997, giving the U.S. Treasury the authority to get $1 coins into circulation. 

“The advantages of using a $1 coin are substantial,” CAGW argued in its recent press release. “According to an April 7, 2000 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, replacing the $1 bill with a coin would save taxpayers $522.2 million per year. The savings would likely be even higher today.”

Most of the cost savings associated with coins comes from their comparative durability. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces approximately 3.4 billion $1 bills each year, each of which costs 4.2 cents to manufacture.  Each bill has a life-span of approximately 21 months. By comparison, the $1 coin costs slightly more to produce, 12 to 20 cents, but has a life-span of 30 years or more. The $1 coin saves money because it is cheaper to handle and process. Mass transit agencies have found that processing $1 coins costs 83% less than processing $1 bills. In addition, vending machine operators have determined that $1 coins save their industry $1 billion a year. 

Other benefits include savings on the processing of money by banks and businesses. Coins cost 30 cents per thousand pieces to process at Federal Reserve Banks compared to 75 cents per thousand for $1 notes. Large-scale private-sector users reap even more savings. Processing bills costs them more than 500% above processing coins. Coins are also much more difficult to counterfeit.

The Federal Reserve and the U.S. Mint are required by law to remove barriers to the $1 coin’s circulation. However, the Federal Reserve issues the United States’ paper currency and doesn’t like the competition from the $1 coin, which is issued by the Mint. The Fed’s leaders have instituted regulations and red tape that restrict access to $1 coins for banks, businesses and individual Americans.  

“The nation is facing a $1.4 trillion deficit and struggling to find ways to save money,” said CAGW president Tom Schatz. “The $1 coin saves the federal government considerable sums of money because $1 coins are more durable and cost significantly less to produce over their life-span than $1 bills. Taxpayers deserve to realize the savings associated with these coins. It is time for Treasury Secretary Geithner to remove bureaucratic barriers and aggressively promote the circulation of $1 coins.” CAGW is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in government. 

NEW YORK OPERATOR ROY BELTIER PASSES AWAY
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

Rocco “Roy Beltier” Bellettieri, 79, of Bayside, N.Y., owner and principal of Bayside Vending, passed away Friday, July 23 after a long battle with cancer. Before starting Bayside Vending, for many years he was associated with the late Tilford Gross, Madison Amusements (also in Bayside, N..). He worked his entire life in amusement/music industry doing all sorts of work, fulfilling all roles.

Said Ken Goldberg (PLK Vending), president of the Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York: “Roy was an exemplary and loyal member of AMOA-NY.  He was always the first person to step forward and lend a hand for the good, welfare and benefit of his fellow operators. Roy was always optimistic. He was respected among his business relationships because of his fairness and the credibility of giving his word. Roy was an operator’s operator.”

Roy Beltier’s funeral was held at Lloyd’s Funeral Home, 214-43 39th Avenue, Bayside, N.Y. (718/229-2420), on Tuesday, July 27. The burial service took place at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Bayside with interment following at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to The Jimmy V Foundation, an organization committed to fighting lung cancer, www.jimmyv.org. Roy Beltier is survived by his wife, Gloria, his daughter, Teresa, and son-in-law, John Alimo. May he rest in God’s peace.

SHOW SEEN AS CHINA GATEWAY
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

The GTI Asia China Expo 2010 is on deck. Running Aug. 26-28 in the mainland Chinese city of Guangzhou, the Taiwan organizers, Game Time International Magazine, boast that the show is a great passageway into the burgeoning Chinese game market. They claim the market for arcade equipment is growing at an annual 3%, “fueled by the Chinese government’s active support.” They further boast over 20,000 game centers in China and that a liberalization policy will see 30,000 licenses in all provinces of the nation.

“The boom of the Chinese economy, the announcement of game-related laws and regulations, the advancement of Chinese manufacturers’ R&D capabilities along with GTI’s own expertise all bring special meaning to the Asia China Expo,” GTI stated. The show takes place at the Poly World Trade Expo Center in the Pazhou district of Guangzhou (which is China’s largest and most flourishing industrial city located in the southern part of the country not that far from both Hong Kong and Macau). For more info, visit www.gtiexpo.com.tw.

REPLAY WEBINAR NOW ONLINE
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

A recording of RePlay’s inaugural webinar, “A League of Their Own: Coordinating, Promoting, & Growing Competiive Play for Profit,” is now online.

The webinar is available in two formats: (1) an Mp3 (27.1 megabytes) that will play within your browser or may be saved to iTunes and other players is at www.replaymag.com/LeagueWebinarJuly2010.mp3 and (2) a Windows Media file (48.6 megabytes) is at www.replaymag.com/LeagueWebinarJuly2010.wmv.

LAI  TEAMS UP WITH IMAGING SPECTRUM ON PHOTO PAPER
(Posted August 4, 2010 -- 3PM)

LAI Games, has teamed up with the digital imaging experts at Imaging Spectrum to offer low-cost paper to the operators of their line of photo booths.
Imaging Spectrum created www.SnapshotPaper.com, an e-commerce webpage where operators can purchase paper for their photo booths for $95 per 600 vend roll and have it shipped free of charge to anywhere in the continental US. That works out to less than $0.16 per print.

“We want to support our operators any way we can,” said LAI’s GM Pete Gustafson. “We sought out a partner in the imaging industry who could supply our photo booth operators with high quality paper at an affordable price, and that led us to Imaging Spectrum. They worked with us to achieve a very low cost per print, and our customers appreciate the service and value Imaging Spectrum provides.”

The media pack available at www.SnapshotPaper.com contains 600 sheets of 4” x 6” glossy photo paper. It is compatible with LAI’s complete photo booth line, including the compact Snapshot and Mini Star Blitz, and the full-size Star Blitz Deluxe. LAI’s award winning Mini Little Masterpiece children’s touchscreen coloring game also uses this paper.

AAMA, AMOA EXTEND W.T. GLASGOW
CONTRACT FOR AMUSEMENT EXPO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)

AAMA and AMOA have reportedly signed a two-year contract with the show management firm of William T. Glasgow to continue overseeing and staging the spring Amusement Expo. The decision was made last week when members from both organizations met for a planning and brainstorming session about the upcoming show. Glasgow has a long and productive history with both organizations, managing their respective shows. Glasgow also managed this spring's first consolidated spring Amusement Expo. Glasgow hosts a range of trade shows for various industries. To learn more about the company, log on to wtglasgow.com.

AMOA DIRECTORY GOING ELECTRONIC
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)

The Amusement and Music Operators Association recently published what may well be its last print membership directory. As part of the group's effort to manage transition and change, AMOA will "phase out a printed membership directory in favor of an electronic version." The current directory, which is just hitting members' mailboxes, is printed in a different format than previous years, giving it the look of a traditional magazine.

"While downsized and streamlined to be cost-effective, the 2010 directory still contains the key information about you, our members, and will continue to serve as the industry's premier, year-round resource for/about the people and companies who are a part of our organization," said AMOA president Gary Brewer of the directory of amusement operators. To learn more about AMOA, log on to www.amoa.com.

TOUCHTUNES TAPS BARRY AS VP, CFO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)

TouchTunes Interactive Networks has appointed Patrick Barry as senior VP and chief financial officer of the company. Barry will report directly to Charles Goldstuck, president and CEO of TouchTunes. Barry will be responsible for spearheading new initiatives and continuing the company's influence in top markets across the country.

"Patrick is joining our company at a time when we are seeing unprecedented growth and opportunity in the markets in which we are active," Goldstuck said.  "He brings years of experience at leading digital companies and is the perfect executive for what we need to harness this growth."
 
 Barry has over 25 years of experience with leading companies in the digital media, online retail, publishing and restaurant industries. Prior to joining TouchTunes, Barry was CFO of Oberon Media.com, a casual games solutions company, and DSR Holdings, a restaurant holdings company. Barry was one of the founding members at Bluefly.com, where he spent 10 years growing the business to $95 million in revenues.  He also served as CFO and COO of Audible Inc. and CFO of Warner Music Enterprises. His extensive background in finance included work at Book-of-the-Month Club, Time Warner and Arthur Andersen LLP. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and received his M.B.A from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business with a concentration in finance.

AMI ANNOUNCES WINNER IN PAPER TONGUES CONTEST
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)

A Dallas native is the lucky winner of a recent jukebox contest offered by AMI Entertainment Network, in partnership with Universal Music Group, in promotion of the self-titled debut album from rockers Paper Tongues. More than 4,000 fans entered to win a one-of-a-kind, band-signed Ride snowboard.

The contest was offered nationwide via broadband-connected AMI jukeboxes, which displayed short video clips that, when touched, took fans to a sign-up screen to enter their contact information.

Discovered and managed by legendary producer Randy Jackson, Paper Tongues' self-titled debut was released on March 30, 2010 to positive reviews.  Ride to California, the first single off the album, has become a club hit, showcasing the bands signature mix of hip-hop beats, funk and energetic electronica.

BIG BUCK CHAMPIONSHIP HEADED TO CUBBY BEAR IN CHICAGO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)

The Big Buck Hunter World Championships will be held October 1-2 at the Cubby Bear, located across the street from world-famous Wrigley Field in Chicago. Player qualification starts this week, running from August 1-29. Tournaments will be held for both Big Buck Hunter Pro and Big Buck Safari, with 64 of the top players across the country competing in each tournament for a top prize of $10,000.